Tavernita, the restaurant at the top of our list of this year's most anticipated new venues for events, officially opened in River North on Monday. With a copper tin ceiling, filament bulb lighting, and tile flooring, the interior takes its cues from eateries in Spain. The venue is operated by the team behind Mercadito.
The Barcito, a lounge area with a glass-encased pintxo display, seats 92 or holds 140 for cocktails, and is available for private and semiprivate events. The 122-seat main dining room and a lounge area with room for 120 can also hold semiprivate functions; the entire site is available for buyouts. Chef Ryan Poli's menu offers oysters, crostini, and flatbreads, along with meats prepared on a Uruguayan wood-fired grill.
Photo: Drew Templeton
Photo: Drew Templeton
Photo: Drew Templeton