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Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago, IL
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago, IL
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago, IL
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago, IL
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago, IL

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8
4.8
8486 Reviews
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Cancellation policy:
For parties of 5+ you need to cancel by 9am on the day of your reservation, otherwise it is a $25 fee. For smaller parties, please give us one hour in advance, in the event of a last minute cancellation or no show it is a $25 fee.

Located in Lincoln Park, the All-Season Courtyard and Dining Rooms at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are open with our new AIRPHX Air Filtration System. Your health is our top priority in all that we do. Steps we are taking: disposable and digital menus, continuous sanitation procedures & hand washing.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:30 p.m.


Booked 133 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (773) 935-5000
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Eric Jorgensen
  • Catering
    At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 50 in our private and semi-private rooms. Lettuce create something extraordinary with you using our variety of tapas, paella and sangria! Cater a private party at the restaurant, in the comfort of your home or office, or even aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises. We are happy to help you create a menu for your guests. To view all of the different options available to you visit cafebabareeba.com or to book your party, call our Special Events Department at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party facilities
    Contact us to learn about safe indoor private party dining options. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises during the summer months. Please visit cafebabareeba.com to fill out your inquiry form, or call our Special Events Team at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party contact
    Private Parties Department: (773) 935-5000
  • Neighbourhood
    Lincoln Park
  • Cross Street
    Armitage
  • Parking Details
    Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. We also offer valet at $15, cash only.
  • Public Transit
    Brown Line - Armitage Halsted bus (route #8) - Armitage stop Armitage bus (route #73) - Halsted stop
  • Entertainment
    Reservations for our Flamenco Dinner Shows, Paella Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings, and other special events can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (773) 935-5000. For a full list of events, please visit cafebabareeba.com and click on "events."
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 8,486 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Tapas / Small Plates

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Most Booked

  • Chicago

    Most Booked

8,486 Reviews
  1. TomasH

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Still great food … great wine … was a perfect dinner

    Is this helpful?

  2. EllynR

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience1
    We ordered the Seafood Paella and were disappointed in the lack of seafood in the dish. The dish was all rice. The dish took 40 minutes to make not sure why. The small plates were very good.

    Is this helpful?

  3. ColeZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible! Everything we got was amazing. Paella was a must!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Like always: THE BEST! jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, paella, red sangria best combo ever

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such a great experience! Manuel was very nice!!

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Tapas were fun and delicious especially the scallops!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Bryan

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an amazing experience! Our server was very attentive and ensured we were having a great time. The food were delicious. Definitely worth coming back for!

    Is this helpful?

  8. EileenC

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place! Great food & ambiance- great waitress!

    Is this helpful?

  9. SandraB

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We moved from Chicago in 1994, leaving our favorite restaurant— Babareeba— behind. Nearly 30 years later, it’s just as fresh and fun (and full of an eclectic group of 20- and 30-somethings). We had a great meal — love the tapas style — and don’t plan to wait another 30 years to come back in town and eat there again.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Queenleen

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delightful as always! Staff was very attentive and made us feel right at home. Food was delicious. Will come again!

    Is this helpful?

  11. claudiag

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great!!! Food was delicious ,perfect drink

    Is this helpful?

  12. MariaL

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good times. Would recommend to friends and family.

    Is this helpful?

  13. JustinO

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    Food was cold. Everything we got was like it had been sitting out for a while. Waitress was nice enough to cut the bill in half. And I’m usually not one to complain. Was looking forward to trying this place. Very disappointed.

    Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded 6 days ago

    Dear Justin, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Customer feedback is very important to us. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your time, Thank you! -Rachel G

    Is this helpful?

  14. Madi

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family and I go back time and time again, and it is always a wonderful experience!

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    Fun and lively atmosphere. We sat for quite a while before our server greeted us for a drink order. Our server, Logan, unapologetically forgot to order our food, prioritizing his social chatter with other staff. Not once did anyone inquire as to the taste of or whether we liked our food or beverages, nor did a manager visit the table to apologize for the experience. The bus person was friendly and most of the tapas were tasty. The sangria was also delicious. This is our second time dining here with this type of lackluster service and we should have learned our lesson during the last visit. Perhaps takeout is the way to go these days.

    Is this helpful?

  16. megha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an amazing experience! The service, food and staff are always amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Simm

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Santiago was an exceptional server and so friendly! Beautiful ambience!

    Is this helpful?

  18. KelseyG

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We absolutely LOVED this place. We had a group of 16 for a work dinner and our server was fantastic. The food was exceptional, paced perfectly with the large amount we ordered, and everyone raved about the sangria, wine, and overall ambiance. We will definitely return and recommend for anyone wanting a fun, different kind of menu that can cater to picky eaters and adventurous ones alike.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Noname

    Los Angeles

    111 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    111 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved this place when we lived in Chicago in the mid-90s. That it is still operating in 2023 and better than ever is truly amazing. Excellent food, wine, service and atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food is phenomenal and the restaurant is beautiful!

    Is this helpful?

