There is definitely better Tapas else where in the city.
(2)
Shaun R.
I've been to Bull-eh-dia's a couple of times. Always a great experience! Food was excellent! I'd recommend the Spicy Potatoes, or the Chorizo Empanadas! A fun, responsive staff, too! As reflected with some of the other posters here, I do think the prices are a little steep vs. a typical Tapas bar - specifically, for the alcohol (Sangria pitchers were over $20 - which usually gives about 4 glasses total). If they were a bit more reasonable, it would get a 5 stars from me. For first-timers: the restaurant is small, but I've never had an issue getting a table.
(4)
Angie R.
Favorite Tapas place! i love it here more and more every time i come here. The staff is great and attentive and the food is awesome! Pollo ala brava is soo good! what i like the most about this place is that the food is always the same and always perfect! Passion fruit sangria is also great!
(5)
Anna P.
This place was decent - I went on a date and it was actually a pretty fun experience choosing tapas and drinks together and then sharing everything. I don't think it's the best tapas I've ever had, but it's also not the worst - it shares a lot in common with most tapas places in the US: 1. Pro: You get to try lots of yummy foods. 2. Con: The plates are always pretty small. I think it's a fun place for a date or dinner with a friend or two if you're not super starving and want to try something different.
(3)
tracy g.
I love tapas and Sangria!!! So when I saw that this place opened in Lakeview after Otra Mas closed I wanted to give it a try. The food here is awesome. The dates wrapped in bacon is addicting!!! When my friends and I went one summer night, we were indecisive on our beverage so the bartender whipped up a strawberry lemonade martini that i could have sat and drank a lot of!!! In Feb. I celebrated my birthday there in the upstairs space and it was great!
(5)
Nick B.
It's been a really long week. Work is kicking my butt. Stuck catsitting while the parents are enjoying a week out on the west coast. What is a guy to do? Grab a friend on a Tuesday night and chug 1/2 price pitchets of sangria. Enter Bull-eh-dia's. I've been to a number of tapas restaurants since the beginning of the summer. Some are outstanding, some are meh, and some are cool. Bull-eh-dia's get in that category. I went in at about 9PM and largely due to the fact that it was 1/2 price sangria. I wasn't starving so a few potatoes and some other plates would fit the bill. Despite some angsty reviews, I thought the service was pretty good. Our waitress was always attentive but left us time to chat and enjoy our plates and drinks without asking if we wanted another pitcher or more food. The price was right, the atmosphere was chill, and I enjoyed the music. I wasn't blown away, but I would definitely recommend to stop in if you're trying to just have a nice, easy night out.
(4)
Amanda A.
I've been here a couple of times since my last visit and just have to emphasize that although the food is delightful - the Pincho de Carne and the Pincho de Pollo are not to be missed -- the service just continually leaves something to be desired. We had a hard time getting water refilled, at one point we wanted to order more tapas and we waited about 20 minutes to see our server, and it was just disappointing. I have also enjoyed their sangria in the past but the last time we went it just tasted like juice. Choose something else for your beverage.
(3)
Holly S.
Never again! We had reservations for 12 for a friend's going away party and they made the night so crappy. It took forever for them to take our orders, and when they finally did our server could not get anything right. She forgot all our drinks. They'd only bring out two plates each 30 minutes, meaning some people ate at 9pm and some at 11pm - that's ridiculous. They had us seated at separate tables, even though they have an entire upstairs that we saw was empty and not reserved. The octopus was good but not worth this service. Most of the guys ended up having burgers later on at a bar.
(1)
Bianca J.
Never had tapas before, but this place is alright.... Priced just right, taste is nothing to rave about. Also, the sangria is not the greatest... kinda bland
(3)
Amy S.
Pros: The location (great neighborhood!), the atmosphere/ambiance, nice outdoor seating. The service is decent. Cons: The food is so-so, ranks on the bottom of other tapas places in the city. I would not recommend the sangria. Also, the most grating part for me is their advertisement of $3 tapas up until 6pm. What they serve under this special is pretty much two bites of food. They basically serve one quarter to one half of the full price tapas. It makes more sense to pay the $7 and get a somewhat acceptable portion. I hope they reconsider this promotion, if they do, I would perhaps give another star.
(3)
Jen D.
Summer update: I've eaten there a few times now since my delivery experience and it was great!!! I'll definitely keep this on a list of neighborhood favorites. Original review: I believe this place has been opened less than a month. There is no sign outside (yet?). It's across from the Jewel parking lot on Southport just south of Waveland - in the old Nebours space. Hopefully this will be a great non-bar addition to the corridor. My review is only for carry-out. I'm sure the food would have been better dining in. I ordered 3 hot tapas plates and was told it would be 45 mins. On a Sunday early evening, that seemed a little long - esp for a new place... Anyway, my instincts were correct, I think my food was sitting for at least 10 mins before I picked it up at the prescribed time. Patatas Bravas w/2 different spicy sauces. The potatoes were good as was the red aoili, I'm not sure what the the other sauce was. It didn't do it for me. Goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped with bacon: 4 little nuggets of heaven. Again, these came with 2 sauces. One appeared to be a sweet balsamic reduction or something. It was great. The other sauce I couldn't identify was red and not as tasty. Empanadas stuffed with Fetilla Cheese: 1 of the 4 was missing the cheese. These were a little dry, but I think they'd be much better fresh cuz I think they'd been ready for quite a while. The cheese inside was a nice mild white cheese. Since it's less than a month old, I will try this place again and update my review. I really want this restaurant to succeed since I'd love to have tapas 2 blocks from my house. The owners and chef seem like REALLY nice people (from their neighborhood association presentation). They put a lot of effort into transforming the space. The main floor dining room is small, but very cute. There will be seating upstairs once they get a permit or something. If the owners read this: carry-out sauce cups for patatas bravas are TOO SMALL. I mean, not even enough sauce for 1 person.
(3)
Melissa D.
I give three stars for a pretty legit reason. My first experience was definitely a 5 star experience. Definitely something I'd write home about, or better yet, yelp about. It was a Thursday at about 3 in the afternoon. My friend and I were the only ones in there, so it was great. We got great service. The food was fantabulous! The service was pretty great too! How could it not be? The pitcher of Sangria, outstanding! I love white Sangria and not many places offer it. Pretty decent priced as well... Ok, so I had been craving tapas. Last Saturday, my boyfriend and I trekked over to Bulls in the pouring rain. This is not a joke. The place was packed. So packed that we couldn't get a seat. We grabbed a beer and waited, still no seat. The servers and hostessed ignored us repeatedly so we opted on checking out. I was disappointed, but still had to give props for my first time :)
(3)
Melody L.
An absolute FAV! Everything is spectacular food, drinks, service, atmosphere!
(5)
Arlene A.
This clean, attractive tapas place could be a lot worse. It could also be a lot better. While the service was absolutely top notch, I can't help but feel that the mark was missed with the food. Me and my honey split two cold and two hot dishes for an afternoon nibble. The olives and garlic underwhelmed me because I felt I could have gone to jewel and gotten the exact same thing. However, the Serrano ham with Manchengo (?) cheese was great! The crostini bread that came with it? Uh, so crispy that you could hear the bread crunching across the room, I found it to be a bit much. For the hot we had the Steak Ceasare, the meat was tender and delish, the reduction and potatoes that came with it? Salty and overcooked. We had the house specialty Honey Orange ribs, which were..... ok. The sangria was great, not too much fruit, but overall our afternoon snack was a bit pricey for what we got. I would probably go back when they have their kickass sangria specials.
(2)
Jasmine C.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't outstanding. The ambience is rather lovely although beware: if it gets busy, you will find it IMPOSSIBLE to hear the person you're with. Portions are decent and prices are slightly higher than I thought was appropriate. It's been said before: there are better tapas places in the city.
(2)
Erin V.
I think it's the over all atmosphere and service that will bring me back. I had come with my friend visiting from Ireland and he'd spent the entire day boozing at a cubs game, so he was not on his A game, to say the least. Even as he was feeding himself the patatas ali olà with the serving spoon and grabbing my roommate's croquetas from across the table, our server was incredibly courteous and patient. Over all the food was decent. I was a little disappointed with their pisto. It was more of sauteed peppers in olive oil than real pisto, but the patatas bravas made up for it. And their caipirinhas were really well made. There are better tapas restaurants in Chicago, but if you live near southport and want to keep it local, this is definitely an OK place to try out.
(3)
Marissa H.
I enjoy Bull-eh-dia's very much. It partly could be because the last time I went here, a stream of gay men kept coming up to my friend and me to tell us how attractive we were. I felt pretty, y'all! If you want an ego boost, come here! Ego-boosting aside, I will say that the tapas here are all delish--at least the ones I've tried. I had an amazing special with J one time that consisted of extremely spicy mussels. Yum! Bacon-wrapped dates are always TDF, and theirs were no exception. Hmm...what else...the shrimp were awesome, great bread, and decently-priced wine...perhaps it's the wonderful food that makes everyone so joyous and eager to hand out compliments. Seriously. It's one of those places where the food/ambience makes you happy. Other: One of the bartender/waitresses is absolutely beautiful. Like, breath-taking. It's borderline annoying. They play lots of Shakira, and my friend got annoyed because she has issues with warbling lero lo le lo les and hip movements.
(4)
Johanna C.
I love Spanish tapas, so I was excited to try this nearby restaurant. But, I was quite disappointed. While the food wasn't awful, it wasn't good either. I thought all of the ingredients seemed cheap and packaged, especially given the price. Not worth a trip or the money.
(1)
Jessica L.
I love tapas and really like this place. We have been there twice, once with out of town guests. It was a great place to take out of towners. The atmosphere is cozy. We can walk here so it's definetly one of my favorites. I don't know that I would drive all the way across town, but... I wish they had a little bigger menu, but at least it wasn't overwhelming. We went to Cafe Baabareeba the following week and I thought Bull-eh-dia's was MUCH better! My favorites were: Queso de Cabra - I LOVE goat cheese. This was fantastic Carne en Tostada - the beef and manchego worked really well together Croquetas de Queso - little goat cheese fritters. HELLO??!! okay so I really like goat cheese
(4)
Crista L.
I enjoyed the atmosphere at this restaurant ((i was there on a Tuesday night)), the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. Moderately priced, in my opinion. In the event that I choose to go Tapas again, I would choose this place over Cafe Iberico any day. PS. fairly decent veg options -- although I watched my friends slam a ton of meat.
(4)
Stephanie M.
This is my favorite Tapas place outside of Spain. I think it has the most authentic food and atmosphere you can find. I have had almost everything on the menu and I go there at least once a month. My favorite dishes are the beef tostinis with blue cheese, the bacon wrapped dates, and spanish meatballs. Their sangira is out of this world good with a lot of delicious fruit.
(5)
Nicole A.
This is a great choice on a night you plan to visit the Music Box Theatre. The food was pretty good, I think I would come back but the prices seemed a little steep for the quality. I had a roast beet salad with goat cheese, onions and almonds; potatoes bravas; garlic shrimp, crostini with portabello mushrooms, manchego cheese and roasted red peppers, and cheese empanadas. The salad was delicious and had 3 giant slices of roast beet, the potatoes bravas is a tapas staple but did not disappoint. The cheese empanadas were the standout, they looked homemade by the way the dough was folded over - and if in fact they were that I am impressed because these suckers are very time consuming. The service was fine, the place was packed for a Sunday night and only the bartender was on duty, so she seemed swamped. I will back for round two next time I stop into the theatre.
(3)
Katie S.
I am a goat cheese fiend, and this place is like my own personal heaven. Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese? Um, YEAH... goat cheese fritters drizzled with honey and balsamic vinaigrette?? SI!!! Oh, and the other food is good too... I especially recommend the artichokes in citrus dressing and the plato de jamon.
(4)
Ryan S.
Had a wonderful experience her yesterday. Intimate, stylish, and great food. A little bit pricey for the local tapas scene, but the portions definitely make the price acceptable. Ingredients seemed very fresh and packed full of flavor. I had the pleasure of being waited on by one of the owners himself, and could not have had a better experience with the staff. I think his name was Tony... Anyways, great guy. Very friendly and had some wonderful recommendations that only made my dining experience even better. Recommendations: - House Wines (Great choices by the owners on this one! We were looking for something cheap so we got a bottle of their Spanish Chardonnay and enjoyed more then expected.) - Grilled Calamari - Bacon wrapped dates (HUGE)
(4)
Courtney B.
It was a Thursday night at 7pm and we were there in a group of 8 for a birthday dinner. We had met beforehand at HyeBar, practically next door, for a drink and then headed over. Not crowded at all.... lovely place, friendly waitress, no wait. We knew right away to get a couple pitchers of sangria (red)- not to be confused with "sangarita", which was on special and cheaper. Oops, oh well. What I loved about tapas places is staggering things out, ordering 2-3 things at a time over the course of a couple hours. The things that I would recommend and order again are: The Plate de Queso- Spanish cold cuts and Manchego cheese w Quince Gambas al Ajillo- garlic shrimp (we should have ordered two!) Queso de Cabra- baked goat cheese Patatas Bravas- spicy potatos (really good!) Datiles rellenos- goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (exceptional) Calamares a la Plancha- grilled calamari (large amount, very flavorful) Paella Bulerias-chicken and seafood paella (a must try! delicious) And the only thing I would not order again was the empanada. There was too much fried breading on it. Overall, a very tasty place! When you've got the time to really enjoy a long meal like this, it's fun to just relax with friends, have multiple pitchers of sangria and savor the flavors! I think each of us ordered at least 2-3 items each for the table to share. Our bill with tip was $44 pp.
(4)
Stu B.
If I could have any meal in Chicago (that I've had so far of course) it would be Bull-eh-Dia's Carne Casera. Fantastic. I've sampled a couple of the other dishes there and I've never been disappointed with any of them. The deserts? Perfect. Atmosphere is good. They do great with the small space they have.
(4)
Dori S.
YUMMY YUMMY GREAT FOR THE TUMMY I popped into Bull-eh-dia's early about 5 pm on a Sunday and was the only customer which kind of freaked me out. It also made me uncomfortable that throughout my meal the bartender went in the back to make my food and I kept hearing microwave beeping noises. But in the end, I don't know or care if the food was microwaved (which I doubt from the texture and flavor) it was excellent! The bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates are the stuff of dreams. Serioulsly, don't leave this life without eating these. The Carne en Tostada was tender and flavorful and the little herbed crostini it sat on was delish on its' own. The Patatas Bravas are very different than how they are served in Spain as you get 2 sauces on the side and you dip the potatoes into them. And ohhhhhh those potatoes! The potatoes are chopped then put in a bowl of water and seasoning to soak up the peppery flavoring. Then they are drained and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You could eat them without any sauce at all. But I really enjoyed mixing the 2 sauces together then dipping the potatoes into that mixture. I got the albodingas to go and had them for dinner. They were alright, I would not order them again. My martini was also rather forgettable but not bad. I think it was a lemon strawberry concoction but it tasted like water and vodka. The service was wonderful. The bartender/cook/waittress was warm and friendly and really made me feel at home. The ambience is soft, warm and very Spanish. Great story on the menu about the design contest they had to select a designer. Overall I would DEFINITELY go back to Bull-er-dias, probably next weekend.
(4)
Gamaliel E.
My buddy lives in the area so we tend to hit this place up when we are tired of Raw Bar, and do not want to wait forever to get into Tango Sur. I would totally recommend this place for drinks...and a couple of tapas as an appetizer. Only because I wasn't blown away by the food. My gambas al ajillo were over cooked.....the bacon wrapped dates were very good.......and most of the other dishes weren't very memorable. I did however, find the staff very helpful and friendly. Basically letting us know of the traditional Spanish drinks, and letting us get drunk at the bar. Oh, the staff was very attractive as well. I say go to Bull-ed-dias if you are tired of the typical bars found in this area. You'll find the the staff pleasant and the ambiance different than your regular bar in this area.
(3)
Sally O.
I'm thrilled to have this little Tapas place in my new neighborhood! For one, if you go, GET THE RIBS SPECIAL! The menu says it has "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness, and it doesn't lie! I can honestly see myself going and ordering three of those just for myself. :) The menu looked good enough that I'd love to return and try their other dishes. Plus, the service was super friendly. I'd recommend it!
(4)
Jo M.
I really like Bull-eh-dia's and am really going to try to make a point to go more often. The tapas are wonderful, the sangria's not bad, and I really like the ambience. I went here on a date after we couldn't stand the wait at Tango Sur. Tapas are great for a date! We had smoked salmon, steak on crostini, and the empanadas. All wonderful. I brought a friend back for girl's night and we had the garlic shrimp, empanadas, bacon wrapped dates and ricotta chicken. The chicken was "meh" but everything else was divine. Luscious, little bites. And very reasonable! Thought patio time has ended, it was really great to sit out on the patio. The layout is small and intimate inside. Love the lighting and ambient latin music! Definitely give Bull-eh-dia's a try!
(4)
Naomi b.
This was a real disappointment. It was very loud and crowded with barely enough room to pull out my chair without hitting the person sitting at the table behind us. They have a TV in the dining area, as opposed to just at the bar, which I always think is a big mistake. They were severely understaffed, so we didn't get very much attention. And finally, the food was incredibly mediocre, and as others have described it, bland. The asparagus was tasteless, the marinated artichokes could easily have been the canned or jarred variety, the tomato sauce/goat cheese was fine (but that's a hard one to mess up), and even the olives were just so-so. The sangria was too sweet and didn't seem to have much wine in it. No need to go back.
(1)
Stacey A.
I'm going to have to come back to this review later on and edit the living fuck out of it. But here's the quickie version: If you see something on this menu with goat cheese? Order it. Especially the figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped with bacon. Sweet merciful crap, greatest tapa decision of my LIFE. More later when I can remember what I ate. And apparently this is a newer restaurant? I'll have to come back next month and see how the service has improved, because they were running their little faces off on a Saturday night and looked pretty stressed. I'd like to see if they've smoothed things out at all.
(3)
Matt B.
My girlfriend and I ate here the other night and it was better than I thought it would be. I'm not trying to be a pretentious food critic, but I lived in Spain and tasted some pretty darn good tapas; and other than Cafe Iberico, tapas in Chicago has always been disappointing. We ordered: 1) Patatas Bravas- served hot and fresh, huge portion, and the sauces were lick the ramaken (sp?) worthy. 2) Beef on crostini with manchego cheese and roasted pepper. Delicious, fresh and ample portion for the price. 3) Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, aka heart-attack waiting to happen, these were out of this world. Only 4 were served in a $7 order, but they did me a favor by not putting any more on that plate considering I ate 3 of the 4. This place was fairly authentic, service was better than average (it was a Wednesday night) and the bill rang in under $30. My girlfriend had a glass of red sangria and seemed to have liked it. Our intention was to try more dishes after our first round, but we were too full.... I'd go back again, check it out if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)
Malia C.
I was planning a dinner out with friends for my birthday in June. I originally called Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas, but they do not take reservations for parties larger that 8 people unless it is before 5:30pm or after 10pm. What?! Didn't make any sense to me, so I instead made my reservation at Bull-eh-Dia who gladly took my 11 person reservation for Friday night - and I'm glad they did, because it was great! Our group decided to just order a few things here and there and share everything. The waiter was patient while we waited everyone to arrive, and was quick with drink refills. The food was awesome - I remeber loving nearly everything that came out of that kitchen - and we ordered alot! I loved the fried potatoes, and the octopus was the most tender and delicious octopus i've ever had. Our group ordered lots of drinks, and lots of food and we were all stuffed by the time the bill came - and it ended up being only about $27/person! I'd reccomend Bull-eh-Dia to anyone looking for tapas in Chicago, definitely before Ba-Ba-Reeba who I would imagine would be their main competition. Friendly and Efficient Service Great Atmosphere Creative and Delicious Tapas Reasonable Prices
(5)
Melissa C.
I absolutely loved Bulerias Tapas Bar and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants to have a good time with their family and friends. Bulerias offers a fun, vibrant, and clean environment. My favorite tapas are hands down the Gambas al Ajilla (yuuuuuuuum!), Bacon Wrapped Dates, Carne Casera, and the Croquetas de Pollo. Also, their sangria is on point. Drink a few of these and you are sure to have a great time :) Their servers are all professional and very sweet! The owner (I think her name is Mariena) was so accommodating and it was a great experience to be greeted by her and checked on during our meal. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Amanda M.
More of a 3.5. Had reservations right before 6pm Saturday for a large group (14?). We were seated downstairs and we pretty much had a personal server for the rest of the night. She was awesome...super friendly and patient with us especially as we weren't the tamest of all. She was even very kind at the end when we thought there was an issue with the bill, when we eventually realized it was our mistake all along. Service was definitely spot on. Food came out at appropriate times and we were always tended to. Food, however, was on the disappointing and mediocre side. The empanadas and paella in particular were quite lackluster. Even the bacon wrapped dates (while still good in itself) were kinda off. The only item that was memorable (out of half the menu that we tried) were the baby back ribs which had a real nice sauce to it. The spicy chicken was quite flavorful but there was a lot more potatoes than chicken in the dish. Overall, the food wasn't bad but there's definitely much better. Service, however, was muy bueno. Decor and ambiance were pretty cool. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(3)
Dan R.
Visited this place with a group of friends. I really enjoyed everything. The location is the only bummer for me. I would probably come here more often if it wasn't so far... West town needs a place like this ( hint!*) The batatas bravas were amazing ( spicy!).
(4)
Amanda S.
So amazing! Yes, tapas are expensive but this plus has deals. Just make sure to sign up for the texts/e-mails. We stopped in for the Tuesday Sangria special. Each pitcher was half off, making them $12 a piece. It's hard to tell how many glasses each had since the glass never got to the bottom without refilling, but I would guess 6 glasses each. We got one pitcher of red and white, and the mix was fantastic. I would definitely recommend that to a table needing two pitchers. As far as tapas, our eyes were bigger than our stomach but between 4 of us we had a total of 7(?) tapas and that was definitely plenty! Below are ratings out of 5: Alcachofas Castellanas- 4; These were excellent. Tons of artichokes and sauteed veggies. The only thing missing was something to eat this with. Luckily we asked for a basket of bread which made a good dish. Montaditos de Setas- 3; There was some flavor lacking in this dish. We ordered it with the manchego cheese but everything seemed very plain. Patatas Bravas- 5; These were AH-MAZING. They came in a huge bowl and two dipping sauces. They had a little kick to them but it was a perfect compliment to the two sauces. These are a MUST get! Croquetas de Queso- 4; I've had these at a different tapas bar and I did prefer them there. These were still pretty good. You get 5 and they are a little bit bigger than a half dollar. The balsamic and honey are a perfect compliment to goat cheese. Calamares a La Romana- 4; Although your run of the mill calamari, this was really well done and a good portion. Again, the sauces made a perfect compliment. Empanadas con Chorizo- 3; This was probably my least favorite. The empanadas were just OK, but chorizo can be that way. The two sauces, avocado and red pepper was also short of some flavor. I would pass on these next time. We ended the night with dessert and I have no idea the name but it gets a 5+. It was a blend of brownie and cheesecake with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was a huge portion and able to feed all 4 of us (see pic). I can't wait to come back for some other tapas and to try out another special.
(5)
Adrienne T.
I would come back. I think my whole party was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was. I think what made the food even more tasty was that we left Bulerias leaving quite full and it only cost us 35 a person with drinks, tax and tip. Not bad for a Saturday evening out. We ordered over ten dishes, first being the asparagus soup. The pureed goodness was quite delicious. I even debated getting an order to go. Some of the dishes that really stood out were: Pollo a la Brava - Although it states on the menu that can be a quite spicy dish, I didn't think it was that bad. However, I did think that it was mighty flavorful. I enjoyed the patatas below the mixture of chicken. We actually mixed the two together to get a nice crunch effect. - If you decide to order patatas bravas, don't. You get a nice sampling with this dish. Albondigas Espanolas - Quite tangy and sweet - Take the consistency of a swedish meatball and add a nice tangy/sweet sauce on top. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this dish. Overall, I would come back. They have wonderful pitchers of Sangria and the food was well portioned for the price.
(4)
Adriana N.
We ordered two orders of Potatoes and they were EXTREMELY spicy! We asked if we could get a new order OR at least take one of the orders back, but management REFUSED! THEY LOST CUSTOMERS OVER POTATOES!
(2)
Elise K.
I've been a few times to Bulerias and we generally enjoy the food. There are a lot of great things on the menu -- pulpo (octopus) is a favorite, though their squid is sometimes a bit overcooked. In the summer, the gaspacho was FANTASTIC! We hope they bring in back on the menu. On our most recent visit, though, it was a little disappointing. We called ahead to make sure we'd be able to get a table. They gave us a little bit of a run-around, but when we arrived there were tables waiting. We were first led to the downstairs dining room (which we like a lot -- nice decoration, warm and inviting). Though there were open tables, they told us to wait at the bar -- so we waited there for about 2 minutes and were about to order a drink when they told us that actually our table was upstairs. So upstairs we went -- where it is louder and colder. They sat us at a table sandwiched in between three groups of VERY loud ladies. We asked to move and we were seated just one table to the side... a bit disappointing because it would have been nice to be able to talk to my husband on date night rather than hearing all the other women's conversations with each other -- namely about birth control. I also was a bit disappointed when I looked at all the coupons I had been saving through email and they all expire within 7 days of the email -- bummer! We had some sangria on this visit. We like it a lot, but they refilled my husband's glass 3 times and never mine, then took the pitcher away. I prefer to be able to pour my own drink or at least get the last bit from the pitcher, since the fruit is just sitting in all the wine! We also had an issue because it was so loud that the waiter didn't understand our order (I had pointed to it on the menu). So some crab cakes that we didn't order showed up. They had to check with three people to 'allow' us not to have them. Then when we got the bill, they were on there, along with the dish we were supposed to get! So we had to get the bill corrected as well. Finally, we really have enjoyed their patas bravas in the past. This time they pre-mixed the spicy sauce into the potatoes so they were squishy and kind of gross -- as well as much too spicy. We couldn't even eat them. It still not a bad place, but I think we'll explore some other tapas places before going back!
(3)
Wayne H.
Our experience at Bulerias wasn't the best. The people sitting at the table next to us were all drunk, screaming, and singing. I understand having a good rowdy time, but I don't usually expect this at a formal dining tapas bar, especially when I wanted to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner with my girlfriend. I normally wouldn't fault the place for this but the staff didn't do anything to try and calm them down. I know they have to be accommodating to all their customers, but they didn't even ask them to tone it down. The other unusual part of the evening is the waitress or bus help, would keep clearing/taking our napkins away while we were still eating or expecting more tapas. That would be okay if they brought us new ones, but they didn't and we would have to keep asking for new ones as soon we realized our previous ones were stolen. The food was okay. Nothing is worth mentioning. I probably won't dine here again.
(2)
Dr. L. C.
I really wanted this place to be amazing. We live close by. Their patio looks so nice and it would be nice to have something in the area that was nicer... but not here. Although requesting a 4 top table and not a 2 top at 7.45pm we were seated at a 2 top. I asked to be moved as we were directly across from a couple with a 3 year old child at a 4 top and I don't like being around kids while I eat. The hostess (who was not rude, but definitely not inviting, accommodating or friendly) told us there was no where else. There were 9 other tables... whatever. The patio furniture appears to have bought at Costco or something. The chairs sit way back and the tables have no where to put your feet. Basically I was smashed into a 2 top table with no where to put my legs, and could not move back because another table and chair was there. It was odd and uncomfortable at best. The food was fine. Besides the waitress, who was very nice but seemed a bit unsure of herself, the service was very good. Almost bordering on annoying as we had 5 different people coming around every 3 minutes asking if we were OK and if we needed something. We finally told them that we were going to just sit for a while and we were ok. I get it, I've worked in hospitality... but when it's basically the end of dinner on a nice day it's OK for us to sit here and enjoy. Especially since there were 9 open tables. The food tasted like trader joes appetizers. The crab cakes were very good... but nothing we will be craving for. After eating our meal with the random child I had asked to be moved from running wild and screeching, I was dismayed as we were leaving 2 woman were sat in the middle of the patio, away from everyone... at a 4 top. Just a tip to the wait staff... don't serve obviously pregnant woman sangria. My husband and I were appalled to see you refilling the 8 month pregnant ladies glass 5 times. If she wants to ruin her kids life that's fine, but don't let her do it at your establishment. That's just trashy. To top it all off, I signed up for their coupons via email, they have texted me 7 times in under 24 hours the same thing... twice at 3 am yesterday... I responded to stop and I still am getting them.
(1)
Mat M.
I dined here a couple months ago with a friend who was keen to check it out. It was Saturday afternoon and around lunch time - and we were the only ones there for a good half hour. The food was actually really decent - and the staff was very friendly. I hope they get busier - because it will really help with the atmosphere. My go-to Tapas restaurant is Bar-Ba-Reeba!
(3)
Dan L.
I went to this place with high hopes, but left feeling with a so so feeling. This place has a weird layout and you almost feel on top of the people next to you. Hostess was up at the bar because it was to cold on the lower level. Service was just not that good. Waiter barely spoke to us, forgot two of our tapas dishes and seemed to have too many tables. For our grilled shrimp and then our beef skewer we knew he forgot and never apologized. We did end up getting them 30 min later as our table was bare of any food and I think he finally caught on. Food was good. A couple of dishes weren't so great ( skip the potatoes in garlic mayo ) but the bacon wrapped scallops over spinach was our fave. I would go 3.5 star and maybe I'll go back as their menu is huge and there is a lot to try.
(3)
Ben B.
Guys, no. I love tapas, but Bulerias has to be some kind of joke. Everything here tastes like it was frozen. Let's start with the sangria. This tastes like some sort of fruit punch from concentrate. It's probably the worst sangria I've ever had. I had several glasses and got zero buzz. That was my first warning sign. * Carne Casera ($9.90) - Pan-seared steak and homemade fried potatoes topped with a red wine and herb reduction. The steak itself was extremely thin. In flavor and texture, it reminded me of Burger King meat patties. I'm 90% sure the "homemade fried potatoes" were dumped out of an Ore-Ida bag. * Empanadas con Chorizo ($8.95) - Homemade pastry puff stuffed with imported Spanish chorizo, served with an avocado and red pepper vinaigrette. Forgettable and dry, like Hot Pocketsâ„¢. * Pollo al Ajillo ($7.65) - Marinated chicken grilled, sauteed in garlic, roasted red pepper and sweet vermouth over homemade fries. This tasted like some kind of bad stir fry dish from a Chinese restaurant. The chicken came in such small nuggets, and there were very few of them. Huge disappointment. * Patatas Bravas ($6.75) - Spicy potatoes. Should be a slam-dunk at any tapas restaurant. These tasted identical to all the other potatoes on the menu, except these got sprayed in some kind of hot sauce. I liked the flavor, but not the texture. (Again, they tasted like overcooked frozen potato chunks from Jewel.) I've had better at every other tapas joint. I should also mention that Bulerias is *loud.* I was seated upstairs and I had a very hard time hearing my dining companions. Also, the serving plates are enormous and there's very little room on the table. I also went the entire meal without having my very tiny dining plate switched out. If I'm eating lots of different things over a few hours, you'd think I wouldn't want them all mixing together to preserve the flavor purity. If you are thinking of hitting a tapas joint, I strongly encourage you to go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Everything there is VASTLY superior to Bulerias. (And they provide you with a stack of fresh plates on your table so you can decide when it's time for a clean one. Nice touch.)
(2)
Bridget T.
Being Spanish from Spain and recently moved to Chicago from Southern California, I have been in search of Spanish food! Excited to come here because it was close to my home, I have mix feelings about the food. The traditional patatas bravas was great! It had the right amount of spice with a side of aoli which complemented the flavor. On the other hand, I had the albondigas and it was horrible! The meat was overly cook and the rice was over cooked! The sangria although was great!
(4)
Laura G.
The service is really great. I would give five stars for how nice the servers were. However, the food is far from traditional and exciting. A lot of their food is accompanied by unnecessary sauces. We ordered filete de la falda con camarones. The flank steak was delicious but the sauce it came with tasted like BBQ sauce. The shrimp are precooked and I could have done without them. We also ordered datiles and the datiles are not fresh they seemed to be candied already. The sangria is pretty great. So one star for great service and one star for great sangria.
(2)
Carol K.
Tapas. While every place has "shareable plates" these days, the places that I still love the best are places like Bulerias who make tapas the wonderful experience it is meant to be. If you haven't noticed, Bulerias has moved from its Southport location to a new, contemporary space located at the corner of Ashland and Waveland. Perfect for sitting outside sipping some sangria and forgetting about life for just a little while (which is exactly what we did on our recent visit) Our server, Manuel, was great and we gave him carte blanche on what to bring us as any decision was going to be too tough for us to comtemplate. After asking us if we ate everything (and we do) he was off to create the perfect dinner for us. As we sat, talked and sipped some amazing sangria (we had the red but they also have white) the food appeared as if by magic, perfectly timed so that our small table was never crowded and we never felt rushed. First up, some kind of fried cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar and honey. Mmmmm . . . .the perfect dish to go with our sangria. Next up, 3 more delicious plates ranging from artichokes with peppers, steak with potatoes and a chicken kabob. And for dessert, a lovely tiramasu which was so large we couldn't even finish it. I loved the warmth of the people who work here. My friend lives in the neighborhood so everyone stopped by to say hi to him and even the manager came over to make sure our evening was just the way we wanted it . . .and it was! If you drive- there is usually street parking available on Ashland or Waveland. Dinner for two with drinks was very reasonable at around $70. And the manager told us that starting in the Fall, they are going to have live music and flamenco dancers so be sure to watch for that! A perfect evening with warm temperatures, a soft breeze, great company and food and drink that was just right. Funny how sometimes the simple pleasures are the best!
(4)
Lucy F.
Each dish was disappointing in its own way: asparagus was doused in entirely too much balsamic; scallops were way over-cooked, potatoes bravas sauce was the wrong consistency; crab cakes might has well have been out of the Trader Joe's freezer aisle. Televisions were obnoxiously displaying syndicated sitcoms and Sportscenter. If you're not airing an event and don't have the sound on, couldn't you just turn them off and let guests enjoy their dinner? Our server was gracious and attentive, enough so to save it from a two-star (or worse) experience; still, we won't be back.
(3)
Jessica Y.
It was my first time dining here and it didn't disappoint! I've been meaning to go here for the longest time since it is on the way home from work. It's located on Ashland where I would't find myself going out in this area. Parking is easy on the side street or on Ashland. I made a reservation for a Friday night online. It was easy and I wanted to make sure I got a patio table. The seats were so comfortable with their patio pillows. Perfect place for a date night or night out with friends. We ordered all our food and drinks from the beginning and everything came out so promptly. Red Sangria with brandy is a must! A pitcher is sufficient for 2 people to have 2 glasses. Portions are bigger than most tapas places. Our waiter Jose was so friendly and personable. He gave solid recommendations and hope he serves us next time we come!
(4)
Alan B.
I was anxious to find a new tapas spot closer to home and was happy I found this place. Went with my young lady last night. It was very nice: attentive service, somewhat knowledgeable servers, reasonably inexpensive tapas for a reasonable price. We had the olive dish, pulpo ala plancha, calamari ala plancha, a carne dish with peppers and I had a pitcher of mango Sangria. The pulpo, carne and calamari were all excellent. The potatoes were okay. They bring all the plates out too soon; I wish they spread it out a little more. The mango Sangria was a little week and too sweet for my taste but overall it was a great meal and a great atmosphere.
(4)
Erica L.
Was excited to try a new tapas place closer to home. The place has an interesting layout, you walk in and have to walk around and up a flight of stairs to the bar and seating area. There is additional more roomier seating located in the basement level along with the restrooms. We were seated across from the bar - the tables were rather narrow and high-seated and only had 3 seats per table, which I though was a little weird. I wish the tables were bigger and wider to accommodate all the tapas we'd be ordering, but it ended up okay based on the flow of the dishes. The service was super friendly! They were patient with us since our friend was running 35 minutes late, and would check on us periodically without hovering. We decided to order the cheese empanadas while we waited. They were just the right size for 2 people (5 pieces) and hand great dipping sauces (the avocado was better than the red pepper). For the main meal, we shared an order of the Patatas Bravas with the spicy sauce on the side; the Albongdias Espanolas (Spanish Meatballs); Datiles (Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese); and the Pulpo a la Planca (Grilled Octopus). My favorite were the empanadas followed by the crispy potatoes and the octopus. I like how the spicy sauce can be ordered on the side for those not able to handle too much spice. The dates were also very good. The meatballs were overly seasoned and the herbs were overwhelming. They were my least favorite dish. For dessert, the staff was nice enough to give a special birthday caramel flan complete with a lighted candle. They even sang Happy Birthday with us. It was a huge portion, big enough for the 3 of us. It was delicious, especially the surrounding red wine chocolate sauce. Thanks for making our friend's birthday memorable!
(3)
Louise A.
This is one of my favorite tapas bar:) delicious food and sangria is really good. They also have flamenco show some days
(5)
Mark Y.
You know u have a great restaurant when every item is sooo good... Something as simple as a flaun done so so well. With cool trip hop and Ibizan lounge grooves. Perfectly satisfied but not miserable like the usual heavy meals.
(4)
Julie C.
Love this place! I've lived in and visited Spain a number of times, so I can be a tough critic of tapas restaurants, but this one has never disappointed. They also have great live music and specials that make is easy to return to often.
(5)
Nicole M.
Decided to try this place on a whim last Saturday and ended up very pleasantly suprised. We were thrown off a little but when we got seated in the basement, although cute it was tight and loud. Once the delish sangria came we were all set and understood why everyone was so loud and excited to be here. The food was supreme, we had spicy potatoes, chorizo empanadas and spare ribs, too much food but really yummy and decent prices. The service is unparalleled to any other place in the city and probably what set them apart the most. Not only was our waiter super attentive and constantly refilling our classes but the hostess even came back to check on us periodically. its'incredibly rare to find this dedication and service level in Chicago. My husband even said he likes this place better than BaBaReeba, wow! We will be regulars.
(5)
tr y.
What a pleasant little treat this place is for food. We did the beef carpaccio, the esparragos al vapor and had some nice cocktails while Ashland Tire & auto fixed our flat because Chicago has huge shitty potholes all over. Great outside dining great service and clean! Treat yourself to this neighborhood gem!
(4)
Yolanda E.
I went here on a whim. We were looking for a new tapas restaurant near my place. We drove past and said why not. It was a pleasant surprise! The place is gorgeous and it felt like we were not in Chicago. We were seated right away ad lead to the downstairs of the restaurant. There where families and large groups. They where accommodating as far as seating ( we didn't want to sit next to a large group) the ambiance is romantic with candle light. We had the pitcher of red sangria that was great! (added a shot of Bourbon!!) Must try! I have a gluten allergy but was able to eat most of the dishes. We had the Chicken Brava it was spicy but I love spicy so it was perfect. We also had the grilled octopus and the beef skewers. Both where delicious! It was a bit on the pricer side and the portions we a bit small for what they were priced at. One great surprise what that they had gluten free Beer!! One thing I loved was that the owner took the time to great us. She is very pleasant and passionate about her restaurant. I will be coming again and suggest you try this place out. I would give them 5 stars but the portion to the price ratio needs improvement.
(4)
Maria T.
100% recommended. I Went there yesterday with my Boyfriend and the room downstairs it is pretty romantic. Worth to try the Sangria with Brandy. I'm going back next Sunday for the Flamenco Show!
(5)
Tom H.
Love the new space! The old place was cute but this is definitely an upgrade. The tapas is fantastic. My wife and I eat there pretty often as we are lakeview dining junkies. The staff is super friendly and since we've become somewhat regulars the owner often stops by to say hi and check on the dining experience. Our answer is always fantastic! The opened an outdoor space late in the season this year, but can't wait for next year and warm summer nights out on their patio. Seems so far away... :(
(5)
Orlando P.
We wanted to try this place for a while now since we live just across from wrigley field and every time we drove towards wear waveland, this place seemed inviting and the reviews were not too bad. We went today, at around 4:30 pm. It wasn't a busy time. There were a few people seated outside no one inside. We decided to dine inside. We were seated promptly by the bar. It took a little while for anyone to come up and take out drink order. When someone finally came out he seemed to have an attitude, I don't know why and he seemed like he was rushing us to order. We order pitcher of sangria, and a couple of tapas to start. The sangria was actually really good, but they really can't get it wrong since they use Dailey's mixers for their white and red sangria. I saw them mixing it at the bar. There is almost no wine in either the red or white sangria. We got our tapas. I was not a fan of the goat cheese (queso de cabra) the marinara sauce was very orangey... It tasted ok. Patatas oli oli were just. The potatoes seemed a little hard. We ordered the chicken croquettes, and those were also ok... Actually, that was the best plate but it needed more flavor they were a little too flat. We wanted to order a second round of tapas, but we were almost being ignored while a neighbor table was getting all the attention. The waiter finally came out and at that point I didn't want anything else. There were a lot of plates on our table and it was very neglected. So, we ended up trying a steak tapa just to try the steak. I asked for napkins since we had none at our table after a little while they finally brought them. They kept brining good out until he realized he had forgotten out last tapa.... After a while we finally got it. And it was just ok. Overall, from my experience it will take a lot of effort and good will to come back here. The food is way overpriced, the portions are way too small and the service just sucked. Do your selves a favor, when you want tapas, go to a more traditional place, like Cafe Iberico, Mercat, Valencia or Emilio's. It really hurt paying for the food here. For my first experience I almost regret having considered coming here. The place has some potential and it's very pretentious. Not happy about having dined here at all.
(1)
Carmen G.
The waiter was great! The food was very good. Service was on point! Will definitely go back again!
(5)
Oriana S.
I have been here numerous times and I have never been dissapointed. Food is Amazing. Beef dishes are my favourites but there is plenty on the Menu for everyone, Datiles (dates) are also a must!. Ambiance is pretty nice, with good backround music and candles in all the tables. Staff are really friendly. Fully recomended!
(5)
Humberto Omar M.
I met a friend for dinner and my very first time here, amazing location and close by. Easy to get to either driving and by public transportation. Warm ambience, love the decor, great food and the sangria is amazing. The staff is friendly and top notch. I have new location to have a good time with great food. Perfect for groups and for two people. This is my second time having tapas, I will return soon. A much closer location then downtown is always a plus. I will return very soon. I recommend this location for great food and ambience. 5 stars and more.
(5)
Bethany K.
Delicious food, generous portions, great service - such a fun night!!
(5)
Saro O.
MEH is how I felt leaving this place. It's cramped, the food is over-priced, and nothing but the salad (yes, the salad) had any flavor that made me take notice. The goat cheese smothered in honey just killed the taste of both things. TOO MUCH! I prefer a tapas place that is trying to give you something with each plate. After four plates we felt we got what they had to offer. And they were too expensive to try any more. All service people seemed gormless and tired. They were at the table four or five times to see if we wanted to order more but nowhere to be seen when plates needed to be picked up. Our table for two was too small for a tapas place anyway, given the number of plates you are expected to have on it. So many other and better places for TAPAS.
(2)
Danny A.
We would go here again. The baked goat cheese in marinara and the beet salad were the highlights of our meal. If you do order the beet salad make sure to ask for light dressing. Some things are very spicy so make sure to ask about that to. Good service. Overall a very good place.
(4)
Justin P.
I've been to most of the tapas places in the city and Bulerias compares favorably in terms of price and ambiance. The food was fantastic, so I give them high marks here. The only drag was the waiter left for long periods of time which annoyed me a lot. But I'd come back again for the food!
(4)
Mery T.
I love this place, the service is really excellent and the food delicious! I recommend to try come this place !
(5)
Lino G.
Great place! Food is really tasty! Worth a visit for a nice dinner! Make sure you try the Mix Grill.The Waitress was gorgeous and really friendly!
(5)
Emma K.
I haven't been to any tapas resataurants in Chicago besides Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (which is definitely in my top 3 favorite restaurants), so I was excited to try Bull-eh-dia's last night for dinner. They definitely gave Ba-Ba-Reeba a run for their money! BF and I had a groupon which was $15 for $30. I told the waiter about our groupon as we sat down, and he was great about explaining what was and was not included. (Not included were drinks, desserts, paella, and one of the specials - the Filete). The waiter recommended 2 tapas per person, so we got 2 to share and one for each of us. We shared the Patatas Bravas and the Dates. I was SO excited for the Patatas Bravas since this is the first place I've been to in the U.S. that serves both sauces - the aioli and the brava sauce - as they did when I studied abroad in Barcelona. While there was nothing bad about the dish, it was surprisingly my least favorite of everything we ordered. Also, the portion was HUGE! We also shared the bacon wrapped dates which are never bad, but seemed to be especially good here. I got the Croquetas de Queso which were AMAZING! Goat cheese and balsamic vinegar are two of my favorite things in the world, and so I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. The BF got the Empanadas de Queso which he really enjoyed. I only tried a small piece of these since we already had so much food, but loved them as well. I would totally order them if (more like when!) we go back. The portion on this dish was huge too - I think there were 5 decent sized Empanadas. The BF announced that he would go back as soon as we left the restaurant which is saying a lot since he is not the biggest tapas fan. I happily agreed (and not just because I had two glasses of delicious sangria at that point). I wavered between 4 and 5 stars for this review, but found my mouth watering too much just thinking about it to slight them!
(5)
Linda C.
This place is wonderful. I've been here a few times already and the food has been phenomenal each time. Great hidden gem in the city. My only issue is that it is a little awkward walking in because the host/hostess isn't always at the front. The bar area is elevated and hidden behind a wall and the dining area is downstairs, so it's not very clear which direction to go when you walk in. Other than that I've had nothing but pleasant experiences here. The Patatas Bravas are a staple and so delicious. I've had the Empanadas de Queso, Pollo Ajillo, Pollo a la Brava, Esperragos, Ensalada de Remolacha, Paella and so much more and have not been disappointed with the food. Each dish has a unique flavor and even the simplest dish is delicious and presented beautifully. The overall feel of the restaurant is more authentic than other tapas places in the city and the the service is prompt and respectful. Also, I love that they host flamenco shows. I wish the space were bigger to better accommodate guests and the band, but it is great that they can offer authentic live music and dancing while you dine.
(5)
Jen K.
This place had a really relaxed atmosphere. Dimly lit and decorated fairly modernly. Tables were a little tight but not uncomfortable. MOST of the food that we ordered was good. The plates came out one by one. I know these were tapas but the servings were pretty minimal. We found ourselves having to cut things in half to make sure everyone got some. The empanadas were not that great. Goat cheese was very good. There were seven of us and the bill was about $30 a person. I would try it again.
(3)
Christine M.
Close to my work... Surprise date nite. My first time there we ordered 4 plates and 2 desserts. We sat at the bar... Food was good. However, the main dining area has an awkward layout, making it difficult to maneuver....tables are right on top of each other. The restrooms are on the lower level. This space is laid out much better than the upper. I'm not sure if the lower level is ADA accessible. Attentive wait staff, themed decor and friendly service.
(3)
Peter S.
As far as Tapas goes, you can do MUCH better for the same cost. Even Ba Ba Reeba is better than this and I've always thought that could be beat hands down by Iberico. Gambas - eh, small shrimp with little flavor except the garlic oil, Beef with papetas - tasted like brown gravy from an envelop on top. Empanadas - like they were from a box. Asparagus with manchego - not cooked enough and i get manchego at costco all the time. So, sure, it was edible but when all was said and done we were $100 lighter and $0 satisfied. As for service, it was more the annoying, clear-your-plate-while-you-are-still-chewing-your-Âlast-bite hovering type of service. At one point the waiter cleared my napkin while i had a tapas in my hand and left me with only my jeans to clean my fingers. Did i mention they had five TV's with soccer and cycling? whats that about? sports bar/tapas?!? sorry, but we won't be returning.
(2)
David C.
My girlfriends and I meet after work once a month and I had heard about this place so we decided to check it out. I am always looking for new tapas places. Upon walking in, I was overwhelmed by the set up...you face a wall because it is a two-floor bar sitting area with thin tables and small chairs. The TV blasts their daily specials and it all seemed very commercialized which was disappointing. However, the food was pretty good. We had the empanada de queso, pulpo ala plancha, and the datiles rellenos. The highlight was the albondigas and the low point was the patatas bravas. We ended things with some mango and peach sangria which was alright. Overall a good experience but too commercialized for my taste.
(3)
Laura C.
It could have been the sangria, or the company, or the beautiful sunny day that turned our meal into a celebration of flavors. Each dish (a touch on the small side) was packed with spice and color with inventive specials like the squid ink paella. Service was friendly and the peach sangria was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. It packs a punch, so keep that in mind before you order the pitcher. Physically, the space is small, but not cramped. Drink enough sangria, and you'll feel like you're on Las Ramblas.
(4)
Rafael G.
This place SUCKS! The food is not fresh and everything is from a box specially there empanadas. The service is horrible and they don't know that they are doing there. I was in the restroom and ran into the chef and after he was done doing his thing he just walked out with out washing his hands. I came in waited to be seated for almost 7 minutes while the host was in the bar watching the soccer game. Don't waste your time eating here this place sucks and the service is horrible. I bet you can get better service and better quality of food at McDonalds. I gave it one star cause you have to but this place is not even worth one star, maybe -5 stars.
(1)
Jen P.
I don't know why this place has so many bad reviews! I thought that the service was awesome and the tapas were delicious. Possibly a little expensive for what it is, and did not love the sangria, but I will definitely be back soon. Very cute place, I was impressed.
(5)
Tina N.
The handy Yelp app on my Hubby's phone brought us to this little gem. We were in the area and were starving so we figured we would give it a shot. We walked a few blocks to get here so we would have been seriously disappointed if it were anything less then 4 stars. We were greeted & sat right away. The server/bartender made us a new drink he has never tried before & it turned out terrific. The food started coming out and all I have to say is, DELICIOUS! Everything was hot, fresh and perfectly cooked. By then end of the meal, I was too full to even move. Thankfully we were able to walk it off heading back to the car. If I had to say something bad about this place, it would be that it isn't close enough to my house. Cannot wait to return! This is going on the favorite's ever list!
(5)
Monseur N.
This place was wonderful! I brought in a group of 6 others on a Saturday night. We had reservations but still needed to wait about 30 minutes, I wasn't the slightest bit upset, they were so over the top polite about the inconvenience. Then the FOOD, it was so delicious and quick to come out. We ordered in many rounds and were not dispointed with any of the entrees. The steak and blue cheese on crostini was fantastic! The drinks were just as good and the overall feel of the place was great. Towards later in the evening the music got a little louder and the lights dimmer, maybe not the best during dinner but it was a Saturday night and didn't deter us from coming back in at all. Great place, great prices!
(5)
Marita P.
I had so much fun! I went with two friends and we were curious about the restaurant about their Spanish food and it was really good. The customer service is great! Yes it is loud for some people and the tables close to each other but for your information most of the restaurants European or Argentinean are like that and I think it is great, it is social and fun, with a young spirit I am from Argentina and I really recommended.!
(5)
Angela N.
The worse! We placed the order through Grub Hub and because they didn't deliver to Andersonville I picked up the order. Once I arrived it took them literally 15 minutes to process my credit card. After getting the food home less than 5-7 min the paella was mushy(rice) and devoid of shrimp and I could count the pieces of chicken~the mussels were tasty. I cannot even remember the rest of the order because it was that bad. We called immediately to report our horribly experience where we were told by Jose that the entire order would be credited. Three weeks later we still haven't received the credit for horrible service and disgusting food. SAVE YOUR MONEY,INTESTINES,AND TIME!
(1)
Scarlett M.
We had a wonderful experience here. We had a party of seven and had a beautiful and quiet table. Our server was so attentive and considerate. The food was delicious. This was my first Tapas experience and I loved it. I didn't try anything I didn't care for with the exception of the potato omelet, but that's only because I don't care for onion! Every sauce was delicious! My friends had the mango sangria and said it was good and not too sweet. I highly recommend this charming place.
(5)
Kelly A.
I have mixed reviews on about this place. On the night we came (a weekday night) the service was just odd. It seemed like there were only two people working in the front of the house and together, juggling the jobs of host/hostess, server, and bartender, and it showed. It meant the experience of waiting for a table was less than enjoyable because at times it felt that we had been forgotten about. We almost considered walking out because it was so unclear what was going on and if we would ever get to sit. I'm not sure if this was a fluke because someone called in sick, but this place would definitely benefit from a dedicated roles in the front of house because the experience as it was was stressful for a guest and made me question the professionalism of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, if a restaurant is good I expect to wait, but I like to know I haven't been forgotten about. Honestly this is an instance where an apology about the confusion would have gone a long way. Thankfully, this place redeemed itself with the food. We ordered quite a few things off the menu and everything we had was delicious, flavorful and well prepared. We had and loved the Croquetas de Queso, Datiles, and Empanadas. The sangria was also refreshing and getting it by the pitcher made for an affordable option. And thankfully, once we were sitting down the service was much, much better. The food came out quickly, almost a little too quickly because we felt a bit rushed when eating. Overall I'd give this place a second chance. I do think the food was tasty, but the experience prior to sitting almost convinced us to go elsewhere.
(3)
Mark W.
Excellent tapas! The service was great and paced with each dish following the next. Comfortable and cozy ambiance. We'll be back
(5)
Erika W.
I've been here twice in the last 2 weeks. The food and Sangria are amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and we had great service.
(5)
Frances B.
I really love this place. It is such a cute, little romantic atmosphere and has yummy, yummy tapas and sangria. It's a great date or group spot. My favorites thus far have been: patatas bravas (so addicting), empanadas, Croquetas de pollo, Croquet's de Queso (really amazing), Esparragos al Vapor (steamed asparagus w/ cheese and other delicious things), Pincho de Pollo and Carne y Tostada. They're small so make reservations on weekends. Salud!
(4)
Jenny L.
4 stars for great service and atmosphere!! The waiter was polite and attentive, he knew the menu very well and suggested some plates. The place was lively and had a good amount of guests. We were seated upstairs which felt a little crammed, but the seating downstairs by the bathroom definitely looked more comfortable... I would recommend sitting downstairs. The food on the other hand was more like 2 1/2 stars. It was not as good as other tapas places I've been to.. The empanadas were probably the best, however I can see myself coming back.
(4)
Roxann R.
I went here (Bulerias) to join my friends bday celebration. When the food we ordered was served, I was offended at how small the portions were. The prices on Tapas are quite high and the portions are extremely small. For example, the Pincho, I got one stick ( had only 4 pieces of meat on it)for nearly 10 dollars. It should be at least 2 sticks of meat. I have been to many Tapa places to dine and this place has been a dissapointment. Be ready to have a heavy bill and an empty stomach. This made me appreciate Cafe Iberico so much more. I will be taking my friends to Cafe Iberico for now on.
(1)
Michelle E.
Hands-down one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Great food. Most authentic tapas in Chicago. Cute decor. Downstairs area makes you feel like you are sitting in a Barcelona bar. Friendly staff. I've gone here with big groups of 20 people, with other couples, with girlfriends and with just my husband and every time has been a great experience.
(5)
Kevin H.
Stopped in for a snack and a drink. The empanadas were okay and the service was excellent. The problem was who thought out the seating arrangement. I sat at the bar and proceeded to have someone bump into me every five seconds. Very annoying. Either get rid of the bar or the tables behind them. Maybe I will try them again, but sit at a table. DO NOT SIT AT THE BAR if people are seated at the table behind.
(2)
Joanna B.
The tapas were really very good. Hard to find authentic Spanish food and this was quite lovely. The atmosphere is a bit noisy and the physical layout is poor - very chopped up with tables very crowded on each other. The downstairs dining area is nice but was not open when my friends and I were there. We had two beef dishes and a chicken plate, which was the highlight of the three. The chicken came with saffron rice and carmelized onions and was marinated to perfection - great flavor and so tender!!! The first meat dish Carne Casira was much better then the Carne Tostadas but both were tender and tasty. Would have given a higher rating if the environs were better. Our service was really quite good and the wait staff were very responsive to our needs. Try it and see for yourself - definitely worth going at least once!!
(3)
Christina G.
I came here last night for some tapas for dinner. I left full (which doesn't always happen with tapas) and impressed. We made reservations for 7pm on a Tuesday, which were completely unnecessary. There were only 2 tables full when we walked in. By the time we left around 8, I'd say a good 60% of the tables were taken. I guess this is more of a late night dinner place. I had the house red wine, which I thought was quite good for only $4. My husband had the red sangria that was also quite good. To eat: Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese (4) - This dish was awesome. I guess anything wrapped in bacon is awesome, but the goat cheese took this an extra step. Carne Casera - Whoa. This was perfectly cooked and seasoned steak with potatoes on the side. The meat was so tender that I didn't even need a knife to cut it. It had a little kick, but not too much. Croqeutas de Queso - 5 fried spheres of goat cheese topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. Delicious. Chorizo empanadas - I have to say, this was my least favorite dish. the chorizo was not coming out at all in the flavors, and this dish had no spice to it. Isn't chorizo usually at least a little spicy? Maybe the problem was too much bread as well, as the empanada dough was thick. The sauces served with it were OK (red pepper and avocado). I definitely preferred the avocado one. Our waitress did a great job keeping up with the guests. She was the only one there, which wasn't a big deal at the beginning of the evening, but by the time we left, it was quite busy. She was still attentive and it remained easy to get her attention even once she got busy. This would be a fun place to go on a date or with a big group of girlfriends. Their daily specials are pretty good too. There is a large note on their menu that they are moving to an Ashland location soon. No date for the move though.
Excellent atmosphere, food and staff. The "pulpo a la plancha" and the empanadas are amazing, and every time I have been there we have been appropriately seated, even when the place is crowded. The general manager is a class act, and on Sundays they have live flamenco in the lower level, and the music matches the theme of the restaurant. Thank you!:-)
(4)
Kevin R.
The new location is great and the food is still just as tasty. The Bacon Wrapped Dates and Chicken Croquettes are a must.
(4)
Liz K.
I've walked by Bull-eh-Dia's countless times but never realized what I was missing out on! I'll blame it on the boyfriend not being a huge fan of tapas (or as he would say, "topless?!?"). I came here with a group of 5 girlfriends and despite the tiny restaurant, was able to make a reservation the day of. We shared a pitcher of white sangria, which had a great flavor (but watch out, the orange peels are still on and just there for flavor) and was easy to sip on. We were starving, so I imagined that we'd order dozens of plates and still be hungry, but was pleasantly surprised when that wasn't the case. If I can recall what we ordered... Patatas Bravas: These actually came with both the standard spicy brava sauce and the garlic alioli sauce, both of which had a kick that was almost too much given the fact that the potatoes were already very spicy on their own. It did seem to be a large portion, though, as all 5 of us were able to have seconds. Empanadas con Chorizo: These also had quite a kick to them, but the dough was perfect and I really enjoyed the flavor. Croquetas de Queso de Cabra: I love goat cheese, so anything that features it is a winner in my book, but this was my favorite dish that we ordered that night. The outer crust was crispy but not hard, and the cheese was the perfect temperature inside. They just melted in your mouth - I could have eaten an entire order by myself! Pincho de Pollo: This was a chicken skewer with saffron rice, which was yummy but I only had one piece and it did taste a lot like lemon. Carne Casera: Another dish that I could have eaten an entire order of by myself. The steak (flank or skirt, possibly?) was marinated and seasoned so well; it just fell apart when I ate it. Perfect. I feel like I have to be missing a dish or two because that doesn't seem like remotely enough food to feed all 5 of us, but that might have been it! Regardless, the portions were good for sharing but each dish was filling on its own. We might not have eaten as much as we did when we all studied abroad in Sevilla, but I think we were all satisfied :) The best part of the meal? Each of us ate and tipped for around $14. Seriously, what a great deal. The menu warns that Bull-eh-dia's is moving to another location, so I'll be sure to come back soon to sample the rest of the menu!
(4)
Jean Marie K.
Have been looking for a new Tapas place since our favorite (Tapas Gitana) closed and this is a close contender. A little more expensive, but good variety of Tapas (I'm a vegetarian) and excellent service.
(4)
Jocelyn H.
I'm thrilled to have a wonderful sit down restaurant in the neighborhood that is not another bar. For those that say the service is slow.... then please go to a fast food restaurant. We thought Bulerias was lively and had a fun decor that you'd want to come back for a night out with friends... or a fun date night as my husband & I had. The Sangria was wonderful, not too sweet. We were pleasantly surprised that the portions were sizable for a tapas restaurant. I loved the bacon wrapped scallops on a bed of sauteed spinach. Not sure what they put on the spinach but it was deliciously different. Give this place a try, it's great!
(5)
Michelle W.
After Twist relocated out of Lake View, I was sad that my go-to neighborhood tapas place was gone. But, after having a lovely evening with girl friends at Bulerias, I am happy to say this is one my new neighborhood spots to take visitors. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting -- we sat at a booth with tons of fun throw pillows. The sangria is delicious and comes in a cute Bulerias-branded pitcher. We tried several tapas, including the portabella and crostini, salmon and crostini, asparagas with manchego, and the cheese empanadas with two sauces (avocado and green pepper). All the dishes were delicious, but I was particularly fond of the cheese empanadas with two sauces -- empanadas are a very straightforward dish, but Bulerias really prepares them well, and the sauces elevate the dish. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly, and the tapas came out at a very smooth, steady cadence. Love Bulerias and will definitely be returning.
(5)
Thomas K.
I'm kind of sad because I ordered from this place without reading the reviews I'm feeling very terrible at the 100 bucks I just wasted. Patatas bravas was acceptable as well as the goat cheese croquettas. Not the best but acceptable but the problem is this I heard there's kind of special soup and I ordered the Spanish rice it was fairly tasteless. The quality of the sea food was subpar you could taste it and smell it. I really want to try new place because I've been sticking with the same places and looks like I made a mistake on this one.
(2)
Sam M.
Came here last night with a friend. Definitely a small place, but a good vibe. Sangria was as expected and the "small plates" are bigger than most other tapas places in Chicago. It was loud, but not too loud to not hear the person across from you. Probably not the best spot for a date if you don't know the person that well. Overall, a good experience.
(4)
Cory W.
The best. Fresh, exotic, the standard. All other tapas restaurants have similar offerings but this place goes the extra mile
(5)
FoodLover Z.
Low-key restaurant with great tapas. It's a pretty large place, so great for birthday parties and other large groups. Standout tapas were the Pollo a la Brava, lamb chops and Gambas al Ajillo.
(4)
Gary C.
I've been eating at the old location for several years, and was excited to see the new location open up on Ashland! Same great sangria and tapas, in a newer, more spacious and nicely designed space. I highly recommend the patatas bravas, datiles, and any of the great meat tapas. The new space is definitely worth a visit for your first time or if you're a previous customer at their old location on Southport.
(4)
J K.
I came for a friend's birthday with a reservation at 8:00 PM. When we walked in, the hostess said the wait would be 15 min. The people in our party were shoved in this tiny entryway, probably making the couples dining less than 2 feet away from us very uncomfortable. Anyways, half an hour later, there was no progress on our table and members of our party decided to leave due to an unforeseeable end to our waiting game. The hostesses avoided eye contact as they walked past us from time to time. Finally, at 9:00 PM, an hour after we arrived with our reservation at 8:00 PM, we were seated. At this point, we were very hungry. We went through the bread on our table pretty quickly and asked for more. The food eventually came and was just okay. The bacon on the bacon-wrapped dates was burnt. The rest of the dinner was enjoyable seeing that it was a celebration that brought us here to begin with. As compensation for our wait, we received a minimal discount on our bill, but to our surprise, they charged us for the extra bread! Who does that? Needless to say, our experience with the restaurant was not good. I hate to give 1-star ratings, but the treatment from the hostess to the manager merited it.
(1)
Kate H.
Bull-eh-dia's is moving to a new location, which is good, because my main takeaway here was that it was cramped. The Southport location definitely has a nice vibe, but it is curiously small for tapas. I understand that tapas are "small" plates, but try crowding four people around a tiny table meant to hold 5-6 dishes, a pitcher of sangria, and a paella, and it just doesn't work. We basically had to keep shoveling the food off of communal plates onto our own to make way for the next round of food, and then shuffling drinks around to accommodate the additions. ...I know. First World Problems! My tapas won't all fit on the table! But, for me, tapas should be a leisurely meal where you sample a few bites of a plethora of dishes. This meal didn't work that way. That said, I did enjoy the evening at Bull-eh-dia's. Service was good, and we devoured all of the dishes (I especially liked the mussels and the paella). I would be interested to try their new location, which promises to be more spacious.
(3)
Olaf K.
Great little place for tapas! The atmosphere is casual & fun. Slowly working through the tapas menu on each visit, and nearly every dish has been excellent. The warm artichoke dish is especially good. The biggest negative: the bread, which plays a major role in tapas, is disappointing - similar to the bland squishy stuff you'd pick up at the local convenience store.
(4)
Frances A.
Sangria was whatevs... But hey, I'm not a sangria fan, so there really wasn't any swaying me there... Lovely staff... Super chill... Ugh, there's only one bathroom stall - reallllly???? Sopa De Maricos... Ohmagolly, gee-whiz, woah... And less than $10 awesomeness. Supah big fan I am. And the presentation, simmering, on a heavy iron bowl thing. It was like it was brewing right in front of me. Literally the entire ocean was in that crazy stew...
(4)
Saba A.
Friday night, no reservation, around 8PM. I went with a girlfriend and we got quick seating in this small, intimate restaurant, with a homey feeling with wreaths and large Christmas bells hung for the holidays. It got packed slowly so this is a place where I would definitely make reservations. I love Tapas, it's perfect to share and easy to order all sorts of stuff to satisfy cravings and this place would get 5 stars if we didn't have a waiter providing not the friendliest of service. Overall, great price, and good sized portions! We definately left with full tummies and no room for desert. We ordered: -Croquetes de Queso for 7.15 (AMAZING, I feel like we got the best cheese appetizer). I ate one the next morning for breakfast. -Polla a La Bravo for 7.65, we got spicy, and there is a super spicy one, and next to it, it says BEWARE! I love spice, but yes, beware it's spicy. It's a large dish and comes with potatoes too, but really good! We could only get through half of it. -Pincho de Carne for 9.15. I love tasting beef that is cooked properly, tender, and juicy, yum! Our waitress was not our favorite. She messed up our order and then told us that when she repeated our order earlier we only corrected her on one dish, not the one that she didn't get right. She said she would see what she could do because we hardly touched the dish and two minutes later she said she will give us the correct one. It was an innocent mistake, she got us another chicken dish instead of the beef one, but she wasn't apologetic and came off a bit rude. But apart from that, it is a definitely a great restaurant in Lakeview. Jewel across the street and Michael Jackson songs playing outside the restaurant. Pretty spiffy. Here's the menu: bull-eh-dias.com/files/B…
(4)
Kyle P.
Place was great. Ribs, hot chicken fries, dates with bacon begin and super cool server guy. I think they are moving but try it out
(4)
Aline S.
Seating seemed sparse. The outside seating was plentiful and comfortable. The indoor seating was at two-seat tables on the ground level or four-top high tables up in the bar area. There may have been a larger dining area in the back, but it wasn't open the eve we were there. On to the food... The goat cheese croquettes were probably the best we had. Then, the table couldn't decide which was or next favorite: the pulled pork crostini, the calamari or the tortilla Espanola. They were all good, but I was partial to the pork crostini. The bacon-wrapped dates were good, but didn't rank as high as we had hoped. And last but not least, the beverages... The sangria was good, but the mojitos were better! All in all, I would go back, but if I could give half stars, I would give a 3.5, which is still a very respectable showing in a city with such good food.
(4)
Eric S.
Nice little tapas place in Lakeview. Looks like a dive from the outside but very cozy and clean inside. Would recommend the chorizo empanadas and the paella (con todo or the seafood). We called ahead to tell them we were coming, which I would suggest because there was a wait at 7:30 on a saturday night. Only downside was the drink menu. I know tapas is not known for pairing with beer, but if you want a decent craft beer you will not find it here. Stick to wine or sangria.
(4)
Susan F.
TIP: If you shop at the Jewel across the street, look at the back of your receipt to find a 20% coupon to Bull-eh-dia! I came here as a group of 4 and it was a great experience. The atmosphere was pretty romantic but not too intimidating, so we didn't feel uncomfortable in a group or anything. I'd suggest going on a weekday--I assume it could get crowded on Friday/Saturday nights. We tried a couple dishes and they were all very flavorful. My favorite was the crab cakes (you get 4). The spicy aioli sauce was good and there was plenty of crab in the cakes, not much filler! +1 We tried the cheese empanadas that came with two sauces, a red aioli typ sauce and a cilantro green type sauce which tasted very Mediterranean. I think there were 6 empanadas. The chicken with potatoes was cooked perfectly and the potatoes weren't too crisp or too soggy. You have the option for spicy, very spicy, and beware (or something like that). We ordered spicy which would suit most palates. Out last dish was a tilapia special with shrimp. I really enjoyed this dish but splitting it between 4 people maybe wasn't the best idea. We each got just a bite :( I would have loved more! It only comes with 2 shrimp. We ordered the red sangria which was pretty good. I've never had bad sangria so I couldn't speak to this :) I really liked this place. It's nice that it isn't a chain like Ba-ba-reeba and it's way more intimate. Make sure to get a coupon!
(4)
Chris D.
The dishes were really good! I ordered the bacon wrapped dates and they were stuffed with goat cheese, amazing and LARGE! The cheese and meat platter was very plentiful and also included olives and this delicious sauce on the crostini bread. Sangria was flavorful and strong and had peaches in it, yum! Went on a Saturday night with no reservations and was seated right away. Their new location is interestingly layed out. I wasn't sure about sitting in the basement, but the decor is beautiful! The only complaint is that I asked for another bread basket and they said it would cost extra. Weird, it wasn't even a fancy type bread. Also, before I arrived I signed up for their email list and that included a free coupon for one dish but they didn't honor it because it wasn't my birthday or anniversary. What the hell?! The coupon did not indicate that it had to be. Oh well. Overall: delicious food, some shady practices. I'll be back...on my "anniversary" next time.
(4)
Angelica P.
It's a very small place so when you walk in there's not much room and when there are people at every table it gets crowded. I had the chorizo empanadas-- not good! There was no chorizo and the grease was disgusting. Chicken croquettes had a really weird flavor. Their shrimp, artichoke and calamari dish was just too much fried-- everything on there was fried and the artichokes had a really bad taste to them (and I love artichokes) so it was really disappointing. The carne casera was the only thing that we ordered that night that was really good. The waiter seemed to be no where in sight and then when he did see us standing at the door he finally seated us and then didn't know what he was talking about beer wise. We asked what's on tap and we ordered something that was on tap and he said they didn't carry it when you could clearly see it at the bar. He was just really uninformed and didn't stop by once to see how we were doing.
(2)
Gary K.
The dishes were great and plentiful, a rarity for a tapas restaurant. We ordered a number of dishes and all were solid - our favorites were the carne casera and the fried calamari. The service was great and everyone was friendly and welcoming, even on New Year's Eve without a reservation. The flan was amazing, an absolute must have!!
(5)
Amanda F.
Bravo Patatas Bravas! The gigantic portion of fried potatoes and dipping sauces managed to push three hungry diners beyond full after just three tapas. This little northside hole-in-the-wall is a great find. Loved the dishes, the open air seating, and the service. My group started with the Esparragos al Vapor was crisp and fresh. It was a little too al dente for my preference, but I loved the balsamic reduction, the portobello mushroom, and the shaved manchengo topping. The Carne Casera melted in our mouths and the Coconut Shrimp was a crispy and sweet favorite of the night. As mentioned, the Patatas Bravas was a very tasty filler to the tapas.The paella is a must! Order it early because it takes about 45 minutes to cook. The Paella Bulerias was yummy and a great price at $17. The three of us split the saffron rice dish and were very satisfied with the portion. I love Paella, and it was exactly as it should be, full of chicken and seafood, and not too oily. The Sangria is also a must. I wish there was more fruit, and that the fruit would be in larger slices, but there was nothing skimpy about this Sangria. Our waiter even gave us a pitcher with ice on the side, so we really got our money's worth. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was friendly and made good recommendations. The food came out very quickly too. I wouldn't visit Bull-eh-dia without first visiting the Chicago-favorite, Cafe Baba-reeba, but I would definitely dine at Bull-eh-dia over Cafe Iberico. The tapas at Bull-eh-dia's are larger portioned than at Babareeba and could be shared among four people. The tapas at Babareeba seem slightly more creative with flavor, but Bull-eh-dia's more classic tapas are fantastic. We will be back!
(4)
Roseann M.
We made a quick visit on a warm Friday night to the bar at Bull-eh-dia's. Now, normally, I'd be opposed to even stopping in a place with such a dopey, misspelled, meaningless name. It is an offense to all the English classes I aced in college, many years ago. But, in the modern U.S. economy, morals and ethics have no place, so, we ended up at Bull-eh-dia's. It was my fault, really. After a crappy, disappointing, expensive event that flopped miserably, the only thought in my mind was "margarita!!" I said as much to my business partner. And, to my astonishment, she said "YES!!" as in "yes yes a thousand times yes!" Among all the bars and restaurants on Southport Avenue, somehow, there is no Mexican restaurant. But there is Bull's whatchamacallit, which is a tapas bar. We sat at the bar. A very pleasant bartender greeted us almost immediately. I ordered a margarita, standard, with salt. My friend was jonesing for sangria. She ordered a mango sangria. (There are several different kinds of sangria to choose from.) Oh my sweet Lord . . . two delicious drinks, served up quickly. Friend did give me a sip of her sangria, so I can report that both were absolutely delicious, and verrrrryyyyy strong!! We ordered one tapa to share, some cold thing with asparagus. I don't know what else was on it. What can I tell you, I was busy sucking down that margarita? It went straight to my head. I felt all sparkly and salty and tequila-like. All I know is, this tapa was very good. We both liked it. Sadly, we are both wimps. Had we chosen another drink, we probably both would have slid below the bar until we lay in an alcoholic puddle, occasionally sticking our tongues out like frogs, except we would be trying to get more drops of sangria and margarita instead of flies. Instead, we departed. Some small shred of dignity was preserved, and I did not fall down in the gutter on the way to the El. I would go again. We liked the food (even though we only had one item, it encouraged us); we definitely liked the drinks; and the bartender was prompt, friendly, and attentive. I probably should add one star, and make it five, but I don't feel like we tried enough menu items to make that bold a statement. Go to Bull-winkle's. You'll probably like it. Even if the name is phony and pretentious.
