In the heart of Humboldt Park’s WOW District lies a cozy little spot overflowing with Spanish delights: Bulerias Tapas Bar.
My wife and I rarely get to enjoy a night out with no kids, so we wanted to make our evening count. As soon as we stepped through the door at Bulerias, we knew we had made the right decision.
We had never eaten tapas before, and I have to say I was a little intimidated to try this new cuisine. However, my worries were immediately swept away by the warm friendly smile and genuinely kind greeting of the owner, Mariena. From that moment on, we felt right at home.
As we walked to our table I felt as if I had been whisked away to another time and place. The exposed brick and antique wooden surroundings were reminiscent of the old country, while the elegant light fixtures gave the dining area a dimly lit touch of timeless class.
After we were seated, the real fun began.
Thanks to an excellent recommendation from our server, we ordered a delicious bottle of imported Spanish red that paired PERFECTLY with our first dish:
Datiles – bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and drizzled with homemade balsamic reduction and red pepper butter sauce.
Its presentation was as immaculate as its taste. Each bite was filled with a heavenly mix of flavors and textures; crisp savory bacon, the soft sweetness of dates, and the creamy buttery tartness of goat cheese sent my senses into Ecstasy.
As the night went on, each sip of wine filled my body with a warm feeling of joy. Time melted away as the sound of trendy background music drowned out the hustle and bustle of the city around us.
After our Datiles, we took a figurative trip to the Spanish seaside with a steaming bowl of Sopa de Mariscos (Seafood Soup). This soup is made, one serving at a time, with mussels, calamari, shrimp, and salmon that all taste as if they had just been plucked from the cold blue depths of the sea.
Next, we sampled the owner’s favorite dish: Jamon Serrano con Queso. The combination of a crunchy crostini rubbed with cool tomato, topped with the silky-smooth flavor of thinly sliced ham, and the zesty taste of Manchego cheese was absolutely delicious.
After the first three dishes and a bottle of wine, we wanted to order one more dish, but we weren’t sure what to get. Luckily, Mariena had just the thing! She told us to try the Paella Bulerias: Authentic Spanish saffron rice, seafood, chicken and vegetables, cooked and served in a traditional Paella pan. It takes 30-45 minutes to make since it is made from scratch with every order. Good things come to those who wait. It was worth every mouth-watering bite!
To conclude our meal, we got a couple of glasses of Bulerias’ famous sangria. My wife had the Sangria Roja, while I enjoyed the Peach. Both were not only exquisite but quite possibly the most refreshing beverages that have ever touched my lips.
Looking back, our entire evening was spent in a “flow state” of pure pleasure. My wife and I ate, drank, talked, and laughed the night away. Although we were there for over three hours, the whole experience flashed by in the blink of an eye. (I wish I could say the same for our kids’ babysitter!)
Bulerias is, without a doubt, our new favorite restaurant in Chicago, and I can’t recommend it enough! Its intimately rustic layout combined with its upbeat vibe, friendly service, and delicious delicacies makes it the perfect place to enjoy life with friends and loved ones.
Huge thank you to the gentleman who served us and the owner, Mariana, for taking care of us and giving us the best anniversary dinner we’ve ever had! ¡Gracias por todo!
We will be back!