When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Tango Sur
Why Tango Sur is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tango Sur in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood stands out as a vibrant and cherished spot for friends to gather and share a memorable dining experience. Known for its authentic Argentinian grilled steaks, it offers large, flavorful cuts like NY strips, sirloins, and filets at prices generally under $30, making it an affordable alternative to upscale steakhouses in the city. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, with two small dining rooms that seat about 50 people and feature romantic candlelight on each table. This dimly lit setting creates a warm and inviting ambiance that welcomes groups looking to enjoy good food and a convivial mood. An added appeal is its BYOB policy, allowing guests to bring their favorite wine or beverages, which complements the richly grilled meat and contributes to a relaxed and festive gathering. While the restaurant can be quite busy with usual waits, especially on weekends, the management offers a winter waiting room to ease longer waits. Overall, Tango Sur combines great food, fair pricing, and a cozy, social environment, making it an excellent venue for meeting up with friends.
Here's what people think of Tango Sur
As of recent, Tango Sur holds a 4.5-star rating based on 3120 reviews.
User reviews collectively praise Tango Sur for its delicious and well-prepared steak offerings, highlighting the authenticity and generous portions typical of an Argentinian steakhouse. Many reviewers appreciate the value, noting that the prices remain reasonable compared to other Chicago steakhouses despite some perceptions of price increases over time. The BYOB feature consistently receives positive mentions as it allows for a personalized beverage experience and helps keep the dining cost manageable. Furthermore, the intimate, candlelit atmosphere and friendly service contribute to a charming dining experience that many find romantic or great for casual group outings. On the downside, some reviews express dissatisfaction with the wait times and crowd noise, especially since the venue is relatively small and often bustling, which can detract from deeper conversation. A few also mention that while the food quality remains high, the value proposition is not quite what it used to be, given the recent price adjustments. Despite these critiques, the majority conclude that Tango Sur is a must-know spot for affordable, authentic steaks in Chicago, excelling in delivering tasty food and a lively setting for gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jonathan C
All the positive adjectives belong in this review. Phenomenal food, fantastic wine, great service! The wall of wine was really cool. If you can't find a wine here, then you probably just don't like wine. The food was "eat too much to the point you're in pain" type of good! We sat outside in a really cute area that had shade. Jenny (not Jennifer) was an awesome server! She treated us very well! Can't wait to come back.
Jack and Jill Daycare Center
Everything is delicious.. š oh did I mention it's BYOB!! YEAH š¤£ ALSO, SUPER SEXY OR if you are among friends super cool. Dinner by candlelight who knew? šÆļø You can sit outside on the patio or inside where it's nice in cool either way it a blast listening to the loud chatter and food feasting with your eyes as those huge sizzling platters of food wiz by. Cheap fare to a bit more pricey entrees. The food is moderately price but the appetizers are cheap but very delicious for example favorable to large portions.,,,one of my many favorites when I'm dining on a dime is the empanadas..... Yum $5 dollar dollar. Anyway check this place out I think it's a big hit. Enjoy
E K
Great experience just like I was there 10 yrs ago. BYOB - they have a wine store next door š. Great atmosphere and steaks were cooked to perfection. Local favorite ā¤ļø
Juan Montiel
Food was okay but not good enough for the price. Paid $180 for two, the meat was missing some flavorā¦ The quantity was plenty but the flavor just wasnāt there. Feel like they took an hour to bring us the food. Mashed potatoes were 10/10. The customer service is definitely 10/10 but they included 18% gratuity. I prefer to choose how much to tip, but to each its own.
Love More
Excellent š I'm a real big foodie. Every single dish that they brought out was packed with flavors and delicious. The atmosphere was so nice. It's actually the perfect date night space. The ambiance everything about Tango Sur was really on point. The food was so delicious and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others. I will definitely be going back!
How to reach Tango Sur
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Why Tango Sur may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Tango Sur with your friends?
Tango Sur stands out as an exceptional gathering place for friends or family who want to enjoy a lively, flavorful dining experience without breaking the bank. Located in Chicagoās Lakeview neighborhood, this Argentinian steakhouse offers an inviting atmosphere that perfectly balances casual comfort with a vibrant energy, making it ideal for group meetups. With a solid rating of 4.5 stars from over 3,000 reviews, its popularity speaks to the quality and consistency that guests can expect. What makes Tango Sur especially attractive is its combination of affordable, large portions of high-quality steaks with a BYOB policy, which means you can bring your own wine or beverages to complement your meal, adding to the social and personalized vibe of the night. The bustling, somewhat loud but convivial environment encourages casual conversation and laughter, perfect for gathering with friends or celebrating with family without the pressure of a formal dining setting. Whether you seek a place to relax after work, celebrate a milestone, or simply indulge in expertly grilled meats, Tango Sur caters beautifully to groups looking to revel in a shared culinary adventure that feels both special and accessible.
What kinds of activities or experiences can groups enjoy at Tango Sur?