(4)
Guido E.
Food is great but service (food and attention) is very slow. We had 8:30 reservations, got seated by 8:35 and ordered the scallops tapa, the patatas bravas and the goat cheese tapa by 8:45. It's 9:18 now and the only thing on the table is the scallops tapa. Very disappointing. Maybe this place blew up too fast for their own good because it's too busy for them to keep up a reasonable service level. --food was really excellent and manager very friendly and apologetic when we told our story
(3)
Dennis F.
Went for the Sangria....It seemed a bit watered down and very small bits of fruit. I was more impressed with the food!
(2)
Scott Y.
First visit to the new location and our group shared nine dishes. Every one was delicious! Nice vibe in the place and the owner is helpful and attentive.
(4)
Greg G.
Came here on a Friday night with a group of 8. We had reservations and were seated right away (despite some people coming late!). The atmosphere was great, it has nice background music, but not too loud, just enough to cover awkward silences and not allow you to ease drop on other tables. We each ordered 2 dishes and got 4 pitchers of sangria! The peach sangria was amazing! You have to get it! Also the patatas bravas where sooo good! The white spicey sauce that comes with them is amazing and super addicting. I think I dipped like half my plates into it... My other favorite thing was the Pollo a la Brava dish. They have 3 levels of spicey (spicey, super spicey, and Beware!) I got the super spicey, but we all agreed that wasn't even that spicey... so next time you go make sure you get the Beware!
(5)
Jiyoun B.
Sangrias by the pitcher... check! Tapas choices... check! Ambiance... check! Overall, the food was good, Sangrias were tasty. The service is good and the ambiance is dark and romantic. As far as Tapas go, the food quantity is small compared to Iberico, although Bull-eh-dia's give you more than Cafe Ba-ba-reeba. The music kept going in and out throughout the night. I couldn't hear our conversation one minute then I felt the need to whisper next. Weird.
We sat outside when it was still warm and lovely. I'm trying to imagine sitting outside now, in the abyss of nieve (snow). Estoy triste. Anyway, Bull eh Dia has a very cute and cozy patio. The most highlightable item is the paella. We ordered the seafood one, con (with) calamari, scallops y shrimp. It was exactly like the paella I had in the many plazas in Madrid and Granada during my months in Espana. Very autentica (authentic) if you're looking to try real paella. ****Our server, who was classy and guapo (cute) and polite, said we could share the paella. Um, this is not la verdad (true). The bowl is shallow, and it's so rico (tasty/rich) that you will start fighting for bites with your dining partner. Por favor, get your own paella**** The jamon y queso plate is a standard Spanish tapa that you can't exclude when trying a new tapas joint. Manchego cheese is, afterall, the best cheese on earth. And Bull eh Dia's does a decent jamon/queso plato (dish).
(4)
Daniel S.
Solid tapas. If you are in the area and want some tapas- take a visit. Steak was the tops thing.
(3)
Kristen M.
Tapas are always great and make for a fun, different dining experience. The food here is pretty good, no major complaints, I would call it very average. The restaurant itself is small but has nice outdoor seating and its a great location. Prices are fair. Bacon wrapped dates were prob my favorite item.
(3)
Daisy R.
Epic Fail! Ordered for delivery at 7:00pm. Food arrived at 9:30. Tortilla espaniola horrible tasted like spackle had to just spit it out. Mushrooms were edible. Patatas bravas cold and hard. Chorizo cold and dry. The only edible part of the meal was the bread. A $45 flop.
(1)
Mandy A.
Was looking for a place in the area to get an early dinner before heading to another event and found this place through Yelp. The mixed reviews had me a bit worried but we thought let's go ahead with it anyways. I thought it was BYOB (based on other reviews) but heads up, it is not. I tried to call earlier in the day but got a confusing answer. So word to the wise, don't bring booze in your purse, it's heavy to carry around all night. We got a pitcher of red sangria with the Licor43 mixed in... another tip, it's $7 to add this to the pitcher, not $2 like it says on the menu. Also, if both people are getting sangria, you're probably getting a pitcher by default. I mean, I'm not complaining but we thought we were getting two glasses. More booze never hurt anyone though... Onto the food! We started with a house salad... husband's choice. But it was delicious and chock full of goat cheese, candied nuts, red peppers, peppery vinaigrette, yes. Everything in that salad was a yes. Next up was bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese, they do love goat cheese here which is awesome for me, I could live on it happily. Following that was crab cakes, deliciously spicy sauce accompanying some good sized patties. Also got a big ol' pot of patatas bravas which my husband enjoyed picking at all meal long with the gigantic toothpicks. Last up was the carne casera, my husband's pick. The meat was really good and the sauce was great but holy mother was the whole dish super salty, to the point of almost ruining it. I still ate a couple pieces and tried to temper it with the potatoes but it was cooked perfectly so the salt was a huge bummer. Overall, good food (minus the one salty dish), good service and good atmosphere. Thumbs up from this girl.
(4)
JL O.
Stumbled upon this fabulous place after a concert on Sunday night. It was 10:45 at night, we were starving, and not much was open. We walked by and the place was empty other than one table. The gentleman at the bar said the kitchen was open and he welcomed us in. I hate walking into a place almost closing but he insisted on us dining in. I had an amazing espresso to start with brandy. The food was spectacular! Goat cheese croquettes, potatoes ala aioli, calamari, steak and potatoes, meatballs....delicious!!! Service was fantastic. Very friendly considering we were the last customers and I'm sure they were ready to go home. I was so impressed!!!
(5)
David B.
I love this new location. I hadn't been here since they moved and showed up with a big group of friends. Every time I come here the food is outstanding. Every time without fail!! I love the new pad. It's way bigger than the old place, so all my friends fit comfortably. This is the bomb place for tapas. Will definitely be back and back again.
(5)
Marjorie F.
Sunday dinner with a friend brought us to this cozy little establishment. Although it was still warm enough for outdoor seating, we sat inside in case it rained. The atmosphere was warm and intimate with the low lighting and decor. The server was attentive and made sure that our drinks were full. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. I enjoyed the dates wrapped in bacon and the ham with cheese and toasty bread. The gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic) and empanadas were a little disappointing. It's tough not to compare your standard tapas to the competition. I tried the house wine, which was OK. Instead of ordering glass #2, I should have sampled something else. I suppose it didn't matter since I was pretty buzzed after my first glass! (Note: two glasses are enough to give you a wine hangover/headache the next day.) Overall, I'm not in love with this place; however, I'm willing to give it another shot --- other wines, other dishes. Hopefully, it won't disappoint. It's not a bad place to have after dinner drinks, so maybe I should start with that menu first!
(3)
Belinda E.
I went there tonight with 2 girlfriends and we all thought their service was great! We had the garlic shrimp, patatas bravas, bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and a couple of other dishes - all were great even the sangria :) Oh! And topped it off with their brownie cheesecake...yummm. Definitely will put this place on the rotation :)
(4)
Steph M.
WOW.... pathetic. I had been to the previous location about a year ago, and nothing's improved, but things have DEFINITELY gotten worse. Where do we start? With calling for a reservation only to be told "we don't take reservations an hour before you come". Um, either you take them or you don't. Whatever, we still decided to give it a shot. The hostess was no-where to be found for 5 minutes. I finally grab a waiter, and he acts like I'm from Mars.... telling me he's got no idea where the hostess is, and to stand and wait. Soo, behind me a huge line out the door starts to form. Ok, she finally seats us at one of those incredibly too small tables RIGHT in the doorway, with a crowd of people a mere two feet from us, waiting for their reservation! Ha.... what a joke. Ok, fine.... "let's give this place a chance, we live two blocks away and it'd be great to have a fun spot in the neighborhood". We flag down a waiter and try to put a drink order in before he runs off. Phew, got it! Ten minutes later sangria arrives. It's good. It really is.... no complaints with the red sangria. But the food.... oh the food.... it's terrible. It was actually un-edible. The patatas bravas were burnt to a CRISP.... seriously, they looked like raisins. The chicken skewers we were supposed to get.... came out as one little one.... for $9. The pulled pork smelled/looked/tasted like vomit.... and the meat-balls.... well, between two people we couldn't even finish one. They were that bad. Almost as if it was rotten meat or something? We left..... and that was the best part of the night. Sorry.... I really wanted to love this place. I mean.... sangria!!!!!!!
(1)
Jeremy P.
By far hands down best tapas in the city. Love the food, the atmosphere. Great service. I would eat here all day if the let me bring a recliner in.
(5)
Kelly C.
A few months ago I was craving tapas for dinner but didn't have the motivation to try to get a reservation for Cafe Babareeba, so I looked at trusty Grubhub and to my surprise there was a tapas place that delivered to me! There is a rather high minimum for delivery but it's okay because then I have dinner the next night too. Since the fateful night when I discovered this lovely place delivers tapas to me I have ordered from there quite a few other times. My favs: -Patatas Bravas - I get it satueed in the spicy sauce and boy does it have a fabulous kick to it. If you aren't up for some serious spice I would get it on the side. For me these beat Babareeba! A must get every order. -Datiles - a must get from every tapas place I visit. They were good and huge, I would say on par with other tapas restaurants. -Queso de Cabra - to me it's pretty hard to mess up goat cheese and marinara - pretty much the same as everywhere else, which is not a bad thing. I've also tried the scallops - they were just okay, def has better. The Ensalada de la Casa is also quite tasty and a good combo of goat cheese, peppers and nuts that went along nicely with the vinegarette. Can't comment on the actual restaurant but I will continue to order from there when the tapas craving hits!
(4)
Christine W.
Get the goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon! Amazing! We ordered some to go before we left. Very delicious and great atmosphere!
(4)
Amy R.
so, I recently went beck to Bell-eh-dia's...on a Friday night after 11:30 pm. They were the only bar/restaurant serving food past 11:30 on a Weekend evening on Southport! Could this be? Well, Thank God because I was starving and they have great food. And the food came out much quicker than my last review. Like, at a normal pace. So, I'm giving it 5 stars, because I love how friendly they are and I love the food, and sangria! I'm happy that the speed of the kitchen has improved!
(5)
Kaitlin A.
I was wondering why it wasn't packed when I left on a Sunday night because the food and sangria were both delish. My boyfriend is 2nd generation Spanish and it's impossible for him to be impressed when we go out for tapas (which we do often). He loved it, labeled it good and authentic. Two of our favorites were the pollo ala brava and the albondiagas espanolas. I had him try grilled squid for the first time, which is a favorite of mine, and they did a great job because we both enjoyed it (except the baby squids, ew.) The high chairs in the bar weren't comfortable, I wish they would've sat us in the dining room. The server wasn't out of this world, although very polite and prompt. But those are really the only two under-par details I can think of. We were so bummed it was chilly (in August, thanks Chicago) because their patio looked awesome. We will totally be back on a nice evening to take advantage of that. Oh and you must treat yourself to the raspberry brownie cheesecake. MUST!!
(5)
Chrissy N.
Came here with a group of girls for a bachelorette party dinner, and it was really delicious!!! Despite a reservation, we still waited about 30 minutes. The pace is tiny, long and narrow, dimly lit and latin beats thumping. Once we were seated, the service was outstanding. Our waiter was very attentive. The menu is quite extensive, with lots of options for meat, poulty, or vegetarian fans! We ordered about 8 tapas dishes, and they were all really flavorful! He brought them out hot and delicious, in 2 batches so we had some time to pass them all around. At payment time, they were really cool about taking everyone's credit cards too to split the bill. The Sangria was great! The vibe- casual. A tad on the loud side. Don't come on a Saturday night unless you're a shouter. My only regret about going here... Now I wish I had a place like this is MY neighborhood!!!
(4)
Amy L.
I ate here on a Saturday night with two other girls. We sat on the patio after waiting a little while for a table. The food was amazing! We ordered a goat cheese appetizer and a bite size steak dish that were both so yummy! The only bad thing we ordered was a potato dish that was way too garlicky and was cream based. Try to avoid that one and you'll be glad you came!
(4)
Anna V.
I went here with a friend on a Friday (no reservation) and we had high hopes because the reviews seemed good and the place looks cool from the outside. We split a bottle of wine and ordered a handful of tapas. The only thing I remember ordering and liking was paella. This isn't because we were drunk. Nothing else was bad (mediocre overpriced wine), but nothing else was memorable. Sad. I wanted to like it, because it's local. That's usually a mistake. The 2-star review is more about the service. The service blew. It was really bad. Totally absent hostess, totally absent waitress. We asked 3 times where the hostess had gone, who finally promised us a table and then disappeared for a good 35 minutes to abandon us at the bar. We got a cramped spot on top of a Huge Group of Girls celebrating a bachelorette who kept backing their chairs into our area. Combination of weird service + good-ish food + meh wine + annoying patrons = I will just suck it up and go to Ba Ba Reeba, even though I can't walk there.
(2)
Andy W.
We ducked in here during the summer to try their mojitos. We got the gigantic ones and went staggering home some time later, fans of the drinks and in love with the world. They managed to make mojitos like the ones we have perfected in our own home. We've been back several (less-lushy) times for the tapas, and have loved it. The montaditos de cochino are our favorite -- the rich pulled pork with a spicy sweet tang hit the spot and are fairly filling. Post-Music Box we stopped in the other night for a late dinner and a quiet chat after a somber film. They had live music, and though we were not in the mood for a band (especially in a small space), we were won over by the musicians. Thank you, Karpah! Bonus: this place is open later than many other places nearby. YUM.
(4)
Sarah M.
Just went to Spain in May and I couldn't stop saying how I thought the food at Bull-ed-dia's was far better than anything I had abroad! Not to mention that the service tonight was awesome. We had 2-3 difference waitresses helping us and they were very attentive. The ambiance and music was great too. Plus, any bar with hooks to hang your purse/coat/etc. is an automatic plus. All in all, every dish we ordered was better than the next, so on that note, here is my synopsis: The first thing we got was a plate of white anchovy tapas (I would have eaten a plate of these anchovies plain!) but with red peppers on a oily, crunchy piece of bread, it was also divine. This might just be a seasonal fare but very worth it. Next up was the asparagus (which we happened to order after reading about it in a yelp review) generously drizzled with sweet balsamic and manchego cheese - the flavors blew my mind, not to mention that the combination of cheesy salty-sweetness is a personal favorite of mine. The queso de cabra came next. The goat cheese was baked until just slightly brown, and served in a pool of perfectly spicy marinara sauce. Spread on some crunchy crostinis, this dish was the definition of goat cheese perfection. The grilled squid was so simple, it's hard to believe how tasty it was. The textures - a slight crunchiness highlighted the firm yet tender meat - combined with surprisingly bold flavors for a squid dish, really made this dish for me. After so much deliciousness, I had slightly lower expectations when it came to the pincho de pollo. Nevertheless, the paella rice served with the chicken skewer was quite good, the caramelized onions were unsurprisingly bursting with flavor, and the red pepper "ali oli" added a nice touch. It was just a solid little chicken dish, perfect for tapas-sharing, but it could have also been a great meal in itself. And finally, after so many great reviews, there was no way we were passing up the bacon wrapped, sweet goat cheese stuffed dates. I mean how could you go wrong?! We most certainly didn't go wrong and neither did this dish.
(5)
Tim S.
After having a few drinks at a local bar and finding that most bars on Southport were not our speed for the evening while walking along we stumbled on Bull-eh-Dia's. Wandered in and found no wait (granted it was midnight). Ordered a pitcher of Sangria and 4 Tapas, not one was disappointing. Small Intimate with a great lounge vibe with the music playing. It was loud enough without going overboard. With their late hours it was a fantastic alternative to the typical late night fare of Burritos or Pizza.
(4)
Z B.
Excellent, tasty menu with great Sangria. New space is attractive and fun. Wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)
Brianna M.
Ok, so this time the sangria was awesome. We had a group of 6 and ordered a ton of food, most of it amazing. Still love the mussel stew. Got the vegetable paella this time which was great. Not sure if these specials are new, but they had $10 MegaMojitos which were certainly Mega. Shared a couple around the table. They have smaller, cheaper tapas now which helps round out a meal. I also found a coupon on the back of my Jewel receipt for 20% off. Can't wait.
(4)
Brigid M.
I came back to Bull-eh-dia's for a second time on a date...and I have to say I was a bit more impressed than the previous visit. The datiles were even better than those at Cafe Iberico. Service was much better, however, in a busy restaurant, they probably shouldn't be blasting the David Bisbal Greatest Hits album like it's Sound Bar, as it was a little difficult to hear the server. We liked how the costillas melted off the bone, the croquetas de pollo came with a zesty sauce, and the queso de cabra would have been perfect if there had been just a little more queso. Overall, an improvement.
(4)
Michelle S.
I'm kinda a fan! Reason 1: BYOB :) C'mon what the heck can be better than that? There is a $6 corking fee. Reason 2: Food after 10pm! Yep...I was just having a discussion with a friend on how it is NEARLY impossible to go to dinner after 10pm in Chicago. I don't get it and obviously Bull-eh-dia's doesn't either. They serve LATE my friends. The ambiance is dark, and sultry. The lighting is perfect for a date or a group of friends. They have outdoor seating, which is great if it ever warms up in Chicago! The staff are also super friendly and knowledgeable about all the tummy purring tapas. Also, it is on Southport. I think Southport says it all. Enjoy!
(5)
Alison E.
We quite like Bull-eh-dia's. Got my first taste of paella here, which was SUPER FANTASTIC. Seriously, if you have the time, get the paella (especially the vegetarian one ;). If you don't have "the time"...probably don't go to Bull-eh-dia's... Somehow the meal is always drawn out by food coming out slowly. From what I understand this is sort of the *point* of tapas (to have a leisurely meal/drink with friends), so I don't really fault them for it, but one time we went and had finished all our other food about half an hour before the paella even came out. Then we were just sort of...waiting. Anyway, the food is all very good. And it comes in really big portions compared to other tapas I've seen (or eaten). They recently reorganized their menu so all the vegetable dishes are listed separate from chicken, beef, seafood, etc, which makes it easy for vegetarians to see their choices. :) My personal favorite--aside from the paella, of course--is the baked goat cheese.
(4)
Shannon F.
I had Bulerias do the catering for a holiday party for eight people. Mariena helped me develop a menu that would have enough food for everyone and still fit my budget. The food arrived at my house hot and was delicious. It was well packed and Mariena called when it was leaving the restaurant to let me know that it was on its way. My guests and I had a GREAT time and all I had to do was unpack the boxes. I will definitely be doing it again!
(5)
Richard C.
Hours aren't until midnight!!! LIES! Also, when we asked when they closed, they said "It depends. 10, 11, whenever the kitchen closes." Are you running a business or a playhouse? Update: Since returning, the food really was excellent. Still, it'd be nice to know exactly what the hours are, so you can actually eat the food.
(2)
Melissa W.
I wish that I could give 1/2 stars because, for the price, this place deserves 3.5. The food was good. Well prepared, uninspired tapas. The menu showed all of the standard tapas dishes that you could most likely find at any tapas place in the city, but they were executed well. The portabella crustini and the bacon wrapped dates stood out in my mind as the best dishes. I wouldn't recommend the croquettes. They were basically flavorless balls of fried. The sangria was inexpensive and generic. It was a little sweet for my taste (we ordered a pitcher of the red) and by no means 'strong' (as far as alcohol content is concerned). If I go back I would order from the reasonably priced wine menu instead. The server was quick and attentive. They kept the table clean, only had to ask for water once, and was prompt with the check when it was time to leave. All in all it was an OK experience, but, I will say, that for 4 adults to eat until we were full (including dessert) AND enjoy a pitcher of sangria, a final tab of $80.00 was pleasantly uprising (hence the need for an additional half star).
(3)
Natalie M.
After living around the corner from this restaurant for 6 months we decided to give it a try. It looks really small but they have a big upstairs with about 15 tables and another bar. We got right in at 7:30pm on Friday night which was nice. The service was good overall (our waiter was also covering a large party of 22 and two other 2 tops) and the ambiance was great. We had a pitcher of the red sangria which was quite good. The best tapa we had was the beef tenderloin on crostini - very good! The goat cheese was good but not very large comparatively. We were going to try the dates but got too full before we could - we will definitely try it next time! I am giving it 4 stars as a great neighborhood date place - no wait, great ambiance, good service, good (not amazing) food. Thought it was fairly reasonably priced - we had 5 tapas and two pitchers of sangria and the bill was under $80.
(4)
Kim B.
I finally had a chance to check out Bull-eh-dia's for an early dinner outside. I was unsure how the food would be, but it was surprisingly delicious! My friend and I split a pitcher of white sangria and three tapas. Everything was good and came out quickly - so no complaints there. So, why only 4 stars vs. 5? The service was sub-par. Perhaps it was because my companion and I were the only guests at the restaurant, but our server was "creepily" eager and we felt rushed. The music was also absurdly loud for 6pm and was annoying enough to make us want to leave after one pitcher of Sangria (not the norm for me and my friend). I would definitely want to check out Bull-eh-dia's at night as I think it could be a great place for a large group. It sounds like that is the case from the other reviews posted.
(4)
Alison M.
When I was in Spain I ordered "Gambas al Ajillo" for every meal-- sometimes I'd get shrimp scampi, sometimes I'd get scrambled eggs. Once I got a shrimp omelet. Anyway, maybe I'm not the best judge of Spanish food considering getting my order right garners at least one star. However, I think Bull-eh-dia's is a pretty good addition to the Southport Corridor. The sangria is great-- they only have red and white, but they do both right. The white is light and fruity, while the red (which was better, in my opinion) was sweeter and more intense. The highlight of the meal was the dates... bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. These were amazing. I wish they served more than 4, but they were huge and I probably didn't need to eat more than 4. The grilled calamari was tasty and I liked the empanadas--the sauces served with them were excellent. I'm not sure what the green one was, but it was great. The mussels were ok, they were kind of small and served in a marinara sauce, which isn't my favorite. For dessert I had the flan, which was covered in chocolate, caramel and whipped cream. If it sounds like too much, it kind of is-- but, in a good way. Oh, and the "Gambas al Ajillo" were what I was expecting-- five tasty garlicky shrimps. Success!
(4)
Babs H.
Yum! I came here last night and had the esparragos la parilla (which was excellent! I want to make asparagus like this all the time now!), the carne en tostada (difficult to eat without destroying it, but good none the less), and the patatas bravas, which I love love love! The half pitcher of sangria is ideal for a party of two. You can have a couple glasses with dinner and then on to dessert! We ordered the flan and it was probably the best flan I've ever had in a restaurant. Couple that with a cappucino (with an added shot of Frangelico) and it was perf. Out server was super friendly and the atmosphere was great - however the seats were pretty uncomfortable!
(4)
Katy J.
I have been here a couple times now and every time the food and sangria are wonderful. However, every time I've been the service has sucked. As a former server I understand when a restaurant fills up or there is an issue in the kitchen, that service might not be the greatest. But when you have two or three tables this shouldn't happen. I was in with some co-workers on Tuesday night and there were kitchen issues, however we attempted to flag down our waitress multiple times and she kept ignoring us. It became a little frustrating. Even though the service has not improved, the food keeps me coming back. The bacon wrapper dates are stuffed with goat cheese which takes it to a whole new level. The steak is great with the blue cheese sauce or manchago. I definitely recommend the Chorizo Espanol, the aioli is to die for. The crab cakes are also really great with another delicious aioli. Vegetable wise, definitely get the asparagus. It is refreshing and the balsamic is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
(3)
Caitlin S.
I was not impressed at all when I dined here yesterday evening. I had been once before about 2 years ago and had a positive experience, which prompted me to go back-but it's gone downhill. The silverware was sticky and had old food caked on it, the bread brought out was 2-3 days old - stale and when we asked to get fresh bread, the server said, "I can warm it up, but it's all like this." The sangria was delicious, but the food is not worth going back for in my opinion. There are other more consistently good tapas places in the city, it's a shame this one on Southport, within walking distance from my house has gone so far downhill. Disappointed.
(1)
Melissa G.
Not the best Tapas Bar in the city, but the food was good enough for me to have come back a 2nd time. My 2nd trip to Bull-eh-dias landed on a Monday so the $10 mega mojitos were a plus. We got there after 6 pm so we couldn't take advantage of the $3 mini tapas(patatas bravas are a must). We ended up ordering Jumbo garlic butter shrimp, which were not very jumbo at all, and carne en tostada which are beef cuts on a crostini. Both were good, but expensive for the portion size. The check was about $50 for the 2 small plates and 2 big mojitos.
(4)
Taylor G.
I visited Bull-eh-dia's on a slow Monday night in an attempt to expand my Southport dining experience. Largely, I agree with what many other yelpers have said: The food is good (not great), and the prices are a bit high for the portions. It seemed that any dishes with individual items (like shrimp) all came in sets of 5. For the 3 of us, we ordered a total of 6 tapas, and while munching on bread, we managed to spend $21 each, including tax & tip. I could be persuaded to go back here, but I think I'd prefer to try Twist again, despite the longer walk. To get an extra star, I'd like to see a better value for the food (either larger portions or lower price). To get a fifth star, they'd need to up the quality and variety a bit. Bull-eh-dia's gets a thumbs up, but I have a feeling there's much better tapas to be found in Chicago.
(3)
Diane H.
One of the issues I always have when dining out is that I want to try so many different dishes...tapas is the perfect solution. Came here with two other ladies on a Friday night for dinner and we all left very satisfied. We started the meal off with a pitcher of sangria, of course. We went with the peach flavored sangria and it was so good that we stuck with it for our second pitcher as well. We also ordered quite the selection of tapas to share. We started off with Esparragos al Vapor which was very flavorful, topped a balsamic reduction, and served al dente which I enjoyed. The Carne Casera was juicy and cooked perfectly. The coconut shrimp (a special that day) was sweet and crispy, definitely a highlight of the meal. I would go back just for the Patatas Bravas. I absolutely love french fries, and although these potatoes were more in the shape of cubes, they were delicious and I really enjoyed the spicy dipping sauce that came on the side. We were a bit overwhelmed by the heaping bowl of potatoes that came out, but by the end you could see the bottom of the bowl. I would go back just for the potatoes. The meal ended on a high note with the Paella Bulerias. It was very flavorful, had plenty of chicken and seafood, and was a generous portion especially for $17. The Paella is a must order if you come here, but make sure to order it right away as it is made fresh and takes 30-45 mins. Throughout the night service was great. The hostess was very friendly and kept us updated on the wait time. The server was very helpful with recommendations and was attentive. The food arrived very quickly after we first put our order in and didn't stop coming until we were full of paella. I can see Bull-eh-dias becoming part of the regular rotation of restaurants my friends and I frequent.
(4)
Lauren O.
They've suddenly imposed a $12/bottle cork fee. Kind of defeats the purpose of a BYOB in my opinion. While I love this place for it's proximity to home, BYOBs and tapas restaurants are a dime a dozen in this city so I can't say we'll be back anytime soon.
(4)
Oscar O.
Bull-Eh-Dias is an excellent date place! Actually, that's what I read on here when I was researching for a place to take a date out for Valentine's Day and it didn't disappoint. This is a small, intimate, tasty place to take a date to. I can't say that this was the best tapas place I've been to (not that I'm some type of connoisseur) but there are hardly any complaints. The food is very good, nothing crazy delicious or out of this world, but it's sure worth a try. The place is a bit on the small side, it's great to keep a nice and intimate ambiance, but it seems some of the prices aren't proportionate with the whole "small and cozy" vibe the restaurant is going for. As far as the food, I typically get the queso de cabra (goat cheese) which is served in a dish with a tomato sauce similar to marinara and comes with toasted bread and patatas bravas, (slightly) spicy potatoes. For the meat I like el pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken). My meals here have always tasted good, never cold or undercooked. There are no complaints on the food itself. Overall, this is a very nice restaurant to go to. It's not too fancy but you can definitely choose this spot for a date. It's in a great location (right by the Music Box theater) as well. Simply put, check this place out!
(4)
Alexa H.
The crowded Bull-eh-dia's menu exhausts your eyes and challenges your memory but don't let that stop your ability to sift through options to discover the bits of heaven that your taste buds are craving. Satisfy your watering mouth with the goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped with bacon, grilled, and drizzled with an exotically spiced balsamic reduction. The lamb chops served with a spinach saute is also sure to make you want to return. Pair your savory yet delicate meal with their red sangria and let this experience be your ambassador to the world of tapas. Apart from the delicious food, the environment was lacking in comfortable seating. The interior of the restaurant was frigid with the a/c blasting like we were in the Mohave desert and the patio tables were cramped and much to firm to feel relaxed. Fortunately for this restaurant, their product is tapas and not ambiance and they have definitely hit the bulls eye with their food. My next adventure to Chicago will surely have Bull-eh-dia's on the agenda.
(3)
David R.
I really loved the tapas here and the wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The tapas they had on special really stood out. Had a coconut shrimps on skewers dish that was honestly unbelievable. The atmosphere is cozy and nicely lit with great spanish music. I will definitely be going back with friends soon.
(5)
Jabari W.
This place has to be the best thing since sliced bread ! Whenever you can go to a resturant and everything is excellent from the beginning to end it's a great find. The bacon wrapped dates are delicious and the Pincho de Carne. Hell if I had more than one stomach I would order the entire menu. I will be back to try more menu items and try that delicious looking sangria. The ambience is perfect and the staff are all professional and friendly at the same time and god knows that is hard to come by. Bottom line I will be back in the future and I cannot wait.
(5)
Sharon N.
This spot is one of my regular pit-stops when I visit home to Chicago. The ambiance is so great! The owners and rest of the staff are very welcoming and ALWAYS take care of my friends and I. Not only is the staff great, but the tapas are delicious-the grilled Octopus is my personal fav as well as the paella. I highly suggest this place if you like tapas and want to hit up a joint that has good eats and great ambiance. A great date place too!
(4)
Sandy N.
Went here the night after the crazy blizzard, and Bull-eh-dia's was one of the few places open on Southport. We had the half rack of ribs (special), Chorizo Espanol, Torta De Cangrejo, Datiles Rellenos De Queso Con Tocino, and the Flan. Good, though nothing stood out too much, and the price was a bit high.
(3)
William Q.
The perfect option to thou do not want to wait. Bull-eh-dia's is for you. Good service and excellent food for a very reasonable price makes this place a one of the tops in my list.
(4)
Cindy G.
Three words for you: Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. Oh, Bull Eh Dia's are the best I've ever had. Besides that, so much of the food here is delicious, and the sangria is strong and not overpriced. This is a great date place or for a night out with a small group of friends. I agree with others that the service is not spectacular (you might feel a bit rushed), but when I'm here, I'm far more into the experience of sharing the tapas and sangria/wine over good conversation rather than the level of service. This place does not take reservations but the bar is a nice place to hang out for 30 minutes or so before your meal. Also, apparently they do allow you to BYOB but there is a $12 corkage fee. If you go that route, swing by the Jewel across the street for wine, and your receipt might have a coupon for Bull Eh Dia's on the back. :)
(4)
Ernesto R.
The food and service are good. The food is good and can vary depending on the dish you order. The sangria is what I would expect and compares favorably to other tapas restaurants in the city. I love that they are located in the Southport Corridor. Although the place is small, the ambiance is good for the Southport Corridor. I believe they are moving so I will have to go check them out at their bigger place.
(4)
Emil O.
If you want a treat for your tastebuds, you need to visit Bull Eh Dias and you need to go often as the menu is amazing and there's a new experience with every dish!.. Try them all!!!!! Me and my wife go here often. Wish we could go more!!!
(5)
Keena P.
Delicious food! I can't remember what the 2 tapas dishes I had there but they were worth the price. The place was empty when we walked in, which usually scares me off restaurants but I'm glad I came in. Decent service, although they could be friendlier.
(4)
Rikki C.
Worst tapas bar in the city. I have no idea why anyone would give this place 5 stars... Not only was the food 'meh' the service was even worse. We ordered the paella. The rice was not fully cooked and they didn't give us our leftovers when we specifically asked for it. I don't like wasting $20 on a plate! Save your money and go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba in Lincoln Park or Cafe Iberico downtown. This place is a let down.
(1)
Sheresse S.
Holy taste-buds Everything was great!! Beautiful restaurant, awesome food the food is inventive and delicious. What a great neighborhood option! It's nice to have a tapas place within crawling distance. I would have given them 6 stars if I could I will give my business to Bull-eh-dia's again and continue to send others their way.
(5)
Michelle K.
Grabbed a table for two at 8PM on a Saturday night. 5 minutes later, we were brought silverware and glasses of water. 15 minutes after we sat down, no one had come by to greet us or take any kind of an order. Walked out. For shame.
(1)
Anna V.
I was excited to try this place out because it's so near my home and it'd be awesome to have a nice little tapas place nearby...but once again, I should've listened to most of the reviews on here and saved myself a trip. We tried sitting outside and waited about 5 minutes before walking in because no one even greeted us even though the staff clearly saw us (that should've been a red flag!). So yeah, although the servers were courteous, I can't say they were doing a great job...water and bread took 15 minutes. The sangria, however, was very good. The food was just MEH. I really liked the stuffed mushrooms, they taste like pizza puffs! And the crema catalana was very good too, but the main courses left much to be desired. The pollo al ajillo was very different from what I had in mind. I was thinking a white, buttery, garlic sauce but instead it looked and tasted more like orange chicken from a chinese restaurant. The carne casera wasn't anything special either, in fact, the dish came out cold. I don't think I'll be back, there are plenty of other tapas restaurants in the city where you'll get all around good service & food, and it will be worth the price you pay.
(2)
Jennie P.
First let me start by saying, I love tapas - I really do. To the point, my wedding was a Tapas menu - I just love small plates and all the variety you can have. Bull-eh-dia's is really only mediocre. We stopped in on a Saturday night, there was hardly anybody inside but it still took somebody close to 10 minutes before giving us waters. Mine had something floating in it. Whatever, accidents happen, I got a new one. I will say the bacon wrapped dates are very good, they have goat cheese in them which is always a nice surprise. Everything else was really only "ok." Nothing really blew me away and left me saying, "ohhhh my gosh, I LOVE this, I want more!!" They turned on techno/dance music the later it became which is also fine but I wasn't really digging it for a Spanish themed restaurant especially when there was hardly anybody inside. I would recommend people to go elsewhere.
(2)
Kasia K.
In terms of tapas restaurants in America, the portions were biggest I have yet seen. We ordered 5 tapas to share between two people and we were stuffed, could not finish everything. The best one we had was the carne casera (I think it was called), super delicious cuts and perfectly cooked. The texture of the meat and flavors were amazing in my mouth, highly recommend that. Would like to go back to try out other menu items as well.
(4)
Aimee D.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to my tapas food (favorites are Ba-ba-reeba and Iberico) and I'm now happy to add Bullehdia to my list. I believe it's far superior to Twist and a nicer atmosphere too. I've been there twice and each time the food (and almost as importantly) the sangria were great. I would love to see this restaurant stay on Southport for a long time. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Jarvis A.
Amazing food, great atmosphere, gorgeous waiters. I came with my wife and a friend and we ate at least 8 dishes. Everything was good.
Best tapas I have ever had...including a trip to Barcelona and Madrid. The food was just out of this world awesome. We had the squid, goat cheese w tomato sauce (not marinara really), and some lamb chops. The presentation and tastes easily beat any of the other Chicago tapas places. The service was fine but the place only had a few other people in it, they were playing some jamming spanish guitar cd (no complaints) and the banana desert should not be missed!
(5)
Sarah B.
They have since changed the music to more appropriate Spanish guitar - and the sangria is still delicious and well-priced, and the tapas are decent.
(4)
Minh T.
Went here with a friend. The ambiance is nice, and our waitress was really friendly and helpful. I remember the sangria being delicious and half-priced on Tuesdays (but not very alcoholic), and the calamari was incredible. Usually with calimari, you get the overcooked rubbery variety, but at Bull-eh-dia's, it was tender and cooked perfectly. I definitely want to go back.
(3)
Brett F.
I love me some tapas, yes I do! Being the little Miss Bossy Britches that I am always wanting to dictate what all my friends order so that I can try EVERYTHING on the menu, tapas gives you the perfect opportunity to try a little bite of this and that without the forceful attitude. Bull-eh-dia's hit a few high and low notes for me throughout the night, both playing into my fancy for small plates (and lots of them), but also turning me off with a few nuances that are (fortunately) fixable. Let's explore, shall we? We'll take it down Pro-Con-Pro style like my sorority days: Pro/ Cozy atmosphere, warm colors, it was charming, authentic and we loved the Spanish music that transported us to another place & time even on a dreary, rainy night Con/ No waiting area. Unless conditions are perfect outside (which in Chicago they so often are, right?), you're waiting on the sidewalk. We stood in the rain for about 20 minutes until a bar spot opened up. Pro/ The Sangria was delicious. I'm so turned off by a fruit punch-esque Sangria; their red was amazing and pitchers are only $18.00 making it one of the most affordable pitchers of Sangria in town. Con/ The bartender was slower than molasses in January. The Sangria may be good but when he repeatedly forgets to bring it to you it sort of defeats the purpose, you dig? Pro/ The food was very good. Stacey A. is right on, anything with goat cheese hits a high note... Baked Goat Cheese in Marinara, Goat Cheese-stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese croquettes with Honey. I was liable to start bahhhhing at any moment. The garlic chicken and chorizo empanadas also get enthusiastic honorable mentions. Con/ Noise level. What?! Whaaaat?! WHAAATTTT?!?! That was the majority of the conversation had that evening. It was above loud in there and it got annoying quickly. We couldn't hear the waitress, the music or ourselves. Tables are way too close together, the acoustics are obviously poorly thought out and the volume of voices made my head throb. Pro/ Dessert. Don't miss the Plantano al Caramelo aka Bananas in Caramel. It doesn't sound all that adventurous, but trust me, we all fought for this one and left the others virtually untouched. ...so there you have it. A few kinks to be worked out, but overall still a nice addition to the SoPo lineup. I'll be back for more goat cheese degustation even if I have to shove it in my ears to enjoy it!
(3)
magda p.
Amazing food and ambiance! The best Spanish music selection in Chicago. Perfect place for either bday party or romantic dinner.
(5)
Tiffany V.
My friend and I decided to try out a new tapas place since we love Cafe Iberico and Cafe Ba-ba-re-ba. After reading on their website that Thursday nights was $15 pitchers of Sangria we figured we would give it a try. We got a table inside and the server asked us what we wanted to drink. We mentioned the $15 pitchers of Sangria. He told us that they have sangria specials on some nights of the week but he had to go ask because he didn't think it was on special that day. I told him that it was on the website and he said okay, I'll give it to you for $15 then. We should have left then. We ordered white sangria and received a pitcher of red, but felt bad for sending it back since they can't reuse it. It still tasted sort of watered down and not that great. We ordered a few tapas and was not happy with the portion size for the price compared to Ba-ba-re-ba and Iberico. Our Bacon Wrapped Dates had 4 in an order and the Shrimp had 5 small pieces of Shrimp for $8 each. After that, our server asked if we wanted dessert. We said no thanks, got the check and went down the street to Dairy Queen!
(2)
Greg O.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT GO TO BULL-EH-DIA'S. We went to Bull-eh-dia's last week for a friend's birthday. I had been there once before about five years ago, and my recollection was that it was pretty good. My girlfriend was smart enough to find a Living Social deal before we went. $15 for $30 worth of food. Great, right? Nope. When we arrived, we asked the waiter, Jeison, if we could be on a separate check, stated that we had a Living Social deal, and asked if that would be ok, to which he replied, "Absolutely." We weren't all that hungry, but since we had to spend at least $30, we ordered more than we would have. All in all, our bill ended up coming out to a little over $40, so I was going to just pay the difference, plus tip. When it was time to cut the check, the waiter came and informed us that he was not going to honor the Living Social deal because people in "our group" received "another deal". Let's see... we are a group of two who did not drink any beverages, and only ordered off the main menu. What? "Didn't you tell your manager that you told us it was ok to use this?" "Too bad," was his response. He did not want to get in trouble with his manager/owner, so he threw us under the bus. Enter the manager/owner. What a piece of work! We told her that the waiter had said it would be ok for us to use the Living Social deal, which as far as I am concerned, is practically legal tender. She flat out refused and kept trying to draw some half-assed comparison to Brazzaz. Sorry, but you are not Brazzaz. Their food and service both blow yours out of the park. After all of this, we obviously decided not to tip because they were screwing us out of $15 (the other $15, we will be able to get back from Living Social). Nope again! THEY DECIDED TO IMPOSE A MANDATORY GRATUITY AND THREATENED TO CALL THE POLICE IF WE DID NOT COMPLY! I crossed off the gratuity and signed the check, agreeing only to pay the $40 or so before "gratuity". Sure enough, my credit card was charged almost $50 because they decided to keep the "gratuity" included. I have, of course, contested this with my credit card company. So-so food. Horrible service. Flagrantly pathetic ownership. I will never go to Bull-eh-dia's again.
(1)
Lauren W.
I've had tapas many-a times and they've never disappointed. However, Bull-eh-dias did just that! The salmon we got was not at all what I envisioned because I envisioned what the menu was advertising. I'm a small girl, but sitting on the patio made me feel like king kong in a knock off Barbie dream house. And last major complaint: I realize tapas are "small plates". However, I've never been to a tapas place with plates so small the food had to be cut on the serving plate to avoid overhang on the eating plate. Now, even with my disappointment, there were a couple highlights. The beet salad is absolutely amazing. And huge. The ribs were also awesome, fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth. So glad I had the aforementioned because i may have otherwise been forced to give fewer than 3 stars!
(3)
Allyson H.
This is the best tapas place I've found in the city! The food is absolutely great as is the service. The peach sangria is delicious. I went with a few friends and we each ordered a couple items, allowing us to try quite a few dishes. Everyone ended up full and happy! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Falon G.
Overall, a disappointing experience. The restaurant is very small, but I was there on a Wednesday, so it was not crowded. However, the music was much too loud. I asked the waitress to turn it down and she obliged, but never did. They also had several TVs playing sports games. It felt like I was in a bad Spanish night club/sports bar rather than a charming tapas restaurant. The service started off fine, but as a couple more tables came in, my table was forgotten about. We had to flag the waitress down for every little thing we needed. When she came by, she acted annoyed that we needed something. The food is mediocre at best. The portabella mushrooms with bleu cheese on a crostini were fantastic! Easily the best dish we ordered. However, the rest of the dishes just went downhill from there. The meatballs were dry and tasted like a big clump of allspice & cloves. Gross. They were out of the spinach empanada special, despite the fact that we were only the third table in for dinner, so we went with the chorizo empenada, which was a mistake. I asked the waitress if they make the chorizo in-house and she said yes, but when they came out, they appeared manufactured and previously frozen, like a fold-over pot pie would look. The chorizo was disgusting. The consistency of the meat was more like the pepperoni that one would find in a hot pocket, rather than homemade sausage. It was spilling with bright red grease. However, the sauce that came with them was great. For dessert, the Spanish creme brulee tasted like vanilla pudding with a tube of strawberry ice cream syrup squeezed onto the sugar crust. I will not be returning. I'm still trying to get rid of my stomach ache from dinner.
(2)
Brent R.
Been here twice and we recently went for my birthday with a reservation of 8. Its a small place so I was worried that they could handle the tables so we went early. Bartender took a while for drinks but once we got the bottles of wine rolling it was great! It is so much fun and the food is awesome! I will be back often
(4)
Cari B.
I have been to Bull-eh-dia twice now and would just give it a shrug. It is not expectional, nor were they bad experiences. The food, for the most part, is pretty tasty. I have not really got a sense of any signature dishes, but the dates with goat cheese are quite delicious! The service is inconsistent at best. The people are certainly friendly, but very scarce. It takes a long time to get water, bread, plates cleared- all things that should be routine. Tapas is a slow paced meal, but the wait for drinks and even getting the check really brings down the experience. They have delicious drink specials throughout the week, I would probably stop in just for some sangaririta more often if I would not have to wait so long for a server. All in all, a good place to enjoy a slow leisurely meal with someone, but not a place to really enjoy out of this world tapas.
(3)
Chris S.
Pros: Cute restaurant, with decorating they take pride in, and should. Smaller, intimate feel to it than some of the other tapas restaurants in the city. Cons: The dishes all seemed to be a couple of dollars more expensive than at other restaurants. If this is a reflection of the quality of ingredients, they should consider putting someone in the kitchen that can take advantage of that. Nothing came out hot. Some of it warm, some of it room temperature. I made a comment about this to the server who was unmoved to do anything about it. For our entire meal we were treated to the kitchen staff regaling each other with foulmouthed stories of the night before (I usually have absolutely no problem with this, just not within earshot of the entire dining room. For the entire hour I was there. It was like the pissed off soundtrack to my meal). As much as I'd like to recommend this local place, I simply can't.
(2)
Jacques M.
I have gone a few times and tried a wide array of their tapas. The Bacon Wrap Dates are my personal favorite. The muscles are excellent also. The atmosphere is great with dim lights and cozy seats. This is a good place to take a date, especially on a weekday when it's less crowded. I'm a big eater and some of the portions are a little sparse for the price. Although, I can't think of anything I ever ordered there that didn't taste great. A group of two will probably need about 4 dishes and it can get a little pricey, we spent over $40 on a lunch for two. However, I don't mind paying a little more good food. I wish they has some sort of deal were you could get 4 Tapas and drinks for like $30, as the price is the only thing that prevents me from going more often. Definitely worth a taste if you haven't been
(4)
David L.
Exciting music, big portions for tapas, and excellent service. Muy muy bueno.
(4)
Becky D.
Yay! Tapas! When out on a girls night, start with tapas! The pitchers of sangria are delicious! I highly recommend the peach, even if it is a little more expensive. The bacon wrapped scallops are amazing. The scallops are so perfectly cooked you can cut them with the unbladed side of a butter knife, the bacon was perfectly crispy! The spicey potatoes are refreshingly salty and delicious. The spicey chicken was delicious. Crab cakes are good, with a kick of red pepper and a delicious sauce and leafy green vegetables. The crowd here is on the younger side. Bordering on hipster/college kids. There are young professionals here as well. A good start to a girls night!
(4)
justine s.
Alright I may be a little biased because I used to work here, but this place has some great food. Granted sometimes it gets a little busy, but that just means that people enjoy the place and keep returning. The space is small and the tables are a little too close together but I think it just creates a more intimate atmosphere. I saw a lot of couples come through this place and they always seemed to leave smiling. As everyone said...bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates, ahhh-mazing. The garlic shrimp is really good as well. I also remember really liking the chorizo with potatos. It's worth trying for sure.
(4)
Dianne D.
A friend of mine recommended Bull-eh-Dia's for dinner. I didn't even know the place existed but thought I'd give it a shot. My favorite thing about this place was the ambiance and the Sangria. This is a great date place, it's small and cozy. We were able to get seated right away (at 8:30pm on a Friday night). The Red Sangria was out of this world! We went through 2 pitches very quickly! :) The food was OK. The Queso de Cabra (Goat Cheese w/ Bread) was pretty good, the Calamares a la Plancha (Squid in Lemon sauce) was way too salty but big portions, the Albóndigas Españolas (Meatballs w/ Saffron rice) was good but very filling and the Croquetas de Queso was bland. I would go back to this restaurant to try a few more dishes. However, I was not overally impressed with the food this time around.
(3)
erin k.
Deep-fried pillows of breaded goat cheese on a plate laced with balsamic reduction and honey. Some girls like flowers...
(4)
David S.
Good tapas. They were not to big like some places. The steak ones were very good. Downsides were: pretty loud and tiarmasu was overly coffee tasting.
(4)
K B.
Went last night for my first time. The food, when I got it, was decent.... BUT the service was below parr. We had to ask for more water and/or clean glasses (mind you this is a small place). What got me was an hour after ordering I was waiting on my second plate...empenadas. I asked how long they took, the waiter looked at his order sheet and said "one minute, do you want me to put them in now." WHAT?! He forgot to put in my order and by this time I was not hungry anymore b/c I was so annoyed. They didn't offer to make them for me to take home or ask if I wanted dessert. I will never go back.
(2)
Joscelyn M.
No offense to the neighborhood of the Cubs, but I was really surprised to find such good food in the area (save for the Tango Sur meaty goodness up the street). I'm used to hitting up Wrigley for some beer. The place is really cool and the food is good - standard Spanish fare done well. Sangria is pretty kickin'. If I ever find myself in the hood not feeling too tipsy, I'll be heading here!
(4)
Laura A.
it wasn't as good as la taberna but definitely a quiet atmosphere. datiles de tocino not as good as la tabernas. my favorite was the croquetas de puerco, so good! and yes i had my sangria. peach. like always.
(3)
Anthony P.
What a nice surprise! My wife and i went there on a Friday night around 8pm. We were seated promptly and we were quickly able to enjoy the warm laid-back Spanish decor. One quick tip: avoid the high tables/chairs as they get very uncomfortable overtime. We ordered a half-pitcher of white sangria and a few hot tapas. Everything was truly delicious while remaining unpretentious. The flan with toasted almonds, chocolate syrup and whipped was just a delight. And the service was spot on. Definitely looking forward to becoming a regular and highly recommend it.
(5)
Kristin C.
Congrats to Bull el Dia for securing the number 2 spot in my tapas list, and because of the fact that I didn't have to wait an hour to sit outside like at ba ba reeba, it is a close second. The place was cute, cozy, authentic looking and they have a little outdoor patio. Tables are a little close together out there, but we dealt with it. Price-wise, it was comparable to most other tapas places in the city, around $6-8 for most dishes. Service was a tad slow, but overall it was a pleasant experience and I can't wait to go back. Now on to the food ... The Good Stuff Shrimp in olive oil/garlic -- Solid item. Shrimp was cooked perfectly, flavors were not too overpowering. Would definitely order again Carne en Tostada -- Definitely the best thing we had, we ordered seconds. A very tender piece of beef on a crostini topped with a slice of Manchego cheese and a little red pepper. Soooo good! Stuffed Chicken - Don't remember the name, but it was stuffed with spinach, goat cheese (see I told you I liked it), carmelized onions among other things. I dont even like onions, but I honestly think that they made this dish - gave it a bit of sweetness. This was served over a bed of red pepper mashed potatoes, which were very good. Was thrown off a bit by the look/texture, but they were great. The So So Stuff Croquetas de queso -- I will eat goat cheese on anything, with anything, or with nothing. These were fried balls (sexual, huh) with warm goat cheese inside. The interesting/maybe weird part of it was the honey and balsamic vinegar it was drizzled with. The flavor was very, very unique, something I have never tasted before. Not sure that I would order it again, but I'm glad I did. Would probably try the traditional baked goat cheese next time. Mussels in marinara -- This was my first time having mussels, and well, it tasted like I thought it would.
(4)
Josclyn W.
Only come here if you have no taste buds! While waiting for a midnight showing at the music box, Mr and I stopped in to have some small plates. The loud music and empty seats meant the locals even on a beautiful Friday night know to steer clear, we should of. We were recommended a pitcher of the peach sangria, and it tasted like peach syrup and water, even at 22 dollars we both could not stomach another glass plastic beer pitcher it came in was also very unappetizing! I started with the olives, They were pitted which is strange, I like my olives tender bitter in a cured way and a little salty, I would say the exact opposite, chewy, bland and sour, with whole cloves of raw hard garlic and mini gherkins! Boooo I was anxiously awaiting the next plates. Mr started with a portable hot place with manchego cheese crustini and it was not bad!!! A beacon of hope? then ordered the shrimp hot plate, The tight rubber fishy smelling balls drenched in oil, silvered garlic and red pepper flake with a lemon wedge thrown in, maybe for protection. He ate one and the fish smell and taste was so powerful he did not finish the rest. I ordered a hot chicken plate with saffron rice, and the chicken was cooked properly but covered with this red almost mayonnaise like substance which made the chicken and peppers and onions all taste the same. The rice was mush, faint yellow, grains all smashed together. 55 dollars later we were still hungry decided to drink our dinner at a bar down the street.
This is one of those "I hate to review it because I hate the idea of it getting too crowded" reviews, but we went for dinner here on Fri. night and now, on Monday, the BF & I are still talking about it. A rarity, as usually he doesn't like to discuss food. The bacon wrapped dates and the grilled octopus were divine. I'll order them every time I go. The $18 pitcher of red sangria? Again, I'll never be here without it. The cheese empanadas? Decent, but could've used more flavor. The only low point of the meal was the carne tostatdas. The 'tostada' was a french bread baguette from the across the street Jewel, it was stale and totally boring. The meat on top of it was soft and succulent though. We ate every morsel of meat, and left all the bread. Our waitress was great, presentation was gorgeous service was quick, and the best part? A runner came to bring us a plate and saw that we still had something on the table. He took the plate back in to give us more time (on his own accord, but it was more than fine with us). When he came back with the plate a few minutes later, it was still hot and delicious. Great timing. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)
Imilya M.
Went here for my birthday last Saturday and I had a great time. The waitress was really nice even though we made her wait an hour before ordering any real food, besides drinks, for the rest of my friends to come. The empanadas were really good too. So was the sangria.
(4)
Cecilia O.
I love the atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course the amazing authentic tapas. I love everything on the menu (as well as the ever-changing specials), especially the Portuguese mussels, and the garlic shrimp (cooked to perfection!). It's a great place for a date with intimate seating for two, as well as for medium/large groups with larger tables that can be arranged to accommodate the size of the group. When I was there with a big group (about 15 ppl) the upstairs was perfect for the occasion. In the summer the outdoor seating is nice and sunny, and in the winter the cozy candle-lit interior feels really great. The upstairs has a more loungy modern feel, and on Thursdays even more so with a DJ spinning great lounge music. One last thing to mention is that the lunch specials are great! Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)
Jim W.
Little bit of a different review. Apparently in addition to being a semi-new down the street from Tango Sur, BeD's let's you book "party packages" if your party is at least 8 strong. [Note: if you have 15+, then you can book the party room upstairs, it's BYOB and you get a dedicated server] We got some sort of custom 7-dish package since we didn't make the 15 person minimum. We were a party of 13 there for a bday, so it was kind of nice not to have to deal with the hassle of looking down the menu and dealing with variable costs outside of the sangria (although apparently we missed the scallops Maureen M recommended). Since I wasn't the event planner, I have no idea what the format was, but it just seemed like they kept bringing different tapas out. I think I dropped my standards a bit since I was famished, but everything tasted good, although I think Babareeba might still be a bit better. The dish that stood out to me was the Empanadas con Chorizo Mojo Canario (long name!) but it was the avocado sauce that really made it. The Pollo Relleno, stuffed with spinach and goat cheese was also yummy. The restaurant itself is pretty small and very friendly and cozy. The manager really took care of us and the service was phenomenal. I'm sure this contributed to our final bill, but my sangria glass rarely, if ever, went down to half empty. Both the red and white were equally good, although BeD's doesn't have quite the variety of Babareeba. What was really awesome though was at one point, one of the waiters went around with a pitcher of ice and spooned ice into our sangria glasses so that it would be nice and cold - talk about full service! In the end, I'm not sure I ate that much but given how much I drank, the bill/person was not unreasonable at $45, esp given the attention the restaurant gave us. BeD's is worth a second visit to try some other plates, and definitely a great place for a large group.
(4)
Sandra J.
I have been here a few times and I liked it but this last time I was a bit disappointed. Food was good but service was meh! My friend Jake and I went for dinner and split a few dishes. The sangria was a bit sweet and watered down. The bacon wrap dates were so heavenly and the chicken w rice was alright but sort of bland. The grilled octopus was very good but heavy on the oil. our waitress was a bit flighty but when we were waiting for our octopus, she did give me a sangria on the house. I had great dishes here before but I guess I was hoping for that magic again. I was hoping that our time was just an off day because it is so hard to find a good tapas place especially near southport!
(3)
Karen B.
I LOVE it here! I've gone a few times and this place is a neighborhood gem! Best serve, amazing tapas, intimate atmosphere, the wine selection is fabulous and everything is reasonably priced. I recommend this place to friends in the area and people who are visiting from out of town. Great place to check out!!
(5)
Troy H.
Great tapas! Get the spicy potatoes. The tables are a little cramped together but the food is quick and full of flavor. The $7 martinis are very yummy and a little strong (a good thing!), try the Ibiza.
(4)
Matt J.
We just happened to stumble by this gem after being the neighborhood and looking for a late dinner. Granted the place was pretty empty being it was about 10:00 p.m. but our server was FANTASTIC and very friendly and inviting as we were unsure if they would still be serving dinner!! He explained all the dishes we had questions about including the beers we were unfamiliar with. The restaurant itself is a bit smaller but it had a great ambiance, great music, and I would describe it more as cozy. There was not one plate we ordered that we didn't like and the prices were very affordable considering how big the portions were per tapas. We will definitely be coming back and bringing some friends whether it be at this location or the new one. I highly recommend trying some of the different beers. We had a round of drinks, four tapas, and dessert and it was about $60-$65 before tip. The LED flashlight keychain our server tossed into our TO GO bag was a surprising added bonus that just goes to show you how they strive to go the extra mile.
(5)
Patrick n.
This place was more expensive and worse in every way than pretty much every tapas place we've been to in town. I can make better versions of almost every dish we tried, and it would probably cost me less to do so. The food wasn't terrible it was just okay, and there is no reason to spend more for mediocre tapas when there are 20 better, cheaper ones around the city (BaBaReeba, Iberico, las Ramblas to name a few)
(2)
Alice C.
I have never eaten at a tapas place before. I knew there were small plates and all, so I was a little hesitant about eating there. But! my friend insisted, so I went. The first thing I tried was carne en tostada (medium well) and it was sooo good, I wanted another one. Which I was going to order again, but! TADA! Gambas al ajillo came... My goodness! the shrimp was sooo good mixed with the bread. The garlic, the lemon, the olive oil... such a great taste in my mouth. By this time I was already getting a little full, but how could I say no to a paella con todo (a rice dish that has everything you could imagine! From veggies, to chicken, to seafood, to the imaginary world of tasteful food). A complete delight! After the paella, I knew I couldn't eat anymore. Little did I know, the dessert was on its way... Migas de chocolate was a complete "touch of heaven" just like the server said. That brownie can only exist in your dreams, you would think! BUT IT EXISTS! And you can only find it at Bullehdias. The servers were good, it was pretty busy during the weekend, but I hope it is not like this during the week, 'cause I am definitely coming back after work or ask for a delivery. On top of the tables there were these magnets that you could put on your refrigerator, and it has 5 dollars off... not too much. BUT A DISCOUNT IS A DISCOUNT. If I were to come here again, I will definitely bring a lot of friends, it's a cozy environment and it feels like you have privacy. Overall I give it a 5! Fogo de Chao and this place are one of my favs!
(5)
howard n.
I was fretting until the morning of NYE to see where to go that night. I kind of stumble onto this place, checked YELP, of course, almost went to 1492 tapas instead, and was ready to shell out 90 bucks per person on their NYE dinner. However, the right conscience surely set in and steeredme to this restaurant. what gave me a good first impression was the fact, I was able to book a table for 0930 that night. The restaurant was small, and when we first walked in, it was loud and packed. Everyone seemed having a good time. The wait staff was friendly, a little frentic, but at least they took their time to greet and acknoledge you, which to me was important. It's a great spot for people watching. the clientele seems young, hip and relazed. they were a lot of good look people that night. the food was overall good, dates wrapped with bacon was good as advertised. it's a party of flavors, crunchy, sweet, salty, creamy, cheezy, smoky, all the flavors meshed together in perfection. chicken croquette was moist, cheesy, and aromatic, another great choice. you must try the paella negro, which was the paella cooked with squid, shrimp, and squids' own black ink. it was fun, adverturous, the squid ink adds a rich, briny, and buttery taste to the paella that you won't be able to experience wthout the ink. squid was tender, rice was perfectly cooked, it finally broke my prejuidice on the european don't know how to cook rice properly. the desserts, the chocolate brownie cheesecake was to die for, and so was the banana cooked in liqueor, with crunchy almonds. the creme brulee was a little less to be desired. atomsphere was great, we all had a great time, the wait staff was attentative, the order was overall correct. when they do make a mistake, they do correct it immediately. so overall I had a great time and will go back again.
(4)
Christine N.
I ate at Bull-eh-dia's last night and I was not impressed. The food was average, bordering on bad, and the sangria was terrible! The service was good, although there were only 3 tables occupied. Also, the place was freezing!!! Crank up the heat please! Overall, I wouldn't waste my time and money here. You can eat tapas that taste a lot better for the same price.
(2)
Chelsa P.
So far I have been here 3 times and have not been disappointed. I have had all 3 of their Sangria and even though it is not the best that I have ever had it is pretty close. The ribs, that have been on the special menu are absolutely amazing, so if you like ribs, try theirs, you will not be disappointed.
(4)
maureen m.
Mandilyn (sp), the owner made a special martini for the night. It was sweet with peach vodka. She constantly attended to the tables in this cozy neighborhood restaurant in Lake view like you were at her home. The food: crab cakes were served in a non traditional shape (ball) that were served with fresh lettuce and sauces. The scallops were perfectly cooked, again with lovely fresh variety of lettuce and sauce. This place is cozy, clean and perfect for a delicious meal under $35.00.
(5)
johnny b.
ugh been here a couple times wanting to like it. Wont ever be back. Food is just not good. Over cooked chicken and under seasoned food. Uninspiring and bland. Go down the street to coobah for much better food. If you are just going for drinks not bad but skip the food.
my search for authentic tapas has ended. dining here is like being transported to spain. it's intimate, sexy and oh-so-delicious! have not had a chance to sample the sangria yet, but every tapas i have tried has been delightful. i'm a big fan of the patatas bravas, and they offer their version with two different sauces on the side - one spicy hot, one cool and soothing ( i think it may have avocado in it?). also worth mentioning is the jamon y queso - i could make a meal on that alone! take your special someone here. save iberico or ba-ba-reeba for the big group outings. this is the real deal.
(5)
Dan B.
Really, really like this place. The tapas ((there is a large selection of cold and hot)) are super yummy and reasonably priced. My personal favorites are the goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese empanadas. Honestly, though, the atmosphere is what really keeps me coming back to this place. The owners are very friendly and gracious. Also, the service is peppy, which I like in a tapas joint. The ambiance inside is great and they have a nice little outdoor seating area in the summer. Oh, the sangria! More, please.
(4)
Sarah A.
I was very excited to find a tapas place that I could walk to, however after eating there I was very disappointed. We ordered the Spanish omelet and grilled chicken in garlic, the food was very bland. I would not recommend going here.
(2)
Alexis B.
My parents worked with Joe and Mariena at Bull-eh-dia's to organize our engagement party last month. It was phenomenal! The food was excellent, the service was great, and Mariena was just so nice and accommodating about everything. She even presented my fiance and I with a complimentary bottle of champagne when we arrived. The party was at 2pm, so we basically had the whole restaurant to ourselves. It was a really wonderful experience; my fiance and I are sure to return in the future. If you go, be sure to try the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese... to die for!
(5)
Sarah H.
I have eaten at bull-eh-dia's before and found the food to be decent as far as tapas go. However on my second visit i was quite disappointed. The food was so boring and the chorizo stuffed eggplant on the special menu tasted like hamburger helper. The wine list is sufficient but the cocktails leave much to be desired. The peach sangria is watery and bland.
(2)
Paul D.
Marvelous. Everywhere - great, open decor; handsome wine list; food through the roof. We had scallops in a saffron sauce, with red peppers; a pork tenderloin stuffed with dates, almonds, moorish-influenced flavors, in a white wine and aromatic broth; grilled octopus with potatoes; crab cakes; chorizo empanadas with two sauces (a red pepper coulis and avocado sauce). Unbelievable intensity of flavor and skill. Passed back with a really nice tempranillo (forget the vintner), and a Ladera white. Music mix was spot on, wonderful. We understand Tuesdays, 7p-9p, there is a live guitarist; we're in. Congrats to the chef and owners for creating such an authentic, wonderful experience.
(5)
Franny S.
I had dinner here Saturday night and really enjoyed it. The (red) sangria was excellent and the food was (mostly) very good. My favorite thing was definitely the dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon...I don't normally eat meat, but every few years I make an exception just for this dish (it's a fairly common tapas item). Other winners were the garlic shrimp, potato salad, grilled scallops, crabcakes and caramel creme brulee. On the flip side, the cheese empanadas had too much dough and not enough cheese, and the portobello crostini was just so-so. All in all, a lovely addition to Southport...I'll go back for sure.
(4)
Liz F.
We went on Valentines day before the Blackhawks game and were seated right away. I love tapas and sangria so this place was like heaven. From the crispy, spicy potatoes all the way through the delicious poached pear dessert I was not disappointed in any way.
(4)
Becky S.
Stumbled across Bull-eh-dia's and decided to give it a try. Great potato salad and sangria! Very nicely decorated and reasonably priced ($8 per plate).
(4)
Suee S.
I went here last night for my friends birthday dinner. I was a little late as were two others so the party has to wait until everyone was there in the small bar area to be seated. So then we were all there then had to wait another 30 minutes for our table. I guess I can understand but if we were coming for sure then I dont see why they would have to wait and then have to wait even longer. Yes the bar area is small and there is only one little lane for everyone to walk through so there is constantly servers etc passing by. I thought the food was pretty good. There were some dishes I didnt care too much for like the artichokes. I've never really had tapas so I dont have much to compare it to. We all ordered and we jsut passed around the dishes and we were all able to have a good amount of food. I was pretty full. The bill wasnt too bad either. I had two glasses of wine and the food and it was about 35 each. The server was nice and addresses requests pretty quickly.
(4)
sheila J.
We came here on a Sat. night without a reservation. We were seated in about 15-20 minutes, which gave us enough time to run out and get a bottle of wine. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. The only drawback was that the noise. The music was loud, so therefore everyone had to yell to be heard over the music. All in all a good place.
(4)
Jeff k.
Visited on 8/11/2011 and it was my second time. I had to go back because the food is amazing. It is all tapas style. The service is good, attentive enough but they work with a small staff so if they are busy you might wait an extra minute. They food comes out as fast as any restaurant I've been to. The steak tapas are all ridiculous and the potatoes are some of the best i've had. I've been to places like Cafe Iberico that have similar dishes but just aren't as good as this. The seafood Tapas are great and I could tell that it was fresh. If you have time I would suggest waiting 30-40 minutes for the paella because it is worth it. The prices are very fair, as you would expect for tapas. It's in the rotation for good.
(4)
Stacie K.
For a better tapas experience, I would go to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. The food here was OK, at best. It was pretty tasteless, and nothing really stands out in my mind. The service was good, though, but I think that may be because I went early in the evening, when people weren't swamped/occupied with others. They DO have dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, which I would like to try..but my friend that I went with does not enjoy goat cheese (strange, isn't it?). If anyone reads this, and has had those dates I speak of, please let me know if it's worth it to go back and give them a second shot.
(2)
Ashley M.
After walking by this place frequently, i finally stopped in on a Friday night for dinner. I didn't realize what a great decision that was! Although the dining room is a little cramped (but then again what restaurant in Lakeview isn't?), the food was fantastic. I recommend the red Sangria, and the Carne Caserna. The prices aren't bad, but beware the wait could be. A great place for a date or dinner with a group of friends. I'll be back!
(4)
rachel s.
So disappointing, we left after four plates and finished our meal at Azucar. Service was great, but the food was bland. And the drinks were even worse.
(2)
Courtney S.
Everything about this place was pretty darn good. The waitress was intense and then she got busy so it was a little hard to pay the bill, but the food appeared almost immediately after ordering it. The shrimp, salmon, asparagus, and croquettes were all excellent. The mojitos were tasty and my friend enjoyed the white sangria. We will definitely be back. Annoying thing--the wait staff took a verrrry long time noisily moving chairs and tables behind us, only to move them back about twenty minutes later. Sounds like a silly thing to mention, but we were having a personal conversation and it was extremely distratcting.
(4)
Mindy V.
Just ok. Pretty big selection and I loved there spanish sausages and sangria but the shrimp were kinda bland and the space is small and nothing special. Nice to sit outside and people watch on Southport tho!
(3)
J B.
The food here is basically inedible. It is borderline disgusting. It is not even close to being authentic spanish food. I lived in Spain and the easiest tastiest dish to make is tortilla espanola, and Bull-eh-dia managed to screw that up. If you want good authentic great tasting tapas, skip this place and go to Cafe Iberico.
(1)
Shannon M.
So me and The Boy had about an hour before our show at The Music Box Theatre and I saw this place on the way there so we went and checked it out. There weren't many people there (just a couple a few tables away and two guys at the bar) and was kinda dark inside, but led for good ambiance and was pretty cozy regardless. Although I've been to Spain before, The Boy and I weren't very well versed in tapas so we just chose a variety of things to try. The items we got were pretty tasty (the balsamic reduction and honey sauce on the goat cheese coquettes was to die for), especially considering the price (and the house red was pretty good). The service was generally pretty speedy and our server was nice and generally on top of things (he may have forgotten to pick up our last item but he was also the bartender so I'll let it pass). Next time I go out for a night on the town, I may have to revisit this place...
(4)
Sam K.
I was so excited to try out a new tapas place, but sadly this one was very disappointing. First, and this is just an annoyance-the outside tables were SO small that there was no room for the three tapas we started with. Service-no complaints Then...the food. Average at best. The chicken was dried out, nothing was very flavorful... Too many other good restaurants in the city. Won't be returning
(2)
Wyllys B.
Bull-eh-dia's is as good as tapas can get in Chicago. This for us is a neighborhood haunt and a thousand times better than the likes of Cafe Ba-Ba-Rebob. The couple who runs it are as good as it gets in the restaurant industry, excellent people. The owners run it, they care immensely about the product they produce and it shows. Go with friends and turn over your palate to Marianna and Joe to make your dining experience beyond belief. Try the dates they are out of this world. We are now working our way through the entire menu and trying everything, not a bad one in the bunch so far!
(5)
Lynn K.
So the food was pretty good, the sangria didn't have any brandy in it. Weird right?, only wine and fruit, i asked. The female owner still takes tables and our server told us they don't pay their staff hourly. It was slow and she was kind of complaining, I don't blaim her! Good location and decent food but could be better.
(2)
tessa c.
three stars for the paella and my calamari in lemon/olive oil. no stars for the service and sangria and the other mediocre tapas. i just don't understand how they couldn't manage extra help the night before new year's and 2 days warning for our huge party. poor waitress was serving the entire restaurant.
(3)
Mrs H.
I love their red sangria! And the goat cheese with marinara sauce is unbelievable! The service is pretty slow when it's busy, but I think the food makes up for it.
(4)
Michelle B.
Do not order the cheese platter! I have had the opportunity to eat here twice in the last month. The atmosphere is absolutely friendly, warm, and cozy. I have tried several things on the menu and I highly recommend the following: Patatas Ali Oli (Spanish potato salad); Carne en Tostada; Pollo al Ajillo; and Chorizo Espanol. I tried the Empanadas de Queso and was somewhat disappointed - they did not have enough cheese filing or the "kick" of hawtness that I was looking for. Also, whatever you do, order the "red" sangria over the sangra blanca or white. The white sangria was disappointing (too much soda water) and did not pack as much punch or flavor as the red. Also, if you are order a glass of wine - either white or red, you can expect a very "generous pour," which is always a nice perk when dining out. Like I said at the beginning of the review: do not order the cheese platter as you will be disappointed - I think the platter is way over-priced and does not lend much for your palate to sample (even thou it is referred as an "assorted Spanish cheese platter" - it really is not). Instead, use the money you would have spent on the cheese platter for another fine dish that is offered on the menu. Finally, if you are a "late-nighter" and looking for a good meal after midnight, this is the place to go - the food is just as fresh and enjoyable if you had dined earlier in the evening. Enjoy!
(4)
Alan B.
I was anxious to find a new tapas spot closer to home and was happy I found this place. Went with my young lady last night. It was very nice: attentive service, somewhat knowledgeable servers, reasonably inexpensive tapas for a reasonable price. We had the olive dish, pulpo ala plancha, calamari ala plancha, a carne dish with peppers and I had a pitcher of mango Sangria. The pulpo, carne and calamari were all excellent. The potatoes were okay. They bring all the plates out too soon; I wish they spread it out a little more. The mango Sangria was a little week and too sweet for my taste but overall it was a great meal and a great atmosphere.
(4)
tr y.
What a pleasant little treat this place is for food. We did the beef carpaccio, the esparragos al vapor and had some nice cocktails while Ashland Tire & auto fixed our flat because Chicago has huge shitty potholes all over. Great outside dining great service and clean! Treat yourself to this neighborhood gem!
(4)
Melissa C.
I absolutely loved Bulerias Tapas Bar and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants to have a good time with their family and friends. Bulerias offers a fun, vibrant, and clean environment. My favorite tapas are hands down the Gambas al Ajilla (yuuuuuuuum!), Bacon Wrapped Dates, Carne Casera, and the Croquetas de Pollo. Also, their sangria is on point. Drink a few of these and you are sure to have a great time :) Their servers are all professional and very sweet! The owner (I think her name is Mariena) was so accommodating and it was a great experience to be greeted by her and checked on during our meal. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Amanda M.
More of a 3.5. Had reservations right before 6pm Saturday for a large group (14?). We were seated downstairs and we pretty much had a personal server for the rest of the night. She was awesome...super friendly and patient with us especially as we weren't the tamest of all. She was even very kind at the end when we thought there was an issue with the bill, when we eventually realized it was our mistake all along. Service was definitely spot on. Food came out at appropriate times and we were always tended to. Food, however, was on the disappointing and mediocre side. The empanadas and paella in particular were quite lackluster. Even the bacon wrapped dates (while still good in itself) were kinda off. The only item that was memorable (out of half the menu that we tried) were the baby back ribs which had a real nice sauce to it. The spicy chicken was quite flavorful but there was a lot more potatoes than chicken in the dish. Overall, the food wasn't bad but there's definitely much better. Service, however, was muy bueno. Decor and ambiance were pretty cool. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(3)
Dan R.
Visited this place with a group of friends. I really enjoyed everything. The location is the only bummer for me. I would probably come here more often if it wasn't so far... West town needs a place like this ( hint!*) The batatas bravas were amazing ( spicy!).