  21. MaryS

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a fun evening! Great food, outstanding service, and everyone in the place was having a great time.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Jacksonville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a terrific time. Good and service were excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food. Some prices out of line. overall a good time!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Gc312

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect place, red sangria is the best in Chicago and I reccomend paella de mariscos.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great not no birthday treat for my brother who was visiting. I put it in the reservation.

    Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded on September 9, 2023

    Dear Valued Guest, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards to the service you received. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. -Teresa M.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food and ambiance were fantastic. Very festive atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Café babareeba is the best place to go in any occasion. Favorite restaurant forever ✨

    Is this helpful?

  28. neighbor

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Always reliable. I loved the scallops and sauce but it was a bit too spicy for me. Would love if you could tone it down a little as it made my nose run, eyes water, etc. We ate in the booth which was wonderfully quiet.

    Is this helpful?

  29. IanG

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My buddy and I flew into town for 24 hours from NY to see Pearl Jam. Having been before, I told him how I had to take him there and it was one of the best meals of my life. Needless to say, it did not disappoint! Service, value, and most importantly, the food were OUTSTANDING!! My buddy said it was a top 3 meal of his life and we’re planning another trip back to Chicago with our wives largely just to go to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba again. 9 out of 5 stars!

    Is this helpful?

  30. YepiM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was tasty AF and the whole experience was fantastic. Recommend the shaved brussel sprout salad and the Moroccan chick pea stew.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very accommodating of the multiple Food allergies in our party. My only issue is they had us at a table with really uncomfortable metal chairs. They were very hard to sit on and also had a weird angle for the back so offered no back support. I noticed other tables had wooden padded chairs that looked much more comfortable.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Croquetas were a bit over cooked. Chicken paella lacked flavor. Empanada, potatoes, shrimp and sangria were good.

    Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded on September 6, 2023

    Hello, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards to some of our signature dishes. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. Chris

    Is this helpful?

  33. nookies

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    There’s truly nothing special about this place. Don’t believe the hype. The food isn’t that great and it lacks a lot of taste. Considering the portion sizes it’s definitely overpriced. I went on a humid day and they didn’t even have the air on and it was crowded. I probably won’t return.

    Is this helpful?

  34. MarybethS

    Grand Rapids

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first visit was 35 years ago and there is a reason it has always been one of my favorite restaurants. I live in Michigan and will treat myself and others to this treasure whenever I am able. It is everything and it is consistent - the food is extraordinary and always special. The staff is beyond (tonight our lead was the knowledgeable & delightful Jose), but as always, was supported by a happy, professional and hard working team. The women that greeted us and that accommodated the change in our reservation, made us feel welcome and never a bother. The ambience is fantastic and the music perfect. We can’t wait until the next time.

    Is this helpful?

  35. RalphE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy our time there! Food was delicious as usual!

    Is this helpful?

  36. DetroitFoodie

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just about everything we ordered was good. Pork steak was juicy. We went with some vegetarians, who found a lot of choices. The veg paella was very good with the saffron and the semi-burnt rice

    Is this helpful?

  37. OldCrimugen1234

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall2food5service5ambience4
    The food & ambience were great. We loved our server Jessica. The prices are a smidgen high for my small-town (not from Chicago) taste. I think this is a first date kind of place. What’s the 2 star review for? I need a credit card to make a reservation & there’s a no-show fee? What?!

    Is this helpful?

  38. EvolvingWheel

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambience was amazing with lot of energy. Service was very nice and the quality of food was just outstanding. I had been here 17 years back and coming back this time felt like a few notches up! The dessert was amazing too. Highly recommend for any weekend night venture.

    Is this helpful?

  39. PavelK

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best paellas in town! Crowded as usual but still worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Kari

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oh I feel so bad I don’t remember our server’s name. The service was amazing , food and the recommendations were fantastic. Celebrated our niece’s birthday and they made her feel so great. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Café Ba-Ba-Reeba using the Order Online button. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (773) 935-5000.

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba is rated 4.8 stars by 8486 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:30 p.m.


Booked 133 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

2024 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Armitage
  • Neighbourhood
    Lincoln Park
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. We also offer valet at $15, cash only.
  • Public Transit
    Brown Line - Armitage Halsted bus (route #8) - Armitage stop Armitage bus (route #73) - Halsted stop
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Eric Jorgensen
  • Entertainment
    Reservations for our Flamenco Dinner Shows, Paella Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings, and other special events can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (773) 935-5000. For a full list of events, please visit cafebabareeba.com and click on "events."
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (773) 935-5000
  • Catering
    At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 50 in our private and semi-private rooms. Lettuce create something extraordinary with you using our variety of tapas, paella and sangria! Cater a private party at the restaurant, in the comfort of your home or office, or even aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises. We are happy to help you create a menu for your guests. To view all of the different options available to you visit cafebabareeba.com or to book your party, call our Special Events Department at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party facilities
    Contact us to learn about safe indoor private party dining options. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises during the summer months. Please visit cafebabareeba.com to fill out your inquiry form, or call our Special Events Team at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party contact
    Private Parties Department: (773) 935-5000
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