Famished Girl
Cuatro
Cuatro offers a lively mix of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine and style, in a cozy (but not small) restaurant in the South Loop.
The staff is friendly and eager to share their enthusiasm for the unique menu, and readily offer drink and food advice if you’re having trouble deciding.
What I loved: The Ceviche de Salmon y Callos (salmon and scallop ceviche) appetizer was a fresh and light and the perfect beginning to the meal. From the drink menu, we enjoyed the Granada Mojito (very sweet) and the Caipirinha (simple, but strong, so be advised!). My husband ordered the Truca Amazonas (trout filled with a shrimp mixture), and it was the table favorite. For dessert, try the Pastel Cuatro Leches (sponge cake soaked in a milk sauce).
Also note that although our waitress told us the servings were large enough to share, I did not find that to be true for our dishes. Although most dishes were plenty to fill us up, one friend ordered the Costilla Estofada (beer-braised ribs) and I’m pretty sure he was still hungry!
We had a reservation and were seated as soon as the complete party arrived. If you get there early, take a seat at the bar, enjoy a drink, and watch the tropical fish in the eight-foot tank behind the bar (look through the tank to see into the kitchen and watch the chefs at work).
Cuatro offers live music later in the evening. For a schedule of events and bands, check out their website.
Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL 60616
312-842-8856
Call or click here for reservations.
Area: South Loop 