THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tavernita

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tavernita Restaurant Review:

Big and bold, boisterous and convivial, this Spanish-inspired haunt in River North sets the tone with glowy lighting, close-packed tables, and a menu of crudos, flatbreads and larger plates that beg to be shared. Lovely and pristine, whips of hamachi carpaccio are hit up with jalapeño heat, given contrast and tempered by lime, avocado and cucumber. Meanwhile, a plump Samish Bay pickled oyster gets a tropical fruit, poached shrimp and jalapeño treatment, while a sexy artichoke salad with roasted beets, blue cheese and artichoke crisps could convert carnivores to vegetarianism. The same is true of blistered Padrón peppers, kicked up a notch with sherry vinegar and Maldon salt. But the meat of the matter is not to be ignored: Wagyu beef-pork meatballs lounge on a bed of silky hazelnut romesco, while pig cheek is quite tender. Tippling Bros.-designed, kegged cocktails are a big deal; one sip of the Jay & Tay --- a take on the gin and tonic --- and it’s easy to see why. There’s house-made soda, too, along with a nice wine selection, available in two pour sizes as well as by the bottle. Companion pintxos-bent Barcito attracts a late-night crowd.