Best Outdoor Dining Spanish Restaurants in Chicago

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Save

Our Top Pick

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Chicago's longest-running Spanish tapas bar with official certification from Spain's Bureau of Tourism

Notable Picks

#1 Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

8.5

$$ Ranch Triangle Spanish

Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Outdoor Dining Oasis

Chicago's original tapas bar since 1985, certified by Spain's Bureau of Tourism and celebrating 40 years of authentic Spanish cuisine. The sprawling Lincoln Park institution excels at crowd-pleasing classics—patatas bravas, bacon-wrapped dates, and live-fire paella—served alongside pitchers of sangria in a lively, labyrinthine space with an all-season patio.

Must-Try Dishes: Chorizo-Wrapped Dates, Seafood Paella Valenciana, Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer

What Makes it Special: Chicago's longest-running Spanish tapas bar with official certification from Spain's Bureau of Tourism

View Full Review →

#2 Tapas Valencia

8.4

$$ South Loop Spanish

Vibes: Date Night Magic Birthday & Celebration Central Girls Night Out Approved Outdoor Dining Oasis

A South Loop standby for upbeat Spanish small-plates built around shareable classics, strong sangria/cocktail momentum, and a festive, mosaic-heavy dining room. It’s at its best when you order a tight spread of hot tapas plus one paella-style anchor and treat it like a long-table night out.

Must-Try Dishes: Bacon-wrapped dates, Patatas bravas, Paella Valenciana

What Makes it Special: A long-running tapas spot with a celebratory vibe and a broad Spanish small-plates menu.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#3 Lírica Restaurant

7.5

$$ Near North Side Spanish

Vibes: Outdoor Dining Oasis Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Instagram Worthy Wonders

Opened in 2021 inside the Sable at Navy Pier, Lírica serves Spanish- and Latin-inspired plates with a long cocktail list and a large patio looking back at the skyline. It functions as a flexible all-day option for hotel guests and Navy Pier visitors more interested in waterfront views and cocktails than destination-level cooking.

Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Rigatoni, Papas Bravas, Spanish Omelette

What Makes it Special: Waterfront Spanish-inspired plates with big patio views over Lake Michigan.

View Full Review →