Pour Destino - Elmhurst — Restaurant in Elmhurst

I’m grading this on a curve since it just opened, hopefully they find their footing. My husband (Spanish) and I were probably too excited that a Spanish-inspired restaurant was opening, and overall I’d say this is a great cocktail bar with meh food and mysterious pricing. Don’t go looking for Spanish authenticity but if you want a great drink and some tapa-ish food then this is a good spot. I hope they do find their footing because I was very excited for it!

1. service: very attentive servers, though the waiter pronounced it “tapias” so may want to work on that. They were super sweet to our kids.

2. cost: I can’t figure out how our bill was $98 when we got $77 worth of food and drinks, but I didn’t have time to ask since my children were starting to melt down. Either they over-charged us or they have a $15 service fee on top of tax. We literally got 3 tapas and 3 drinks (one of which was a $6 beer). But, again, this was on me to not follow-up on.

3. drinks: definitely the high point. No Spanish beers but a few Spanish wines. Cocktails look very good, we ordered one that was too sweet for me but that was my own fault. Next time I’ll get the carajillo which is what I wanted originally!

4. food: definitely not authentically Spanish. Have jamón 5 jotas but it’s clearly from a pre-sliced package that they then diced on the plate (again, it’s not an authentic Spanish restaurant so I don’t fault them as much for this). The rest of the food was the low point, padrón peppers were basically raw and had a funky sauce that wasn’t on the menu description, papas bravas were all different sizes so cooked to different textures. Even the charcuterie plate was disappointing, which is hard. But I hope this is just that it just opened and needs to get itself together!

5. ambience: great vibe and aesthetic. Love the outdoor seating. Hope they keep it into winter!

They have a great decor, cool patio, plus good drinks. I hope they improve or simplify the food menu! And maybe start...

This place is a must-visit and has quickly become my favorite spot in the area. From the moment you walk in, the space is beautiful. It has a chic, sophisticated, and yet incredibly welcoming atmosphere—the perfect blend for a relaxed evening out with friends or a date night. It truly feels like an elevated neighborhood hangout. And the cocktails? They are simply amazing. The bar staff here are true artisans. Every drink I tried was perfectly balanced, creative, and made with obvious care and high-quality ingredients. They elevate the classic cocktail experience and are absolutely worth exploring. But let's talk about the food. The tapas-style dining is designed for sharing and connection, and the dishes themselves are nothing less than spectacular. The menu takes the concept of small plates and runs with it, delivering bold and memorable flavors. The two stand-out dishes of the night were the new additions: Wagyu Tataki: A sensational dish. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, expertly seared, and served with a bright, savory sauce that made every bite a delight. It's a delicate and high-end plate that you simply must try. Iberico Pork Chops: These were perfection. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked with a beautiful crust. The unique, rich flavor of the Iberico pork shines through, making this a truly memorable and luxurious main component to our tapas spread. Pour Destino Elmhurst is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's a social experience. If you are looking for fantastic cocktails, incredible tapas (especially the Wagyu and Iberico!), and a beautiful setting, look no further. Highly, highly...

I want to preface this by saying that I genuinely wanted to enjoy this restaurant and would love to see it succeed. However, meaningful changes will need to be made if that is to happen.

We visited on a Saturday evening. The atmosphere and overall vibe were excellent--easily an A. The staff was attentive and friendly, also deserving of high marks. The cocktails we ordered arrived quickly and tasted great, though they looked nothing like the images shown on the menu. That detail didn't significantly detract from the experience, but it was noticeable.

The issues arose with the food. We ordered the Papas Bravas ($10) with an $8 add-on of Jamón Ibérico. What arrived was the potato dish accompanied by thin slices of what appeared to be basic salami, far from the premium Spanish cured ham that was advertised. This felt misleading, both in presentation and value.

We also ordered the Lamb Pincho Morunos ($28), described on the menu as lamb skewers seasoned with paprika, cumin, and other spices. What was served, however, was a single skewer with four bite-sized pieces of lamb--hardly consistent with the description or the price point. Frankly, it was disappointing and felt like a poor value.

In summary:

Atmosphere: A Service: A Value for food: D-

The quality, accuracy of descriptions, and portion sizes fell well short of expectations, leaving us with the impression of a bait-and-switch. While I sincerely hope this new establishment succeeds I believe Pour Destino might be alienating repeat customers based on our first...