Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

“Was on my list of places to try out, have always visited Emilios for Tapas in the past.”

Was on my list of places to try out, have always visited Emilios for Tapas in the past. We stayed a block away this trip and had the opportunity to check them out. Atmosphere was great, modern and intimate, great vibe. Service was attentive and friendly. Food was great, the shrimp, meatballs, goat cheese were awesome. Highly recommend a stop here. Updated: we came back week before Christmas 2025 and tonight. Skylar and Islan(m) hope that is spelled correctly, great people, remembered us and made us laugh with their professionalism paired with genuine personalities. Still recommend it!

Matt Zaidi

Jan 2026

“Our server was so sweet and gave us great recommendations.”

Our server was so sweet and gave us great recommendations. Portions were a little small but everything was tasty! The place is very nice, we had a good time.

Arianne Rivero Irizarry

Dec 2025

“Absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish.”

Absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish. The food was delicious: scallops and hanger steak were perfect, and the shaved Brussels sprouts were a great touch. The octopus is an absolute must-try—easily the best I have ever had. Our server, Lauren, was incredible! She was friendly, super knowledgeable, answered all our questions, and provided excellent recommendations. Impeccable service made the night perfect. Highly recommend!

David Botros

Nov 2025

“Awesome atmosphere, friendly bartenders, great food.”

Awesome atmosphere, friendly bartenders, great food. Highly recommend. I went with just one other person, but it would also be great for a big group. Will be back!

Ben Galbraith

Oct 2025

“Everything was delicious, Gus (our server) was the best.”

Everything was delicious, Gus (our server) was the best. Great atmosphere for a date or to come with a small group of friends

Briseida Pena

Oct 2025

“This place should be on your dining itinerary.”

This place should be on your dining itinerary. First off, our waitress, Erin, was great. She really understood the menu, made excellent suggestions and was fun. Very good at her job. The Brussels sprouts salad was really tasty with a nice blend of flavors At some restaurants the patatas bravas are overly dry. Not here. They were moist and the tomato aioli paired well Scallops were nicely done. But the highlight was actually the wrapped dates. They were delicious! The flavor combination was perfect. Both white and red sangrias were yummy.

J. C.

Sep 2025

“Didn’t catch the servers name, esmar? Props to him though.”

Didn’t catch the servers name, esmar? Props to him though. Great service and food. Well rounded place and a new spot for me. gotta try the octopus🐙

Kevin Stone

Sep 2025

“The food is absolutely amazing.”

The food is absolutely amazing! Every dish we ordered was outstanding! The service was top-notch. We will definitely come back.

Maria English

Sep 2025

“I was there with my son to celebrate his birthday.”

I was there with my son to celebrate his birthday. We made reservations. It was on a Saturday and it was absolutely packed. No chance of getting in without one. Parking is difficult but you can use the valet parking service from next door, which is super convenient. Anyway, about the food: I lived in Spain and have tried Spanish food in lots of cities around the world. So, I have good context to evaluate. The croquetas are outstanding. World class. The tortilla española is solid: a very good dish. The patatas bravas have a distinct (and yummy) paprika taste and are not that "bravas" (spicy). A bit more sauce on the serving and a bit more kick would put them in the Outstanding category. As they are, they are a very good dish. You will enjoy them a lot. We ordered one of those hot sandwiches... my god so so good. But can't remember the name. They only have like three of those. You want the one with burrata, tomatoes, Spanish ham/salami. The one thing I was super excited to try and my only disappointment was the octopus. Oh and the desserts were delish. Overall, and excellent visit. Oh, my house cocktail (cava based) was super super good. It is so nice to know you can get an authentic taste of Spain in Chicago. Highly recommend.

Alejandro Lleras

Sep 2025

“Came here based on a friend's recommendation.”

Came here based on a friend's recommendation. The food was delicious and we ate so much. Service was quick and staff was super duper friendly. We will be back!

Alicia Giok-Halim

Sep 2025

“Absolutely the food highlight of my Chicago trip.”

Absolutely the food highlight of my Chicago trip. Loved the chorizo stuff dates, empanada was a unexpected hit and the crystal bread was a great way to reset the plate with each dish. Our waiter Dez was fantastic and had great recommendations.

Benny Nguyen

Aug 2025

“Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba is a River North Gem for Tapas Lovers.”

Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba is a River North Gem for Tapas Lovers! I’ve been to Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba for both brunch and dinner, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots in River North. The sangria (both white and red) is bursting with flavor and incredibly refreshing with the chopped fruit. Food-wise, the Spanish meatballs are packed with flavor and studded with bits of melted cheese, while the bacon-wrapped dates are a true highlight. The beef empanada has a wonderfully flaky crust and comes with an amazing chimichurri sauce that really ties it together. The croquetas aren’t the single best item I’ve had here, but they’re still very good. Patatas Bravas are fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender inside, and always a crowd-pleaser. The wine list is excellent, but my unexpected favorite came from the brunch menu, a paella that was made with almost ramen-like noodles instead of traditional rice. It was unique, flavorful, and unforgettable. All in all, Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba is a fantastic tapas spot with plenty of variety, great drinks, and a fun, lively vibe. Perfect for sharing plates and trying a bit of everything. Patio is great for summer nights too!

Bradley Cochran

Aug 2025