Cafe Iberico

Spanish: Café Iberico has both fans and foes but there is a reason this Spanish restaurant continues to be popular: it attracts a young, attractive crowd that enjoys the upbeat festive atmosphere (read: loud) and abundant selection of cold and hot tapas ($2-7 each) like jamon iberico, baked goat cheese, vegetarian Spanish omelets, chicken brochette with caramelized onions or grilled octopus....

Valet is available from 5pm to 12am everyday.

Iberico has an impressively lengthy list of wines and sherries--but most people go for generous pitchers of fruity red or white sangria, a bargain at just $12.95.

"Every day is a party" at this "bustling, boisterous" River North "tapas standard", "a favorite for large groups" seeking a "wide selection" of "well-crafted" "authentic" Spanish plates bolstered by "amazing sangria"; sure, the "huge" "community center"–like space "lacks decor", service can be "slow" and a no-reservations policy (except for parties of six or more) often results in "long waits"...

A Spanish expat from Galicia runs this tapas restaurant hailed by visiting Spaniards and local families, dating couples, and cheap chowhounds. It's easy to build a meal from the selection of small plates, which range from baked goat cheese to Spanish ham, grilled squid, skewered beef, and the classic pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus with potatoes and olive oil)—most for under $10. This is a...

What started as an authentic tapas bar has sprawled into an institution with several huge dining rooms (some with the charm of a mess hall) and a deli carrying everything from prepared tapas to cooking equipment. In the process, food quality and service have suffered. Still, this remains a lively and generally likeable place to come with a big group and eat cheaply. If there are only a few of...

This no-frills tapas spot won't win any points for style, but the consistently good food and festive atmosphere make it a longtime local favorite for singles in their 20s and 30s. Café Iberico gets very loud, especially on weekends, so it makes a fun group destination -- but plan your romantic tête-à-tête elsewhere. Crowds begin pouring in at the end of the workday, so you'll probably have to...

Free-flowing sangria, mouthwatering tapas and friends who do not mind leaving their watches at home are all ingredients for a perfect evening at Cafe Iberico. The prices are reasonable, the menu has a stunning array of choices and the atmosphere is Barcelona with a heavy dose of Chicago. Salmon flakes, hot goat's cheese and grilled fig sausage get rave reviews. Appetizers are quite reasonable,...