First time here delicious and friendly chicken lunch special was the most enjoyable. Garlic potato salad was amazing.

Food was ok, would like more vegan selections. Bathrooms smelled like swamp ass! Parking was easy, plenty of spots. Waitstaff was ok, but felt rushed right off the bat when the came over. Tables and seating was a little below average. read more

I reserved Emilio's for a funeral luncheon. It's hard to tell for these type of events how many might attend. We had about 45% more guests than anticipated. Mary Ann took care of everything and we were impressed with the service and food. No issues with the added attendees. I'd highly recommend. read more

Could have been better.. Not impressed.. Patatas brava has no spice kick to it at all. Food has way too much garlic. Pretty pricey.. Had about 5 small tapas, 2 glasses of wine & the bill was over $100. Will not be visiting anymore. read more

I promise you will leave this place full. Several choices of tapas to choose from and the white sangria is excellent too. Great service too - friendly servers and always on top of clearing the table, refilling drinks and checking in. Highly recommend! They also have outdoor seating that is covered above so keeps it cool and enjoyable to eat in. read more

My husband and I love this restaurant. We work down the street (Final Round CSA) from Emilio's so we end up eating here or ordering food for pickup at least once per week. I have never ordered anything that I didn't love. The seafood paella is the absolute best! Emilio had a special ceviche that he made a few months ago and I still dream about it. The staff is so friendly and their service is impeccable. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. In fact after yet another spectacular paella last night I was inspired to create this yelp account just so I could write this review! It really is a special gem of a restaurant. read more

I'm usually a huge fan of Emilios, but you kind of ruined our Valentine's Day dinner. I know you want to fit as many tables in the restaurant as possible but having a table in front of the bathroom is just a bad idea. We were constantly bumped all night by everyone who passed by to use the bathroom and every bus boy and server who needed to get into the dish area. We just decided on two tapas then got so annoyed with being bumped constantly we decided to leave and go somewhere else. It was a completely disappointing experience. read more

It's been awhile, but I'd been both to this location as well as their downtown location before and thought I remembered it being good, but on this trip I left unsatisfied and unimpressed. Nothing was bad exactly, it just wasn't great. I also thought I remembered their being more vegetarian options, which isn't even my main complaint. The food we did get was just very "meh." I think next time I have a hankering for tapas, we'll head to the city to Iberico or Ba-Ba-Reeba, read more

I went here with some of my friends and I must admit I wasn't that impressed. The sangria was watered down and way over priced. The service was ok although she forgot 3 of our items so we had to reorder them. The food was ok. Out of everything I would definitely recommend the seared tuna with the pineapple and toast points. That was by far my favorite thing. Overall everything was ok but I can name at least 5 other Tapas restaurants that are way better. read more

The only time I've ever had tapas was at Ba Ba Reeba when we lived in the city. Since moving out to the burbs, we haven't really tried any other tapas places. We decided to do a double date night on Friday and I went searching on restaurant.com for somewhere I could redeem a gift card. I came across Emilio's and, having passed it numerous times on Roosevelt over the last couple years, we thought we'd give it a try (even though I didn't end up redeeming my gift card for it--it wasn't valid on Friday or Saturday nights. THAT'S how intriguing it was to me!). The location is very unassuming from the outside, especially in the winter. The patio has no awning, only the metal supports, and the building is very plain. I think the single complaint I have is that there were four of us, and we were seated at a TINY table that was clearly more comfortable for two. It seemed the other tables that size had no more than two people, and all the four-tops were much more spacious tables. Oh well, we made it work. First of all, the sangria--yes, it's strong. I was feeling a buzz after three glasses. Keep in mind that I'm a huge wino and I can usually down a whole bottle before I really "feel" it! Plus, it was delicious. Our waitress was totally cute and personable. She joked around with us and even though she was busy, still gave us great service. She brought out a complimentary appetizer thingie, which was some awesome horseradish pepper onion spread on crispy bread. TO DIE FOR. And then when my friend wanted to order another plate of it, she "made it happen." Thank you! Since this is getting pretty long, I'll just say--every single bite of everything I had was amazing. I'm kinda picky, but I tried stuff I normally wouldn't eat (such is the beauty of a tapas place) and even they were delicious to me! I would highly recommend the mushroom caps and that garlic potato salad...mmmmm. Can't wait to go back. read more

