Cafe Bolero
(773) 227-9000
2252 N Western Ave
(at Lyndale Street)
Chicago,
IL
60647
41.9229
-87.6877
Neighborhoods: North Side, Bucktown
Hours:
Sun-Mon 10am-10pm
Tue-Thu 10am-11pm
Fri-Sat 10am-12am
Price:
$$
Last updated 6.24.09
What People Are Saying About Cafe Bolero
The Owner
Cafe Bolero
Owner
Welcome to Cafe Bolero. To us, our establishment is a home away from home. We believe that all nations have an essence which is derived from it's people, heritage, culture & vision. We call this essence "soul" We invite you to experience the "Soul of Cuba." Cafe Bolero prides itself in serving the most authentic Cuban food in Chicago. Our specialties include Cuban sandwiches, tapas, and Ropa Vieja. Come enjoy our delicious Cuban drinks, outdoor patio, and live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cafe Bolero is a great place for dates, family dinners, or just a quick snack. Don't forget Cafe Bolero for your catering or private party needs. Let us do all the work!
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Considering its rather diner-esque decor (tile floor, Formica tables, black lacquer chairs), Bolero's front room still feels romantic--must be the low light and spacious seating. Pictures and paintings line the walls; a glass-block, blue-lit bar marks the open kitchen. Craving a little more atmosphere? Make for the cozy bar in back, all hardwood floors and exposed brick, where you can listen to live music Tuesday through Friday.
The Food
This is some of the most authentic Cuban food you'll find in Chicago. There are plenty of tapas to choose from, along with entrees, sandwiches, some vegetarian specials and a cool collection of house cocktails. Start out with a refreshing, minty-tart mojito and dig into the filling Bolero combo platter: fried potato balls, ham croquettes, a corn tamale and stuffed plantains. Light, flaky empanadillas stuffed with spicy ground beef are a hit; so is the moist, chewy ropa vieja sandwich (flank steak in tomato sauce).
User Reviews
Ricaroo
January 24, 2009
We went to Cafe Bolero early on a Saturday evening. The atmosphere was very charming. I liked the open kitchen. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. When she found out that this was our first time there, she spent additional time making some recommendations from the menu. The combination platter of tapas was a wonderful option to sample of some of there offerings. Nicely presented with a variety of tantalizing flavors. The roast pork and vegetarian stuffed peppers were flavorful and ample. The total bill came to under $50 for two with one cocktail each. Not bad for a city location. Parking was a little inconvenient, but not a serious problem.
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altersand
November 22, 2008
If you go to Bolero will love the food specially the skirt steak w/ white rice and beans , mojitos are not the same than befoore , too sweet now , neither is the service . The new family related waiter avoid him if you cuold , worse service ever , starting with his language barrier to the point of his ego wich is the worst . Well I dont want to get to cranky about that , exellent food and drinks . Just don't forget to drink their sangria wich is one of the best in town .
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Georginadel
November 15, 2008
Ok, for a while there after the reopening the service was good and attentive but the last few times I've been there it's been lacking and it almost seems like it's a chore to wait on us. I mean it's not like we're demanding people but please don't make us wait fifteen minutes to ask what we'd like to drink especially since it's practically empty. I remember going there mid summer and it was late with some friends and the hostess and our cute waiter were more than accomodating and didn't seem to mind that it was near closing time. The margaritas were good but the sangria was the best I've ever had. The steak was cooked to perfection and the ceviche was delicious. The food and the prices are reasonable but alot has changed with regards to service. Someone needs to tell the manager that the staff should leave the "attitude" at home.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Bolero
The Extras:
Listen to salsa and Latin jazz Tuesday evenings and romantic bolero tunes on Thursday evenings.
WIne List:
Bolero's reasonably priced wine list not only offers a dozen wines by the glass (all $5-$7), but also recommends a food pairing for each.
Parking:
Free parking is available at the Mid-America Bank just north of the restaurant.
What to Drink:
Make sure to try a specialty Cuban Drink; the critically-acclaimed Mojito Cubano, Daquiris or Cuban Libre should do the trick.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Section
Message from Cafe Bolero
- Outdoor Patio Seating
- Live Music Tues & Thurs
- Cuban Drink Specialties
Welcome to Cafe Bolero. To us, our establishment is a home away from home. We believe that all nations have an essence which is derived from it's people, heritage, culture & vision. We call this essence "soul" We invite you to experience the "Soul of Cuba." Cafe Bolero prides itself in serving the most authentic Cuban food in Chicago. Our specialties include Cuban sandwiches, tapas, and Ropa Vieja. Come enjoy our delicious Cuban drinks, outdoor patio, and live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cafe Bolero is a great place for dates, family dinners, or just a quick snack. Don't forget Cafe Bolero for your catering or private party needs. Let us do all the work!
