When asking yourself about something to do near me in Dallas with a group of friends or family, consider
Bacari Tabu
Why Bacari Tabu is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bacari Tabu is an intimate and stylish Italian lounge and restaurant located at 4113 Lomo Alto Drive in Dallas, Texas. It offers a distinctive blend of authentic Venetian-style small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and regional Italian dishes from its neighboring Michelin-recognized kitchen, Nonna. With seating for only about 30 guests, Bacari Tabu creates a cozy yet vibrant setting perfect for gatherings with friends. The interior balances rustic charm with a modern low-sexy glow, paying homage to the legendary jazz club Strictly Tabu that once occupied the space. Guests enjoy not only exquisite food made with pristine, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients but also live jazz performances from Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant boasts a well-curated Italian wine list, particularly featuring amaro liqueurs, as well as an inviting bar atmosphere. Bacari Tabu’s blend of sophisticated cuisine, live music, and intimate ambiance makes it an exceptional venue to connect with friends over great food and soulful sounds in Dallas’s Oak Lawn area.
Here's what people think of Bacari Tabu
As of recent, Bacari Tabu holds a 4.4-star rating based on 31 reviews.
Reviews of Bacari Tabu highlight a consistent appreciation for its excellent food quality and the unique blend of a jazz lounge atmosphere with a refined Italian tapas menu. Many patrons praise the restaurant’s live music offerings, which enhance the overall dining experience with vibrant local jazz musicians performing in a space crafted for optimal acoustics. Positive reviews often mention the standout dishes like wood-fired pizzas, Venetian-style small plates, and especially the white clam pizza and Maine lobster ravioli, which have been favorites carried over from the parent restaurant Nonna’s menu. The wine selection and cocktails also receive commendations for complementing the food well. On the other hand, some of the less favorable feedback points to the limited seating capacity, which can make reservations challenging, and occasional comments on service speed during busy live music nights. A few reviewers mention that the space feels small, which may not suit those seeking a more spacious dining environment. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong enthusiasm for Bacari Tabu’s blend of food, music, and ambiance, with most visitors recommending it as a great place to enjoy authentic Italian fare alongside live jazz in an intimate setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sonia B
If you're craving the vibrant energy of New Orleans with a touch of Spanish flair, this spot is a must-visit, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. The live jazz music sets the perfect mood for an evening of tapas-style dining. Every dish we tried was exceptional, bursting with flavor and creativity. While the wine selection could benefit from a few more quality whites, the overall experience more than makes up for it. Highly recommended for a lively, memorable night out!
Joy Funt
Great place to enjoy your evening with well crafted cocktails, the jazz band is playing at 9pm. If you want to sit at a table, make sure to make reservation ahead of time, otherwise you can grab a seat at the bar (if you’re lucky).
S Sheff
Bacari Tabu is an unexpectedly delightful venue with tasty food items, a wonderfully bespoke cocktail menu, and a pleasant atmosphere to the tune of live music most of the week, with jazz on Fridays and Saturdays. Andrew is a top-notch bartender and conversationalist. He and his fellow mixologist, Mario (not pictured) do a great job of attending to patrons. Mario has done an amazing job at crafting a wonderful cocktail menu and can make almost any drink just by telling him vague ingredients and a desired taste - and gets it exactly right.
Tim Mohle
Early on a Friday….Im almost the sole patron…sat at the bar. A small. It respectable cocktail offering. The Gansta Paradise is a serviceable if somewhat watered down old-fashion. The fried olives and spicy sausage pizza was delectable. Dark, moody, lush dining room appointments. The main attraction would obviously be the live music acts featured on a jewel-box stage. Can only imagine that this place is packed to the gills during showtime. Worth a visit.
Mark Winstead
1980’s club reborn in original location. Food phenomenal. Great bartenders particulary Andrew knows his stuff. Cool take on Caesar salad. Great vibes. Entering in the rotation.
How to reach Bacari Tabu
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Why Bacari Tabu may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bacari Tabu with your friends? Bacari Tabu offers an enchanting blend of sophisticated ambiance, elevated Venetian-style tapas, and live jazz entertainment that creates an irresistible setting for a memorable group gathering. Nestled in a chic, secretive corner of Dallas’s Oak Lawn neighborhood, Bacari Tabu revives the spirit of the city's legendary Strictly TaBu jazz club, making it a unique spot that connects nostalgic tradition with contemporary culinary flair. Its inviting atmosphere, artisanal cocktails, and expertly crafted small plates encourage relaxed socializing and shared experiences, making conversations flow effortlessly. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just seeking a stylish yet comfortable place to connect, Bacari Tabu’s carefully curated vibe, blending the intimacy of a lounge with the excitement of a jazz bar, sets it apart from the ordinary. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a late-night adventure with friends while savoring dishes designed to complement the music and mood, all under one roof. This combination of great food, live music, and a welcoming environment offers an ideal backdrop to catch up, laugh, and make lasting memories.
What activities can you enjoy at Bacari Tabu?
The foremost attraction at Bacari Tabu is its Venetian-style tapas menu, perfect for group dining. The small plates are designed to be shared, encouraging a communal dining experience that works well for friend groups and families alike. From innovative pizzas—such as a signature clam chowder-style pizza with a creamy clam base and fresh herbs—to delicate ravioli and risotto that highlight the chef’s dedication to authentic flavors, the menu is sophisticated yet accessible. This variety lets every diner find something to savor, while dishes are perfect for passing around so you can sample an array of tastes throughout the evening. Alongside the food, Bacari Tabu’s cocktail program takes center stage. Expertly crafted drinks elevate the experience, with creative mixes that pair wonderfully with the tapas and enhance the social atmosphere. Whether you prefer classics or adventurous concoctions, the bar is ready to serve.
Another highlight of the Bacari Tabu experience is the live jazz music, featured several nights a week. On Thursdays starting at 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m., local jazz trios and ensembles perform in the intimate lounge space. The music ranges from classic standards to modern jazz-infused covers of contemporary artists like Amy Winehouse and Billie Eilish, adding a sophisticated yet lively soundtrack to your evening. The live jazz is not only entertaining but also encourages engagement and shared enjoyment, helping groups bond over the tunes. For many guests, the music is a primary reason to gather here, transforming Bacari Tabu into a cultural hub where dining and art seamlessly blend.
Why is Bacari Tabu the perfect venue for group meetups?
Bacari Tabu excels as a group meetup location for multiple reasons. First, the layout and atmosphere encourage connection. Unlike larger, noisy restaurants, Bacari Tabu offers a cozy, stylish environment where conversations are easy, but the energy remains vibrant. Tables are arranged to accommodate groups comfortably, and the bar seating area welcomes walk-ins wanting to mingle or snag a spot without reservations. For groups not wanting a formal dinner but still craving a culinary journey, the tapas style encourages sharing and tasting multiple small dishes, ensuring no one feels locked into a single main course. This flexible dining style suits variable group sizes and fosters casual interaction.
Secondly, the timing and variety appeal broadly. Bacari Tabu’s hours—spanning early evening through late-night on weekends—allow groups to plan meetups at their convenience, whether for dinner or a late-night gathering. The attractive pairing of food, drinks, and music means groups can linger for hours comfortably, with the mood progressing naturally from dining to a lively lounge environment energized by jazz. The music further enhances group bonding by offering a shared auditory experience that invites dancing, clapping, or simply enjoying the ambiance together.
Additionally, Bacari Tabu’s location and history enrich the appeal. Situated in Dallas’s trendy Oak Lawn district, it’s accessible while feeling like a hidden gem. The revival of the iconic Strictly TaBu jazz legacy by renowned chef Julian Barsotti adds authenticity and a narrative that guests appreciate. This connection to local history makes the venue feel special and meaningful, enhancing the sense of occasion when you bring your friends or family. Guests often mention the nostalgic yet refreshing vibe that differentiates Bacari Tabu from a typical night out, giving any gathering a memorable, distinctive quality.