(4)
Amanda S.
So amazing! Yes, tapas are expensive but this plus has deals. Just make sure to sign up for the texts/e-mails. We stopped in for the Tuesday Sangria special. Each pitcher was half off, making them $12 a piece. It's hard to tell how many glasses each had since the glass never got to the bottom without refilling, but I would guess 6 glasses each. We got one pitcher of red and white, and the mix was fantastic. I would definitely recommend that to a table needing two pitchers. As far as tapas, our eyes were bigger than our stomach but between 4 of us we had a total of 7(?) tapas and that was definitely plenty! Below are ratings out of 5: Alcachofas Castellanas- 4; These were excellent. Tons of artichokes and sauteed veggies. The only thing missing was something to eat this with. Luckily we asked for a basket of bread which made a good dish. Montaditos de Setas- 3; There was some flavor lacking in this dish. We ordered it with the manchego cheese but everything seemed very plain. Patatas Bravas- 5; These were AH-MAZING. They came in a huge bowl and two dipping sauces. They had a little kick to them but it was a perfect compliment to the two sauces. These are a MUST get! Croquetas de Queso- 4; I've had these at a different tapas bar and I did prefer them there. These were still pretty good. You get 5 and they are a little bit bigger than a half dollar. The balsamic and honey are a perfect compliment to goat cheese. Calamares a La Romana- 4; Although your run of the mill calamari, this was really well done and a good portion. Again, the sauces made a perfect compliment. Empanadas con Chorizo- 3; This was probably my least favorite. The empanadas were just OK, but chorizo can be that way. The two sauces, avocado and red pepper was also short of some flavor. I would pass on these next time. We ended the night with dessert and I have no idea the name but it gets a 5+. It was a blend of brownie and cheesecake with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was a huge portion and able to feed all 4 of us (see pic). I can't wait to come back for some other tapas and to try out another special.
(5)
Adrienne T.
I would come back. I think my whole party was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was. I think what made the food even more tasty was that we left Bulerias leaving quite full and it only cost us 35 a person with drinks, tax and tip. Not bad for a Saturday evening out. We ordered over ten dishes, first being the asparagus soup. The pureed goodness was quite delicious. I even debated getting an order to go. Some of the dishes that really stood out were: Pollo a la Brava - Although it states on the menu that can be a quite spicy dish, I didn't think it was that bad. However, I did think that it was mighty flavorful. I enjoyed the patatas below the mixture of chicken. We actually mixed the two together to get a nice crunch effect. - If you decide to order patatas bravas, don't. You get a nice sampling with this dish. Albondigas Espanolas - Quite tangy and sweet - Take the consistency of a swedish meatball and add a nice tangy/sweet sauce on top. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this dish. Overall, I would come back. They have wonderful pitchers of Sangria and the food was well portioned for the price.
(4)
Adriana N.
We ordered two orders of Potatoes and they were EXTREMELY spicy! We asked if we could get a new order OR at least take one of the orders back, but management REFUSED! THEY LOST CUSTOMERS OVER POTATOES!
(2)
Elise K.
I've been a few times to Bulerias and we generally enjoy the food. There are a lot of great things on the menu -- pulpo (octopus) is a favorite, though their squid is sometimes a bit overcooked. In the summer, the gaspacho was FANTASTIC! We hope they bring in back on the menu. On our most recent visit, though, it was a little disappointing. We called ahead to make sure we'd be able to get a table. They gave us a little bit of a run-around, but when we arrived there were tables waiting. We were first led to the downstairs dining room (which we like a lot -- nice decoration, warm and inviting). Though there were open tables, they told us to wait at the bar -- so we waited there for about 2 minutes and were about to order a drink when they told us that actually our table was upstairs. So upstairs we went -- where it is louder and colder. They sat us at a table sandwiched in between three groups of VERY loud ladies. We asked to move and we were seated just one table to the side... a bit disappointing because it would have been nice to be able to talk to my husband on date night rather than hearing all the other women's conversations with each other -- namely about birth control. I also was a bit disappointed when I looked at all the coupons I had been saving through email and they all expire within 7 days of the email -- bummer! We had some sangria on this visit. We like it a lot, but they refilled my husband's glass 3 times and never mine, then took the pitcher away. I prefer to be able to pour my own drink or at least get the last bit from the pitcher, since the fruit is just sitting in all the wine! We also had an issue because it was so loud that the waiter didn't understand our order (I had pointed to it on the menu). So some crab cakes that we didn't order showed up. They had to check with three people to 'allow' us not to have them. Then when we got the bill, they were on there, along with the dish we were supposed to get! So we had to get the bill corrected as well. Finally, we really have enjoyed their patas bravas in the past. This time they pre-mixed the spicy sauce into the potatoes so they were squishy and kind of gross -- as well as much too spicy. We couldn't even eat them. It still not a bad place, but I think we'll explore some other tapas places before going back!
(3)
Wayne H.
Our experience at Bulerias wasn't the best. The people sitting at the table next to us were all drunk, screaming, and singing. I understand having a good rowdy time, but I don't usually expect this at a formal dining tapas bar, especially when I wanted to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner with my girlfriend. I normally wouldn't fault the place for this but the staff didn't do anything to try and calm them down. I know they have to be accommodating to all their customers, but they didn't even ask them to tone it down. The other unusual part of the evening is the waitress or bus help, would keep clearing/taking our napkins away while we were still eating or expecting more tapas. That would be okay if they brought us new ones, but they didn't and we would have to keep asking for new ones as soon we realized our previous ones were stolen. The food was okay. Nothing is worth mentioning. I probably won't dine here again.
(2)
Dr. L. C.
I really wanted this place to be amazing. We live close by. Their patio looks so nice and it would be nice to have something in the area that was nicer... but not here. Although requesting a 4 top table and not a 2 top at 7.45pm we were seated at a 2 top. I asked to be moved as we were directly across from a couple with a 3 year old child at a 4 top and I don't like being around kids while I eat. The hostess (who was not rude, but definitely not inviting, accommodating or friendly) told us there was no where else. There were 9 other tables... whatever. The patio furniture appears to have bought at Costco or something. The chairs sit way back and the tables have no where to put your feet. Basically I was smashed into a 2 top table with no where to put my legs, and could not move back because another table and chair was there. It was odd and uncomfortable at best. The food was fine. Besides the waitress, who was very nice but seemed a bit unsure of herself, the service was very good. Almost bordering on annoying as we had 5 different people coming around every 3 minutes asking if we were OK and if we needed something. We finally told them that we were going to just sit for a while and we were ok. I get it, I've worked in hospitality... but when it's basically the end of dinner on a nice day it's OK for us to sit here and enjoy. Especially since there were 9 open tables. The food tasted like trader joes appetizers. The crab cakes were very good... but nothing we will be craving for. After eating our meal with the random child I had asked to be moved from running wild and screeching, I was dismayed as we were leaving 2 woman were sat in the middle of the patio, away from everyone... at a 4 top. Just a tip to the wait staff... don't serve obviously pregnant woman sangria. My husband and I were appalled to see you refilling the 8 month pregnant ladies glass 5 times. If she wants to ruin her kids life that's fine, but don't let her do it at your establishment. That's just trashy. To top it all off, I signed up for their coupons via email, they have texted me 7 times in under 24 hours the same thing... twice at 3 am yesterday... I responded to stop and I still am getting them.
(1)
Mat M.
I dined here a couple months ago with a friend who was keen to check it out. It was Saturday afternoon and around lunch time - and we were the only ones there for a good half hour. The food was actually really decent - and the staff was very friendly. I hope they get busier - because it will really help with the atmosphere. My go-to Tapas restaurant is Bar-Ba-Reeba!
(3)
Dan L.
I went to this place with high hopes, but left feeling with a so so feeling. This place has a weird layout and you almost feel on top of the people next to you. Hostess was up at the bar because it was to cold on the lower level. Service was just not that good. Waiter barely spoke to us, forgot two of our tapas dishes and seemed to have too many tables. For our grilled shrimp and then our beef skewer we knew he forgot and never apologized. We did end up getting them 30 min later as our table was bare of any food and I think he finally caught on. Food was good. A couple of dishes weren't so great ( skip the potatoes in garlic mayo ) but the bacon wrapped scallops over spinach was our fave. I would go 3.5 star and maybe I'll go back as their menu is huge and there is a lot to try.
(3)
Ben B.
Guys, no. I love tapas, but Bulerias has to be some kind of joke. Everything here tastes like it was frozen. Let's start with the sangria. This tastes like some sort of fruit punch from concentrate. It's probably the worst sangria I've ever had. I had several glasses and got zero buzz. That was my first warning sign. * Carne Casera ($9.90) - Pan-seared steak and homemade fried potatoes topped with a red wine and herb reduction. The steak itself was extremely thin. In flavor and texture, it reminded me of Burger King meat patties. I'm 90% sure the "homemade fried potatoes" were dumped out of an Ore-Ida bag. * Empanadas con Chorizo ($8.95) - Homemade pastry puff stuffed with imported Spanish chorizo, served with an avocado and red pepper vinaigrette. Forgettable and dry, like Hot Pocketsâ„¢. * Pollo al Ajillo ($7.65) - Marinated chicken grilled, sauteed in garlic, roasted red pepper and sweet vermouth over homemade fries. This tasted like some kind of bad stir fry dish from a Chinese restaurant. The chicken came in such small nuggets, and there were very few of them. Huge disappointment. * Patatas Bravas ($6.75) - Spicy potatoes. Should be a slam-dunk at any tapas restaurant. These tasted identical to all the other potatoes on the menu, except these got sprayed in some kind of hot sauce. I liked the flavor, but not the texture. (Again, they tasted like overcooked frozen potato chunks from Jewel.) I've had better at every other tapas joint. I should also mention that Bulerias is *loud.* I was seated upstairs and I had a very hard time hearing my dining companions. Also, the serving plates are enormous and there's very little room on the table. I also went the entire meal without having my very tiny dining plate switched out. If I'm eating lots of different things over a few hours, you'd think I wouldn't want them all mixing together to preserve the flavor purity. If you are thinking of hitting a tapas joint, I strongly encourage you to go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Everything there is VASTLY superior to Bulerias. (And they provide you with a stack of fresh plates on your table so you can decide when it's time for a clean one. Nice touch.)
(2)
Bridget T.
Being Spanish from Spain and recently moved to Chicago from Southern California, I have been in search of Spanish food! Excited to come here because it was close to my home, I have mix feelings about the food. The traditional patatas bravas was great! It had the right amount of spice with a side of aoli which complemented the flavor. On the other hand, I had the albondigas and it was horrible! The meat was overly cook and the rice was over cooked! The sangria although was great!
(4)
Laura G.
The service is really great. I would give five stars for how nice the servers were. However, the food is far from traditional and exciting. A lot of their food is accompanied by unnecessary sauces. We ordered filete de la falda con camarones. The flank steak was delicious but the sauce it came with tasted like BBQ sauce. The shrimp are precooked and I could have done without them. We also ordered datiles and the datiles are not fresh they seemed to be candied already. The sangria is pretty great. So one star for great service and one star for great sangria.
(2)
Carol K.
Tapas. While every place has "shareable plates" these days, the places that I still love the best are places like Bulerias who make tapas the wonderful experience it is meant to be. If you haven't noticed, Bulerias has moved from its Southport location to a new, contemporary space located at the corner of Ashland and Waveland. Perfect for sitting outside sipping some sangria and forgetting about life for just a little while (which is exactly what we did on our recent visit) Our server, Manuel, was great and we gave him carte blanche on what to bring us as any decision was going to be too tough for us to comtemplate. After asking us if we ate everything (and we do) he was off to create the perfect dinner for us. As we sat, talked and sipped some amazing sangria (we had the red but they also have white) the food appeared as if by magic, perfectly timed so that our small table was never crowded and we never felt rushed. First up, some kind of fried cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar and honey. Mmmmm . . . .the perfect dish to go with our sangria. Next up, 3 more delicious plates ranging from artichokes with peppers, steak with potatoes and a chicken kabob. And for dessert, a lovely tiramasu which was so large we couldn't even finish it. I loved the warmth of the people who work here. My friend lives in the neighborhood so everyone stopped by to say hi to him and even the manager came over to make sure our evening was just the way we wanted it . . .and it was! If you drive- there is usually street parking available on Ashland or Waveland. Dinner for two with drinks was very reasonable at around $70. And the manager told us that starting in the Fall, they are going to have live music and flamenco dancers so be sure to watch for that! A perfect evening with warm temperatures, a soft breeze, great company and food and drink that was just right. Funny how sometimes the simple pleasures are the best!
(4)
Lucy F.
Each dish was disappointing in its own way: asparagus was doused in entirely too much balsamic; scallops were way over-cooked, potatoes bravas sauce was the wrong consistency; crab cakes might has well have been out of the Trader Joe's freezer aisle. Televisions were obnoxiously displaying syndicated sitcoms and Sportscenter. If you're not airing an event and don't have the sound on, couldn't you just turn them off and let guests enjoy their dinner? Our server was gracious and attentive, enough so to save it from a two-star (or worse) experience; still, we won't be back.
(3)
Jessica Y.
It was my first time dining here and it didn't disappoint! I've been meaning to go here for the longest time since it is on the way home from work. It's located on Ashland where I would't find myself going out in this area. Parking is easy on the side street or on Ashland. I made a reservation for a Friday night online. It was easy and I wanted to make sure I got a patio table. The seats were so comfortable with their patio pillows. Perfect place for a date night or night out with friends. We ordered all our food and drinks from the beginning and everything came out so promptly. Red Sangria with brandy is a must! A pitcher is sufficient for 2 people to have 2 glasses. Portions are bigger than most tapas places. Our waiter Jose was so friendly and personable. He gave solid recommendations and hope he serves us next time we come!
(4)
Erica L.
Was excited to try a new tapas place closer to home. The place has an interesting layout, you walk in and have to walk around and up a flight of stairs to the bar and seating area. There is additional more roomier seating located in the basement level along with the restrooms. We were seated across from the bar - the tables were rather narrow and high-seated and only had 3 seats per table, which I though was a little weird. I wish the tables were bigger and wider to accommodate all the tapas we'd be ordering, but it ended up okay based on the flow of the dishes. The service was super friendly! They were patient with us since our friend was running 35 minutes late, and would check on us periodically without hovering. We decided to order the cheese empanadas while we waited. They were just the right size for 2 people (5 pieces) and hand great dipping sauces (the avocado was better than the red pepper). For the main meal, we shared an order of the Patatas Bravas with the spicy sauce on the side; the Albongdias Espanolas (Spanish Meatballs); Datiles (Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese); and the Pulpo a la Planca (Grilled Octopus). My favorite were the empanadas followed by the crispy potatoes and the octopus. I like how the spicy sauce can be ordered on the side for those not able to handle too much spice. The dates were also very good. The meatballs were overly seasoned and the herbs were overwhelming. They were my least favorite dish. For dessert, the staff was nice enough to give a special birthday caramel flan complete with a lighted candle. They even sang Happy Birthday with us. It was a huge portion, big enough for the 3 of us. It was delicious, especially the surrounding red wine chocolate sauce. Thanks for making our friend's birthday memorable!
(3)
Louise A.
This is one of my favorite tapas bar:) delicious food and sangria is really good. They also have flamenco show some days
(5)
Mark Y.
You know u have a great restaurant when every item is sooo good... Something as simple as a flaun done so so well. With cool trip hop and Ibizan lounge grooves. Perfectly satisfied but not miserable like the usual heavy meals.
(4)
Julie C.
Love this place! I've lived in and visited Spain a number of times, so I can be a tough critic of tapas restaurants, but this one has never disappointed. They also have great live music and specials that make is easy to return to often.
(5)
Nicole M.
Decided to try this place on a whim last Saturday and ended up very pleasantly suprised. We were thrown off a little but when we got seated in the basement, although cute it was tight and loud. Once the delish sangria came we were all set and understood why everyone was so loud and excited to be here. The food was supreme, we had spicy potatoes, chorizo empanadas and spare ribs, too much food but really yummy and decent prices. The service is unparalleled to any other place in the city and probably what set them apart the most. Not only was our waiter super attentive and constantly refilling our classes but the hostess even came back to check on us periodically. its'incredibly rare to find this dedication and service level in Chicago. My husband even said he likes this place better than BaBaReeba, wow! We will be regulars.
(5)
Yolanda E.
I went here on a whim. We were looking for a new tapas restaurant near my place. We drove past and said why not. It was a pleasant surprise! The place is gorgeous and it felt like we were not in Chicago. We were seated right away ad lead to the downstairs of the restaurant. There where families and large groups. They where accommodating as far as seating ( we didn't want to sit next to a large group) the ambiance is romantic with candle light. We had the pitcher of red sangria that was great! (added a shot of Bourbon!!) Must try! I have a gluten allergy but was able to eat most of the dishes. We had the Chicken Brava it was spicy but I love spicy so it was perfect. We also had the grilled octopus and the beef skewers. Both where delicious! It was a bit on the pricer side and the portions we a bit small for what they were priced at. One great surprise what that they had gluten free Beer!! One thing I loved was that the owner took the time to great us. She is very pleasant and passionate about her restaurant. I will be coming again and suggest you try this place out. I would give them 5 stars but the portion to the price ratio needs improvement.
(4)
Orlando P.
We wanted to try this place for a while now since we live just across from wrigley field and every time we drove towards wear waveland, this place seemed inviting and the reviews were not too bad. We went today, at around 4:30 pm. It wasn't a busy time. There were a few people seated outside no one inside. We decided to dine inside. We were seated promptly by the bar. It took a little while for anyone to come up and take out drink order. When someone finally came out he seemed to have an attitude, I don't know why and he seemed like he was rushing us to order. We order pitcher of sangria, and a couple of tapas to start. The sangria was actually really good, but they really can't get it wrong since they use Dailey's mixers for their white and red sangria. I saw them mixing it at the bar. There is almost no wine in either the red or white sangria. We got our tapas. I was not a fan of the goat cheese (queso de cabra) the marinara sauce was very orangey... It tasted ok. Patatas oli oli were just. The potatoes seemed a little hard. We ordered the chicken croquettes, and those were also ok... Actually, that was the best plate but it needed more flavor they were a little too flat. We wanted to order a second round of tapas, but we were almost being ignored while a neighbor table was getting all the attention. The waiter finally came out and at that point I didn't want anything else. There were a lot of plates on our table and it was very neglected. So, we ended up trying a steak tapa just to try the steak. I asked for napkins since we had none at our table after a little while they finally brought them. They kept brining good out until he realized he had forgotten out last tapa.... After a while we finally got it. And it was just ok. Overall, from my experience it will take a lot of effort and good will to come back here. The food is way overpriced, the portions are way too small and the service just sucked. Do your selves a favor, when you want tapas, go to a more traditional place, like Cafe Iberico, Mercat, Valencia or Emilio's. It really hurt paying for the food here. For my first experience I almost regret having considered coming here. The place has some potential and it's very pretentious. Not happy about having dined here at all.
(1)
Carmen G.
The waiter was great! The food was very good. Service was on point! Will definitely go back again!
(5)
Oriana S.
I have been here numerous times and I have never been dissapointed. Food is Amazing. Beef dishes are my favourites but there is plenty on the Menu for everyone, Datiles (dates) are also a must!. Ambiance is pretty nice, with good backround music and candles in all the tables. Staff are really friendly. Fully recomended!
(5)
Humberto Omar M.
I met a friend for dinner and my very first time here, amazing location and close by. Easy to get to either driving and by public transportation. Warm ambience, love the decor, great food and the sangria is amazing. The staff is friendly and top notch. I have new location to have a good time with great food. Perfect for groups and for two people. This is my second time having tapas, I will return soon. A much closer location then downtown is always a plus. I will return very soon. I recommend this location for great food and ambience. 5 stars and more.
(5)
Bethany K.
Delicious food, generous portions, great service - such a fun night!!
(5)
Maria T.
100% recommended. I Went there yesterday with my Boyfriend and the room downstairs it is pretty romantic. Worth to try the Sangria with Brandy. I'm going back next Sunday for the Flamenco Show!
(5)
Tom H.
Love the new space! The old place was cute but this is definitely an upgrade. The tapas is fantastic. My wife and I eat there pretty often as we are lakeview dining junkies. The staff is super friendly and since we've become somewhat regulars the owner often stops by to say hi and check on the dining experience. Our answer is always fantastic! The opened an outdoor space late in the season this year, but can't wait for next year and warm summer nights out on their patio. Seems so far away... :(
(5)
Saro O.
MEH is how I felt leaving this place. It's cramped, the food is over-priced, and nothing but the salad (yes, the salad) had any flavor that made me take notice. The goat cheese smothered in honey just killed the taste of both things. TOO MUCH! I prefer a tapas place that is trying to give you something with each plate. After four plates we felt we got what they had to offer. And they were too expensive to try any more. All service people seemed gormless and tired. They were at the table four or five times to see if we wanted to order more but nowhere to be seen when plates needed to be picked up. Our table for two was too small for a tapas place anyway, given the number of plates you are expected to have on it. So many other and better places for TAPAS.
(2)
Danny A.
We would go here again. The baked goat cheese in marinara and the beet salad were the highlights of our meal. If you do order the beet salad make sure to ask for light dressing. Some things are very spicy so make sure to ask about that to. Good service. Overall a very good place.
(4)
Justin P.
I've been to most of the tapas places in the city and Bulerias compares favorably in terms of price and ambiance. The food was fantastic, so I give them high marks here. The only drag was the waiter left for long periods of time which annoyed me a lot. But I'd come back again for the food!
(4)
Mery T.
I love this place, the service is really excellent and the food delicious! I recommend to try come this place !
(5)
Lino G.
Great place! Food is really tasty! Worth a visit for a nice dinner! Make sure you try the Mix Grill.The Waitress was gorgeous and really friendly!
(5)
Emma K.
I haven't been to any tapas resataurants in Chicago besides Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (which is definitely in my top 3 favorite restaurants), so I was excited to try Bull-eh-dia's last night for dinner. They definitely gave Ba-Ba-Reeba a run for their money! BF and I had a groupon which was $15 for $30. I told the waiter about our groupon as we sat down, and he was great about explaining what was and was not included. (Not included were drinks, desserts, paella, and one of the specials - the Filete). The waiter recommended 2 tapas per person, so we got 2 to share and one for each of us. We shared the Patatas Bravas and the Dates. I was SO excited for the Patatas Bravas since this is the first place I've been to in the U.S. that serves both sauces - the aioli and the brava sauce - as they did when I studied abroad in Barcelona. While there was nothing bad about the dish, it was surprisingly my least favorite of everything we ordered. Also, the portion was HUGE! We also shared the bacon wrapped dates which are never bad, but seemed to be especially good here. I got the Croquetas de Queso which were AMAZING! Goat cheese and balsamic vinegar are two of my favorite things in the world, and so I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. The BF got the Empanadas de Queso which he really enjoyed. I only tried a small piece of these since we already had so much food, but loved them as well. I would totally order them if (more like when!) we go back. The portion on this dish was huge too - I think there were 5 decent sized Empanadas. The BF announced that he would go back as soon as we left the restaurant which is saying a lot since he is not the biggest tapas fan. I happily agreed (and not just because I had two glasses of delicious sangria at that point). I wavered between 4 and 5 stars for this review, but found my mouth watering too much just thinking about it to slight them!
(5)
Linda C.
This place is wonderful. I've been here a few times already and the food has been phenomenal each time. Great hidden gem in the city. My only issue is that it is a little awkward walking in because the host/hostess isn't always at the front. The bar area is elevated and hidden behind a wall and the dining area is downstairs, so it's not very clear which direction to go when you walk in. Other than that I've had nothing but pleasant experiences here. The Patatas Bravas are a staple and so delicious. I've had the Empanadas de Queso, Pollo Ajillo, Pollo a la Brava, Esperragos, Ensalada de Remolacha, Paella and so much more and have not been disappointed with the food. Each dish has a unique flavor and even the simplest dish is delicious and presented beautifully. The overall feel of the restaurant is more authentic than other tapas places in the city and the the service is prompt and respectful. Also, I love that they host flamenco shows. I wish the space were bigger to better accommodate guests and the band, but it is great that they can offer authentic live music and dancing while you dine.
(5)
Jen K.
This place had a really relaxed atmosphere. Dimly lit and decorated fairly modernly. Tables were a little tight but not uncomfortable. MOST of the food that we ordered was good. The plates came out one by one. I know these were tapas but the servings were pretty minimal. We found ourselves having to cut things in half to make sure everyone got some. The empanadas were not that great. Goat cheese was very good. There were seven of us and the bill was about $30 a person. I would try it again.
(3)
Christine M.
Close to my work... Surprise date nite. My first time there we ordered 4 plates and 2 desserts. We sat at the bar... Food was good. However, the main dining area has an awkward layout, making it difficult to maneuver....tables are right on top of each other. The restrooms are on the lower level. This space is laid out much better than the upper. I'm not sure if the lower level is ADA accessible. Attentive wait staff, themed decor and friendly service.
(3)
Peter S.
As far as Tapas goes, you can do MUCH better for the same cost. Even Ba Ba Reeba is better than this and I've always thought that could be beat hands down by Iberico. Gambas - eh, small shrimp with little flavor except the garlic oil, Beef with papetas - tasted like brown gravy from an envelop on top. Empanadas - like they were from a box. Asparagus with manchego - not cooked enough and i get manchego at costco all the time. So, sure, it was edible but when all was said and done we were $100 lighter and $0 satisfied. As for service, it was more the annoying, clear-your-plate-while-you-are-still-chewing-your-Âlast-bite hovering type of service. At one point the waiter cleared my napkin while i had a tapas in my hand and left me with only my jeans to clean my fingers. Did i mention they had five TV's with soccer and cycling? whats that about? sports bar/tapas?!? sorry, but we won't be returning.
(2)
David C.
My girlfriends and I meet after work once a month and I had heard about this place so we decided to check it out. I am always looking for new tapas places. Upon walking in, I was overwhelmed by the set up...you face a wall because it is a two-floor bar sitting area with thin tables and small chairs. The TV blasts their daily specials and it all seemed very commercialized which was disappointing. However, the food was pretty good. We had the empanada de queso, pulpo ala plancha, and the datiles rellenos. The highlight was the albondigas and the low point was the patatas bravas. We ended things with some mango and peach sangria which was alright. Overall a good experience but too commercialized for my taste.
(3)
Laura C.
It could have been the sangria, or the company, or the beautiful sunny day that turned our meal into a celebration of flavors. Each dish (a touch on the small side) was packed with spice and color with inventive specials like the squid ink paella. Service was friendly and the peach sangria was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. It packs a punch, so keep that in mind before you order the pitcher. Physically, the space is small, but not cramped. Drink enough sangria, and you'll feel like you're on Las Ramblas.
(4)
Rafael G.
This place SUCKS! The food is not fresh and everything is from a box specially there empanadas. The service is horrible and they don't know that they are doing there. I was in the restroom and ran into the chef and after he was done doing his thing he just walked out with out washing his hands. I came in waited to be seated for almost 7 minutes while the host was in the bar watching the soccer game. Don't waste your time eating here this place sucks and the service is horrible. I bet you can get better service and better quality of food at McDonalds. I gave it one star cause you have to but this place is not even worth one star, maybe -5 stars.
(1)
Jen P.
I don't know why this place has so many bad reviews! I thought that the service was awesome and the tapas were delicious. Possibly a little expensive for what it is, and did not love the sangria, but I will definitely be back soon. Very cute place, I was impressed.
(5)
Tina N.
The handy Yelp app on my Hubby's phone brought us to this little gem. We were in the area and were starving so we figured we would give it a shot. We walked a few blocks to get here so we would have been seriously disappointed if it were anything less then 4 stars. We were greeted & sat right away. The server/bartender made us a new drink he has never tried before & it turned out terrific. The food started coming out and all I have to say is, DELICIOUS! Everything was hot, fresh and perfectly cooked. By then end of the meal, I was too full to even move. Thankfully we were able to walk it off heading back to the car. If I had to say something bad about this place, it would be that it isn't close enough to my house. Cannot wait to return! This is going on the favorite's ever list!
(5)
Monseur N.
This place was wonderful! I brought in a group of 6 others on a Saturday night. We had reservations but still needed to wait about 30 minutes, I wasn't the slightest bit upset, they were so over the top polite about the inconvenience. Then the FOOD, it was so delicious and quick to come out. We ordered in many rounds and were not dispointed with any of the entrees. The steak and blue cheese on crostini was fantastic! The drinks were just as good and the overall feel of the place was great. Towards later in the evening the music got a little louder and the lights dimmer, maybe not the best during dinner but it was a Saturday night and didn't deter us from coming back in at all. Great place, great prices!
(5)
Marita P.
I had so much fun! I went with two friends and we were curious about the restaurant about their Spanish food and it was really good. The customer service is great! Yes it is loud for some people and the tables close to each other but for your information most of the restaurants European or Argentinean are like that and I think it is great, it is social and fun, with a young spirit I am from Argentina and I really recommended.!
(5)
Angela N.
The worse! We placed the order through Grub Hub and because they didn't deliver to Andersonville I picked up the order. Once I arrived it took them literally 15 minutes to process my credit card. After getting the food home less than 5-7 min the paella was mushy(rice) and devoid of shrimp and I could count the pieces of chicken~the mussels were tasty. I cannot even remember the rest of the order because it was that bad. We called immediately to report our horribly experience where we were told by Jose that the entire order would be credited. Three weeks later we still haven't received the credit for horrible service and disgusting food. SAVE YOUR MONEY,INTESTINES,AND TIME!
(1)
Scarlett M.
We had a wonderful experience here. We had a party of seven and had a beautiful and quiet table. Our server was so attentive and considerate. The food was delicious. This was my first Tapas experience and I loved it. I didn't try anything I didn't care for with the exception of the potato omelet, but that's only because I don't care for onion! Every sauce was delicious! My friends had the mango sangria and said it was good and not too sweet. I highly recommend this charming place.
(5)
Kelly A.
I have mixed reviews on about this place. On the night we came (a weekday night) the service was just odd. It seemed like there were only two people working in the front of the house and together, juggling the jobs of host/hostess, server, and bartender, and it showed. It meant the experience of waiting for a table was less than enjoyable because at times it felt that we had been forgotten about. We almost considered walking out because it was so unclear what was going on and if we would ever get to sit. I'm not sure if this was a fluke because someone called in sick, but this place would definitely benefit from a dedicated roles in the front of house because the experience as it was was stressful for a guest and made me question the professionalism of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, if a restaurant is good I expect to wait, but I like to know I haven't been forgotten about. Honestly this is an instance where an apology about the confusion would have gone a long way. Thankfully, this place redeemed itself with the food. We ordered quite a few things off the menu and everything we had was delicious, flavorful and well prepared. We had and loved the Croquetas de Queso, Datiles, and Empanadas. The sangria was also refreshing and getting it by the pitcher made for an affordable option. And thankfully, once we were sitting down the service was much, much better. The food came out quickly, almost a little too quickly because we felt a bit rushed when eating. Overall I'd give this place a second chance. I do think the food was tasty, but the experience prior to sitting almost convinced us to go elsewhere.
(3)
Mark W.
Excellent tapas! The service was great and paced with each dish following the next. Comfortable and cozy ambiance. We'll be back
(5)
Erika W.
I've been here twice in the last 2 weeks. The food and Sangria are amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and we had great service.
(5)
Frances B.
I really love this place. It is such a cute, little romantic atmosphere and has yummy, yummy tapas and sangria. It's a great date or group spot. My favorites thus far have been: patatas bravas (so addicting), empanadas, Croquetas de pollo, Croquet's de Queso (really amazing), Esparragos al Vapor (steamed asparagus w/ cheese and other delicious things), Pincho de Pollo and Carne y Tostada. They're small so make reservations on weekends. Salud!
(4)
Jenny L.
4 stars for great service and atmosphere!! The waiter was polite and attentive, he knew the menu very well and suggested some plates. The place was lively and had a good amount of guests. We were seated upstairs which felt a little crammed, but the seating downstairs by the bathroom definitely looked more comfortable... I would recommend sitting downstairs. The food on the other hand was more like 2 1/2 stars. It was not as good as other tapas places I've been to.. The empanadas were probably the best, however I can see myself coming back.
(4)
Roxann R.
I went here (Bulerias) to join my friends bday celebration. When the food we ordered was served, I was offended at how small the portions were. The prices on Tapas are quite high and the portions are extremely small. For example, the Pincho, I got one stick ( had only 4 pieces of meat on it)for nearly 10 dollars. It should be at least 2 sticks of meat. I have been to many Tapa places to dine and this place has been a dissapointment. Be ready to have a heavy bill and an empty stomach. This made me appreciate Cafe Iberico so much more. I will be taking my friends to Cafe Iberico for now on.
(1)
Michelle E.
Hands-down one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Great food. Most authentic tapas in Chicago. Cute decor. Downstairs area makes you feel like you are sitting in a Barcelona bar. Friendly staff. I've gone here with big groups of 20 people, with other couples, with girlfriends and with just my husband and every time has been a great experience.
(5)
Kevin H.
Stopped in for a snack and a drink. The empanadas were okay and the service was excellent. The problem was who thought out the seating arrangement. I sat at the bar and proceeded to have someone bump into me every five seconds. Very annoying. Either get rid of the bar or the tables behind them. Maybe I will try them again, but sit at a table. DO NOT SIT AT THE BAR if people are seated at the table behind.
(2)
Joanna B.
The tapas were really very good. Hard to find authentic Spanish food and this was quite lovely. The atmosphere is a bit noisy and the physical layout is poor - very chopped up with tables very crowded on each other. The downstairs dining area is nice but was not open when my friends and I were there. We had two beef dishes and a chicken plate, which was the highlight of the three. The chicken came with saffron rice and carmelized onions and was marinated to perfection - great flavor and so tender!!! The first meat dish Carne Casira was much better then the Carne Tostadas but both were tender and tasty. Would have given a higher rating if the environs were better. Our service was really quite good and the wait staff were very responsive to our needs. Try it and see for yourself - definitely worth going at least once!!
(3)
Christina G.
I came here last night for some tapas for dinner. I left full (which doesn't always happen with tapas) and impressed. We made reservations for 7pm on a Tuesday, which were completely unnecessary. There were only 2 tables full when we walked in. By the time we left around 8, I'd say a good 60% of the tables were taken. I guess this is more of a late night dinner place. I had the house red wine, which I thought was quite good for only $4. My husband had the red sangria that was also quite good. To eat: Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese (4) - This dish was awesome. I guess anything wrapped in bacon is awesome, but the goat cheese took this an extra step. Carne Casera - Whoa. This was perfectly cooked and seasoned steak with potatoes on the side. The meat was so tender that I didn't even need a knife to cut it. It had a little kick, but not too much. Croqeutas de Queso - 5 fried spheres of goat cheese topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. Delicious. Chorizo empanadas - I have to say, this was my least favorite dish. the chorizo was not coming out at all in the flavors, and this dish had no spice to it. Isn't chorizo usually at least a little spicy? Maybe the problem was too much bread as well, as the empanada dough was thick. The sauces served with it were OK (red pepper and avocado). I definitely preferred the avocado one. Our waitress did a great job keeping up with the guests. She was the only one there, which wasn't a big deal at the beginning of the evening, but by the time we left, it was quite busy. She was still attentive and it remained easy to get her attention even once she got busy. This would be a fun place to go on a date or with a big group of girlfriends. Their daily specials are pretty good too. There is a large note on their menu that they are moving to an Ashland location soon. No date for the move though.
Excellent atmosphere, food and staff. The "pulpo a la plancha" and the empanadas are amazing, and every time I have been there we have been appropriately seated, even when the place is crowded. The general manager is a class act, and on Sundays they have live flamenco in the lower level, and the music matches the theme of the restaurant. Thank you!:-)
(4)
Kevin R.
The new location is great and the food is still just as tasty. The Bacon Wrapped Dates and Chicken Croquettes are a must.
(4)
Liz K.
I've walked by Bull-eh-Dia's countless times but never realized what I was missing out on! I'll blame it on the boyfriend not being a huge fan of tapas (or as he would say, "topless?!?"). I came here with a group of 5 girlfriends and despite the tiny restaurant, was able to make a reservation the day of. We shared a pitcher of white sangria, which had a great flavor (but watch out, the orange peels are still on and just there for flavor) and was easy to sip on. We were starving, so I imagined that we'd order dozens of plates and still be hungry, but was pleasantly surprised when that wasn't the case. If I can recall what we ordered... Patatas Bravas: These actually came with both the standard spicy brava sauce and the garlic alioli sauce, both of which had a kick that was almost too much given the fact that the potatoes were already very spicy on their own. It did seem to be a large portion, though, as all 5 of us were able to have seconds. Empanadas con Chorizo: These also had quite a kick to them, but the dough was perfect and I really enjoyed the flavor. Croquetas de Queso de Cabra: I love goat cheese, so anything that features it is a winner in my book, but this was my favorite dish that we ordered that night. The outer crust was crispy but not hard, and the cheese was the perfect temperature inside. They just melted in your mouth - I could have eaten an entire order by myself! Pincho de Pollo: This was a chicken skewer with saffron rice, which was yummy but I only had one piece and it did taste a lot like lemon. Carne Casera: Another dish that I could have eaten an entire order of by myself. The steak (flank or skirt, possibly?) was marinated and seasoned so well; it just fell apart when I ate it. Perfect. I feel like I have to be missing a dish or two because that doesn't seem like remotely enough food to feed all 5 of us, but that might have been it! Regardless, the portions were good for sharing but each dish was filling on its own. We might not have eaten as much as we did when we all studied abroad in Sevilla, but I think we were all satisfied :) The best part of the meal? Each of us ate and tipped for around $14. Seriously, what a great deal. The menu warns that Bull-eh-dia's is moving to another location, so I'll be sure to come back soon to sample the rest of the menu!
(4)
Jean Marie K.
Have been looking for a new Tapas place since our favorite (Tapas Gitana) closed and this is a close contender. A little more expensive, but good variety of Tapas (I'm a vegetarian) and excellent service.
(4)
Jocelyn H.
I'm thrilled to have a wonderful sit down restaurant in the neighborhood that is not another bar. For those that say the service is slow.... then please go to a fast food restaurant. We thought Bulerias was lively and had a fun decor that you'd want to come back for a night out with friends... or a fun date night as my husband & I had. The Sangria was wonderful, not too sweet. We were pleasantly surprised that the portions were sizable for a tapas restaurant. I loved the bacon wrapped scallops on a bed of sauteed spinach. Not sure what they put on the spinach but it was deliciously different. Give this place a try, it's great!
(5)
Michelle W.
After Twist relocated out of Lake View, I was sad that my go-to neighborhood tapas place was gone. But, after having a lovely evening with girl friends at Bulerias, I am happy to say this is one my new neighborhood spots to take visitors. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting -- we sat at a booth with tons of fun throw pillows. The sangria is delicious and comes in a cute Bulerias-branded pitcher. We tried several tapas, including the portabella and crostini, salmon and crostini, asparagas with manchego, and the cheese empanadas with two sauces (avocado and green pepper). All the dishes were delicious, but I was particularly fond of the cheese empanadas with two sauces -- empanadas are a very straightforward dish, but Bulerias really prepares them well, and the sauces elevate the dish. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly, and the tapas came out at a very smooth, steady cadence. Love Bulerias and will definitely be returning.
(5)
Thomas K.
I'm kind of sad because I ordered from this place without reading the reviews I'm feeling very terrible at the 100 bucks I just wasted. Patatas bravas was acceptable as well as the goat cheese croquettas. Not the best but acceptable but the problem is this I heard there's kind of special soup and I ordered the Spanish rice it was fairly tasteless. The quality of the sea food was subpar you could taste it and smell it. I really want to try new place because I've been sticking with the same places and looks like I made a mistake on this one.
(2)
Sam M.
Came here last night with a friend. Definitely a small place, but a good vibe. Sangria was as expected and the "small plates" are bigger than most other tapas places in Chicago. It was loud, but not too loud to not hear the person across from you. Probably not the best spot for a date if you don't know the person that well. Overall, a good experience.
(4)
Cory W.
The best. Fresh, exotic, the standard. All other tapas restaurants have similar offerings but this place goes the extra mile
(5)
FoodLover Z.
Low-key restaurant with great tapas. It's a pretty large place, so great for birthday parties and other large groups. Standout tapas were the Pollo a la Brava, lamb chops and Gambas al Ajillo.
(4)
Gary C.
I've been eating at the old location for several years, and was excited to see the new location open up on Ashland! Same great sangria and tapas, in a newer, more spacious and nicely designed space. I highly recommend the patatas bravas, datiles, and any of the great meat tapas. The new space is definitely worth a visit for your first time or if you're a previous customer at their old location on Southport.
(4)
J K.
I came for a friend's birthday with a reservation at 8:00 PM. When we walked in, the hostess said the wait would be 15 min. The people in our party were shoved in this tiny entryway, probably making the couples dining less than 2 feet away from us very uncomfortable. Anyways, half an hour later, there was no progress on our table and members of our party decided to leave due to an unforeseeable end to our waiting game. The hostesses avoided eye contact as they walked past us from time to time. Finally, at 9:00 PM, an hour after we arrived with our reservation at 8:00 PM, we were seated. At this point, we were very hungry. We went through the bread on our table pretty quickly and asked for more. The food eventually came and was just okay. The bacon on the bacon-wrapped dates was burnt. The rest of the dinner was enjoyable seeing that it was a celebration that brought us here to begin with. As compensation for our wait, we received a minimal discount on our bill, but to our surprise, they charged us for the extra bread! Who does that? Needless to say, our experience with the restaurant was not good. I hate to give 1-star ratings, but the treatment from the hostess to the manager merited it.
(1)
Kate H.
Bull-eh-dia's is moving to a new location, which is good, because my main takeaway here was that it was cramped. The Southport location definitely has a nice vibe, but it is curiously small for tapas. I understand that tapas are "small" plates, but try crowding four people around a tiny table meant to hold 5-6 dishes, a pitcher of sangria, and a paella, and it just doesn't work. We basically had to keep shoveling the food off of communal plates onto our own to make way for the next round of food, and then shuffling drinks around to accommodate the additions. ...I know. First World Problems! My tapas won't all fit on the table! But, for me, tapas should be a leisurely meal where you sample a few bites of a plethora of dishes. This meal didn't work that way. That said, I did enjoy the evening at Bull-eh-dia's. Service was good, and we devoured all of the dishes (I especially liked the mussels and the paella). I would be interested to try their new location, which promises to be more spacious.
(3)
Olaf K.
Great little place for tapas! The atmosphere is casual & fun. Slowly working through the tapas menu on each visit, and nearly every dish has been excellent. The warm artichoke dish is especially good. The biggest negative: the bread, which plays a major role in tapas, is disappointing - similar to the bland squishy stuff you'd pick up at the local convenience store.
(4)
Frances A.
Sangria was whatevs... But hey, I'm not a sangria fan, so there really wasn't any swaying me there... Lovely staff... Super chill... Ugh, there's only one bathroom stall - reallllly???? Sopa De Maricos... Ohmagolly, gee-whiz, woah... And less than $10 awesomeness. Supah big fan I am. And the presentation, simmering, on a heavy iron bowl thing. It was like it was brewing right in front of me. Literally the entire ocean was in that crazy stew...
(4)
Saba A.
Friday night, no reservation, around 8PM. I went with a girlfriend and we got quick seating in this small, intimate restaurant, with a homey feeling with wreaths and large Christmas bells hung for the holidays. It got packed slowly so this is a place where I would definitely make reservations. I love Tapas, it's perfect to share and easy to order all sorts of stuff to satisfy cravings and this place would get 5 stars if we didn't have a waiter providing not the friendliest of service. Overall, great price, and good sized portions! We definately left with full tummies and no room for desert. We ordered: -Croquetes de Queso for 7.15 (AMAZING, I feel like we got the best cheese appetizer). I ate one the next morning for breakfast. -Polla a La Bravo for 7.65, we got spicy, and there is a super spicy one, and next to it, it says BEWARE! I love spice, but yes, beware it's spicy. It's a large dish and comes with potatoes too, but really good! We could only get through half of it. -Pincho de Carne for 9.15. I love tasting beef that is cooked properly, tender, and juicy, yum! Our waitress was not our favorite. She messed up our order and then told us that when she repeated our order earlier we only corrected her on one dish, not the one that she didn't get right. She said she would see what she could do because we hardly touched the dish and two minutes later she said she will give us the correct one. It was an innocent mistake, she got us another chicken dish instead of the beef one, but she wasn't apologetic and came off a bit rude. But apart from that, it is a definitely a great restaurant in Lakeview. Jewel across the street and Michael Jackson songs playing outside the restaurant. Pretty spiffy. Here's the menu: bull-eh-dias.com/files/B…
(4)
Kyle P.
Place was great. Ribs, hot chicken fries, dates with bacon begin and super cool server guy. I think they are moving but try it out
(4)
Aline S.
Seating seemed sparse. The outside seating was plentiful and comfortable. The indoor seating was at two-seat tables on the ground level or four-top high tables up in the bar area. There may have been a larger dining area in the back, but it wasn't open the eve we were there. On to the food... The goat cheese croquettes were probably the best we had. Then, the table couldn't decide which was or next favorite: the pulled pork crostini, the calamari or the tortilla Espanola. They were all good, but I was partial to the pork crostini. The bacon-wrapped dates were good, but didn't rank as high as we had hoped. And last but not least, the beverages... The sangria was good, but the mojitos were better! All in all, I would go back, but if I could give half stars, I would give a 3.5, which is still a very respectable showing in a city with such good food.
(4)
Eric S.
Nice little tapas place in Lakeview. Looks like a dive from the outside but very cozy and clean inside. Would recommend the chorizo empanadas and the paella (con todo or the seafood). We called ahead to tell them we were coming, which I would suggest because there was a wait at 7:30 on a saturday night. Only downside was the drink menu. I know tapas is not known for pairing with beer, but if you want a decent craft beer you will not find it here. Stick to wine or sangria.
(4)
Susan F.
TIP: If you shop at the Jewel across the street, look at the back of your receipt to find a 20% coupon to Bull-eh-dia! I came here as a group of 4 and it was a great experience. The atmosphere was pretty romantic but not too intimidating, so we didn't feel uncomfortable in a group or anything. I'd suggest going on a weekday--I assume it could get crowded on Friday/Saturday nights. We tried a couple dishes and they were all very flavorful. My favorite was the crab cakes (you get 4). The spicy aioli sauce was good and there was plenty of crab in the cakes, not much filler! +1 We tried the cheese empanadas that came with two sauces, a red aioli typ sauce and a cilantro green type sauce which tasted very Mediterranean. I think there were 6 empanadas. The chicken with potatoes was cooked perfectly and the potatoes weren't too crisp or too soggy. You have the option for spicy, very spicy, and beware (or something like that). We ordered spicy which would suit most palates. Out last dish was a tilapia special with shrimp. I really enjoyed this dish but splitting it between 4 people maybe wasn't the best idea. We each got just a bite :( I would have loved more! It only comes with 2 shrimp. We ordered the red sangria which was pretty good. I've never had bad sangria so I couldn't speak to this :) I really liked this place. It's nice that it isn't a chain like Ba-ba-reeba and it's way more intimate. Make sure to get a coupon!
(4)
Chris D.
The dishes were really good! I ordered the bacon wrapped dates and they were stuffed with goat cheese, amazing and LARGE! The cheese and meat platter was very plentiful and also included olives and this delicious sauce on the crostini bread. Sangria was flavorful and strong and had peaches in it, yum! Went on a Saturday night with no reservations and was seated right away. Their new location is interestingly layed out. I wasn't sure about sitting in the basement, but the decor is beautiful! The only complaint is that I asked for another bread basket and they said it would cost extra. Weird, it wasn't even a fancy type bread. Also, before I arrived I signed up for their email list and that included a free coupon for one dish but they didn't honor it because it wasn't my birthday or anniversary. What the hell?! The coupon did not indicate that it had to be. Oh well. Overall: delicious food, some shady practices. I'll be back...on my "anniversary" next time.
(4)
Angelica P.
It's a very small place so when you walk in there's not much room and when there are people at every table it gets crowded. I had the chorizo empanadas-- not good! There was no chorizo and the grease was disgusting. Chicken croquettes had a really weird flavor. Their shrimp, artichoke and calamari dish was just too much fried-- everything on there was fried and the artichokes had a really bad taste to them (and I love artichokes) so it was really disappointing. The carne casera was the only thing that we ordered that night that was really good. The waiter seemed to be no where in sight and then when he did see us standing at the door he finally seated us and then didn't know what he was talking about beer wise. We asked what's on tap and we ordered something that was on tap and he said they didn't carry it when you could clearly see it at the bar. He was just really uninformed and didn't stop by once to see how we were doing.
(2)
Gary K.
The dishes were great and plentiful, a rarity for a tapas restaurant. We ordered a number of dishes and all were solid - our favorites were the carne casera and the fried calamari. The service was great and everyone was friendly and welcoming, even on New Year's Eve without a reservation. The flan was amazing, an absolute must have!!
(5)
Amanda F.
Bravo Patatas Bravas! The gigantic portion of fried potatoes and dipping sauces managed to push three hungry diners beyond full after just three tapas. This little northside hole-in-the-wall is a great find. Loved the dishes, the open air seating, and the service. My group started with the Esparragos al Vapor was crisp and fresh. It was a little too al dente for my preference, but I loved the balsamic reduction, the portobello mushroom, and the shaved manchengo topping. The Carne Casera melted in our mouths and the Coconut Shrimp was a crispy and sweet favorite of the night. As mentioned, the Patatas Bravas was a very tasty filler to the tapas.The paella is a must! Order it early because it takes about 45 minutes to cook. The Paella Bulerias was yummy and a great price at $17. The three of us split the saffron rice dish and were very satisfied with the portion. I love Paella, and it was exactly as it should be, full of chicken and seafood, and not too oily. The Sangria is also a must. I wish there was more fruit, and that the fruit would be in larger slices, but there was nothing skimpy about this Sangria. Our waiter even gave us a pitcher with ice on the side, so we really got our money's worth. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was friendly and made good recommendations. The food came out very quickly too. I wouldn't visit Bull-eh-dia without first visiting the Chicago-favorite, Cafe Baba-reeba, but I would definitely dine at Bull-eh-dia over Cafe Iberico. The tapas at Bull-eh-dia's are larger portioned than at Babareeba and could be shared among four people. The tapas at Babareeba seem slightly more creative with flavor, but Bull-eh-dia's more classic tapas are fantastic. We will be back!
(4)
Roseann M.
We made a quick visit on a warm Friday night to the bar at Bull-eh-dia's. Now, normally, I'd be opposed to even stopping in a place with such a dopey, misspelled, meaningless name. It is an offense to all the English classes I aced in college, many years ago. But, in the modern U.S. economy, morals and ethics have no place, so, we ended up at Bull-eh-dia's. It was my fault, really. After a crappy, disappointing, expensive event that flopped miserably, the only thought in my mind was "margarita!!" I said as much to my business partner. And, to my astonishment, she said "YES!!" as in "yes yes a thousand times yes!" Among all the bars and restaurants on Southport Avenue, somehow, there is no Mexican restaurant. But there is Bull's whatchamacallit, which is a tapas bar. We sat at the bar. A very pleasant bartender greeted us almost immediately. I ordered a margarita, standard, with salt. My friend was jonesing for sangria. She ordered a mango sangria. (There are several different kinds of sangria to choose from.) Oh my sweet Lord . . . two delicious drinks, served up quickly. Friend did give me a sip of her sangria, so I can report that both were absolutely delicious, and verrrrryyyyy strong!! We ordered one tapa to share, some cold thing with asparagus. I don't know what else was on it. What can I tell you, I was busy sucking down that margarita? It went straight to my head. I felt all sparkly and salty and tequila-like. All I know is, this tapa was very good. We both liked it. Sadly, we are both wimps. Had we chosen another drink, we probably both would have slid below the bar until we lay in an alcoholic puddle, occasionally sticking our tongues out like frogs, except we would be trying to get more drops of sangria and margarita instead of flies. Instead, we departed. Some small shred of dignity was preserved, and I did not fall down in the gutter on the way to the El. I would go again. We liked the food (even though we only had one item, it encouraged us); we definitely liked the drinks; and the bartender was prompt, friendly, and attentive. I probably should add one star, and make it five, but I don't feel like we tried enough menu items to make that bold a statement. Go to Bull-winkle's. You'll probably like it. Even if the name is phony and pretentious.
(4)
Guido E.
Food is great but service (food and attention) is very slow. We had 8:30 reservations, got seated by 8:35 and ordered the scallops tapa, the patatas bravas and the goat cheese tapa by 8:45. It's 9:18 now and the only thing on the table is the scallops tapa. Very disappointing. Maybe this place blew up too fast for their own good because it's too busy for them to keep up a reasonable service level. --food was really excellent and manager very friendly and apologetic when we told our story
(3)
Dennis F.
Went for the Sangria....It seemed a bit watered down and very small bits of fruit. I was more impressed with the food!
(2)
Scott Y.
First visit to the new location and our group shared nine dishes. Every one was delicious! Nice vibe in the place and the owner is helpful and attentive.
(4)
Greg G.
Came here on a Friday night with a group of 8. We had reservations and were seated right away (despite some people coming late!). The atmosphere was great, it has nice background music, but not too loud, just enough to cover awkward silences and not allow you to ease drop on other tables. We each ordered 2 dishes and got 4 pitchers of sangria! The peach sangria was amazing! You have to get it! Also the patatas bravas where sooo good! The white spicey sauce that comes with them is amazing and super addicting. I think I dipped like half my plates into it... My other favorite thing was the Pollo a la Brava dish. They have 3 levels of spicey (spicey, super spicey, and Beware!) I got the super spicey, but we all agreed that wasn't even that spicey... so next time you go make sure you get the Beware!
(5)
Jiyoun B.
Sangrias by the pitcher... check! Tapas choices... check! Ambiance... check! Overall, the food was good, Sangrias were tasty. The service is good and the ambiance is dark and romantic. As far as Tapas go, the food quantity is small compared to Iberico, although Bull-eh-dia's give you more than Cafe Ba-ba-reeba. The music kept going in and out throughout the night. I couldn't hear our conversation one minute then I felt the need to whisper next. Weird.
We sat outside when it was still warm and lovely. I'm trying to imagine sitting outside now, in the abyss of nieve (snow). Estoy triste. Anyway, Bull eh Dia has a very cute and cozy patio. The most highlightable item is the paella. We ordered the seafood one, con (with) calamari, scallops y shrimp. It was exactly like the paella I had in the many plazas in Madrid and Granada during my months in Espana. Very autentica (authentic) if you're looking to try real paella. ****Our server, who was classy and guapo (cute) and polite, said we could share the paella. Um, this is not la verdad (true). The bowl is shallow, and it's so rico (tasty/rich) that you will start fighting for bites with your dining partner. Por favor, get your own paella**** The jamon y queso plate is a standard Spanish tapa that you can't exclude when trying a new tapas joint. Manchego cheese is, afterall, the best cheese on earth. And Bull eh Dia's does a decent jamon/queso plato (dish).
(4)
Daniel S.
Solid tapas. If you are in the area and want some tapas- take a visit. Steak was the tops thing.
(3)
Kristen M.
Tapas are always great and make for a fun, different dining experience. The food here is pretty good, no major complaints, I would call it very average. The restaurant itself is small but has nice outdoor seating and its a great location. Prices are fair. Bacon wrapped dates were prob my favorite item.
(3)
Daisy R.
Epic Fail! Ordered for delivery at 7:00pm. Food arrived at 9:30. Tortilla espaniola horrible tasted like spackle had to just spit it out. Mushrooms were edible. Patatas bravas cold and hard. Chorizo cold and dry. The only edible part of the meal was the bread. A $45 flop.
(1)
Mandy A.
Was looking for a place in the area to get an early dinner before heading to another event and found this place through Yelp. The mixed reviews had me a bit worried but we thought let's go ahead with it anyways. I thought it was BYOB (based on other reviews) but heads up, it is not. I tried to call earlier in the day but got a confusing answer. So word to the wise, don't bring booze in your purse, it's heavy to carry around all night. We got a pitcher of red sangria with the Licor43 mixed in... another tip, it's $7 to add this to the pitcher, not $2 like it says on the menu. Also, if both people are getting sangria, you're probably getting a pitcher by default. I mean, I'm not complaining but we thought we were getting two glasses. More booze never hurt anyone though... Onto the food! We started with a house salad... husband's choice. But it was delicious and chock full of goat cheese, candied nuts, red peppers, peppery vinaigrette, yes. Everything in that salad was a yes. Next up was bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese, they do love goat cheese here which is awesome for me, I could live on it happily. Following that was crab cakes, deliciously spicy sauce accompanying some good sized patties. Also got a big ol' pot of patatas bravas which my husband enjoyed picking at all meal long with the gigantic toothpicks. Last up was the carne casera, my husband's pick. The meat was really good and the sauce was great but holy mother was the whole dish super salty, to the point of almost ruining it. I still ate a couple pieces and tried to temper it with the potatoes but it was cooked perfectly so the salt was a huge bummer. Overall, good food (minus the one salty dish), good service and good atmosphere. Thumbs up from this girl.
(4)
JL O.
Stumbled upon this fabulous place after a concert on Sunday night. It was 10:45 at night, we were starving, and not much was open. We walked by and the place was empty other than one table. The gentleman at the bar said the kitchen was open and he welcomed us in. I hate walking into a place almost closing but he insisted on us dining in. I had an amazing espresso to start with brandy. The food was spectacular! Goat cheese croquettes, potatoes ala aioli, calamari, steak and potatoes, meatballs....delicious!!! Service was fantastic. Very friendly considering we were the last customers and I'm sure they were ready to go home. I was so impressed!!!
(5)
David B.
I love this new location. I hadn't been here since they moved and showed up with a big group of friends. Every time I come here the food is outstanding. Every time without fail!! I love the new pad. It's way bigger than the old place, so all my friends fit comfortably. This is the bomb place for tapas. Will definitely be back and back again.
(5)
Marjorie F.
Sunday dinner with a friend brought us to this cozy little establishment. Although it was still warm enough for outdoor seating, we sat inside in case it rained. The atmosphere was warm and intimate with the low lighting and decor. The server was attentive and made sure that our drinks were full. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. I enjoyed the dates wrapped in bacon and the ham with cheese and toasty bread. The gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic) and empanadas were a little disappointing. It's tough not to compare your standard tapas to the competition. I tried the house wine, which was OK. Instead of ordering glass #2, I should have sampled something else. I suppose it didn't matter since I was pretty buzzed after my first glass! (Note: two glasses are enough to give you a wine hangover/headache the next day.) Overall, I'm not in love with this place; however, I'm willing to give it another shot --- other wines, other dishes. Hopefully, it won't disappoint. It's not a bad place to have after dinner drinks, so maybe I should start with that menu first!
(3)
Belinda E.
I went there tonight with 2 girlfriends and we all thought their service was great! We had the garlic shrimp, patatas bravas, bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and a couple of other dishes - all were great even the sangria :) Oh! And topped it off with their brownie cheesecake...yummm. Definitely will put this place on the rotation :)
(4)
Steph M.
WOW.... pathetic. I had been to the previous location about a year ago, and nothing's improved, but things have DEFINITELY gotten worse. Where do we start? With calling for a reservation only to be told "we don't take reservations an hour before you come". Um, either you take them or you don't. Whatever, we still decided to give it a shot. The hostess was no-where to be found for 5 minutes. I finally grab a waiter, and he acts like I'm from Mars.... telling me he's got no idea where the hostess is, and to stand and wait. Soo, behind me a huge line out the door starts to form. Ok, she finally seats us at one of those incredibly too small tables RIGHT in the doorway, with a crowd of people a mere two feet from us, waiting for their reservation! Ha.... what a joke. Ok, fine.... "let's give this place a chance, we live two blocks away and it'd be great to have a fun spot in the neighborhood". We flag down a waiter and try to put a drink order in before he runs off. Phew, got it! Ten minutes later sangria arrives. It's good. It really is.... no complaints with the red sangria. But the food.... oh the food.... it's terrible. It was actually un-edible. The patatas bravas were burnt to a CRISP.... seriously, they looked like raisins. The chicken skewers we were supposed to get.... came out as one little one.... for $9. The pulled pork smelled/looked/tasted like vomit.... and the meat-balls.... well, between two people we couldn't even finish one. They were that bad. Almost as if it was rotten meat or something? We left..... and that was the best part of the night. Sorry.... I really wanted to love this place. I mean.... sangria!!!!!!!
(1)
Jeremy P.
By far hands down best tapas in the city. Love the food, the atmosphere. Great service. I would eat here all day if the let me bring a recliner in.
(5)
Kelly C.
A few months ago I was craving tapas for dinner but didn't have the motivation to try to get a reservation for Cafe Babareeba, so I looked at trusty Grubhub and to my surprise there was a tapas place that delivered to me! There is a rather high minimum for delivery but it's okay because then I have dinner the next night too. Since the fateful night when I discovered this lovely place delivers tapas to me I have ordered from there quite a few other times. My favs: -Patatas Bravas - I get it satueed in the spicy sauce and boy does it have a fabulous kick to it. If you aren't up for some serious spice I would get it on the side. For me these beat Babareeba! A must get every order. -Datiles - a must get from every tapas place I visit. They were good and huge, I would say on par with other tapas restaurants. -Queso de Cabra - to me it's pretty hard to mess up goat cheese and marinara - pretty much the same as everywhere else, which is not a bad thing. I've also tried the scallops - they were just okay, def has better. The Ensalada de la Casa is also quite tasty and a good combo of goat cheese, peppers and nuts that went along nicely with the vinegarette. Can't comment on the actual restaurant but I will continue to order from there when the tapas craving hits!
(4)
Christine W.
Get the goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon! Amazing! We ordered some to go before we left. Very delicious and great atmosphere!
(4)
Amy R.
so, I recently went beck to Bell-eh-dia's...on a Friday night after 11:30 pm. They were the only bar/restaurant serving food past 11:30 on a Weekend evening on Southport! Could this be? Well, Thank God because I was starving and they have great food. And the food came out much quicker than my last review. Like, at a normal pace. So, I'm giving it 5 stars, because I love how friendly they are and I love the food, and sangria! I'm happy that the speed of the kitchen has improved!
(5)
Kaitlin A.
I was wondering why it wasn't packed when I left on a Sunday night because the food and sangria were both delish. My boyfriend is 2nd generation Spanish and it's impossible for him to be impressed when we go out for tapas (which we do often). He loved it, labeled it good and authentic. Two of our favorites were the pollo ala brava and the albondiagas espanolas. I had him try grilled squid for the first time, which is a favorite of mine, and they did a great job because we both enjoyed it (except the baby squids, ew.) The high chairs in the bar weren't comfortable, I wish they would've sat us in the dining room. The server wasn't out of this world, although very polite and prompt. But those are really the only two under-par details I can think of. We were so bummed it was chilly (in August, thanks Chicago) because their patio looked awesome. We will totally be back on a nice evening to take advantage of that. Oh and you must treat yourself to the raspberry brownie cheesecake. MUST!!
(5)
Chrissy N.
Came here with a group of girls for a bachelorette party dinner, and it was really delicious!!! Despite a reservation, we still waited about 30 minutes. The pace is tiny, long and narrow, dimly lit and latin beats thumping. Once we were seated, the service was outstanding. Our waiter was very attentive. The menu is quite extensive, with lots of options for meat, poulty, or vegetarian fans! We ordered about 8 tapas dishes, and they were all really flavorful! He brought them out hot and delicious, in 2 batches so we had some time to pass them all around. At payment time, they were really cool about taking everyone's credit cards too to split the bill. The Sangria was great! The vibe- casual. A tad on the loud side. Don't come on a Saturday night unless you're a shouter. My only regret about going here... Now I wish I had a place like this is MY neighborhood!!!
(4)
Amy L.
I ate here on a Saturday night with two other girls. We sat on the patio after waiting a little while for a table. The food was amazing! We ordered a goat cheese appetizer and a bite size steak dish that were both so yummy! The only bad thing we ordered was a potato dish that was way too garlicky and was cream based. Try to avoid that one and you'll be glad you came!
(4)
Anna V.
I went here with a friend on a Friday (no reservation) and we had high hopes because the reviews seemed good and the place looks cool from the outside. We split a bottle of wine and ordered a handful of tapas. The only thing I remember ordering and liking was paella. This isn't because we were drunk. Nothing else was bad (mediocre overpriced wine), but nothing else was memorable. Sad. I wanted to like it, because it's local. That's usually a mistake. The 2-star review is more about the service. The service blew. It was really bad. Totally absent hostess, totally absent waitress. We asked 3 times where the hostess had gone, who finally promised us a table and then disappeared for a good 35 minutes to abandon us at the bar. We got a cramped spot on top of a Huge Group of Girls celebrating a bachelorette who kept backing their chairs into our area. Combination of weird service + good-ish food + meh wine + annoying patrons = I will just suck it up and go to Ba Ba Reeba, even though I can't walk there.
(2)
Andy W.
We ducked in here during the summer to try their mojitos. We got the gigantic ones and went staggering home some time later, fans of the drinks and in love with the world. They managed to make mojitos like the ones we have perfected in our own home. We've been back several (less-lushy) times for the tapas, and have loved it. The montaditos de cochino are our favorite -- the rich pulled pork with a spicy sweet tang hit the spot and are fairly filling. Post-Music Box we stopped in the other night for a late dinner and a quiet chat after a somber film. They had live music, and though we were not in the mood for a band (especially in a small space), we were won over by the musicians. Thank you, Karpah! Bonus: this place is open later than many other places nearby. YUM.
(4)
Sarah M.
Just went to Spain in May and I couldn't stop saying how I thought the food at Bull-ed-dia's was far better than anything I had abroad! Not to mention that the service tonight was awesome. We had 2-3 difference waitresses helping us and they were very attentive. The ambiance and music was great too. Plus, any bar with hooks to hang your purse/coat/etc. is an automatic plus. All in all, every dish we ordered was better than the next, so on that note, here is my synopsis: The first thing we got was a plate of white anchovy tapas (I would have eaten a plate of these anchovies plain!) but with red peppers on a oily, crunchy piece of bread, it was also divine. This might just be a seasonal fare but very worth it. Next up was the asparagus (which we happened to order after reading about it in a yelp review) generously drizzled with sweet balsamic and manchego cheese - the flavors blew my mind, not to mention that the combination of cheesy salty-sweetness is a personal favorite of mine. The queso de cabra came next. The goat cheese was baked until just slightly brown, and served in a pool of perfectly spicy marinara sauce. Spread on some crunchy crostinis, this dish was the definition of goat cheese perfection. The grilled squid was so simple, it's hard to believe how tasty it was. The textures - a slight crunchiness highlighted the firm yet tender meat - combined with surprisingly bold flavors for a squid dish, really made this dish for me. After so much deliciousness, I had slightly lower expectations when it came to the pincho de pollo. Nevertheless, the paella rice served with the chicken skewer was quite good, the caramelized onions were unsurprisingly bursting with flavor, and the red pepper "ali oli" added a nice touch. It was just a solid little chicken dish, perfect for tapas-sharing, but it could have also been a great meal in itself. And finally, after so many great reviews, there was no way we were passing up the bacon wrapped, sweet goat cheese stuffed dates. I mean how could you go wrong?! We most certainly didn't go wrong and neither did this dish.
(5)
Tim S.
After having a few drinks at a local bar and finding that most bars on Southport were not our speed for the evening while walking along we stumbled on Bull-eh-Dia's. Wandered in and found no wait (granted it was midnight). Ordered a pitcher of Sangria and 4 Tapas, not one was disappointing. Small Intimate with a great lounge vibe with the music playing. It was loud enough without going overboard. With their late hours it was a fantastic alternative to the typical late night fare of Burritos or Pizza.
(4)
Z B.
Excellent, tasty menu with great Sangria. New space is attractive and fun. Wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)
Brianna M.
Ok, so this time the sangria was awesome. We had a group of 6 and ordered a ton of food, most of it amazing. Still love the mussel stew. Got the vegetable paella this time which was great. Not sure if these specials are new, but they had $10 MegaMojitos which were certainly Mega. Shared a couple around the table. They have smaller, cheaper tapas now which helps round out a meal. I also found a coupon on the back of my Jewel receipt for 20% off. Can't wait.
(4)
Brigid M.
I came back to Bull-eh-dia's for a second time on a date...and I have to say I was a bit more impressed than the previous visit. The datiles were even better than those at Cafe Iberico. Service was much better, however, in a busy restaurant, they probably shouldn't be blasting the David Bisbal Greatest Hits album like it's Sound Bar, as it was a little difficult to hear the server. We liked how the costillas melted off the bone, the croquetas de pollo came with a zesty sauce, and the queso de cabra would have been perfect if there had been just a little more queso. Overall, an improvement.
(4)
Michelle S.
I'm kinda a fan! Reason 1: BYOB :) C'mon what the heck can be better than that? There is a $6 corking fee. Reason 2: Food after 10pm! Yep...I was just having a discussion with a friend on how it is NEARLY impossible to go to dinner after 10pm in Chicago. I don't get it and obviously Bull-eh-dia's doesn't either. They serve LATE my friends. The ambiance is dark, and sultry. The lighting is perfect for a date or a group of friends. They have outdoor seating, which is great if it ever warms up in Chicago! The staff are also super friendly and knowledgeable about all the tummy purring tapas. Also, it is on Southport. I think Southport says it all. Enjoy!
(5)
Alison E.
We quite like Bull-eh-dia's. Got my first taste of paella here, which was SUPER FANTASTIC. Seriously, if you have the time, get the paella (especially the vegetarian one ;). If you don't have "the time"...probably don't go to Bull-eh-dia's... Somehow the meal is always drawn out by food coming out slowly. From what I understand this is sort of the *point* of tapas (to have a leisurely meal/drink with friends), so I don't really fault them for it, but one time we went and had finished all our other food about half an hour before the paella even came out. Then we were just sort of...waiting. Anyway, the food is all very good. And it comes in really big portions compared to other tapas I've seen (or eaten). They recently reorganized their menu so all the vegetable dishes are listed separate from chicken, beef, seafood, etc, which makes it easy for vegetarians to see their choices. :) My personal favorite--aside from the paella, of course--is the baked goat cheese.
(4)
Shannon F.
I had Bulerias do the catering for a holiday party for eight people. Mariena helped me develop a menu that would have enough food for everyone and still fit my budget. The food arrived at my house hot and was delicious. It was well packed and Mariena called when it was leaving the restaurant to let me know that it was on its way. My guests and I had a GREAT time and all I had to do was unpack the boxes. I will definitely be doing it again!
(5)
Richard C.
Hours aren't until midnight!!! LIES! Also, when we asked when they closed, they said "It depends. 10, 11, whenever the kitchen closes." Are you running a business or a playhouse? Update: Since returning, the food really was excellent. Still, it'd be nice to know exactly what the hours are, so you can actually eat the food.
(2)
Diane H.
One of the issues I always have when dining out is that I want to try so many different dishes...tapas is the perfect solution. Came here with two other ladies on a Friday night for dinner and we all left very satisfied. We started the meal off with a pitcher of sangria, of course. We went with the peach flavored sangria and it was so good that we stuck with it for our second pitcher as well. We also ordered quite the selection of tapas to share. We started off with Esparragos al Vapor which was very flavorful, topped a balsamic reduction, and served al dente which I enjoyed. The Carne Casera was juicy and cooked perfectly. The coconut shrimp (a special that day) was sweet and crispy, definitely a highlight of the meal. I would go back just for the Patatas Bravas. I absolutely love french fries, and although these potatoes were more in the shape of cubes, they were delicious and I really enjoyed the spicy dipping sauce that came on the side. We were a bit overwhelmed by the heaping bowl of potatoes that came out, but by the end you could see the bottom of the bowl. I would go back just for the potatoes. The meal ended on a high note with the Paella Bulerias. It was very flavorful, had plenty of chicken and seafood, and was a generous portion especially for $17. The Paella is a must order if you come here, but make sure to order it right away as it is made fresh and takes 30-45 mins. Throughout the night service was great. The hostess was very friendly and kept us updated on the wait time. The server was very helpful with recommendations and was attentive. The food arrived very quickly after we first put our order in and didn't stop coming until we were full of paella. I can see Bull-eh-dias becoming part of the regular rotation of restaurants my friends and I frequent.
(4)
Lauren O.
They've suddenly imposed a $12/bottle cork fee. Kind of defeats the purpose of a BYOB in my opinion. While I love this place for it's proximity to home, BYOBs and tapas restaurants are a dime a dozen in this city so I can't say we'll be back anytime soon.
(4)
Oscar O.
Bull-Eh-Dias is an excellent date place! Actually, that's what I read on here when I was researching for a place to take a date out for Valentine's Day and it didn't disappoint. This is a small, intimate, tasty place to take a date to. I can't say that this was the best tapas place I've been to (not that I'm some type of connoisseur) but there are hardly any complaints. The food is very good, nothing crazy delicious or out of this world, but it's sure worth a try. The place is a bit on the small side, it's great to keep a nice and intimate ambiance, but it seems some of the prices aren't proportionate with the whole "small and cozy" vibe the restaurant is going for. As far as the food, I typically get the queso de cabra (goat cheese) which is served in a dish with a tomato sauce similar to marinara and comes with toasted bread and patatas bravas, (slightly) spicy potatoes. For the meat I like el pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken). My meals here have always tasted good, never cold or undercooked. There are no complaints on the food itself. Overall, this is a very nice restaurant to go to. It's not too fancy but you can definitely choose this spot for a date. It's in a great location (right by the Music Box theater) as well. Simply put, check this place out!
(4)
Alexa H.
The crowded Bull-eh-dia's menu exhausts your eyes and challenges your memory but don't let that stop your ability to sift through options to discover the bits of heaven that your taste buds are craving. Satisfy your watering mouth with the goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped with bacon, grilled, and drizzled with an exotically spiced balsamic reduction. The lamb chops served with a spinach saute is also sure to make you want to return. Pair your savory yet delicate meal with their red sangria and let this experience be your ambassador to the world of tapas. Apart from the delicious food, the environment was lacking in comfortable seating. The interior of the restaurant was frigid with the a/c blasting like we were in the Mohave desert and the patio tables were cramped and much to firm to feel relaxed. Fortunately for this restaurant, their product is tapas and not ambiance and they have definitely hit the bulls eye with their food. My next adventure to Chicago will surely have Bull-eh-dia's on the agenda.
