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Tala House

5022 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
American, Seafood

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Tala House 7.9
Andersonville
A polished, reservation-friendly dining room where seafood shows up in modern, composed plates and a cocktail-paced rhythm. It’s best when you order in waves—one seafood-forward starter, one focused main—so the meal stays balanced instead of scattered.
Must-Try Dishes: Seafood-focused starter (seasonal), Fish main (seasonal), Cocktail pairing
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Seafood-leaning modern American plates with a cocktail-first pace.
Who should go: Dates and small groups who like polished plates
When to visit: Dinner on a reservation
What to order: One seafood starter, one fish main, a cocktail
Insider tip: Order in waves—starter first, then decide your main after tasting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street; generally manageable on weekdays but can be tight after 6pm on weekends. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual — jeans are fine if styled well; many guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough to feel energetic, but conversation across the table is comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few vegetable-forward starters and adaptable mains, though the menu is seafood-led.
Vegan options: Limited — likely one or two options at most; best to check with the server before committing.
Gluten-free options: Partial — several naturally gluten-free seafood dishes, but no clearly separate prep area noted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, composed plates, and cocktail pacing make it comfortable and impressive without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evening, but weekends are risky; a reservation is the safest move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the menu and vibe skew adult, and it’s better suited to teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: A refined, date-night seafood experience with modern plating and a cocktail-forward rhythm.
Skip if: You want casual seafood, big platters, or budget-friendly portions — there are better neighborhood options for that.
Tala House 7.9
Andersonville
A newer Andersonville room that reads as modern bistro-fine: thoughtful cocktails, a patio-friendly setting, and menu items that lean into seafood and steak with a little global edge. It’s strongest when you order one clean starter and one main—mussels or tuna up front, then a steak or seafood plate—so the meal stays focused.
Must-Try Dishes: Tuna crudo tostado, Mussels in chipotle cream sauce, Allen Brothers prime steak
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A newer Andersonville bistro mixing global touches with steak-and-seafood polish.
Who should go: Date-night diners who like modern bistro energy
When to visit: Weeknights or patio hours for the best pace
What to order: Tuna crudo tostado, mussels, prime steak
Insider tip: Treat starters as the headline—then pick one main and stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark Street; availability drops after 6pm, especially on weekends. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if styled well, but many diners opt for date-night polish.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy during dinner hours, but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—usually 1–2 vegetable-forward starters or mains depending on the menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to ask about off-menu adjustments to starters.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free seafood and steak options; staff can guide substitutions, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's polished without feeling stiff, with strong cocktails and a menu that encourages sharing one or two plates rather than navigating a long tasting-style meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening; weekends are tighter, so expect a short wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews adult and date-focused. Best for older teens who eat off the main menu.
Best For
Better for: Modern bistro energy, cocktails, and a focused steak-and-seafood menu that feels current and social.
Skip if: You’re looking for deep vegetarian variety, a quiet fine-dining experience, or a large-group, family-style setup.