As a true lover of food, I find enjoyment in trying new restaurants, whether it be a family owned diner or a trendy new steakhouse. I tend towards meals with multiple tastes and side items because I find single-item entrees drab and boring. For this reason, I am in love with tapas: small-portioned dishes where one can taste an array of food with different flavors and influences. Listed below are my favorite tapas restaurants along with my recommendations on what to order!
1) Café Ba-Ba-Reeba (Chicago, IL)
This particular restaurant is a hidden Spanish gem in the heart of Lincoln Park. If you happen upon Café Ba-Ba-Reeba in the summer, grab a glass of sangria and enjoy their infamous spiced potatoes and paella on their outdoor patio.
2) Barcelona Tapas (Indianapolis, IN)
Steps from the circle of Indianapolis, Barcelona Tapas is a cozy atmosphere with incredible Spanish inspired food. I ate there freshman year, and I could not get enough of their queso de cabra al horno-baked goat cheese in tomato sauce with garlic bread. If you’re looking for something a little safer, I also recommend their croquetas! You can’t go wrong with a Spanish version of a mozzarella stick.
3) Modesto (St. Louis, MO)
This well-run tapas restaurant has made its mark in St. Louis for its fabulous cuisine that has pleased palates for over a decade. Enjoy the exciting ambiance over a glass of wine, olives, and a queso platter. Better yet, be spontaneous and indulge in their camarones con salsa de chocolate- their notorious grilled shrimp with orange and chile chocolate sauce!