When you bring your crew to Tango Sur, the main experience revolves around enjoying expertly prepared Argentinian-style grilled meats. The menu features generously sized cuts like NY strips, sirloins, and filets, all offered at prices way below what you would expect from upscale Chicago steakhouses. This means your group can dive into a feast of juicy steaks without worrying about a hefty bill. Because Tango Sur is BYOB, groups can curate their own drink selection, turning the meal into a more economical and personalized event. This BYOB feature also encourages pre-planning social interactions such as coordinating favorite wines or craft beers to pair with the rich flavors of the grilled dishes. Aside from the main course, the restaurant offers unique sides like spinach mashed potatoes that received rave reviews for their flavor and originality, adding to the collective tasting experience. Although Tango Surās interior is described as dimly lit and bustling, this creates a warm, energetic atmosphere where groups can feel comfortable chatting, laughing, and catching up over good food. The communal aspect of dining on hearty Argentinian fare paired with your preferred drinks fosters a true sense of togetherness ā ideal for group celebrations or casual meetups.
Why is Tango Sur an ideal spot for group meetups?
Tango Surās design and service style inherently lend themselves to group gatherings. The restaurantās layout supports lively group dining ā although on the smaller side and often busy, its warm and crowded ambiance lends to a festive background noise that helps groups feel relaxed and uninhibited. The fact that it is often bustling means you share the energy of a popular local hotspot, making your outing feel like a special occasion. The prices are also a significant draw for groups because Tango Sur offers large portions of quality steak at reasonable cost (typically under $30 per plate), which makes shared dining practical and affordable for nearly any budget. The BYOB policy further enhances the appeal, giving groups the flexibility to tailor their drink choices and to keep costs lower than typical restaurants with markups on wine and alcohol. The menuās diversity within the steakhouse niche, featuring classic cuts with an Argentinian twist, ensures that most guests will find something to their liking. The staff are described as attentive and responsive, critical for ensuring group events flow smoothly without waiting or ordering hassles. For anyone wanting a fun, hearty meal with friends or family in a lively, affordable setting with freedom to bring your own drinks, Tango Sur delivers an excellent experience.
What makes the food and atmosphere at Tango Sur unique compared to other steakhouses?
Tango Sur distinguishes itself through its combination of Argentinian culinary influence, affordability, and BYOB policy. Chicago has no shortage of steakhouses, from classic powerhouses to trendy new spots, but Tango Sur captures a unique niche by focusing on grilled Argentinian meats with bold flavors served in large portions at very friendly prices. The Argentinian grilling style imparts a particular smoky, charred flavor to the steaks, setting it apart from the more typical American steakhouse experience. The restaurant's ambiance is also distinctly different: it has a dark, intimate feel yet is lively and often crowded, creating a vibrant social environment rather than a quiet, formal dining room. Guests are encouraged to bring their own wines or drinks, which is unusual in this category and adds a layer of personalization and excitement to the meal. This casual and somewhat rowdy atmosphere can feel like a party with friends, rather than a strictly formal outing. The sides and desserts, such as the highly praised spinach mashed potatoes and unique Argentinian-influenced sweets like dulce de leche treats, add to Tango Surās distinctive culinary character. Together, the food and atmosphere create a deliciously different steakhouse experience that feels both high quality and unpretentious.
What practical aspects should groups consider when planning a meetup at Tango Sur?
While Tango Sur is ideal for group gatherings, there are some practical points to keep in mind to ensure the best experience. The restaurant is known to be busy, often crowded, and somewhat loud, which means itās less suited for those seeking a quiet or intimate discussion setting. Reservation or early arrival is advisable, especially for larger groups, to avoid long waits since the restaurantās popularity can lead to congestion. The BYOB policy, while a benefit, requires some preparation: groups should plan ahead to source their preferred wines or beverages to complement the meal. Glassware at Tango Sur is described as casual and somewhat small, fitting with the relaxed vibe, but this might not match expectations for special occasion glassware. Some patrons have noted occasional issues like a fruit fly presence in outdoor seating, so groups planning to sit outside during warmer months should be aware. Pricing, while generally favorable, has seen some increase over the years, so itās wise to check the latest menu for budget planning. Overall, a little forethought about timing, drink choices, and atmosphere expectations will maximize the enjoyment when rallying your friends or family at Tango Sur.
How does Tango Sur support creating memorable group social experiences?
The core of Tango Surās appeal for groups lies in its ability to combine high-quality food, an upbeat environment, and customizable drink options into a memorable social experience. Sharing a plentiful steak dinner thatās both tasty and well-priced encourages conviviality and generosity among friends. The BYOB approach turns the meal into a more intimate, customizable event where guests can bring meaningful or favorite beverages, helping to personalize the outing. The restaurantās energetic, slightly loud ambiance keeps the atmosphere informal and joyous, encouraging lively conversation and bonding. Friendly and attentive service ensures that groups feel well cared for, freeing everyone to relax and focus on the company rather than the logistics of dining. The unique Argentinian flavor profile gives diners a slight departure from typical steakhouse fare, adding novelty and conversation points. These elements together create a space where groups arenāt just eatingātheyāre celebrating culture, friendship, and great food, making Tango Sur a reliable destination for memorable gatherings in Chicago.
With its superb Argentinian steaks, convivial atmosphere, affordable pricing, and BYOB policy, Tango Sur offers one of the best group dining experiences in Chicago. Whether celebrating birthdays, reunion dinners, or casual nights out, it promises an inviting environment to rally your friends or family around a shared love of good food and good company.