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.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
