Bocadillo Market

- 1117 W Grand Ave Ste1, Chicago, IL 60642

For residents of Illinois seeking an authentic and highly-acclaimed taste of Spain, look no further than Bocadillo Market. Located right in the heart of Chicago, this unique culinary concept is more than just a Spanish restaurant; it’s an all-day destination that seamlessly blends a vibrant coffee shop, a gourmet Spanish market, and a sophisticated lunch and dinner spot. Conceived by Chef James Martin and his wife, Jessica Neal, Bocadillo Market is a celebrated establishment that brings the rich flavors and community-focused culture of the Iberian Peninsula to the Midwest.

The concept is built around the "bocadillo," the beloved Spanish sandwich, which serves as the foundation for an accessible and delicious menu. Yet, the experience evolves throughout the day, transitioning from a morning café with freshly baked pastries and expertly crafted coffee to a market and lunch spot, culminating in an elevated, reservation-required dinner service. It's an establishment that has garnered national attention, including being named one of Bon Appétit's best new restaurants, a testament to the quality and unique vision of its owners.

Chef Martin's cuisine is particularly notable for its thoughtful melding of Spanish techniques with influences from his Southern heritage, tracing a culinary connection between the two. This results in dishes that feel both traditional and deeply personal. From the signature bocadillos to larger, exquisite dinner plates like paella, every offering highlights quality ingredients, many of which are locally sourced or imported directly from Spain.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick, flavorful lunch, browsing for hard-to-find imported Spanish goods, or planning an intimate evening out, Bocadillo Market offers a versatile and memorable experience that has firmly established it as a culinary pillar in the Illinois food scene.

The culinary journey starts right here in the heart of the city. Bocadillo Market is located at 1117 W Grand Ave Ste1, Chicago, IL 60642, USA. While the initial concept began in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, this new location ensures that this essential taste of Spain remains accessible to Chicago-area residents.

As a key component of the bustling West Town area, the location offers convenience, though visitors should note that parking is available via paid street parking. The neighborhood itself is dynamic and walkable, making the restaurant a perfect stop during a day exploring the city. For those requiring specific accommodations, the venue is known to be wheelchair-accessible, offering an inviting space for all members of the Illinois community.

The establishment offers a wide array of service types and amenities to accommodate various needs and dining preferences. These services make Bocadillo Market a flexible destination, whether you have time for a leisurely meal or need something on the go.

• Full-Service Dining: Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both counter service during the day and refined table service for evening reservations.
• Market & Retail: A curated selection of imported Spanish pantry items, including gourmet conservas, olive oils, vinegars, and charcuterie.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient service options including standard delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup for those who prefer to dine at home.
• Catering: Available for events, allowing you to bring the celebrated Spanish flavors of Bocadillo Market to your next gathering.
• Coffee Service: A full-service coffee shop offering a wide range of specialty coffees, teas, and unique espresso drinks.
• Private Dining: The availability of a private dining room for special events, celebrations, or intimate gatherings.

Bocadillo Market stands out in the crowded Chicago culinary landscape not just for its food, but for its commitment to culture, community, and quality. The interior offers a bright, simple, yet creative aesthetic, often described as having details and esthetics that are carefully crafted, providing a relaxed, casual, and inviting atmosphere for all guests.

• Signature Spanish Sandwiches: The heart of the daytime menu is the bocadillo, featuring expertly crafted fillings like the highly-praised Smoked Lamb Bocadillo, which comes with a perfect mix of herby flavors, acid from pickled green beans, and crunch from carrots. Other options include the Jamon Serrano and Eggplant Melt bocadillos.
• Gourmet Spanish Market: The shelves are stocked with an extensive selection of pantry staples and delicacies imported from Spain. This includes high-quality items like Fermin Jamon Iberico, Matiz Paella Rice, exotic spices such as Matiz Spanish Saffron, various olive oils, conservas like Mussels Conserva and White Tuna Belly, and specialized condiments like Matiz Romesco Sauce and Matiz Aioli.
• Exceptional Pastries and Coffee: Led by Jessica Neal's expertise, the café serves a stellar coffee program with unique, in-house made pastries such as Saffron Chocolate Chip Cookies, the classic Extremadura Almond Pie, and traditional Churros and Chocolate, making it a favorite morning spot. Specialty lattes like the Saffron Pumpkin and Lavender Latte are also on offer.
• Highly-Rated Side Dishes and Desserts: Customer favorites include the Patatas Bravas—praised as some of the best in the city—and desserts such as the Pumpkin Almond Cake. The food is often lauded for its complex flavors derived from high-quality, sometimes locally sourced ingredients like those from the South Side’s Gary Comer Youth Center farm.
• Inclusivity and Ownership: Bocadillo Market proudly identifies as both a Black-owned and women-owned business, contributing to the diversity and richness of the local economy and culinary scene.

To plan your visit, the key information is as follows. The restaurant strongly encourages reservations for dinner service. The establishment is family-friendly, offering high chairs and a kids' menu, and is openly LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.

Contact Information:

• Address: 1117 W Grand Ave Ste1, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
• Phone: Check their official website for the most current phone number, as it was not provided in the source data.

Bocadillo Market is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the values and desires of the Illinois diner. First and foremost is the exceptional quality and creativity of the food. Chef Martin’s background, having worked under renowned chefs and in critically acclaimed establishments, is evident in the technical skill and depth of flavor in every dish. Customers consistently rave about the “dumb good” food, comparing the quality to a “Michelin-star” experience but without the pretension or price tag usually associated with fine dining. The focus on intricate flavors, whether in a simple Spanish Tortilla sandwich or the savory, rich smoked lamb, sets it apart.

Secondly, its multi-faceted business model—a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a market—offers unparalleled utility. You can start your day with a superb coffee and pastry, grab a gourmet sandwich for lunch, or shop for authentic Spanish ingredients to elevate your home cooking, all in one place. This convenience, combined with a curated selection of hard-to-find Spanish imports like premium conservas and vinegars, makes it an essential destination for food enthusiasts across the Illinois region.

Finally, choosing Bocadillo Market supports a business with a strong cultural identity and commitment to community. It is a Black and women-owned business whose culinary narrative explores the historical connection between Spanish, Moorish, and Southern U.S. cuisines, offering a meaningful, delicious, and deeply personal dining experience. This combination of culinary excellence, unique concept, and welcoming atmosphere makes Bocadillo Market a true gem in the Illinois food landscape and a definite must-visit.

Bocadillo Market

1117 W Grand Ave Ste1, Chicago, IL 60642, USA