Tapas Tour
There are numerous tapas restaurants throughout the city. How can one decide which one to pick? Well, who says we have to pick just one? Whether you prefer old-world or a modern twist, there’s something out there for you.
Haro is a hot spot in the Little Italy neighborhood on the lower West Side with some very unique tapas dishes. “We try to capture that feeling as far as the typical tapas bar that people remember when they travel to Spain,” says Javier Haro, the owner. Most of the menu is comprised of imported Spanish ingredients, which are incorporated into favorites like the rib-eye steak with Cabrales cheese and the roasted chicken with Serrano ham and goat cheese. While sangria is, of course, a popular favorite, Haro offers other options like Spanish wine, apple cider, and Kalimotxo (similar to sangria but with a splash of Coca-Cola). Don’t miss the live entertainment! Performers provide flamenco music, dancers present authentic Spanish moves and grooves, and there are even movie showings and poetry readings.
If you’re an admirer of modern art, perhaps you’d like Tapas Barcelona in Evanston, just north of Chicago. Giovanni Garelli, the owner, had opened the restaurant in hopes of being a little different from the rest. He has surely found success and has acquired quite a few regulars, whose favorite dish is grilled mussels with garlic and butter. Other favorites include skewered chicken, grilled lamb chops with couscous, and stuffed olives. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, giving the place a very homey, neighborhood feel, enjoyable for both big groups and casual dates. Get there early though; popular, delicious food like this generates a reasonable crowd for dinner.
People Lounge in Wicker Park is a late-night hangout where hungry customers can find both traditional tapas and foods with a modern twist. Try the Caesar salad with anchovies imported from Spain, the skirt steak with Manchego cheese, or the shrimp skewer with “secret sauce” and couscous. People also provides a wide selection of beers from all over the world, both red and white sangria, and a Spanish-dominated wine list. However, you absolutely cannot miss the flan! DJs spin world music beats, and on Thursdays, the restaurant features live music. Finally, if you’re feeling especially friendly, there are communal tables available as well as traditional seating.
Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Matthijs van Dijk
Haro ($$): 2436 S Oakley St; 773-847-2400
Tues - Thurs: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri: 12 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sat: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sun - Mon: closed
Difficult street parking; valet available
Public Trans: Bus #60 or Blue Line train (Western)
Tapas Barcelona ($$): 1615 Chicago Ave (Evanston); 847-866-9900
Mon - Sat: 11:30 a.m. - 2: 30 p.m. (lunch)
Mon - Thurs: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. (dinner)
Fri - Sat: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. (dinner)
Sun: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (dinner)
Difficult street parking; pay lot
Public Trans: Purple Line train (Davis) or Metra (Union Pacific North: Davis)
People Lounge ($): 1560 N Milwaukee Ave; 773-227-9339
Sun - Fri: 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Sat: 5 p.m. - 3 a.m.
(Food served until 1 a.m.)
Difficult street parking, valet available ($10 Thurs - Sat)
Public Trans: Bus #56, 50, 72 or Blue Line train (Damen)
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POSTED IN: Restaurants
5 opinions for Tapas Tour
Chef’s Station
Jun 5, 2007 at 4:21 pm
[…] Chef’s Station sits directly under the Davis Metra stop (and just a few blocks away from Tapas Barcelona ), noise isn’t a problem at this Evanston eatery. The atmosphere is classy but casual. The […]
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Aug 17, 2007 at 12:01 pm
[…] Silver Room in Wicker Park (just a block away from People Lounge) offers an eclectic collection of bracelets, toe rings, anklets, stones, chokers, earrings, body […]
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Nov 17, 2007 at 1:11 pm
[…] Noodles in Wicker Park (around the corner from People Lounge) does offer sushi, kung pao chicken, and the ever-popular pad thai, but the restaurant's menu […]
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May 27, 2008 at 1:35 pm
[…] annual Taste of Chicago will be coming up in just a few weeks, where you can enjoy everything from tapas to […]
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May 28, 2008 at 6:10 pm
[…] Haro […]
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