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Tama
Master Critic Review
Tama
8.6
Tama is a Bucktown Mediterranean bistro with Greek-South American leanings, where mezze, lamb, and seafood plates share the menu with vegetable-forward dishes and a serious wine list. The compact, softly lit room reads as a neighborhood date-night spot first, but small groups treat it like a shareable tasting menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas Bravas with Spicy Greek Yogurt, Braised Short Rib with Orzo and Mizithra, Focaccia with House Spreads
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A chef-led Mediterranean dining room where Greek-inflected mezze and large plates feel refined but still neighborhood-casual.
Who should go: Couples and small groups who like shareable plates
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinners before peak reservations
What to order: Patatas bravas, braised short rib with orzo, focaccia
Insider tip: Bar seats often open up even when reservations are tight, and ordering a spread of mezze plus one large plate to split keeps the bill more controlled.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks and metered spots along Damen/Armitage; can be limited during peak dinner hours, no regular valet
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at two-tops, but the room can buzz during peak weekends
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at peak if walking in; shorter if you’re flexible with bar seating
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner spot, so no typical lunch service or lunch wait patterns
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several mezze and vegetable-forward plates can work well for vegetarians
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but fully vegan mains are not the restaurant’s focus
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and modifications are available; confirm with staff when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting is warm, the room is intimate without feeling formal, and shareable plates create an easy conversational pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — bar and a few small tables may open up if you’re patient, but weekends book up; aim for early arrivals or late slots for better walk-in odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the space and menu skew adult, date-night, and small-group oriented; older teens may be fine, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, shareable dinners where refined Mediterranean flavors and a strong wine list matter more than large-format entrees or big-room energy.
Skip if: You want very casual pricing, a broad vegan menu, or a loud, high-capacity group venue with easy walk-in availability.