This is now my favorite Emilio's location. Very consistent food and great service. Emilio is usually here, at least on the weekends. Great place for small plates. Tried the calamari last time and it was outstanding. Lamb chops were also a standout. Desserts are an absolute must. read more

Had an assortment of tapas all which were extremely delicious service was good the place was packed and we were seated within five minutes everybody was very accommodating we had to ask twice for additional bread but it came quickly everybody served with a smile had a wonderful time. Especially loved "caracoles Emilio" read more

This place leaves much to be desired! plates were either under or over flavored. I prefer Café Iberico!! I did however enjoyed their sangria. We ordered the lagonitas (they were okay), the beef tenderloins (we possibly the better tapas of what we ate), we also had one of my favorite tapas dishes the pulpo a la plancha (which was very basic) the fries were nothing of what i expected. We had the garlic buttered shrimp, they were okay. Portions were not worth the price. read more

Wow! I was making sales calls in the area and hadn't made any lunch plans. I wasn't expecting to find much but pulled up yelp and saw that this place was a few minutes away and had (great reviews (and lots of them). The area isn't exactly prime for fine dining but I was so pleasantly surprised. The service was attentive and friendly, the place was clean though the decor was a bit cheesy, and the menu was great. We had a complimentary chicken appetizer and then ordered the beef, chorizo and veggie empanadas for lunch and they were delicious!!!!! I was so impressed. This place deserves the fantastic reviews. I hope they do well bc it is a great spot. Will stop by next time I'm in the area. Props to the manager for running a tight ship. read more

This is my favorite Tapas place anywhere. The food and service are dazzling, and I always get that feeling a couple flamenco guitarists are going to emerge, then they do emerge. We've walked in without reservations a couple times and got a table pretty quickly. But the tapas is the best I've had around Chicago. read more

Yes!!! Get in here m-f before 6:30 and get their tapas happy hour. It's amazing the chorizo the shrimp the beef it goes on and on. Not to mention dollar off wine and beers. I may have found my new go to when im staying in this area. Don't be foolish go here and enjoy, not to mention friendly service and great atmosphere read more

This was my first expirience with Tapas. This place is very close to my house, and I had been dying to go there. It was delicious!! I loved the food and the atmoshphere. We had the lamp chop and pork tenderloin small plates. They were beyond good. I had the red wine sangria (they had like 4 choices). It was good. I was a little put off because I'm not used to drinking sangria from a regular glass with a straw, but it was delicious. We went saturday night and it was popping!! We barely found a spot in the HUGE lot. Our waitress was very sweet and prompt. The place ran like a well oiled machine. Definitly a fun date spot or just to chill with friends. I can't wait to go back!! read more

I've never had a tapa I did not like! You just can't go wrong!! But the best is the paella. They do it right. It's so delicious. We came here for a private event but also just my hubs and I and also for New Years a few years ago. Great food each time. read more

Basing this solely on a take-out order. Will update if I go to eat at the restaurant. Only giving 4 stars because it seems a little expensive to me. I know that can happen with tapas, but four plates (and not high-end plates) and flan for two people for $40 seems a little steep. But then again, I'm cheap - wait...no, I'm frugal. The quality of the food was exceptional and the flan was one of the best I've had. read more

My friend was in from Texas and her brother recommended this restaurant. I was excited because I had wanted to try it. Unfortunately we all felt that it was too pricey for what we received. read more

Such a great environment and delicious food. My boyfriend even said "this is our new spot". I loved the live music (male duo with a talented singer and a flautist). Very good choice for small bites and vine/drinks. read more

Amazing tapas and a great atmosphere. The staff was very friendly and offered suggestions when asked. We ordered several tapas for the table and everything was very good. Red sangria was amazing. Perfect late lunch! read more

I had my first Tapas experience here and It was really good. The decor is really nice , the service pretty good, and the food was really good. I dig the concept of ordering a bunch of different dishes, and we ordered alot. I got some steak medallions which were really good, Some garlic sauteed shrimp , which were excellent. The Serrano ham with cheese was great, And the Mussels were great. Since I first went here, I've had tapas a few more times , but so far this place was the best. read more

The food and service is top notch, I would highly recommend them. Emilio came out and talked to us and thanked us for joining him.