What makes the food and drink at Bacari Tabu outstanding for social dining?
Bacari Tabu’s menu, inspired by Venetian cuisine, is meticulously crafted to encourage sharing and tasting, making it superb for groups. The small plates, or tapas, range from light bites to substantial preparations, including house specialties such as their risotto—considered a sacred dish by the chef due to the care and time invested—and inventive pizzas boasting unexpected but delightful toppings. The focus on quality ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations means every dish offers something unique yet familiar enough to please various palates. The sharing format transforms dining into a social experience, inviting diners to discuss flavors, swap plates, and enjoy collective indulgence. This act of sharing food naturally enhances conversations and helps build the relaxed, convivial spirit ideal for any friend or family meetup.
The cocktail program complements the culinary offerings beautifully. With a skilled bar team, Bacari Tabu serves cocktails that are not only visually appealing but also balanced and inventive. This thoughtful approach to drinks adds a layer of excitement and discovery as guests explore new flavors alongside the food. Whether it's a classic martini reimagined or a novel creation tailored to the season, the cocktails become conversation starters themselves, further enriching the social dynamic. The pairing of drinks and tapas ensures that the overall taste experience progresses smoothly, keeping the group engaged and satisfied throughout the evening.
How does Bacari Tabu’s ambiance contribute to a perfect meetup atmosphere?
The ambiance at Bacari Tabu strikes a rare balance between sophistication and intimacy, making it an inviting space to host a group outing. The venue’s design respects the heritage of the original jazz club with a modern sensibility — dim lighting, plush seating, and artful décor create a warm, inviting environment that encourages guests to relax and linger. This is not merely a place to eat but a place to experience, where the atmosphere itself becomes part of the evening’s enjoyment. Music fills the space without overpowering conversation, and subtle design touches reflect both the past and present of Dallas’s vibrant cultural scene. Guests often comment on how the setting feels both special and comfortable, allowing for a dynamic social experience whether the occasion is casual or celebratory.
The layout accommodates diverse group sizes, with areas for intimate conversations as well as more boisterous gatherings. The bar area is popular for those who enjoy mingling or arriving without reservations, adding an informal element to the evening. The staff’s attentive yet unobtrusive service enhances the overall welcoming feel, mindful of the needs of groups balancing dining, socializing, and entertainment. This attentiveness helps ensure that the evening flows smoothly, from drink orders to meal pacing to enjoying the live jazz performances.
Why do visitors rate Bacari Tabu highly and what do reviews say about group visits?
With a robust rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 31 reviews, Bacari Tabu is widely praised for its exceptional food, vibrant atmosphere, and lively music offerings. Visitors frequently highlight the unique combination of quality Venetian tapas and authentic jazz as a winning formula that sets the restaurant apart from other Dallas venues. Many reviews commend the venue’s ability to cater to groups who want more than just a meal — they want an experience that includes culture, conviviality, and culinary excellence. Guests attest to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the creativity of the menu, and how the music elevates the dining experience without dominating it.
For groups, Bacari Tabu is especially popular because it delivers both the intimacy and excitement required for a successful meetup. Families appreciate the approachable yet elevated food options, while friends enjoy the relaxed vibe that welcomes extended conversations and late-night enjoyment. The combination of thoughtful design, excellent food and drink, and engaging entertainment earns consistent accolades, making Bacari Tabu a standout choice for anyone looking to host memorable social gatherings in Dallas.
Bacari Tabu, with its signature Venetian tapas, artisanal cocktails, live jazz, and nostalgic charm, is a premier destination for those who want to rally friends or family in a space that celebrates connection, culture, and cuisine. Its vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, combined with flexible group-friendly dining and entertainment options, ensure that every meetup here is more than just a meal — it’s an experience to remember.