By Jerry Nunn on April 21, 2011

Located at 1301 S Halsted Street, Las Tabernas Tapas offers a fresh new take on Spanish cuisine. Gustavo Castaneda (from Zocalo) and Enrique Cortez (from Ole Lounge) bring tastes from around the world into their quaint space. The staff is incredibly friendly from the host to the busboys that make diners feel right at home. The bartender brings over a sangria flight that flushes the cheeks with spicy jalapeno Sangria Brava to traditional red sangria, spiked with blueberries and ginger. Start off with the seafood soup entitled Zarzuela made with shrimp, mussels and squid. Don’t miss the Patatas Bravas, Beef Empanadas and Croquetas de Pollo. The entire staff raved about the Pulpo a la Plancha and with good reason. Be careful it is easy to over order with good size portions. Keep in mind many items were on the spicy side so bring an open palette, thankfully the waitstaff were good with water refills.

The atmosphere includes reproductions of Joan Miro and others amid the dark wood adorned walls. Flamenco guitarists play on weekend nights to add to the romance of the place. Check out a daily special with anything from 10% food customer day to the chef’s 5 course menu on Thursday for only $25 person.

Brunch begins on Easter Sunday that continues into the evening hour with a build your own paella day that’s only $12 per person. Visit http://latabernatapas.com or call 312-243-9980 to make a reservation today.