Coobah

01/23/09

Something Special on Southport

by ofhisspace78 at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Ambience, Cocktails, Food, Live Music, Service, Parking lot,
• Cons: I want a Coobah in Wicker Park.

11/01/08

Real, Chicago, Cuba, Yummy

by danm900 at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Food, service, bar creations, wine list
• Cons: parking, although I hear they have a lot in back

01/23/08

lackluster

by lburro1 at Citysearch

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.