Wonderful food, consistent quality and great atmosphere! Thank you Emilio's for staying in Hillside all these years! Hope for many more years there, great location! read more

Hands down the best tapas in all Chicago, was there with my colleagues to lunch and could not be any more pleased with the service and excellent food. Emilio, the chef and owner is an excellent guy with a humbling attitude, will be there on my next trip to Chicago!!! read more

Not enough room here to cover everything I love about Emilio's in Hillside. This is the original. (Not many people know Emilio was the brains behind Cafe Babareba in Lincoln Park.) I was a regular at Emilio's before I set off for a holiday in Spain - I credit Emilio for teaching me about Spanish food and culture. In Spain I was completely comfortable ordering in any restaurant - but have to admit Emilio's food was better than any I experience in Spain...not that I had bad food anywhere. His was just superb. I seriously can't remember ever ordering anything I didn't completely enjoy. Menus items change seasonally - his rabbit is outstanding. Sauces spectacular. And his standards - the escargot are among my favorites. Highly recommend for food, his charming hospitality and the service. read more

Great food, great service and great atmosphere!!!! You must try the garlic potato salad,bacon wrapped figs and the flank steak with potatoes yum!!!! read more

Emilio's is your secret small town authentic Spanish restaurant that you love to revisit. And often! It's longevity in the community Is proof that it serves up a quality experience and food! The owner is present. The chef comes out to check on you. The display of its special dishes is so much fun! Went to a wedding reception there and they made everyone feel special. The food kept coming. And we kept eating! Delicious. Best part for me is that I felt the hometown feeling. On their bar shelf they had a vintage bottle of my favorite Czech liquor, becherovka! Only in a suburban hometown Spanish Tappas restaurant would you find a flavor of the rest of our community! Thank you Emilio's. I hope you never leave! read more

Delicious and exceptional food. Exceptional customer service. A place to come for lunch, dinner or celebrating a special event or occasion. I have been coming here over 10 years and it just gets better and more exceptional each and every-time. Eat in or cater, it will surpass all your expectations every time. read more

Nice place to visit after the zoo. Outdoor seating goes into a parking lot and you hear lots of street traffic. Food is good but Tapas Gitana in Northfield is the best!! read more

I'm a fan of this spot. Love the bacon wrapped dates, garlic potato salad, and plaintain dessert. Absolutely delish!

The food was decent. I've been to other Spanish tapas restaurants and I was excited to try this one but I was a little disappointed. The paella was good. Igot a free bottle of wine & Emilio offers cooking classes so I thought that was cool. read more

Hands down the best tapas resturant!!' The sangria is delicious and the food is amazing. The staff are so helpful to suggest their favorite dishes. I highly recommend Emilio's. read more

Really good food - good portions - complimentary potato salad - and the best flan ever!!! The service was wonderful, and the overall experience was a really good one. read more

I have been coming to Emilios since I was a little kid with my parents. This restaurant is really wonderful! The staff is consistently friendly and accommodating. The drinks are always perfect (especially the sangria!). And the food is fresh and delicious. Highly recommend for a delicious dinner. read more

Awesome tapas - I had meat and my wife had a salmon and everything was delicious. Perfect welcome for me in Chicago

What a lovely discovery ! Lived up to the Yelp hype. Great tapas! We got Beef, chicken. and garlic potatoes, along with their house salad and their caramel iced banana dessert. They were all excellent. Highly recommended! read more

Marta, our waitress was so helpful in explaining the menu to us since it was our first time. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and romantic, and all the different dishes we tried were wonderful, with very interesting and unique combinations of flavors. Give it a try - I believe you will enjoy it! read more

I don't understand the rating this place has. The tapas were very bland and tasteless. I left unsatisfied and felt worse having actually paid for this food. The papas bravas had no flavor and weren't even spicy. A few of our hot tapas were barely warm. Also, I know soda isn't popular at these places (but I'm pregnant) and it was flat and flavorless. I will not be back and recommend you stay in the city or drive into the city for great tapas that are actually worth a 4 star review. The 2 star review is for the nice staff. read more