When you walk into Little Madrid, you will likely be greeted by the enthusiastic wait staff. After being seated, you’ll be struck by their ambiance; each table is decorated with a candle and a rose. As someone who had lived in Madrid, I was truly struck by how European the space feels. The waitstaff is friendly, the space is relaxed, and you can really spend time savoring your meal here. You may also opt to sit outside on a warm night and bask in the heart of Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

Little Madrid is a perfect spot to take a date, coworkers, or friends to for tapas. From croquettes, tortilla de patata (American or Spanish style), and jamón and cheese plates, there are plenty of traditional plates to choose from to swap and share. The extensive menu is based on owner Francisco Bolaños’ time in the kitchen with his grandmother and her recipes.

However,  Little Madrid is more than just a tapas bar. They also have live music, flamenco dancers, and DJs for weekend dancing. No matter what day you stop by, there will surely be some form of entertainment.

I highly recommend Little Madrid if you are looking for an authentic Spanish meal. Don’t forget to wash down whatever you order with your own beverages (they are a BYOB restaurant), choose one of their Spanish beers on draft, or a glass of sangria.