The 1985-86 Chicago Bears aren’t the only icons in Chicago celebrating their 40th anniversary. In 1985, Chicago food lovers didn’t know much about tapas (or even small plates), but Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba wasn’t afraid to introduce it to them when they opened their doors at 2024 N Halsted St. Fast forward four decades, and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is pulling out all the stops to celebrate their 40th.

Partner Mark Sotelino and Senior Executive Chef Eric Jorgensen joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about their restaurant’s history, the favorites that generations of customers come back for, how they come up with new items, what to expect when you visit for the first time, their 40th birthday bash, and much more!

As mentioned in the episode, swipe through the gallery below to see the delicious food that Mark and Chef Eric brought for Kevin and Michael to try, and what you can look forward to when you dine at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba or Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba.

• Pressed “Bikini” Sandwiches from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Roasted Dates Wrapped in Bacon from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Chicken Thigh & Market Vegetable Paella from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Tortilla Española from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• The Classic Red Sangria from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Partner Mark Sotelino and Senior Executive Chef Eric Jorgensen from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio

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