Best Cheap Spanish Restaurants in River North | Cheap Spanish Food

8 restaurants in Best Cheap Spanish Restaurants in River North | Cheap Spanish Food

• Cafecito — Spanish: Stepping into Cafecito feels like entering a sun-drenched corner of Havana, where the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the intoxicating aroma of dark-roasted beans create a lively neighborhood sanctuary. Guests gather for golden-pressed sandwiches and flaky pastries filled with sweet guava, enjoying a soulful dining experience that pairs the bold intensity of a perfect Cuban coffee with the genuine warmth of Caribbean hospitality.
• Havana Grill — Spanish: Havana Grill pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the scent of sizzling spices and the rhythmic clinking of glasses. Crispy plantain tostaditos and golden-fried empanadas offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to savory, soulful fillings, while zesty ceviche and smoky chipotle crab cakes bring a bright, coastal flair to the table. It is a spirited escape where every spoonful of rich black bean soup or bite of a hearty chimichanga feels like a sun-drenched celebration of bold Latin flavors.
• 5411 Empanadas — Spanish: This sleek, modern outpost captures the soul of Argentinian street food, drawing guests in with the warm, buttery scent of empanadas browning in the oven. Each hand-crimped pocket features a perfectly golden, flaky crust that gives way to steaming, artisanal fillings ranging from traditional savory meats to melted cheeses. It is a vibrant, casual space where the simple joy of a handheld feast is elevated by bold flavors and a bright, herbaceous splash of house-made chimichurri.
• Labriola — Italian: Labriola serves as a vibrant urban sanctuary where the midday hum of a refined lunch gives way to the spirited, social glow of an evening well spent. Guests linger over artfully crafted small bites and jewel-toned glasses of sangria, finding a sophisticated retreat that celebrates the joy of shared plates and perfectly shaken cocktails.
• Café Iberico — Spanish: Step into a vibrant slice of Spain where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling garlic and the spirited hum of a bustling Madrid tavern. Guests gather around rustic tables to share a parade of authentic tapas, from smoky grilled chorizo to chilled pitchers of fruit-laden sangria that capture the festive heart of Mediterranean dining. It is a place where the clatter of small plates and the warmth of communal laughter create an enduring celebration of bold flavors and timeless tradition.
• Marisol — Spanish: Bathed in natural light and artistic flair, Marisol offers a sophisticated sanctuary where the bustle of the day fades into a curated culinary journey. The prix fixe lunch and brunch menus present a rhythmic sequence of vibrant, seasonal plates, inviting guests to linger over a dining experience that feels both effortlessly elegant and deeply intentional.
• Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! — Spanish: This spirited neighborhood gem captures the lively essence of a Spanish tapas bar, where the air is thick with the aroma of roasted mushrooms and the convivial hum of shared conversation. Small plates burst with bold Mediterranean flavors, from the satisfying crunch of golden patatas bravas and crispy artichoke fritters to the creamy indulgence of goat cheese baked in rich tomato sauce. Whether snacking on house-marinated olives or savoring delicate Matrimonio pintxos atop crusty bread, diners are transported to a sun-drenched plaza where every bite is a celebration of communal dining.
• Polombia — Spanish: Polombia serves as a vibrant crossroads where the hearty, soul-warming traditions of Poland dance with the bold, sun-drenched flavors of Colombia. The air is thick with the savory scent of slow-simmered bigos and sizzling kielbasa, while plates arrive piled high with golden-fried "emparogis" and crisp Yukon potatoes brightened by tangles of neon-hued pickled beet slaw. This playful culinary marriage concludes on a sweet note with delicate, jam-filled kolaczki, offering a dining experience that feels both deeply comforting and thrillingly new.