Coobah
(773) 528-2220
3423 N Southport Ave
Chicago,
IL
60657
41.9438
-87.6638
Neighborhoods: Lakeview, North Side
What People Are Saying About Coobah
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
It's a pretty tight squeeze into Coobah, a dark, smoky Latin spot where sexy bartenders mix mojitos and caipirinhas for a crowd of Southport hipsters. The decor provides plenty of eye candy too, with rust-colored terra cotta walls, metal clamshell light fixtures, and fans waving breezily back and forth above the bar. Friendly, on-the-ball service makes up for long waits at the bar.
The Food
Coobah's pan-Latin fare pops with flavor, from piping-hot queso with duck chorizo to chilly, chunky ceviche that starts out cool, then packs a mean red pepper-induced afterburn. Moist, hearty tamales are a specialty; try tangy goat cheese and artichoke or cider-braised chicken. Other tempting options include roasted chicken with saffron rice and tender, spicy-sweet lamb shank with spicy coconut mashed sweet potatoes.
User Reviews
ofhisspace78
January 23, 2009
Let me start by saying, if you haven't been to Coobah you need to check it out. A couple friends and I wondered in on a Thursday for dinner. What a pleasant surprise! They had a cuban jazz band playing live music throughout our meal, which just added to the already cool ambience. The decor is warm and inviting and the staff was very friendly. The bartender was quick with a couple recommendations--try the Caipirinha with strawberries or the delicious Pisco Sour (wasn't on the menu, but the manager mixed us up one). Oh, and Thursday is $5 mojito night. So, needless to say, we sampled all of their variations. Food was outstanding. I'll be jonesing for the Clam and Chorizo Chowder until I can get back there. We had a jerked chicken and plantain dish and spicy mussels for appetizers(both great). For entrees we had the Hanger steak with chipotle mashed potato, the pork tenderloin with shrimp and bacon, and a chicken dish with chilaquiles. They were all so good, we just passed each dish around the table and sampled. For dessert, a spicy chocolate mousse infused with Patron XO tequila--Awesome!! I will most definitely be back.
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danm900
November 01, 2008
As someone who frequents Chicago restaurants I am not easily impressed. Coobah really strikes the chord on all the notes. The older you are, the earlier you should arrive. There is a 'happening' quality to the experience. Sure you can get a great drink and a great meal, but there's also something going on in every corner that provides its own unique entertainment value. I never liked plantains but Coobah's plantains were cooked so skillfully that I couldn't get enough. The service is true Chicago, if you like them-they like you. If you bring it, they're entirely capable of returning the favor. I like that. It feels very real. So real that you completely forget that you're on Southport Ave. From the start, any place that refills your water glass quickly maintains a certain level of training and professionalism, I use that as a baseline for quality service. It is clean yet comfortable. Overall the service is observant and acts appropriately for each table's situation. The food is quite good. I would highly recommend the place, bring your own party.
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lburro1
January 23, 2008
The atmosphere at Coobah was incredibly unique and tasteful. However, the food was lackluster and disappointing. Their signature dish, the pork, was unimpressive and flavorless. I do not understand why it is receiving such rave reviews.
read full reviewThe Details on Coobah
What to Drink:
The wine list is short and reasonably priced, with a good selection of Chilean and Spanish reds in the $30-$40 range.
Save Money:
Drink specials: Mon two-for-one martinis; Tue $5 sangria pitchers; Wed half-price bottles of wine; Sun half-price mojitos and $3 Red Stripe bottles.
Parking:
There's a lot behind the restaurant that has space for about a dozen cars, a boon on this busy street.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Theater District Dining, Private Rooms, People Watching, Group Dining, Live Music
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Bar
