Papa Cenar

4.3 (68)

$30 and under

Spanish

2445 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

About this restaurant

Innovative
Romantic
Good for special occasions

Papa Cenar, located at 2445 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Logan Square, is a neighborhood restaurant inspired by romantic spirit of Nobel Prize-winning Chicagoan ‘Papa’ Ernest Hemingway’s adventures in the grand cafés of Europe. The Mediterranean and Spanish menu is comprised of tapas and larger main plates, many prepared on the wood grill, all meant for sharing in the lively and colorful space. Dinner is served Tuesday - Sunday 4-10, with brunch service on Sundays from 10-2. For more information call (773) 697-8463, visit the website listed above, or follow on social media @papacenar.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Spanish, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Website
http://www.papacenar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Papa Cenar is a wonderful place for parties of all sizes. From 5 guests to 175 guests we can make your gathering special. Please reach out to contact@papacenar.com for more information and availability.

Location
2445 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood
Logan Square
Cross street
Sacramento
Parking details
Parking in this neighborhood can be difficult. We recommend ride sharing if available.
Public transit
California Blue Line, Logan Square Blue Line, #56 Milwaukee Ave. CTA Bus
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 68 people are saying

Papa Cenar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

68 Reviews

CR
ChicagoRick Gold
Chicago55 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 15, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great staff, excellent food! Michael Taus never ceases to impress!!
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MS
MaribellS
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was Superb!! The chef came to our table and conversed with us which is quite unexpected but so hospitable. Our whole family enjoyed everything from beef short ribs, paella, mussels, frites, salmon and specially the bone marrow. DELISIOSO!! The ambiance of the restaurant was perfect. The waiters, waitresses and bus buy was so attentive! We will definitely come back!!!
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EG
EmilyG
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was the first time we had come to Papa Cenar and we chose it for a nice dinner after a few rough work weeks. My husband really wanted steak so that was the main requirement for where we ate. Since the restaurant is relatively new and we had never been, we weren't sure what to expect. Everything about our experience was 5 stars- sangria, wine selection, service, food, music- all of it. The head chef came by to visit and shared his inspiration for one of our dishes. I appreciated that he was passionate about one of the cheaper items we selected instead of talking up the steak, which was also amazing anyways. We will definitely be back for many occasions as well as just because. Hopefully we'll save some room for dessert next time, everything was so promising!
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DS
DonnaS Gold
Chicago59 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent!! I'm already craving the short ribs, deviled eggs, bone marrow etc. Now I'm really psyched to try the new menu next week👍🏻 love the space as well - great ambiance! Already looking forward to coming back. Thx Papa Cenar!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The vibe of the restaurant was really nice with the artwork and use of textile in the lighting and division of the space. The brunch food was outstanding and the orange juice was killer. Highly recommend Papa Cenar!
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b
bethu Gold
Chicago72 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 23, 2020
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great food & service. Price points make it accessible for more frequent patronage. Neighborhood gem!!
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GJ
GJasinski Gold
Chicago8 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 8, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Service was good almost overwhelming at times. Food was decent - some dishes lacked flavor. Filet was dry in places. Paella was flavorless and burnt. Cocktails were good. Space is way too big and makes the restaurant feel dead even on a decent night. Really wanted to love this place.
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CA
ChicagofoodieAmy Gold
Chicago45 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 6, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is fantastic! While all the food we had was truly wonderful, the octopus is out of this world. They have very creative cocktails and the service is fantastic. Definitely give this place a try!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago5 reviews
2.0
Dined on February 5, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Server was mildly friendly. Did not seem interested in supporting a great experience. Did not ask if we wanted anything else. Delivered check as soon as we had dessert. Salmon portion was 1.5x1.5 inches on meager quantity of cauliflower. Delicious, but not an entree. Falafels and eggplant purée took on tin flavor of copper pan. Not returning.
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SP
ShelleyP
Chicago1 review
1.0
Dined on February 2, 2020
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Such a disappointment! We were seated right away, but had to ask for our server twice. We went during restaurant week and all they offered was the restaurant week menu. Literally all they were preparing were 4 appetizers, 4 entrees and 4 desserts. We waited over an hour for our food. When we finally got our meals, they were lukewarm and bland. It’s really a shame. The inside was cute and their music selection was fantastic, but it was some of the worst service I’ve gotten at a restaurant. If they can’t manage serving a limited menu, I can’t imagine how long the wait will be on a normal Saturday night.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Spanish, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Website
http://www.papacenar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Papa Cenar is a wonderful place for parties of all sizes. From 5 guests to 175 guests we can make your gathering special. Please reach out to contact@papacenar.com for more information and availability.

Location
2445 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood
Logan Square
Cross street
Sacramento
Parking details
Parking in this neighborhood can be difficult. We recommend ride sharing if available.
Public transit
California Blue Line, Logan Square Blue Line, #56 Milwaukee Ave. CTA Bus
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing