Best Tapas In Chicago
Azucar
2647 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 486-6464
www.azucartapasrestaurant.com
Classic dishes executed to perfection are why people keep packing into Azucar's tiny dining room. Somehow the combination of spices and sauces in each of Azucar's dishes sets them apart, even though the general design may be repeated throughout the city. With the slew of specialty drinks and desserts, you'll want to stay as long as you can and come back as soon as possible.
Café Ba Ba Reeba
2024 Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-5000
www.cafebabareeba.com
With a bar that does it all, you'll get half your calories from drinks at Café Ba Ba Reeba, but that's not to say the food isn't fantastic. Sometimes at a tapas restaurant the dishes are only good to share with a few people, but here they really encourage large groups with their large portions. There's no lack of spices either, but luckily you can wash them away with a Bloody Maria or glass of sangria.
Café Iberico
737 N Lasalle Blvd
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 573-1510
www.cafeiberico.com
A lively atmosphere is the hallmark of Café Iberico. If you've got a loud friend that you can't take to small restaurants, then you should take them here. They have some very inventive dishes and large portions as well. You can also get a ton of food for a pretty low cost.
Chilam Balam
3023 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296-6901
www.chilambalamchicago.com
Tapas are usually from Spanish cuisine, but at Chilam Balam they're cranking out some of the best Mexican food in the city tapas-style. Technically it's small plate, but it's basically the same idea. Authentic flavors in a funky presentation will keep you coming back for every seasonal menu change. Bring a bottle of wine or tequila, and they'll turn it into sangria or margaritas too.
Emilio's Tapas
215 E. Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 467-7177
www.emiliostapas.com
Emilio's isn't about the flash and the flare. It's all about the quality of the food. It's one of the most authentic spots in the city, and they've got some dishes with spice profiles that'll leave your mouth begging for more. When some places are all about a party atmosphere, Emilio's keeps you happy with a calm environment and just straight up good food.
Mercat a la Planxa
638 Michagan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 765-0524
www.mercatchicago.com
Jose Garces, one of the most popular chefs in the city, is putting out some high end tapas that are unmatched elsewhere. Don't be fooled by the fine dining: this is still tapas to the core. Cured meats, fancy cheeses, and insanely tasty desserts make this a clear choice for the list of best tapas.
Quartino
626 N State St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 698-5000
www.quartinochicago.com
Can you believe that there's a restaurant putting out Italian tapas? That's right, in River North you can get Italian food in a tapas format. Instead of patatas bravas and cured sausages, you can get pastas, pizzas, risotto, and veal. This change of pace is also found in the drinks with their martinis, wines, and Italian sodas.
Tapas Barcelona
1615 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 866-9900
www.tapasbarcelona.com
You can really try the whole menu at Tapas Barcelona. Instead of larger portioned tapas with a little higher cost, Tapas Barcelona offers lots of medium sized dishes that will barely dent your wallet. Make sure to get a pitcher of their sangria and a Spanish tortilla.
Tapas Valencia
1530 S. State St
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 842-4444
www.mesonsabika.com
The interior design of Tapas Valencia could keep you occupied for the whole meal, but luckily the food is good enough to draw your attention. They do all of the classics and really seem to focus in on pure flavors with fresh ingredients. The large variety of Spanish wines should also keep you coming back for more.
