About Us
In January 2020, Little Madrid Tapas Café opened in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, a small, cozy, and colorful space. The restaurant transported guests back to Old Madrid with its warm atmosphere, delicious flavors, and enticing aromas that emanated from the kitchen. With a global pandemic raging around the world, Little Madrid Tapas Café remained a steady presence in the neighborhood and soon emerged as one of the best Spanish restaurants in Chicago.
Chef Owner
Francisco Bolaños fell in love with traditional Spanish cuisine at a young age. While growing up in Madrid, Bolaños would spend countless hours by his grandmother’s side, learning her recipes, cooking, and absorbing her passion for Spanish food. This love of cooking and bringing people together through food, nurtured by his grandmother, stayed with Bolaños during his law studies and early professional career.
Working as a Human Rights Lawyer in Europe and New York, Bolaños job took him around the world, living in fifteen different countries and experiencing other cultures. And while the work was fulfilling, opening a small restaurant in tribute to his grandmother remained his dream.
A business trip to Chicago changed everything for Bolaños. He immediately fell in love with the city and knew it would be the perfect location for a small restaurant.
Bolaños decided to make the leap and he moved from New York to Chicago.
The best of what we do, is who we do it for!
Francisco is the best! When you step into his restaurant you feel like you’ve been transported to Madrid. His food, hospitality, and charm are unbeatable!
Es mi sitio favorito para comer, tiene un ambiente muy familiar, un buen servicio y el dueño es una persona muy cordial y amable
Es un lugar increíble, la comida es espectacular. La mejor de. Chicago. Felicitaciones
We tried this out in our ordering out during this stay at home order, and everything was fantastic. The tortilla could feed a family! The shrimp appetizer was delicious and make sure you order a side of bread to soak up the sauce!!! The little Madrid sandwich was really excellent. Generous portions. Highly recommend!!!
I never post twice, but check out what we put on Facebook. The chef has a true gift… Best Tapas, yes, ever in Chicago. Exquisite complexity in taste across all nine dishes we tried. We’re going back for breakfast, the brunch, and the tapas bar on Wed. Melt in mouth, fresh food that left all of us raving. Try the meatballs, shrimp, croquettes, bravatas, bacon wrapped dates… Very different, calamari. They have paella we’ll be back for next week. Don’t miss this place… Andersonville has another gem.
Gracias! My wife and I celebrated our anniversary last night at your wonderful restaurant and we felt like we were in Spain (even though we were last in Madrid many, many years ago!). Thank you to you and your staff for a wonderful evening!!
When I read the negative reviews and see people mentioning their ethnicities or where they’ve lived, I realize that those things have little bearing on what other people might experience in a restaurant. Taste and authenticity are very subjective. That being said, yes, Francisco was very warm & welcoming. We ordered several different appetizers which were all delicious. I especially enjoyed the croquettes. I will come back for dinner to try the paella.
Francisco is the best! When you step into his restaurant you feel like you’ve been transported to Madrid. His food, hospitality, and charm are unbeatable!
I’m almost reluctant to tell others about this hidden gem. Everything here is top notch. Probably better than cafe ibérico. Best sangria in town also.
This place somehow transports you to Madrid. The hospitality of Francisco and Ricardo make you feel in a super friendly environment. I really enjoyed the paella.
Little Madrid is the Spanish gem that Chicago needs. From the food to the atmosphere, everything is beyond exceptional and absolutely authentic to its core.
Tasty sangria and delicious sandwich! Just like in Madrid. Do not expect anything fancy, just quality Tapas, sandwiches and sangria.
Everything about this place reminds me of Spain… from the chairs to the plates, to glasses.
The chef is the best host ever! Black Parlla just was delicious, the taste is great and the place is very friendly 👌 you will find a little piece of Madrid in Chicago
Easy access and don’t lose time waiting.
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