(3)
David R.
I really loved the tapas here and the wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The tapas they had on special really stood out. Had a coconut shrimps on skewers dish that was honestly unbelievable. The atmosphere is cozy and nicely lit with great spanish music. I will definitely be going back with friends soon.
(5)
Jabari W.
This place has to be the best thing since sliced bread ! Whenever you can go to a resturant and everything is excellent from the beginning to end it's a great find. The bacon wrapped dates are delicious and the Pincho de Carne. Hell if I had more than one stomach I would order the entire menu. I will be back to try more menu items and try that delicious looking sangria. The ambience is perfect and the staff are all professional and friendly at the same time and god knows that is hard to come by. Bottom line I will be back in the future and I cannot wait.
(5)
Sharon N.
This spot is one of my regular pit-stops when I visit home to Chicago. The ambiance is so great! The owners and rest of the staff are very welcoming and ALWAYS take care of my friends and I. Not only is the staff great, but the tapas are delicious-the grilled Octopus is my personal fav as well as the paella. I highly suggest this place if you like tapas and want to hit up a joint that has good eats and great ambiance. A great date place too!
(4)
Sandy N.
Went here the night after the crazy blizzard, and Bull-eh-dia's was one of the few places open on Southport. We had the half rack of ribs (special), Chorizo Espanol, Torta De Cangrejo, Datiles Rellenos De Queso Con Tocino, and the Flan. Good, though nothing stood out too much, and the price was a bit high.
(3)
William Q.
The perfect option to thou do not want to wait. Bull-eh-dia's is for you. Good service and excellent food for a very reasonable price makes this place a one of the tops in my list.
(4)
Cindy G.
Three words for you: Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. Oh, Bull Eh Dia's are the best I've ever had. Besides that, so much of the food here is delicious, and the sangria is strong and not overpriced. This is a great date place or for a night out with a small group of friends. I agree with others that the service is not spectacular (you might feel a bit rushed), but when I'm here, I'm far more into the experience of sharing the tapas and sangria/wine over good conversation rather than the level of service. This place does not take reservations but the bar is a nice place to hang out for 30 minutes or so before your meal. Also, apparently they do allow you to BYOB but there is a $12 corkage fee. If you go that route, swing by the Jewel across the street for wine, and your receipt might have a coupon for Bull Eh Dia's on the back. :)
(4)
Ernesto R.
The food and service are good. The food is good and can vary depending on the dish you order. The sangria is what I would expect and compares favorably to other tapas restaurants in the city. I love that they are located in the Southport Corridor. Although the place is small, the ambiance is good for the Southport Corridor. I believe they are moving so I will have to go check them out at their bigger place.
(4)
Emil O.
If you want a treat for your tastebuds, you need to visit Bull Eh Dias and you need to go often as the menu is amazing and there's a new experience with every dish!.. Try them all!!!!! Me and my wife go here often. Wish we could go more!!!
(5)
Keena P.
Delicious food! I can't remember what the 2 tapas dishes I had there but they were worth the price. The place was empty when we walked in, which usually scares me off restaurants but I'm glad I came in. Decent service, although they could be friendlier.
(4)
Rikki C.
Worst tapas bar in the city. I have no idea why anyone would give this place 5 stars... Not only was the food 'meh' the service was even worse. We ordered the paella. The rice was not fully cooked and they didn't give us our leftovers when we specifically asked for it. I don't like wasting $20 on a plate! Save your money and go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba in Lincoln Park or Cafe Iberico downtown. This place is a let down.
(1)
Sheresse S.
Holy taste-buds Everything was great!! Beautiful restaurant, awesome food the food is inventive and delicious. What a great neighborhood option! It's nice to have a tapas place within crawling distance. I would have given them 6 stars if I could I will give my business to Bull-eh-dia's again and continue to send others their way.
(5)
Michelle K.
Grabbed a table for two at 8PM on a Saturday night. 5 minutes later, we were brought silverware and glasses of water. 15 minutes after we sat down, no one had come by to greet us or take any kind of an order. Walked out. For shame.
(1)
Anna V.
I was excited to try this place out because it's so near my home and it'd be awesome to have a nice little tapas place nearby...but once again, I should've listened to most of the reviews on here and saved myself a trip. We tried sitting outside and waited about 5 minutes before walking in because no one even greeted us even though the staff clearly saw us (that should've been a red flag!). So yeah, although the servers were courteous, I can't say they were doing a great job...water and bread took 15 minutes. The sangria, however, was very good. The food was just MEH. I really liked the stuffed mushrooms, they taste like pizza puffs! And the crema catalana was very good too, but the main courses left much to be desired. The pollo al ajillo was very different from what I had in mind. I was thinking a white, buttery, garlic sauce but instead it looked and tasted more like orange chicken from a chinese restaurant. The carne casera wasn't anything special either, in fact, the dish came out cold. I don't think I'll be back, there are plenty of other tapas restaurants in the city where you'll get all around good service & food, and it will be worth the price you pay.
(2)
Jennie P.
First let me start by saying, I love tapas - I really do. To the point, my wedding was a Tapas menu - I just love small plates and all the variety you can have. Bull-eh-dia's is really only mediocre. We stopped in on a Saturday night, there was hardly anybody inside but it still took somebody close to 10 minutes before giving us waters. Mine had something floating in it. Whatever, accidents happen, I got a new one. I will say the bacon wrapped dates are very good, they have goat cheese in them which is always a nice surprise. Everything else was really only "ok." Nothing really blew me away and left me saying, "ohhhh my gosh, I LOVE this, I want more!!" They turned on techno/dance music the later it became which is also fine but I wasn't really digging it for a Spanish themed restaurant especially when there was hardly anybody inside. I would recommend people to go elsewhere.
(2)
Kasia K.
In terms of tapas restaurants in America, the portions were biggest I have yet seen. We ordered 5 tapas to share between two people and we were stuffed, could not finish everything. The best one we had was the carne casera (I think it was called), super delicious cuts and perfectly cooked. The texture of the meat and flavors were amazing in my mouth, highly recommend that. Would like to go back to try out other menu items as well.
(4)
Aimee D.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to my tapas food (favorites are Ba-ba-reeba and Iberico) and I'm now happy to add Bullehdia to my list. I believe it's far superior to Twist and a nicer atmosphere too. I've been there twice and each time the food (and almost as importantly) the sangria were great. I would love to see this restaurant stay on Southport for a long time. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Jarvis A.
Amazing food, great atmosphere, gorgeous waiters. I came with my wife and a friend and we ate at least 8 dishes. Everything was good.
I love me some tapas, yes I do! Being the little Miss Bossy Britches that I am always wanting to dictate what all my friends order so that I can try EVERYTHING on the menu, tapas gives you the perfect opportunity to try a little bite of this and that without the forceful attitude. Bull-eh-dia's hit a few high and low notes for me throughout the night, both playing into my fancy for small plates (and lots of them), but also turning me off with a few nuances that are (fortunately) fixable. Let's explore, shall we? We'll take it down Pro-Con-Pro style like my sorority days: Pro/ Cozy atmosphere, warm colors, it was charming, authentic and we loved the Spanish music that transported us to another place & time even on a dreary, rainy night Con/ No waiting area. Unless conditions are perfect outside (which in Chicago they so often are, right?), you're waiting on the sidewalk. We stood in the rain for about 20 minutes until a bar spot opened up. Pro/ The Sangria was delicious. I'm so turned off by a fruit punch-esque Sangria; their red was amazing and pitchers are only $18.00 making it one of the most affordable pitchers of Sangria in town. Con/ The bartender was slower than molasses in January. The Sangria may be good but when he repeatedly forgets to bring it to you it sort of defeats the purpose, you dig? Pro/ The food was very good. Stacey A. is right on, anything with goat cheese hits a high note... Baked Goat Cheese in Marinara, Goat Cheese-stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese croquettes with Honey. I was liable to start bahhhhing at any moment. The garlic chicken and chorizo empanadas also get enthusiastic honorable mentions. Con/ Noise level. What?! Whaaaat?! WHAAATTTT?!?! That was the majority of the conversation had that evening. It was above loud in there and it got annoying quickly. We couldn't hear the waitress, the music or ourselves. Tables are way too close together, the acoustics are obviously poorly thought out and the volume of voices made my head throb. Pro/ Dessert. Don't miss the Plantano al Caramelo aka Bananas in Caramel. It doesn't sound all that adventurous, but trust me, we all fought for this one and left the others virtually untouched. ...so there you have it. A few kinks to be worked out, but overall still a nice addition to the SoPo lineup. I'll be back for more goat cheese degustation even if I have to shove it in my ears to enjoy it!
(3)
magda p.
Amazing food and ambiance! The best Spanish music selection in Chicago. Perfect place for either bday party or romantic dinner.
(5)
Tiffany V.
My friend and I decided to try out a new tapas place since we love Cafe Iberico and Cafe Ba-ba-re-ba. After reading on their website that Thursday nights was $15 pitchers of Sangria we figured we would give it a try. We got a table inside and the server asked us what we wanted to drink. We mentioned the $15 pitchers of Sangria. He told us that they have sangria specials on some nights of the week but he had to go ask because he didn't think it was on special that day. I told him that it was on the website and he said okay, I'll give it to you for $15 then. We should have left then. We ordered white sangria and received a pitcher of red, but felt bad for sending it back since they can't reuse it. It still tasted sort of watered down and not that great. We ordered a few tapas and was not happy with the portion size for the price compared to Ba-ba-re-ba and Iberico. Our Bacon Wrapped Dates had 4 in an order and the Shrimp had 5 small pieces of Shrimp for $8 each. After that, our server asked if we wanted dessert. We said no thanks, got the check and went down the street to Dairy Queen!
(2)
Greg O.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT GO TO BULL-EH-DIA'S. We went to Bull-eh-dia's last week for a friend's birthday. I had been there once before about five years ago, and my recollection was that it was pretty good. My girlfriend was smart enough to find a Living Social deal before we went. $15 for $30 worth of food. Great, right? Nope. When we arrived, we asked the waiter, Jeison, if we could be on a separate check, stated that we had a Living Social deal, and asked if that would be ok, to which he replied, "Absolutely." We weren't all that hungry, but since we had to spend at least $30, we ordered more than we would have. All in all, our bill ended up coming out to a little over $40, so I was going to just pay the difference, plus tip. When it was time to cut the check, the waiter came and informed us that he was not going to honor the Living Social deal because people in "our group" received "another deal". Let's see... we are a group of two who did not drink any beverages, and only ordered off the main menu. What? "Didn't you tell your manager that you told us it was ok to use this?" "Too bad," was his response. He did not want to get in trouble with his manager/owner, so he threw us under the bus. Enter the manager/owner. What a piece of work! We told her that the waiter had said it would be ok for us to use the Living Social deal, which as far as I am concerned, is practically legal tender. She flat out refused and kept trying to draw some half-assed comparison to Brazzaz. Sorry, but you are not Brazzaz. Their food and service both blow yours out of the park. After all of this, we obviously decided not to tip because they were screwing us out of $15 (the other $15, we will be able to get back from Living Social). Nope again! THEY DECIDED TO IMPOSE A MANDATORY GRATUITY AND THREATENED TO CALL THE POLICE IF WE DID NOT COMPLY! I crossed off the gratuity and signed the check, agreeing only to pay the $40 or so before "gratuity". Sure enough, my credit card was charged almost $50 because they decided to keep the "gratuity" included. I have, of course, contested this with my credit card company. So-so food. Horrible service. Flagrantly pathetic ownership. I will never go to Bull-eh-dia's again.
(1)
Lauren W.
I've had tapas many-a times and they've never disappointed. However, Bull-eh-dias did just that! The salmon we got was not at all what I envisioned because I envisioned what the menu was advertising. I'm a small girl, but sitting on the patio made me feel like king kong in a knock off Barbie dream house. And last major complaint: I realize tapas are "small plates". However, I've never been to a tapas place with plates so small the food had to be cut on the serving plate to avoid overhang on the eating plate. Now, even with my disappointment, there were a couple highlights. The beet salad is absolutely amazing. And huge. The ribs were also awesome, fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth. So glad I had the aforementioned because i may have otherwise been forced to give fewer than 3 stars!
(3)
Allyson H.
This is the best tapas place I've found in the city! The food is absolutely great as is the service. The peach sangria is delicious. I went with a few friends and we each ordered a couple items, allowing us to try quite a few dishes. Everyone ended up full and happy! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Falon G.
Overall, a disappointing experience. The restaurant is very small, but I was there on a Wednesday, so it was not crowded. However, the music was much too loud. I asked the waitress to turn it down and she obliged, but never did. They also had several TVs playing sports games. It felt like I was in a bad Spanish night club/sports bar rather than a charming tapas restaurant. The service started off fine, but as a couple more tables came in, my table was forgotten about. We had to flag the waitress down for every little thing we needed. When she came by, she acted annoyed that we needed something. The food is mediocre at best. The portabella mushrooms with bleu cheese on a crostini were fantastic! Easily the best dish we ordered. However, the rest of the dishes just went downhill from there. The meatballs were dry and tasted like a big clump of allspice & cloves. Gross. They were out of the spinach empanada special, despite the fact that we were only the third table in for dinner, so we went with the chorizo empenada, which was a mistake. I asked the waitress if they make the chorizo in-house and she said yes, but when they came out, they appeared manufactured and previously frozen, like a fold-over pot pie would look. The chorizo was disgusting. The consistency of the meat was more like the pepperoni that one would find in a hot pocket, rather than homemade sausage. It was spilling with bright red grease. However, the sauce that came with them was great. For dessert, the Spanish creme brulee tasted like vanilla pudding with a tube of strawberry ice cream syrup squeezed onto the sugar crust. I will not be returning. I'm still trying to get rid of my stomach ache from dinner.
(2)
Brent R.
Been here twice and we recently went for my birthday with a reservation of 8. Its a small place so I was worried that they could handle the tables so we went early. Bartender took a while for drinks but once we got the bottles of wine rolling it was great! It is so much fun and the food is awesome! I will be back often
(4)
Cari B.
I have been to Bull-eh-dia twice now and would just give it a shrug. It is not expectional, nor were they bad experiences. The food, for the most part, is pretty tasty. I have not really got a sense of any signature dishes, but the dates with goat cheese are quite delicious! The service is inconsistent at best. The people are certainly friendly, but very scarce. It takes a long time to get water, bread, plates cleared- all things that should be routine. Tapas is a slow paced meal, but the wait for drinks and even getting the check really brings down the experience. They have delicious drink specials throughout the week, I would probably stop in just for some sangaririta more often if I would not have to wait so long for a server. All in all, a good place to enjoy a slow leisurely meal with someone, but not a place to really enjoy out of this world tapas.
(3)
Chris S.
Pros: Cute restaurant, with decorating they take pride in, and should. Smaller, intimate feel to it than some of the other tapas restaurants in the city. Cons: The dishes all seemed to be a couple of dollars more expensive than at other restaurants. If this is a reflection of the quality of ingredients, they should consider putting someone in the kitchen that can take advantage of that. Nothing came out hot. Some of it warm, some of it room temperature. I made a comment about this to the server who was unmoved to do anything about it. For our entire meal we were treated to the kitchen staff regaling each other with foulmouthed stories of the night before (I usually have absolutely no problem with this, just not within earshot of the entire dining room. For the entire hour I was there. It was like the pissed off soundtrack to my meal). As much as I'd like to recommend this local place, I simply can't.
(2)
Jacques M.
I have gone a few times and tried a wide array of their tapas. The Bacon Wrap Dates are my personal favorite. The muscles are excellent also. The atmosphere is great with dim lights and cozy seats. This is a good place to take a date, especially on a weekday when it's less crowded. I'm a big eater and some of the portions are a little sparse for the price. Although, I can't think of anything I ever ordered there that didn't taste great. A group of two will probably need about 4 dishes and it can get a little pricey, we spent over $40 on a lunch for two. However, I don't mind paying a little more good food. I wish they has some sort of deal were you could get 4 Tapas and drinks for like $30, as the price is the only thing that prevents me from going more often. Definitely worth a taste if you haven't been
(4)
David L.
Exciting music, big portions for tapas, and excellent service. Muy muy bueno.
(4)
Becky D.
Yay! Tapas! When out on a girls night, start with tapas! The pitchers of sangria are delicious! I highly recommend the peach, even if it is a little more expensive. The bacon wrapped scallops are amazing. The scallops are so perfectly cooked you can cut them with the unbladed side of a butter knife, the bacon was perfectly crispy! The spicey potatoes are refreshingly salty and delicious. The spicey chicken was delicious. Crab cakes are good, with a kick of red pepper and a delicious sauce and leafy green vegetables. The crowd here is on the younger side. Bordering on hipster/college kids. There are young professionals here as well. A good start to a girls night!
(4)
Angie R.
Favorite Tapas place! i love it here more and more every time i come here. The staff is great and attentive and the food is awesome! Pollo ala brava is soo good! what i like the most about this place is that the food is always the same and always perfect! Passion fruit sangria is also great!
(5)
Ross F.
Best tapas I have ever had...including a trip to Barcelona and Madrid. The food was just out of this world awesome. We had the squid, goat cheese w tomato sauce (not marinara really), and some lamb chops. The presentation and tastes easily beat any of the other Chicago tapas places. The service was fine but the place only had a few other people in it, they were playing some jamming spanish guitar cd (no complaints) and the banana desert should not be missed!
(5)
erin k.
Deep-fried pillows of breaded goat cheese on a plate laced with balsamic reduction and honey. Some girls like flowers...
(4)
David S.
Good tapas. They were not to big like some places. The steak ones were very good. Downsides were: pretty loud and tiarmasu was overly coffee tasting.
(4)
K B.
Went last night for my first time. The food, when I got it, was decent.... BUT the service was below parr. We had to ask for more water and/or clean glasses (mind you this is a small place). What got me was an hour after ordering I was waiting on my second plate...empenadas. I asked how long they took, the waiter looked at his order sheet and said "one minute, do you want me to put them in now." WHAT?! He forgot to put in my order and by this time I was not hungry anymore b/c I was so annoyed. They didn't offer to make them for me to take home or ask if I wanted dessert. I will never go back.
(2)
Kristin C.
Congrats to Bull el Dia for securing the number 2 spot in my tapas list, and because of the fact that I didn't have to wait an hour to sit outside like at ba ba reeba, it is a close second. The place was cute, cozy, authentic looking and they have a little outdoor patio. Tables are a little close together out there, but we dealt with it. Price-wise, it was comparable to most other tapas places in the city, around $6-8 for most dishes. Service was a tad slow, but overall it was a pleasant experience and I can't wait to go back. Now on to the food ... The Good Stuff Shrimp in olive oil/garlic -- Solid item. Shrimp was cooked perfectly, flavors were not too overpowering. Would definitely order again Carne en Tostada -- Definitely the best thing we had, we ordered seconds. A very tender piece of beef on a crostini topped with a slice of Manchego cheese and a little red pepper. Soooo good! Stuffed Chicken - Don't remember the name, but it was stuffed with spinach, goat cheese (see I told you I liked it), carmelized onions among other things. I dont even like onions, but I honestly think that they made this dish - gave it a bit of sweetness. This was served over a bed of red pepper mashed potatoes, which were very good. Was thrown off a bit by the look/texture, but they were great. The So So Stuff Croquetas de queso -- I will eat goat cheese on anything, with anything, or with nothing. These were fried balls (sexual, huh) with warm goat cheese inside. The interesting/maybe weird part of it was the honey and balsamic vinegar it was drizzled with. The flavor was very, very unique, something I have never tasted before. Not sure that I would order it again, but I'm glad I did. Would probably try the traditional baked goat cheese next time. Mussels in marinara -- This was my first time having mussels, and well, it tasted like I thought it would.
(4)
Josclyn W.
Only come here if you have no taste buds! While waiting for a midnight showing at the music box, Mr and I stopped in to have some small plates. The loud music and empty seats meant the locals even on a beautiful Friday night know to steer clear, we should of. We were recommended a pitcher of the peach sangria, and it tasted like peach syrup and water, even at 22 dollars we both could not stomach another glass plastic beer pitcher it came in was also very unappetizing! I started with the olives, They were pitted which is strange, I like my olives tender bitter in a cured way and a little salty, I would say the exact opposite, chewy, bland and sour, with whole cloves of raw hard garlic and mini gherkins! Boooo I was anxiously awaiting the next plates. Mr started with a portable hot place with manchego cheese crustini and it was not bad!!! A beacon of hope? then ordered the shrimp hot plate, The tight rubber fishy smelling balls drenched in oil, silvered garlic and red pepper flake with a lemon wedge thrown in, maybe for protection. He ate one and the fish smell and taste was so powerful he did not finish the rest. I ordered a hot chicken plate with saffron rice, and the chicken was cooked properly but covered with this red almost mayonnaise like substance which made the chicken and peppers and onions all taste the same. The rice was mush, faint yellow, grains all smashed together. 55 dollars later we were still hungry decided to drink our dinner at a bar down the street.
(1)
E W.
There is definitely better Tapas else where in the city.
This is one of those "I hate to review it because I hate the idea of it getting too crowded" reviews, but we went for dinner here on Fri. night and now, on Monday, the BF & I are still talking about it. A rarity, as usually he doesn't like to discuss food. The bacon wrapped dates and the grilled octopus were divine. I'll order them every time I go. The $18 pitcher of red sangria? Again, I'll never be here without it. The cheese empanadas? Decent, but could've used more flavor. The only low point of the meal was the carne tostatdas. The 'tostada' was a french bread baguette from the across the street Jewel, it was stale and totally boring. The meat on top of it was soft and succulent though. We ate every morsel of meat, and left all the bread. Our waitress was great, presentation was gorgeous service was quick, and the best part? A runner came to bring us a plate and saw that we still had something on the table. He took the plate back in to give us more time (on his own accord, but it was more than fine with us). When he came back with the plate a few minutes later, it was still hot and delicious. Great timing. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)
Imilya M.
Went here for my birthday last Saturday and I had a great time. The waitress was really nice even though we made her wait an hour before ordering any real food, besides drinks, for the rest of my friends to come. The empanadas were really good too. So was the sangria.
(4)
Cecilia O.
I love the atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course the amazing authentic tapas. I love everything on the menu (as well as the ever-changing specials), especially the Portuguese mussels, and the garlic shrimp (cooked to perfection!). It's a great place for a date with intimate seating for two, as well as for medium/large groups with larger tables that can be arranged to accommodate the size of the group. When I was there with a big group (about 15 ppl) the upstairs was perfect for the occasion. In the summer the outdoor seating is nice and sunny, and in the winter the cozy candle-lit interior feels really great. The upstairs has a more loungy modern feel, and on Thursdays even more so with a DJ spinning great lounge music. One last thing to mention is that the lunch specials are great! Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)
Jim W.
Little bit of a different review. Apparently in addition to being a semi-new down the street from Tango Sur, BeD's let's you book "party packages" if your party is at least 8 strong. [Note: if you have 15+, then you can book the party room upstairs, it's BYOB and you get a dedicated server] We got some sort of custom 7-dish package since we didn't make the 15 person minimum. We were a party of 13 there for a bday, so it was kind of nice not to have to deal with the hassle of looking down the menu and dealing with variable costs outside of the sangria (although apparently we missed the scallops Maureen M recommended). Since I wasn't the event planner, I have no idea what the format was, but it just seemed like they kept bringing different tapas out. I think I dropped my standards a bit since I was famished, but everything tasted good, although I think Babareeba might still be a bit better. The dish that stood out to me was the Empanadas con Chorizo Mojo Canario (long name!) but it was the avocado sauce that really made it. The Pollo Relleno, stuffed with spinach and goat cheese was also yummy. The restaurant itself is pretty small and very friendly and cozy. The manager really took care of us and the service was phenomenal. I'm sure this contributed to our final bill, but my sangria glass rarely, if ever, went down to half empty. Both the red and white were equally good, although BeD's doesn't have quite the variety of Babareeba. What was really awesome though was at one point, one of the waiters went around with a pitcher of ice and spooned ice into our sangria glasses so that it would be nice and cold - talk about full service! In the end, I'm not sure I ate that much but given how much I drank, the bill/person was not unreasonable at $45, esp given the attention the restaurant gave us. BeD's is worth a second visit to try some other plates, and definitely a great place for a large group.
(4)
Sandra J.
I have been here a few times and I liked it but this last time I was a bit disappointed. Food was good but service was meh! My friend Jake and I went for dinner and split a few dishes. The sangria was a bit sweet and watered down. The bacon wrap dates were so heavenly and the chicken w rice was alright but sort of bland. The grilled octopus was very good but heavy on the oil. our waitress was a bit flighty but when we were waiting for our octopus, she did give me a sangria on the house. I had great dishes here before but I guess I was hoping for that magic again. I was hoping that our time was just an off day because it is so hard to find a good tapas place especially near southport!
(3)
Sarah B.
They have since changed the music to more appropriate Spanish guitar - and the sangria is still delicious and well-priced, and the tapas are decent.
(4)
Minh T.
Went here with a friend. The ambiance is nice, and our waitress was really friendly and helpful. I remember the sangria being delicious and half-priced on Tuesdays (but not very alcoholic), and the calamari was incredible. Usually with calimari, you get the overcooked rubbery variety, but at Bull-eh-dia's, it was tender and cooked perfectly. I definitely want to go back.
(3)
Matt J.
We just happened to stumble by this gem after being the neighborhood and looking for a late dinner. Granted the place was pretty empty being it was about 10:00 p.m. but our server was FANTASTIC and very friendly and inviting as we were unsure if they would still be serving dinner!! He explained all the dishes we had questions about including the beers we were unfamiliar with. The restaurant itself is a bit smaller but it had a great ambiance, great music, and I would describe it more as cozy. There was not one plate we ordered that we didn't like and the prices were very affordable considering how big the portions were per tapas. We will definitely be coming back and bringing some friends whether it be at this location or the new one. I highly recommend trying some of the different beers. We had a round of drinks, four tapas, and dessert and it was about $60-$65 before tip. The LED flashlight keychain our server tossed into our TO GO bag was a surprising added bonus that just goes to show you how they strive to go the extra mile.
(5)
Patrick n.
This place was more expensive and worse in every way than pretty much every tapas place we've been to in town. I can make better versions of almost every dish we tried, and it would probably cost me less to do so. The food wasn't terrible it was just okay, and there is no reason to spend more for mediocre tapas when there are 20 better, cheaper ones around the city (BaBaReeba, Iberico, las Ramblas to name a few)
(2)
Alice C.
I have never eaten at a tapas place before. I knew there were small plates and all, so I was a little hesitant about eating there. But! my friend insisted, so I went. The first thing I tried was carne en tostada (medium well) and it was sooo good, I wanted another one. Which I was going to order again, but! TADA! Gambas al ajillo came... My goodness! the shrimp was sooo good mixed with the bread. The garlic, the lemon, the olive oil... such a great taste in my mouth. By this time I was already getting a little full, but how could I say no to a paella con todo (a rice dish that has everything you could imagine! From veggies, to chicken, to seafood, to the imaginary world of tasteful food). A complete delight! After the paella, I knew I couldn't eat anymore. Little did I know, the dessert was on its way... Migas de chocolate was a complete "touch of heaven" just like the server said. That brownie can only exist in your dreams, you would think! BUT IT EXISTS! And you can only find it at Bullehdias. The servers were good, it was pretty busy during the weekend, but I hope it is not like this during the week, 'cause I am definitely coming back after work or ask for a delivery. On top of the tables there were these magnets that you could put on your refrigerator, and it has 5 dollars off... not too much. BUT A DISCOUNT IS A DISCOUNT. If I were to come here again, I will definitely bring a lot of friends, it's a cozy environment and it feels like you have privacy. Overall I give it a 5! Fogo de Chao and this place are one of my favs!
(5)
howard n.
I was fretting until the morning of NYE to see where to go that night. I kind of stumble onto this place, checked YELP, of course, almost went to 1492 tapas instead, and was ready to shell out 90 bucks per person on their NYE dinner. However, the right conscience surely set in and steeredme to this restaurant. what gave me a good first impression was the fact, I was able to book a table for 0930 that night. The restaurant was small, and when we first walked in, it was loud and packed. Everyone seemed having a good time. The wait staff was friendly, a little frentic, but at least they took their time to greet and acknoledge you, which to me was important. It's a great spot for people watching. the clientele seems young, hip and relazed. they were a lot of good look people that night. the food was overall good, dates wrapped with bacon was good as advertised. it's a party of flavors, crunchy, sweet, salty, creamy, cheezy, smoky, all the flavors meshed together in perfection. chicken croquette was moist, cheesy, and aromatic, another great choice. you must try the paella negro, which was the paella cooked with squid, shrimp, and squids' own black ink. it was fun, adverturous, the squid ink adds a rich, briny, and buttery taste to the paella that you won't be able to experience wthout the ink. squid was tender, rice was perfectly cooked, it finally broke my prejuidice on the european don't know how to cook rice properly. the desserts, the chocolate brownie cheesecake was to die for, and so was the banana cooked in liqueor, with crunchy almonds. the creme brulee was a little less to be desired. atomsphere was great, we all had a great time, the wait staff was attentative, the order was overall correct. when they do make a mistake, they do correct it immediately. so overall I had a great time and will go back again.
(4)
Christine N.
I ate at Bull-eh-dia's last night and I was not impressed. The food was average, bordering on bad, and the sangria was terrible! The service was good, although there were only 3 tables occupied. Also, the place was freezing!!! Crank up the heat please! Overall, I wouldn't waste my time and money here. You can eat tapas that taste a lot better for the same price.
(2)
Chelsa P.
So far I have been here 3 times and have not been disappointed. I have had all 3 of their Sangria and even though it is not the best that I have ever had it is pretty close. The ribs, that have been on the special menu are absolutely amazing, so if you like ribs, try theirs, you will not be disappointed.
(4)
maureen m.
Mandilyn (sp), the owner made a special martini for the night. It was sweet with peach vodka. She constantly attended to the tables in this cozy neighborhood restaurant in Lake view like you were at her home. The food: crab cakes were served in a non traditional shape (ball) that were served with fresh lettuce and sauces. The scallops were perfectly cooked, again with lovely fresh variety of lettuce and sauce. This place is cozy, clean and perfect for a delicious meal under $35.00.
(5)
johnny b.
ugh been here a couple times wanting to like it. Wont ever be back. Food is just not good. Over cooked chicken and under seasoned food. Uninspiring and bland. Go down the street to coobah for much better food. If you are just going for drinks not bad but skip the food.
(1)
Karen B.
I LOVE it here! I've gone a few times and this place is a neighborhood gem! Best serve, amazing tapas, intimate atmosphere, the wine selection is fabulous and everything is reasonably priced. I recommend this place to friends in the area and people who are visiting from out of town. Great place to check out!!
(5)
Troy H.
Great tapas! Get the spicy potatoes. The tables are a little cramped together but the food is quick and full of flavor. The $7 martinis are very yummy and a little strong (a good thing!), try the Ibiza.
(4)
Joscelyn M.
No offense to the neighborhood of the Cubs, but I was really surprised to find such good food in the area (save for the Tango Sur meaty goodness up the street). I'm used to hitting up Wrigley for some beer. The place is really cool and the food is good - standard Spanish fare done well. Sangria is pretty kickin'. If I ever find myself in the hood not feeling too tipsy, I'll be heading here!
my search for authentic tapas has ended. dining here is like being transported to spain. it's intimate, sexy and oh-so-delicious! have not had a chance to sample the sangria yet, but every tapas i have tried has been delightful. i'm a big fan of the patatas bravas, and they offer their version with two different sauces on the side - one spicy hot, one cool and soothing ( i think it may have avocado in it?). also worth mentioning is the jamon y queso - i could make a meal on that alone! take your special someone here. save iberico or ba-ba-reeba for the big group outings. this is the real deal.
(5)
Dan B.
Really, really like this place. The tapas ((there is a large selection of cold and hot)) are super yummy and reasonably priced. My personal favorites are the goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese empanadas. Honestly, though, the atmosphere is what really keeps me coming back to this place. The owners are very friendly and gracious. Also, the service is peppy, which I like in a tapas joint. The ambiance inside is great and they have a nice little outdoor seating area in the summer. Oh, the sangria! More, please.
(4)
Sarah A.
I was very excited to find a tapas place that I could walk to, however after eating there I was very disappointed. We ordered the Spanish omelet and grilled chicken in garlic, the food was very bland. I would not recommend going here.
(2)
Laura A.
it wasn't as good as la taberna but definitely a quiet atmosphere. datiles de tocino not as good as la tabernas. my favorite was the croquetas de puerco, so good! and yes i had my sangria. peach. like always.
(3)
Anthony P.
What a nice surprise! My wife and i went there on a Friday night around 8pm. We were seated promptly and we were quickly able to enjoy the warm laid-back Spanish decor. One quick tip: avoid the high tables/chairs as they get very uncomfortable overtime. We ordered a half-pitcher of white sangria and a few hot tapas. Everything was truly delicious while remaining unpretentious. The flan with toasted almonds, chocolate syrup and whipped was just a delight. And the service was spot on. Definitely looking forward to becoming a regular and highly recommend it.
(5)
Alexis B.
My parents worked with Joe and Mariena at Bull-eh-dia's to organize our engagement party last month. It was phenomenal! The food was excellent, the service was great, and Mariena was just so nice and accommodating about everything. She even presented my fiance and I with a complimentary bottle of champagne when we arrived. The party was at 2pm, so we basically had the whole restaurant to ourselves. It was a really wonderful experience; my fiance and I are sure to return in the future. If you go, be sure to try the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese... to die for!
(5)
Sarah H.
I have eaten at bull-eh-dia's before and found the food to be decent as far as tapas go. However on my second visit i was quite disappointed. The food was so boring and the chorizo stuffed eggplant on the special menu tasted like hamburger helper. The wine list is sufficient but the cocktails leave much to be desired. The peach sangria is watery and bland.
(2)
Paul D.
Marvelous. Everywhere - great, open decor; handsome wine list; food through the roof. We had scallops in a saffron sauce, with red peppers; a pork tenderloin stuffed with dates, almonds, moorish-influenced flavors, in a white wine and aromatic broth; grilled octopus with potatoes; crab cakes; chorizo empanadas with two sauces (a red pepper coulis and avocado sauce). Unbelievable intensity of flavor and skill. Passed back with a really nice tempranillo (forget the vintner), and a Ladera white. Music mix was spot on, wonderful. We understand Tuesdays, 7p-9p, there is a live guitarist; we're in. Congrats to the chef and owners for creating such an authentic, wonderful experience.
(5)
Franny S.
I had dinner here Saturday night and really enjoyed it. The (red) sangria was excellent and the food was (mostly) very good. My favorite thing was definitely the dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon...I don't normally eat meat, but every few years I make an exception just for this dish (it's a fairly common tapas item). Other winners were the garlic shrimp, potato salad, grilled scallops, crabcakes and caramel creme brulee. On the flip side, the cheese empanadas had too much dough and not enough cheese, and the portobello crostini was just so-so. All in all, a lovely addition to Southport...I'll go back for sure.
(4)
Liz F.
We went on Valentines day before the Blackhawks game and were seated right away. I love tapas and sangria so this place was like heaven. From the crispy, spicy potatoes all the way through the delicious poached pear dessert I was not disappointed in any way.
(4)
Suee S.
I went here last night for my friends birthday dinner. I was a little late as were two others so the party has to wait until everyone was there in the small bar area to be seated. So then we were all there then had to wait another 30 minutes for our table. I guess I can understand but if we were coming for sure then I dont see why they would have to wait and then have to wait even longer. Yes the bar area is small and there is only one little lane for everyone to walk through so there is constantly servers etc passing by. I thought the food was pretty good. There were some dishes I didnt care too much for like the artichokes. I've never really had tapas so I dont have much to compare it to. We all ordered and we jsut passed around the dishes and we were all able to have a good amount of food. I was pretty full. The bill wasnt too bad either. I had two glasses of wine and the food and it was about 35 each. The server was nice and addresses requests pretty quickly.
(4)
sheila J.
We came here on a Sat. night without a reservation. We were seated in about 15-20 minutes, which gave us enough time to run out and get a bottle of wine. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. The only drawback was that the noise. The music was loud, so therefore everyone had to yell to be heard over the music. All in all a good place.
(4)
Jeff k.
Visited on 8/11/2011 and it was my second time. I had to go back because the food is amazing. It is all tapas style. The service is good, attentive enough but they work with a small staff so if they are busy you might wait an extra minute. They food comes out as fast as any restaurant I've been to. The steak tapas are all ridiculous and the potatoes are some of the best i've had. I've been to places like Cafe Iberico that have similar dishes but just aren't as good as this. The seafood Tapas are great and I could tell that it was fresh. If you have time I would suggest waiting 30-40 minutes for the paella because it is worth it. The prices are very fair, as you would expect for tapas. It's in the rotation for good.
(4)
Stacie K.
For a better tapas experience, I would go to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. The food here was OK, at best. It was pretty tasteless, and nothing really stands out in my mind. The service was good, though, but I think that may be because I went early in the evening, when people weren't swamped/occupied with others. They DO have dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, which I would like to try..but my friend that I went with does not enjoy goat cheese (strange, isn't it?). If anyone reads this, and has had those dates I speak of, please let me know if it's worth it to go back and give them a second shot.
(2)
Ashley M.
After walking by this place frequently, i finally stopped in on a Friday night for dinner. I didn't realize what a great decision that was! Although the dining room is a little cramped (but then again what restaurant in Lakeview isn't?), the food was fantastic. I recommend the red Sangria, and the Carne Caserna. The prices aren't bad, but beware the wait could be. A great place for a date or dinner with a group of friends. I'll be back!
(4)
rachel s.
So disappointing, we left after four plates and finished our meal at Azucar. Service was great, but the food was bland. And the drinks were even worse.
(2)
Becky S.
Stumbled across Bull-eh-dia's and decided to give it a try. Great potato salad and sangria! Very nicely decorated and reasonably priced ($8 per plate).
(4)
Courtney S.
Everything about this place was pretty darn good. The waitress was intense and then she got busy so it was a little hard to pay the bill, but the food appeared almost immediately after ordering it. The shrimp, salmon, asparagus, and croquettes were all excellent. The mojitos were tasty and my friend enjoyed the white sangria. We will definitely be back. Annoying thing--the wait staff took a verrrry long time noisily moving chairs and tables behind us, only to move them back about twenty minutes later. Sounds like a silly thing to mention, but we were having a personal conversation and it was extremely distratcting.
(4)
Mindy V.
Just ok. Pretty big selection and I loved there spanish sausages and sangria but the shrimp were kinda bland and the space is small and nothing special. Nice to sit outside and people watch on Southport tho!
(3)
J B.
The food here is basically inedible. It is borderline disgusting. It is not even close to being authentic spanish food. I lived in Spain and the easiest tastiest dish to make is tortilla espanola, and Bull-eh-dia managed to screw that up. If you want good authentic great tasting tapas, skip this place and go to Cafe Iberico.
(1)
Shannon M.
So me and The Boy had about an hour before our show at The Music Box Theatre and I saw this place on the way there so we went and checked it out. There weren't many people there (just a couple a few tables away and two guys at the bar) and was kinda dark inside, but led for good ambiance and was pretty cozy regardless. Although I've been to Spain before, The Boy and I weren't very well versed in tapas so we just chose a variety of things to try. The items we got were pretty tasty (the balsamic reduction and honey sauce on the goat cheese coquettes was to die for), especially considering the price (and the house red was pretty good). The service was generally pretty speedy and our server was nice and generally on top of things (he may have forgotten to pick up our last item but he was also the bartender so I'll let it pass). Next time I go out for a night on the town, I may have to revisit this place...
(4)
Sam K.
I was so excited to try out a new tapas place, but sadly this one was very disappointing. First, and this is just an annoyance-the outside tables were SO small that there was no room for the three tapas we started with. Service-no complaints Then...the food. Average at best. The chicken was dried out, nothing was very flavorful... Too many other good restaurants in the city. Won't be returning
(2)
Wyllys B.
Bull-eh-dia's is as good as tapas can get in Chicago. This for us is a neighborhood haunt and a thousand times better than the likes of Cafe Ba-Ba-Rebob. The couple who runs it are as good as it gets in the restaurant industry, excellent people. The owners run it, they care immensely about the product they produce and it shows. Go with friends and turn over your palate to Marianna and Joe to make your dining experience beyond belief. Try the dates they are out of this world. We are now working our way through the entire menu and trying everything, not a bad one in the bunch so far!
(5)
Lynn K.
So the food was pretty good, the sangria didn't have any brandy in it. Weird right?, only wine and fruit, i asked. The female owner still takes tables and our server told us they don't pay their staff hourly. It was slow and she was kind of complaining, I don't blaim her! Good location and decent food but could be better.
(2)
tessa c.
three stars for the paella and my calamari in lemon/olive oil. no stars for the service and sangria and the other mediocre tapas. i just don't understand how they couldn't manage extra help the night before new year's and 2 days warning for our huge party. poor waitress was serving the entire restaurant.
(3)
Mrs H.
I love their red sangria! And the goat cheese with marinara sauce is unbelievable! The service is pretty slow when it's busy, but I think the food makes up for it.
(4)
Michelle B.
Do not order the cheese platter! I have had the opportunity to eat here twice in the last month. The atmosphere is absolutely friendly, warm, and cozy. I have tried several things on the menu and I highly recommend the following: Patatas Ali Oli (Spanish potato salad); Carne en Tostada; Pollo al Ajillo; and Chorizo Espanol. I tried the Empanadas de Queso and was somewhat disappointed - they did not have enough cheese filing or the "kick" of hawtness that I was looking for. Also, whatever you do, order the "red" sangria over the sangra blanca or white. The white sangria was disappointing (too much soda water) and did not pack as much punch or flavor as the red. Also, if you are order a glass of wine - either white or red, you can expect a very "generous pour," which is always a nice perk when dining out. Like I said at the beginning of the review: do not order the cheese platter as you will be disappointed - I think the platter is way over-priced and does not lend much for your palate to sample (even thou it is referred as an "assorted Spanish cheese platter" - it really is not). Instead, use the money you would have spent on the cheese platter for another fine dish that is offered on the menu. Finally, if you are a "late-nighter" and looking for a good meal after midnight, this is the place to go - the food is just as fresh and enjoyable if you had dined earlier in the evening. Enjoy!
(4)
Anna P.
This place was decent - I went on a date and it was actually a pretty fun experience choosing tapas and drinks together and then sharing everything. I don't think it's the best tapas I've ever had, but it's also not the worst - it shares a lot in common with most tapas places in the US: 1. Pro: You get to try lots of yummy foods. 2. Con: The plates are always pretty small. I think it's a fun place for a date or dinner with a friend or two if you're not super starving and want to try something different.
(3)
tracy g.
I love tapas and Sangria!!! So when I saw that this place opened in Lakeview after Otra Mas closed I wanted to give it a try. The food here is awesome. The dates wrapped in bacon is addicting!!! When my friends and I went one summer night, we were indecisive on our beverage so the bartender whipped up a strawberry lemonade martini that i could have sat and drank a lot of!!! In Feb. I celebrated my birthday there in the upstairs space and it was great!
(5)
Nick B.
It's been a really long week. Work is kicking my butt. Stuck catsitting while the parents are enjoying a week out on the west coast. What is a guy to do? Grab a friend on a Tuesday night and chug 1/2 price pitchets of sangria. Enter Bull-eh-dia's. I've been to a number of tapas restaurants since the beginning of the summer. Some are outstanding, some are meh, and some are cool. Bull-eh-dia's get in that category. I went in at about 9PM and largely due to the fact that it was 1/2 price sangria. I wasn't starving so a few potatoes and some other plates would fit the bill. Despite some angsty reviews, I thought the service was pretty good. Our waitress was always attentive but left us time to chat and enjoy our plates and drinks without asking if we wanted another pitcher or more food. The price was right, the atmosphere was chill, and I enjoyed the music. I wasn't blown away, but I would definitely recommend to stop in if you're trying to just have a nice, easy night out.
(4)
Amanda A.
I've been here a couple of times since my last visit and just have to emphasize that although the food is delightful - the Pincho de Carne and the Pincho de Pollo are not to be missed -- the service just continually leaves something to be desired. We had a hard time getting water refilled, at one point we wanted to order more tapas and we waited about 20 minutes to see our server, and it was just disappointing. I have also enjoyed their sangria in the past but the last time we went it just tasted like juice. Choose something else for your beverage.
(3)
Holly S.
Never again! We had reservations for 12 for a friend's going away party and they made the night so crappy. It took forever for them to take our orders, and when they finally did our server could not get anything right. She forgot all our drinks. They'd only bring out two plates each 30 minutes, meaning some people ate at 9pm and some at 11pm - that's ridiculous. They had us seated at separate tables, even though they have an entire upstairs that we saw was empty and not reserved. The octopus was good but not worth this service. Most of the guys ended up having burgers later on at a bar.
(1)
Bianca J.
Never had tapas before, but this place is alright.... Priced just right, taste is nothing to rave about. Also, the sangria is not the greatest... kinda bland
(3)
Amy S.
Pros: The location (great neighborhood!), the atmosphere/ambiance, nice outdoor seating. The service is decent. Cons: The food is so-so, ranks on the bottom of other tapas places in the city. I would not recommend the sangria. Also, the most grating part for me is their advertisement of $3 tapas up until 6pm. What they serve under this special is pretty much two bites of food. They basically serve one quarter to one half of the full price tapas. It makes more sense to pay the $7 and get a somewhat acceptable portion. I hope they reconsider this promotion, if they do, I would perhaps give another star.
(3)
Shaun R.
I've been to Bull-eh-dia's a couple of times. Always a great experience! Food was excellent! I'd recommend the Spicy Potatoes, or the Chorizo Empanadas! A fun, responsive staff, too! As reflected with some of the other posters here, I do think the prices are a little steep vs. a typical Tapas bar - specifically, for the alcohol (Sangria pitchers were over $20 - which usually gives about 4 glasses total). If they were a bit more reasonable, it would get a 5 stars from me. For first-timers: the restaurant is small, but I've never had an issue getting a table.
(4)
justine s.
Alright I may be a little biased because I used to work here, but this place has some great food. Granted sometimes it gets a little busy, but that just means that people enjoy the place and keep returning. The space is small and the tables are a little too close together but I think it just creates a more intimate atmosphere. I saw a lot of couples come through this place and they always seemed to leave smiling. As everyone said...bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates, ahhh-mazing. The garlic shrimp is really good as well. I also remember really liking the chorizo with potatos. It's worth trying for sure.
(4)
Jen D.
Summer update: I've eaten there a few times now since my delivery experience and it was great!!! I'll definitely keep this on a list of neighborhood favorites. Original review: I believe this place has been opened less than a month. There is no sign outside (yet?). It's across from the Jewel parking lot on Southport just south of Waveland - in the old Nebours space. Hopefully this will be a great non-bar addition to the corridor. My review is only for carry-out. I'm sure the food would have been better dining in. I ordered 3 hot tapas plates and was told it would be 45 mins. On a Sunday early evening, that seemed a little long - esp for a new place... Anyway, my instincts were correct, I think my food was sitting for at least 10 mins before I picked it up at the prescribed time. Patatas Bravas w/2 different spicy sauces. The potatoes were good as was the red aoili, I'm not sure what the the other sauce was. It didn't do it for me. Goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped with bacon: 4 little nuggets of heaven. Again, these came with 2 sauces. One appeared to be a sweet balsamic reduction or something. It was great. The other sauce I couldn't identify was red and not as tasty. Empanadas stuffed with Fetilla Cheese: 1 of the 4 was missing the cheese. These were a little dry, but I think they'd be much better fresh cuz I think they'd been ready for quite a while. The cheese inside was a nice mild white cheese. Since it's less than a month old, I will try this place again and update my review. I really want this restaurant to succeed since I'd love to have tapas 2 blocks from my house. The owners and chef seem like REALLY nice people (from their neighborhood association presentation). They put a lot of effort into transforming the space. The main floor dining room is small, but very cute. There will be seating upstairs once they get a permit or something. If the owners read this: carry-out sauce cups for patatas bravas are TOO SMALL. I mean, not even enough sauce for 1 person.
(3)
Melissa D.
I give three stars for a pretty legit reason. My first experience was definitely a 5 star experience. Definitely something I'd write home about, or better yet, yelp about. It was a Thursday at about 3 in the afternoon. My friend and I were the only ones in there, so it was great. We got great service. The food was fantabulous! The service was pretty great too! How could it not be? The pitcher of Sangria, outstanding! I love white Sangria and not many places offer it. Pretty decent priced as well... Ok, so I had been craving tapas. Last Saturday, my boyfriend and I trekked over to Bulls in the pouring rain. This is not a joke. The place was packed. So packed that we couldn't get a seat. We grabbed a beer and waited, still no seat. The servers and hostessed ignored us repeatedly so we opted on checking out. I was disappointed, but still had to give props for my first time :)
(3)
Melody L.
An absolute FAV! Everything is spectacular food, drinks, service, atmosphere!
(5)
Arlene A.
This clean, attractive tapas place could be a lot worse. It could also be a lot better. While the service was absolutely top notch, I can't help but feel that the mark was missed with the food. Me and my honey split two cold and two hot dishes for an afternoon nibble. The olives and garlic underwhelmed me because I felt I could have gone to jewel and gotten the exact same thing. However, the Serrano ham with Manchengo (?) cheese was great! The crostini bread that came with it? Uh, so crispy that you could hear the bread crunching across the room, I found it to be a bit much. For the hot we had the Steak Ceasare, the meat was tender and delish, the reduction and potatoes that came with it? Salty and overcooked. We had the house specialty Honey Orange ribs, which were..... ok. The sangria was great, not too much fruit, but overall our afternoon snack was a bit pricey for what we got. I would probably go back when they have their kickass sangria specials.
(2)
Jasmine C.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't outstanding. The ambience is rather lovely although beware: if it gets busy, you will find it IMPOSSIBLE to hear the person you're with. Portions are decent and prices are slightly higher than I thought was appropriate. It's been said before: there are better tapas places in the city.
(2)
Erin V.
I think it's the over all atmosphere and service that will bring me back. I had come with my friend visiting from Ireland and he'd spent the entire day boozing at a cubs game, so he was not on his A game, to say the least. Even as he was feeding himself the patatas ali olà with the serving spoon and grabbing my roommate's croquetas from across the table, our server was incredibly courteous and patient. Over all the food was decent. I was a little disappointed with their pisto. It was more of sauteed peppers in olive oil than real pisto, but the patatas bravas made up for it. And their caipirinhas were really well made. There are better tapas restaurants in Chicago, but if you live near southport and want to keep it local, this is definitely an OK place to try out.
(3)
Marissa H.
I enjoy Bull-eh-dia's very much. It partly could be because the last time I went here, a stream of gay men kept coming up to my friend and me to tell us how attractive we were. I felt pretty, y'all! If you want an ego boost, come here! Ego-boosting aside, I will say that the tapas here are all delish--at least the ones I've tried. I had an amazing special with J one time that consisted of extremely spicy mussels. Yum! Bacon-wrapped dates are always TDF, and theirs were no exception. Hmm...what else...the shrimp were awesome, great bread, and decently-priced wine...perhaps it's the wonderful food that makes everyone so joyous and eager to hand out compliments. Seriously. It's one of those places where the food/ambience makes you happy. Other: One of the bartender/waitresses is absolutely beautiful. Like, breath-taking. It's borderline annoying. They play lots of Shakira, and my friend got annoyed because she has issues with warbling lero lo le lo les and hip movements.
(4)
Johanna C.
I love Spanish tapas, so I was excited to try this nearby restaurant. But, I was quite disappointed. While the food wasn't awful, it wasn't good either. I thought all of the ingredients seemed cheap and packaged, especially given the price. Not worth a trip or the money.
(1)
Jessica L.
I love tapas and really like this place. We have been there twice, once with out of town guests. It was a great place to take out of towners. The atmosphere is cozy. We can walk here so it's definetly one of my favorites. I don't know that I would drive all the way across town, but... I wish they had a little bigger menu, but at least it wasn't overwhelming. We went to Cafe Baabareeba the following week and I thought Bull-eh-dia's was MUCH better! My favorites were: Queso de Cabra - I LOVE goat cheese. This was fantastic Carne en Tostada - the beef and manchego worked really well together Croquetas de Queso - little goat cheese fritters. HELLO??!! okay so I really like goat cheese
(4)
Crista L.
I enjoyed the atmosphere at this restaurant ((i was there on a Tuesday night)), the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. Moderately priced, in my opinion. In the event that I choose to go Tapas again, I would choose this place over Cafe Iberico any day. PS. fairly decent veg options -- although I watched my friends slam a ton of meat.
(4)
Stephanie M.
This is my favorite Tapas place outside of Spain. I think it has the most authentic food and atmosphere you can find. I have had almost everything on the menu and I go there at least once a month. My favorite dishes are the beef tostinis with blue cheese, the bacon wrapped dates, and spanish meatballs. Their sangira is out of this world good with a lot of delicious fruit.
(5)
Nicole A.
This is a great choice on a night you plan to visit the Music Box Theatre. The food was pretty good, I think I would come back but the prices seemed a little steep for the quality. I had a roast beet salad with goat cheese, onions and almonds; potatoes bravas; garlic shrimp, crostini with portabello mushrooms, manchego cheese and roasted red peppers, and cheese empanadas. The salad was delicious and had 3 giant slices of roast beet, the potatoes bravas is a tapas staple but did not disappoint. The cheese empanadas were the standout, they looked homemade by the way the dough was folded over - and if in fact they were that I am impressed because these suckers are very time consuming. The service was fine, the place was packed for a Sunday night and only the bartender was on duty, so she seemed swamped. I will back for round two next time I stop into the theatre.
(3)
Katie S.
I am a goat cheese fiend, and this place is like my own personal heaven. Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese? Um, YEAH... goat cheese fritters drizzled with honey and balsamic vinaigrette?? SI!!! Oh, and the other food is good too... I especially recommend the artichokes in citrus dressing and the plato de jamon.
(4)
Ryan S.
Had a wonderful experience her yesterday. Intimate, stylish, and great food. A little bit pricey for the local tapas scene, but the portions definitely make the price acceptable. Ingredients seemed very fresh and packed full of flavor. I had the pleasure of being waited on by one of the owners himself, and could not have had a better experience with the staff. I think his name was Tony... Anyways, great guy. Very friendly and had some wonderful recommendations that only made my dining experience even better. Recommendations: - House Wines (Great choices by the owners on this one! We were looking for something cheap so we got a bottle of their Spanish Chardonnay and enjoyed more then expected.) - Grilled Calamari - Bacon wrapped dates (HUGE)
(4)
Courtney B.
It was a Thursday night at 7pm and we were there in a group of 8 for a birthday dinner. We had met beforehand at HyeBar, practically next door, for a drink and then headed over. Not crowded at all.... lovely place, friendly waitress, no wait. We knew right away to get a couple pitchers of sangria (red)- not to be confused with "sangarita", which was on special and cheaper. Oops, oh well. What I loved about tapas places is staggering things out, ordering 2-3 things at a time over the course of a couple hours. The things that I would recommend and order again are: The Plate de Queso- Spanish cold cuts and Manchego cheese w Quince Gambas al Ajillo- garlic shrimp (we should have ordered two!) Queso de Cabra- baked goat cheese Patatas Bravas- spicy potatos (really good!) Datiles rellenos- goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (exceptional) Calamares a la Plancha- grilled calamari (large amount, very flavorful) Paella Bulerias-chicken and seafood paella (a must try! delicious) And the only thing I would not order again was the empanada. There was too much fried breading on it. Overall, a very tasty place! When you've got the time to really enjoy a long meal like this, it's fun to just relax with friends, have multiple pitchers of sangria and savor the flavors! I think each of us ordered at least 2-3 items each for the table to share. Our bill with tip was $44 pp.
(4)
Stu B.
If I could have any meal in Chicago (that I've had so far of course) it would be Bull-eh-Dia's Carne Casera. Fantastic. I've sampled a couple of the other dishes there and I've never been disappointed with any of them. The deserts? Perfect. Atmosphere is good. They do great with the small space they have.
(4)
Dori S.
YUMMY YUMMY GREAT FOR THE TUMMY I popped into Bull-eh-dia's early about 5 pm on a Sunday and was the only customer which kind of freaked me out. It also made me uncomfortable that throughout my meal the bartender went in the back to make my food and I kept hearing microwave beeping noises. But in the end, I don't know or care if the food was microwaved (which I doubt from the texture and flavor) it was excellent! The bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates are the stuff of dreams. Serioulsly, don't leave this life without eating these. The Carne en Tostada was tender and flavorful and the little herbed crostini it sat on was delish on its' own. The Patatas Bravas are very different than how they are served in Spain as you get 2 sauces on the side and you dip the potatoes into them. And ohhhhhh those potatoes! The potatoes are chopped then put in a bowl of water and seasoning to soak up the peppery flavoring. Then they are drained and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You could eat them without any sauce at all. But I really enjoyed mixing the 2 sauces together then dipping the potatoes into that mixture. I got the albodingas to go and had them for dinner. They were alright, I would not order them again. My martini was also rather forgettable but not bad. I think it was a lemon strawberry concoction but it tasted like water and vodka. The service was wonderful. The bartender/cook/waittress was warm and friendly and really made me feel at home. The ambience is soft, warm and very Spanish. Great story on the menu about the design contest they had to select a designer. Overall I would DEFINITELY go back to Bull-er-dias, probably next weekend.
(4)
Gamaliel E.
My buddy lives in the area so we tend to hit this place up when we are tired of Raw Bar, and do not want to wait forever to get into Tango Sur. I would totally recommend this place for drinks...and a couple of tapas as an appetizer. Only because I wasn't blown away by the food. My gambas al ajillo were over cooked.....the bacon wrapped dates were very good.......and most of the other dishes weren't very memorable. I did however, find the staff very helpful and friendly. Basically letting us know of the traditional Spanish drinks, and letting us get drunk at the bar. Oh, the staff was very attractive as well. I say go to Bull-ed-dias if you are tired of the typical bars found in this area. You'll find the the staff pleasant and the ambiance different than your regular bar in this area.
(3)
Sally O.
I'm thrilled to have this little Tapas place in my new neighborhood! For one, if you go, GET THE RIBS SPECIAL! The menu says it has "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness, and it doesn't lie! I can honestly see myself going and ordering three of those just for myself. :) The menu looked good enough that I'd love to return and try their other dishes. Plus, the service was super friendly. I'd recommend it!
(4)
Jo M.
I really like Bull-eh-dia's and am really going to try to make a point to go more often. The tapas are wonderful, the sangria's not bad, and I really like the ambience. I went here on a date after we couldn't stand the wait at Tango Sur. Tapas are great for a date! We had smoked salmon, steak on crostini, and the empanadas. All wonderful. I brought a friend back for girl's night and we had the garlic shrimp, empanadas, bacon wrapped dates and ricotta chicken. The chicken was "meh" but everything else was divine. Luscious, little bites. And very reasonable! Thought patio time has ended, it was really great to sit out on the patio. The layout is small and intimate inside. Love the lighting and ambient latin music! Definitely give Bull-eh-dia's a try!
(4)
Naomi b.
This was a real disappointment. It was very loud and crowded with barely enough room to pull out my chair without hitting the person sitting at the table behind us. They have a TV in the dining area, as opposed to just at the bar, which I always think is a big mistake. They were severely understaffed, so we didn't get very much attention. And finally, the food was incredibly mediocre, and as others have described it, bland. The asparagus was tasteless, the marinated artichokes could easily have been the canned or jarred variety, the tomato sauce/goat cheese was fine (but that's a hard one to mess up), and even the olives were just so-so. The sangria was too sweet and didn't seem to have much wine in it. No need to go back.
(1)
Stacey A.
I'm going to have to come back to this review later on and edit the living fuck out of it. But here's the quickie version: If you see something on this menu with goat cheese? Order it. Especially the figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped with bacon. Sweet merciful crap, greatest tapa decision of my LIFE. More later when I can remember what I ate. And apparently this is a newer restaurant? I'll have to come back next month and see how the service has improved, because they were running their little faces off on a Saturday night and looked pretty stressed. I'd like to see if they've smoothed things out at all.
(3)
Matt B.
My girlfriend and I ate here the other night and it was better than I thought it would be. I'm not trying to be a pretentious food critic, but I lived in Spain and tasted some pretty darn good tapas; and other than Cafe Iberico, tapas in Chicago has always been disappointing. We ordered: 1) Patatas Bravas- served hot and fresh, huge portion, and the sauces were lick the ramaken (sp?) worthy. 2) Beef on crostini with manchego cheese and roasted pepper. Delicious, fresh and ample portion for the price. 3) Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, aka heart-attack waiting to happen, these were out of this world. Only 4 were served in a $7 order, but they did me a favor by not putting any more on that plate considering I ate 3 of the 4. This place was fairly authentic, service was better than average (it was a Wednesday night) and the bill rang in under $30. My girlfriend had a glass of red sangria and seemed to have liked it. Our intention was to try more dishes after our first round, but we were too full.... I'd go back again, check it out if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)
Malia C.
I was planning a dinner out with friends for my birthday in June. I originally called Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas, but they do not take reservations for parties larger that 8 people unless it is before 5:30pm or after 10pm. What?! Didn't make any sense to me, so I instead made my reservation at Bull-eh-Dia who gladly took my 11 person reservation for Friday night - and I'm glad they did, because it was great! Our group decided to just order a few things here and there and share everything. The waiter was patient while we waited everyone to arrive, and was quick with drink refills. The food was awesome - I remeber loving nearly everything that came out of that kitchen - and we ordered alot! I loved the fried potatoes, and the octopus was the most tender and delicious octopus i've ever had. Our group ordered lots of drinks, and lots of food and we were all stuffed by the time the bill came - and it ended up being only about $27/person! I'd reccomend Bull-eh-Dia to anyone looking for tapas in Chicago, definitely before Ba-Ba-Reeba who I would imagine would be their main competition. Friendly and Efficient Service Great Atmosphere Creative and Delicious Tapas Reasonable Prices
(5)
Melissa W.
I wish that I could give 1/2 stars because, for the price, this place deserves 3.5. The food was good. Well prepared, uninspired tapas. The menu showed all of the standard tapas dishes that you could most likely find at any tapas place in the city, but they were executed well. The portabella crustini and the bacon wrapped dates stood out in my mind as the best dishes. I wouldn't recommend the croquettes. They were basically flavorless balls of fried. The sangria was inexpensive and generic. It was a little sweet for my taste (we ordered a pitcher of the red) and by no means 'strong' (as far as alcohol content is concerned). If I go back I would order from the reasonably priced wine menu instead. The server was quick and attentive. They kept the table clean, only had to ask for water once, and was prompt with the check when it was time to leave. All in all it was an OK experience, but, I will say, that for 4 adults to eat until we were full (including dessert) AND enjoy a pitcher of sangria, a final tab of $80.00 was pleasantly uprising (hence the need for an additional half star).
(3)
Natalie M.
After living around the corner from this restaurant for 6 months we decided to give it a try. It looks really small but they have a big upstairs with about 15 tables and another bar. We got right in at 7:30pm on Friday night which was nice. The service was good overall (our waiter was also covering a large party of 22 and two other 2 tops) and the ambiance was great. We had a pitcher of the red sangria which was quite good. The best tapa we had was the beef tenderloin on crostini - very good! The goat cheese was good but not very large comparatively. We were going to try the dates but got too full before we could - we will definitely try it next time! I am giving it 4 stars as a great neighborhood date place - no wait, great ambiance, good service, good (not amazing) food. Thought it was fairly reasonably priced - we had 5 tapas and two pitchers of sangria and the bill was under $80.
(4)
Kim B.
I finally had a chance to check out Bull-eh-dia's for an early dinner outside. I was unsure how the food would be, but it was surprisingly delicious! My friend and I split a pitcher of white sangria and three tapas. Everything was good and came out quickly - so no complaints there. So, why only 4 stars vs. 5? The service was sub-par. Perhaps it was because my companion and I were the only guests at the restaurant, but our server was "creepily" eager and we felt rushed. The music was also absurdly loud for 6pm and was annoying enough to make us want to leave after one pitcher of Sangria (not the norm for me and my friend). I would definitely want to check out Bull-eh-dia's at night as I think it could be a great place for a large group. It sounds like that is the case from the other reviews posted.
(4)
Alison M.
When I was in Spain I ordered "Gambas al Ajillo" for every meal-- sometimes I'd get shrimp scampi, sometimes I'd get scrambled eggs. Once I got a shrimp omelet. Anyway, maybe I'm not the best judge of Spanish food considering getting my order right garners at least one star. However, I think Bull-eh-dia's is a pretty good addition to the Southport Corridor. The sangria is great-- they only have red and white, but they do both right. The white is light and fruity, while the red (which was better, in my opinion) was sweeter and more intense. The highlight of the meal was the dates... bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. These were amazing. I wish they served more than 4, but they were huge and I probably didn't need to eat more than 4. The grilled calamari was tasty and I liked the empanadas--the sauces served with them were excellent. I'm not sure what the green one was, but it was great. The mussels were ok, they were kind of small and served in a marinara sauce, which isn't my favorite. For dessert I had the flan, which was covered in chocolate, caramel and whipped cream. If it sounds like too much, it kind of is-- but, in a good way. Oh, and the "Gambas al Ajillo" were what I was expecting-- five tasty garlicky shrimps. Success!
(4)
Babs H.
Yum! I came here last night and had the esparragos la parilla (which was excellent! I want to make asparagus like this all the time now!), the carne en tostada (difficult to eat without destroying it, but good none the less), and the patatas bravas, which I love love love! The half pitcher of sangria is ideal for a party of two. You can have a couple glasses with dinner and then on to dessert! We ordered the flan and it was probably the best flan I've ever had in a restaurant. Couple that with a cappucino (with an added shot of Frangelico) and it was perf. Out server was super friendly and the atmosphere was great - however the seats were pretty uncomfortable!
(4)
Katy J.
I have been here a couple times now and every time the food and sangria are wonderful. However, every time I've been the service has sucked. As a former server I understand when a restaurant fills up or there is an issue in the kitchen, that service might not be the greatest. But when you have two or three tables this shouldn't happen. I was in with some co-workers on Tuesday night and there were kitchen issues, however we attempted to flag down our waitress multiple times and she kept ignoring us. It became a little frustrating. Even though the service has not improved, the food keeps me coming back. The bacon wrapper dates are stuffed with goat cheese which takes it to a whole new level. The steak is great with the blue cheese sauce or manchago. I definitely recommend the Chorizo Espanol, the aioli is to die for. The crab cakes are also really great with another delicious aioli. Vegetable wise, definitely get the asparagus. It is refreshing and the balsamic is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
(3)
Caitlin S.
I was not impressed at all when I dined here yesterday evening. I had been once before about 2 years ago and had a positive experience, which prompted me to go back-but it's gone downhill. The silverware was sticky and had old food caked on it, the bread brought out was 2-3 days old - stale and when we asked to get fresh bread, the server said, "I can warm it up, but it's all like this." The sangria was delicious, but the food is not worth going back for in my opinion. There are other more consistently good tapas places in the city, it's a shame this one on Southport, within walking distance from my house has gone so far downhill. Disappointed.
(1)
Melissa G.
Not the best Tapas Bar in the city, but the food was good enough for me to have come back a 2nd time. My 2nd trip to Bull-eh-dias landed on a Monday so the $10 mega mojitos were a plus. We got there after 6 pm so we couldn't take advantage of the $3 mini tapas(patatas bravas are a must). We ended up ordering Jumbo garlic butter shrimp, which were not very jumbo at all, and carne en tostada which are beef cuts on a crostini. Both were good, but expensive for the portion size. The check was about $50 for the 2 small plates and 2 big mojitos.
(4)
Taylor G.
I visited Bull-eh-dia's on a slow Monday night in an attempt to expand my Southport dining experience. Largely, I agree with what many other yelpers have said: The food is good (not great), and the prices are a bit high for the portions. It seemed that any dishes with individual items (like shrimp) all came in sets of 5. For the 3 of us, we ordered a total of 6 tapas, and while munching on bread, we managed to spend $21 each, including tax & tip. I could be persuaded to go back here, but I think I'd prefer to try Twist again, despite the longer walk. To get an extra star, I'd like to see a better value for the food (either larger portions or lower price). To get a fifth star, they'd need to up the quality and variety a bit. Bull-eh-dia's gets a thumbs up, but I have a feeling there's much better tapas to be found in Chicago.
(3)
Dianne D.
A friend of mine recommended Bull-eh-Dia's for dinner. I didn't even know the place existed but thought I'd give it a shot. My favorite thing about this place was the ambiance and the Sangria. This is a great date place, it's small and cozy. We were able to get seated right away (at 8:30pm on a Friday night). The Red Sangria was out of this world! We went through 2 pitches very quickly! :) The food was OK. The Queso de Cabra (Goat Cheese w/ Bread) was pretty good, the Calamares a la Plancha (Squid in Lemon sauce) was way too salty but big portions, the Albóndigas Españolas (Meatballs w/ Saffron rice) was good but very filling and the Croquetas de Queso was bland. I would go back to this restaurant to try a few more dishes. However, I was not overally impressed with the food this time around.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
E W.
There is definitely better Tapas else where in the city.
(2)Shaun R.
I've been to Bull-eh-dia's a couple of times. Always a great experience! Food was excellent! I'd recommend the Spicy Potatoes, or the Chorizo Empanadas! A fun, responsive staff, too! As reflected with some of the other posters here, I do think the prices are a little steep vs. a typical Tapas bar - specifically, for the alcohol (Sangria pitchers were over $20 - which usually gives about 4 glasses total). If they were a bit more reasonable, it would get a 5 stars from me. For first-timers: the restaurant is small, but I've never had an issue getting a table.
(4)Angie R.
Favorite Tapas place! i love it here more and more every time i come here. The staff is great and attentive and the food is awesome! Pollo ala brava is soo good! what i like the most about this place is that the food is always the same and always perfect! Passion fruit sangria is also great!
(5)Anna P.
This place was decent - I went on a date and it was actually a pretty fun experience choosing tapas and drinks together and then sharing everything. I don't think it's the best tapas I've ever had, but it's also not the worst - it shares a lot in common with most tapas places in the US: 1. Pro: You get to try lots of yummy foods. 2. Con: The plates are always pretty small. I think it's a fun place for a date or dinner with a friend or two if you're not super starving and want to try something different.
(3)tracy g.
I love tapas and Sangria!!! So when I saw that this place opened in Lakeview after Otra Mas closed I wanted to give it a try. The food here is awesome. The dates wrapped in bacon is addicting!!! When my friends and I went one summer night, we were indecisive on our beverage so the bartender whipped up a strawberry lemonade martini that i could have sat and drank a lot of!!! In Feb. I celebrated my birthday there in the upstairs space and it was great!
(5)Nick B.
It's been a really long week. Work is kicking my butt. Stuck catsitting while the parents are enjoying a week out on the west coast. What is a guy to do? Grab a friend on a Tuesday night and chug 1/2 price pitchets of sangria. Enter Bull-eh-dia's. I've been to a number of tapas restaurants since the beginning of the summer. Some are outstanding, some are meh, and some are cool. Bull-eh-dia's get in that category. I went in at about 9PM and largely due to the fact that it was 1/2 price sangria. I wasn't starving so a few potatoes and some other plates would fit the bill. Despite some angsty reviews, I thought the service was pretty good. Our waitress was always attentive but left us time to chat and enjoy our plates and drinks without asking if we wanted another pitcher or more food. The price was right, the atmosphere was chill, and I enjoyed the music. I wasn't blown away, but I would definitely recommend to stop in if you're trying to just have a nice, easy night out.
(4)Amanda A.
I've been here a couple of times since my last visit and just have to emphasize that although the food is delightful - the Pincho de Carne and the Pincho de Pollo are not to be missed -- the service just continually leaves something to be desired. We had a hard time getting water refilled, at one point we wanted to order more tapas and we waited about 20 minutes to see our server, and it was just disappointing. I have also enjoyed their sangria in the past but the last time we went it just tasted like juice. Choose something else for your beverage.
(3)Holly S.
Never again! We had reservations for 12 for a friend's going away party and they made the night so crappy. It took forever for them to take our orders, and when they finally did our server could not get anything right. She forgot all our drinks. They'd only bring out two plates each 30 minutes, meaning some people ate at 9pm and some at 11pm - that's ridiculous. They had us seated at separate tables, even though they have an entire upstairs that we saw was empty and not reserved. The octopus was good but not worth this service. Most of the guys ended up having burgers later on at a bar.
(1)Bianca J.
Never had tapas before, but this place is alright.... Priced just right, taste is nothing to rave about. Also, the sangria is not the greatest... kinda bland
(3)Amy S.
Pros: The location (great neighborhood!), the atmosphere/ambiance, nice outdoor seating. The service is decent. Cons: The food is so-so, ranks on the bottom of other tapas places in the city. I would not recommend the sangria. Also, the most grating part for me is their advertisement of $3 tapas up until 6pm. What they serve under this special is pretty much two bites of food. They basically serve one quarter to one half of the full price tapas. It makes more sense to pay the $7 and get a somewhat acceptable portion. I hope they reconsider this promotion, if they do, I would perhaps give another star.
(3)Jen D.
