Table for 4

Tango Sur
3763 N. Southport

By Christina Amoroso

The Basics
Where you’ll find it: 3763 N. Southport Avenue. At the north end of the busy Southport strip. (773) 477-5466.

When it’s open: 5-10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Noon-11 p.m. Sunday

Reservations: Parties of six or more can call in for reservations. However, nothing is guaranteed. They asked us to call in an hour and again 30 minutes before arrival to check on availability. When we arrived at 7:30, our table was ready and waiting, and our whole party didn't have to be there to get seated. Weekends can be a longer wait.

What you’ve heard: Small but busy Argentinean steakhouse with great outdoor seating in the summer. ... Good food, long wait.

Visual Aids
First impressions: Warm, energetic and welcoming environment. When I walked in, I instantly liked the ambiance. The lights were dimmed and candles were burning, but it was not too dark. … The setting was great for a date or a gathering of friends, which not many places can pull off.

The atmosphere: Romantic and candlelit with an ethnic decor and a younger crowd. Great place for a date or to meet with friends. … The atmosphere is cozy. They have two dinning rooms, and the front room is much smaller than the back room. On the weekends, expect to wait unless you are lucky to get a reservation (six or more). On the weekends, it is a much livelier environment, especially when tables have a few drinks on them. During the week, it is a much more intimate environment.

The Experience

At your service: One of the steaks wasn’t cooked to my friend's liking, and the server brought it back to the kitchen and took care of it right away. It did take a little long for the salads to be served after appetizers though. … I liked how we were not rushed. We waited an hour for someone in our party, and the waiter just rolled with it. Some places rush you to order. After the food arrived and we were done eating, we stayed to talk. We were at the place for quite a while, and I never felt rushed to free up the large table we were sitting at. ... Everyone was very attentive. The valet parked my car in front and brought me my keys, seeing it was getting late.

Get your drink on: It is BYOB, and they have no corking fee, which is hard to find these days.

Menu variety and prices: Various chicken, steak and vegetable choices, but the specialties involve red meat. Main entrees are anywhere between $10-$20.

Description of what you did decide on: I had the bife vesuvio (steak stuffed with spinach and cheese) served with Argentinian potatoes in a white wine sauce. It was a large portion and very rich and flavorful. The wine white sauce perfectly complemented the potatoes and steak combination. … We had chicken, beef, spinach & cheese and vegetable empanadas to start, which were delicious. The caramel flan was excellent! Not too sweet. … I ordered the El Filet. I was impressed because I order my steaks well-done to medium-well, and I usually have to send them back because they are not cooked enough. I didn't need to send it back at Tango Sur, because it was actually cooked exactly as requested. The steak was great (especially for the price of $21). There is no way to get that high quality of a steak at any of the city steakhouses. However, the dish came with mashed potatoes that, from the taste, I thought were fake. Not good. The empanadas were fantastic though. I would go back just for them! … After three bottles of wine, I cannot remember exactly what I ordered, but it was some type of steak. I would not go to Tango Sur and get anything but steak. I have eaten there about 12 times and have never ever been disappointed. They have hot, fresh rolls to start dinner. Great apps. We had the empanadas with chimichurrie and the eggplant appetizer, which is also great. The portions are huge, and with the dinner, you get a salad as well. Also, the flan has the best homemade caramel topping I have ever tasted! ... I had the chicken with vegetables and chimichurrie sauce on the side. The vegetables were stewed and included tomatoes and peppers, and it all blended well on the plate.

Something that caught your eye: The warm feeling felt when you enter the restaurant. Everyone was enjoying their meals and conversations. The ethnic decor (vines painted on wall) gave the feeling of eating in an outdoor veranda. ... Charming decorations. ... Everyone was really enjoying themselves. ... Large portions in oval dishes.

What you’ll tell your friends: It’s a great place to meet friends and catch up. Bring lots of great wine to complement the rich-tasting food. Bring your appetite — pick and choose from the menu for a great four-course dinner. … The food was wonderful — flavorful and authentic. Ambiance was energetic and romantic at the same time. ... It is a BYOB, which scores big points with me. Why spend $40 on a $20 bottle of wine? The appetizers are amazing. Get the eggplant and empanadas. … The menu is heavily weighed in favor of red meat, so if you are up for good steak at a decent price, this is the place. If you are looking for a good chicken or fish dish, I might go someplace else. A good time was had by all! … They are in no rush to kick you out. Dinner at Tango Sur can be a whole night in itself (dinner, cocktails, laughing, etc.). No need to go anywhere else.

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