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La Taberna Tapas on Halsted Reviews List

La Taberna Tapas on Halsted

The chef team of Enrique Cortez (Olé Lounge) and Gustavo Castañeda (Zocalo) bring their modern interpretation of classic Spanish tapas to University Village. Savor the puff pastry empanadas filled with ground beef, raisins, queso fresco, chile ancho and topped with avocado mousse. For the heartier appetite, try the cedar plank grilled New York strip served with spicy patatas bravas and chimichurri sauce. La Taberna Tapas also offers specialty sangrias, creative cocktails and a fun and approachable wine list. Come enjoy the modern taste and atmosphere of La Taberna Tapas on Halsted.
See more La Taberna Tapas on Halsted details
48 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
(48 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 48 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(29)
  • good for groups(24)
  • fit for foodies(22)
  • special occasion(18)
  • romantic(13)
  • late-night find(8)
La Taberna Tapas on Halsted Reviews List
Review 1 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As always the food/service was great!! My husband and I eat here at least once a month!!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I love it! One of the best tapas place I've been to!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great birthday gift

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was a great place to take your significant other for yummy food and a special occasion. Delicious food, nice decor, and awesome staff."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best paella I've ever had...

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went there on Friday night and there was a live music performance in the restaurant. Loved it.
However, the most memorable experience for us was the black paella (La paella negra). I think it was the best paella I've had ever had. The rice was soft and the everything was just.. right."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Julie was our server and she

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Julie was our server and she was great, food was all good although some portions such as dates and eggplant could have had more food. Food came out quickly but almost too quickly to relax. We were not rushed but could have been a little more spaced out."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The night I went, there was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The night I went, there was a private event which took up most of the restaurant space. Due to this event, the noise level was very high. The staff was very professional and friendly. However, the food was not rich in flavor."
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2013
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Review 7 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

La Taberna always provide

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"La Taberna always provide the best service and food, staff is very friendly"
Dined on 04/21/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 8 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food- I recommend the

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food- I recommend the empenadas, pinchos, patatas bravas, ceviche, meatballs, and chorizo stuffed dates. Great for a date if yourd both adventurous and would be fun for a group too. Drinks could be just a bit stronger though."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
0points
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Review 9 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A neighborhood gem

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent food in friendly, warm setting."
Dined on 03/18/2013
 2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 10 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Superior Tapas

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I found that during midweek dinner it was very quiet, the ambient music was very good selection for a romantic dinner, not too loud. The food is superior quality. Service is good, food is prompt. Tapas are usually small portions, these portions are a lot larger than the norm. Great neighborhood restaurant."
Dined on 04/17/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

As always, food and service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As always, food and service was excellent. This is one of our favorite Tapas restaurants."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Enjoyed the live music early

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Enjoyed the live music early in the evening."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups
0points
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Review 13 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We went here for a new restaurant.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went here for a new restaurant. We found the wait staff helpful when ordering. The bacon wrapped dates were excellent. The grilled calamari was good. I would recommend this to anybody wanting to try tapas."
Dined on 03/25/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Well worth the visit

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Consistently excellent food at bargain prices. Friendly, competent service. Been back several times."
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 15 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The tapas were good overall

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The tapas were good overall however there were definitely some standouts. The beef tenderloin with caramelized onions and the shrimp and mushroom paella were amazing. Definitely will go back."
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2004
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

highly recommended

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"the Sangria flights were very good and there was a good selection. the food was delicious and many great items to choose from. the portions were generous. everyone had a great meal. the service was good and the waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. We had a an excellent time and will definately return soon!"
Dined on 02/24/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Neighborhood Gem

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Really enjoyed Las Tavernas.From the moment we walked in,the wait staff was extremely friendly and attentive..The specialty paella was wonderful,and the quesos fundidos,with the special sauces were deliciously different.There are so many more tapas we have to try,so we will definitely return here."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 18 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Live music was outstanding.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Live music was outstanding. What a great way to spend an evening!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

As always the food/service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As always the food/service was excellent. One of my favorite Tapas restaurants!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 20 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

I wanted to like this place,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I wanted to like this place, but unfortunately their food lacked flavor. It wasn't bad, it but wasn't good. My friend and I order two dishes each, and nothing was memorable. In fact, we actually asked for our check right away and ended up walking to another restaurant for a more satisfying meal. The sangria was great and the service was really good. Friendly and prompt. The inside of the restaurant is nicely decorated and would be a great date spot, if only the food was better."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2012
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Review 21 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

food and service were outstanding;

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"food and service were outstanding; we were able to eat a full meal at 3:30 in the afternoon before seeing a play that started at 6:30PM"
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice place in general. Had

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Nice place in general. Had an excellent wait-staff; really helpful and generally cheery throughout. Food was decent - the lunch offer at $12 is great."
Dined on 01/21/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 23 for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I recently visited La Taberna

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I recently visited La Taberna Tapas on Halsted and was very much satisfied with the ambience! The food was extraordinary, great service, and there was a band playing (Saturday night) that contributed to the restaurants Latin American cuisine. We had a great first-time experience and will be returning soon!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for La Taberna Tapas on Halsted
Based on the average of (25) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate