Finding the heart of Spanish Cuisine in Lincoln Park

Café Ba Ba Reeba: A Unique Way to Eat

by Joe Giblin

In the heart of Spain you can enjoy a plethora of fine cuisines with exotic tastes developed for generations. Or you could drive right down Halsted Avenue to the heart of Lincoln Park and stop by Café Ba Ba Reeba. It has been consistently rated as one of, if not the best, Tapas restaurants in Chicago by Zagats Survey as well as many food critics.

It is one of restaurants of the acclaimed Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, and is owned by Chef Gabino Sotelino. As soon as you walk in the door, you feel as though you are in the Mediterranean. It has a very colorful décor, complemented by an outdoor patio and a variety of themed rooms. This is not the place to go for a quiet romantic dinner, although you can find romance in the place.

“Many patrons have described the place as having an overwhelmingly fun and flirty environment,” waiter Adelina Matria said. “This place is definitely strongly catered to groups and large gatherings, as our service is fast and brings out a lot of food for people to try.”

Tapas restaurants are known for their Sangria, and Café Ba Ba Reeba is no different. At any given time, you can’t look at any table without seeing a pitcher of the delicious drink. Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink that mixes red or white wines with various liquors and fruits to create a strong but easy going combination.

More than the drink the food is what makes Ba Ba Reeba what it is today. Spanish Tapas are like appetizers. They are small samplings of larger meals that a few people usually try together. Depending on the amount of people in a party they will usually each average around four per person. The menu offers more than 50 different options, varying from all kinds of meats, cheeses and vegetable combinations.

“These are what people come to our restaurant for, to try all assortments of foods as well as drink and be merry with all their friends; it’s wonderful,” bartender Ignacio Truiz said.

The menu offers more than 50 different options

They also offer a wide variety of paellas that stay true to their Spanish heritage. They have five varieties that are all marvelous, but none is better than the lobster paella. If you are a seafood fan there is no passing this up. It takes Spanish rice, vegetables and spices and, of course, lobster tail. The paella is fried to perfection.

Ba Ba Reeba will not tap into your savings for a wonderful meal. Most Tapas are priced between $3-7 and the Paella from $8-15 per person. The sangria does get pricey if you are thirsty that night; it is $17-20 for a full pitcher and $4-6 per glass.

You can find Café Ba Ba Reeba at 2024. N. Halsted Ave. and its phone number is (773) 935-5000. Reservations are usually recommended Thursday through Saturday night as well as holidays.