LAKEVIEW — A 5-year-old tapas restaurant on Southport Avenue is moving down the block to double its seating capacity, the owner said.
Bulerias Tapas at 3651 N. Southport Ave.—or "¡BULL-eh-DIA'S!" as its sign declares—is moving in April to 3656 N. Ashland Ave., said owner Mariena Bonini, a Venezuela native.
The Southport location only seats 49, but the new spot will have two floors and will seat 150. More space means the opportunity to accomodate private parties, she said, which is partly why she decided to take the risk.
Otherwise, everything else will stay the same, including the décor and menu. The Southport restaurant will stay open until the move is complete, she said.
Bonini used to work as a lawyer in Venezuela but loves the people she's been able to meet through the restaurant business, she said. One day, she hopes the new Ashland restaurant will serve as a flagship for a series of locations, including one in River North if she's able to find a space and the right people to run it.
"I put all my heart and my love in this restaurant," Bonini said. "It's a dream come true."