Summer update: I've eaten there a few times now since my delivery experience and it was great!!! I'll definitely keep this on a list of neighborhood favorites. Original review: I believe this place has been opened less than a month. There is no sign outside (yet?). It's across from the Jewel parking lot on Southport just south of Waveland - in the old Nebours space. Hopefully this will be a great non-bar addition to the corridor. My review is only for carry-out. I'm sure the food would have been better dining in. I ordered 3 hot tapas plates and was told it would be 45 mins. On a Sunday early evening, that seemed a little long - esp for a new place... Anyway, my instincts were correct, I think my food was sitting for at least 10 mins before I picked it up at the prescribed time. Patatas Bravas w/2 different spicy sauces. The potatoes were good as was the red aoili, I'm not sure what the the other sauce was. It didn't do it for me. Goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped with bacon: 4 little nuggets of heaven. Again, these came with 2 sauces. One appeared to be a sweet balsamic reduction or something. It was great. The other sauce I couldn't identify was red and not as tasty. Empanadas stuffed with Fetilla Cheese: 1 of the 4 was missing the cheese. These were a little dry, but I think they'd be much better fresh cuz I think they'd been ready for quite a while. The cheese inside was a nice mild white cheese. Since it's less than a month old, I will try this place again and update my review. I really want this restaurant to succeed since I'd love to have tapas 2 blocks from my house. The owners and chef seem like REALLY nice people (from their neighborhood association presentation). They put a lot of effort into transforming the space. The main floor dining room is small, but very cute. There will be seating upstairs once they get a permit or something. If the owners read this: carry-out sauce cups for patatas bravas are TOO SMALL. I mean, not even enough sauce for 1 person.
(3)Melissa D.
I give three stars for a pretty legit reason. My first experience was definitely a 5 star experience. Definitely something I'd write home about, or better yet, yelp about. It was a Thursday at about 3 in the afternoon. My friend and I were the only ones in there, so it was great. We got great service. The food was fantabulous! The service was pretty great too! How could it not be? The pitcher of Sangria, outstanding! I love white Sangria and not many places offer it. Pretty decent priced as well... Ok, so I had been craving tapas. Last Saturday, my boyfriend and I trekked over to Bulls in the pouring rain. This is not a joke. The place was packed. So packed that we couldn't get a seat. We grabbed a beer and waited, still no seat. The servers and hostessed ignored us repeatedly so we opted on checking out. I was disappointed, but still had to give props for my first time :)
(3)Melody L.
An absolute FAV! Everything is spectacular food, drinks, service, atmosphere!
(5)Arlene A.
This clean, attractive tapas place could be a lot worse. It could also be a lot better. While the service was absolutely top notch, I can't help but feel that the mark was missed with the food. Me and my honey split two cold and two hot dishes for an afternoon nibble. The olives and garlic underwhelmed me because I felt I could have gone to jewel and gotten the exact same thing. However, the Serrano ham with Manchengo (?) cheese was great! The crostini bread that came with it? Uh, so crispy that you could hear the bread crunching across the room, I found it to be a bit much. For the hot we had the Steak Ceasare, the meat was tender and delish, the reduction and potatoes that came with it? Salty and overcooked. We had the house specialty Honey Orange ribs, which were..... ok. The sangria was great, not too much fruit, but overall our afternoon snack was a bit pricey for what we got. I would probably go back when they have their kickass sangria specials.
(2)Jasmine C.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't outstanding. The ambience is rather lovely although beware: if it gets busy, you will find it IMPOSSIBLE to hear the person you're with. Portions are decent and prices are slightly higher than I thought was appropriate. It's been said before: there are better tapas places in the city.
(2)Erin V.
I think it's the over all atmosphere and service that will bring me back. I had come with my friend visiting from Ireland and he'd spent the entire day boozing at a cubs game, so he was not on his A game, to say the least. Even as he was feeding himself the patatas ali olà with the serving spoon and grabbing my roommate's croquetas from across the table, our server was incredibly courteous and patient. Over all the food was decent. I was a little disappointed with their pisto. It was more of sauteed peppers in olive oil than real pisto, but the patatas bravas made up for it. And their caipirinhas were really well made. There are better tapas restaurants in Chicago, but if you live near southport and want to keep it local, this is definitely an OK place to try out.
(3)Marissa H.
I enjoy Bull-eh-dia's very much. It partly could be because the last time I went here, a stream of gay men kept coming up to my friend and me to tell us how attractive we were. I felt pretty, y'all! If you want an ego boost, come here! Ego-boosting aside, I will say that the tapas here are all delish--at least the ones I've tried. I had an amazing special with J one time that consisted of extremely spicy mussels. Yum! Bacon-wrapped dates are always TDF, and theirs were no exception. Hmm...what else...the shrimp were awesome, great bread, and decently-priced wine...perhaps it's the wonderful food that makes everyone so joyous and eager to hand out compliments. Seriously. It's one of those places where the food/ambience makes you happy. Other: One of the bartender/waitresses is absolutely beautiful. Like, breath-taking. It's borderline annoying. They play lots of Shakira, and my friend got annoyed because she has issues with warbling lero lo le lo les and hip movements.
(4)Johanna C.
I love Spanish tapas, so I was excited to try this nearby restaurant. But, I was quite disappointed. While the food wasn't awful, it wasn't good either. I thought all of the ingredients seemed cheap and packaged, especially given the price. Not worth a trip or the money.
(1)Jessica L.
I love tapas and really like this place. We have been there twice, once with out of town guests. It was a great place to take out of towners. The atmosphere is cozy. We can walk here so it's definetly one of my favorites. I don't know that I would drive all the way across town, but... I wish they had a little bigger menu, but at least it wasn't overwhelming. We went to Cafe Baabareeba the following week and I thought Bull-eh-dia's was MUCH better! My favorites were: Queso de Cabra - I LOVE goat cheese. This was fantastic Carne en Tostada - the beef and manchego worked really well together Croquetas de Queso - little goat cheese fritters. HELLO??!! okay so I really like goat cheese
(4)Crista L.
I enjoyed the atmosphere at this restaurant ((i was there on a Tuesday night)), the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. Moderately priced, in my opinion. In the event that I choose to go Tapas again, I would choose this place over Cafe Iberico any day. PS. fairly decent veg options -- although I watched my friends slam a ton of meat.
(4)Stephanie M.
This is my favorite Tapas place outside of Spain. I think it has the most authentic food and atmosphere you can find. I have had almost everything on the menu and I go there at least once a month. My favorite dishes are the beef tostinis with blue cheese, the bacon wrapped dates, and spanish meatballs. Their sangira is out of this world good with a lot of delicious fruit.
(5)Nicole A.
This is a great choice on a night you plan to visit the Music Box Theatre. The food was pretty good, I think I would come back but the prices seemed a little steep for the quality. I had a roast beet salad with goat cheese, onions and almonds; potatoes bravas; garlic shrimp, crostini with portabello mushrooms, manchego cheese and roasted red peppers, and cheese empanadas. The salad was delicious and had 3 giant slices of roast beet, the potatoes bravas is a tapas staple but did not disappoint. The cheese empanadas were the standout, they looked homemade by the way the dough was folded over - and if in fact they were that I am impressed because these suckers are very time consuming. The service was fine, the place was packed for a Sunday night and only the bartender was on duty, so she seemed swamped. I will back for round two next time I stop into the theatre.
(3)Katie S.
I am a goat cheese fiend, and this place is like my own personal heaven. Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese? Um, YEAH... goat cheese fritters drizzled with honey and balsamic vinaigrette?? SI!!! Oh, and the other food is good too... I especially recommend the artichokes in citrus dressing and the plato de jamon.
(4)Ryan S.
Had a wonderful experience her yesterday. Intimate, stylish, and great food. A little bit pricey for the local tapas scene, but the portions definitely make the price acceptable. Ingredients seemed very fresh and packed full of flavor. I had the pleasure of being waited on by one of the owners himself, and could not have had a better experience with the staff. I think his name was Tony... Anyways, great guy. Very friendly and had some wonderful recommendations that only made my dining experience even better. Recommendations: - House Wines (Great choices by the owners on this one! We were looking for something cheap so we got a bottle of their Spanish Chardonnay and enjoyed more then expected.) - Grilled Calamari - Bacon wrapped dates (HUGE)
(4)Courtney B.
It was a Thursday night at 7pm and we were there in a group of 8 for a birthday dinner. We had met beforehand at HyeBar, practically next door, for a drink and then headed over. Not crowded at all.... lovely place, friendly waitress, no wait. We knew right away to get a couple pitchers of sangria (red)- not to be confused with "sangarita", which was on special and cheaper. Oops, oh well. What I loved about tapas places is staggering things out, ordering 2-3 things at a time over the course of a couple hours. The things that I would recommend and order again are: The Plate de Queso- Spanish cold cuts and Manchego cheese w Quince Gambas al Ajillo- garlic shrimp (we should have ordered two!) Queso de Cabra- baked goat cheese Patatas Bravas- spicy potatos (really good!) Datiles rellenos- goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (exceptional) Calamares a la Plancha- grilled calamari (large amount, very flavorful) Paella Bulerias-chicken and seafood paella (a must try! delicious) And the only thing I would not order again was the empanada. There was too much fried breading on it. Overall, a very tasty place! When you've got the time to really enjoy a long meal like this, it's fun to just relax with friends, have multiple pitchers of sangria and savor the flavors! I think each of us ordered at least 2-3 items each for the table to share. Our bill with tip was $44 pp.
(4)Stu B.
If I could have any meal in Chicago (that I've had so far of course) it would be Bull-eh-Dia's Carne Casera. Fantastic. I've sampled a couple of the other dishes there and I've never been disappointed with any of them. The deserts? Perfect. Atmosphere is good. They do great with the small space they have.
(4)Dori S.
YUMMY YUMMY GREAT FOR THE TUMMY I popped into Bull-eh-dia's early about 5 pm on a Sunday and was the only customer which kind of freaked me out. It also made me uncomfortable that throughout my meal the bartender went in the back to make my food and I kept hearing microwave beeping noises. But in the end, I don't know or care if the food was microwaved (which I doubt from the texture and flavor) it was excellent! The bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates are the stuff of dreams. Serioulsly, don't leave this life without eating these. The Carne en Tostada was tender and flavorful and the little herbed crostini it sat on was delish on its' own. The Patatas Bravas are very different than how they are served in Spain as you get 2 sauces on the side and you dip the potatoes into them. And ohhhhhh those potatoes! The potatoes are chopped then put in a bowl of water and seasoning to soak up the peppery flavoring. Then they are drained and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You could eat them without any sauce at all. But I really enjoyed mixing the 2 sauces together then dipping the potatoes into that mixture. I got the albodingas to go and had them for dinner. They were alright, I would not order them again. My martini was also rather forgettable but not bad. I think it was a lemon strawberry concoction but it tasted like water and vodka. The service was wonderful. The bartender/cook/waittress was warm and friendly and really made me feel at home. The ambience is soft, warm and very Spanish. Great story on the menu about the design contest they had to select a designer. Overall I would DEFINITELY go back to Bull-er-dias, probably next weekend.
(4)Gamaliel E.
My buddy lives in the area so we tend to hit this place up when we are tired of Raw Bar, and do not want to wait forever to get into Tango Sur. I would totally recommend this place for drinks...and a couple of tapas as an appetizer. Only because I wasn't blown away by the food. My gambas al ajillo were over cooked.....the bacon wrapped dates were very good.......and most of the other dishes weren't very memorable. I did however, find the staff very helpful and friendly. Basically letting us know of the traditional Spanish drinks, and letting us get drunk at the bar. Oh, the staff was very attractive as well. I say go to Bull-ed-dias if you are tired of the typical bars found in this area. You'll find the the staff pleasant and the ambiance different than your regular bar in this area.
(3)Sally O.
I'm thrilled to have this little Tapas place in my new neighborhood! For one, if you go, GET THE RIBS SPECIAL! The menu says it has "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness, and it doesn't lie! I can honestly see myself going and ordering three of those just for myself. :) The menu looked good enough that I'd love to return and try their other dishes. Plus, the service was super friendly. I'd recommend it!
(4)Jo M.
I really like Bull-eh-dia's and am really going to try to make a point to go more often. The tapas are wonderful, the sangria's not bad, and I really like the ambience. I went here on a date after we couldn't stand the wait at Tango Sur. Tapas are great for a date! We had smoked salmon, steak on crostini, and the empanadas. All wonderful. I brought a friend back for girl's night and we had the garlic shrimp, empanadas, bacon wrapped dates and ricotta chicken. The chicken was "meh" but everything else was divine. Luscious, little bites. And very reasonable! Thought patio time has ended, it was really great to sit out on the patio. The layout is small and intimate inside. Love the lighting and ambient latin music! Definitely give Bull-eh-dia's a try!
(4)Naomi b.
This was a real disappointment. It was very loud and crowded with barely enough room to pull out my chair without hitting the person sitting at the table behind us. They have a TV in the dining area, as opposed to just at the bar, which I always think is a big mistake. They were severely understaffed, so we didn't get very much attention. And finally, the food was incredibly mediocre, and as others have described it, bland. The asparagus was tasteless, the marinated artichokes could easily have been the canned or jarred variety, the tomato sauce/goat cheese was fine (but that's a hard one to mess up), and even the olives were just so-so. The sangria was too sweet and didn't seem to have much wine in it. No need to go back.
(1)Stacey A.
I'm going to have to come back to this review later on and edit the living fuck out of it. But here's the quickie version: If you see something on this menu with goat cheese? Order it. Especially the figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped with bacon. Sweet merciful crap, greatest tapa decision of my LIFE. More later when I can remember what I ate. And apparently this is a newer restaurant? I'll have to come back next month and see how the service has improved, because they were running their little faces off on a Saturday night and looked pretty stressed. I'd like to see if they've smoothed things out at all.
(3)Matt B.
My girlfriend and I ate here the other night and it was better than I thought it would be. I'm not trying to be a pretentious food critic, but I lived in Spain and tasted some pretty darn good tapas; and other than Cafe Iberico, tapas in Chicago has always been disappointing. We ordered: 1) Patatas Bravas- served hot and fresh, huge portion, and the sauces were lick the ramaken (sp?) worthy. 2) Beef on crostini with manchego cheese and roasted pepper. Delicious, fresh and ample portion for the price. 3) Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, aka heart-attack waiting to happen, these were out of this world. Only 4 were served in a $7 order, but they did me a favor by not putting any more on that plate considering I ate 3 of the 4. This place was fairly authentic, service was better than average (it was a Wednesday night) and the bill rang in under $30. My girlfriend had a glass of red sangria and seemed to have liked it. Our intention was to try more dishes after our first round, but we were too full.... I'd go back again, check it out if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)Malia C.
I was planning a dinner out with friends for my birthday in June. I originally called Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas, but they do not take reservations for parties larger that 8 people unless it is before 5:30pm or after 10pm. What?! Didn't make any sense to me, so I instead made my reservation at Bull-eh-Dia who gladly took my 11 person reservation for Friday night - and I'm glad they did, because it was great! Our group decided to just order a few things here and there and share everything. The waiter was patient while we waited everyone to arrive, and was quick with drink refills. The food was awesome - I remeber loving nearly everything that came out of that kitchen - and we ordered alot! I loved the fried potatoes, and the octopus was the most tender and delicious octopus i've ever had. Our group ordered lots of drinks, and lots of food and we were all stuffed by the time the bill came - and it ended up being only about $27/person! I'd reccomend Bull-eh-Dia to anyone looking for tapas in Chicago, definitely before Ba-Ba-Reeba who I would imagine would be their main competition. Friendly and Efficient Service Great Atmosphere Creative and Delicious Tapas Reasonable Prices
(5)Melissa C.
I absolutely loved Bulerias Tapas Bar and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants to have a good time with their family and friends. Bulerias offers a fun, vibrant, and clean environment. My favorite tapas are hands down the Gambas al Ajilla (yuuuuuuuum!), Bacon Wrapped Dates, Carne Casera, and the Croquetas de Pollo. Also, their sangria is on point. Drink a few of these and you are sure to have a great time :) Their servers are all professional and very sweet! The owner (I think her name is Mariena) was so accommodating and it was a great experience to be greeted by her and checked on during our meal. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)Amanda M.
More of a 3.5. Had reservations right before 6pm Saturday for a large group (14?). We were seated downstairs and we pretty much had a personal server for the rest of the night. She was awesome...super friendly and patient with us especially as we weren't the tamest of all. She was even very kind at the end when we thought there was an issue with the bill, when we eventually realized it was our mistake all along. Service was definitely spot on. Food came out at appropriate times and we were always tended to. Food, however, was on the disappointing and mediocre side. The empanadas and paella in particular were quite lackluster. Even the bacon wrapped dates (while still good in itself) were kinda off. The only item that was memorable (out of half the menu that we tried) were the baby back ribs which had a real nice sauce to it. The spicy chicken was quite flavorful but there was a lot more potatoes than chicken in the dish. Overall, the food wasn't bad but there's definitely much better. Service, however, was muy bueno. Decor and ambiance were pretty cool. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(3)Dan R.
Visited this place with a group of friends. I really enjoyed everything. The location is the only bummer for me. I would probably come here more often if it wasn't so far... West town needs a place like this ( hint!*) The batatas bravas were amazing ( spicy!).
(4)Amanda S.
So amazing! Yes, tapas are expensive but this plus has deals. Just make sure to sign up for the texts/e-mails. We stopped in for the Tuesday Sangria special. Each pitcher was half off, making them $12 a piece. It's hard to tell how many glasses each had since the glass never got to the bottom without refilling, but I would guess 6 glasses each. We got one pitcher of red and white, and the mix was fantastic. I would definitely recommend that to a table needing two pitchers. As far as tapas, our eyes were bigger than our stomach but between 4 of us we had a total of 7(?) tapas and that was definitely plenty! Below are ratings out of 5: Alcachofas Castellanas- 4; These were excellent. Tons of artichokes and sauteed veggies. The only thing missing was something to eat this with. Luckily we asked for a basket of bread which made a good dish. Montaditos de Setas- 3; There was some flavor lacking in this dish. We ordered it with the manchego cheese but everything seemed very plain. Patatas Bravas- 5; These were AH-MAZING. They came in a huge bowl and two dipping sauces. They had a little kick to them but it was a perfect compliment to the two sauces. These are a MUST get! Croquetas de Queso- 4; I've had these at a different tapas bar and I did prefer them there. These were still pretty good. You get 5 and they are a little bit bigger than a half dollar. The balsamic and honey are a perfect compliment to goat cheese. Calamares a La Romana- 4; Although your run of the mill calamari, this was really well done and a good portion. Again, the sauces made a perfect compliment. Empanadas con Chorizo- 3; This was probably my least favorite. The empanadas were just OK, but chorizo can be that way. The two sauces, avocado and red pepper was also short of some flavor. I would pass on these next time. We ended the night with dessert and I have no idea the name but it gets a 5+. It was a blend of brownie and cheesecake with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was a huge portion and able to feed all 4 of us (see pic). I can't wait to come back for some other tapas and to try out another special.
(5)Adrienne T.
I would come back. I think my whole party was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was. I think what made the food even more tasty was that we left Bulerias leaving quite full and it only cost us 35 a person with drinks, tax and tip. Not bad for a Saturday evening out. We ordered over ten dishes, first being the asparagus soup. The pureed goodness was quite delicious. I even debated getting an order to go. Some of the dishes that really stood out were: Pollo a la Brava - Although it states on the menu that can be a quite spicy dish, I didn't think it was that bad. However, I did think that it was mighty flavorful. I enjoyed the patatas below the mixture of chicken. We actually mixed the two together to get a nice crunch effect. - If you decide to order patatas bravas, don't. You get a nice sampling with this dish. Albondigas Espanolas - Quite tangy and sweet - Take the consistency of a swedish meatball and add a nice tangy/sweet sauce on top. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this dish. Overall, I would come back. They have wonderful pitchers of Sangria and the food was well portioned for the price.
(4)Adriana N.
We ordered two orders of Potatoes and they were EXTREMELY spicy! We asked if we could get a new order OR at least take one of the orders back, but management REFUSED! THEY LOST CUSTOMERS OVER POTATOES!
(2)Elise K.
I've been a few times to Bulerias and we generally enjoy the food. There are a lot of great things on the menu -- pulpo (octopus) is a favorite, though their squid is sometimes a bit overcooked. In the summer, the gaspacho was FANTASTIC! We hope they bring in back on the menu. On our most recent visit, though, it was a little disappointing. We called ahead to make sure we'd be able to get a table. They gave us a little bit of a run-around, but when we arrived there were tables waiting. We were first led to the downstairs dining room (which we like a lot -- nice decoration, warm and inviting). Though there were open tables, they told us to wait at the bar -- so we waited there for about 2 minutes and were about to order a drink when they told us that actually our table was upstairs. So upstairs we went -- where it is louder and colder. They sat us at a table sandwiched in between three groups of VERY loud ladies. We asked to move and we were seated just one table to the side... a bit disappointing because it would have been nice to be able to talk to my husband on date night rather than hearing all the other women's conversations with each other -- namely about birth control. I also was a bit disappointed when I looked at all the coupons I had been saving through email and they all expire within 7 days of the email -- bummer! We had some sangria on this visit. We like it a lot, but they refilled my husband's glass 3 times and never mine, then took the pitcher away. I prefer to be able to pour my own drink or at least get the last bit from the pitcher, since the fruit is just sitting in all the wine! We also had an issue because it was so loud that the waiter didn't understand our order (I had pointed to it on the menu). So some crab cakes that we didn't order showed up. They had to check with three people to 'allow' us not to have them. Then when we got the bill, they were on there, along with the dish we were supposed to get! So we had to get the bill corrected as well. Finally, we really have enjoyed their patas bravas in the past. This time they pre-mixed the spicy sauce into the potatoes so they were squishy and kind of gross -- as well as much too spicy. We couldn't even eat them. It still not a bad place, but I think we'll explore some other tapas places before going back!
(3)Wayne H.
Our experience at Bulerias wasn't the best. The people sitting at the table next to us were all drunk, screaming, and singing. I understand having a good rowdy time, but I don't usually expect this at a formal dining tapas bar, especially when I wanted to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner with my girlfriend. I normally wouldn't fault the place for this but the staff didn't do anything to try and calm them down. I know they have to be accommodating to all their customers, but they didn't even ask them to tone it down. The other unusual part of the evening is the waitress or bus help, would keep clearing/taking our napkins away while we were still eating or expecting more tapas. That would be okay if they brought us new ones, but they didn't and we would have to keep asking for new ones as soon we realized our previous ones were stolen. The food was okay. Nothing is worth mentioning. I probably won't dine here again.
(2)Dr. L. C.
I really wanted this place to be amazing. We live close by. Their patio looks so nice and it would be nice to have something in the area that was nicer... but not here. Although requesting a 4 top table and not a 2 top at 7.45pm we were seated at a 2 top. I asked to be moved as we were directly across from a couple with a 3 year old child at a 4 top and I don't like being around kids while I eat. The hostess (who was not rude, but definitely not inviting, accommodating or friendly) told us there was no where else. There were 9 other tables... whatever. The patio furniture appears to have bought at Costco or something. The chairs sit way back and the tables have no where to put your feet. Basically I was smashed into a 2 top table with no where to put my legs, and could not move back because another table and chair was there. It was odd and uncomfortable at best. The food was fine. Besides the waitress, who was very nice but seemed a bit unsure of herself, the service was very good. Almost bordering on annoying as we had 5 different people coming around every 3 minutes asking if we were OK and if we needed something. We finally told them that we were going to just sit for a while and we were ok. I get it, I've worked in hospitality... but when it's basically the end of dinner on a nice day it's OK for us to sit here and enjoy. Especially since there were 9 open tables. The food tasted like trader joes appetizers. The crab cakes were very good... but nothing we will be craving for. After eating our meal with the random child I had asked to be moved from running wild and screeching, I was dismayed as we were leaving 2 woman were sat in the middle of the patio, away from everyone... at a 4 top. Just a tip to the wait staff... don't serve obviously pregnant woman sangria. My husband and I were appalled to see you refilling the 8 month pregnant ladies glass 5 times. If she wants to ruin her kids life that's fine, but don't let her do it at your establishment. That's just trashy. To top it all off, I signed up for their coupons via email, they have texted me 7 times in under 24 hours the same thing... twice at 3 am yesterday... I responded to stop and I still am getting them.
(1)Mat M.
I dined here a couple months ago with a friend who was keen to check it out. It was Saturday afternoon and around lunch time - and we were the only ones there for a good half hour. The food was actually really decent - and the staff was very friendly. I hope they get busier - because it will really help with the atmosphere. My go-to Tapas restaurant is Bar-Ba-Reeba!
(3)Dan L.
I went to this place with high hopes, but left feeling with a so so feeling. This place has a weird layout and you almost feel on top of the people next to you. Hostess was up at the bar because it was to cold on the lower level. Service was just not that good. Waiter barely spoke to us, forgot two of our tapas dishes and seemed to have too many tables. For our grilled shrimp and then our beef skewer we knew he forgot and never apologized. We did end up getting them 30 min later as our table was bare of any food and I think he finally caught on. Food was good. A couple of dishes weren't so great ( skip the potatoes in garlic mayo ) but the bacon wrapped scallops over spinach was our fave. I would go 3.5 star and maybe I'll go back as their menu is huge and there is a lot to try.
(3)Ben B.
Guys, no. I love tapas, but Bulerias has to be some kind of joke. Everything here tastes like it was frozen. Let's start with the sangria. This tastes like some sort of fruit punch from concentrate. It's probably the worst sangria I've ever had. I had several glasses and got zero buzz. That was my first warning sign. * Carne Casera ($9.90) - Pan-seared steak and homemade fried potatoes topped with a red wine and herb reduction. The steak itself was extremely thin. In flavor and texture, it reminded me of Burger King meat patties. I'm 90% sure the "homemade fried potatoes" were dumped out of an Ore-Ida bag. * Empanadas con Chorizo ($8.95) - Homemade pastry puff stuffed with imported Spanish chorizo, served with an avocado and red pepper vinaigrette. Forgettable and dry, like Hot Pocketsâ„¢. * Pollo al Ajillo ($7.65) - Marinated chicken grilled, sauteed in garlic, roasted red pepper and sweet vermouth over homemade fries. This tasted like some kind of bad stir fry dish from a Chinese restaurant. The chicken came in such small nuggets, and there were very few of them. Huge disappointment. * Patatas Bravas ($6.75) - Spicy potatoes. Should be a slam-dunk at any tapas restaurant. These tasted identical to all the other potatoes on the menu, except these got sprayed in some kind of hot sauce. I liked the flavor, but not the texture. (Again, they tasted like overcooked frozen potato chunks from Jewel.) I've had better at every other tapas joint. I should also mention that Bulerias is *loud.* I was seated upstairs and I had a very hard time hearing my dining companions. Also, the serving plates are enormous and there's very little room on the table. I also went the entire meal without having my very tiny dining plate switched out. If I'm eating lots of different things over a few hours, you'd think I wouldn't want them all mixing together to preserve the flavor purity. If you are thinking of hitting a tapas joint, I strongly encourage you to go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Everything there is VASTLY superior to Bulerias. (And they provide you with a stack of fresh plates on your table so you can decide when it's time for a clean one. Nice touch.)
(2)Bridget T.
Being Spanish from Spain and recently moved to Chicago from Southern California, I have been in search of Spanish food! Excited to come here because it was close to my home, I have mix feelings about the food. The traditional patatas bravas was great! It had the right amount of spice with a side of aoli which complemented the flavor. On the other hand, I had the albondigas and it was horrible! The meat was overly cook and the rice was over cooked! The sangria although was great!
(4)Laura G.
The service is really great. I would give five stars for how nice the servers were. However, the food is far from traditional and exciting. A lot of their food is accompanied by unnecessary sauces. We ordered filete de la falda con camarones. The flank steak was delicious but the sauce it came with tasted like BBQ sauce. The shrimp are precooked and I could have done without them. We also ordered datiles and the datiles are not fresh they seemed to be candied already. The sangria is pretty great. So one star for great service and one star for great sangria.
(2)Carol K.
Tapas. While every place has "shareable plates" these days, the places that I still love the best are places like Bulerias who make tapas the wonderful experience it is meant to be. If you haven't noticed, Bulerias has moved from its Southport location to a new, contemporary space located at the corner of Ashland and Waveland. Perfect for sitting outside sipping some sangria and forgetting about life for just a little while (which is exactly what we did on our recent visit) Our server, Manuel, was great and we gave him carte blanche on what to bring us as any decision was going to be too tough for us to comtemplate. After asking us if we ate everything (and we do) he was off to create the perfect dinner for us. As we sat, talked and sipped some amazing sangria (we had the red but they also have white) the food appeared as if by magic, perfectly timed so that our small table was never crowded and we never felt rushed. First up, some kind of fried cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar and honey. Mmmmm . . . .the perfect dish to go with our sangria. Next up, 3 more delicious plates ranging from artichokes with peppers, steak with potatoes and a chicken kabob. And for dessert, a lovely tiramasu which was so large we couldn't even finish it. I loved the warmth of the people who work here. My friend lives in the neighborhood so everyone stopped by to say hi to him and even the manager came over to make sure our evening was just the way we wanted it . . .and it was! If you drive- there is usually street parking available on Ashland or Waveland. Dinner for two with drinks was very reasonable at around $70. And the manager told us that starting in the Fall, they are going to have live music and flamenco dancers so be sure to watch for that! A perfect evening with warm temperatures, a soft breeze, great company and food and drink that was just right. Funny how sometimes the simple pleasures are the best!
(4)Lucy F.
Each dish was disappointing in its own way: asparagus was doused in entirely too much balsamic; scallops were way over-cooked, potatoes bravas sauce was the wrong consistency; crab cakes might has well have been out of the Trader Joe's freezer aisle. Televisions were obnoxiously displaying syndicated sitcoms and Sportscenter. If you're not airing an event and don't have the sound on, couldn't you just turn them off and let guests enjoy their dinner? Our server was gracious and attentive, enough so to save it from a two-star (or worse) experience; still, we won't be back.
(3)Jessica Y.
It was my first time dining here and it didn't disappoint! I've been meaning to go here for the longest time since it is on the way home from work. It's located on Ashland where I would't find myself going out in this area. Parking is easy on the side street or on Ashland. I made a reservation for a Friday night online. It was easy and I wanted to make sure I got a patio table. The seats were so comfortable with their patio pillows. Perfect place for a date night or night out with friends. We ordered all our food and drinks from the beginning and everything came out so promptly. Red Sangria with brandy is a must! A pitcher is sufficient for 2 people to have 2 glasses. Portions are bigger than most tapas places. Our waiter Jose was so friendly and personable. He gave solid recommendations and hope he serves us next time we come!
(4)Alan B.
I was anxious to find a new tapas spot closer to home and was happy I found this place. Went with my young lady last night. It was very nice: attentive service, somewhat knowledgeable servers, reasonably inexpensive tapas for a reasonable price. We had the olive dish, pulpo ala plancha, calamari ala plancha, a carne dish with peppers and I had a pitcher of mango Sangria. The pulpo, carne and calamari were all excellent. The potatoes were okay. They bring all the plates out too soon; I wish they spread it out a little more. The mango Sangria was a little week and too sweet for my taste but overall it was a great meal and a great atmosphere.
(4)Erica L.
Was excited to try a new tapas place closer to home. The place has an interesting layout, you walk in and have to walk around and up a flight of stairs to the bar and seating area. There is additional more roomier seating located in the basement level along with the restrooms. We were seated across from the bar - the tables were rather narrow and high-seated and only had 3 seats per table, which I though was a little weird. I wish the tables were bigger and wider to accommodate all the tapas we'd be ordering, but it ended up okay based on the flow of the dishes. The service was super friendly! They were patient with us since our friend was running 35 minutes late, and would check on us periodically without hovering. We decided to order the cheese empanadas while we waited. They were just the right size for 2 people (5 pieces) and hand great dipping sauces (the avocado was better than the red pepper). For the main meal, we shared an order of the Patatas Bravas with the spicy sauce on the side; the Albongdias Espanolas (Spanish Meatballs); Datiles (Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese); and the Pulpo a la Planca (Grilled Octopus). My favorite were the empanadas followed by the crispy potatoes and the octopus. I like how the spicy sauce can be ordered on the side for those not able to handle too much spice. The dates were also very good. The meatballs were overly seasoned and the herbs were overwhelming. They were my least favorite dish. For dessert, the staff was nice enough to give a special birthday caramel flan complete with a lighted candle. They even sang Happy Birthday with us. It was a huge portion, big enough for the 3 of us. It was delicious, especially the surrounding red wine chocolate sauce. Thanks for making our friend's birthday memorable!
(3)Louise A.
This is one of my favorite tapas bar:) delicious food and sangria is really good. They also have flamenco show some days
(5)Mark Y.
You know u have a great restaurant when every item is sooo good... Something as simple as a flaun done so so well. With cool trip hop and Ibizan lounge grooves. Perfectly satisfied but not miserable like the usual heavy meals.
(4)Julie C.
Love this place! I've lived in and visited Spain a number of times, so I can be a tough critic of tapas restaurants, but this one has never disappointed. They also have great live music and specials that make is easy to return to often.
(5)Nicole M.
Decided to try this place on a whim last Saturday and ended up very pleasantly suprised. We were thrown off a little but when we got seated in the basement, although cute it was tight and loud. Once the delish sangria came we were all set and understood why everyone was so loud and excited to be here. The food was supreme, we had spicy potatoes, chorizo empanadas and spare ribs, too much food but really yummy and decent prices. The service is unparalleled to any other place in the city and probably what set them apart the most. Not only was our waiter super attentive and constantly refilling our classes but the hostess even came back to check on us periodically. its'incredibly rare to find this dedication and service level in Chicago. My husband even said he likes this place better than BaBaReeba, wow! We will be regulars.
(5)tr y.
What a pleasant little treat this place is for food. We did the beef carpaccio, the esparragos al vapor and had some nice cocktails while Ashland Tire & auto fixed our flat because Chicago has huge shitty potholes all over. Great outside dining great service and clean! Treat yourself to this neighborhood gem!
(4)Yolanda E.
I went here on a whim. We were looking for a new tapas restaurant near my place. We drove past and said why not. It was a pleasant surprise! The place is gorgeous and it felt like we were not in Chicago. We were seated right away ad lead to the downstairs of the restaurant. There where families and large groups. They where accommodating as far as seating ( we didn't want to sit next to a large group) the ambiance is romantic with candle light. We had the pitcher of red sangria that was great! (added a shot of Bourbon!!) Must try! I have a gluten allergy but was able to eat most of the dishes. We had the Chicken Brava it was spicy but I love spicy so it was perfect. We also had the grilled octopus and the beef skewers. Both where delicious! It was a bit on the pricer side and the portions we a bit small for what they were priced at. One great surprise what that they had gluten free Beer!! One thing I loved was that the owner took the time to great us. She is very pleasant and passionate about her restaurant. I will be coming again and suggest you try this place out. I would give them 5 stars but the portion to the price ratio needs improvement.
(4)Maria T.
100% recommended. I Went there yesterday with my Boyfriend and the room downstairs it is pretty romantic. Worth to try the Sangria with Brandy. I'm going back next Sunday for the Flamenco Show!
(5)Tom H.
Love the new space! The old place was cute but this is definitely an upgrade. The tapas is fantastic. My wife and I eat there pretty often as we are lakeview dining junkies. The staff is super friendly and since we've become somewhat regulars the owner often stops by to say hi and check on the dining experience. Our answer is always fantastic! The opened an outdoor space late in the season this year, but can't wait for next year and warm summer nights out on their patio. Seems so far away... :(
(5)Orlando P.
We wanted to try this place for a while now since we live just across from wrigley field and every time we drove towards wear waveland, this place seemed inviting and the reviews were not too bad. We went today, at around 4:30 pm. It wasn't a busy time. There were a few people seated outside no one inside. We decided to dine inside. We were seated promptly by the bar. It took a little while for anyone to come up and take out drink order. When someone finally came out he seemed to have an attitude, I don't know why and he seemed like he was rushing us to order. We order pitcher of sangria, and a couple of tapas to start. The sangria was actually really good, but they really can't get it wrong since they use Dailey's mixers for their white and red sangria. I saw them mixing it at the bar. There is almost no wine in either the red or white sangria. We got our tapas. I was not a fan of the goat cheese (queso de cabra) the marinara sauce was very orangey... It tasted ok. Patatas oli oli were just. The potatoes seemed a little hard. We ordered the chicken croquettes, and those were also ok... Actually, that was the best plate but it needed more flavor they were a little too flat. We wanted to order a second round of tapas, but we were almost being ignored while a neighbor table was getting all the attention. The waiter finally came out and at that point I didn't want anything else. There were a lot of plates on our table and it was very neglected. So, we ended up trying a steak tapa just to try the steak. I asked for napkins since we had none at our table after a little while they finally brought them. They kept brining good out until he realized he had forgotten out last tapa.... After a while we finally got it. And it was just ok. Overall, from my experience it will take a lot of effort and good will to come back here. The food is way overpriced, the portions are way too small and the service just sucked. Do your selves a favor, when you want tapas, go to a more traditional place, like Cafe Iberico, Mercat, Valencia or Emilio's. It really hurt paying for the food here. For my first experience I almost regret having considered coming here. The place has some potential and it's very pretentious. Not happy about having dined here at all.
(1)Carmen G.
The waiter was great! The food was very good. Service was on point! Will definitely go back again!
(5)Oriana S.
I have been here numerous times and I have never been dissapointed. Food is Amazing. Beef dishes are my favourites but there is plenty on the Menu for everyone, Datiles (dates) are also a must!. Ambiance is pretty nice, with good backround music and candles in all the tables. Staff are really friendly. Fully recomended!
(5)Humberto Omar M.
I met a friend for dinner and my very first time here, amazing location and close by. Easy to get to either driving and by public transportation. Warm ambience, love the decor, great food and the sangria is amazing. The staff is friendly and top notch. I have new location to have a good time with great food. Perfect for groups and for two people. This is my second time having tapas, I will return soon. A much closer location then downtown is always a plus. I will return very soon. I recommend this location for great food and ambience. 5 stars and more.
(5)Bethany K.
Delicious food, generous portions, great service - such a fun night!!
(5)Saro O.
MEH is how I felt leaving this place. It's cramped, the food is over-priced, and nothing but the salad (yes, the salad) had any flavor that made me take notice. The goat cheese smothered in honey just killed the taste of both things. TOO MUCH! I prefer a tapas place that is trying to give you something with each plate. After four plates we felt we got what they had to offer. And they were too expensive to try any more. All service people seemed gormless and tired. They were at the table four or five times to see if we wanted to order more but nowhere to be seen when plates needed to be picked up. Our table for two was too small for a tapas place anyway, given the number of plates you are expected to have on it. So many other and better places for TAPAS.
(2)Danny A.
We would go here again. The baked goat cheese in marinara and the beet salad were the highlights of our meal. If you do order the beet salad make sure to ask for light dressing. Some things are very spicy so make sure to ask about that to. Good service. Overall a very good place.
(4)Justin P.
I've been to most of the tapas places in the city and Bulerias compares favorably in terms of price and ambiance. The food was fantastic, so I give them high marks here. The only drag was the waiter left for long periods of time which annoyed me a lot. But I'd come back again for the food!
(4)Mery T.
I love this place, the service is really excellent and the food delicious! I recommend to try come this place !
(5)Lino G.
Great place! Food is really tasty! Worth a visit for a nice dinner! Make sure you try the Mix Grill.The Waitress was gorgeous and really friendly!
(5)Emma K.
I haven't been to any tapas resataurants in Chicago besides Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (which is definitely in my top 3 favorite restaurants), so I was excited to try Bull-eh-dia's last night for dinner. They definitely gave Ba-Ba-Reeba a run for their money! BF and I had a groupon which was $15 for $30. I told the waiter about our groupon as we sat down, and he was great about explaining what was and was not included. (Not included were drinks, desserts, paella, and one of the specials - the Filete). The waiter recommended 2 tapas per person, so we got 2 to share and one for each of us. We shared the Patatas Bravas and the Dates. I was SO excited for the Patatas Bravas since this is the first place I've been to in the U.S. that serves both sauces - the aioli and the brava sauce - as they did when I studied abroad in Barcelona. While there was nothing bad about the dish, it was surprisingly my least favorite of everything we ordered. Also, the portion was HUGE! We also shared the bacon wrapped dates which are never bad, but seemed to be especially good here. I got the Croquetas de Queso which were AMAZING! Goat cheese and balsamic vinegar are two of my favorite things in the world, and so I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. The BF got the Empanadas de Queso which he really enjoyed. I only tried a small piece of these since we already had so much food, but loved them as well. I would totally order them if (more like when!) we go back. The portion on this dish was huge too - I think there were 5 decent sized Empanadas. The BF announced that he would go back as soon as we left the restaurant which is saying a lot since he is not the biggest tapas fan. I happily agreed (and not just because I had two glasses of delicious sangria at that point). I wavered between 4 and 5 stars for this review, but found my mouth watering too much just thinking about it to slight them!
(5)Linda C.
This place is wonderful. I've been here a few times already and the food has been phenomenal each time. Great hidden gem in the city. My only issue is that it is a little awkward walking in because the host/hostess isn't always at the front. The bar area is elevated and hidden behind a wall and the dining area is downstairs, so it's not very clear which direction to go when you walk in. Other than that I've had nothing but pleasant experiences here. The Patatas Bravas are a staple and so delicious. I've had the Empanadas de Queso, Pollo Ajillo, Pollo a la Brava, Esperragos, Ensalada de Remolacha, Paella and so much more and have not been disappointed with the food. Each dish has a unique flavor and even the simplest dish is delicious and presented beautifully. The overall feel of the restaurant is more authentic than other tapas places in the city and the the service is prompt and respectful. Also, I love that they host flamenco shows. I wish the space were bigger to better accommodate guests and the band, but it is great that they can offer authentic live music and dancing while you dine.
(5)Jen K.
This place had a really relaxed atmosphere. Dimly lit and decorated fairly modernly. Tables were a little tight but not uncomfortable. MOST of the food that we ordered was good. The plates came out one by one. I know these were tapas but the servings were pretty minimal. We found ourselves having to cut things in half to make sure everyone got some. The empanadas were not that great. Goat cheese was very good. There were seven of us and the bill was about $30 a person. I would try it again.
(3)Christine M.
Close to my work... Surprise date nite. My first time there we ordered 4 plates and 2 desserts. We sat at the bar... Food was good. However, the main dining area has an awkward layout, making it difficult to maneuver....tables are right on top of each other. The restrooms are on the lower level. This space is laid out much better than the upper. I'm not sure if the lower level is ADA accessible. Attentive wait staff, themed decor and friendly service.
(3)Peter S.
As far as Tapas goes, you can do MUCH better for the same cost. Even Ba Ba Reeba is better than this and I've always thought that could be beat hands down by Iberico. Gambas - eh, small shrimp with little flavor except the garlic oil, Beef with papetas - tasted like brown gravy from an envelop on top. Empanadas - like they were from a box. Asparagus with manchego - not cooked enough and i get manchego at costco all the time. So, sure, it was edible but when all was said and done we were $100 lighter and $0 satisfied. As for service, it was more the annoying, clear-your-plate-while-you-are-still-chewing-your-Âlast-bite hovering type of service. At one point the waiter cleared my napkin while i had a tapas in my hand and left me with only my jeans to clean my fingers. Did i mention they had five TV's with soccer and cycling? whats that about? sports bar/tapas?!? sorry, but we won't be returning.
(2)David C.
My girlfriends and I meet after work once a month and I had heard about this place so we decided to check it out. I am always looking for new tapas places. Upon walking in, I was overwhelmed by the set up...you face a wall because it is a two-floor bar sitting area with thin tables and small chairs. The TV blasts their daily specials and it all seemed very commercialized which was disappointing. However, the food was pretty good. We had the empanada de queso, pulpo ala plancha, and the datiles rellenos. The highlight was the albondigas and the low point was the patatas bravas. We ended things with some mango and peach sangria which was alright. Overall a good experience but too commercialized for my taste.
(3)Laura C.
It could have been the sangria, or the company, or the beautiful sunny day that turned our meal into a celebration of flavors. Each dish (a touch on the small side) was packed with spice and color with inventive specials like the squid ink paella. Service was friendly and the peach sangria was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. It packs a punch, so keep that in mind before you order the pitcher. Physically, the space is small, but not cramped. Drink enough sangria, and you'll feel like you're on Las Ramblas.
(4)Rafael G.
This place SUCKS! The food is not fresh and everything is from a box specially there empanadas. The service is horrible and they don't know that they are doing there. I was in the restroom and ran into the chef and after he was done doing his thing he just walked out with out washing his hands. I came in waited to be seated for almost 7 minutes while the host was in the bar watching the soccer game. Don't waste your time eating here this place sucks and the service is horrible. I bet you can get better service and better quality of food at McDonalds. I gave it one star cause you have to but this place is not even worth one star, maybe -5 stars.
(1)Jen P.
I don't know why this place has so many bad reviews! I thought that the service was awesome and the tapas were delicious. Possibly a little expensive for what it is, and did not love the sangria, but I will definitely be back soon. Very cute place, I was impressed.
(5)Tina N.
The handy Yelp app on my Hubby's phone brought us to this little gem. We were in the area and were starving so we figured we would give it a shot. We walked a few blocks to get here so we would have been seriously disappointed if it were anything less then 4 stars. We were greeted & sat right away. The server/bartender made us a new drink he has never tried before & it turned out terrific. The food started coming out and all I have to say is, DELICIOUS! Everything was hot, fresh and perfectly cooked. By then end of the meal, I was too full to even move. Thankfully we were able to walk it off heading back to the car. If I had to say something bad about this place, it would be that it isn't close enough to my house. Cannot wait to return! This is going on the favorite's ever list!
(5)Monseur N.
This place was wonderful! I brought in a group of 6 others on a Saturday night. We had reservations but still needed to wait about 30 minutes, I wasn't the slightest bit upset, they were so over the top polite about the inconvenience. Then the FOOD, it was so delicious and quick to come out. We ordered in many rounds and were not dispointed with any of the entrees. The steak and blue cheese on crostini was fantastic! The drinks were just as good and the overall feel of the place was great. Towards later in the evening the music got a little louder and the lights dimmer, maybe not the best during dinner but it was a Saturday night and didn't deter us from coming back in at all. Great place, great prices!
(5)Marita P.
I had so much fun! I went with two friends and we were curious about the restaurant about their Spanish food and it was really good. The customer service is great! Yes it is loud for some people and the tables close to each other but for your information most of the restaurants European or Argentinean are like that and I think it is great, it is social and fun, with a young spirit I am from Argentina and I really recommended.!
(5)Angela N.
The worse! We placed the order through Grub Hub and because they didn't deliver to Andersonville I picked up the order. Once I arrived it took them literally 15 minutes to process my credit card. After getting the food home less than 5-7 min the paella was mushy(rice) and devoid of shrimp and I could count the pieces of chicken~the mussels were tasty. I cannot even remember the rest of the order because it was that bad. We called immediately to report our horribly experience where we were told by Jose that the entire order would be credited. Three weeks later we still haven't received the credit for horrible service and disgusting food. SAVE YOUR MONEY,INTESTINES,AND TIME!
(1)Scarlett M.
We had a wonderful experience here. We had a party of seven and had a beautiful and quiet table. Our server was so attentive and considerate. The food was delicious. This was my first Tapas experience and I loved it. I didn't try anything I didn't care for with the exception of the potato omelet, but that's only because I don't care for onion! Every sauce was delicious! My friends had the mango sangria and said it was good and not too sweet. I highly recommend this charming place.
(5)Kelly A.
I have mixed reviews on about this place. On the night we came (a weekday night) the service was just odd. It seemed like there were only two people working in the front of the house and together, juggling the jobs of host/hostess, server, and bartender, and it showed. It meant the experience of waiting for a table was less than enjoyable because at times it felt that we had been forgotten about. We almost considered walking out because it was so unclear what was going on and if we would ever get to sit. I'm not sure if this was a fluke because someone called in sick, but this place would definitely benefit from a dedicated roles in the front of house because the experience as it was was stressful for a guest and made me question the professionalism of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, if a restaurant is good I expect to wait, but I like to know I haven't been forgotten about. Honestly this is an instance where an apology about the confusion would have gone a long way. Thankfully, this place redeemed itself with the food. We ordered quite a few things off the menu and everything we had was delicious, flavorful and well prepared. We had and loved the Croquetas de Queso, Datiles, and Empanadas. The sangria was also refreshing and getting it by the pitcher made for an affordable option. And thankfully, once we were sitting down the service was much, much better. The food came out quickly, almost a little too quickly because we felt a bit rushed when eating. Overall I'd give this place a second chance. I do think the food was tasty, but the experience prior to sitting almost convinced us to go elsewhere.
(3)Mark W.
Excellent tapas! The service was great and paced with each dish following the next. Comfortable and cozy ambiance. We'll be back
(5)Erika W.
I've been here twice in the last 2 weeks. The food and Sangria are amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and we had great service.
(5)Frances B.
I really love this place. It is such a cute, little romantic atmosphere and has yummy, yummy tapas and sangria. It's a great date or group spot. My favorites thus far have been: patatas bravas (so addicting), empanadas, Croquetas de pollo, Croquet's de Queso (really amazing), Esparragos al Vapor (steamed asparagus w/ cheese and other delicious things), Pincho de Pollo and Carne y Tostada. They're small so make reservations on weekends. Salud!
(4)Jenny L.
4 stars for great service and atmosphere!! The waiter was polite and attentive, he knew the menu very well and suggested some plates. The place was lively and had a good amount of guests. We were seated upstairs which felt a little crammed, but the seating downstairs by the bathroom definitely looked more comfortable... I would recommend sitting downstairs. The food on the other hand was more like 2 1/2 stars. It was not as good as other tapas places I've been to.. The empanadas were probably the best, however I can see myself coming back.
(4)Roxann R.
I went here (Bulerias) to join my friends bday celebration. When the food we ordered was served, I was offended at how small the portions were. The prices on Tapas are quite high and the portions are extremely small. For example, the Pincho, I got one stick ( had only 4 pieces of meat on it)for nearly 10 dollars. It should be at least 2 sticks of meat. I have been to many Tapa places to dine and this place has been a dissapointment. Be ready to have a heavy bill and an empty stomach. This made me appreciate Cafe Iberico so much more. I will be taking my friends to Cafe Iberico for now on.
(1)Michelle E.
Hands-down one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Great food. Most authentic tapas in Chicago. Cute decor. Downstairs area makes you feel like you are sitting in a Barcelona bar. Friendly staff. I've gone here with big groups of 20 people, with other couples, with girlfriends and with just my husband and every time has been a great experience.
(5)Kevin H.
Stopped in for a snack and a drink. The empanadas were okay and the service was excellent. The problem was who thought out the seating arrangement. I sat at the bar and proceeded to have someone bump into me every five seconds. Very annoying. Either get rid of the bar or the tables behind them. Maybe I will try them again, but sit at a table. DO NOT SIT AT THE BAR if people are seated at the table behind.
(2)Joanna B.
The tapas were really very good. Hard to find authentic Spanish food and this was quite lovely. The atmosphere is a bit noisy and the physical layout is poor - very chopped up with tables very crowded on each other. The downstairs dining area is nice but was not open when my friends and I were there. We had two beef dishes and a chicken plate, which was the highlight of the three. The chicken came with saffron rice and carmelized onions and was marinated to perfection - great flavor and so tender!!! The first meat dish Carne Casira was much better then the Carne Tostadas but both were tender and tasty. Would have given a higher rating if the environs were better. Our service was really quite good and the wait staff were very responsive to our needs. Try it and see for yourself - definitely worth going at least once!!
(3)Christina G.
I came here last night for some tapas for dinner. I left full (which doesn't always happen with tapas) and impressed. We made reservations for 7pm on a Tuesday, which were completely unnecessary. There were only 2 tables full when we walked in. By the time we left around 8, I'd say a good 60% of the tables were taken. I guess this is more of a late night dinner place. I had the house red wine, which I thought was quite good for only $4. My husband had the red sangria that was also quite good. To eat: Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese (4) - This dish was awesome. I guess anything wrapped in bacon is awesome, but the goat cheese took this an extra step. Carne Casera - Whoa. This was perfectly cooked and seasoned steak with potatoes on the side. The meat was so tender that I didn't even need a knife to cut it. It had a little kick, but not too much. Croqeutas de Queso - 5 fried spheres of goat cheese topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. Delicious. Chorizo empanadas - I have to say, this was my least favorite dish. the chorizo was not coming out at all in the flavors, and this dish had no spice to it. Isn't chorizo usually at least a little spicy? Maybe the problem was too much bread as well, as the empanada dough was thick. The sauces served with it were OK (red pepper and avocado). I definitely preferred the avocado one. Our waitress did a great job keeping up with the guests. She was the only one there, which wasn't a big deal at the beginning of the evening, but by the time we left, it was quite busy. She was still attentive and it remained easy to get her attention even once she got busy. This would be a fun place to go on a date or with a big group of girlfriends. Their daily specials are pretty good too. There is a large note on their menu that they are moving to an Ashland location soon. No date for the move though.
(4)Lana T.
I had the $15 for $30 worth of food at Bull-eh-dia's and I think if it wasn't for the Groupon I wouldn't go. We ordered the Gambas Al Ajollo (shrimp sauté in olive oil and garlic) and that was good but it was lacking in garlic way too much oil. The Carne Casera ( steak and potatoes) was probably the best dish we had. The red wine reduction sauce was really good. We also had the dates with goat cheese wrapped in bacon: that is way too sweet! And the dates are huge like they said but really it was too much for me. We also had the pulled pork on top of buschetta with caramelize onions and that was just okay. This place has big portion tapas that are meant for four people or more to share. Overall, I might not go back unless I have more people with me than just me and my boyfriend.
(3)Nefer C.
Excellent atmosphere, food and staff. The "pulpo a la plancha" and the empanadas are amazing, and every time I have been there we have been appropriately seated, even when the place is crowded. The general manager is a class act, and on Sundays they have live flamenco in the lower level, and the music matches the theme of the restaurant. Thank you!:-)
(4)Kevin R.
The new location is great and the food is still just as tasty. The Bacon Wrapped Dates and Chicken Croquettes are a must.
(4)Liz K.
I've walked by Bull-eh-Dia's countless times but never realized what I was missing out on! I'll blame it on the boyfriend not being a huge fan of tapas (or as he would say, "topless?!?"). I came here with a group of 5 girlfriends and despite the tiny restaurant, was able to make a reservation the day of. We shared a pitcher of white sangria, which had a great flavor (but watch out, the orange peels are still on and just there for flavor) and was easy to sip on. We were starving, so I imagined that we'd order dozens of plates and still be hungry, but was pleasantly surprised when that wasn't the case. If I can recall what we ordered... Patatas Bravas: These actually came with both the standard spicy brava sauce and the garlic alioli sauce, both of which had a kick that was almost too much given the fact that the potatoes were already very spicy on their own. It did seem to be a large portion, though, as all 5 of us were able to have seconds. Empanadas con Chorizo: These also had quite a kick to them, but the dough was perfect and I really enjoyed the flavor. Croquetas de Queso de Cabra: I love goat cheese, so anything that features it is a winner in my book, but this was my favorite dish that we ordered that night. The outer crust was crispy but not hard, and the cheese was the perfect temperature inside. They just melted in your mouth - I could have eaten an entire order by myself! Pincho de Pollo: This was a chicken skewer with saffron rice, which was yummy but I only had one piece and it did taste a lot like lemon. Carne Casera: Another dish that I could have eaten an entire order of by myself. The steak (flank or skirt, possibly?) was marinated and seasoned so well; it just fell apart when I ate it. Perfect. I feel like I have to be missing a dish or two because that doesn't seem like remotely enough food to feed all 5 of us, but that might have been it! Regardless, the portions were good for sharing but each dish was filling on its own. We might not have eaten as much as we did when we all studied abroad in Sevilla, but I think we were all satisfied :) The best part of the meal? Each of us ate and tipped for around $14. Seriously, what a great deal. The menu warns that Bull-eh-dia's is moving to another location, so I'll be sure to come back soon to sample the rest of the menu!
(4)Jean Marie K.
Have been looking for a new Tapas place since our favorite (Tapas Gitana) closed and this is a close contender. A little more expensive, but good variety of Tapas (I'm a vegetarian) and excellent service.
(4)Jocelyn H.
I'm thrilled to have a wonderful sit down restaurant in the neighborhood that is not another bar. For those that say the service is slow.... then please go to a fast food restaurant. We thought Bulerias was lively and had a fun decor that you'd want to come back for a night out with friends... or a fun date night as my husband & I had. The Sangria was wonderful, not too sweet. We were pleasantly surprised that the portions were sizable for a tapas restaurant. I loved the bacon wrapped scallops on a bed of sauteed spinach. Not sure what they put on the spinach but it was deliciously different. Give this place a try, it's great!
(5)Michelle W.
After Twist relocated out of Lake View, I was sad that my go-to neighborhood tapas place was gone. But, after having a lovely evening with girl friends at Bulerias, I am happy to say this is one my new neighborhood spots to take visitors. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting -- we sat at a booth with tons of fun throw pillows. The sangria is delicious and comes in a cute Bulerias-branded pitcher. We tried several tapas, including the portabella and crostini, salmon and crostini, asparagas with manchego, and the cheese empanadas with two sauces (avocado and green pepper). All the dishes were delicious, but I was particularly fond of the cheese empanadas with two sauces -- empanadas are a very straightforward dish, but Bulerias really prepares them well, and the sauces elevate the dish. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly, and the tapas came out at a very smooth, steady cadence. Love Bulerias and will definitely be returning.
(5)Thomas K.
I'm kind of sad because I ordered from this place without reading the reviews I'm feeling very terrible at the 100 bucks I just wasted. Patatas bravas was acceptable as well as the goat cheese croquettas. Not the best but acceptable but the problem is this I heard there's kind of special soup and I ordered the Spanish rice it was fairly tasteless. The quality of the sea food was subpar you could taste it and smell it. I really want to try new place because I've been sticking with the same places and looks like I made a mistake on this one.
(2)Sam M.
Came here last night with a friend. Definitely a small place, but a good vibe. Sangria was as expected and the "small plates" are bigger than most other tapas places in Chicago. It was loud, but not too loud to not hear the person across from you. Probably not the best spot for a date if you don't know the person that well. Overall, a good experience.
(4)Cory W.
The best. Fresh, exotic, the standard. All other tapas restaurants have similar offerings but this place goes the extra mile
(5)FoodLover Z.
Low-key restaurant with great tapas. It's a pretty large place, so great for birthday parties and other large groups. Standout tapas were the Pollo a la Brava, lamb chops and Gambas al Ajillo.
(4)Gary C.
I've been eating at the old location for several years, and was excited to see the new location open up on Ashland! Same great sangria and tapas, in a newer, more spacious and nicely designed space. I highly recommend the patatas bravas, datiles, and any of the great meat tapas. The new space is definitely worth a visit for your first time or if you're a previous customer at their old location on Southport.
(4)J K.
I came for a friend's birthday with a reservation at 8:00 PM. When we walked in, the hostess said the wait would be 15 min. The people in our party were shoved in this tiny entryway, probably making the couples dining less than 2 feet away from us very uncomfortable. Anyways, half an hour later, there was no progress on our table and members of our party decided to leave due to an unforeseeable end to our waiting game. The hostesses avoided eye contact as they walked past us from time to time. Finally, at 9:00 PM, an hour after we arrived with our reservation at 8:00 PM, we were seated. At this point, we were very hungry. We went through the bread on our table pretty quickly and asked for more. The food eventually came and was just okay. The bacon on the bacon-wrapped dates was burnt. The rest of the dinner was enjoyable seeing that it was a celebration that brought us here to begin with. As compensation for our wait, we received a minimal discount on our bill, but to our surprise, they charged us for the extra bread! Who does that? Needless to say, our experience with the restaurant was not good. I hate to give 1-star ratings, but the treatment from the hostess to the manager merited it.
(1)Kate H.
Bull-eh-dia's is moving to a new location, which is good, because my main takeaway here was that it was cramped. The Southport location definitely has a nice vibe, but it is curiously small for tapas. I understand that tapas are "small" plates, but try crowding four people around a tiny table meant to hold 5-6 dishes, a pitcher of sangria, and a paella, and it just doesn't work. We basically had to keep shoveling the food off of communal plates onto our own to make way for the next round of food, and then shuffling drinks around to accommodate the additions. ...I know. First World Problems! My tapas won't all fit on the table! But, for me, tapas should be a leisurely meal where you sample a few bites of a plethora of dishes. This meal didn't work that way. That said, I did enjoy the evening at Bull-eh-dia's. Service was good, and we devoured all of the dishes (I especially liked the mussels and the paella). I would be interested to try their new location, which promises to be more spacious.
(3)Olaf K.
Great little place for tapas! The atmosphere is casual & fun. Slowly working through the tapas menu on each visit, and nearly every dish has been excellent. The warm artichoke dish is especially good. The biggest negative: the bread, which plays a major role in tapas, is disappointing - similar to the bland squishy stuff you'd pick up at the local convenience store.
(4)Frances A.
Sangria was whatevs... But hey, I'm not a sangria fan, so there really wasn't any swaying me there... Lovely staff... Super chill... Ugh, there's only one bathroom stall - reallllly???? Sopa De Maricos... Ohmagolly, gee-whiz, woah... And less than $10 awesomeness. Supah big fan I am. And the presentation, simmering, on a heavy iron bowl thing. It was like it was brewing right in front of me. Literally the entire ocean was in that crazy stew...
(4)Saba A.
Friday night, no reservation, around 8PM. I went with a girlfriend and we got quick seating in this small, intimate restaurant, with a homey feeling with wreaths and large Christmas bells hung for the holidays. It got packed slowly so this is a place where I would definitely make reservations. I love Tapas, it's perfect to share and easy to order all sorts of stuff to satisfy cravings and this place would get 5 stars if we didn't have a waiter providing not the friendliest of service. Overall, great price, and good sized portions! We definately left with full tummies and no room for desert. We ordered: -Croquetes de Queso for 7.15 (AMAZING, I feel like we got the best cheese appetizer). I ate one the next morning for breakfast. -Polla a La Bravo for 7.65, we got spicy, and there is a super spicy one, and next to it, it says BEWARE! I love spice, but yes, beware it's spicy. It's a large dish and comes with potatoes too, but really good! We could only get through half of it. -Pincho de Carne for 9.15. I love tasting beef that is cooked properly, tender, and juicy, yum! Our waitress was not our favorite. She messed up our order and then told us that when she repeated our order earlier we only corrected her on one dish, not the one that she didn't get right. She said she would see what she could do because we hardly touched the dish and two minutes later she said she will give us the correct one. It was an innocent mistake, she got us another chicken dish instead of the beef one, but she wasn't apologetic and came off a bit rude. But apart from that, it is a definitely a great restaurant in Lakeview. Jewel across the street and Michael Jackson songs playing outside the restaurant. Pretty spiffy. Here's the menu: bull-eh-dias.com/files/B…
(4)Kyle P.
Place was great. Ribs, hot chicken fries, dates with bacon begin and super cool server guy. I think they are moving but try it out
(4)Aline S.
Seating seemed sparse. The outside seating was plentiful and comfortable. The indoor seating was at two-seat tables on the ground level or four-top high tables up in the bar area. There may have been a larger dining area in the back, but it wasn't open the eve we were there. On to the food... The goat cheese croquettes were probably the best we had. Then, the table couldn't decide which was or next favorite: the pulled pork crostini, the calamari or the tortilla Espanola. They were all good, but I was partial to the pork crostini. The bacon-wrapped dates were good, but didn't rank as high as we had hoped. And last but not least, the beverages... The sangria was good, but the mojitos were better! All in all, I would go back, but if I could give half stars, I would give a 3.5, which is still a very respectable showing in a city with such good food.
(4)Eric S.
Nice little tapas place in Lakeview. Looks like a dive from the outside but very cozy and clean inside. Would recommend the chorizo empanadas and the paella (con todo or the seafood). We called ahead to tell them we were coming, which I would suggest because there was a wait at 7:30 on a saturday night. Only downside was the drink menu. I know tapas is not known for pairing with beer, but if you want a decent craft beer you will not find it here. Stick to wine or sangria.
(4)Susan F.
TIP: If you shop at the Jewel across the street, look at the back of your receipt to find a 20% coupon to Bull-eh-dia! I came here as a group of 4 and it was a great experience. The atmosphere was pretty romantic but not too intimidating, so we didn't feel uncomfortable in a group or anything. I'd suggest going on a weekday--I assume it could get crowded on Friday/Saturday nights. We tried a couple dishes and they were all very flavorful. My favorite was the crab cakes (you get 4). The spicy aioli sauce was good and there was plenty of crab in the cakes, not much filler! +1 We tried the cheese empanadas that came with two sauces, a red aioli typ sauce and a cilantro green type sauce which tasted very Mediterranean. I think there were 6 empanadas. The chicken with potatoes was cooked perfectly and the potatoes weren't too crisp or too soggy. You have the option for spicy, very spicy, and beware (or something like that). We ordered spicy which would suit most palates. Out last dish was a tilapia special with shrimp. I really enjoyed this dish but splitting it between 4 people maybe wasn't the best idea. We each got just a bite :( I would have loved more! It only comes with 2 shrimp. We ordered the red sangria which was pretty good. I've never had bad sangria so I couldn't speak to this :) I really liked this place. It's nice that it isn't a chain like Ba-ba-reeba and it's way more intimate. Make sure to get a coupon!
(4)Chris D.
The dishes were really good! I ordered the bacon wrapped dates and they were stuffed with goat cheese, amazing and LARGE! The cheese and meat platter was very plentiful and also included olives and this delicious sauce on the crostini bread. Sangria was flavorful and strong and had peaches in it, yum! Went on a Saturday night with no reservations and was seated right away. Their new location is interestingly layed out. I wasn't sure about sitting in the basement, but the decor is beautiful! The only complaint is that I asked for another bread basket and they said it would cost extra. Weird, it wasn't even a fancy type bread. Also, before I arrived I signed up for their email list and that included a free coupon for one dish but they didn't honor it because it wasn't my birthday or anniversary. What the hell?! The coupon did not indicate that it had to be. Oh well. Overall: delicious food, some shady practices. I'll be back...on my "anniversary" next time.
(4)Angelica P.
It's a very small place so when you walk in there's not much room and when there are people at every table it gets crowded. I had the chorizo empanadas-- not good! There was no chorizo and the grease was disgusting. Chicken croquettes had a really weird flavor. Their shrimp, artichoke and calamari dish was just too much fried-- everything on there was fried and the artichokes had a really bad taste to them (and I love artichokes) so it was really disappointing. The carne casera was the only thing that we ordered that night that was really good. The waiter seemed to be no where in sight and then when he did see us standing at the door he finally seated us and then didn't know what he was talking about beer wise. We asked what's on tap and we ordered something that was on tap and he said they didn't carry it when you could clearly see it at the bar. He was just really uninformed and didn't stop by once to see how we were doing.
(2)Gary K.
The dishes were great and plentiful, a rarity for a tapas restaurant. We ordered a number of dishes and all were solid - our favorites were the carne casera and the fried calamari. The service was great and everyone was friendly and welcoming, even on New Year's Eve without a reservation. The flan was amazing, an absolute must have!!
(5)Amanda F.
Bravo Patatas Bravas! The gigantic portion of fried potatoes and dipping sauces managed to push three hungry diners beyond full after just three tapas. This little northside hole-in-the-wall is a great find. Loved the dishes, the open air seating, and the service. My group started with the Esparragos al Vapor was crisp and fresh. It was a little too al dente for my preference, but I loved the balsamic reduction, the portobello mushroom, and the shaved manchengo topping. The Carne Casera melted in our mouths and the Coconut Shrimp was a crispy and sweet favorite of the night. As mentioned, the Patatas Bravas was a very tasty filler to the tapas.The paella is a must! Order it early because it takes about 45 minutes to cook. The Paella Bulerias was yummy and a great price at $17. The three of us split the saffron rice dish and were very satisfied with the portion. I love Paella, and it was exactly as it should be, full of chicken and seafood, and not too oily. The Sangria is also a must. I wish there was more fruit, and that the fruit would be in larger slices, but there was nothing skimpy about this Sangria. Our waiter even gave us a pitcher with ice on the side, so we really got our money's worth. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was friendly and made good recommendations. The food came out very quickly too. I wouldn't visit Bull-eh-dia without first visiting the Chicago-favorite, Cafe Baba-reeba, but I would definitely dine at Bull-eh-dia over Cafe Iberico. The tapas at Bull-eh-dia's are larger portioned than at Babareeba and could be shared among four people. The tapas at Babareeba seem slightly more creative with flavor, but Bull-eh-dia's more classic tapas are fantastic. We will be back!
(4)Roseann M.
We made a quick visit on a warm Friday night to the bar at Bull-eh-dia's. Now, normally, I'd be opposed to even stopping in a place with such a dopey, misspelled, meaningless name. It is an offense to all the English classes I aced in college, many years ago. But, in the modern U.S. economy, morals and ethics have no place, so, we ended up at Bull-eh-dia's. It was my fault, really. After a crappy, disappointing, expensive event that flopped miserably, the only thought in my mind was "margarita!!" I said as much to my business partner. And, to my astonishment, she said "YES!!" as in "yes yes a thousand times yes!" Among all the bars and restaurants on Southport Avenue, somehow, there is no Mexican restaurant. But there is Bull's whatchamacallit, which is a tapas bar. We sat at the bar. A very pleasant bartender greeted us almost immediately. I ordered a margarita, standard, with salt. My friend was jonesing for sangria. She ordered a mango sangria. (There are several different kinds of sangria to choose from.) Oh my sweet Lord . . . two delicious drinks, served up quickly. Friend did give me a sip of her sangria, so I can report that both were absolutely delicious, and verrrrryyyyy strong!! We ordered one tapa to share, some cold thing with asparagus. I don't know what else was on it. What can I tell you, I was busy sucking down that margarita? It went straight to my head. I felt all sparkly and salty and tequila-like. All I know is, this tapa was very good. We both liked it. Sadly, we are both wimps. Had we chosen another drink, we probably both would have slid below the bar until we lay in an alcoholic puddle, occasionally sticking our tongues out like frogs, except we would be trying to get more drops of sangria and margarita instead of flies. Instead, we departed. Some small shred of dignity was preserved, and I did not fall down in the gutter on the way to the El. I would go again. We liked the food (even though we only had one item, it encouraged us); we definitely liked the drinks; and the bartender was prompt, friendly, and attentive. I probably should add one star, and make it five, but I don't feel like we tried enough menu items to make that bold a statement. Go to Bull-winkle's. You'll probably like it. Even if the name is phony and pretentious.
(4)Guido E.
Food is great but service (food and attention) is very slow. We had 8:30 reservations, got seated by 8:35 and ordered the scallops tapa, the patatas bravas and the goat cheese tapa by 8:45. It's 9:18 now and the only thing on the table is the scallops tapa. Very disappointing. Maybe this place blew up too fast for their own good because it's too busy for them to keep up a reasonable service level. --food was really excellent and manager very friendly and apologetic when we told our story
(3)Dennis F.
Went for the Sangria....It seemed a bit watered down and very small bits of fruit. I was more impressed with the food!
(2)Scott Y.
First visit to the new location and our group shared nine dishes. Every one was delicious! Nice vibe in the place and the owner is helpful and attentive.
(4)Greg G.
Came here on a Friday night with a group of 8. We had reservations and were seated right away (despite some people coming late!). The atmosphere was great, it has nice background music, but not too loud, just enough to cover awkward silences and not allow you to ease drop on other tables. We each ordered 2 dishes and got 4 pitchers of sangria! The peach sangria was amazing! You have to get it! Also the patatas bravas where sooo good! The white spicey sauce that comes with them is amazing and super addicting. I think I dipped like half my plates into it... My other favorite thing was the Pollo a la Brava dish. They have 3 levels of spicey (spicey, super spicey, and Beware!) I got the super spicey, but we all agreed that wasn't even that spicey... so next time you go make sure you get the Beware!
(5)Jiyoun B.
Sangrias by the pitcher... check! Tapas choices... check! Ambiance... check! Overall, the food was good, Sangrias were tasty. The service is good and the ambiance is dark and romantic. As far as Tapas go, the food quantity is small compared to Iberico, although Bull-eh-dia's give you more than Cafe Ba-ba-reeba. The music kept going in and out throughout the night. I couldn't hear our conversation one minute then I felt the need to whisper next. Weird.
(4)Daniela S.
Chicago's best kept secrete... my fiancé discovered this place a few years ago and every date night we have.. we end up here... not to many non name brand places have good and consistent service but its amazing the pollo al a brava is the best dish here but the Sangrias are a bit strong... no complaints!
(5)Leanne A.
We sat outside when it was still warm and lovely. I'm trying to imagine sitting outside now, in the abyss of nieve (snow). Estoy triste. Anyway, Bull eh Dia has a very cute and cozy patio. The most highlightable item is the paella. We ordered the seafood one, con (with) calamari, scallops y shrimp. It was exactly like the paella I had in the many plazas in Madrid and Granada during my months in Espana. Very autentica (authentic) if you're looking to try real paella. ****Our server, who was classy and guapo (cute) and polite, said we could share the paella. Um, this is not la verdad (true). The bowl is shallow, and it's so rico (tasty/rich) that you will start fighting for bites with your dining partner. Por favor, get your own paella**** The jamon y queso plate is a standard Spanish tapa that you can't exclude when trying a new tapas joint. Manchego cheese is, afterall, the best cheese on earth. And Bull eh Dia's does a decent jamon/queso plato (dish).
(4)Daniel S.
Solid tapas. If you are in the area and want some tapas- take a visit. Steak was the tops thing.
(3)Kristen M.
Tapas are always great and make for a fun, different dining experience. The food here is pretty good, no major complaints, I would call it very average. The restaurant itself is small but has nice outdoor seating and its a great location. Prices are fair. Bacon wrapped dates were prob my favorite item.
(3)Daisy R.
Epic Fail! Ordered for delivery at 7:00pm. Food arrived at 9:30. Tortilla espaniola horrible tasted like spackle had to just spit it out. Mushrooms were edible. Patatas bravas cold and hard. Chorizo cold and dry. The only edible part of the meal was the bread. A $45 flop.
(1)Mandy A.
Was looking for a place in the area to get an early dinner before heading to another event and found this place through Yelp. The mixed reviews had me a bit worried but we thought let's go ahead with it anyways. I thought it was BYOB (based on other reviews) but heads up, it is not. I tried to call earlier in the day but got a confusing answer. So word to the wise, don't bring booze in your purse, it's heavy to carry around all night. We got a pitcher of red sangria with the Licor43 mixed in... another tip, it's $7 to add this to the pitcher, not $2 like it says on the menu. Also, if both people are getting sangria, you're probably getting a pitcher by default. I mean, I'm not complaining but we thought we were getting two glasses. More booze never hurt anyone though... Onto the food! We started with a house salad... husband's choice. But it was delicious and chock full of goat cheese, candied nuts, red peppers, peppery vinaigrette, yes. Everything in that salad was a yes. Next up was bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese, they do love goat cheese here which is awesome for me, I could live on it happily. Following that was crab cakes, deliciously spicy sauce accompanying some good sized patties. Also got a big ol' pot of patatas bravas which my husband enjoyed picking at all meal long with the gigantic toothpicks. Last up was the carne casera, my husband's pick. The meat was really good and the sauce was great but holy mother was the whole dish super salty, to the point of almost ruining it. I still ate a couple pieces and tried to temper it with the potatoes but it was cooked perfectly so the salt was a huge bummer. Overall, good food (minus the one salty dish), good service and good atmosphere. Thumbs up from this girl.
(4)JL O.
Stumbled upon this fabulous place after a concert on Sunday night. It was 10:45 at night, we were starving, and not much was open. We walked by and the place was empty other than one table. The gentleman at the bar said the kitchen was open and he welcomed us in. I hate walking into a place almost closing but he insisted on us dining in. I had an amazing espresso to start with brandy. The food was spectacular! Goat cheese croquettes, potatoes ala aioli, calamari, steak and potatoes, meatballs....delicious!!! Service was fantastic. Very friendly considering we were the last customers and I'm sure they were ready to go home. I was so impressed!!!
(5)David B.
I love this new location. I hadn't been here since they moved and showed up with a big group of friends. Every time I come here the food is outstanding. Every time without fail!! I love the new pad. It's way bigger than the old place, so all my friends fit comfortably. This is the bomb place for tapas. Will definitely be back and back again.
(5)Marjorie F.
Sunday dinner with a friend brought us to this cozy little establishment. Although it was still warm enough for outdoor seating, we sat inside in case it rained. The atmosphere was warm and intimate with the low lighting and decor. The server was attentive and made sure that our drinks were full. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. I enjoyed the dates wrapped in bacon and the ham with cheese and toasty bread. The gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic) and empanadas were a little disappointing. It's tough not to compare your standard tapas to the competition. I tried the house wine, which was OK. Instead of ordering glass #2, I should have sampled something else. I suppose it didn't matter since I was pretty buzzed after my first glass! (Note: two glasses are enough to give you a wine hangover/headache the next day.) Overall, I'm not in love with this place; however, I'm willing to give it another shot --- other wines, other dishes. Hopefully, it won't disappoint. It's not a bad place to have after dinner drinks, so maybe I should start with that menu first!
(3)Belinda E.
I went there tonight with 2 girlfriends and we all thought their service was great! We had the garlic shrimp, patatas bravas, bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and a couple of other dishes - all were great even the sangria :) Oh! And topped it off with their brownie cheesecake...yummm. Definitely will put this place on the rotation :)
(4)Steph M.
WOW.... pathetic. I had been to the previous location about a year ago, and nothing's improved, but things have DEFINITELY gotten worse. Where do we start? With calling for a reservation only to be told "we don't take reservations an hour before you come". Um, either you take them or you don't. Whatever, we still decided to give it a shot. The hostess was no-where to be found for 5 minutes. I finally grab a waiter, and he acts like I'm from Mars.... telling me he's got no idea where the hostess is, and to stand and wait. Soo, behind me a huge line out the door starts to form. Ok, she finally seats us at one of those incredibly too small tables RIGHT in the doorway, with a crowd of people a mere two feet from us, waiting for their reservation! Ha.... what a joke. Ok, fine.... "let's give this place a chance, we live two blocks away and it'd be great to have a fun spot in the neighborhood". We flag down a waiter and try to put a drink order in before he runs off. Phew, got it! Ten minutes later sangria arrives. It's good. It really is.... no complaints with the red sangria. But the food.... oh the food.... it's terrible. It was actually un-edible. The patatas bravas were burnt to a CRISP.... seriously, they looked like raisins. The chicken skewers we were supposed to get.... came out as one little one.... for $9. The pulled pork smelled/looked/tasted like vomit.... and the meat-balls.... well, between two people we couldn't even finish one. They were that bad. Almost as if it was rotten meat or something? We left..... and that was the best part of the night. Sorry.... I really wanted to love this place. I mean.... sangria!!!!!!!
(1)Jeremy P.
By far hands down best tapas in the city. Love the food, the atmosphere. Great service. I would eat here all day if the let me bring a recliner in.
(5)Kelly C.
A few months ago I was craving tapas for dinner but didn't have the motivation to try to get a reservation for Cafe Babareeba, so I looked at trusty Grubhub and to my surprise there was a tapas place that delivered to me! There is a rather high minimum for delivery but it's okay because then I have dinner the next night too. Since the fateful night when I discovered this lovely place delivers tapas to me I have ordered from there quite a few other times. My favs: -Patatas Bravas - I get it satueed in the spicy sauce and boy does it have a fabulous kick to it. If you aren't up for some serious spice I would get it on the side. For me these beat Babareeba! A must get every order. -Datiles - a must get from every tapas place I visit. They were good and huge, I would say on par with other tapas restaurants. -Queso de Cabra - to me it's pretty hard to mess up goat cheese and marinara - pretty much the same as everywhere else, which is not a bad thing. I've also tried the scallops - they were just okay, def has better. The Ensalada de la Casa is also quite tasty and a good combo of goat cheese, peppers and nuts that went along nicely with the vinegarette. Can't comment on the actual restaurant but I will continue to order from there when the tapas craving hits!
(4)Christine W.
Get the goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon! Amazing! We ordered some to go before we left. Very delicious and great atmosphere!
(4)Amy R.
so, I recently went beck to Bell-eh-dia's...on a Friday night after 11:30 pm. They were the only bar/restaurant serving food past 11:30 on a Weekend evening on Southport! Could this be? Well, Thank God because I was starving and they have great food. And the food came out much quicker than my last review. Like, at a normal pace. So, I'm giving it 5 stars, because I love how friendly they are and I love the food, and sangria! I'm happy that the speed of the kitchen has improved!
(5)Kaitlin A.
I was wondering why it wasn't packed when I left on a Sunday night because the food and sangria were both delish. My boyfriend is 2nd generation Spanish and it's impossible for him to be impressed when we go out for tapas (which we do often). He loved it, labeled it good and authentic. Two of our favorites were the pollo ala brava and the albondiagas espanolas. I had him try grilled squid for the first time, which is a favorite of mine, and they did a great job because we both enjoyed it (except the baby squids, ew.) The high chairs in the bar weren't comfortable, I wish they would've sat us in the dining room. The server wasn't out of this world, although very polite and prompt. But those are really the only two under-par details I can think of. We were so bummed it was chilly (in August, thanks Chicago) because their patio looked awesome. We will totally be back on a nice evening to take advantage of that. Oh and you must treat yourself to the raspberry brownie cheesecake. MUST!!
(5)Chrissy N.
Came here with a group of girls for a bachelorette party dinner, and it was really delicious!!! Despite a reservation, we still waited about 30 minutes. The pace is tiny, long and narrow, dimly lit and latin beats thumping. Once we were seated, the service was outstanding. Our waiter was very attentive. The menu is quite extensive, with lots of options for meat, poulty, or vegetarian fans! We ordered about 8 tapas dishes, and they were all really flavorful! He brought them out hot and delicious, in 2 batches so we had some time to pass them all around. At payment time, they were really cool about taking everyone's credit cards too to split the bill. The Sangria was great! The vibe- casual. A tad on the loud side. Don't come on a Saturday night unless you're a shouter. My only regret about going here... Now I wish I had a place like this is MY neighborhood!!!
(4)Amy L.
I ate here on a Saturday night with two other girls. We sat on the patio after waiting a little while for a table. The food was amazing! We ordered a goat cheese appetizer and a bite size steak dish that were both so yummy! The only bad thing we ordered was a potato dish that was way too garlicky and was cream based. Try to avoid that one and you'll be glad you came!
(4)Anna V.
I went here with a friend on a Friday (no reservation) and we had high hopes because the reviews seemed good and the place looks cool from the outside. We split a bottle of wine and ordered a handful of tapas. The only thing I remember ordering and liking was paella. This isn't because we were drunk. Nothing else was bad (mediocre overpriced wine), but nothing else was memorable. Sad. I wanted to like it, because it's local. That's usually a mistake. The 2-star review is more about the service. The service blew. It was really bad. Totally absent hostess, totally absent waitress. We asked 3 times where the hostess had gone, who finally promised us a table and then disappeared for a good 35 minutes to abandon us at the bar. We got a cramped spot on top of a Huge Group of Girls celebrating a bachelorette who kept backing their chairs into our area. Combination of weird service + good-ish food + meh wine + annoying patrons = I will just suck it up and go to Ba Ba Reeba, even though I can't walk there.
(2)Andy W.
We ducked in here during the summer to try their mojitos. We got the gigantic ones and went staggering home some time later, fans of the drinks and in love with the world. They managed to make mojitos like the ones we have perfected in our own home. We've been back several (less-lushy) times for the tapas, and have loved it. The montaditos de cochino are our favorite -- the rich pulled pork with a spicy sweet tang hit the spot and are fairly filling. Post-Music Box we stopped in the other night for a late dinner and a quiet chat after a somber film. They had live music, and though we were not in the mood for a band (especially in a small space), we were won over by the musicians. Thank you, Karpah! Bonus: this place is open later than many other places nearby. YUM.
(4)Sarah M.
Just went to Spain in May and I couldn't stop saying how I thought the food at Bull-ed-dia's was far better than anything I had abroad! Not to mention that the service tonight was awesome. We had 2-3 difference waitresses helping us and they were very attentive. The ambiance and music was great too. Plus, any bar with hooks to hang your purse/coat/etc. is an automatic plus. All in all, every dish we ordered was better than the next, so on that note, here is my synopsis: The first thing we got was a plate of white anchovy tapas (I would have eaten a plate of these anchovies plain!) but with red peppers on a oily, crunchy piece of bread, it was also divine. This might just be a seasonal fare but very worth it. Next up was the asparagus (which we happened to order after reading about it in a yelp review) generously drizzled with sweet balsamic and manchego cheese - the flavors blew my mind, not to mention that the combination of cheesy salty-sweetness is a personal favorite of mine. The queso de cabra came next. The goat cheese was baked until just slightly brown, and served in a pool of perfectly spicy marinara sauce. Spread on some crunchy crostinis, this dish was the definition of goat cheese perfection. The grilled squid was so simple, it's hard to believe how tasty it was. The textures - a slight crunchiness highlighted the firm yet tender meat - combined with surprisingly bold flavors for a squid dish, really made this dish for me. After so much deliciousness, I had slightly lower expectations when it came to the pincho de pollo. Nevertheless, the paella rice served with the chicken skewer was quite good, the caramelized onions were unsurprisingly bursting with flavor, and the red pepper "ali oli" added a nice touch. It was just a solid little chicken dish, perfect for tapas-sharing, but it could have also been a great meal in itself. And finally, after so many great reviews, there was no way we were passing up the bacon wrapped, sweet goat cheese stuffed dates. I mean how could you go wrong?! We most certainly didn't go wrong and neither did this dish.
(5)Tim S.
After having a few drinks at a local bar and finding that most bars on Southport were not our speed for the evening while walking along we stumbled on Bull-eh-Dia's. Wandered in and found no wait (granted it was midnight). Ordered a pitcher of Sangria and 4 Tapas, not one was disappointing. Small Intimate with a great lounge vibe with the music playing. It was loud enough without going overboard. With their late hours it was a fantastic alternative to the typical late night fare of Burritos or Pizza.
(4)Z B.
Excellent, tasty menu with great Sangria. New space is attractive and fun. Wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)Brianna M.
Ok, so this time the sangria was awesome. We had a group of 6 and ordered a ton of food, most of it amazing. Still love the mussel stew. Got the vegetable paella this time which was great. Not sure if these specials are new, but they had $10 MegaMojitos which were certainly Mega. Shared a couple around the table. They have smaller, cheaper tapas now which helps round out a meal. I also found a coupon on the back of my Jewel receipt for 20% off. Can't wait.
(4)Brigid M.
I came back to Bull-eh-dia's for a second time on a date...and I have to say I was a bit more impressed than the previous visit. The datiles were even better than those at Cafe Iberico. Service was much better, however, in a busy restaurant, they probably shouldn't be blasting the David Bisbal Greatest Hits album like it's Sound Bar, as it was a little difficult to hear the server. We liked how the costillas melted off the bone, the croquetas de pollo came with a zesty sauce, and the queso de cabra would have been perfect if there had been just a little more queso. Overall, an improvement.
(4)Michelle S.
I'm kinda a fan! Reason 1: BYOB :) C'mon what the heck can be better than that? There is a $6 corking fee. Reason 2: Food after 10pm! Yep...I was just having a discussion with a friend on how it is NEARLY impossible to go to dinner after 10pm in Chicago. I don't get it and obviously Bull-eh-dia's doesn't either. They serve LATE my friends. The ambiance is dark, and sultry. The lighting is perfect for a date or a group of friends. They have outdoor seating, which is great if it ever warms up in Chicago! The staff are also super friendly and knowledgeable about all the tummy purring tapas. Also, it is on Southport. I think Southport says it all. Enjoy!
(5)Alison E.
We quite like Bull-eh-dia's. Got my first taste of paella here, which was SUPER FANTASTIC. Seriously, if you have the time, get the paella (especially the vegetarian one ;). If you don't have "the time"...probably don't go to Bull-eh-dia's... Somehow the meal is always drawn out by food coming out slowly. From what I understand this is sort of the *point* of tapas (to have a leisurely meal/drink with friends), so I don't really fault them for it, but one time we went and had finished all our other food about half an hour before the paella even came out. Then we were just sort of...waiting. Anyway, the food is all very good. And it comes in really big portions compared to other tapas I've seen (or eaten). They recently reorganized their menu so all the vegetable dishes are listed separate from chicken, beef, seafood, etc, which makes it easy for vegetarians to see their choices. :) My personal favorite--aside from the paella, of course--is the baked goat cheese.
(4)Shannon F.
I had Bulerias do the catering for a holiday party for eight people. Mariena helped me develop a menu that would have enough food for everyone and still fit my budget. The food arrived at my house hot and was delicious. It was well packed and Mariena called when it was leaving the restaurant to let me know that it was on its way. My guests and I had a GREAT time and all I had to do was unpack the boxes. I will definitely be doing it again!
(5)Richard C.
Hours aren't until midnight!!! LIES! Also, when we asked when they closed, they said "It depends. 10, 11, whenever the kitchen closes." Are you running a business or a playhouse? Update: Since returning, the food really was excellent. Still, it'd be nice to know exactly what the hours are, so you can actually eat the food.
(2)Melissa W.
I wish that I could give 1/2 stars because, for the price, this place deserves 3.5. The food was good. Well prepared, uninspired tapas. The menu showed all of the standard tapas dishes that you could most likely find at any tapas place in the city, but they were executed well. The portabella crustini and the bacon wrapped dates stood out in my mind as the best dishes. I wouldn't recommend the croquettes. They were basically flavorless balls of fried. The sangria was inexpensive and generic. It was a little sweet for my taste (we ordered a pitcher of the red) and by no means 'strong' (as far as alcohol content is concerned). If I go back I would order from the reasonably priced wine menu instead. The server was quick and attentive. They kept the table clean, only had to ask for water once, and was prompt with the check when it was time to leave. All in all it was an OK experience, but, I will say, that for 4 adults to eat until we were full (including dessert) AND enjoy a pitcher of sangria, a final tab of $80.00 was pleasantly uprising (hence the need for an additional half star).
(3)Natalie M.
After living around the corner from this restaurant for 6 months we decided to give it a try. It looks really small but they have a big upstairs with about 15 tables and another bar. We got right in at 7:30pm on Friday night which was nice. The service was good overall (our waiter was also covering a large party of 22 and two other 2 tops) and the ambiance was great. We had a pitcher of the red sangria which was quite good. The best tapa we had was the beef tenderloin on crostini - very good! The goat cheese was good but not very large comparatively. We were going to try the dates but got too full before we could - we will definitely try it next time! I am giving it 4 stars as a great neighborhood date place - no wait, great ambiance, good service, good (not amazing) food. Thought it was fairly reasonably priced - we had 5 tapas and two pitchers of sangria and the bill was under $80.
(4)Kim B.
I finally had a chance to check out Bull-eh-dia's for an early dinner outside. I was unsure how the food would be, but it was surprisingly delicious! My friend and I split a pitcher of white sangria and three tapas. Everything was good and came out quickly - so no complaints there. So, why only 4 stars vs. 5? The service was sub-par. Perhaps it was because my companion and I were the only guests at the restaurant, but our server was "creepily" eager and we felt rushed. The music was also absurdly loud for 6pm and was annoying enough to make us want to leave after one pitcher of Sangria (not the norm for me and my friend). I would definitely want to check out Bull-eh-dia's at night as I think it could be a great place for a large group. It sounds like that is the case from the other reviews posted.
(4)Alison M.
When I was in Spain I ordered "Gambas al Ajillo" for every meal-- sometimes I'd get shrimp scampi, sometimes I'd get scrambled eggs. Once I got a shrimp omelet. Anyway, maybe I'm not the best judge of Spanish food considering getting my order right garners at least one star. However, I think Bull-eh-dia's is a pretty good addition to the Southport Corridor. The sangria is great-- they only have red and white, but they do both right. The white is light and fruity, while the red (which was better, in my opinion) was sweeter and more intense. The highlight of the meal was the dates... bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. These were amazing. I wish they served more than 4, but they were huge and I probably didn't need to eat more than 4. The grilled calamari was tasty and I liked the empanadas--the sauces served with them were excellent. I'm not sure what the green one was, but it was great. The mussels were ok, they were kind of small and served in a marinara sauce, which isn't my favorite. For dessert I had the flan, which was covered in chocolate, caramel and whipped cream. If it sounds like too much, it kind of is-- but, in a good way. Oh, and the "Gambas al Ajillo" were what I was expecting-- five tasty garlicky shrimps. Success!
(4)Babs H.
Yum! I came here last night and had the esparragos la parilla (which was excellent! I want to make asparagus like this all the time now!), the carne en tostada (difficult to eat without destroying it, but good none the less), and the patatas bravas, which I love love love! The half pitcher of sangria is ideal for a party of two. You can have a couple glasses with dinner and then on to dessert! We ordered the flan and it was probably the best flan I've ever had in a restaurant. Couple that with a cappucino (with an added shot of Frangelico) and it was perf. Out server was super friendly and the atmosphere was great - however the seats were pretty uncomfortable!
(4)Katy J.
I have been here a couple times now and every time the food and sangria are wonderful. However, every time I've been the service has sucked. As a former server I understand when a restaurant fills up or there is an issue in the kitchen, that service might not be the greatest. But when you have two or three tables this shouldn't happen. I was in with some co-workers on Tuesday night and there were kitchen issues, however we attempted to flag down our waitress multiple times and she kept ignoring us. It became a little frustrating. Even though the service has not improved, the food keeps me coming back. The bacon wrapper dates are stuffed with goat cheese which takes it to a whole new level. The steak is great with the blue cheese sauce or manchago. I definitely recommend the Chorizo Espanol, the aioli is to die for. The crab cakes are also really great with another delicious aioli. Vegetable wise, definitely get the asparagus. It is refreshing and the balsamic is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
(3)Caitlin S.
I was not impressed at all when I dined here yesterday evening. I had been once before about 2 years ago and had a positive experience, which prompted me to go back-but it's gone downhill. The silverware was sticky and had old food caked on it, the bread brought out was 2-3 days old - stale and when we asked to get fresh bread, the server said, "I can warm it up, but it's all like this." The sangria was delicious, but the food is not worth going back for in my opinion. There are other more consistently good tapas places in the city, it's a shame this one on Southport, within walking distance from my house has gone so far downhill. Disappointed.
(1)Melissa G.
Not the best Tapas Bar in the city, but the food was good enough for me to have come back a 2nd time. My 2nd trip to Bull-eh-dias landed on a Monday so the $10 mega mojitos were a plus. We got there after 6 pm so we couldn't take advantage of the $3 mini tapas(patatas bravas are a must). We ended up ordering Jumbo garlic butter shrimp, which were not very jumbo at all, and carne en tostada which are beef cuts on a crostini. Both were good, but expensive for the portion size. The check was about $50 for the 2 small plates and 2 big mojitos.
(4)Taylor G.
I visited Bull-eh-dia's on a slow Monday night in an attempt to expand my Southport dining experience. Largely, I agree with what many other yelpers have said: The food is good (not great), and the prices are a bit high for the portions. It seemed that any dishes with individual items (like shrimp) all came in sets of 5. For the 3 of us, we ordered a total of 6 tapas, and while munching on bread, we managed to spend $21 each, including tax & tip. I could be persuaded to go back here, but I think I'd prefer to try Twist again, despite the longer walk. To get an extra star, I'd like to see a better value for the food (either larger portions or lower price). To get a fifth star, they'd need to up the quality and variety a bit. Bull-eh-dia's gets a thumbs up, but I have a feeling there's much better tapas to be found in Chicago.
(3)Diane H.
One of the issues I always have when dining out is that I want to try so many different dishes...tapas is the perfect solution. Came here with two other ladies on a Friday night for dinner and we all left very satisfied. We started the meal off with a pitcher of sangria, of course. We went with the peach flavored sangria and it was so good that we stuck with it for our second pitcher as well. We also ordered quite the selection of tapas to share. We started off with Esparragos al Vapor which was very flavorful, topped a balsamic reduction, and served al dente which I enjoyed. The Carne Casera was juicy and cooked perfectly. The coconut shrimp (a special that day) was sweet and crispy, definitely a highlight of the meal. I would go back just for the Patatas Bravas. I absolutely love french fries, and although these potatoes were more in the shape of cubes, they were delicious and I really enjoyed the spicy dipping sauce that came on the side. We were a bit overwhelmed by the heaping bowl of potatoes that came out, but by the end you could see the bottom of the bowl. I would go back just for the potatoes. The meal ended on a high note with the Paella Bulerias. It was very flavorful, had plenty of chicken and seafood, and was a generous portion especially for $17. The Paella is a must order if you come here, but make sure to order it right away as it is made fresh and takes 30-45 mins. Throughout the night service was great. The hostess was very friendly and kept us updated on the wait time. The server was very helpful with recommendations and was attentive. The food arrived very quickly after we first put our order in and didn't stop coming until we were full of paella. I can see Bull-eh-dias becoming part of the regular rotation of restaurants my friends and I frequent.
(4)Lauren O.
They've suddenly imposed a $12/bottle cork fee. Kind of defeats the purpose of a BYOB in my opinion. While I love this place for it's proximity to home, BYOBs and tapas restaurants are a dime a dozen in this city so I can't say we'll be back anytime soon.
(4)Oscar O.
Bull-Eh-Dias is an excellent date place! Actually, that's what I read on here when I was researching for a place to take a date out for Valentine's Day and it didn't disappoint. This is a small, intimate, tasty place to take a date to. I can't say that this was the best tapas place I've been to (not that I'm some type of connoisseur) but there are hardly any complaints. The food is very good, nothing crazy delicious or out of this world, but it's sure worth a try. The place is a bit on the small side, it's great to keep a nice and intimate ambiance, but it seems some of the prices aren't proportionate with the whole "small and cozy" vibe the restaurant is going for. As far as the food, I typically get the queso de cabra (goat cheese) which is served in a dish with a tomato sauce similar to marinara and comes with toasted bread and patatas bravas, (slightly) spicy potatoes. For the meat I like el pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken). My meals here have always tasted good, never cold or undercooked. There are no complaints on the food itself. Overall, this is a very nice restaurant to go to. It's not too fancy but you can definitely choose this spot for a date. It's in a great location (right by the Music Box theater) as well. Simply put, check this place out!
(4)Alexa H.
The crowded Bull-eh-dia's menu exhausts your eyes and challenges your memory but don't let that stop your ability to sift through options to discover the bits of heaven that your taste buds are craving. Satisfy your watering mouth with the goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped with bacon, grilled, and drizzled with an exotically spiced balsamic reduction. The lamb chops served with a spinach saute is also sure to make you want to return. Pair your savory yet delicate meal with their red sangria and let this experience be your ambassador to the world of tapas. Apart from the delicious food, the environment was lacking in comfortable seating. The interior of the restaurant was frigid with the a/c blasting like we were in the Mohave desert and the patio tables were cramped and much to firm to feel relaxed. Fortunately for this restaurant, their product is tapas and not ambiance and they have definitely hit the bulls eye with their food. My next adventure to Chicago will surely have Bull-eh-dia's on the agenda.
(3)David R.
I really loved the tapas here and the wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The tapas they had on special really stood out. Had a coconut shrimps on skewers dish that was honestly unbelievable. The atmosphere is cozy and nicely lit with great spanish music. I will definitely be going back with friends soon.
(5)Jabari W.
This place has to be the best thing since sliced bread ! Whenever you can go to a resturant and everything is excellent from the beginning to end it's a great find. The bacon wrapped dates are delicious and the Pincho de Carne. Hell if I had more than one stomach I would order the entire menu. I will be back to try more menu items and try that delicious looking sangria. The ambience is perfect and the staff are all professional and friendly at the same time and god knows that is hard to come by. Bottom line I will be back in the future and I cannot wait.
(5)Sharon N.
This spot is one of my regular pit-stops when I visit home to Chicago. The ambiance is so great! The owners and rest of the staff are very welcoming and ALWAYS take care of my friends and I. Not only is the staff great, but the tapas are delicious-the grilled Octopus is my personal fav as well as the paella. I highly suggest this place if you like tapas and want to hit up a joint that has good eats and great ambiance. A great date place too!
(4)Sandy N.
Went here the night after the crazy blizzard, and Bull-eh-dia's was one of the few places open on Southport. We had the half rack of ribs (special), Chorizo Espanol, Torta De Cangrejo, Datiles Rellenos De Queso Con Tocino, and the Flan. Good, though nothing stood out too much, and the price was a bit high.
(3)William Q.
The perfect option to thou do not want to wait. Bull-eh-dia's is for you. Good service and excellent food for a very reasonable price makes this place a one of the tops in my list.
(4)Cindy G.
Three words for you: Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. Oh, Bull Eh Dia's are the best I've ever had. Besides that, so much of the food here is delicious, and the sangria is strong and not overpriced. This is a great date place or for a night out with a small group of friends. I agree with others that the service is not spectacular (you might feel a bit rushed), but when I'm here, I'm far more into the experience of sharing the tapas and sangria/wine over good conversation rather than the level of service. This place does not take reservations but the bar is a nice place to hang out for 30 minutes or so before your meal. Also, apparently they do allow you to BYOB but there is a $12 corkage fee. If you go that route, swing by the Jewel across the street for wine, and your receipt might have a coupon for Bull Eh Dia's on the back. :)
(4)Ernesto R.
The food and service are good. The food is good and can vary depending on the dish you order. The sangria is what I would expect and compares favorably to other tapas restaurants in the city. I love that they are located in the Southport Corridor. Although the place is small, the ambiance is good for the Southport Corridor. I believe they are moving so I will have to go check them out at their bigger place.
(4)Emil O.
If you want a treat for your tastebuds, you need to visit Bull Eh Dias and you need to go often as the menu is amazing and there's a new experience with every dish!.. Try them all!!!!! Me and my wife go here often. Wish we could go more!!!
(5)Keena P.
Delicious food! I can't remember what the 2 tapas dishes I had there but they were worth the price. The place was empty when we walked in, which usually scares me off restaurants but I'm glad I came in. Decent service, although they could be friendlier.
(4)Rikki C.
Worst tapas bar in the city. I have no idea why anyone would give this place 5 stars... Not only was the food 'meh' the service was even worse. We ordered the paella. The rice was not fully cooked and they didn't give us our leftovers when we specifically asked for it. I don't like wasting $20 on a plate! Save your money and go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba in Lincoln Park or Cafe Iberico downtown. This place is a let down.
(1)Sheresse S.
Holy taste-buds Everything was great!! Beautiful restaurant, awesome food the food is inventive and delicious. What a great neighborhood option! It's nice to have a tapas place within crawling distance. I would have given them 6 stars if I could I will give my business to Bull-eh-dia's again and continue to send others their way.
(5)Michelle K.
Grabbed a table for two at 8PM on a Saturday night. 5 minutes later, we were brought silverware and glasses of water. 15 minutes after we sat down, no one had come by to greet us or take any kind of an order. Walked out. For shame.
(1)Anna V.
I was excited to try this place out because it's so near my home and it'd be awesome to have a nice little tapas place nearby...but once again, I should've listened to most of the reviews on here and saved myself a trip. We tried sitting outside and waited about 5 minutes before walking in because no one even greeted us even though the staff clearly saw us (that should've been a red flag!). So yeah, although the servers were courteous, I can't say they were doing a great job...water and bread took 15 minutes. The sangria, however, was very good. The food was just MEH. I really liked the stuffed mushrooms, they taste like pizza puffs! And the crema catalana was very good too, but the main courses left much to be desired. The pollo al ajillo was very different from what I had in mind. I was thinking a white, buttery, garlic sauce but instead it looked and tasted more like orange chicken from a chinese restaurant. The carne casera wasn't anything special either, in fact, the dish came out cold. I don't think I'll be back, there are plenty of other tapas restaurants in the city where you'll get all around good service & food, and it will be worth the price you pay.
(2)Jennie P.
First let me start by saying, I love tapas - I really do. To the point, my wedding was a Tapas menu - I just love small plates and all the variety you can have. Bull-eh-dia's is really only mediocre. We stopped in on a Saturday night, there was hardly anybody inside but it still took somebody close to 10 minutes before giving us waters. Mine had something floating in it. Whatever, accidents happen, I got a new one. I will say the bacon wrapped dates are very good, they have goat cheese in them which is always a nice surprise. Everything else was really only "ok." Nothing really blew me away and left me saying, "ohhhh my gosh, I LOVE this, I want more!!" They turned on techno/dance music the later it became which is also fine but I wasn't really digging it for a Spanish themed restaurant especially when there was hardly anybody inside. I would recommend people to go elsewhere.
(2)Kasia K.
In terms of tapas restaurants in America, the portions were biggest I have yet seen. We ordered 5 tapas to share between two people and we were stuffed, could not finish everything. The best one we had was the carne casera (I think it was called), super delicious cuts and perfectly cooked. The texture of the meat and flavors were amazing in my mouth, highly recommend that. Would like to go back to try out other menu items as well.
(4)Aimee D.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to my tapas food (favorites are Ba-ba-reeba and Iberico) and I'm now happy to add Bullehdia to my list. I believe it's far superior to Twist and a nicer atmosphere too. I've been there twice and each time the food (and almost as importantly) the sangria were great. I would love to see this restaurant stay on Southport for a long time. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Jarvis A.
Amazing food, great atmosphere, gorgeous waiters. I came with my wife and a friend and we ate at least 8 dishes. Everything was good.
(5)Laila C.
I had a great time here last night. It was my boyfriend's bday and even though I'm taking him out for a special bday dinner later on this week, I still wanted to give him a nice dinner on his actual birthday We got to Bull-eh-dia's around 8 and found the place half full. The menu is about 1/3 of the size of ba-ba-reeba's which makes me VERY happy. Most places that have huge menus are trying to overcompensate for something (or it's a Chinese restaurant). We got the cheese croquets, a steak and portabella special, the baby lamb chops and the Portuguese mussels and chorizo stew. My bf got a glass of red that the server recommended, and he really enjoyed it. The cheese croquets were fabulous. 5 small balls filled with warm goat cheese sitting on top of thick, strong balsamic mixed with honey. Great pops of flavor! The steak and baby lamb were some of the juiciest and most tender pieces of meats I've ever had. I LOVED both of those dishes. AND as good as the meats were, the veggies that came with them were just as good, if not better! The lamb was 4 small lamb chops sitting on top of a bed of sautéed spinach and onions. It also had 4 large dollops of a spicy tomato and roasted red pepper sauce. The sauce and the spinach were divine! The steak came with 4 large slices of meaty, grilled portabella that were super awesome! The last dish we shared was the Portuguese stew with a large amount of mussels and chorizo all simmering in a spicy, homemade tomato and onion stew. My only complaint about the dish is that the chorizos made the stew a bit too salty and it required using more bread to cut the salt, which left me way too full. Bf wanted to finish with a dessert but they were out of the ones he wanted and their espresso machine was broken so no espresso or coffee. All in all, I thought it was a great dinner. I definitely think bull-eh-dia's is heads and shoulders above ba-ba-reeba (since that's the one EVERYONE and their MOMs compares this to). The flavor components were much more complex and I like that they don't try to overwhelm you with a menu that's much too large. Doing less but doing it very well is much more valuable than tons of mediocrity.
(4)Ross F.
Best tapas I have ever had...including a trip to Barcelona and Madrid. The food was just out of this world awesome. We had the squid, goat cheese w tomato sauce (not marinara really), and some lamb chops. The presentation and tastes easily beat any of the other Chicago tapas places. The service was fine but the place only had a few other people in it, they were playing some jamming spanish guitar cd (no complaints) and the banana desert should not be missed!
(5)Sarah B.
They have since changed the music to more appropriate Spanish guitar - and the sangria is still delicious and well-priced, and the tapas are decent.
(4)Minh T.
Went here with a friend. The ambiance is nice, and our waitress was really friendly and helpful. I remember the sangria being delicious and half-priced on Tuesdays (but not very alcoholic), and the calamari was incredible. Usually with calimari, you get the overcooked rubbery variety, but at Bull-eh-dia's, it was tender and cooked perfectly. I definitely want to go back.
(3)Brett F.
I love me some tapas, yes I do! Being the little Miss Bossy Britches that I am always wanting to dictate what all my friends order so that I can try EVERYTHING on the menu, tapas gives you the perfect opportunity to try a little bite of this and that without the forceful attitude. Bull-eh-dia's hit a few high and low notes for me throughout the night, both playing into my fancy for small plates (and lots of them), but also turning me off with a few nuances that are (fortunately) fixable. Let's explore, shall we? We'll take it down Pro-Con-Pro style like my sorority days: Pro/ Cozy atmosphere, warm colors, it was charming, authentic and we loved the Spanish music that transported us to another place & time even on a dreary, rainy night Con/ No waiting area. Unless conditions are perfect outside (which in Chicago they so often are, right?), you're waiting on the sidewalk. We stood in the rain for about 20 minutes until a bar spot opened up. Pro/ The Sangria was delicious. I'm so turned off by a fruit punch-esque Sangria; their red was amazing and pitchers are only $18.00 making it one of the most affordable pitchers of Sangria in town. Con/ The bartender was slower than molasses in January. The Sangria may be good but when he repeatedly forgets to bring it to you it sort of defeats the purpose, you dig? Pro/ The food was very good. Stacey A. is right on, anything with goat cheese hits a high note... Baked Goat Cheese in Marinara, Goat Cheese-stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese croquettes with Honey. I was liable to start bahhhhing at any moment. The garlic chicken and chorizo empanadas also get enthusiastic honorable mentions. Con/ Noise level. What?! Whaaaat?! WHAAATTTT?!?! That was the majority of the conversation had that evening. It was above loud in there and it got annoying quickly. We couldn't hear the waitress, the music or ourselves. Tables are way too close together, the acoustics are obviously poorly thought out and the volume of voices made my head throb. Pro/ Dessert. Don't miss the Plantano al Caramelo aka Bananas in Caramel. It doesn't sound all that adventurous, but trust me, we all fought for this one and left the others virtually untouched. ...so there you have it. A few kinks to be worked out, but overall still a nice addition to the SoPo lineup. I'll be back for more goat cheese degustation even if I have to shove it in my ears to enjoy it!
(3)magda p.
Amazing food and ambiance! The best Spanish music selection in Chicago. Perfect place for either bday party or romantic dinner.
(5)Tiffany V.
My friend and I decided to try out a new tapas place since we love Cafe Iberico and Cafe Ba-ba-re-ba. After reading on their website that Thursday nights was $15 pitchers of Sangria we figured we would give it a try. We got a table inside and the server asked us what we wanted to drink. We mentioned the $15 pitchers of Sangria. He told us that they have sangria specials on some nights of the week but he had to go ask because he didn't think it was on special that day. I told him that it was on the website and he said okay, I'll give it to you for $15 then. We should have left then. We ordered white sangria and received a pitcher of red, but felt bad for sending it back since they can't reuse it. It still tasted sort of watered down and not that great. We ordered a few tapas and was not happy with the portion size for the price compared to Ba-ba-re-ba and Iberico. Our Bacon Wrapped Dates had 4 in an order and the Shrimp had 5 small pieces of Shrimp for $8 each. After that, our server asked if we wanted dessert. We said no thanks, got the check and went down the street to Dairy Queen!
(2)Greg O.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT GO TO BULL-EH-DIA'S. We went to Bull-eh-dia's last week for a friend's birthday. I had been there once before about five years ago, and my recollection was that it was pretty good. My girlfriend was smart enough to find a Living Social deal before we went. $15 for $30 worth of food. Great, right? Nope. When we arrived, we asked the waiter, Jeison, if we could be on a separate check, stated that we had a Living Social deal, and asked if that would be ok, to which he replied, "Absolutely." We weren't all that hungry, but since we had to spend at least $30, we ordered more than we would have. All in all, our bill ended up coming out to a little over $40, so I was going to just pay the difference, plus tip. When it was time to cut the check, the waiter came and informed us that he was not going to honor the Living Social deal because people in "our group" received "another deal". Let's see... we are a group of two who did not drink any beverages, and only ordered off the main menu. What? "Didn't you tell your manager that you told us it was ok to use this?" "Too bad," was his response. He did not want to get in trouble with his manager/owner, so he threw us under the bus. Enter the manager/owner. What a piece of work! We told her that the waiter had said it would be ok for us to use the Living Social deal, which as far as I am concerned, is practically legal tender. She flat out refused and kept trying to draw some half-assed comparison to Brazzaz. Sorry, but you are not Brazzaz. Their food and service both blow yours out of the park. After all of this, we obviously decided not to tip because they were screwing us out of $15 (the other $15, we will be able to get back from Living Social). Nope again! THEY DECIDED TO IMPOSE A MANDATORY GRATUITY AND THREATENED TO CALL THE POLICE IF WE DID NOT COMPLY! I crossed off the gratuity and signed the check, agreeing only to pay the $40 or so before "gratuity". Sure enough, my credit card was charged almost $50 because they decided to keep the "gratuity" included. I have, of course, contested this with my credit card company. So-so food. Horrible service. Flagrantly pathetic ownership. I will never go to Bull-eh-dia's again.
(1)Lauren W.
I've had tapas many-a times and they've never disappointed. However, Bull-eh-dias did just that! The salmon we got was not at all what I envisioned because I envisioned what the menu was advertising. I'm a small girl, but sitting on the patio made me feel like king kong in a knock off Barbie dream house. And last major complaint: I realize tapas are "small plates". However, I've never been to a tapas place with plates so small the food had to be cut on the serving plate to avoid overhang on the eating plate. Now, even with my disappointment, there were a couple highlights. The beet salad is absolutely amazing. And huge. The ribs were also awesome, fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth. So glad I had the aforementioned because i may have otherwise been forced to give fewer than 3 stars!
(3)Allyson H.
This is the best tapas place I've found in the city! The food is absolutely great as is the service. The peach sangria is delicious. I went with a few friends and we each ordered a couple items, allowing us to try quite a few dishes. Everyone ended up full and happy! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Falon G.
Overall, a disappointing experience. The restaurant is very small, but I was there on a Wednesday, so it was not crowded. However, the music was much too loud. I asked the waitress to turn it down and she obliged, but never did. They also had several TVs playing sports games. It felt like I was in a bad Spanish night club/sports bar rather than a charming tapas restaurant. The service started off fine, but as a couple more tables came in, my table was forgotten about. We had to flag the waitress down for every little thing we needed. When she came by, she acted annoyed that we needed something. The food is mediocre at best. The portabella mushrooms with bleu cheese on a crostini were fantastic! Easily the best dish we ordered. However, the rest of the dishes just went downhill from there. The meatballs were dry and tasted like a big clump of allspice & cloves. Gross. They were out of the spinach empanada special, despite the fact that we were only the third table in for dinner, so we went with the chorizo empenada, which was a mistake. I asked the waitress if they make the chorizo in-house and she said yes, but when they came out, they appeared manufactured and previously frozen, like a fold-over pot pie would look. The chorizo was disgusting. The consistency of the meat was more like the pepperoni that one would find in a hot pocket, rather than homemade sausage. It was spilling with bright red grease. However, the sauce that came with them was great. For dessert, the Spanish creme brulee tasted like vanilla pudding with a tube of strawberry ice cream syrup squeezed onto the sugar crust. I will not be returning. I'm still trying to get rid of my stomach ache from dinner.
(2)Brent R.
Been here twice and we recently went for my birthday with a reservation of 8. Its a small place so I was worried that they could handle the tables so we went early. Bartender took a while for drinks but once we got the bottles of wine rolling it was great! It is so much fun and the food is awesome! I will be back often
(4)Cari B.
I have been to Bull-eh-dia twice now and would just give it a shrug. It is not expectional, nor were they bad experiences. The food, for the most part, is pretty tasty. I have not really got a sense of any signature dishes, but the dates with goat cheese are quite delicious! The service is inconsistent at best. The people are certainly friendly, but very scarce. It takes a long time to get water, bread, plates cleared- all things that should be routine. Tapas is a slow paced meal, but the wait for drinks and even getting the check really brings down the experience. They have delicious drink specials throughout the week, I would probably stop in just for some sangaririta more often if I would not have to wait so long for a server. All in all, a good place to enjoy a slow leisurely meal with someone, but not a place to really enjoy out of this world tapas.
(3)Chris S.
Pros: Cute restaurant, with decorating they take pride in, and should. Smaller, intimate feel to it than some of the other tapas restaurants in the city. Cons: The dishes all seemed to be a couple of dollars more expensive than at other restaurants. If this is a reflection of the quality of ingredients, they should consider putting someone in the kitchen that can take advantage of that. Nothing came out hot. Some of it warm, some of it room temperature. I made a comment about this to the server who was unmoved to do anything about it. For our entire meal we were treated to the kitchen staff regaling each other with foulmouthed stories of the night before (I usually have absolutely no problem with this, just not within earshot of the entire dining room. For the entire hour I was there. It was like the pissed off soundtrack to my meal). As much as I'd like to recommend this local place, I simply can't.
(2)Jacques M.
I have gone a few times and tried a wide array of their tapas. The Bacon Wrap Dates are my personal favorite. The muscles are excellent also. The atmosphere is great with dim lights and cozy seats. This is a good place to take a date, especially on a weekday when it's less crowded. I'm a big eater and some of the portions are a little sparse for the price. Although, I can't think of anything I ever ordered there that didn't taste great. A group of two will probably need about 4 dishes and it can get a little pricey, we spent over $40 on a lunch for two. However, I don't mind paying a little more good food. I wish they has some sort of deal were you could get 4 Tapas and drinks for like $30, as the price is the only thing that prevents me from going more often. Definitely worth a taste if you haven't been
(4)David L.
Exciting music, big portions for tapas, and excellent service. Muy muy bueno.
(4)Becky D.
Yay! Tapas! When out on a girls night, start with tapas! The pitchers of sangria are delicious! I highly recommend the peach, even if it is a little more expensive. The bacon wrapped scallops are amazing. The scallops are so perfectly cooked you can cut them with the unbladed side of a butter knife, the bacon was perfectly crispy! The spicey potatoes are refreshingly salty and delicious. The spicey chicken was delicious. Crab cakes are good, with a kick of red pepper and a delicious sauce and leafy green vegetables. The crowd here is on the younger side. Bordering on hipster/college kids. There are young professionals here as well. A good start to a girls night!
(4)justine s.
Alright I may be a little biased because I used to work here, but this place has some great food. Granted sometimes it gets a little busy, but that just means that people enjoy the place and keep returning. The space is small and the tables are a little too close together but I think it just creates a more intimate atmosphere. I saw a lot of couples come through this place and they always seemed to leave smiling. As everyone said...bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates, ahhh-mazing. The garlic shrimp is really good as well. I also remember really liking the chorizo with potatos. It's worth trying for sure.
(4)Dianne D.
A friend of mine recommended Bull-eh-Dia's for dinner. I didn't even know the place existed but thought I'd give it a shot. My favorite thing about this place was the ambiance and the Sangria. This is a great date place, it's small and cozy. We were able to get seated right away (at 8:30pm on a Friday night). The Red Sangria was out of this world! We went through 2 pitches very quickly! :) The food was OK. The Queso de Cabra (Goat Cheese w/ Bread) was pretty good, the Calamares a la Plancha (Squid in Lemon sauce) was way too salty but big portions, the Albóndigas Españolas (Meatballs w/ Saffron rice) was good but very filling and the Croquetas de Queso was bland. I would go back to this restaurant to try a few more dishes. However, I was not overally impressed with the food this time around.
(3)erin k.
Deep-fried pillows of breaded goat cheese on a plate laced with balsamic reduction and honey. Some girls like flowers...
(4)David S.
Good tapas. They were not to big like some places. The steak ones were very good. Downsides were: pretty loud and tiarmasu was overly coffee tasting.
(4)K B.
Went last night for my first time. The food, when I got it, was decent.... BUT the service was below parr. We had to ask for more water and/or clean glasses (mind you this is a small place). What got me was an hour after ordering I was waiting on my second plate...empenadas. I asked how long they took, the waiter looked at his order sheet and said "one minute, do you want me to put them in now." WHAT?! He forgot to put in my order and by this time I was not hungry anymore b/c I was so annoyed. They didn't offer to make them for me to take home or ask if I wanted dessert. I will never go back.
(2)Joscelyn M.
No offense to the neighborhood of the Cubs, but I was really surprised to find such good food in the area (save for the Tango Sur meaty goodness up the street). I'm used to hitting up Wrigley for some beer. The place is really cool and the food is good - standard Spanish fare done well. Sangria is pretty kickin'. If I ever find myself in the hood not feeling too tipsy, I'll be heading here!
(4)Laura A.
it wasn't as good as la taberna but definitely a quiet atmosphere. datiles de tocino not as good as la tabernas. my favorite was the croquetas de puerco, so good! and yes i had my sangria. peach. like always.
(3)Anthony P.
What a nice surprise! My wife and i went there on a Friday night around 8pm. We were seated promptly and we were quickly able to enjoy the warm laid-back Spanish decor. One quick tip: avoid the high tables/chairs as they get very uncomfortable overtime. We ordered a half-pitcher of white sangria and a few hot tapas. Everything was truly delicious while remaining unpretentious. The flan with toasted almonds, chocolate syrup and whipped was just a delight. And the service was spot on. Definitely looking forward to becoming a regular and highly recommend it.
(5)Kristin C.
Congrats to Bull el Dia for securing the number 2 spot in my tapas list, and because of the fact that I didn't have to wait an hour to sit outside like at ba ba reeba, it is a close second. The place was cute, cozy, authentic looking and they have a little outdoor patio. Tables are a little close together out there, but we dealt with it. Price-wise, it was comparable to most other tapas places in the city, around $6-8 for most dishes. Service was a tad slow, but overall it was a pleasant experience and I can't wait to go back. Now on to the food ... The Good Stuff Shrimp in olive oil/garlic -- Solid item. Shrimp was cooked perfectly, flavors were not too overpowering. Would definitely order again Carne en Tostada -- Definitely the best thing we had, we ordered seconds. A very tender piece of beef on a crostini topped with a slice of Manchego cheese and a little red pepper. Soooo good! Stuffed Chicken - Don't remember the name, but it was stuffed with spinach, goat cheese (see I told you I liked it), carmelized onions among other things. I dont even like onions, but I honestly think that they made this dish - gave it a bit of sweetness. This was served over a bed of red pepper mashed potatoes, which were very good. Was thrown off a bit by the look/texture, but they were great. The So So Stuff Croquetas de queso -- I will eat goat cheese on anything, with anything, or with nothing. These were fried balls (sexual, huh) with warm goat cheese inside. The interesting/maybe weird part of it was the honey and balsamic vinegar it was drizzled with. The flavor was very, very unique, something I have never tasted before. Not sure that I would order it again, but I'm glad I did. Would probably try the traditional baked goat cheese next time. Mussels in marinara -- This was my first time having mussels, and well, it tasted like I thought it would.
(4)Josclyn W.
Only come here if you have no taste buds! While waiting for a midnight showing at the music box, Mr and I stopped in to have some small plates. The loud music and empty seats meant the locals even on a beautiful Friday night know to steer clear, we should of. We were recommended a pitcher of the peach sangria, and it tasted like peach syrup and water, even at 22 dollars we both could not stomach another glass plastic beer pitcher it came in was also very unappetizing! I started with the olives, They were pitted which is strange, I like my olives tender bitter in a cured way and a little salty, I would say the exact opposite, chewy, bland and sour, with whole cloves of raw hard garlic and mini gherkins! Boooo I was anxiously awaiting the next plates. Mr started with a portable hot place with manchego cheese crustini and it was not bad!!! A beacon of hope? then ordered the shrimp hot plate, The tight rubber fishy smelling balls drenched in oil, silvered garlic and red pepper flake with a lemon wedge thrown in, maybe for protection. He ate one and the fish smell and taste was so powerful he did not finish the rest. I ordered a hot chicken plate with saffron rice, and the chicken was cooked properly but covered with this red almost mayonnaise like substance which made the chicken and peppers and onions all taste the same. The rice was mush, faint yellow, grains all smashed together. 55 dollars later we were still hungry decided to drink our dinner at a bar down the street.
(1)Stefany F.
My friend and I decided to try a new restaurant in my neighborhood for a girl's night. It was a sporadic decision, and we decided to just go where the wind blew us. Turns out the wind was blowing to the Northeast, and we were gusted into Bull-eh-dia's. The host, who happened to be a perfect cross between a rugged cabana boy and actor Jay Hernandez (hallelujah!!) wasn't very attentive. We had to walk into the restaurant and look around for 5 minutes before the bartender noticed our exasperated looks and directed us to the host. Other than the confusion in the beginning of this culinary quest, it was a positive experience. The tapas were hefty portions (for tapas, that is), and the sangria was above par, but I've still had better. I DO have three words for you though: Queso de Cabra. That was definitely out of this world. If you aren't in the neighborhood, or don't have a desire to catch a glimpse of a Jay Hernandez doppelganger, I wouldn't suggest going out of your way for this local tapas café.
(3)min. r.
This is one of those "I hate to review it because I hate the idea of it getting too crowded" reviews, but we went for dinner here on Fri. night and now, on Monday, the BF & I are still talking about it. A rarity, as usually he doesn't like to discuss food. The bacon wrapped dates and the grilled octopus were divine. I'll order them every time I go. The $18 pitcher of red sangria? Again, I'll never be here without it. The cheese empanadas? Decent, but could've used more flavor. The only low point of the meal was the carne tostatdas. The 'tostada' was a french bread baguette from the across the street Jewel, it was stale and totally boring. The meat on top of it was soft and succulent though. We ate every morsel of meat, and left all the bread. Our waitress was great, presentation was gorgeous service was quick, and the best part? A runner came to bring us a plate and saw that we still had something on the table. He took the plate back in to give us more time (on his own accord, but it was more than fine with us). When he came back with the plate a few minutes later, it was still hot and delicious. Great timing. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)Imilya M.
Went here for my birthday last Saturday and I had a great time. The waitress was really nice even though we made her wait an hour before ordering any real food, besides drinks, for the rest of my friends to come. The empanadas were really good too. So was the sangria.
(4)Cecilia O.
I love the atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course the amazing authentic tapas. I love everything on the menu (as well as the ever-changing specials), especially the Portuguese mussels, and the garlic shrimp (cooked to perfection!). It's a great place for a date with intimate seating for two, as well as for medium/large groups with larger tables that can be arranged to accommodate the size of the group. When I was there with a big group (about 15 ppl) the upstairs was perfect for the occasion. In the summer the outdoor seating is nice and sunny, and in the winter the cozy candle-lit interior feels really great. The upstairs has a more loungy modern feel, and on Thursdays even more so with a DJ spinning great lounge music. One last thing to mention is that the lunch specials are great! Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Jim W.
Little bit of a different review. Apparently in addition to being a semi-new down the street from Tango Sur, BeD's let's you book "party packages" if your party is at least 8 strong. [Note: if you have 15+, then you can book the party room upstairs, it's BYOB and you get a dedicated server] We got some sort of custom 7-dish package since we didn't make the 15 person minimum. We were a party of 13 there for a bday, so it was kind of nice not to have to deal with the hassle of looking down the menu and dealing with variable costs outside of the sangria (although apparently we missed the scallops Maureen M recommended). Since I wasn't the event planner, I have no idea what the format was, but it just seemed like they kept bringing different tapas out. I think I dropped my standards a bit since I was famished, but everything tasted good, although I think Babareeba might still be a bit better. The dish that stood out to me was the Empanadas con Chorizo Mojo Canario (long name!) but it was the avocado sauce that really made it. The Pollo Relleno, stuffed with spinach and goat cheese was also yummy. The restaurant itself is pretty small and very friendly and cozy. The manager really took care of us and the service was phenomenal. I'm sure this contributed to our final bill, but my sangria glass rarely, if ever, went down to half empty. Both the red and white were equally good, although BeD's doesn't have quite the variety of Babareeba. What was really awesome though was at one point, one of the waiters went around with a pitcher of ice and spooned ice into our sangria glasses so that it would be nice and cold - talk about full service! In the end, I'm not sure I ate that much but given how much I drank, the bill/person was not unreasonable at $45, esp given the attention the restaurant gave us. BeD's is worth a second visit to try some other plates, and definitely a great place for a large group.
(4)Sandra J.
I have been here a few times and I liked it but this last time I was a bit disappointed. Food was good but service was meh! My friend Jake and I went for dinner and split a few dishes. The sangria was a bit sweet and watered down. The bacon wrap dates were so heavenly and the chicken w rice was alright but sort of bland. The grilled octopus was very good but heavy on the oil. our waitress was a bit flighty but when we were waiting for our octopus, she did give me a sangria on the house. I had great dishes here before but I guess I was hoping for that magic again. I was hoping that our time was just an off day because it is so hard to find a good tapas place especially near southport!
(3)Karen B.
I LOVE it here! I've gone a few times and this place is a neighborhood gem! Best serve, amazing tapas, intimate atmosphere, the wine selection is fabulous and everything is reasonably priced. I recommend this place to friends in the area and people who are visiting from out of town. Great place to check out!!
(5)Troy H.
Great tapas! Get the spicy potatoes. The tables are a little cramped together but the food is quick and full of flavor. The $7 martinis are very yummy and a little strong (a good thing!), try the Ibiza.
(4)Matt J.
We just happened to stumble by this gem after being the neighborhood and looking for a late dinner. Granted the place was pretty empty being it was about 10:00 p.m. but our server was FANTASTIC and very friendly and inviting as we were unsure if they would still be serving dinner!! He explained all the dishes we had questions about including the beers we were unfamiliar with. The restaurant itself is a bit smaller but it had a great ambiance, great music, and I would describe it more as cozy. There was not one plate we ordered that we didn't like and the prices were very affordable considering how big the portions were per tapas. We will definitely be coming back and bringing some friends whether it be at this location or the new one. I highly recommend trying some of the different beers. We had a round of drinks, four tapas, and dessert and it was about $60-$65 before tip. The LED flashlight keychain our server tossed into our TO GO bag was a surprising added bonus that just goes to show you how they strive to go the extra mile.
(5)Patrick n.
This place was more expensive and worse in every way than pretty much every tapas place we've been to in town. I can make better versions of almost every dish we tried, and it would probably cost me less to do so. The food wasn't terrible it was just okay, and there is no reason to spend more for mediocre tapas when there are 20 better, cheaper ones around the city (BaBaReeba, Iberico, las Ramblas to name a few)
(2)Alice C.
I have never eaten at a tapas place before. I knew there were small plates and all, so I was a little hesitant about eating there. But! my friend insisted, so I went. The first thing I tried was carne en tostada (medium well) and it was sooo good, I wanted another one. Which I was going to order again, but! TADA! Gambas al ajillo came... My goodness! the shrimp was sooo good mixed with the bread. The garlic, the lemon, the olive oil... such a great taste in my mouth. By this time I was already getting a little full, but how could I say no to a paella con todo (a rice dish that has everything you could imagine! From veggies, to chicken, to seafood, to the imaginary world of tasteful food). A complete delight! After the paella, I knew I couldn't eat anymore. Little did I know, the dessert was on its way... Migas de chocolate was a complete "touch of heaven" just like the server said. That brownie can only exist in your dreams, you would think! BUT IT EXISTS! And you can only find it at Bullehdias. The servers were good, it was pretty busy during the weekend, but I hope it is not like this during the week, 'cause I am definitely coming back after work or ask for a delivery. On top of the tables there were these magnets that you could put on your refrigerator, and it has 5 dollars off... not too much. BUT A DISCOUNT IS A DISCOUNT. If I were to come here again, I will definitely bring a lot of friends, it's a cozy environment and it feels like you have privacy. Overall I give it a 5! Fogo de Chao and this place are one of my favs!
(5)howard n.
I was fretting until the morning of NYE to see where to go that night. I kind of stumble onto this place, checked YELP, of course, almost went to 1492 tapas instead, and was ready to shell out 90 bucks per person on their NYE dinner. However, the right conscience surely set in and steeredme to this restaurant. what gave me a good first impression was the fact, I was able to book a table for 0930 that night. The restaurant was small, and when we first walked in, it was loud and packed. Everyone seemed having a good time. The wait staff was friendly, a little frentic, but at least they took their time to greet and acknoledge you, which to me was important. It's a great spot for people watching. the clientele seems young, hip and relazed. they were a lot of good look people that night. the food was overall good, dates wrapped with bacon was good as advertised. it's a party of flavors, crunchy, sweet, salty, creamy, cheezy, smoky, all the flavors meshed together in perfection. chicken croquette was moist, cheesy, and aromatic, another great choice. you must try the paella negro, which was the paella cooked with squid, shrimp, and squids' own black ink. it was fun, adverturous, the squid ink adds a rich, briny, and buttery taste to the paella that you won't be able to experience wthout the ink. squid was tender, rice was perfectly cooked, it finally broke my prejuidice on the european don't know how to cook rice properly. the desserts, the chocolate brownie cheesecake was to die for, and so was the banana cooked in liqueor, with crunchy almonds. the creme brulee was a little less to be desired. atomsphere was great, we all had a great time, the wait staff was attentative, the order was overall correct. when they do make a mistake, they do correct it immediately. so overall I had a great time and will go back again.
(4)Christine N.
I ate at Bull-eh-dia's last night and I was not impressed. The food was average, bordering on bad, and the sangria was terrible! The service was good, although there were only 3 tables occupied. Also, the place was freezing!!! Crank up the heat please! Overall, I wouldn't waste my time and money here. You can eat tapas that taste a lot better for the same price.
(2)Chelsa P.
So far I have been here 3 times and have not been disappointed. I have had all 3 of their Sangria and even though it is not the best that I have ever had it is pretty close. The ribs, that have been on the special menu are absolutely amazing, so if you like ribs, try theirs, you will not be disappointed.
(4)maureen m.
Mandilyn (sp), the owner made a special martini for the night. It was sweet with peach vodka. She constantly attended to the tables in this cozy neighborhood restaurant in Lake view like you were at her home. The food: crab cakes were served in a non traditional shape (ball) that were served with fresh lettuce and sauces. The scallops were perfectly cooked, again with lovely fresh variety of lettuce and sauce. This place is cozy, clean and perfect for a delicious meal under $35.00.
(5)johnny b.
ugh been here a couple times wanting to like it. Wont ever be back. Food is just not good. Over cooked chicken and under seasoned food. Uninspiring and bland. Go down the street to coobah for much better food. If you are just going for drinks not bad but skip the food.
(1)Heather K.
I really wanted to love this meal and I didn't...but I had a good enough experience that I'd definitely be willing to go back and try some new dishes. Here goes: I liked the décor/colors/general atmosphere, I was fine with the music except it was a bit too loud, I did NOT like the fact that they didn't have fans or AC going because it was mad hot, yo! Red sangria was tasty but weak, but at only $11 for a small pitcher I suppose I should have known better. On to the food! - Smoked Salmon: tasted fine but the plate came out with 4 giant pieces of fish and 4 little crostini. Basically you had to make yourself an open-face salmonwich and make that baby last 5 bites. It was sort of weird. - Tortilla Espanola: this was actually a disappointment for me. Totally bland, and there were no onions in the omelet! Skip this one. - Queso de Cabra: pretty tasty, but the cheese was not as creamy as I would have liked. The tomato sauce had a nice flavor to it. - Dates: as some other people have mentioned, this seems to be the winner. Stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, finished with a balsamic syrup. Very filling; it came with 4 pieces and my pants started feeling too tight after I ate 2 of 'em. - Meatballs: 4 meatballs (I don't know if they were pork or beef, or a mix) in a creamy, mushroom-filled sauce over saffron rice. - Pincho de Pollo: this was really good...marinated chicken and red peppers on a skewer, over the saffron rice. I'd order this one again! - Flan: thank goodness for my separate dessert stomach, because I was totally full from dinner but managed to save enough room for an order of flan. Always a good decision! So here's what I'd do differently next time: - Sit outside - Try the white instead of red sangria (or just drink more of it, haha) - Make my way down the tapas menu, because there were tons of other options that sounded delicious
(3)Jillian D.
my search for authentic tapas has ended. dining here is like being transported to spain. it's intimate, sexy and oh-so-delicious! have not had a chance to sample the sangria yet, but every tapas i have tried has been delightful. i'm a big fan of the patatas bravas, and they offer their version with two different sauces on the side - one spicy hot, one cool and soothing ( i think it may have avocado in it?). also worth mentioning is the jamon y queso - i could make a meal on that alone! take your special someone here. save iberico or ba-ba-reeba for the big group outings. this is the real deal.
(5)Dan B.
Really, really like this place. The tapas ((there is a large selection of cold and hot)) are super yummy and reasonably priced. My personal favorites are the goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese empanadas. Honestly, though, the atmosphere is what really keeps me coming back to this place. The owners are very friendly and gracious. Also, the service is peppy, which I like in a tapas joint. The ambiance inside is great and they have a nice little outdoor seating area in the summer. Oh, the sangria! More, please.
(4)Sarah A.
I was very excited to find a tapas place that I could walk to, however after eating there I was very disappointed. We ordered the Spanish omelet and grilled chicken in garlic, the food was very bland. I would not recommend going here.
(2)Alexis B.
My parents worked with Joe and Mariena at Bull-eh-dia's to organize our engagement party last month. It was phenomenal! The food was excellent, the service was great, and Mariena was just so nice and accommodating about everything. She even presented my fiance and I with a complimentary bottle of champagne when we arrived. The party was at 2pm, so we basically had the whole restaurant to ourselves. It was a really wonderful experience; my fiance and I are sure to return in the future. If you go, be sure to try the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese... to die for!
(5)Sarah H.
I have eaten at bull-eh-dia's before and found the food to be decent as far as tapas go. However on my second visit i was quite disappointed. The food was so boring and the chorizo stuffed eggplant on the special menu tasted like hamburger helper. The wine list is sufficient but the cocktails leave much to be desired. The peach sangria is watery and bland.
(2)Paul D.
Marvelous. Everywhere - great, open decor; handsome wine list; food through the roof. We had scallops in a saffron sauce, with red peppers; a pork tenderloin stuffed with dates, almonds, moorish-influenced flavors, in a white wine and aromatic broth; grilled octopus with potatoes; crab cakes; chorizo empanadas with two sauces (a red pepper coulis and avocado sauce). Unbelievable intensity of flavor and skill. Passed back with a really nice tempranillo (forget the vintner), and a Ladera white. Music mix was spot on, wonderful. We understand Tuesdays, 7p-9p, there is a live guitarist; we're in. Congrats to the chef and owners for creating such an authentic, wonderful experience.
(5)Franny S.
I had dinner here Saturday night and really enjoyed it. The (red) sangria was excellent and the food was (mostly) very good. My favorite thing was definitely the dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon...I don't normally eat meat, but every few years I make an exception just for this dish (it's a fairly common tapas item). Other winners were the garlic shrimp, potato salad, grilled scallops, crabcakes and caramel creme brulee. On the flip side, the cheese empanadas had too much dough and not enough cheese, and the portobello crostini was just so-so. All in all, a lovely addition to Southport...I'll go back for sure.
(4)Liz F.
We went on Valentines day before the Blackhawks game and were seated right away. I love tapas and sangria so this place was like heaven. From the crispy, spicy potatoes all the way through the delicious poached pear dessert I was not disappointed in any way.
(4)Becky S.
Stumbled across Bull-eh-dia's and decided to give it a try. Great potato salad and sangria! Very nicely decorated and reasonably priced ($8 per plate).
(4)Suee S.
I went here last night for my friends birthday dinner. I was a little late as were two others so the party has to wait until everyone was there in the small bar area to be seated. So then we were all there then had to wait another 30 minutes for our table. I guess I can understand but if we were coming for sure then I dont see why they would have to wait and then have to wait even longer. Yes the bar area is small and there is only one little lane for everyone to walk through so there is constantly servers etc passing by. I thought the food was pretty good. There were some dishes I didnt care too much for like the artichokes. I've never really had tapas so I dont have much to compare it to. We all ordered and we jsut passed around the dishes and we were all able to have a good amount of food. I was pretty full. The bill wasnt too bad either. I had two glasses of wine and the food and it was about 35 each. The server was nice and addresses requests pretty quickly.
(4)sheila J.
We came here on a Sat. night without a reservation. We were seated in about 15-20 minutes, which gave us enough time to run out and get a bottle of wine. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. The only drawback was that the noise. The music was loud, so therefore everyone had to yell to be heard over the music. All in all a good place.
(4)Jeff k.
Visited on 8/11/2011 and it was my second time. I had to go back because the food is amazing. It is all tapas style. The service is good, attentive enough but they work with a small staff so if they are busy you might wait an extra minute. They food comes out as fast as any restaurant I've been to. The steak tapas are all ridiculous and the potatoes are some of the best i've had. I've been to places like Cafe Iberico that have similar dishes but just aren't as good as this. The seafood Tapas are great and I could tell that it was fresh. If you have time I would suggest waiting 30-40 minutes for the paella because it is worth it. The prices are very fair, as you would expect for tapas. It's in the rotation for good.
(4)Stacie K.
For a better tapas experience, I would go to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. The food here was OK, at best. It was pretty tasteless, and nothing really stands out in my mind. The service was good, though, but I think that may be because I went early in the evening, when people weren't swamped/occupied with others. They DO have dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, which I would like to try..but my friend that I went with does not enjoy goat cheese (strange, isn't it?). If anyone reads this, and has had those dates I speak of, please let me know if it's worth it to go back and give them a second shot.
(2)Ashley M.
After walking by this place frequently, i finally stopped in on a Friday night for dinner. I didn't realize what a great decision that was! Although the dining room is a little cramped (but then again what restaurant in Lakeview isn't?), the food was fantastic. I recommend the red Sangria, and the Carne Caserna. The prices aren't bad, but beware the wait could be. A great place for a date or dinner with a group of friends. I'll be back!
(4)rachel s.
So disappointing, we left after four plates and finished our meal at Azucar. Service was great, but the food was bland. And the drinks were even worse.
(2)Courtney S.
Everything about this place was pretty darn good. The waitress was intense and then she got busy so it was a little hard to pay the bill, but the food appeared almost immediately after ordering it. The shrimp, salmon, asparagus, and croquettes were all excellent. The mojitos were tasty and my friend enjoyed the white sangria. We will definitely be back. Annoying thing--the wait staff took a verrrry long time noisily moving chairs and tables behind us, only to move them back about twenty minutes later. Sounds like a silly thing to mention, but we were having a personal conversation and it was extremely distratcting.
(4)Mindy V.
Just ok. Pretty big selection and I loved there spanish sausages and sangria but the shrimp were kinda bland and the space is small and nothing special. Nice to sit outside and people watch on Southport tho!
(3)J B.
The food here is basically inedible. It is borderline disgusting. It is not even close to being authentic spanish food. I lived in Spain and the easiest tastiest dish to make is tortilla espanola, and Bull-eh-dia managed to screw that up. If you want good authentic great tasting tapas, skip this place and go to Cafe Iberico.
(1)Shannon M.
So me and The Boy had about an hour before our show at The Music Box Theatre and I saw this place on the way there so we went and checked it out. There weren't many people there (just a couple a few tables away and two guys at the bar) and was kinda dark inside, but led for good ambiance and was pretty cozy regardless. Although I've been to Spain before, The Boy and I weren't very well versed in tapas so we just chose a variety of things to try. The items we got were pretty tasty (the balsamic reduction and honey sauce on the goat cheese coquettes was to die for), especially considering the price (and the house red was pretty good). The service was generally pretty speedy and our server was nice and generally on top of things (he may have forgotten to pick up our last item but he was also the bartender so I'll let it pass). Next time I go out for a night on the town, I may have to revisit this place...
(4)Sam K.
I was so excited to try out a new tapas place, but sadly this one was very disappointing. First, and this is just an annoyance-the outside tables were SO small that there was no room for the three tapas we started with. Service-no complaints Then...the food. Average at best. The chicken was dried out, nothing was very flavorful... Too many other good restaurants in the city. Won't be returning
(2)Wyllys B.
Bull-eh-dia's is as good as tapas can get in Chicago. This for us is a neighborhood haunt and a thousand times better than the likes of Cafe Ba-Ba-Rebob. The couple who runs it are as good as it gets in the restaurant industry, excellent people. The owners run it, they care immensely about the product they produce and it shows. Go with friends and turn over your palate to Marianna and Joe to make your dining experience beyond belief. Try the dates they are out of this world. We are now working our way through the entire menu and trying everything, not a bad one in the bunch so far!
(5)Lynn K.
So the food was pretty good, the sangria didn't have any brandy in it. Weird right?, only wine and fruit, i asked. The female owner still takes tables and our server told us they don't pay their staff hourly. It was slow and she was kind of complaining, I don't blaim her! Good location and decent food but could be better.
(2)tessa c.
three stars for the paella and my calamari in lemon/olive oil. no stars for the service and sangria and the other mediocre tapas. i just don't understand how they couldn't manage extra help the night before new year's and 2 days warning for our huge party. poor waitress was serving the entire restaurant.
(3)Mrs H.
I love their red sangria! And the goat cheese with marinara sauce is unbelievable! The service is pretty slow when it's busy, but I think the food makes up for it.
(4)Michelle B.
Do not order the cheese platter! I have had the opportunity to eat here twice in the last month. The atmosphere is absolutely friendly, warm, and cozy. I have tried several things on the menu and I highly recommend the following: Patatas Ali Oli (Spanish potato salad); Carne en Tostada; Pollo al Ajillo; and Chorizo Espanol. I tried the Empanadas de Queso and was somewhat disappointed - they did not have enough cheese filing or the "kick" of hawtness that I was looking for. Also, whatever you do, order the "red" sangria over the sangra blanca or white. The white sangria was disappointing (too much soda water) and did not pack as much punch or flavor as the red. Also, if you are order a glass of wine - either white or red, you can expect a very "generous pour," which is always a nice perk when dining out. Like I said at the beginning of the review: do not order the cheese platter as you will be disappointed - I think the platter is way over-priced and does not lend much for your palate to sample (even thou it is referred as an "assorted Spanish cheese platter" - it really is not). Instead, use the money you would have spent on the cheese platter for another fine dish that is offered on the menu. Finally, if you are a "late-nighter" and looking for a good meal after midnight, this is the place to go - the food is just as fresh and enjoyable if you had dined earlier in the evening. Enjoy!
(4)Alan B.
I was anxious to find a new tapas spot closer to home and was happy I found this place. Went with my young lady last night. It was very nice: attentive service, somewhat knowledgeable servers, reasonably inexpensive tapas for a reasonable price. We had the olive dish, pulpo ala plancha, calamari ala plancha, a carne dish with peppers and I had a pitcher of mango Sangria. The pulpo, carne and calamari were all excellent. The potatoes were okay. They bring all the plates out too soon; I wish they spread it out a little more. The mango Sangria was a little week and too sweet for my taste but overall it was a great meal and a great atmosphere.
(4)tr y.
What a pleasant little treat this place is for food. We did the beef carpaccio, the esparragos al vapor and had some nice cocktails while Ashland Tire & auto fixed our flat because Chicago has huge shitty potholes all over. Great outside dining great service and clean! Treat yourself to this neighborhood gem!
(4)Melissa C.
I absolutely loved Bulerias Tapas Bar and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants to have a good time with their family and friends. Bulerias offers a fun, vibrant, and clean environment. My favorite tapas are hands down the Gambas al Ajilla (yuuuuuuuum!), Bacon Wrapped Dates, Carne Casera, and the Croquetas de Pollo. Also, their sangria is on point. Drink a few of these and you are sure to have a great time :) Their servers are all professional and very sweet! The owner (I think her name is Mariena) was so accommodating and it was a great experience to be greeted by her and checked on during our meal. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)Amanda M.
More of a 3.5. Had reservations right before 6pm Saturday for a large group (14?). We were seated downstairs and we pretty much had a personal server for the rest of the night. She was awesome...super friendly and patient with us especially as we weren't the tamest of all. She was even very kind at the end when we thought there was an issue with the bill, when we eventually realized it was our mistake all along. Service was definitely spot on. Food came out at appropriate times and we were always tended to. Food, however, was on the disappointing and mediocre side. The empanadas and paella in particular were quite lackluster. Even the bacon wrapped dates (while still good in itself) were kinda off. The only item that was memorable (out of half the menu that we tried) were the baby back ribs which had a real nice sauce to it. The spicy chicken was quite flavorful but there was a lot more potatoes than chicken in the dish. Overall, the food wasn't bad but there's definitely much better. Service, however, was muy bueno. Decor and ambiance were pretty cool. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(3)Dan R.
Visited this place with a group of friends. I really enjoyed everything. The location is the only bummer for me. I would probably come here more often if it wasn't so far... West town needs a place like this ( hint!*) The batatas bravas were amazing ( spicy!).
