La Taberna on Halsted

Hi all, I haven't done much posting lately since work has been busy of late. I wanted to let everyone know about this new spot in University Village that quietly opened after Thanksgiving.

(full disclosure, I do sell them some wine).

La Taberna is casual Spanish tapas, with some Mediterranean influences as well. The menu is varied, with cold and hot appetizers, soups, salads, cheeses, paella and full entrees. I find the pricing extremely reasonable, as everything is under $20. Actually, the highest priced entree I saw was $15 for NY Strip (8oz). I haven't tried everything yet as they are new, but here is what I ordered on Tuesday night.


Pulpo a la Plancha - with crispy potatoes, paprika and almond pesto. 8 bucks (was starving so ate a few bites before taking the pic)


Tortitas de Bacaloa - with piquillo pepper aoili. 7 bucks


Ceviche de gambas, with homemade malanga chips (this is a half-portion as they ran out) full portion is 7 bucks

I also got their house salad for some well-needed greens. Straight-forward, with some crispy pancetta bits tossed in along with veggies and light vinaigrette. 5 bucks.

The octopus was tender and tasty and the potatoes were savory and crispy. My favorite was the bacaloa, they were very flavorful yet not too rich, and the aoili had a nice warming heat to it. It also came with a small side of the house salad. The ceviche was savory, with a red tomato-based sauce and the chips are similar to taro chips.

It was not super busy since it was the Tuesday before Christmas, but it really is a warm, inviting space with lots of wood and comfortable booths, and a cozy bar area.



They have some tasty cocktails (traditional sangrias, margaritas, mojitos, etc), and a nice, reasonably priced beer and wine list.

Check them out, this neighborhood really needs a nice place like this!

La Taberna Tapas
1301 S Halsted
312-243-9988
http://www.latabernatapas.com