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2477 N. Elston

The Basics
Where you’ll find it: 2977 N. Elston Avenue, on the corner of Rockwell and Elston. (773) 866-9898.

When it’s open: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday; 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday.

Reservations: The same owners as Tango Sur, so reservations are only taken for larger groups.

What you’ve heard: I first learned about it a few years ago from a singer who played there on Wednesday nights. The first time I went, I had to look for it, because from the outside, it blends in with all of the other gray buildings in the area. Then you open the door, and it’s like a secret South American paradise — a real diamond in the rough. ... It does not get crowded until later at night. ... Great empanadas and Spanish/Latin American drinks. ... Some live Latin jazz. ... Same owners as the popular Tango Sur steakhouse on Southport, which is a good sign.

Visual Aids
First impressions: The crowd when we were there was mostly South American/Latin American and Spanish-speaking. ... The DJ working the weekends is really good. ... My first impression was “this place is tiny.” But then I used the bathroom and realized there was a big back room that had a patio off of it too. ... Don’t get me wrong, the front bar and restaurant is kind of small, but it’s very intimate with its candlelit dining. ... I was totally impressed with the bartender and fully stocked top-shelf bar.

The atmosphere: Very laid-back and chill vibe. ... Definitely loungy and urban feeling. ... We came early on a Friday night at 8 p.m. and were one of a few tables seated, so it seems like it’s a late-arriving crowd, true to form with the lifestyle in South America. ... It can turn into more of a club later on the weekends.

The Experience
At your service: The service was quite good. ... The waitress offered to cut the sandwiches into three sections for us to share, which was perfect. ... Again, it’s a laid-back place owned and operated by South Americans, so the service is different than you might get in an American restaurant, and I like it.

Get your drink on: Mojitos, pisco sour (a Peruvian and Chilean specialty), margaritas — and a full bar. ... Be careful because their menu drinks like the mojitos and soparoska (vodka drinks) will catch up with you very fast. ... There is no shortage of fresh lime in some of these drinks, which cuts the taste of the alchohol and leaves you ready to do some seated dancing while you eat.

Menu variety and prices: A small, delicious menu with plenty of tapas and sandwiches. ... Tons of choices on the menu that anyone can identify with and follow along with the South American influence. ... Most of the menu options are below $10, which is great for a city of this size.

Description of what you did decide on: My favorite items were the beef empanadas and the vacio (flank steak) with yummy chimichurri sauce and fries. We ordered everything I listed above, and we all liked everything. ... The lomito sandwich (steak, avocado, egg and cheese) was awesome. ... I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed the chimichurri sauce with everything. This sauce is so flavorful and easy to prepare: Olive oil is heated on a low flame with fresh garlic cloves and parsley to infuse all the flavors and then warmed to serve with all the hot dishes. I will be making this at home. ... We ended up ordering a chorizo sandwich and melanesa (breaded beef) sandwich that were perfect to share with the group. ... Plenty of food to go around. ... Do not leave without ordering the empanadas, especially the spinach one. ... The empanada appetizer has four plated empanadas with your choice for each one’s filling. Try them all! ... We also tried the cold seafood salad that was a mariner’s delight, but probably not for the occasional seafood diner.

Something that caught your eye: The atmosphere, the drinks, the food, the people. It all caught my eye the first time I went. ... In a pretty quiet area of town without much else going on, so you can make it a destination. ... Note that the music can be loud at times. ... It’s small and cozy, but without a lot of decorations. ... Seating is limited, so it might not hurt to get there early on the weekends.

What you’ll tell your friends: If you’re looking for a place to relax, have good drinks, something affordable to eat and listen to good music, you’ll enjoy it. ... It’s very well hidden and definitely a great place to sneak away. I will be back in the summer because they have an outdoor area and couch-lined back room. ... If you are looking for unique and identifiable Argentinean food, then this is the place to go.

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