(4)Amanda S.
So amazing! Yes, tapas are expensive but this plus has deals. Just make sure to sign up for the texts/e-mails. We stopped in for the Tuesday Sangria special. Each pitcher was half off, making them $12 a piece. It's hard to tell how many glasses each had since the glass never got to the bottom without refilling, but I would guess 6 glasses each. We got one pitcher of red and white, and the mix was fantastic. I would definitely recommend that to a table needing two pitchers. As far as tapas, our eyes were bigger than our stomach but between 4 of us we had a total of 7(?) tapas and that was definitely plenty! Below are ratings out of 5: Alcachofas Castellanas- 4; These were excellent. Tons of artichokes and sauteed veggies. The only thing missing was something to eat this with. Luckily we asked for a basket of bread which made a good dish. Montaditos de Setas- 3; There was some flavor lacking in this dish. We ordered it with the manchego cheese but everything seemed very plain. Patatas Bravas- 5; These were AH-MAZING. They came in a huge bowl and two dipping sauces. They had a little kick to them but it was a perfect compliment to the two sauces. These are a MUST get! Croquetas de Queso- 4; I've had these at a different tapas bar and I did prefer them there. These were still pretty good. You get 5 and they are a little bit bigger than a half dollar. The balsamic and honey are a perfect compliment to goat cheese. Calamares a La Romana- 4; Although your run of the mill calamari, this was really well done and a good portion. Again, the sauces made a perfect compliment. Empanadas con Chorizo- 3; This was probably my least favorite. The empanadas were just OK, but chorizo can be that way. The two sauces, avocado and red pepper was also short of some flavor. I would pass on these next time. We ended the night with dessert and I have no idea the name but it gets a 5+. It was a blend of brownie and cheesecake with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was a huge portion and able to feed all 4 of us (see pic). I can't wait to come back for some other tapas and to try out another special.
(5)Adrienne T.
I would come back. I think my whole party was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was. I think what made the food even more tasty was that we left Bulerias leaving quite full and it only cost us 35 a person with drinks, tax and tip. Not bad for a Saturday evening out. We ordered over ten dishes, first being the asparagus soup. The pureed goodness was quite delicious. I even debated getting an order to go. Some of the dishes that really stood out were: Pollo a la Brava - Although it states on the menu that can be a quite spicy dish, I didn't think it was that bad. However, I did think that it was mighty flavorful. I enjoyed the patatas below the mixture of chicken. We actually mixed the two together to get a nice crunch effect. - If you decide to order patatas bravas, don't. You get a nice sampling with this dish. Albondigas Espanolas - Quite tangy and sweet - Take the consistency of a swedish meatball and add a nice tangy/sweet sauce on top. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this dish. Overall, I would come back. They have wonderful pitchers of Sangria and the food was well portioned for the price.
(4)Adriana N.
We ordered two orders of Potatoes and they were EXTREMELY spicy! We asked if we could get a new order OR at least take one of the orders back, but management REFUSED! THEY LOST CUSTOMERS OVER POTATOES!
(2)Elise K.
I've been a few times to Bulerias and we generally enjoy the food. There are a lot of great things on the menu -- pulpo (octopus) is a favorite, though their squid is sometimes a bit overcooked. In the summer, the gaspacho was FANTASTIC! We hope they bring in back on the menu. On our most recent visit, though, it was a little disappointing. We called ahead to make sure we'd be able to get a table. They gave us a little bit of a run-around, but when we arrived there were tables waiting. We were first led to the downstairs dining room (which we like a lot -- nice decoration, warm and inviting). Though there were open tables, they told us to wait at the bar -- so we waited there for about 2 minutes and were about to order a drink when they told us that actually our table was upstairs. So upstairs we went -- where it is louder and colder. They sat us at a table sandwiched in between three groups of VERY loud ladies. We asked to move and we were seated just one table to the side... a bit disappointing because it would have been nice to be able to talk to my husband on date night rather than hearing all the other women's conversations with each other -- namely about birth control. I also was a bit disappointed when I looked at all the coupons I had been saving through email and they all expire within 7 days of the email -- bummer! We had some sangria on this visit. We like it a lot, but they refilled my husband's glass 3 times and never mine, then took the pitcher away. I prefer to be able to pour my own drink or at least get the last bit from the pitcher, since the fruit is just sitting in all the wine! We also had an issue because it was so loud that the waiter didn't understand our order (I had pointed to it on the menu). So some crab cakes that we didn't order showed up. They had to check with three people to 'allow' us not to have them. Then when we got the bill, they were on there, along with the dish we were supposed to get! So we had to get the bill corrected as well. Finally, we really have enjoyed their patas bravas in the past. This time they pre-mixed the spicy sauce into the potatoes so they were squishy and kind of gross -- as well as much too spicy. We couldn't even eat them. It still not a bad place, but I think we'll explore some other tapas places before going back!
(3)Wayne H.
Our experience at Bulerias wasn't the best. The people sitting at the table next to us were all drunk, screaming, and singing. I understand having a good rowdy time, but I don't usually expect this at a formal dining tapas bar, especially when I wanted to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner with my girlfriend. I normally wouldn't fault the place for this but the staff didn't do anything to try and calm them down. I know they have to be accommodating to all their customers, but they didn't even ask them to tone it down. The other unusual part of the evening is the waitress or bus help, would keep clearing/taking our napkins away while we were still eating or expecting more tapas. That would be okay if they brought us new ones, but they didn't and we would have to keep asking for new ones as soon we realized our previous ones were stolen. The food was okay. Nothing is worth mentioning. I probably won't dine here again.
(2)Dr. L. C.
I really wanted this place to be amazing. We live close by. Their patio looks so nice and it would be nice to have something in the area that was nicer... but not here. Although requesting a 4 top table and not a 2 top at 7.45pm we were seated at a 2 top. I asked to be moved as we were directly across from a couple with a 3 year old child at a 4 top and I don't like being around kids while I eat. The hostess (who was not rude, but definitely not inviting, accommodating or friendly) told us there was no where else. There were 9 other tables... whatever. The patio furniture appears to have bought at Costco or something. The chairs sit way back and the tables have no where to put your feet. Basically I was smashed into a 2 top table with no where to put my legs, and could not move back because another table and chair was there. It was odd and uncomfortable at best. The food was fine. Besides the waitress, who was very nice but seemed a bit unsure of herself, the service was very good. Almost bordering on annoying as we had 5 different people coming around every 3 minutes asking if we were OK and if we needed something. We finally told them that we were going to just sit for a while and we were ok. I get it, I've worked in hospitality... but when it's basically the end of dinner on a nice day it's OK for us to sit here and enjoy. Especially since there were 9 open tables. The food tasted like trader joes appetizers. The crab cakes were very good... but nothing we will be craving for. After eating our meal with the random child I had asked to be moved from running wild and screeching, I was dismayed as we were leaving 2 woman were sat in the middle of the patio, away from everyone... at a 4 top. Just a tip to the wait staff... don't serve obviously pregnant woman sangria. My husband and I were appalled to see you refilling the 8 month pregnant ladies glass 5 times. If she wants to ruin her kids life that's fine, but don't let her do it at your establishment. That's just trashy. To top it all off, I signed up for their coupons via email, they have texted me 7 times in under 24 hours the same thing... twice at 3 am yesterday... I responded to stop and I still am getting them.
(1)Mat M.
I dined here a couple months ago with a friend who was keen to check it out. It was Saturday afternoon and around lunch time - and we were the only ones there for a good half hour. The food was actually really decent - and the staff was very friendly. I hope they get busier - because it will really help with the atmosphere. My go-to Tapas restaurant is Bar-Ba-Reeba!
(3)Dan L.
I went to this place with high hopes, but left feeling with a so so feeling. This place has a weird layout and you almost feel on top of the people next to you. Hostess was up at the bar because it was to cold on the lower level. Service was just not that good. Waiter barely spoke to us, forgot two of our tapas dishes and seemed to have too many tables. For our grilled shrimp and then our beef skewer we knew he forgot and never apologized. We did end up getting them 30 min later as our table was bare of any food and I think he finally caught on. Food was good. A couple of dishes weren't so great ( skip the potatoes in garlic mayo ) but the bacon wrapped scallops over spinach was our fave. I would go 3.5 star and maybe I'll go back as their menu is huge and there is a lot to try.
(3)Ben B.
Guys, no. I love tapas, but Bulerias has to be some kind of joke. Everything here tastes like it was frozen. Let's start with the sangria. This tastes like some sort of fruit punch from concentrate. It's probably the worst sangria I've ever had. I had several glasses and got zero buzz. That was my first warning sign. * Carne Casera ($9.90) - Pan-seared steak and homemade fried potatoes topped with a red wine and herb reduction. The steak itself was extremely thin. In flavor and texture, it reminded me of Burger King meat patties. I'm 90% sure the "homemade fried potatoes" were dumped out of an Ore-Ida bag. * Empanadas con Chorizo ($8.95) - Homemade pastry puff stuffed with imported Spanish chorizo, served with an avocado and red pepper vinaigrette. Forgettable and dry, like Hot Pocketsâ„¢. * Pollo al Ajillo ($7.65) - Marinated chicken grilled, sauteed in garlic, roasted red pepper and sweet vermouth over homemade fries. This tasted like some kind of bad stir fry dish from a Chinese restaurant. The chicken came in such small nuggets, and there were very few of them. Huge disappointment. * Patatas Bravas ($6.75) - Spicy potatoes. Should be a slam-dunk at any tapas restaurant. These tasted identical to all the other potatoes on the menu, except these got sprayed in some kind of hot sauce. I liked the flavor, but not the texture. (Again, they tasted like overcooked frozen potato chunks from Jewel.) I've had better at every other tapas joint. I should also mention that Bulerias is *loud.* I was seated upstairs and I had a very hard time hearing my dining companions. Also, the serving plates are enormous and there's very little room on the table. I also went the entire meal without having my very tiny dining plate switched out. If I'm eating lots of different things over a few hours, you'd think I wouldn't want them all mixing together to preserve the flavor purity. If you are thinking of hitting a tapas joint, I strongly encourage you to go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Everything there is VASTLY superior to Bulerias. (And they provide you with a stack of fresh plates on your table so you can decide when it's time for a clean one. Nice touch.)
(2)Bridget T.
Being Spanish from Spain and recently moved to Chicago from Southern California, I have been in search of Spanish food! Excited to come here because it was close to my home, I have mix feelings about the food. The traditional patatas bravas was great! It had the right amount of spice with a side of aoli which complemented the flavor. On the other hand, I had the albondigas and it was horrible! The meat was overly cook and the rice was over cooked! The sangria although was great!
(4)Laura G.
The service is really great. I would give five stars for how nice the servers were. However, the food is far from traditional and exciting. A lot of their food is accompanied by unnecessary sauces. We ordered filete de la falda con camarones. The flank steak was delicious but the sauce it came with tasted like BBQ sauce. The shrimp are precooked and I could have done without them. We also ordered datiles and the datiles are not fresh they seemed to be candied already. The sangria is pretty great. So one star for great service and one star for great sangria.
(2)Carol K.
Tapas. While every place has "shareable plates" these days, the places that I still love the best are places like Bulerias who make tapas the wonderful experience it is meant to be. If you haven't noticed, Bulerias has moved from its Southport location to a new, contemporary space located at the corner of Ashland and Waveland. Perfect for sitting outside sipping some sangria and forgetting about life for just a little while (which is exactly what we did on our recent visit) Our server, Manuel, was great and we gave him carte blanche on what to bring us as any decision was going to be too tough for us to comtemplate. After asking us if we ate everything (and we do) he was off to create the perfect dinner for us. As we sat, talked and sipped some amazing sangria (we had the red but they also have white) the food appeared as if by magic, perfectly timed so that our small table was never crowded and we never felt rushed. First up, some kind of fried cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar and honey. Mmmmm . . . .the perfect dish to go with our sangria. Next up, 3 more delicious plates ranging from artichokes with peppers, steak with potatoes and a chicken kabob. And for dessert, a lovely tiramasu which was so large we couldn't even finish it. I loved the warmth of the people who work here. My friend lives in the neighborhood so everyone stopped by to say hi to him and even the manager came over to make sure our evening was just the way we wanted it . . .and it was! If you drive- there is usually street parking available on Ashland or Waveland. Dinner for two with drinks was very reasonable at around $70. And the manager told us that starting in the Fall, they are going to have live music and flamenco dancers so be sure to watch for that! A perfect evening with warm temperatures, a soft breeze, great company and food and drink that was just right. Funny how sometimes the simple pleasures are the best!
(4)Lucy F.
Each dish was disappointing in its own way: asparagus was doused in entirely too much balsamic; scallops were way over-cooked, potatoes bravas sauce was the wrong consistency; crab cakes might has well have been out of the Trader Joe's freezer aisle. Televisions were obnoxiously displaying syndicated sitcoms and Sportscenter. If you're not airing an event and don't have the sound on, couldn't you just turn them off and let guests enjoy their dinner? Our server was gracious and attentive, enough so to save it from a two-star (or worse) experience; still, we won't be back.
(3)Jessica Y.
It was my first time dining here and it didn't disappoint! I've been meaning to go here for the longest time since it is on the way home from work. It's located on Ashland where I would't find myself going out in this area. Parking is easy on the side street or on Ashland. I made a reservation for a Friday night online. It was easy and I wanted to make sure I got a patio table. The seats were so comfortable with their patio pillows. Perfect place for a date night or night out with friends. We ordered all our food and drinks from the beginning and everything came out so promptly. Red Sangria with brandy is a must! A pitcher is sufficient for 2 people to have 2 glasses. Portions are bigger than most tapas places. Our waiter Jose was so friendly and personable. He gave solid recommendations and hope he serves us next time we come!
(4)Erica L.
Was excited to try a new tapas place closer to home. The place has an interesting layout, you walk in and have to walk around and up a flight of stairs to the bar and seating area. There is additional more roomier seating located in the basement level along with the restrooms. We were seated across from the bar - the tables were rather narrow and high-seated and only had 3 seats per table, which I though was a little weird. I wish the tables were bigger and wider to accommodate all the tapas we'd be ordering, but it ended up okay based on the flow of the dishes. The service was super friendly! They were patient with us since our friend was running 35 minutes late, and would check on us periodically without hovering. We decided to order the cheese empanadas while we waited. They were just the right size for 2 people (5 pieces) and hand great dipping sauces (the avocado was better than the red pepper). For the main meal, we shared an order of the Patatas Bravas with the spicy sauce on the side; the Albongdias Espanolas (Spanish Meatballs); Datiles (Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese); and the Pulpo a la Planca (Grilled Octopus). My favorite were the empanadas followed by the crispy potatoes and the octopus. I like how the spicy sauce can be ordered on the side for those not able to handle too much spice. The dates were also very good. The meatballs were overly seasoned and the herbs were overwhelming. They were my least favorite dish. For dessert, the staff was nice enough to give a special birthday caramel flan complete with a lighted candle. They even sang Happy Birthday with us. It was a huge portion, big enough for the 3 of us. It was delicious, especially the surrounding red wine chocolate sauce. Thanks for making our friend's birthday memorable!
(3)Louise A.
This is one of my favorite tapas bar:) delicious food and sangria is really good. They also have flamenco show some days
(5)Mark Y.
You know u have a great restaurant when every item is sooo good... Something as simple as a flaun done so so well. With cool trip hop and Ibizan lounge grooves. Perfectly satisfied but not miserable like the usual heavy meals.
(4)Julie C.
Love this place! I've lived in and visited Spain a number of times, so I can be a tough critic of tapas restaurants, but this one has never disappointed. They also have great live music and specials that make is easy to return to often.
(5)Nicole M.
Decided to try this place on a whim last Saturday and ended up very pleasantly suprised. We were thrown off a little but when we got seated in the basement, although cute it was tight and loud. Once the delish sangria came we were all set and understood why everyone was so loud and excited to be here. The food was supreme, we had spicy potatoes, chorizo empanadas and spare ribs, too much food but really yummy and decent prices. The service is unparalleled to any other place in the city and probably what set them apart the most. Not only was our waiter super attentive and constantly refilling our classes but the hostess even came back to check on us periodically. its'incredibly rare to find this dedication and service level in Chicago. My husband even said he likes this place better than BaBaReeba, wow! We will be regulars.
(5)Yolanda E.
I went here on a whim. We were looking for a new tapas restaurant near my place. We drove past and said why not. It was a pleasant surprise! The place is gorgeous and it felt like we were not in Chicago. We were seated right away ad lead to the downstairs of the restaurant. There where families and large groups. They where accommodating as far as seating ( we didn't want to sit next to a large group) the ambiance is romantic with candle light. We had the pitcher of red sangria that was great! (added a shot of Bourbon!!) Must try! I have a gluten allergy but was able to eat most of the dishes. We had the Chicken Brava it was spicy but I love spicy so it was perfect. We also had the grilled octopus and the beef skewers. Both where delicious! It was a bit on the pricer side and the portions we a bit small for what they were priced at. One great surprise what that they had gluten free Beer!! One thing I loved was that the owner took the time to great us. She is very pleasant and passionate about her restaurant. I will be coming again and suggest you try this place out. I would give them 5 stars but the portion to the price ratio needs improvement.
(4)Orlando P.
We wanted to try this place for a while now since we live just across from wrigley field and every time we drove towards wear waveland, this place seemed inviting and the reviews were not too bad. We went today, at around 4:30 pm. It wasn't a busy time. There were a few people seated outside no one inside. We decided to dine inside. We were seated promptly by the bar. It took a little while for anyone to come up and take out drink order. When someone finally came out he seemed to have an attitude, I don't know why and he seemed like he was rushing us to order. We order pitcher of sangria, and a couple of tapas to start. The sangria was actually really good, but they really can't get it wrong since they use Dailey's mixers for their white and red sangria. I saw them mixing it at the bar. There is almost no wine in either the red or white sangria. We got our tapas. I was not a fan of the goat cheese (queso de cabra) the marinara sauce was very orangey... It tasted ok. Patatas oli oli were just. The potatoes seemed a little hard. We ordered the chicken croquettes, and those were also ok... Actually, that was the best plate but it needed more flavor they were a little too flat. We wanted to order a second round of tapas, but we were almost being ignored while a neighbor table was getting all the attention. The waiter finally came out and at that point I didn't want anything else. There were a lot of plates on our table and it was very neglected. So, we ended up trying a steak tapa just to try the steak. I asked for napkins since we had none at our table after a little while they finally brought them. They kept brining good out until he realized he had forgotten out last tapa.... After a while we finally got it. And it was just ok. Overall, from my experience it will take a lot of effort and good will to come back here. The food is way overpriced, the portions are way too small and the service just sucked. Do your selves a favor, when you want tapas, go to a more traditional place, like Cafe Iberico, Mercat, Valencia or Emilio's. It really hurt paying for the food here. For my first experience I almost regret having considered coming here. The place has some potential and it's very pretentious. Not happy about having dined here at all.
(1)Carmen G.
The waiter was great! The food was very good. Service was on point! Will definitely go back again!
(5)Oriana S.
I have been here numerous times and I have never been dissapointed. Food is Amazing. Beef dishes are my favourites but there is plenty on the Menu for everyone, Datiles (dates) are also a must!. Ambiance is pretty nice, with good backround music and candles in all the tables. Staff are really friendly. Fully recomended!
(5)Humberto Omar M.
I met a friend for dinner and my very first time here, amazing location and close by. Easy to get to either driving and by public transportation. Warm ambience, love the decor, great food and the sangria is amazing. The staff is friendly and top notch. I have new location to have a good time with great food. Perfect for groups and for two people. This is my second time having tapas, I will return soon. A much closer location then downtown is always a plus. I will return very soon. I recommend this location for great food and ambience. 5 stars and more.
(5)Bethany K.
Delicious food, generous portions, great service - such a fun night!!
(5)Maria T.
100% recommended. I Went there yesterday with my Boyfriend and the room downstairs it is pretty romantic. Worth to try the Sangria with Brandy. I'm going back next Sunday for the Flamenco Show!
(5)Tom H.
Love the new space! The old place was cute but this is definitely an upgrade. The tapas is fantastic. My wife and I eat there pretty often as we are lakeview dining junkies. The staff is super friendly and since we've become somewhat regulars the owner often stops by to say hi and check on the dining experience. Our answer is always fantastic! The opened an outdoor space late in the season this year, but can't wait for next year and warm summer nights out on their patio. Seems so far away... :(
(5)Saro O.
MEH is how I felt leaving this place. It's cramped, the food is over-priced, and nothing but the salad (yes, the salad) had any flavor that made me take notice. The goat cheese smothered in honey just killed the taste of both things. TOO MUCH! I prefer a tapas place that is trying to give you something with each plate. After four plates we felt we got what they had to offer. And they were too expensive to try any more. All service people seemed gormless and tired. They were at the table four or five times to see if we wanted to order more but nowhere to be seen when plates needed to be picked up. Our table for two was too small for a tapas place anyway, given the number of plates you are expected to have on it. So many other and better places for TAPAS.
(2)Danny A.
We would go here again. The baked goat cheese in marinara and the beet salad were the highlights of our meal. If you do order the beet salad make sure to ask for light dressing. Some things are very spicy so make sure to ask about that to. Good service. Overall a very good place.
(4)Justin P.
I've been to most of the tapas places in the city and Bulerias compares favorably in terms of price and ambiance. The food was fantastic, so I give them high marks here. The only drag was the waiter left for long periods of time which annoyed me a lot. But I'd come back again for the food!
(4)Mery T.
I love this place, the service is really excellent and the food delicious! I recommend to try come this place !
(5)Lino G.
Great place! Food is really tasty! Worth a visit for a nice dinner! Make sure you try the Mix Grill.The Waitress was gorgeous and really friendly!
(5)Emma K.
I haven't been to any tapas resataurants in Chicago besides Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (which is definitely in my top 3 favorite restaurants), so I was excited to try Bull-eh-dia's last night for dinner. They definitely gave Ba-Ba-Reeba a run for their money! BF and I had a groupon which was $15 for $30. I told the waiter about our groupon as we sat down, and he was great about explaining what was and was not included. (Not included were drinks, desserts, paella, and one of the specials - the Filete). The waiter recommended 2 tapas per person, so we got 2 to share and one for each of us. We shared the Patatas Bravas and the Dates. I was SO excited for the Patatas Bravas since this is the first place I've been to in the U.S. that serves both sauces - the aioli and the brava sauce - as they did when I studied abroad in Barcelona. While there was nothing bad about the dish, it was surprisingly my least favorite of everything we ordered. Also, the portion was HUGE! We also shared the bacon wrapped dates which are never bad, but seemed to be especially good here. I got the Croquetas de Queso which were AMAZING! Goat cheese and balsamic vinegar are two of my favorite things in the world, and so I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. The BF got the Empanadas de Queso which he really enjoyed. I only tried a small piece of these since we already had so much food, but loved them as well. I would totally order them if (more like when!) we go back. The portion on this dish was huge too - I think there were 5 decent sized Empanadas. The BF announced that he would go back as soon as we left the restaurant which is saying a lot since he is not the biggest tapas fan. I happily agreed (and not just because I had two glasses of delicious sangria at that point). I wavered between 4 and 5 stars for this review, but found my mouth watering too much just thinking about it to slight them!
(5)Linda C.
This place is wonderful. I've been here a few times already and the food has been phenomenal each time. Great hidden gem in the city. My only issue is that it is a little awkward walking in because the host/hostess isn't always at the front. The bar area is elevated and hidden behind a wall and the dining area is downstairs, so it's not very clear which direction to go when you walk in. Other than that I've had nothing but pleasant experiences here. The Patatas Bravas are a staple and so delicious. I've had the Empanadas de Queso, Pollo Ajillo, Pollo a la Brava, Esperragos, Ensalada de Remolacha, Paella and so much more and have not been disappointed with the food. Each dish has a unique flavor and even the simplest dish is delicious and presented beautifully. The overall feel of the restaurant is more authentic than other tapas places in the city and the the service is prompt and respectful. Also, I love that they host flamenco shows. I wish the space were bigger to better accommodate guests and the band, but it is great that they can offer authentic live music and dancing while you dine.
(5)Jen K.
This place had a really relaxed atmosphere. Dimly lit and decorated fairly modernly. Tables were a little tight but not uncomfortable. MOST of the food that we ordered was good. The plates came out one by one. I know these were tapas but the servings were pretty minimal. We found ourselves having to cut things in half to make sure everyone got some. The empanadas were not that great. Goat cheese was very good. There were seven of us and the bill was about $30 a person. I would try it again.
(3)Christine M.
Close to my work... Surprise date nite. My first time there we ordered 4 plates and 2 desserts. We sat at the bar... Food was good. However, the main dining area has an awkward layout, making it difficult to maneuver....tables are right on top of each other. The restrooms are on the lower level. This space is laid out much better than the upper. I'm not sure if the lower level is ADA accessible. Attentive wait staff, themed decor and friendly service.
(3)Peter S.
As far as Tapas goes, you can do MUCH better for the same cost. Even Ba Ba Reeba is better than this and I've always thought that could be beat hands down by Iberico. Gambas - eh, small shrimp with little flavor except the garlic oil, Beef with papetas - tasted like brown gravy from an envelop on top. Empanadas - like they were from a box. Asparagus with manchego - not cooked enough and i get manchego at costco all the time. So, sure, it was edible but when all was said and done we were $100 lighter and $0 satisfied. As for service, it was more the annoying, clear-your-plate-while-you-are-still-chewing-your-Âlast-bite hovering type of service. At one point the waiter cleared my napkin while i had a tapas in my hand and left me with only my jeans to clean my fingers. Did i mention they had five TV's with soccer and cycling? whats that about? sports bar/tapas?!? sorry, but we won't be returning.
(2)David C.
My girlfriends and I meet after work once a month and I had heard about this place so we decided to check it out. I am always looking for new tapas places. Upon walking in, I was overwhelmed by the set up...you face a wall because it is a two-floor bar sitting area with thin tables and small chairs. The TV blasts their daily specials and it all seemed very commercialized which was disappointing. However, the food was pretty good. We had the empanada de queso, pulpo ala plancha, and the datiles rellenos. The highlight was the albondigas and the low point was the patatas bravas. We ended things with some mango and peach sangria which was alright. Overall a good experience but too commercialized for my taste.
(3)Laura C.
It could have been the sangria, or the company, or the beautiful sunny day that turned our meal into a celebration of flavors. Each dish (a touch on the small side) was packed with spice and color with inventive specials like the squid ink paella. Service was friendly and the peach sangria was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. It packs a punch, so keep that in mind before you order the pitcher. Physically, the space is small, but not cramped. Drink enough sangria, and you'll feel like you're on Las Ramblas.
(4)Rafael G.
This place SUCKS! The food is not fresh and everything is from a box specially there empanadas. The service is horrible and they don't know that they are doing there. I was in the restroom and ran into the chef and after he was done doing his thing he just walked out with out washing his hands. I came in waited to be seated for almost 7 minutes while the host was in the bar watching the soccer game. Don't waste your time eating here this place sucks and the service is horrible. I bet you can get better service and better quality of food at McDonalds. I gave it one star cause you have to but this place is not even worth one star, maybe -5 stars.
(1)Jen P.
I don't know why this place has so many bad reviews! I thought that the service was awesome and the tapas were delicious. Possibly a little expensive for what it is, and did not love the sangria, but I will definitely be back soon. Very cute place, I was impressed.
(5)Tina N.
The handy Yelp app on my Hubby's phone brought us to this little gem. We were in the area and were starving so we figured we would give it a shot. We walked a few blocks to get here so we would have been seriously disappointed if it were anything less then 4 stars. We were greeted & sat right away. The server/bartender made us a new drink he has never tried before & it turned out terrific. The food started coming out and all I have to say is, DELICIOUS! Everything was hot, fresh and perfectly cooked. By then end of the meal, I was too full to even move. Thankfully we were able to walk it off heading back to the car. If I had to say something bad about this place, it would be that it isn't close enough to my house. Cannot wait to return! This is going on the favorite's ever list!
(5)Monseur N.
This place was wonderful! I brought in a group of 6 others on a Saturday night. We had reservations but still needed to wait about 30 minutes, I wasn't the slightest bit upset, they were so over the top polite about the inconvenience. Then the FOOD, it was so delicious and quick to come out. We ordered in many rounds and were not dispointed with any of the entrees. The steak and blue cheese on crostini was fantastic! The drinks were just as good and the overall feel of the place was great. Towards later in the evening the music got a little louder and the lights dimmer, maybe not the best during dinner but it was a Saturday night and didn't deter us from coming back in at all. Great place, great prices!
(5)Marita P.
I had so much fun! I went with two friends and we were curious about the restaurant about their Spanish food and it was really good. The customer service is great! Yes it is loud for some people and the tables close to each other but for your information most of the restaurants European or Argentinean are like that and I think it is great, it is social and fun, with a young spirit I am from Argentina and I really recommended.!
(5)Angela N.
The worse! We placed the order through Grub Hub and because they didn't deliver to Andersonville I picked up the order. Once I arrived it took them literally 15 minutes to process my credit card. After getting the food home less than 5-7 min the paella was mushy(rice) and devoid of shrimp and I could count the pieces of chicken~the mussels were tasty. I cannot even remember the rest of the order because it was that bad. We called immediately to report our horribly experience where we were told by Jose that the entire order would be credited. Three weeks later we still haven't received the credit for horrible service and disgusting food. SAVE YOUR MONEY,INTESTINES,AND TIME!
(1)Scarlett M.
We had a wonderful experience here. We had a party of seven and had a beautiful and quiet table. Our server was so attentive and considerate. The food was delicious. This was my first Tapas experience and I loved it. I didn't try anything I didn't care for with the exception of the potato omelet, but that's only because I don't care for onion! Every sauce was delicious! My friends had the mango sangria and said it was good and not too sweet. I highly recommend this charming place.
(5)Kelly A.
I have mixed reviews on about this place. On the night we came (a weekday night) the service was just odd. It seemed like there were only two people working in the front of the house and together, juggling the jobs of host/hostess, server, and bartender, and it showed. It meant the experience of waiting for a table was less than enjoyable because at times it felt that we had been forgotten about. We almost considered walking out because it was so unclear what was going on and if we would ever get to sit. I'm not sure if this was a fluke because someone called in sick, but this place would definitely benefit from a dedicated roles in the front of house because the experience as it was was stressful for a guest and made me question the professionalism of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, if a restaurant is good I expect to wait, but I like to know I haven't been forgotten about. Honestly this is an instance where an apology about the confusion would have gone a long way. Thankfully, this place redeemed itself with the food. We ordered quite a few things off the menu and everything we had was delicious, flavorful and well prepared. We had and loved the Croquetas de Queso, Datiles, and Empanadas. The sangria was also refreshing and getting it by the pitcher made for an affordable option. And thankfully, once we were sitting down the service was much, much better. The food came out quickly, almost a little too quickly because we felt a bit rushed when eating. Overall I'd give this place a second chance. I do think the food was tasty, but the experience prior to sitting almost convinced us to go elsewhere.
(3)Mark W.
Excellent tapas! The service was great and paced with each dish following the next. Comfortable and cozy ambiance. We'll be back
(5)Erika W.
I've been here twice in the last 2 weeks. The food and Sangria are amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and we had great service.
(5)Frances B.
I really love this place. It is such a cute, little romantic atmosphere and has yummy, yummy tapas and sangria. It's a great date or group spot. My favorites thus far have been: patatas bravas (so addicting), empanadas, Croquetas de pollo, Croquet's de Queso (really amazing), Esparragos al Vapor (steamed asparagus w/ cheese and other delicious things), Pincho de Pollo and Carne y Tostada. They're small so make reservations on weekends. Salud!
(4)Jenny L.
4 stars for great service and atmosphere!! The waiter was polite and attentive, he knew the menu very well and suggested some plates. The place was lively and had a good amount of guests. We were seated upstairs which felt a little crammed, but the seating downstairs by the bathroom definitely looked more comfortable... I would recommend sitting downstairs. The food on the other hand was more like 2 1/2 stars. It was not as good as other tapas places I've been to.. The empanadas were probably the best, however I can see myself coming back.
(4)Roxann R.
I went here (Bulerias) to join my friends bday celebration. When the food we ordered was served, I was offended at how small the portions were. The prices on Tapas are quite high and the portions are extremely small. For example, the Pincho, I got one stick ( had only 4 pieces of meat on it)for nearly 10 dollars. It should be at least 2 sticks of meat. I have been to many Tapa places to dine and this place has been a dissapointment. Be ready to have a heavy bill and an empty stomach. This made me appreciate Cafe Iberico so much more. I will be taking my friends to Cafe Iberico for now on.
(1)Michelle E.
Hands-down one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Great food. Most authentic tapas in Chicago. Cute decor. Downstairs area makes you feel like you are sitting in a Barcelona bar. Friendly staff. I've gone here with big groups of 20 people, with other couples, with girlfriends and with just my husband and every time has been a great experience.
(5)Kevin H.
Stopped in for a snack and a drink. The empanadas were okay and the service was excellent. The problem was who thought out the seating arrangement. I sat at the bar and proceeded to have someone bump into me every five seconds. Very annoying. Either get rid of the bar or the tables behind them. Maybe I will try them again, but sit at a table. DO NOT SIT AT THE BAR if people are seated at the table behind.
(2)Joanna B.
The tapas were really very good. Hard to find authentic Spanish food and this was quite lovely. The atmosphere is a bit noisy and the physical layout is poor - very chopped up with tables very crowded on each other. The downstairs dining area is nice but was not open when my friends and I were there. We had two beef dishes and a chicken plate, which was the highlight of the three. The chicken came with saffron rice and carmelized onions and was marinated to perfection - great flavor and so tender!!! The first meat dish Carne Casira was much better then the Carne Tostadas but both were tender and tasty. Would have given a higher rating if the environs were better. Our service was really quite good and the wait staff were very responsive to our needs. Try it and see for yourself - definitely worth going at least once!!
(3)Christina G.
I came here last night for some tapas for dinner. I left full (which doesn't always happen with tapas) and impressed. We made reservations for 7pm on a Tuesday, which were completely unnecessary. There were only 2 tables full when we walked in. By the time we left around 8, I'd say a good 60% of the tables were taken. I guess this is more of a late night dinner place. I had the house red wine, which I thought was quite good for only $4. My husband had the red sangria that was also quite good. To eat: Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese (4) - This dish was awesome. I guess anything wrapped in bacon is awesome, but the goat cheese took this an extra step. Carne Casera - Whoa. This was perfectly cooked and seasoned steak with potatoes on the side. The meat was so tender that I didn't even need a knife to cut it. It had a little kick, but not too much. Croqeutas de Queso - 5 fried spheres of goat cheese topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. Delicious. Chorizo empanadas - I have to say, this was my least favorite dish. the chorizo was not coming out at all in the flavors, and this dish had no spice to it. Isn't chorizo usually at least a little spicy? Maybe the problem was too much bread as well, as the empanada dough was thick. The sauces served with it were OK (red pepper and avocado). I definitely preferred the avocado one. Our waitress did a great job keeping up with the guests. She was the only one there, which wasn't a big deal at the beginning of the evening, but by the time we left, it was quite busy. She was still attentive and it remained easy to get her attention even once she got busy. This would be a fun place to go on a date or with a big group of girlfriends. Their daily specials are pretty good too. There is a large note on their menu that they are moving to an Ashland location soon. No date for the move though.
(4)Lana T.
I had the $15 for $30 worth of food at Bull-eh-dia's and I think if it wasn't for the Groupon I wouldn't go. We ordered the Gambas Al Ajollo (shrimp sauté in olive oil and garlic) and that was good but it was lacking in garlic way too much oil. The Carne Casera ( steak and potatoes) was probably the best dish we had. The red wine reduction sauce was really good. We also had the dates with goat cheese wrapped in bacon: that is way too sweet! And the dates are huge like they said but really it was too much for me. We also had the pulled pork on top of buschetta with caramelize onions and that was just okay. This place has big portion tapas that are meant for four people or more to share. Overall, I might not go back unless I have more people with me than just me and my boyfriend.
(3)Nefer C.
Excellent atmosphere, food and staff. The "pulpo a la plancha" and the empanadas are amazing, and every time I have been there we have been appropriately seated, even when the place is crowded. The general manager is a class act, and on Sundays they have live flamenco in the lower level, and the music matches the theme of the restaurant. Thank you!:-)
(4)Kevin R.
The new location is great and the food is still just as tasty. The Bacon Wrapped Dates and Chicken Croquettes are a must.
(4)Liz K.
I've walked by Bull-eh-Dia's countless times but never realized what I was missing out on! I'll blame it on the boyfriend not being a huge fan of tapas (or as he would say, "topless?!?"). I came here with a group of 5 girlfriends and despite the tiny restaurant, was able to make a reservation the day of. We shared a pitcher of white sangria, which had a great flavor (but watch out, the orange peels are still on and just there for flavor) and was easy to sip on. We were starving, so I imagined that we'd order dozens of plates and still be hungry, but was pleasantly surprised when that wasn't the case. If I can recall what we ordered... Patatas Bravas: These actually came with both the standard spicy brava sauce and the garlic alioli sauce, both of which had a kick that was almost too much given the fact that the potatoes were already very spicy on their own. It did seem to be a large portion, though, as all 5 of us were able to have seconds. Empanadas con Chorizo: These also had quite a kick to them, but the dough was perfect and I really enjoyed the flavor. Croquetas de Queso de Cabra: I love goat cheese, so anything that features it is a winner in my book, but this was my favorite dish that we ordered that night. The outer crust was crispy but not hard, and the cheese was the perfect temperature inside. They just melted in your mouth - I could have eaten an entire order by myself! Pincho de Pollo: This was a chicken skewer with saffron rice, which was yummy but I only had one piece and it did taste a lot like lemon. Carne Casera: Another dish that I could have eaten an entire order of by myself. The steak (flank or skirt, possibly?) was marinated and seasoned so well; it just fell apart when I ate it. Perfect. I feel like I have to be missing a dish or two because that doesn't seem like remotely enough food to feed all 5 of us, but that might have been it! Regardless, the portions were good for sharing but each dish was filling on its own. We might not have eaten as much as we did when we all studied abroad in Sevilla, but I think we were all satisfied :) The best part of the meal? Each of us ate and tipped for around $14. Seriously, what a great deal. The menu warns that Bull-eh-dia's is moving to another location, so I'll be sure to come back soon to sample the rest of the menu!
(4)Jean Marie K.
Have been looking for a new Tapas place since our favorite (Tapas Gitana) closed and this is a close contender. A little more expensive, but good variety of Tapas (I'm a vegetarian) and excellent service.
(4)Jocelyn H.
I'm thrilled to have a wonderful sit down restaurant in the neighborhood that is not another bar. For those that say the service is slow.... then please go to a fast food restaurant. We thought Bulerias was lively and had a fun decor that you'd want to come back for a night out with friends... or a fun date night as my husband & I had. The Sangria was wonderful, not too sweet. We were pleasantly surprised that the portions were sizable for a tapas restaurant. I loved the bacon wrapped scallops on a bed of sauteed spinach. Not sure what they put on the spinach but it was deliciously different. Give this place a try, it's great!
(5)Michelle W.
After Twist relocated out of Lake View, I was sad that my go-to neighborhood tapas place was gone. But, after having a lovely evening with girl friends at Bulerias, I am happy to say this is one my new neighborhood spots to take visitors. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting -- we sat at a booth with tons of fun throw pillows. The sangria is delicious and comes in a cute Bulerias-branded pitcher. We tried several tapas, including the portabella and crostini, salmon and crostini, asparagas with manchego, and the cheese empanadas with two sauces (avocado and green pepper). All the dishes were delicious, but I was particularly fond of the cheese empanadas with two sauces -- empanadas are a very straightforward dish, but Bulerias really prepares them well, and the sauces elevate the dish. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly, and the tapas came out at a very smooth, steady cadence. Love Bulerias and will definitely be returning.
(5)Thomas K.
I'm kind of sad because I ordered from this place without reading the reviews I'm feeling very terrible at the 100 bucks I just wasted. Patatas bravas was acceptable as well as the goat cheese croquettas. Not the best but acceptable but the problem is this I heard there's kind of special soup and I ordered the Spanish rice it was fairly tasteless. The quality of the sea food was subpar you could taste it and smell it. I really want to try new place because I've been sticking with the same places and looks like I made a mistake on this one.
(2)Sam M.
Came here last night with a friend. Definitely a small place, but a good vibe. Sangria was as expected and the "small plates" are bigger than most other tapas places in Chicago. It was loud, but not too loud to not hear the person across from you. Probably not the best spot for a date if you don't know the person that well. Overall, a good experience.
(4)Cory W.
The best. Fresh, exotic, the standard. All other tapas restaurants have similar offerings but this place goes the extra mile
(5)FoodLover Z.
Low-key restaurant with great tapas. It's a pretty large place, so great for birthday parties and other large groups. Standout tapas were the Pollo a la Brava, lamb chops and Gambas al Ajillo.
(4)Gary C.
I've been eating at the old location for several years, and was excited to see the new location open up on Ashland! Same great sangria and tapas, in a newer, more spacious and nicely designed space. I highly recommend the patatas bravas, datiles, and any of the great meat tapas. The new space is definitely worth a visit for your first time or if you're a previous customer at their old location on Southport.
(4)J K.
I came for a friend's birthday with a reservation at 8:00 PM. When we walked in, the hostess said the wait would be 15 min. The people in our party were shoved in this tiny entryway, probably making the couples dining less than 2 feet away from us very uncomfortable. Anyways, half an hour later, there was no progress on our table and members of our party decided to leave due to an unforeseeable end to our waiting game. The hostesses avoided eye contact as they walked past us from time to time. Finally, at 9:00 PM, an hour after we arrived with our reservation at 8:00 PM, we were seated. At this point, we were very hungry. We went through the bread on our table pretty quickly and asked for more. The food eventually came and was just okay. The bacon on the bacon-wrapped dates was burnt. The rest of the dinner was enjoyable seeing that it was a celebration that brought us here to begin with. As compensation for our wait, we received a minimal discount on our bill, but to our surprise, they charged us for the extra bread! Who does that? Needless to say, our experience with the restaurant was not good. I hate to give 1-star ratings, but the treatment from the hostess to the manager merited it.
(1)Kate H.
Bull-eh-dia's is moving to a new location, which is good, because my main takeaway here was that it was cramped. The Southport location definitely has a nice vibe, but it is curiously small for tapas. I understand that tapas are "small" plates, but try crowding four people around a tiny table meant to hold 5-6 dishes, a pitcher of sangria, and a paella, and it just doesn't work. We basically had to keep shoveling the food off of communal plates onto our own to make way for the next round of food, and then shuffling drinks around to accommodate the additions. ...I know. First World Problems! My tapas won't all fit on the table! But, for me, tapas should be a leisurely meal where you sample a few bites of a plethora of dishes. This meal didn't work that way. That said, I did enjoy the evening at Bull-eh-dia's. Service was good, and we devoured all of the dishes (I especially liked the mussels and the paella). I would be interested to try their new location, which promises to be more spacious.
(3)Olaf K.
Great little place for tapas! The atmosphere is casual & fun. Slowly working through the tapas menu on each visit, and nearly every dish has been excellent. The warm artichoke dish is especially good. The biggest negative: the bread, which plays a major role in tapas, is disappointing - similar to the bland squishy stuff you'd pick up at the local convenience store.
(4)Frances A.
Sangria was whatevs... But hey, I'm not a sangria fan, so there really wasn't any swaying me there... Lovely staff... Super chill... Ugh, there's only one bathroom stall - reallllly???? Sopa De Maricos... Ohmagolly, gee-whiz, woah... And less than $10 awesomeness. Supah big fan I am. And the presentation, simmering, on a heavy iron bowl thing. It was like it was brewing right in front of me. Literally the entire ocean was in that crazy stew...
(4)Saba A.
Friday night, no reservation, around 8PM. I went with a girlfriend and we got quick seating in this small, intimate restaurant, with a homey feeling with wreaths and large Christmas bells hung for the holidays. It got packed slowly so this is a place where I would definitely make reservations. I love Tapas, it's perfect to share and easy to order all sorts of stuff to satisfy cravings and this place would get 5 stars if we didn't have a waiter providing not the friendliest of service. Overall, great price, and good sized portions! We definately left with full tummies and no room for desert. We ordered: -Croquetes de Queso for 7.15 (AMAZING, I feel like we got the best cheese appetizer). I ate one the next morning for breakfast. -Polla a La Bravo for 7.65, we got spicy, and there is a super spicy one, and next to it, it says BEWARE! I love spice, but yes, beware it's spicy. It's a large dish and comes with potatoes too, but really good! We could only get through half of it. -Pincho de Carne for 9.15. I love tasting beef that is cooked properly, tender, and juicy, yum! Our waitress was not our favorite. She messed up our order and then told us that when she repeated our order earlier we only corrected her on one dish, not the one that she didn't get right. She said she would see what she could do because we hardly touched the dish and two minutes later she said she will give us the correct one. It was an innocent mistake, she got us another chicken dish instead of the beef one, but she wasn't apologetic and came off a bit rude. But apart from that, it is a definitely a great restaurant in Lakeview. Jewel across the street and Michael Jackson songs playing outside the restaurant. Pretty spiffy. Here's the menu: bull-eh-dias.com/files/B…
(4)Kyle P.
Place was great. Ribs, hot chicken fries, dates with bacon begin and super cool server guy. I think they are moving but try it out
(4)Aline S.
Seating seemed sparse. The outside seating was plentiful and comfortable. The indoor seating was at two-seat tables on the ground level or four-top high tables up in the bar area. There may have been a larger dining area in the back, but it wasn't open the eve we were there. On to the food... The goat cheese croquettes were probably the best we had. Then, the table couldn't decide which was or next favorite: the pulled pork crostini, the calamari or the tortilla Espanola. They were all good, but I was partial to the pork crostini. The bacon-wrapped dates were good, but didn't rank as high as we had hoped. And last but not least, the beverages... The sangria was good, but the mojitos were better! All in all, I would go back, but if I could give half stars, I would give a 3.5, which is still a very respectable showing in a city with such good food.
(4)Eric S.
Nice little tapas place in Lakeview. Looks like a dive from the outside but very cozy and clean inside. Would recommend the chorizo empanadas and the paella (con todo or the seafood). We called ahead to tell them we were coming, which I would suggest because there was a wait at 7:30 on a saturday night. Only downside was the drink menu. I know tapas is not known for pairing with beer, but if you want a decent craft beer you will not find it here. Stick to wine or sangria.
(4)Susan F.
TIP: If you shop at the Jewel across the street, look at the back of your receipt to find a 20% coupon to Bull-eh-dia! I came here as a group of 4 and it was a great experience. The atmosphere was pretty romantic but not too intimidating, so we didn't feel uncomfortable in a group or anything. I'd suggest going on a weekday--I assume it could get crowded on Friday/Saturday nights. We tried a couple dishes and they were all very flavorful. My favorite was the crab cakes (you get 4). The spicy aioli sauce was good and there was plenty of crab in the cakes, not much filler! +1 We tried the cheese empanadas that came with two sauces, a red aioli typ sauce and a cilantro green type sauce which tasted very Mediterranean. I think there were 6 empanadas. The chicken with potatoes was cooked perfectly and the potatoes weren't too crisp or too soggy. You have the option for spicy, very spicy, and beware (or something like that). We ordered spicy which would suit most palates. Out last dish was a tilapia special with shrimp. I really enjoyed this dish but splitting it between 4 people maybe wasn't the best idea. We each got just a bite :( I would have loved more! It only comes with 2 shrimp. We ordered the red sangria which was pretty good. I've never had bad sangria so I couldn't speak to this :) I really liked this place. It's nice that it isn't a chain like Ba-ba-reeba and it's way more intimate. Make sure to get a coupon!
(4)Chris D.
The dishes were really good! I ordered the bacon wrapped dates and they were stuffed with goat cheese, amazing and LARGE! The cheese and meat platter was very plentiful and also included olives and this delicious sauce on the crostini bread. Sangria was flavorful and strong and had peaches in it, yum! Went on a Saturday night with no reservations and was seated right away. Their new location is interestingly layed out. I wasn't sure about sitting in the basement, but the decor is beautiful! The only complaint is that I asked for another bread basket and they said it would cost extra. Weird, it wasn't even a fancy type bread. Also, before I arrived I signed up for their email list and that included a free coupon for one dish but they didn't honor it because it wasn't my birthday or anniversary. What the hell?! The coupon did not indicate that it had to be. Oh well. Overall: delicious food, some shady practices. I'll be back...on my "anniversary" next time.
(4)Angelica P.
It's a very small place so when you walk in there's not much room and when there are people at every table it gets crowded. I had the chorizo empanadas-- not good! There was no chorizo and the grease was disgusting. Chicken croquettes had a really weird flavor. Their shrimp, artichoke and calamari dish was just too much fried-- everything on there was fried and the artichokes had a really bad taste to them (and I love artichokes) so it was really disappointing. The carne casera was the only thing that we ordered that night that was really good. The waiter seemed to be no where in sight and then when he did see us standing at the door he finally seated us and then didn't know what he was talking about beer wise. We asked what's on tap and we ordered something that was on tap and he said they didn't carry it when you could clearly see it at the bar. He was just really uninformed and didn't stop by once to see how we were doing.
(2)Gary K.
The dishes were great and plentiful, a rarity for a tapas restaurant. We ordered a number of dishes and all were solid - our favorites were the carne casera and the fried calamari. The service was great and everyone was friendly and welcoming, even on New Year's Eve without a reservation. The flan was amazing, an absolute must have!!
(5)Amanda F.
Bravo Patatas Bravas! The gigantic portion of fried potatoes and dipping sauces managed to push three hungry diners beyond full after just three tapas. This little northside hole-in-the-wall is a great find. Loved the dishes, the open air seating, and the service. My group started with the Esparragos al Vapor was crisp and fresh. It was a little too al dente for my preference, but I loved the balsamic reduction, the portobello mushroom, and the shaved manchengo topping. The Carne Casera melted in our mouths and the Coconut Shrimp was a crispy and sweet favorite of the night. As mentioned, the Patatas Bravas was a very tasty filler to the tapas.The paella is a must! Order it early because it takes about 45 minutes to cook. The Paella Bulerias was yummy and a great price at $17. The three of us split the saffron rice dish and were very satisfied with the portion. I love Paella, and it was exactly as it should be, full of chicken and seafood, and not too oily. The Sangria is also a must. I wish there was more fruit, and that the fruit would be in larger slices, but there was nothing skimpy about this Sangria. Our waiter even gave us a pitcher with ice on the side, so we really got our money's worth. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was friendly and made good recommendations. The food came out very quickly too. I wouldn't visit Bull-eh-dia without first visiting the Chicago-favorite, Cafe Baba-reeba, but I would definitely dine at Bull-eh-dia over Cafe Iberico. The tapas at Bull-eh-dia's are larger portioned than at Babareeba and could be shared among four people. The tapas at Babareeba seem slightly more creative with flavor, but Bull-eh-dia's more classic tapas are fantastic. We will be back!
(4)Roseann M.
We made a quick visit on a warm Friday night to the bar at Bull-eh-dia's. Now, normally, I'd be opposed to even stopping in a place with such a dopey, misspelled, meaningless name. It is an offense to all the English classes I aced in college, many years ago. But, in the modern U.S. economy, morals and ethics have no place, so, we ended up at Bull-eh-dia's. It was my fault, really. After a crappy, disappointing, expensive event that flopped miserably, the only thought in my mind was "margarita!!" I said as much to my business partner. And, to my astonishment, she said "YES!!" as in "yes yes a thousand times yes!" Among all the bars and restaurants on Southport Avenue, somehow, there is no Mexican restaurant. But there is Bull's whatchamacallit, which is a tapas bar. We sat at the bar. A very pleasant bartender greeted us almost immediately. I ordered a margarita, standard, with salt. My friend was jonesing for sangria. She ordered a mango sangria. (There are several different kinds of sangria to choose from.) Oh my sweet Lord . . . two delicious drinks, served up quickly. Friend did give me a sip of her sangria, so I can report that both were absolutely delicious, and verrrrryyyyy strong!! We ordered one tapa to share, some cold thing with asparagus. I don't know what else was on it. What can I tell you, I was busy sucking down that margarita? It went straight to my head. I felt all sparkly and salty and tequila-like. All I know is, this tapa was very good. We both liked it. Sadly, we are both wimps. Had we chosen another drink, we probably both would have slid below the bar until we lay in an alcoholic puddle, occasionally sticking our tongues out like frogs, except we would be trying to get more drops of sangria and margarita instead of flies. Instead, we departed. Some small shred of dignity was preserved, and I did not fall down in the gutter on the way to the El. I would go again. We liked the food (even though we only had one item, it encouraged us); we definitely liked the drinks; and the bartender was prompt, friendly, and attentive. I probably should add one star, and make it five, but I don't feel like we tried enough menu items to make that bold a statement. Go to Bull-winkle's. You'll probably like it. Even if the name is phony and pretentious.
(4)Guido E.
Food is great but service (food and attention) is very slow. We had 8:30 reservations, got seated by 8:35 and ordered the scallops tapa, the patatas bravas and the goat cheese tapa by 8:45. It's 9:18 now and the only thing on the table is the scallops tapa. Very disappointing. Maybe this place blew up too fast for their own good because it's too busy for them to keep up a reasonable service level. --food was really excellent and manager very friendly and apologetic when we told our story
(3)Dennis F.
Went for the Sangria....It seemed a bit watered down and very small bits of fruit. I was more impressed with the food!
(2)Scott Y.
First visit to the new location and our group shared nine dishes. Every one was delicious! Nice vibe in the place and the owner is helpful and attentive.
(4)Greg G.
Came here on a Friday night with a group of 8. We had reservations and were seated right away (despite some people coming late!). The atmosphere was great, it has nice background music, but not too loud, just enough to cover awkward silences and not allow you to ease drop on other tables. We each ordered 2 dishes and got 4 pitchers of sangria! The peach sangria was amazing! You have to get it! Also the patatas bravas where sooo good! The white spicey sauce that comes with them is amazing and super addicting. I think I dipped like half my plates into it... My other favorite thing was the Pollo a la Brava dish. They have 3 levels of spicey (spicey, super spicey, and Beware!) I got the super spicey, but we all agreed that wasn't even that spicey... so next time you go make sure you get the Beware!
(5)Jiyoun B.
Sangrias by the pitcher... check! Tapas choices... check! Ambiance... check! Overall, the food was good, Sangrias were tasty. The service is good and the ambiance is dark and romantic. As far as Tapas go, the food quantity is small compared to Iberico, although Bull-eh-dia's give you more than Cafe Ba-ba-reeba. The music kept going in and out throughout the night. I couldn't hear our conversation one minute then I felt the need to whisper next. Weird.
(4)Daniela S.
Chicago's best kept secrete... my fiancé discovered this place a few years ago and every date night we have.. we end up here... not to many non name brand places have good and consistent service but its amazing the pollo al a brava is the best dish here but the Sangrias are a bit strong... no complaints!
(5)Leanne A.
We sat outside when it was still warm and lovely. I'm trying to imagine sitting outside now, in the abyss of nieve (snow). Estoy triste. Anyway, Bull eh Dia has a very cute and cozy patio. The most highlightable item is the paella. We ordered the seafood one, con (with) calamari, scallops y shrimp. It was exactly like the paella I had in the many plazas in Madrid and Granada during my months in Espana. Very autentica (authentic) if you're looking to try real paella. ****Our server, who was classy and guapo (cute) and polite, said we could share the paella. Um, this is not la verdad (true). The bowl is shallow, and it's so rico (tasty/rich) that you will start fighting for bites with your dining partner. Por favor, get your own paella**** The jamon y queso plate is a standard Spanish tapa that you can't exclude when trying a new tapas joint. Manchego cheese is, afterall, the best cheese on earth. And Bull eh Dia's does a decent jamon/queso plato (dish).
(4)Daniel S.
Solid tapas. If you are in the area and want some tapas- take a visit. Steak was the tops thing.
(3)Kristen M.
Tapas are always great and make for a fun, different dining experience. The food here is pretty good, no major complaints, I would call it very average. The restaurant itself is small but has nice outdoor seating and its a great location. Prices are fair. Bacon wrapped dates were prob my favorite item.
(3)Daisy R.
Epic Fail! Ordered for delivery at 7:00pm. Food arrived at 9:30. Tortilla espaniola horrible tasted like spackle had to just spit it out. Mushrooms were edible. Patatas bravas cold and hard. Chorizo cold and dry. The only edible part of the meal was the bread. A $45 flop.
(1)Mandy A.
Was looking for a place in the area to get an early dinner before heading to another event and found this place through Yelp. The mixed reviews had me a bit worried but we thought let's go ahead with it anyways. I thought it was BYOB (based on other reviews) but heads up, it is not. I tried to call earlier in the day but got a confusing answer. So word to the wise, don't bring booze in your purse, it's heavy to carry around all night. We got a pitcher of red sangria with the Licor43 mixed in... another tip, it's $7 to add this to the pitcher, not $2 like it says on the menu. Also, if both people are getting sangria, you're probably getting a pitcher by default. I mean, I'm not complaining but we thought we were getting two glasses. More booze never hurt anyone though... Onto the food! We started with a house salad... husband's choice. But it was delicious and chock full of goat cheese, candied nuts, red peppers, peppery vinaigrette, yes. Everything in that salad was a yes. Next up was bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese, they do love goat cheese here which is awesome for me, I could live on it happily. Following that was crab cakes, deliciously spicy sauce accompanying some good sized patties. Also got a big ol' pot of patatas bravas which my husband enjoyed picking at all meal long with the gigantic toothpicks. Last up was the carne casera, my husband's pick. The meat was really good and the sauce was great but holy mother was the whole dish super salty, to the point of almost ruining it. I still ate a couple pieces and tried to temper it with the potatoes but it was cooked perfectly so the salt was a huge bummer. Overall, good food (minus the one salty dish), good service and good atmosphere. Thumbs up from this girl.
(4)JL O.
Stumbled upon this fabulous place after a concert on Sunday night. It was 10:45 at night, we were starving, and not much was open. We walked by and the place was empty other than one table. The gentleman at the bar said the kitchen was open and he welcomed us in. I hate walking into a place almost closing but he insisted on us dining in. I had an amazing espresso to start with brandy. The food was spectacular! Goat cheese croquettes, potatoes ala aioli, calamari, steak and potatoes, meatballs....delicious!!! Service was fantastic. Very friendly considering we were the last customers and I'm sure they were ready to go home. I was so impressed!!!
(5)David B.
I love this new location. I hadn't been here since they moved and showed up with a big group of friends. Every time I come here the food is outstanding. Every time without fail!! I love the new pad. It's way bigger than the old place, so all my friends fit comfortably. This is the bomb place for tapas. Will definitely be back and back again.
(5)Marjorie F.
Sunday dinner with a friend brought us to this cozy little establishment. Although it was still warm enough for outdoor seating, we sat inside in case it rained. The atmosphere was warm and intimate with the low lighting and decor. The server was attentive and made sure that our drinks were full. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. I enjoyed the dates wrapped in bacon and the ham with cheese and toasty bread. The gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic) and empanadas were a little disappointing. It's tough not to compare your standard tapas to the competition. I tried the house wine, which was OK. Instead of ordering glass #2, I should have sampled something else. I suppose it didn't matter since I was pretty buzzed after my first glass! (Note: two glasses are enough to give you a wine hangover/headache the next day.) Overall, I'm not in love with this place; however, I'm willing to give it another shot --- other wines, other dishes. Hopefully, it won't disappoint. It's not a bad place to have after dinner drinks, so maybe I should start with that menu first!
(3)Belinda E.
I went there tonight with 2 girlfriends and we all thought their service was great! We had the garlic shrimp, patatas bravas, bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese and a couple of other dishes - all were great even the sangria :) Oh! And topped it off with their brownie cheesecake...yummm. Definitely will put this place on the rotation :)
(4)Steph M.
WOW.... pathetic. I had been to the previous location about a year ago, and nothing's improved, but things have DEFINITELY gotten worse. Where do we start? With calling for a reservation only to be told "we don't take reservations an hour before you come". Um, either you take them or you don't. Whatever, we still decided to give it a shot. The hostess was no-where to be found for 5 minutes. I finally grab a waiter, and he acts like I'm from Mars.... telling me he's got no idea where the hostess is, and to stand and wait. Soo, behind me a huge line out the door starts to form. Ok, she finally seats us at one of those incredibly too small tables RIGHT in the doorway, with a crowd of people a mere two feet from us, waiting for their reservation! Ha.... what a joke. Ok, fine.... "let's give this place a chance, we live two blocks away and it'd be great to have a fun spot in the neighborhood". We flag down a waiter and try to put a drink order in before he runs off. Phew, got it! Ten minutes later sangria arrives. It's good. It really is.... no complaints with the red sangria. But the food.... oh the food.... it's terrible. It was actually un-edible. The patatas bravas were burnt to a CRISP.... seriously, they looked like raisins. The chicken skewers we were supposed to get.... came out as one little one.... for $9. The pulled pork smelled/looked/tasted like vomit.... and the meat-balls.... well, between two people we couldn't even finish one. They were that bad. Almost as if it was rotten meat or something? We left..... and that was the best part of the night. Sorry.... I really wanted to love this place. I mean.... sangria!!!!!!!
(1)Jeremy P.
By far hands down best tapas in the city. Love the food, the atmosphere. Great service. I would eat here all day if the let me bring a recliner in.
(5)Kelly C.
A few months ago I was craving tapas for dinner but didn't have the motivation to try to get a reservation for Cafe Babareeba, so I looked at trusty Grubhub and to my surprise there was a tapas place that delivered to me! There is a rather high minimum for delivery but it's okay because then I have dinner the next night too. Since the fateful night when I discovered this lovely place delivers tapas to me I have ordered from there quite a few other times. My favs: -Patatas Bravas - I get it satueed in the spicy sauce and boy does it have a fabulous kick to it. If you aren't up for some serious spice I would get it on the side. For me these beat Babareeba! A must get every order. -Datiles - a must get from every tapas place I visit. They were good and huge, I would say on par with other tapas restaurants. -Queso de Cabra - to me it's pretty hard to mess up goat cheese and marinara - pretty much the same as everywhere else, which is not a bad thing. I've also tried the scallops - they were just okay, def has better. The Ensalada de la Casa is also quite tasty and a good combo of goat cheese, peppers and nuts that went along nicely with the vinegarette. Can't comment on the actual restaurant but I will continue to order from there when the tapas craving hits!
(4)Christine W.
Get the goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon! Amazing! We ordered some to go before we left. Very delicious and great atmosphere!
(4)Amy R.
so, I recently went beck to Bell-eh-dia's...on a Friday night after 11:30 pm. They were the only bar/restaurant serving food past 11:30 on a Weekend evening on Southport! Could this be? Well, Thank God because I was starving and they have great food. And the food came out much quicker than my last review. Like, at a normal pace. So, I'm giving it 5 stars, because I love how friendly they are and I love the food, and sangria! I'm happy that the speed of the kitchen has improved!
(5)Kaitlin A.
I was wondering why it wasn't packed when I left on a Sunday night because the food and sangria were both delish. My boyfriend is 2nd generation Spanish and it's impossible for him to be impressed when we go out for tapas (which we do often). He loved it, labeled it good and authentic. Two of our favorites were the pollo ala brava and the albondiagas espanolas. I had him try grilled squid for the first time, which is a favorite of mine, and they did a great job because we both enjoyed it (except the baby squids, ew.) The high chairs in the bar weren't comfortable, I wish they would've sat us in the dining room. The server wasn't out of this world, although very polite and prompt. But those are really the only two under-par details I can think of. We were so bummed it was chilly (in August, thanks Chicago) because their patio looked awesome. We will totally be back on a nice evening to take advantage of that. Oh and you must treat yourself to the raspberry brownie cheesecake. MUST!!
(5)Chrissy N.
Came here with a group of girls for a bachelorette party dinner, and it was really delicious!!! Despite a reservation, we still waited about 30 minutes. The pace is tiny, long and narrow, dimly lit and latin beats thumping. Once we were seated, the service was outstanding. Our waiter was very attentive. The menu is quite extensive, with lots of options for meat, poulty, or vegetarian fans! We ordered about 8 tapas dishes, and they were all really flavorful! He brought them out hot and delicious, in 2 batches so we had some time to pass them all around. At payment time, they were really cool about taking everyone's credit cards too to split the bill. The Sangria was great! The vibe- casual. A tad on the loud side. Don't come on a Saturday night unless you're a shouter. My only regret about going here... Now I wish I had a place like this is MY neighborhood!!!
(4)Amy L.
I ate here on a Saturday night with two other girls. We sat on the patio after waiting a little while for a table. The food was amazing! We ordered a goat cheese appetizer and a bite size steak dish that were both so yummy! The only bad thing we ordered was a potato dish that was way too garlicky and was cream based. Try to avoid that one and you'll be glad you came!
(4)Anna V.
I went here with a friend on a Friday (no reservation) and we had high hopes because the reviews seemed good and the place looks cool from the outside. We split a bottle of wine and ordered a handful of tapas. The only thing I remember ordering and liking was paella. This isn't because we were drunk. Nothing else was bad (mediocre overpriced wine), but nothing else was memorable. Sad. I wanted to like it, because it's local. That's usually a mistake. The 2-star review is more about the service. The service blew. It was really bad. Totally absent hostess, totally absent waitress. We asked 3 times where the hostess had gone, who finally promised us a table and then disappeared for a good 35 minutes to abandon us at the bar. We got a cramped spot on top of a Huge Group of Girls celebrating a bachelorette who kept backing their chairs into our area. Combination of weird service + good-ish food + meh wine + annoying patrons = I will just suck it up and go to Ba Ba Reeba, even though I can't walk there.
(2)Andy W.
We ducked in here during the summer to try their mojitos. We got the gigantic ones and went staggering home some time later, fans of the drinks and in love with the world. They managed to make mojitos like the ones we have perfected in our own home. We've been back several (less-lushy) times for the tapas, and have loved it. The montaditos de cochino are our favorite -- the rich pulled pork with a spicy sweet tang hit the spot and are fairly filling. Post-Music Box we stopped in the other night for a late dinner and a quiet chat after a somber film. They had live music, and though we were not in the mood for a band (especially in a small space), we were won over by the musicians. Thank you, Karpah! Bonus: this place is open later than many other places nearby. YUM.
(4)Sarah M.
Just went to Spain in May and I couldn't stop saying how I thought the food at Bull-ed-dia's was far better than anything I had abroad! Not to mention that the service tonight was awesome. We had 2-3 difference waitresses helping us and they were very attentive. The ambiance and music was great too. Plus, any bar with hooks to hang your purse/coat/etc. is an automatic plus. All in all, every dish we ordered was better than the next, so on that note, here is my synopsis: The first thing we got was a plate of white anchovy tapas (I would have eaten a plate of these anchovies plain!) but with red peppers on a oily, crunchy piece of bread, it was also divine. This might just be a seasonal fare but very worth it. Next up was the asparagus (which we happened to order after reading about it in a yelp review) generously drizzled with sweet balsamic and manchego cheese - the flavors blew my mind, not to mention that the combination of cheesy salty-sweetness is a personal favorite of mine. The queso de cabra came next. The goat cheese was baked until just slightly brown, and served in a pool of perfectly spicy marinara sauce. Spread on some crunchy crostinis, this dish was the definition of goat cheese perfection. The grilled squid was so simple, it's hard to believe how tasty it was. The textures - a slight crunchiness highlighted the firm yet tender meat - combined with surprisingly bold flavors for a squid dish, really made this dish for me. After so much deliciousness, I had slightly lower expectations when it came to the pincho de pollo. Nevertheless, the paella rice served with the chicken skewer was quite good, the caramelized onions were unsurprisingly bursting with flavor, and the red pepper "ali oli" added a nice touch. It was just a solid little chicken dish, perfect for tapas-sharing, but it could have also been a great meal in itself. And finally, after so many great reviews, there was no way we were passing up the bacon wrapped, sweet goat cheese stuffed dates. I mean how could you go wrong?! We most certainly didn't go wrong and neither did this dish.
(5)Tim S.
After having a few drinks at a local bar and finding that most bars on Southport were not our speed for the evening while walking along we stumbled on Bull-eh-Dia's. Wandered in and found no wait (granted it was midnight). Ordered a pitcher of Sangria and 4 Tapas, not one was disappointing. Small Intimate with a great lounge vibe with the music playing. It was loud enough without going overboard. With their late hours it was a fantastic alternative to the typical late night fare of Burritos or Pizza.
(4)Z B.
Excellent, tasty menu with great Sangria. New space is attractive and fun. Wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.
(5)Brianna M.
Ok, so this time the sangria was awesome. We had a group of 6 and ordered a ton of food, most of it amazing. Still love the mussel stew. Got the vegetable paella this time which was great. Not sure if these specials are new, but they had $10 MegaMojitos which were certainly Mega. Shared a couple around the table. They have smaller, cheaper tapas now which helps round out a meal. I also found a coupon on the back of my Jewel receipt for 20% off. Can't wait.
(4)Brigid M.
I came back to Bull-eh-dia's for a second time on a date...and I have to say I was a bit more impressed than the previous visit. The datiles were even better than those at Cafe Iberico. Service was much better, however, in a busy restaurant, they probably shouldn't be blasting the David Bisbal Greatest Hits album like it's Sound Bar, as it was a little difficult to hear the server. We liked how the costillas melted off the bone, the croquetas de pollo came with a zesty sauce, and the queso de cabra would have been perfect if there had been just a little more queso. Overall, an improvement.
(4)Michelle S.
I'm kinda a fan! Reason 1: BYOB :) C'mon what the heck can be better than that? There is a $6 corking fee. Reason 2: Food after 10pm! Yep...I was just having a discussion with a friend on how it is NEARLY impossible to go to dinner after 10pm in Chicago. I don't get it and obviously Bull-eh-dia's doesn't either. They serve LATE my friends. The ambiance is dark, and sultry. The lighting is perfect for a date or a group of friends. They have outdoor seating, which is great if it ever warms up in Chicago! The staff are also super friendly and knowledgeable about all the tummy purring tapas. Also, it is on Southport. I think Southport says it all. Enjoy!
(5)Alison E.
We quite like Bull-eh-dia's. Got my first taste of paella here, which was SUPER FANTASTIC. Seriously, if you have the time, get the paella (especially the vegetarian one ;). If you don't have "the time"...probably don't go to Bull-eh-dia's... Somehow the meal is always drawn out by food coming out slowly. From what I understand this is sort of the *point* of tapas (to have a leisurely meal/drink with friends), so I don't really fault them for it, but one time we went and had finished all our other food about half an hour before the paella even came out. Then we were just sort of...waiting. Anyway, the food is all very good. And it comes in really big portions compared to other tapas I've seen (or eaten). They recently reorganized their menu so all the vegetable dishes are listed separate from chicken, beef, seafood, etc, which makes it easy for vegetarians to see their choices. :) My personal favorite--aside from the paella, of course--is the baked goat cheese.
(4)Shannon F.
I had Bulerias do the catering for a holiday party for eight people. Mariena helped me develop a menu that would have enough food for everyone and still fit my budget. The food arrived at my house hot and was delicious. It was well packed and Mariena called when it was leaving the restaurant to let me know that it was on its way. My guests and I had a GREAT time and all I had to do was unpack the boxes. I will definitely be doing it again!
(5)Richard C.
Hours aren't until midnight!!! LIES! Also, when we asked when they closed, they said "It depends. 10, 11, whenever the kitchen closes." Are you running a business or a playhouse? Update: Since returning, the food really was excellent. Still, it'd be nice to know exactly what the hours are, so you can actually eat the food.
(2)Diane H.
One of the issues I always have when dining out is that I want to try so many different dishes...tapas is the perfect solution. Came here with two other ladies on a Friday night for dinner and we all left very satisfied. We started the meal off with a pitcher of sangria, of course. We went with the peach flavored sangria and it was so good that we stuck with it for our second pitcher as well. We also ordered quite the selection of tapas to share. We started off with Esparragos al Vapor which was very flavorful, topped a balsamic reduction, and served al dente which I enjoyed. The Carne Casera was juicy and cooked perfectly. The coconut shrimp (a special that day) was sweet and crispy, definitely a highlight of the meal. I would go back just for the Patatas Bravas. I absolutely love french fries, and although these potatoes were more in the shape of cubes, they were delicious and I really enjoyed the spicy dipping sauce that came on the side. We were a bit overwhelmed by the heaping bowl of potatoes that came out, but by the end you could see the bottom of the bowl. I would go back just for the potatoes. The meal ended on a high note with the Paella Bulerias. It was very flavorful, had plenty of chicken and seafood, and was a generous portion especially for $17. The Paella is a must order if you come here, but make sure to order it right away as it is made fresh and takes 30-45 mins. Throughout the night service was great. The hostess was very friendly and kept us updated on the wait time. The server was very helpful with recommendations and was attentive. The food arrived very quickly after we first put our order in and didn't stop coming until we were full of paella. I can see Bull-eh-dias becoming part of the regular rotation of restaurants my friends and I frequent.
(4)Lauren O.
They've suddenly imposed a $12/bottle cork fee. Kind of defeats the purpose of a BYOB in my opinion. While I love this place for it's proximity to home, BYOBs and tapas restaurants are a dime a dozen in this city so I can't say we'll be back anytime soon.
(4)Oscar O.
Bull-Eh-Dias is an excellent date place! Actually, that's what I read on here when I was researching for a place to take a date out for Valentine's Day and it didn't disappoint. This is a small, intimate, tasty place to take a date to. I can't say that this was the best tapas place I've been to (not that I'm some type of connoisseur) but there are hardly any complaints. The food is very good, nothing crazy delicious or out of this world, but it's sure worth a try. The place is a bit on the small side, it's great to keep a nice and intimate ambiance, but it seems some of the prices aren't proportionate with the whole "small and cozy" vibe the restaurant is going for. As far as the food, I typically get the queso de cabra (goat cheese) which is served in a dish with a tomato sauce similar to marinara and comes with toasted bread and patatas bravas, (slightly) spicy potatoes. For the meat I like el pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken). My meals here have always tasted good, never cold or undercooked. There are no complaints on the food itself. Overall, this is a very nice restaurant to go to. It's not too fancy but you can definitely choose this spot for a date. It's in a great location (right by the Music Box theater) as well. Simply put, check this place out!
