Cheers to 40 Years of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Chicago's original tapas restaurant celebrates four decades of flavor, family & fun
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is turning 40, and what a journey it’s been! Since opening its doors in 1985, the beloved Spanish tapas destination in Chicago’s Lincoln Park has been serving up delicious bites, unforgettable experiences, and a sense of family that goes far beyond the food. Whether you’ve been coming for decades or are just discovering the neighborhood staple for paella, sangria, pinxtos and more, here are just a few reasons to celebrate our beloved Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Get tickets for Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s 40th Ba-Ba Birthday Bash on Thursday, January 15!
The Timeless Menu
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is proudly known as Chicago’s first tapas bar, and while trends come and go, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! proves that some things are classic for a reason. Many dishes that were on the menu 40 years ago are still delighting guests today, and Ba-Ba has a staying power that is truly timeless. From tapas and pintxos such as the irresistible Patatas Bravas, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, and Goat Cheese Baked in Tomato Sauce, to the tableside-presented Paella, along with signature Sangria, the menu is a true testament to flavorful favorites that stand the test of time.
The Authentic Spanish Vibes
From the moment you walk into Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, you’re greeted by Spanish tiles, a bar with whole smoked Ibérico hams hanging from the rafters, and a dining room with traditional artwork, baskets and pottery throughout. The kitchen also revolves around one special centerpiece: The wood-burning brick oven. Built with bricks imported all the way from Spain, this iconic oven has been the heart of Ba-Ba-Reeba! since day one, and still fires up signature dishes daily, from Catalan-Style Crystal Bread to Handmade Beef Empanadas.
The Parties & Events
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! has always loved giving guests a reason to gather and break bread, whether it’s to celebrate major life events like weddings, baby showers, or milestone birthdays, or just when your Wednesday night calls for a glass of sangria. The calendar stays packed with events and offers, from daily Happy Hour in the bar area, to beloved Bodega Wine Tastings, Flamenco Shows, annual pig roasts, and Paella Cooking Demos. There’s always something to enjoy for bona fide fans or anyone simply looking for a fun night out.
They’re Throwing an Unforgettable Fiesta!
On Thursday, January 15, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! invites you to mark 40 exceptional years with a big fiesta, Ba-Ba-Reeba! style. Don’t miss a night of bottomless bites and beverages, including live-fire paella, jamón carvings, porrón pours, cocktails like Gin & Tonics and Espresso Martinis, and of course–Sangria!
The event will cover the entire restaurant, with each room featuring a fun activation or special guests, from Flamenco dancers and live music, to special Spanish-inspired dishes from Sushi-san – Lincoln Park, Mon Ami Gabi, and Summer House. Plus, shop Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s exclusive new 40th anniversary merchandise.
Join Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! in saying “¡Salud!” to four fantastic decades of Spanish tapas and sangria! Click here to purchase tickets now.
It’s A Family Affair
One of the best-kept “secrets” about Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is just how much it’s a family operation. Along with family-owned and operated Lettuce Entertain You, the restaurant is led by Chef Partner Gabino Sotelino and his son and Partner Mark Sotelino, with a family spirit that runs deep through the team. In fact, many of the Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! team members are parent-child duos, who share a love of hospitality and Spanish cuisine across generations. It’s this sense of community and camaraderie that keeps the restaurant’s energy vibrant and welcoming every day, and has led to accolades like being voted the Chicago Tribune Reader’s Choice Family-Friendly Restaurant of the Year 2024.
From our family to yours, thank you for a fabulous first 40 years of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and we hope to see you at our Ba-Ba Birthday Bash!
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