We've heard a lot of good things about Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash) from friends and acquaintances but have never been until recently. They mostly spoke about the stylish decor and swanky people hanging out at night. Although we can't vouch for that, it's pretty easy to picture.Anyway, a couple friends of ours invited us to meet them at Cuatro for their "Bossa Nova Brunch", which happens every Sunday. Cuatro opens at 10am and that's when we were meeting them. We were a little early and the place was obviously just opening. One man sat by himself at the table and enjoyed some coffee with a newspaper. The rest of the people there seemed to be part of the staff and scattered around the place.
As we were greeted and seated, it was impossible not to notice the club music pounding from what appeared to be the kitchen. Although we were not exactly sure why the music was so loud, we joked that the party from last night was just ending. Doubtful...but maybe?
The decor in Cuatro was trendy. Art hanging everywhere and a unique feel aroudnd the whole place (especially given the industrial/commercial businesses neighboring the restaurant on South Wabash). We were quickly waited upon since there wasn't many people there and our friends ordered some mimosas, so I obviously had to follow suit.Upon receiving the drinks (that were refreshing by the way), we ordered our food. The menu at Cuatro was different then many places we've been. I haven't eaten much Latin American food, so anything I saw was going to be a new experience. Although we could have opted for something pretty exotic, everyone went for safe choices. Two orders of Tropical Pancakes which sounded and from what they said tasted delicious:
Coconut milk pancakes studded with fresh pineapple, mango and toasted pecans, served with warm pure Vermont maple syrup.Being that I'm not a huge fan of traditional brunch I went for a sandwich, which had a sweet but spicy sauce, avocado, Chicken and some other things I can't even remember. It was solid and unique, but I wasn't a huge fan of it and probably would get something different when I go next time. I also had a side of the purple Peruvian fries, which again were interesting but just so so.
The best thing was that about half through our meal (say 10:45ish) the Bossa Nova band was up and running, playing great grooves and really adding to the atmosphere. So much so that a couple decided they were going to start to dance (and by dance I mean the girl was doing some awkward shaking and the guy was not sure what to do). Although it didn't seem to faze many patrons in the restaurant, it was a little awkward in my book for 10:45am.
Regardless, it was a fun, cool place and something I would recommend. Just don't get a sandwich for brunch (but that probably goes without saying...). And I wouldn't recommend 10am...go a little later so you can enjoy the Bossa Nova!
21 comments:
I've been two Cuatro twice. The first time was for dinner. The food was good, but I thought overpriced.
The second time I went was for brunch. I would definitely recommend the brunch (Even though I'm not a big breakfast/brunch person). The prices was a lot more reasonable and the food was excellent.
I meant to say, I've been TO Cuatro twice in the comment above.
My bad.
Great restaurant with excellent food and service. The dance floor is frequently used and he atmosphere is excellent. They are an importpart part of the Chicago House music scene and have been so since opening. This is central to the South Loop Chic that is growing in the neighborhood with Cuatro, The Shrine and the new Roosevelt theaters. I recommend that place to everyone. Now I will have to try the brunch!
That wasn't dancing, she was just suffering from the DTs.
To bad the safety issues of walking from the east around that area kill some of the business opportunity for places like this.
Great food. Unique setting. The brunch must be experienced by all. Also, I completely agree with the comment regarding the unfortunate location; this is not a place I would dare to walk to at night.
That being said, I am curious as to why this blog doesn't contain more information regarding community safety alerts. For example, I find it irresponsible to suggest a place like this without warning that a woman was held up and mugged at gunpoint in the afternoon just east of this location two weeks ago.
Moreover, there is no mention of the string of strong arm robberies that are happening all over the UIC campus, just West of the Sloop. All the reports in the Trib and Sun-Times give descriptions of the attackers which I feel the readers of this blog would find useful.
Anonymous (8:25am) - we didn't see any coverage of these safety stories in the papers or online. If you have a link please send it to us at sloopin@gmail.com and we will take a look at them.
I don't think it's Sloopy's job to warn folks that they could run into a random act of violence. It's a big city folks, which means that everything you do in Chicago comes with an assumed risk.
Please people. That area is not any more dangerous than walking around Clark & Addison. Yes the south loop is bordering low-income communities, but this is no reason to run and hide. Common sense is the recipe for safety!
It's the "Big City", folks.
Watch your hat and coat.
Also, I completely agree with the comment regarding the unfortunate location; this is not a place I would dare to walk to at night.
Can't afford a car?
All the reports in the Trib and Sun-Times give descriptions of the attackers which I feel the readers of this blog would find useful.
Why don't you cut to the chase and spit it out?
@FGFM Here is the chase, everyblock lets you see any crimes within a 1 block radius, I see two robberies last year, quite a few thefts (car break-ins) but nothing that would keep me from heading down there.
The lawsuit filed on Friday in the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Hall v. Jewel, et al., should be followed closely by all in this neighborhood who feel unconditionally safe when walking around this neighborhood at all times (especially at/near the Roosevelt eL stop).
Kinda off topic, Anon. Regardless, who in their right mind would feel "unconditionally safe" anywhere in a big city, especially at one of this one's busiest intersections? Also, why should we follow this one case? Isn't what happened already public knowledge?
You should follow it because throughout the pleadings and discovery phases of this suit, facts will surface regarding several incidents that were not as high profile as the Hall incident. Just saying, if you really want to be "in the know" about the bevy of security concerns and issues around our neighborhood's "front door," then pay attention closely. Much of what you hear will both shock and enlighten you. One of the prayers for relief sought in the suit is for the Courts to mandate that both public and private entities in the area beef up security patrols - which will benefit all of us.
Try not to be such a drama queen. While that was a horrible case, hundreds of people get killed around the city on an annual basis. but murder is rare around here.
Hey FGFM, noboby was murdered in the Hall case; a woman was just beaten to a pulp by two people loitering around the Jewel/eL stop.
Point being: there are other very serious crimes besides murder; ask Ms. Hall and her fiance how they feel about losing all of their teeth in a ruthless and senseless beating.
Further, who are you to call other people "drama queen"? Is there anything more "dramatic" than jumping all over other bloggers' spelling and grammar errors?
Hey FGFM, noboby was murdered in the Hall case; a woman was just beaten to a pulp by two people loitering around the Jewel/eL stop.
I am familiar with the case. Semicolon alert!
Point being: there are other very serious crimes besides murder; ask Ms. Hall and her fiance how they feel about losing all of their teeth in a ruthless and senseless beating.
Don't be an idiot, I never said that that sort of battery wasn't a serious crime. Colon/semicolon alert!
Further, who are you to call other people "drama queen"? Is there anything more "dramatic" than jumping all over other bloggers' spelling and grammar errors?
I'm going to mock you every chance I get because you are an obsessed racist lunatic. No semicolon alert!
Did I miss something? since when did semicolons become racist? Oh, that's right, to people like FGFM every comment that they don't agree with is racist.
Oh, that's right, to people like FGFM every comment that they don't agree with is racist.
You are not fooling anyone with this routine of yours.
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