Best Tapas In Chicago

Tapas can be a meal all their own. After all, the small plates have their roots in Spain (and the story of their history varies), and today they're served in tapas bars all over Spain to accompany a drink, or two, before heading out for a main meal at a restaurant. Here in the States, they can be both appetizers as well as full meals. But what makes these bites of food even extra special? The fact that sharing is encouraged... and that you can try all sorts of fabulous flavors, whether it's Spanish, Italian or even fusion. Start with this list for tapas to get a taste of your own.

Cafe Iberico
737 N. LaSalle Ave.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 573-1510
www.cafeiberico.com

For a festive, spacious atmosphere and one of the most popular tapas restaurants in all of Chicago, head to this River North restaurant. The restaurant features regional cuisine from all over Spain -- including paella -- but it's their tapas that people truly adore. Choose from cold tapas like caldo gallego to hot tapas like a delicious patatas bravas, a spicy potato dish. While the menu has plenty of options, be sure to save room for dessert -- which you can enjoy tapas style too, or save it all for yourself.

Bulerias Tapas Bar
3656 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-2855
www.buleriastapas.com

Named after the Spanish flamenco dance, Bulerias in Lakeview is the perfect place to have a leisurely dinner. Whether you're in the mood for vegetarian tapas (artichokes tossed in dressing), meat (like traditional serrano ham with manchego cheese), shellfish, fish or even rice, there's literally something for everyone. While the restaurant is open every day, be sure to stop in on Sunday nights when they offer a Cana y Tapas special (as long as it's not a Flameno Sunday), which means getting any beer for just $3.50 with the purchase of any tapa.

Cafe Marbella
5527 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 853-0128
www.cafemarbellatapas.com

Classic, as well as creative, dishes are Chef Virgilio Trujillo's forte at this Gladstone Park restaurant. While you can take your pick from their entrees as well, it's easy to make a whole meal out of their tapas offerings. Enjoy a leisurely meal of sopa de aijo, calamares a la plancha, tortilla espanola, and so much more -- including a rotating list of specials. Just make sure to bring drinks with you, as they're BYOB.

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Quartino Ristorante
626 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 698-5000
www.quartinochicago.com

If you're looking for Italian small plates -- or tapas -- check out this lovely restaurant on the Near North Side. Tapas here are different than the usual, as the small plates are quite simple... but no less delicious. Take your pick of olives, as well as salumi. And don't stop there. Their choices of formaggi (cheese) are perfect pairings to go with all that delicious meat, like soppresetta and truffle salame. For something a little bit more, opt for the spuntini section of the small plate menu, which includes items like simple but wonderful roasted peppers with capers and garlic, or a roasted beet salad. With this wonderful menu, Quartino is great for groups (all the more you can try off the menu!) and they do a great job at planning private events in the restaurant.

Twisted Tapas
1146 W. Pratt Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 856-3486
www.twistedtapas.us

As the Rogers Park restaurant's name implies, these aren't your traditional tapas. Rather, all the small plates here are a fusion of flavors, from Asian to Italian, and everything in between. To go with the wagyu short rib, chicken meatballs, fish tacos, and escaragot (we told you there's variety!), take your pick of crafty cocktails. To make this dining experience even more wonderful, the service here is top-notch, and all the wait staff will gladly help you narrow down your dining options, ensuring you have a fabulous meal.

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Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.