A Corner of Madrid in the Heart of Chicago
Restaurant
About Us
Amid the aroma of smoked paprika and the whisper of Rioja being poured, Little Madrid Tapas Café was born: an intimate homage to tradition, elegance, and Spanish passion. Founded in 2020—just weeks before the world paused—this restaurant not only survived, it blossomed.
Here, every dish is a story. Every croquette, a memory. Every evening, a celebration.
“Tapas are the expression of a lifestyle, in which everything is tested, there is a lot of talking, drinking in an intelligent way, and you come to the conclusion in small doses the world is wonderful.”
Francisco F. Bolaños
Welcome to Little Madrid!
Francisco F. Bolaños
Founder and Soul of the House
A lawyer by training, a Madrileño at heart, and a citizen of the world by vocation. Francisco Bolaños has lived in over twenty countries, worked between New York, Europe, and Latin America, and cultivated a rare gift: blending diplomacy of the soul with culinary authenticity.
Little Madrid was born from a dream. A deep desire to honor his hometown, to share the tapas he grew up with, and to offer Chicago a sensory experience where time slows down and only pleasure remains.
Recognized by the City of Madrid and the Spanish Consulate, Francisco has not only won the palates of Chicago, but also its admiration. With a clear vision and natural elegance, he has turned his restaurant into a reference point, an experience, a secret locals whisper about.
More Than Just a Restaurant
Little Madrid is a place where flamenco pulses once a month, where the wine is chosen with wisdom, and where every detail matters. It’s the reflection of a man who traded courtrooms for kitchens—without ever compromising on excellence.
Reviews
The best of what we do, is who we do it for!
Justin Reisman
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!
Angelica Bernal
Es mi sitio favorito para comer, tiene un ambiente muy familiar, un buen servicio y el dueño es una persona muy cordial y amable
Pilar Leon
Es un lugar increíble, la comida es espectacular. La mejor de. Chicago. Felicitaciones
Kathy Cook
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!!!
Lynn Priddy
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.
Ross Sweeney
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!!
Christopher Cardenas
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.
Justin Reisman
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!
Aaron Roquena
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.
Samuel Ramirez
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.
Olivia Henry
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.
Shawn Tumanov
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.
Carla Rodriguez
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
Reserve
Easy access and don’t lose time waiting.