Restaurant of the Week: Tabu

Located next to the former Chicago Music Store building at the corner of Congress Street and Sixth Avenue, Tabu offers a fresh take on Latin-inspired cuisine.

Right off the bat — before you even get a chance to check out the menu — the space is a sight to be seen. A large dance floor welcomes you in, the sleek, stylish interior gives off pulses of energy, and then perhaps the cocktails will give you a bit of “liquid courage” to dance the night away.

Tabu is a pretty entertaining dining experience at 128 E. Congress St.

The owners, who spent several months renovating the location inside the building that’s more than 100 years old, credit their fusion of inspiration to South American cuisine, native ingredients, and even a bit of European and Asian influences.

Let’s take a look at some newer and maybe new-to-you bites and drinks on the menu.

Menu Highlights

Camaron a la Diabla

Creamy chile salsa with jumbo shrimp from Mar de Cortes, served with a side of calabacitas or rice

Pollo en Mole

Chicken breast simmered in mole sauce and served with rice

Chicken Fajitas

Marinated chicken breast sauteed with bell peppers and onions, served with beans, rice, and two tortillas

Fried Ice Cream

with strawberries, mango, and cream

Cocktails at Tabu

• Tabueno ($10) – mezcal, lime juice, ginger beer
• Dinero ($13) – tequila, kiwi, lime, simple syrup
• Mexican Old Fashioned ($13) – mezcal, bourbon, chocolate bitters, simple syrup
• Paloma ($13) – tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda
• Lemon Spritz ($15) – gin, limoncello, prosecco, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, simple syrup
• Carajillo ($15) – vanilla liqueur, mezcal, espresso, simple syrup
• Angel Azul ($13) – rum, coconut, blueberry, lime
• Blissful Basil ($13) – tequila, fresh basil, strawberry, lime juice
• Passion Picante Margarita ($13) – tequila, fresh jalapeño, passion fruit, lime juice
• Smoked Manzanita ($13) – mezcal, triple sec, apple nectar, maple syrup, lime juice
• Bloody Sour ($13) – bourbon, blood orange, lemon juice
• After Dinner Espresso Martini ($15) – vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, espresso

By day, it’s a great spot to eat and drink. By night, it transforms into a dance floor with salsa, live DJs, and more. Plus, the space is available for private events, too.

The downtown restaurant is open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Tuesday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – midnight on Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. on Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sunday, and closed on Monday.

Tabu is located at 128 E. Congress St. For more information, follow Tabu on Instagram.

PAST RESTAURANTS OF THE WEEK:

• Guadalajara Original Grill
• Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
• Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe
• The Cup Cafe
• Vero Amore
• Del Cielo Tamal
• Dominick’s Real Italian
• Cafe Francais
• Lovin’ Spoonfuls
• Nautical Bowls