One of the many great things about Chicago is the eclectic selection of food available in downtown and near the downtown area. Unlike many other larger metropolitan cities in the US, walking around in downtown or taking the train at night as you explore the city is much safer (though one always has to be careful in some areas).
One such place to explore is Cafe Bolero - a little heaven of Cuban food on the far west side of Chicago. If you like your Tapas hot, your Mojitos cold and music boisterous, then Cafe Bolero is the place to be. The place is usually packed on the weekends with excellent live music and a lively crowd of people. If you go during the summers, you can opt to sit in the small porch. The interiors of the restaurant are divided into two distinct areas - a seating area next to the bar and then there is a small flight of stairs further down that leads to the second section. Live music usually plays in the second area and if you'd rather talk than listen to music, you'd be well advised to request a table in the first section as it can get rather loud inside with the band.
I always start my evening here by ordering Mojito, their signature drink made with mint, rum, soda and sugar and some Tapas from their extensive selection. Tapas are small Spanish appetizers and usually if you are in a group, you encourage everyone to order a different one and you share them and get a taste of everything. If you are not an appetizer person and like to concentrate all your attention on the entree, then I suggest having some of their warm, freshly baked bread with the butter (served free) as you sip (or gulp - I am not judging here) your drink. After all, with excellent food fragrances wafting about and the alcohol in the Mojito whetting your appetite, you do need something to keep you going as your food is prepared.
Selecting the entree is not an easy choice - regardless of whether you are vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, they offer ample choices for everyone. I have tried all their chicken dishes but the one I tend to favor over all others is Chicken Milanesa - a very well marinated and cooked breast of chicken topped with ham, cheese and tomato sauce. It is served with rice and black beans on the side. If your dish does not come with black beans and you have a taste for beans then please order some because they are really delicious.
If you like beef then Ropa Vieja is your best bet - my wife does not like beef dishes in the US, but she tells me that Ropa Vieja is the closest it comes to the Indian (or I should say Manglorean) way of making beef.
For vegetarians, I'd recommend the Combo Plate - I particularly like the fried sweet plantain that is included in that combo.
The place is rather skimpy on dessert choices, but you can always go for one of their Flans and excellent coffee.
As you might have noticed by now, there is no concept of light cooking at this restaurant and it is all for a good cause. Go there with a good appetite and after a light lunch and you shall be amply rewarded. You can get more details including their menu choices at
Cafe Bolero's website.
How do you get there? The restaurant is situated at 2252 N. Western Ave. Chicago. If you want to take the public transit then this area is served by the blue line trains going towards O'Hare. You can always get the exact details by planning your trip through
Chicago Transit Authority's website.
If you are driving and you are going in the evening hours then you can park free in the parking lot of a bank right next to the restaurant.