Imagine this: you have a group of friends or family visiting over the weekend. You want to treat them to a nice, long meal but you’re not sure what everyone likes. Your solution? Tapas! Take your loved ones on a culinary adventure by ordering up a variety of interesting dishes. Add some sangria or fancy cocktails and by the end, everyone will be impressed (and very full). These are the best restaurants to get tapas in Chicago.
Mercat a la Planxa
638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Looking for a modern interpretation of timeless Catalan traditions? Of course, you are. Mercat’s robust menu invites foodies to experience a masterful twist on authentic Spanish cuisine. From meal-sized classics to street food starters, each item offers a new journey for your tastebuds. To top it off, Mercat offers a finely curated selection of sangria, wine, and cava. ¡Qué Rico!
Café Marbella
5527 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
If you’re looking for a place to get the best tapas in Chicago, Chef Virgilio Trujillo has perfected classic dishes like Gambas al Ajillo, Tortilla Espanola, and Gazpacho Andaluz. And Chef V. knows a thing or two about presentation, some of the items are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. With items like Albondigas Al Vino Tinto and Escalopes De Cerdo, you’ll leave Cafe Marbella feeling satisfied, guaranteed.
Bar Ramone
441 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60654
You don’t have to venture far to find soulful Spanish tapas in Chicago. Chef Hisanobu Osaka has curated a small plates menu with savory delights such as house-made tomato bread, Mushroom Pintxos, and Galician Octopus. Plus Bar Ramone’s wine program features an extensive list of just over 100 bottles. Decisions, decisions.
Read More: The Best Fast Food Desserts: Pie, Cookies, Cakes, & More
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
A Spanish tapas with a fun name? Sign us up. This Lincoln Park staple has been dishing up authentic Spanish cuisine since 1985. Their menu was crafted to share and features tapas, pintxos (bite-sized tapas), and paella. They also have killer pitchers of sangria which go down a little too easy.
Read More: 5 Popular Comic Book Shops Near You in Chicago
Bulerias Tapas
3656 N Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60613
Did you know: ‘Bulerías’ is a fast, rhythmic form of flamenco dancing? It’s a fun, energetic experience which is exactly what the folks at Bulerias Tapas in Chicago aim to deliver with their cuisine. Stop by with a large group and order favorites like Chicken Croquettes, Carne En Tostada, and Gambas Al Ajillo. You’ll be happy you did.
Iberico Express
737 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
After 30 years of serving up the finest Tapas in Chicago, Iberico Express has adapted to serve fresh, ready-to-go items during the pandemic. Their combination plates come with a main dish and two fresh, prepared sides. Or try their Paellas, Garlic Chicken, and famous Empanada Gallega in small, medium, or large sizes.
Tapas Valencia
1530 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
If you’re searching for the best tapas in the South Loop of Chicago, we recommend visiting Tapas Valencia. Whether you’re dining with co-workers or just looking for something different, Tapas Valencia is the perfect spot for any occasion.
ROOF on theWit
201 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Set at 27 stories above it all, ROOF on theWit has earned international awards for its gorgeous design and lively entertainment. Explore unique hand-crafted cocktails and cuisine with a side of sweeping skyline views.
Boqueria Chicago
807 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Imported from New York in 2019, this Barcelona-style tapas bar offers a cozy vibe with a design aesthetic inspired by European modernism. Indulge in a rotating menu of seasonal dishes and Spanish classics.
Emilios Tapas
4100 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside, IL 60162
In 1988, Emilio Gervilla opened his first restaurant. He quickly gained the title “Tapas King” for his own impressive recipes, honed over a lifetime of working his way through restaurants in Spain, and traveling to the US to share his talent. The menu at Emilios Tapas near Chicago is seemingly never-ending, in both Italian and English.
Read More: 4 Takeaways from the NFL & Bears Wild Card Game
Tapas Barcelona
1615 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Traveling to the ‘burbs? Check out this colorful, modern space. Since 1995, Tapas Barcelona has been serving fine Spanish cuisine in Evanston at an affordable price. Their Tapas menu is stacked with popular items like Pulpito a la Plancha and Filete con Patatas. It’s worth the trip.