(4)Alexa H.
The crowded Bull-eh-dia's menu exhausts your eyes and challenges your memory but don't let that stop your ability to sift through options to discover the bits of heaven that your taste buds are craving. Satisfy your watering mouth with the goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped with bacon, grilled, and drizzled with an exotically spiced balsamic reduction. The lamb chops served with a spinach saute is also sure to make you want to return. Pair your savory yet delicate meal with their red sangria and let this experience be your ambassador to the world of tapas. Apart from the delicious food, the environment was lacking in comfortable seating. The interior of the restaurant was frigid with the a/c blasting like we were in the Mohave desert and the patio tables were cramped and much to firm to feel relaxed. Fortunately for this restaurant, their product is tapas and not ambiance and they have definitely hit the bulls eye with their food. My next adventure to Chicago will surely have Bull-eh-dia's on the agenda.
(3)David R.
I really loved the tapas here and the wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The tapas they had on special really stood out. Had a coconut shrimps on skewers dish that was honestly unbelievable. The atmosphere is cozy and nicely lit with great spanish music. I will definitely be going back with friends soon.
(5)Jabari W.
This place has to be the best thing since sliced bread ! Whenever you can go to a resturant and everything is excellent from the beginning to end it's a great find. The bacon wrapped dates are delicious and the Pincho de Carne. Hell if I had more than one stomach I would order the entire menu. I will be back to try more menu items and try that delicious looking sangria. The ambience is perfect and the staff are all professional and friendly at the same time and god knows that is hard to come by. Bottom line I will be back in the future and I cannot wait.
(5)Sharon N.
This spot is one of my regular pit-stops when I visit home to Chicago. The ambiance is so great! The owners and rest of the staff are very welcoming and ALWAYS take care of my friends and I. Not only is the staff great, but the tapas are delicious-the grilled Octopus is my personal fav as well as the paella. I highly suggest this place if you like tapas and want to hit up a joint that has good eats and great ambiance. A great date place too!
(4)Sandy N.
Went here the night after the crazy blizzard, and Bull-eh-dia's was one of the few places open on Southport. We had the half rack of ribs (special), Chorizo Espanol, Torta De Cangrejo, Datiles Rellenos De Queso Con Tocino, and the Flan. Good, though nothing stood out too much, and the price was a bit high.
(3)William Q.
The perfect option to thou do not want to wait. Bull-eh-dia's is for you. Good service and excellent food for a very reasonable price makes this place a one of the tops in my list.
(4)Cindy G.
Three words for you: Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. Oh, Bull Eh Dia's are the best I've ever had. Besides that, so much of the food here is delicious, and the sangria is strong and not overpriced. This is a great date place or for a night out with a small group of friends. I agree with others that the service is not spectacular (you might feel a bit rushed), but when I'm here, I'm far more into the experience of sharing the tapas and sangria/wine over good conversation rather than the level of service. This place does not take reservations but the bar is a nice place to hang out for 30 minutes or so before your meal. Also, apparently they do allow you to BYOB but there is a $12 corkage fee. If you go that route, swing by the Jewel across the street for wine, and your receipt might have a coupon for Bull Eh Dia's on the back. :)
(4)Ernesto R.
The food and service are good. The food is good and can vary depending on the dish you order. The sangria is what I would expect and compares favorably to other tapas restaurants in the city. I love that they are located in the Southport Corridor. Although the place is small, the ambiance is good for the Southport Corridor. I believe they are moving so I will have to go check them out at their bigger place.
(4)Emil O.
If you want a treat for your tastebuds, you need to visit Bull Eh Dias and you need to go often as the menu is amazing and there's a new experience with every dish!.. Try them all!!!!! Me and my wife go here often. Wish we could go more!!!
(5)Keena P.
Delicious food! I can't remember what the 2 tapas dishes I had there but they were worth the price. The place was empty when we walked in, which usually scares me off restaurants but I'm glad I came in. Decent service, although they could be friendlier.
(4)Rikki C.
Worst tapas bar in the city. I have no idea why anyone would give this place 5 stars... Not only was the food 'meh' the service was even worse. We ordered the paella. The rice was not fully cooked and they didn't give us our leftovers when we specifically asked for it. I don't like wasting $20 on a plate! Save your money and go to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba in Lincoln Park or Cafe Iberico downtown. This place is a let down.
(1)Sheresse S.
Holy taste-buds Everything was great!! Beautiful restaurant, awesome food the food is inventive and delicious. What a great neighborhood option! It's nice to have a tapas place within crawling distance. I would have given them 6 stars if I could I will give my business to Bull-eh-dia's again and continue to send others their way.
(5)Michelle K.
Grabbed a table for two at 8PM on a Saturday night. 5 minutes later, we were brought silverware and glasses of water. 15 minutes after we sat down, no one had come by to greet us or take any kind of an order. Walked out. For shame.
(1)Anna V.
I was excited to try this place out because it's so near my home and it'd be awesome to have a nice little tapas place nearby...but once again, I should've listened to most of the reviews on here and saved myself a trip. We tried sitting outside and waited about 5 minutes before walking in because no one even greeted us even though the staff clearly saw us (that should've been a red flag!). So yeah, although the servers were courteous, I can't say they were doing a great job...water and bread took 15 minutes. The sangria, however, was very good. The food was just MEH. I really liked the stuffed mushrooms, they taste like pizza puffs! And the crema catalana was very good too, but the main courses left much to be desired. The pollo al ajillo was very different from what I had in mind. I was thinking a white, buttery, garlic sauce but instead it looked and tasted more like orange chicken from a chinese restaurant. The carne casera wasn't anything special either, in fact, the dish came out cold. I don't think I'll be back, there are plenty of other tapas restaurants in the city where you'll get all around good service & food, and it will be worth the price you pay.
(2)Jennie P.
First let me start by saying, I love tapas - I really do. To the point, my wedding was a Tapas menu - I just love small plates and all the variety you can have. Bull-eh-dia's is really only mediocre. We stopped in on a Saturday night, there was hardly anybody inside but it still took somebody close to 10 minutes before giving us waters. Mine had something floating in it. Whatever, accidents happen, I got a new one. I will say the bacon wrapped dates are very good, they have goat cheese in them which is always a nice surprise. Everything else was really only "ok." Nothing really blew me away and left me saying, "ohhhh my gosh, I LOVE this, I want more!!" They turned on techno/dance music the later it became which is also fine but I wasn't really digging it for a Spanish themed restaurant especially when there was hardly anybody inside. I would recommend people to go elsewhere.
(2)Kasia K.
In terms of tapas restaurants in America, the portions were biggest I have yet seen. We ordered 5 tapas to share between two people and we were stuffed, could not finish everything. The best one we had was the carne casera (I think it was called), super delicious cuts and perfectly cooked. The texture of the meat and flavors were amazing in my mouth, highly recommend that. Would like to go back to try out other menu items as well.
(4)Aimee D.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to my tapas food (favorites are Ba-ba-reeba and Iberico) and I'm now happy to add Bullehdia to my list. I believe it's far superior to Twist and a nicer atmosphere too. I've been there twice and each time the food (and almost as importantly) the sangria were great. I would love to see this restaurant stay on Southport for a long time. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Jarvis A.
Amazing food, great atmosphere, gorgeous waiters. I came with my wife and a friend and we ate at least 8 dishes. Everything was good.
(5)Laila C.
I had a great time here last night. It was my boyfriend's bday and even though I'm taking him out for a special bday dinner later on this week, I still wanted to give him a nice dinner on his actual birthday We got to Bull-eh-dia's around 8 and found the place half full. The menu is about 1/3 of the size of ba-ba-reeba's which makes me VERY happy. Most places that have huge menus are trying to overcompensate for something (or it's a Chinese restaurant). We got the cheese croquets, a steak and portabella special, the baby lamb chops and the Portuguese mussels and chorizo stew. My bf got a glass of red that the server recommended, and he really enjoyed it. The cheese croquets were fabulous. 5 small balls filled with warm goat cheese sitting on top of thick, strong balsamic mixed with honey. Great pops of flavor! The steak and baby lamb were some of the juiciest and most tender pieces of meats I've ever had. I LOVED both of those dishes. AND as good as the meats were, the veggies that came with them were just as good, if not better! The lamb was 4 small lamb chops sitting on top of a bed of sautéed spinach and onions. It also had 4 large dollops of a spicy tomato and roasted red pepper sauce. The sauce and the spinach were divine! The steak came with 4 large slices of meaty, grilled portabella that were super awesome! The last dish we shared was the Portuguese stew with a large amount of mussels and chorizo all simmering in a spicy, homemade tomato and onion stew. My only complaint about the dish is that the chorizos made the stew a bit too salty and it required using more bread to cut the salt, which left me way too full. Bf wanted to finish with a dessert but they were out of the ones he wanted and their espresso machine was broken so no espresso or coffee. All in all, I thought it was a great dinner. I definitely think bull-eh-dia's is heads and shoulders above ba-ba-reeba (since that's the one EVERYONE and their MOMs compares this to). The flavor components were much more complex and I like that they don't try to overwhelm you with a menu that's much too large. Doing less but doing it very well is much more valuable than tons of mediocrity.
(4)Brett F.
I love me some tapas, yes I do! Being the little Miss Bossy Britches that I am always wanting to dictate what all my friends order so that I can try EVERYTHING on the menu, tapas gives you the perfect opportunity to try a little bite of this and that without the forceful attitude. Bull-eh-dia's hit a few high and low notes for me throughout the night, both playing into my fancy for small plates (and lots of them), but also turning me off with a few nuances that are (fortunately) fixable. Let's explore, shall we? We'll take it down Pro-Con-Pro style like my sorority days: Pro/ Cozy atmosphere, warm colors, it was charming, authentic and we loved the Spanish music that transported us to another place & time even on a dreary, rainy night Con/ No waiting area. Unless conditions are perfect outside (which in Chicago they so often are, right?), you're waiting on the sidewalk. We stood in the rain for about 20 minutes until a bar spot opened up. Pro/ The Sangria was delicious. I'm so turned off by a fruit punch-esque Sangria; their red was amazing and pitchers are only $18.00 making it one of the most affordable pitchers of Sangria in town. Con/ The bartender was slower than molasses in January. The Sangria may be good but when he repeatedly forgets to bring it to you it sort of defeats the purpose, you dig? Pro/ The food was very good. Stacey A. is right on, anything with goat cheese hits a high note... Baked Goat Cheese in Marinara, Goat Cheese-stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, Goat Cheese croquettes with Honey. I was liable to start bahhhhing at any moment. The garlic chicken and chorizo empanadas also get enthusiastic honorable mentions. Con/ Noise level. What?! Whaaaat?! WHAAATTTT?!?! That was the majority of the conversation had that evening. It was above loud in there and it got annoying quickly. We couldn't hear the waitress, the music or ourselves. Tables are way too close together, the acoustics are obviously poorly thought out and the volume of voices made my head throb. Pro/ Dessert. Don't miss the Plantano al Caramelo aka Bananas in Caramel. It doesn't sound all that adventurous, but trust me, we all fought for this one and left the others virtually untouched. ...so there you have it. A few kinks to be worked out, but overall still a nice addition to the SoPo lineup. I'll be back for more goat cheese degustation even if I have to shove it in my ears to enjoy it!
(3)magda p.
Amazing food and ambiance! The best Spanish music selection in Chicago. Perfect place for either bday party or romantic dinner.
(5)Tiffany V.
My friend and I decided to try out a new tapas place since we love Cafe Iberico and Cafe Ba-ba-re-ba. After reading on their website that Thursday nights was $15 pitchers of Sangria we figured we would give it a try. We got a table inside and the server asked us what we wanted to drink. We mentioned the $15 pitchers of Sangria. He told us that they have sangria specials on some nights of the week but he had to go ask because he didn't think it was on special that day. I told him that it was on the website and he said okay, I'll give it to you for $15 then. We should have left then. We ordered white sangria and received a pitcher of red, but felt bad for sending it back since they can't reuse it. It still tasted sort of watered down and not that great. We ordered a few tapas and was not happy with the portion size for the price compared to Ba-ba-re-ba and Iberico. Our Bacon Wrapped Dates had 4 in an order and the Shrimp had 5 small pieces of Shrimp for $8 each. After that, our server asked if we wanted dessert. We said no thanks, got the check and went down the street to Dairy Queen!
(2)Greg O.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT GO TO BULL-EH-DIA'S. We went to Bull-eh-dia's last week for a friend's birthday. I had been there once before about five years ago, and my recollection was that it was pretty good. My girlfriend was smart enough to find a Living Social deal before we went. $15 for $30 worth of food. Great, right? Nope. When we arrived, we asked the waiter, Jeison, if we could be on a separate check, stated that we had a Living Social deal, and asked if that would be ok, to which he replied, "Absolutely." We weren't all that hungry, but since we had to spend at least $30, we ordered more than we would have. All in all, our bill ended up coming out to a little over $40, so I was going to just pay the difference, plus tip. When it was time to cut the check, the waiter came and informed us that he was not going to honor the Living Social deal because people in "our group" received "another deal". Let's see... we are a group of two who did not drink any beverages, and only ordered off the main menu. What? "Didn't you tell your manager that you told us it was ok to use this?" "Too bad," was his response. He did not want to get in trouble with his manager/owner, so he threw us under the bus. Enter the manager/owner. What a piece of work! We told her that the waiter had said it would be ok for us to use the Living Social deal, which as far as I am concerned, is practically legal tender. She flat out refused and kept trying to draw some half-assed comparison to Brazzaz. Sorry, but you are not Brazzaz. Their food and service both blow yours out of the park. After all of this, we obviously decided not to tip because they were screwing us out of $15 (the other $15, we will be able to get back from Living Social). Nope again! THEY DECIDED TO IMPOSE A MANDATORY GRATUITY AND THREATENED TO CALL THE POLICE IF WE DID NOT COMPLY! I crossed off the gratuity and signed the check, agreeing only to pay the $40 or so before "gratuity". Sure enough, my credit card was charged almost $50 because they decided to keep the "gratuity" included. I have, of course, contested this with my credit card company. So-so food. Horrible service. Flagrantly pathetic ownership. I will never go to Bull-eh-dia's again.
(1)Lauren W.
I've had tapas many-a times and they've never disappointed. However, Bull-eh-dias did just that! The salmon we got was not at all what I envisioned because I envisioned what the menu was advertising. I'm a small girl, but sitting on the patio made me feel like king kong in a knock off Barbie dream house. And last major complaint: I realize tapas are "small plates". However, I've never been to a tapas place with plates so small the food had to be cut on the serving plate to avoid overhang on the eating plate. Now, even with my disappointment, there were a couple highlights. The beet salad is absolutely amazing. And huge. The ribs were also awesome, fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth. So glad I had the aforementioned because i may have otherwise been forced to give fewer than 3 stars!
(3)Allyson H.
This is the best tapas place I've found in the city! The food is absolutely great as is the service. The peach sangria is delicious. I went with a few friends and we each ordered a couple items, allowing us to try quite a few dishes. Everyone ended up full and happy! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Falon G.
Overall, a disappointing experience. The restaurant is very small, but I was there on a Wednesday, so it was not crowded. However, the music was much too loud. I asked the waitress to turn it down and she obliged, but never did. They also had several TVs playing sports games. It felt like I was in a bad Spanish night club/sports bar rather than a charming tapas restaurant. The service started off fine, but as a couple more tables came in, my table was forgotten about. We had to flag the waitress down for every little thing we needed. When she came by, she acted annoyed that we needed something. The food is mediocre at best. The portabella mushrooms with bleu cheese on a crostini were fantastic! Easily the best dish we ordered. However, the rest of the dishes just went downhill from there. The meatballs were dry and tasted like a big clump of allspice & cloves. Gross. They were out of the spinach empanada special, despite the fact that we were only the third table in for dinner, so we went with the chorizo empenada, which was a mistake. I asked the waitress if they make the chorizo in-house and she said yes, but when they came out, they appeared manufactured and previously frozen, like a fold-over pot pie would look. The chorizo was disgusting. The consistency of the meat was more like the pepperoni that one would find in a hot pocket, rather than homemade sausage. It was spilling with bright red grease. However, the sauce that came with them was great. For dessert, the Spanish creme brulee tasted like vanilla pudding with a tube of strawberry ice cream syrup squeezed onto the sugar crust. I will not be returning. I'm still trying to get rid of my stomach ache from dinner.
(2)Brent R.
Been here twice and we recently went for my birthday with a reservation of 8. Its a small place so I was worried that they could handle the tables so we went early. Bartender took a while for drinks but once we got the bottles of wine rolling it was great! It is so much fun and the food is awesome! I will be back often
(4)Cari B.
I have been to Bull-eh-dia twice now and would just give it a shrug. It is not expectional, nor were they bad experiences. The food, for the most part, is pretty tasty. I have not really got a sense of any signature dishes, but the dates with goat cheese are quite delicious! The service is inconsistent at best. The people are certainly friendly, but very scarce. It takes a long time to get water, bread, plates cleared- all things that should be routine. Tapas is a slow paced meal, but the wait for drinks and even getting the check really brings down the experience. They have delicious drink specials throughout the week, I would probably stop in just for some sangaririta more often if I would not have to wait so long for a server. All in all, a good place to enjoy a slow leisurely meal with someone, but not a place to really enjoy out of this world tapas.
(3)Chris S.
Pros: Cute restaurant, with decorating they take pride in, and should. Smaller, intimate feel to it than some of the other tapas restaurants in the city. Cons: The dishes all seemed to be a couple of dollars more expensive than at other restaurants. If this is a reflection of the quality of ingredients, they should consider putting someone in the kitchen that can take advantage of that. Nothing came out hot. Some of it warm, some of it room temperature. I made a comment about this to the server who was unmoved to do anything about it. For our entire meal we were treated to the kitchen staff regaling each other with foulmouthed stories of the night before (I usually have absolutely no problem with this, just not within earshot of the entire dining room. For the entire hour I was there. It was like the pissed off soundtrack to my meal). As much as I'd like to recommend this local place, I simply can't.
(2)Jacques M.
I have gone a few times and tried a wide array of their tapas. The Bacon Wrap Dates are my personal favorite. The muscles are excellent also. The atmosphere is great with dim lights and cozy seats. This is a good place to take a date, especially on a weekday when it's less crowded. I'm a big eater and some of the portions are a little sparse for the price. Although, I can't think of anything I ever ordered there that didn't taste great. A group of two will probably need about 4 dishes and it can get a little pricey, we spent over $40 on a lunch for two. However, I don't mind paying a little more good food. I wish they has some sort of deal were you could get 4 Tapas and drinks for like $30, as the price is the only thing that prevents me from going more often. Definitely worth a taste if you haven't been
(4)David L.
Exciting music, big portions for tapas, and excellent service. Muy muy bueno.
(4)Becky D.
Yay! Tapas! When out on a girls night, start with tapas! The pitchers of sangria are delicious! I highly recommend the peach, even if it is a little more expensive. The bacon wrapped scallops are amazing. The scallops are so perfectly cooked you can cut them with the unbladed side of a butter knife, the bacon was perfectly crispy! The spicey potatoes are refreshingly salty and delicious. The spicey chicken was delicious. Crab cakes are good, with a kick of red pepper and a delicious sauce and leafy green vegetables. The crowd here is on the younger side. Bordering on hipster/college kids. There are young professionals here as well. A good start to a girls night!
(4)Angie R.
Favorite Tapas place! i love it here more and more every time i come here. The staff is great and attentive and the food is awesome! Pollo ala brava is soo good! what i like the most about this place is that the food is always the same and always perfect! Passion fruit sangria is also great!
(5)Ross F.
Best tapas I have ever had...including a trip to Barcelona and Madrid. The food was just out of this world awesome. We had the squid, goat cheese w tomato sauce (not marinara really), and some lamb chops. The presentation and tastes easily beat any of the other Chicago tapas places. The service was fine but the place only had a few other people in it, they were playing some jamming spanish guitar cd (no complaints) and the banana desert should not be missed!
(5)erin k.
Deep-fried pillows of breaded goat cheese on a plate laced with balsamic reduction and honey. Some girls like flowers...
(4)David S.
Good tapas. They were not to big like some places. The steak ones were very good. Downsides were: pretty loud and tiarmasu was overly coffee tasting.
(4)K B.
Went last night for my first time. The food, when I got it, was decent.... BUT the service was below parr. We had to ask for more water and/or clean glasses (mind you this is a small place). What got me was an hour after ordering I was waiting on my second plate...empenadas. I asked how long they took, the waiter looked at his order sheet and said "one minute, do you want me to put them in now." WHAT?! He forgot to put in my order and by this time I was not hungry anymore b/c I was so annoyed. They didn't offer to make them for me to take home or ask if I wanted dessert. I will never go back.
(2)Kristin C.
Congrats to Bull el Dia for securing the number 2 spot in my tapas list, and because of the fact that I didn't have to wait an hour to sit outside like at ba ba reeba, it is a close second. The place was cute, cozy, authentic looking and they have a little outdoor patio. Tables are a little close together out there, but we dealt with it. Price-wise, it was comparable to most other tapas places in the city, around $6-8 for most dishes. Service was a tad slow, but overall it was a pleasant experience and I can't wait to go back. Now on to the food ... The Good Stuff Shrimp in olive oil/garlic -- Solid item. Shrimp was cooked perfectly, flavors were not too overpowering. Would definitely order again Carne en Tostada -- Definitely the best thing we had, we ordered seconds. A very tender piece of beef on a crostini topped with a slice of Manchego cheese and a little red pepper. Soooo good! Stuffed Chicken - Don't remember the name, but it was stuffed with spinach, goat cheese (see I told you I liked it), carmelized onions among other things. I dont even like onions, but I honestly think that they made this dish - gave it a bit of sweetness. This was served over a bed of red pepper mashed potatoes, which were very good. Was thrown off a bit by the look/texture, but they were great. The So So Stuff Croquetas de queso -- I will eat goat cheese on anything, with anything, or with nothing. These were fried balls (sexual, huh) with warm goat cheese inside. The interesting/maybe weird part of it was the honey and balsamic vinegar it was drizzled with. The flavor was very, very unique, something I have never tasted before. Not sure that I would order it again, but I'm glad I did. Would probably try the traditional baked goat cheese next time. Mussels in marinara -- This was my first time having mussels, and well, it tasted like I thought it would.
(4)Josclyn W.
Only come here if you have no taste buds! While waiting for a midnight showing at the music box, Mr and I stopped in to have some small plates. The loud music and empty seats meant the locals even on a beautiful Friday night know to steer clear, we should of. We were recommended a pitcher of the peach sangria, and it tasted like peach syrup and water, even at 22 dollars we both could not stomach another glass plastic beer pitcher it came in was also very unappetizing! I started with the olives, They were pitted which is strange, I like my olives tender bitter in a cured way and a little salty, I would say the exact opposite, chewy, bland and sour, with whole cloves of raw hard garlic and mini gherkins! Boooo I was anxiously awaiting the next plates. Mr started with a portable hot place with manchego cheese crustini and it was not bad!!! A beacon of hope? then ordered the shrimp hot plate, The tight rubber fishy smelling balls drenched in oil, silvered garlic and red pepper flake with a lemon wedge thrown in, maybe for protection. He ate one and the fish smell and taste was so powerful he did not finish the rest. I ordered a hot chicken plate with saffron rice, and the chicken was cooked properly but covered with this red almost mayonnaise like substance which made the chicken and peppers and onions all taste the same. The rice was mush, faint yellow, grains all smashed together. 55 dollars later we were still hungry decided to drink our dinner at a bar down the street.
(1)E W.
There is definitely better Tapas else where in the city.
(2)Stefany F.
My friend and I decided to try a new restaurant in my neighborhood for a girl's night. It was a sporadic decision, and we decided to just go where the wind blew us. Turns out the wind was blowing to the Northeast, and we were gusted into Bull-eh-dia's. The host, who happened to be a perfect cross between a rugged cabana boy and actor Jay Hernandez (hallelujah!!) wasn't very attentive. We had to walk into the restaurant and look around for 5 minutes before the bartender noticed our exasperated looks and directed us to the host. Other than the confusion in the beginning of this culinary quest, it was a positive experience. The tapas were hefty portions (for tapas, that is), and the sangria was above par, but I've still had better. I DO have three words for you though: Queso de Cabra. That was definitely out of this world. If you aren't in the neighborhood, or don't have a desire to catch a glimpse of a Jay Hernandez doppelganger, I wouldn't suggest going out of your way for this local tapas café.
(3)min. r.
This is one of those "I hate to review it because I hate the idea of it getting too crowded" reviews, but we went for dinner here on Fri. night and now, on Monday, the BF & I are still talking about it. A rarity, as usually he doesn't like to discuss food. The bacon wrapped dates and the grilled octopus were divine. I'll order them every time I go. The $18 pitcher of red sangria? Again, I'll never be here without it. The cheese empanadas? Decent, but could've used more flavor. The only low point of the meal was the carne tostatdas. The 'tostada' was a french bread baguette from the across the street Jewel, it was stale and totally boring. The meat on top of it was soft and succulent though. We ate every morsel of meat, and left all the bread. Our waitress was great, presentation was gorgeous service was quick, and the best part? A runner came to bring us a plate and saw that we still had something on the table. He took the plate back in to give us more time (on his own accord, but it was more than fine with us). When he came back with the plate a few minutes later, it was still hot and delicious. Great timing. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)Imilya M.
Went here for my birthday last Saturday and I had a great time. The waitress was really nice even though we made her wait an hour before ordering any real food, besides drinks, for the rest of my friends to come. The empanadas were really good too. So was the sangria.
(4)Cecilia O.
I love the atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course the amazing authentic tapas. I love everything on the menu (as well as the ever-changing specials), especially the Portuguese mussels, and the garlic shrimp (cooked to perfection!). It's a great place for a date with intimate seating for two, as well as for medium/large groups with larger tables that can be arranged to accommodate the size of the group. When I was there with a big group (about 15 ppl) the upstairs was perfect for the occasion. In the summer the outdoor seating is nice and sunny, and in the winter the cozy candle-lit interior feels really great. The upstairs has a more loungy modern feel, and on Thursdays even more so with a DJ spinning great lounge music. One last thing to mention is that the lunch specials are great! Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Jim W.
Little bit of a different review. Apparently in addition to being a semi-new down the street from Tango Sur, BeD's let's you book "party packages" if your party is at least 8 strong. [Note: if you have 15+, then you can book the party room upstairs, it's BYOB and you get a dedicated server] We got some sort of custom 7-dish package since we didn't make the 15 person minimum. We were a party of 13 there for a bday, so it was kind of nice not to have to deal with the hassle of looking down the menu and dealing with variable costs outside of the sangria (although apparently we missed the scallops Maureen M recommended). Since I wasn't the event planner, I have no idea what the format was, but it just seemed like they kept bringing different tapas out. I think I dropped my standards a bit since I was famished, but everything tasted good, although I think Babareeba might still be a bit better. The dish that stood out to me was the Empanadas con Chorizo Mojo Canario (long name!) but it was the avocado sauce that really made it. The Pollo Relleno, stuffed with spinach and goat cheese was also yummy. The restaurant itself is pretty small and very friendly and cozy. The manager really took care of us and the service was phenomenal. I'm sure this contributed to our final bill, but my sangria glass rarely, if ever, went down to half empty. Both the red and white were equally good, although BeD's doesn't have quite the variety of Babareeba. What was really awesome though was at one point, one of the waiters went around with a pitcher of ice and spooned ice into our sangria glasses so that it would be nice and cold - talk about full service! In the end, I'm not sure I ate that much but given how much I drank, the bill/person was not unreasonable at $45, esp given the attention the restaurant gave us. BeD's is worth a second visit to try some other plates, and definitely a great place for a large group.
(4)Sandra J.
I have been here a few times and I liked it but this last time I was a bit disappointed. Food was good but service was meh! My friend Jake and I went for dinner and split a few dishes. The sangria was a bit sweet and watered down. The bacon wrap dates were so heavenly and the chicken w rice was alright but sort of bland. The grilled octopus was very good but heavy on the oil. our waitress was a bit flighty but when we were waiting for our octopus, she did give me a sangria on the house. I had great dishes here before but I guess I was hoping for that magic again. I was hoping that our time was just an off day because it is so hard to find a good tapas place especially near southport!
(3)Sarah B.
They have since changed the music to more appropriate Spanish guitar - and the sangria is still delicious and well-priced, and the tapas are decent.
(4)Minh T.
Went here with a friend. The ambiance is nice, and our waitress was really friendly and helpful. I remember the sangria being delicious and half-priced on Tuesdays (but not very alcoholic), and the calamari was incredible. Usually with calimari, you get the overcooked rubbery variety, but at Bull-eh-dia's, it was tender and cooked perfectly. I definitely want to go back.
(3)Matt J.
We just happened to stumble by this gem after being the neighborhood and looking for a late dinner. Granted the place was pretty empty being it was about 10:00 p.m. but our server was FANTASTIC and very friendly and inviting as we were unsure if they would still be serving dinner!! He explained all the dishes we had questions about including the beers we were unfamiliar with. The restaurant itself is a bit smaller but it had a great ambiance, great music, and I would describe it more as cozy. There was not one plate we ordered that we didn't like and the prices were very affordable considering how big the portions were per tapas. We will definitely be coming back and bringing some friends whether it be at this location or the new one. I highly recommend trying some of the different beers. We had a round of drinks, four tapas, and dessert and it was about $60-$65 before tip. The LED flashlight keychain our server tossed into our TO GO bag was a surprising added bonus that just goes to show you how they strive to go the extra mile.
(5)Patrick n.
This place was more expensive and worse in every way than pretty much every tapas place we've been to in town. I can make better versions of almost every dish we tried, and it would probably cost me less to do so. The food wasn't terrible it was just okay, and there is no reason to spend more for mediocre tapas when there are 20 better, cheaper ones around the city (BaBaReeba, Iberico, las Ramblas to name a few)
(2)Alice C.
I have never eaten at a tapas place before. I knew there were small plates and all, so I was a little hesitant about eating there. But! my friend insisted, so I went. The first thing I tried was carne en tostada (medium well) and it was sooo good, I wanted another one. Which I was going to order again, but! TADA! Gambas al ajillo came... My goodness! the shrimp was sooo good mixed with the bread. The garlic, the lemon, the olive oil... such a great taste in my mouth. By this time I was already getting a little full, but how could I say no to a paella con todo (a rice dish that has everything you could imagine! From veggies, to chicken, to seafood, to the imaginary world of tasteful food). A complete delight! After the paella, I knew I couldn't eat anymore. Little did I know, the dessert was on its way... Migas de chocolate was a complete "touch of heaven" just like the server said. That brownie can only exist in your dreams, you would think! BUT IT EXISTS! And you can only find it at Bullehdias. The servers were good, it was pretty busy during the weekend, but I hope it is not like this during the week, 'cause I am definitely coming back after work or ask for a delivery. On top of the tables there were these magnets that you could put on your refrigerator, and it has 5 dollars off... not too much. BUT A DISCOUNT IS A DISCOUNT. If I were to come here again, I will definitely bring a lot of friends, it's a cozy environment and it feels like you have privacy. Overall I give it a 5! Fogo de Chao and this place are one of my favs!
(5)howard n.
I was fretting until the morning of NYE to see where to go that night. I kind of stumble onto this place, checked YELP, of course, almost went to 1492 tapas instead, and was ready to shell out 90 bucks per person on their NYE dinner. However, the right conscience surely set in and steeredme to this restaurant. what gave me a good first impression was the fact, I was able to book a table for 0930 that night. The restaurant was small, and when we first walked in, it was loud and packed. Everyone seemed having a good time. The wait staff was friendly, a little frentic, but at least they took their time to greet and acknoledge you, which to me was important. It's a great spot for people watching. the clientele seems young, hip and relazed. they were a lot of good look people that night. the food was overall good, dates wrapped with bacon was good as advertised. it's a party of flavors, crunchy, sweet, salty, creamy, cheezy, smoky, all the flavors meshed together in perfection. chicken croquette was moist, cheesy, and aromatic, another great choice. you must try the paella negro, which was the paella cooked with squid, shrimp, and squids' own black ink. it was fun, adverturous, the squid ink adds a rich, briny, and buttery taste to the paella that you won't be able to experience wthout the ink. squid was tender, rice was perfectly cooked, it finally broke my prejuidice on the european don't know how to cook rice properly. the desserts, the chocolate brownie cheesecake was to die for, and so was the banana cooked in liqueor, with crunchy almonds. the creme brulee was a little less to be desired. atomsphere was great, we all had a great time, the wait staff was attentative, the order was overall correct. when they do make a mistake, they do correct it immediately. so overall I had a great time and will go back again.
(4)Christine N.
I ate at Bull-eh-dia's last night and I was not impressed. The food was average, bordering on bad, and the sangria was terrible! The service was good, although there were only 3 tables occupied. Also, the place was freezing!!! Crank up the heat please! Overall, I wouldn't waste my time and money here. You can eat tapas that taste a lot better for the same price.
(2)Chelsa P.
So far I have been here 3 times and have not been disappointed. I have had all 3 of their Sangria and even though it is not the best that I have ever had it is pretty close. The ribs, that have been on the special menu are absolutely amazing, so if you like ribs, try theirs, you will not be disappointed.
(4)maureen m.
Mandilyn (sp), the owner made a special martini for the night. It was sweet with peach vodka. She constantly attended to the tables in this cozy neighborhood restaurant in Lake view like you were at her home. The food: crab cakes were served in a non traditional shape (ball) that were served with fresh lettuce and sauces. The scallops were perfectly cooked, again with lovely fresh variety of lettuce and sauce. This place is cozy, clean and perfect for a delicious meal under $35.00.
(5)johnny b.
ugh been here a couple times wanting to like it. Wont ever be back. Food is just not good. Over cooked chicken and under seasoned food. Uninspiring and bland. Go down the street to coobah for much better food. If you are just going for drinks not bad but skip the food.
(1)Karen B.
I LOVE it here! I've gone a few times and this place is a neighborhood gem! Best serve, amazing tapas, intimate atmosphere, the wine selection is fabulous and everything is reasonably priced. I recommend this place to friends in the area and people who are visiting from out of town. Great place to check out!!
(5)Troy H.
Great tapas! Get the spicy potatoes. The tables are a little cramped together but the food is quick and full of flavor. The $7 martinis are very yummy and a little strong (a good thing!), try the Ibiza.
(4)Joscelyn M.
No offense to the neighborhood of the Cubs, but I was really surprised to find such good food in the area (save for the Tango Sur meaty goodness up the street). I'm used to hitting up Wrigley for some beer. The place is really cool and the food is good - standard Spanish fare done well. Sangria is pretty kickin'. If I ever find myself in the hood not feeling too tipsy, I'll be heading here!
(4)Heather K.
I really wanted to love this meal and I didn't...but I had a good enough experience that I'd definitely be willing to go back and try some new dishes. Here goes: I liked the décor/colors/general atmosphere, I was fine with the music except it was a bit too loud, I did NOT like the fact that they didn't have fans or AC going because it was mad hot, yo! Red sangria was tasty but weak, but at only $11 for a small pitcher I suppose I should have known better. On to the food! - Smoked Salmon: tasted fine but the plate came out with 4 giant pieces of fish and 4 little crostini. Basically you had to make yourself an open-face salmonwich and make that baby last 5 bites. It was sort of weird. - Tortilla Espanola: this was actually a disappointment for me. Totally bland, and there were no onions in the omelet! Skip this one. - Queso de Cabra: pretty tasty, but the cheese was not as creamy as I would have liked. The tomato sauce had a nice flavor to it. - Dates: as some other people have mentioned, this seems to be the winner. Stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, finished with a balsamic syrup. Very filling; it came with 4 pieces and my pants started feeling too tight after I ate 2 of 'em. - Meatballs: 4 meatballs (I don't know if they were pork or beef, or a mix) in a creamy, mushroom-filled sauce over saffron rice. - Pincho de Pollo: this was really good...marinated chicken and red peppers on a skewer, over the saffron rice. I'd order this one again! - Flan: thank goodness for my separate dessert stomach, because I was totally full from dinner but managed to save enough room for an order of flan. Always a good decision! So here's what I'd do differently next time: - Sit outside - Try the white instead of red sangria (or just drink more of it, haha) - Make my way down the tapas menu, because there were tons of other options that sounded delicious
(3)Jillian D.
my search for authentic tapas has ended. dining here is like being transported to spain. it's intimate, sexy and oh-so-delicious! have not had a chance to sample the sangria yet, but every tapas i have tried has been delightful. i'm a big fan of the patatas bravas, and they offer their version with two different sauces on the side - one spicy hot, one cool and soothing ( i think it may have avocado in it?). also worth mentioning is the jamon y queso - i could make a meal on that alone! take your special someone here. save iberico or ba-ba-reeba for the big group outings. this is the real deal.
(5)Dan B.
Really, really like this place. The tapas ((there is a large selection of cold and hot)) are super yummy and reasonably priced. My personal favorites are the goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese empanadas. Honestly, though, the atmosphere is what really keeps me coming back to this place. The owners are very friendly and gracious. Also, the service is peppy, which I like in a tapas joint. The ambiance inside is great and they have a nice little outdoor seating area in the summer. Oh, the sangria! More, please.
(4)Sarah A.
I was very excited to find a tapas place that I could walk to, however after eating there I was very disappointed. We ordered the Spanish omelet and grilled chicken in garlic, the food was very bland. I would not recommend going here.
(2)Laura A.
it wasn't as good as la taberna but definitely a quiet atmosphere. datiles de tocino not as good as la tabernas. my favorite was the croquetas de puerco, so good! and yes i had my sangria. peach. like always.
(3)Anthony P.
What a nice surprise! My wife and i went there on a Friday night around 8pm. We were seated promptly and we were quickly able to enjoy the warm laid-back Spanish decor. One quick tip: avoid the high tables/chairs as they get very uncomfortable overtime. We ordered a half-pitcher of white sangria and a few hot tapas. Everything was truly delicious while remaining unpretentious. The flan with toasted almonds, chocolate syrup and whipped was just a delight. And the service was spot on. Definitely looking forward to becoming a regular and highly recommend it.
(5)Alexis B.
My parents worked with Joe and Mariena at Bull-eh-dia's to organize our engagement party last month. It was phenomenal! The food was excellent, the service was great, and Mariena was just so nice and accommodating about everything. She even presented my fiance and I with a complimentary bottle of champagne when we arrived. The party was at 2pm, so we basically had the whole restaurant to ourselves. It was a really wonderful experience; my fiance and I are sure to return in the future. If you go, be sure to try the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese... to die for!
(5)Sarah H.
I have eaten at bull-eh-dia's before and found the food to be decent as far as tapas go. However on my second visit i was quite disappointed. The food was so boring and the chorizo stuffed eggplant on the special menu tasted like hamburger helper. The wine list is sufficient but the cocktails leave much to be desired. The peach sangria is watery and bland.
(2)Paul D.
Marvelous. Everywhere - great, open decor; handsome wine list; food through the roof. We had scallops in a saffron sauce, with red peppers; a pork tenderloin stuffed with dates, almonds, moorish-influenced flavors, in a white wine and aromatic broth; grilled octopus with potatoes; crab cakes; chorizo empanadas with two sauces (a red pepper coulis and avocado sauce). Unbelievable intensity of flavor and skill. Passed back with a really nice tempranillo (forget the vintner), and a Ladera white. Music mix was spot on, wonderful. We understand Tuesdays, 7p-9p, there is a live guitarist; we're in. Congrats to the chef and owners for creating such an authentic, wonderful experience.
(5)Franny S.
I had dinner here Saturday night and really enjoyed it. The (red) sangria was excellent and the food was (mostly) very good. My favorite thing was definitely the dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon...I don't normally eat meat, but every few years I make an exception just for this dish (it's a fairly common tapas item). Other winners were the garlic shrimp, potato salad, grilled scallops, crabcakes and caramel creme brulee. On the flip side, the cheese empanadas had too much dough and not enough cheese, and the portobello crostini was just so-so. All in all, a lovely addition to Southport...I'll go back for sure.
(4)Liz F.
We went on Valentines day before the Blackhawks game and were seated right away. I love tapas and sangria so this place was like heaven. From the crispy, spicy potatoes all the way through the delicious poached pear dessert I was not disappointed in any way.
(4)Suee S.
I went here last night for my friends birthday dinner. I was a little late as were two others so the party has to wait until everyone was there in the small bar area to be seated. So then we were all there then had to wait another 30 minutes for our table. I guess I can understand but if we were coming for sure then I dont see why they would have to wait and then have to wait even longer. Yes the bar area is small and there is only one little lane for everyone to walk through so there is constantly servers etc passing by. I thought the food was pretty good. There were some dishes I didnt care too much for like the artichokes. I've never really had tapas so I dont have much to compare it to. We all ordered and we jsut passed around the dishes and we were all able to have a good amount of food. I was pretty full. The bill wasnt too bad either. I had two glasses of wine and the food and it was about 35 each. The server was nice and addresses requests pretty quickly.
(4)sheila J.
We came here on a Sat. night without a reservation. We were seated in about 15-20 minutes, which gave us enough time to run out and get a bottle of wine. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. The only drawback was that the noise. The music was loud, so therefore everyone had to yell to be heard over the music. All in all a good place.
(4)Jeff k.
Visited on 8/11/2011 and it was my second time. I had to go back because the food is amazing. It is all tapas style. The service is good, attentive enough but they work with a small staff so if they are busy you might wait an extra minute. They food comes out as fast as any restaurant I've been to. The steak tapas are all ridiculous and the potatoes are some of the best i've had. I've been to places like Cafe Iberico that have similar dishes but just aren't as good as this. The seafood Tapas are great and I could tell that it was fresh. If you have time I would suggest waiting 30-40 minutes for the paella because it is worth it. The prices are very fair, as you would expect for tapas. It's in the rotation for good.
(4)Stacie K.
For a better tapas experience, I would go to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. The food here was OK, at best. It was pretty tasteless, and nothing really stands out in my mind. The service was good, though, but I think that may be because I went early in the evening, when people weren't swamped/occupied with others. They DO have dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, which I would like to try..but my friend that I went with does not enjoy goat cheese (strange, isn't it?). If anyone reads this, and has had those dates I speak of, please let me know if it's worth it to go back and give them a second shot.
(2)Ashley M.
After walking by this place frequently, i finally stopped in on a Friday night for dinner. I didn't realize what a great decision that was! Although the dining room is a little cramped (but then again what restaurant in Lakeview isn't?), the food was fantastic. I recommend the red Sangria, and the Carne Caserna. The prices aren't bad, but beware the wait could be. A great place for a date or dinner with a group of friends. I'll be back!
(4)rachel s.
So disappointing, we left after four plates and finished our meal at Azucar. Service was great, but the food was bland. And the drinks were even worse.
(2)Becky S.
Stumbled across Bull-eh-dia's and decided to give it a try. Great potato salad and sangria! Very nicely decorated and reasonably priced ($8 per plate).
(4)Courtney S.
Everything about this place was pretty darn good. The waitress was intense and then she got busy so it was a little hard to pay the bill, but the food appeared almost immediately after ordering it. The shrimp, salmon, asparagus, and croquettes were all excellent. The mojitos were tasty and my friend enjoyed the white sangria. We will definitely be back. Annoying thing--the wait staff took a verrrry long time noisily moving chairs and tables behind us, only to move them back about twenty minutes later. Sounds like a silly thing to mention, but we were having a personal conversation and it was extremely distratcting.
(4)Mindy V.
Just ok. Pretty big selection and I loved there spanish sausages and sangria but the shrimp were kinda bland and the space is small and nothing special. Nice to sit outside and people watch on Southport tho!
(3)J B.
The food here is basically inedible. It is borderline disgusting. It is not even close to being authentic spanish food. I lived in Spain and the easiest tastiest dish to make is tortilla espanola, and Bull-eh-dia managed to screw that up. If you want good authentic great tasting tapas, skip this place and go to Cafe Iberico.
(1)Shannon M.
So me and The Boy had about an hour before our show at The Music Box Theatre and I saw this place on the way there so we went and checked it out. There weren't many people there (just a couple a few tables away and two guys at the bar) and was kinda dark inside, but led for good ambiance and was pretty cozy regardless. Although I've been to Spain before, The Boy and I weren't very well versed in tapas so we just chose a variety of things to try. The items we got were pretty tasty (the balsamic reduction and honey sauce on the goat cheese coquettes was to die for), especially considering the price (and the house red was pretty good). The service was generally pretty speedy and our server was nice and generally on top of things (he may have forgotten to pick up our last item but he was also the bartender so I'll let it pass). Next time I go out for a night on the town, I may have to revisit this place...
(4)Sam K.
I was so excited to try out a new tapas place, but sadly this one was very disappointing. First, and this is just an annoyance-the outside tables were SO small that there was no room for the three tapas we started with. Service-no complaints Then...the food. Average at best. The chicken was dried out, nothing was very flavorful... Too many other good restaurants in the city. Won't be returning
(2)Wyllys B.
Bull-eh-dia's is as good as tapas can get in Chicago. This for us is a neighborhood haunt and a thousand times better than the likes of Cafe Ba-Ba-Rebob. The couple who runs it are as good as it gets in the restaurant industry, excellent people. The owners run it, they care immensely about the product they produce and it shows. Go with friends and turn over your palate to Marianna and Joe to make your dining experience beyond belief. Try the dates they are out of this world. We are now working our way through the entire menu and trying everything, not a bad one in the bunch so far!
(5)Lynn K.
So the food was pretty good, the sangria didn't have any brandy in it. Weird right?, only wine and fruit, i asked. The female owner still takes tables and our server told us they don't pay their staff hourly. It was slow and she was kind of complaining, I don't blaim her! Good location and decent food but could be better.
(2)tessa c.
three stars for the paella and my calamari in lemon/olive oil. no stars for the service and sangria and the other mediocre tapas. i just don't understand how they couldn't manage extra help the night before new year's and 2 days warning for our huge party. poor waitress was serving the entire restaurant.
(3)Mrs H.
I love their red sangria! And the goat cheese with marinara sauce is unbelievable! The service is pretty slow when it's busy, but I think the food makes up for it.
(4)Michelle B.
Do not order the cheese platter! I have had the opportunity to eat here twice in the last month. The atmosphere is absolutely friendly, warm, and cozy. I have tried several things on the menu and I highly recommend the following: Patatas Ali Oli (Spanish potato salad); Carne en Tostada; Pollo al Ajillo; and Chorizo Espanol. I tried the Empanadas de Queso and was somewhat disappointed - they did not have enough cheese filing or the "kick" of hawtness that I was looking for. Also, whatever you do, order the "red" sangria over the sangra blanca or white. The white sangria was disappointing (too much soda water) and did not pack as much punch or flavor as the red. Also, if you are order a glass of wine - either white or red, you can expect a very "generous pour," which is always a nice perk when dining out. Like I said at the beginning of the review: do not order the cheese platter as you will be disappointed - I think the platter is way over-priced and does not lend much for your palate to sample (even thou it is referred as an "assorted Spanish cheese platter" - it really is not). Instead, use the money you would have spent on the cheese platter for another fine dish that is offered on the menu. Finally, if you are a "late-nighter" and looking for a good meal after midnight, this is the place to go - the food is just as fresh and enjoyable if you had dined earlier in the evening. Enjoy!
(4)Anna P.
This place was decent - I went on a date and it was actually a pretty fun experience choosing tapas and drinks together and then sharing everything. I don't think it's the best tapas I've ever had, but it's also not the worst - it shares a lot in common with most tapas places in the US: 1. Pro: You get to try lots of yummy foods. 2. Con: The plates are always pretty small. I think it's a fun place for a date or dinner with a friend or two if you're not super starving and want to try something different.
(3)tracy g.
I love tapas and Sangria!!! So when I saw that this place opened in Lakeview after Otra Mas closed I wanted to give it a try. The food here is awesome. The dates wrapped in bacon is addicting!!! When my friends and I went one summer night, we were indecisive on our beverage so the bartender whipped up a strawberry lemonade martini that i could have sat and drank a lot of!!! In Feb. I celebrated my birthday there in the upstairs space and it was great!
(5)Nick B.
It's been a really long week. Work is kicking my butt. Stuck catsitting while the parents are enjoying a week out on the west coast. What is a guy to do? Grab a friend on a Tuesday night and chug 1/2 price pitchets of sangria. Enter Bull-eh-dia's. I've been to a number of tapas restaurants since the beginning of the summer. Some are outstanding, some are meh, and some are cool. Bull-eh-dia's get in that category. I went in at about 9PM and largely due to the fact that it was 1/2 price sangria. I wasn't starving so a few potatoes and some other plates would fit the bill. Despite some angsty reviews, I thought the service was pretty good. Our waitress was always attentive but left us time to chat and enjoy our plates and drinks without asking if we wanted another pitcher or more food. The price was right, the atmosphere was chill, and I enjoyed the music. I wasn't blown away, but I would definitely recommend to stop in if you're trying to just have a nice, easy night out.
(4)Amanda A.
I've been here a couple of times since my last visit and just have to emphasize that although the food is delightful - the Pincho de Carne and the Pincho de Pollo are not to be missed -- the service just continually leaves something to be desired. We had a hard time getting water refilled, at one point we wanted to order more tapas and we waited about 20 minutes to see our server, and it was just disappointing. I have also enjoyed their sangria in the past but the last time we went it just tasted like juice. Choose something else for your beverage.
(3)Holly S.
Never again! We had reservations for 12 for a friend's going away party and they made the night so crappy. It took forever for them to take our orders, and when they finally did our server could not get anything right. She forgot all our drinks. They'd only bring out two plates each 30 minutes, meaning some people ate at 9pm and some at 11pm - that's ridiculous. They had us seated at separate tables, even though they have an entire upstairs that we saw was empty and not reserved. The octopus was good but not worth this service. Most of the guys ended up having burgers later on at a bar.
(1)Bianca J.
Never had tapas before, but this place is alright.... Priced just right, taste is nothing to rave about. Also, the sangria is not the greatest... kinda bland
(3)Amy S.
Pros: The location (great neighborhood!), the atmosphere/ambiance, nice outdoor seating. The service is decent. Cons: The food is so-so, ranks on the bottom of other tapas places in the city. I would not recommend the sangria. Also, the most grating part for me is their advertisement of $3 tapas up until 6pm. What they serve under this special is pretty much two bites of food. They basically serve one quarter to one half of the full price tapas. It makes more sense to pay the $7 and get a somewhat acceptable portion. I hope they reconsider this promotion, if they do, I would perhaps give another star.
(3)Shaun R.
I've been to Bull-eh-dia's a couple of times. Always a great experience! Food was excellent! I'd recommend the Spicy Potatoes, or the Chorizo Empanadas! A fun, responsive staff, too! As reflected with some of the other posters here, I do think the prices are a little steep vs. a typical Tapas bar - specifically, for the alcohol (Sangria pitchers were over $20 - which usually gives about 4 glasses total). If they were a bit more reasonable, it would get a 5 stars from me. For first-timers: the restaurant is small, but I've never had an issue getting a table.
(4)justine s.
Alright I may be a little biased because I used to work here, but this place has some great food. Granted sometimes it gets a little busy, but that just means that people enjoy the place and keep returning. The space is small and the tables are a little too close together but I think it just creates a more intimate atmosphere. I saw a lot of couples come through this place and they always seemed to leave smiling. As everyone said...bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates, ahhh-mazing. The garlic shrimp is really good as well. I also remember really liking the chorizo with potatos. It's worth trying for sure.
(4)Jen D.
Summer update: I've eaten there a few times now since my delivery experience and it was great!!! I'll definitely keep this on a list of neighborhood favorites. Original review: I believe this place has been opened less than a month. There is no sign outside (yet?). It's across from the Jewel parking lot on Southport just south of Waveland - in the old Nebours space. Hopefully this will be a great non-bar addition to the corridor. My review is only for carry-out. I'm sure the food would have been better dining in. I ordered 3 hot tapas plates and was told it would be 45 mins. On a Sunday early evening, that seemed a little long - esp for a new place... Anyway, my instincts were correct, I think my food was sitting for at least 10 mins before I picked it up at the prescribed time. Patatas Bravas w/2 different spicy sauces. The potatoes were good as was the red aoili, I'm not sure what the the other sauce was. It didn't do it for me. Goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped with bacon: 4 little nuggets of heaven. Again, these came with 2 sauces. One appeared to be a sweet balsamic reduction or something. It was great. The other sauce I couldn't identify was red and not as tasty. Empanadas stuffed with Fetilla Cheese: 1 of the 4 was missing the cheese. These were a little dry, but I think they'd be much better fresh cuz I think they'd been ready for quite a while. The cheese inside was a nice mild white cheese. Since it's less than a month old, I will try this place again and update my review. I really want this restaurant to succeed since I'd love to have tapas 2 blocks from my house. The owners and chef seem like REALLY nice people (from their neighborhood association presentation). They put a lot of effort into transforming the space. The main floor dining room is small, but very cute. There will be seating upstairs once they get a permit or something. If the owners read this: carry-out sauce cups for patatas bravas are TOO SMALL. I mean, not even enough sauce for 1 person.
(3)Melissa D.
I give three stars for a pretty legit reason. My first experience was definitely a 5 star experience. Definitely something I'd write home about, or better yet, yelp about. It was a Thursday at about 3 in the afternoon. My friend and I were the only ones in there, so it was great. We got great service. The food was fantabulous! The service was pretty great too! How could it not be? The pitcher of Sangria, outstanding! I love white Sangria and not many places offer it. Pretty decent priced as well... Ok, so I had been craving tapas. Last Saturday, my boyfriend and I trekked over to Bulls in the pouring rain. This is not a joke. The place was packed. So packed that we couldn't get a seat. We grabbed a beer and waited, still no seat. The servers and hostessed ignored us repeatedly so we opted on checking out. I was disappointed, but still had to give props for my first time :)
(3)Melody L.
An absolute FAV! Everything is spectacular food, drinks, service, atmosphere!
(5)Arlene A.
This clean, attractive tapas place could be a lot worse. It could also be a lot better. While the service was absolutely top notch, I can't help but feel that the mark was missed with the food. Me and my honey split two cold and two hot dishes for an afternoon nibble. The olives and garlic underwhelmed me because I felt I could have gone to jewel and gotten the exact same thing. However, the Serrano ham with Manchengo (?) cheese was great! The crostini bread that came with it? Uh, so crispy that you could hear the bread crunching across the room, I found it to be a bit much. For the hot we had the Steak Ceasare, the meat was tender and delish, the reduction and potatoes that came with it? Salty and overcooked. We had the house specialty Honey Orange ribs, which were..... ok. The sangria was great, not too much fruit, but overall our afternoon snack was a bit pricey for what we got. I would probably go back when they have their kickass sangria specials.
(2)Jasmine C.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't outstanding. The ambience is rather lovely although beware: if it gets busy, you will find it IMPOSSIBLE to hear the person you're with. Portions are decent and prices are slightly higher than I thought was appropriate. It's been said before: there are better tapas places in the city.
(2)Erin V.
I think it's the over all atmosphere and service that will bring me back. I had come with my friend visiting from Ireland and he'd spent the entire day boozing at a cubs game, so he was not on his A game, to say the least. Even as he was feeding himself the patatas ali olà with the serving spoon and grabbing my roommate's croquetas from across the table, our server was incredibly courteous and patient. Over all the food was decent. I was a little disappointed with their pisto. It was more of sauteed peppers in olive oil than real pisto, but the patatas bravas made up for it. And their caipirinhas were really well made. There are better tapas restaurants in Chicago, but if you live near southport and want to keep it local, this is definitely an OK place to try out.
(3)Marissa H.
I enjoy Bull-eh-dia's very much. It partly could be because the last time I went here, a stream of gay men kept coming up to my friend and me to tell us how attractive we were. I felt pretty, y'all! If you want an ego boost, come here! Ego-boosting aside, I will say that the tapas here are all delish--at least the ones I've tried. I had an amazing special with J one time that consisted of extremely spicy mussels. Yum! Bacon-wrapped dates are always TDF, and theirs were no exception. Hmm...what else...the shrimp were awesome, great bread, and decently-priced wine...perhaps it's the wonderful food that makes everyone so joyous and eager to hand out compliments. Seriously. It's one of those places where the food/ambience makes you happy. Other: One of the bartender/waitresses is absolutely beautiful. Like, breath-taking. It's borderline annoying. They play lots of Shakira, and my friend got annoyed because she has issues with warbling lero lo le lo les and hip movements.
(4)Johanna C.
I love Spanish tapas, so I was excited to try this nearby restaurant. But, I was quite disappointed. While the food wasn't awful, it wasn't good either. I thought all of the ingredients seemed cheap and packaged, especially given the price. Not worth a trip or the money.
(1)Jessica L.
I love tapas and really like this place. We have been there twice, once with out of town guests. It was a great place to take out of towners. The atmosphere is cozy. We can walk here so it's definetly one of my favorites. I don't know that I would drive all the way across town, but... I wish they had a little bigger menu, but at least it wasn't overwhelming. We went to Cafe Baabareeba the following week and I thought Bull-eh-dia's was MUCH better! My favorites were: Queso de Cabra - I LOVE goat cheese. This was fantastic Carne en Tostada - the beef and manchego worked really well together Croquetas de Queso - little goat cheese fritters. HELLO??!! okay so I really like goat cheese
(4)Crista L.
I enjoyed the atmosphere at this restaurant ((i was there on a Tuesday night)), the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. Moderately priced, in my opinion. In the event that I choose to go Tapas again, I would choose this place over Cafe Iberico any day. PS. fairly decent veg options -- although I watched my friends slam a ton of meat.
(4)Stephanie M.
This is my favorite Tapas place outside of Spain. I think it has the most authentic food and atmosphere you can find. I have had almost everything on the menu and I go there at least once a month. My favorite dishes are the beef tostinis with blue cheese, the bacon wrapped dates, and spanish meatballs. Their sangira is out of this world good with a lot of delicious fruit.
(5)Nicole A.
This is a great choice on a night you plan to visit the Music Box Theatre. The food was pretty good, I think I would come back but the prices seemed a little steep for the quality. I had a roast beet salad with goat cheese, onions and almonds; potatoes bravas; garlic shrimp, crostini with portabello mushrooms, manchego cheese and roasted red peppers, and cheese empanadas. The salad was delicious and had 3 giant slices of roast beet, the potatoes bravas is a tapas staple but did not disappoint. The cheese empanadas were the standout, they looked homemade by the way the dough was folded over - and if in fact they were that I am impressed because these suckers are very time consuming. The service was fine, the place was packed for a Sunday night and only the bartender was on duty, so she seemed swamped. I will back for round two next time I stop into the theatre.
(3)Katie S.
I am a goat cheese fiend, and this place is like my own personal heaven. Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese? Um, YEAH... goat cheese fritters drizzled with honey and balsamic vinaigrette?? SI!!! Oh, and the other food is good too... I especially recommend the artichokes in citrus dressing and the plato de jamon.
(4)Ryan S.
Had a wonderful experience her yesterday. Intimate, stylish, and great food. A little bit pricey for the local tapas scene, but the portions definitely make the price acceptable. Ingredients seemed very fresh and packed full of flavor. I had the pleasure of being waited on by one of the owners himself, and could not have had a better experience with the staff. I think his name was Tony... Anyways, great guy. Very friendly and had some wonderful recommendations that only made my dining experience even better. Recommendations: - House Wines (Great choices by the owners on this one! We were looking for something cheap so we got a bottle of their Spanish Chardonnay and enjoyed more then expected.) - Grilled Calamari - Bacon wrapped dates (HUGE)
(4)Courtney B.
It was a Thursday night at 7pm and we were there in a group of 8 for a birthday dinner. We had met beforehand at HyeBar, practically next door, for a drink and then headed over. Not crowded at all.... lovely place, friendly waitress, no wait. We knew right away to get a couple pitchers of sangria (red)- not to be confused with "sangarita", which was on special and cheaper. Oops, oh well. What I loved about tapas places is staggering things out, ordering 2-3 things at a time over the course of a couple hours. The things that I would recommend and order again are: The Plate de Queso- Spanish cold cuts and Manchego cheese w Quince Gambas al Ajillo- garlic shrimp (we should have ordered two!) Queso de Cabra- baked goat cheese Patatas Bravas- spicy potatos (really good!) Datiles rellenos- goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (exceptional) Calamares a la Plancha- grilled calamari (large amount, very flavorful) Paella Bulerias-chicken and seafood paella (a must try! delicious) And the only thing I would not order again was the empanada. There was too much fried breading on it. Overall, a very tasty place! When you've got the time to really enjoy a long meal like this, it's fun to just relax with friends, have multiple pitchers of sangria and savor the flavors! I think each of us ordered at least 2-3 items each for the table to share. Our bill with tip was $44 pp.
(4)Stu B.
If I could have any meal in Chicago (that I've had so far of course) it would be Bull-eh-Dia's Carne Casera. Fantastic. I've sampled a couple of the other dishes there and I've never been disappointed with any of them. The deserts? Perfect. Atmosphere is good. They do great with the small space they have.
(4)Dori S.
YUMMY YUMMY GREAT FOR THE TUMMY I popped into Bull-eh-dia's early about 5 pm on a Sunday and was the only customer which kind of freaked me out. It also made me uncomfortable that throughout my meal the bartender went in the back to make my food and I kept hearing microwave beeping noises. But in the end, I don't know or care if the food was microwaved (which I doubt from the texture and flavor) it was excellent! The bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates are the stuff of dreams. Serioulsly, don't leave this life without eating these. The Carne en Tostada was tender and flavorful and the little herbed crostini it sat on was delish on its' own. The Patatas Bravas are very different than how they are served in Spain as you get 2 sauces on the side and you dip the potatoes into them. And ohhhhhh those potatoes! The potatoes are chopped then put in a bowl of water and seasoning to soak up the peppery flavoring. Then they are drained and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You could eat them without any sauce at all. But I really enjoyed mixing the 2 sauces together then dipping the potatoes into that mixture. I got the albodingas to go and had them for dinner. They were alright, I would not order them again. My martini was also rather forgettable but not bad. I think it was a lemon strawberry concoction but it tasted like water and vodka. The service was wonderful. The bartender/cook/waittress was warm and friendly and really made me feel at home. The ambience is soft, warm and very Spanish. Great story on the menu about the design contest they had to select a designer. Overall I would DEFINITELY go back to Bull-er-dias, probably next weekend.
(4)Gamaliel E.
My buddy lives in the area so we tend to hit this place up when we are tired of Raw Bar, and do not want to wait forever to get into Tango Sur. I would totally recommend this place for drinks...and a couple of tapas as an appetizer. Only because I wasn't blown away by the food. My gambas al ajillo were over cooked.....the bacon wrapped dates were very good.......and most of the other dishes weren't very memorable. I did however, find the staff very helpful and friendly. Basically letting us know of the traditional Spanish drinks, and letting us get drunk at the bar. Oh, the staff was very attractive as well. I say go to Bull-ed-dias if you are tired of the typical bars found in this area. You'll find the the staff pleasant and the ambiance different than your regular bar in this area.
(3)Sally O.
I'm thrilled to have this little Tapas place in my new neighborhood! For one, if you go, GET THE RIBS SPECIAL! The menu says it has "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness, and it doesn't lie! I can honestly see myself going and ordering three of those just for myself. :) The menu looked good enough that I'd love to return and try their other dishes. Plus, the service was super friendly. I'd recommend it!
(4)Jo M.
I really like Bull-eh-dia's and am really going to try to make a point to go more often. The tapas are wonderful, the sangria's not bad, and I really like the ambience. I went here on a date after we couldn't stand the wait at Tango Sur. Tapas are great for a date! We had smoked salmon, steak on crostini, and the empanadas. All wonderful. I brought a friend back for girl's night and we had the garlic shrimp, empanadas, bacon wrapped dates and ricotta chicken. The chicken was "meh" but everything else was divine. Luscious, little bites. And very reasonable! Thought patio time has ended, it was really great to sit out on the patio. The layout is small and intimate inside. Love the lighting and ambient latin music! Definitely give Bull-eh-dia's a try!
(4)Naomi b.
This was a real disappointment. It was very loud and crowded with barely enough room to pull out my chair without hitting the person sitting at the table behind us. They have a TV in the dining area, as opposed to just at the bar, which I always think is a big mistake. They were severely understaffed, so we didn't get very much attention. And finally, the food was incredibly mediocre, and as others have described it, bland. The asparagus was tasteless, the marinated artichokes could easily have been the canned or jarred variety, the tomato sauce/goat cheese was fine (but that's a hard one to mess up), and even the olives were just so-so. The sangria was too sweet and didn't seem to have much wine in it. No need to go back.
(1)Stacey A.
I'm going to have to come back to this review later on and edit the living fuck out of it. But here's the quickie version: If you see something on this menu with goat cheese? Order it. Especially the figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped with bacon. Sweet merciful crap, greatest tapa decision of my LIFE. More later when I can remember what I ate. And apparently this is a newer restaurant? I'll have to come back next month and see how the service has improved, because they were running their little faces off on a Saturday night and looked pretty stressed. I'd like to see if they've smoothed things out at all.
(3)Matt B.
My girlfriend and I ate here the other night and it was better than I thought it would be. I'm not trying to be a pretentious food critic, but I lived in Spain and tasted some pretty darn good tapas; and other than Cafe Iberico, tapas in Chicago has always been disappointing. We ordered: 1) Patatas Bravas- served hot and fresh, huge portion, and the sauces were lick the ramaken (sp?) worthy. 2) Beef on crostini with manchego cheese and roasted pepper. Delicious, fresh and ample portion for the price. 3) Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, aka heart-attack waiting to happen, these were out of this world. Only 4 were served in a $7 order, but they did me a favor by not putting any more on that plate considering I ate 3 of the 4. This place was fairly authentic, service was better than average (it was a Wednesday night) and the bill rang in under $30. My girlfriend had a glass of red sangria and seemed to have liked it. Our intention was to try more dishes after our first round, but we were too full.... I'd go back again, check it out if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)Malia C.
I was planning a dinner out with friends for my birthday in June. I originally called Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas, but they do not take reservations for parties larger that 8 people unless it is before 5:30pm or after 10pm. What?! Didn't make any sense to me, so I instead made my reservation at Bull-eh-Dia who gladly took my 11 person reservation for Friday night - and I'm glad they did, because it was great! Our group decided to just order a few things here and there and share everything. The waiter was patient while we waited everyone to arrive, and was quick with drink refills. The food was awesome - I remeber loving nearly everything that came out of that kitchen - and we ordered alot! I loved the fried potatoes, and the octopus was the most tender and delicious octopus i've ever had. Our group ordered lots of drinks, and lots of food and we were all stuffed by the time the bill came - and it ended up being only about $27/person! I'd reccomend Bull-eh-Dia to anyone looking for tapas in Chicago, definitely before Ba-Ba-Reeba who I would imagine would be their main competition. Friendly and Efficient Service Great Atmosphere Creative and Delicious Tapas Reasonable Prices
(5)Melissa W.
I wish that I could give 1/2 stars because, for the price, this place deserves 3.5. The food was good. Well prepared, uninspired tapas. The menu showed all of the standard tapas dishes that you could most likely find at any tapas place in the city, but they were executed well. The portabella crustini and the bacon wrapped dates stood out in my mind as the best dishes. I wouldn't recommend the croquettes. They were basically flavorless balls of fried. The sangria was inexpensive and generic. It was a little sweet for my taste (we ordered a pitcher of the red) and by no means 'strong' (as far as alcohol content is concerned). If I go back I would order from the reasonably priced wine menu instead. The server was quick and attentive. They kept the table clean, only had to ask for water once, and was prompt with the check when it was time to leave. All in all it was an OK experience, but, I will say, that for 4 adults to eat until we were full (including dessert) AND enjoy a pitcher of sangria, a final tab of $80.00 was pleasantly uprising (hence the need for an additional half star).
(3)Natalie M.
After living around the corner from this restaurant for 6 months we decided to give it a try. It looks really small but they have a big upstairs with about 15 tables and another bar. We got right in at 7:30pm on Friday night which was nice. The service was good overall (our waiter was also covering a large party of 22 and two other 2 tops) and the ambiance was great. We had a pitcher of the red sangria which was quite good. The best tapa we had was the beef tenderloin on crostini - very good! The goat cheese was good but not very large comparatively. We were going to try the dates but got too full before we could - we will definitely try it next time! I am giving it 4 stars as a great neighborhood date place - no wait, great ambiance, good service, good (not amazing) food. Thought it was fairly reasonably priced - we had 5 tapas and two pitchers of sangria and the bill was under $80.
(4)Kim B.
I finally had a chance to check out Bull-eh-dia's for an early dinner outside. I was unsure how the food would be, but it was surprisingly delicious! My friend and I split a pitcher of white sangria and three tapas. Everything was good and came out quickly - so no complaints there. So, why only 4 stars vs. 5? The service was sub-par. Perhaps it was because my companion and I were the only guests at the restaurant, but our server was "creepily" eager and we felt rushed. The music was also absurdly loud for 6pm and was annoying enough to make us want to leave after one pitcher of Sangria (not the norm for me and my friend). I would definitely want to check out Bull-eh-dia's at night as I think it could be a great place for a large group. It sounds like that is the case from the other reviews posted.
(4)Alison M.
When I was in Spain I ordered "Gambas al Ajillo" for every meal-- sometimes I'd get shrimp scampi, sometimes I'd get scrambled eggs. Once I got a shrimp omelet. Anyway, maybe I'm not the best judge of Spanish food considering getting my order right garners at least one star. However, I think Bull-eh-dia's is a pretty good addition to the Southport Corridor. The sangria is great-- they only have red and white, but they do both right. The white is light and fruity, while the red (which was better, in my opinion) was sweeter and more intense. The highlight of the meal was the dates... bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. These were amazing. I wish they served more than 4, but they were huge and I probably didn't need to eat more than 4. The grilled calamari was tasty and I liked the empanadas--the sauces served with them were excellent. I'm not sure what the green one was, but it was great. The mussels were ok, they were kind of small and served in a marinara sauce, which isn't my favorite. For dessert I had the flan, which was covered in chocolate, caramel and whipped cream. If it sounds like too much, it kind of is-- but, in a good way. Oh, and the "Gambas al Ajillo" were what I was expecting-- five tasty garlicky shrimps. Success!
(4)Babs H.
Yum! I came here last night and had the esparragos la parilla (which was excellent! I want to make asparagus like this all the time now!), the carne en tostada (difficult to eat without destroying it, but good none the less), and the patatas bravas, which I love love love! The half pitcher of sangria is ideal for a party of two. You can have a couple glasses with dinner and then on to dessert! We ordered the flan and it was probably the best flan I've ever had in a restaurant. Couple that with a cappucino (with an added shot of Frangelico) and it was perf. Out server was super friendly and the atmosphere was great - however the seats were pretty uncomfortable!
(4)Katy J.
I have been here a couple times now and every time the food and sangria are wonderful. However, every time I've been the service has sucked. As a former server I understand when a restaurant fills up or there is an issue in the kitchen, that service might not be the greatest. But when you have two or three tables this shouldn't happen. I was in with some co-workers on Tuesday night and there were kitchen issues, however we attempted to flag down our waitress multiple times and she kept ignoring us. It became a little frustrating. Even though the service has not improved, the food keeps me coming back. The bacon wrapper dates are stuffed with goat cheese which takes it to a whole new level. The steak is great with the blue cheese sauce or manchago. I definitely recommend the Chorizo Espanol, the aioli is to die for. The crab cakes are also really great with another delicious aioli. Vegetable wise, definitely get the asparagus. It is refreshing and the balsamic is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
(3)Caitlin S.
I was not impressed at all when I dined here yesterday evening. I had been once before about 2 years ago and had a positive experience, which prompted me to go back-but it's gone downhill. The silverware was sticky and had old food caked on it, the bread brought out was 2-3 days old - stale and when we asked to get fresh bread, the server said, "I can warm it up, but it's all like this." The sangria was delicious, but the food is not worth going back for in my opinion. There are other more consistently good tapas places in the city, it's a shame this one on Southport, within walking distance from my house has gone so far downhill. Disappointed.
(1)Melissa G.
Not the best Tapas Bar in the city, but the food was good enough for me to have come back a 2nd time. My 2nd trip to Bull-eh-dias landed on a Monday so the $10 mega mojitos were a plus. We got there after 6 pm so we couldn't take advantage of the $3 mini tapas(patatas bravas are a must). We ended up ordering Jumbo garlic butter shrimp, which were not very jumbo at all, and carne en tostada which are beef cuts on a crostini. Both were good, but expensive for the portion size. The check was about $50 for the 2 small plates and 2 big mojitos.
(4)Taylor G.
I visited Bull-eh-dia's on a slow Monday night in an attempt to expand my Southport dining experience. Largely, I agree with what many other yelpers have said: The food is good (not great), and the prices are a bit high for the portions. It seemed that any dishes with individual items (like shrimp) all came in sets of 5. For the 3 of us, we ordered a total of 6 tapas, and while munching on bread, we managed to spend $21 each, including tax & tip. I could be persuaded to go back here, but I think I'd prefer to try Twist again, despite the longer walk. To get an extra star, I'd like to see a better value for the food (either larger portions or lower price). To get a fifth star, they'd need to up the quality and variety a bit. Bull-eh-dia's gets a thumbs up, but I have a feeling there's much better tapas to be found in Chicago.
(3)Dianne D.
A friend of mine recommended Bull-eh-Dia's for dinner. I didn't even know the place existed but thought I'd give it a shot. My favorite thing about this place was the ambiance and the Sangria. This is a great date place, it's small and cozy. We were able to get seated right away (at 8:30pm on a Friday night). The Red Sangria was out of this world! We went through 2 pitches very quickly! :) The food was OK. The Queso de Cabra (Goat Cheese w/ Bread) was pretty good, the Calamares a la Plancha (Squid in Lemon sauce) was way too salty but big portions, the Albóndigas Españolas (Meatballs w/ Saffron rice) was good but very filling and the Croquetas de Queso was bland. I would go back to this restaurant to try a few more dishes. However, I was not overally impressed with the food this time around.
(3)