Tavos Signature Cuisine — Restaurant in Milwaukee

Prefacing this review with the fact that I had been waiting to have supper here for quite some time based on positive reviews by family and friends, so perhaps I had built it up too much in my mind. We arrived and were seated right away. The dining area is quite small, which we knew before going as a result of having frequented Quiote (restaurant in this space prior to Tavos). Our cocktail order was taken promptly, but the drink I received was a disappointment. I ordered a jalapeno coriander margarita, and it had so many peppers muddled into it I could barely take more than a sip or two and my mouth was on fire. Definitely could not taste what I was told to be mezcal even though the menu listed tequila of a completely different variety. The host/bartender/waiter promptly remade my drink, and it was fine, but not what I expected for the described drink and price. The complimentary molletitos were just ok - nothing special or out of the ordinary. We all shared the guacamole Azteca and similar to my first cocktail - so many peppers! Enough peppers that it was difficult to taste the avocado, etc. and I am not a person who is turned off by spicy food if that says anything. Plantain chips were great, however. After the appetizer, we ordered our entrees and at least two of our party members' choices were not available upon ordering. When our food was served, three of the four of us had room temperature plates. Additionally, one of us who had ordered the multiple meat option was served a meal made with a completely different option and when it was called to the waiter's attention, his response was "if you look at your final bill, I did not charge you any more for what you were served than the multiple meat would have cost." Are you kidding me?! At approx. $30 a plate, I do not think it is unreasonable to expect that you receive what you order OR you are given a heads up that the kitchen is out of a certain item and provided an opportunity to select an alternative meal if you wish. The house fish tacos were good, and the presentation was excellent, but the dish was under seasoned in my opinion and the waiter forgot one of the two sides that were supposed to accompany my entree. Chile relleno was decent but appeared and tasted to be filled with different ingredients than were listed on the menu. Beyond those disappointments, which I could have lived with despite the menu pricing, I would like to express my disappointment in the fact that two households in our party arranged for sitters in order to have supper and adult time in this somewhat intimate establishment and there was a child (presumably of either the owner, chef or waiter) sitting at one of the five tables in the dining area on an iPad WITHOUT HEADPHONES ON. While I understand we all come across child care snags now and again and you do what you need to do as a parent to make a living and not let your employer or customers down, please do the right thing and get your kid a pair of headphones. I am not bothered by having children present when I’m out without my own kids, but not having to listen to a game or cartoons during our time there would have changed the experience for us for the better. I'm glad your restaurant is doing well and so many of your customers love the food and the atmosphere, but unfortunately, we did not come out of it with the same thought and likely will not go back again...

We stumbled here by accident after Story Hill BKC didn't have room for us...and were so glad we did! The food was incredible! Really unique and authentic Mexican cuisine - just truly special dishes. But even more than that, the staff went out of their way to make our whole group (which included family members visiting from overseas) feel welcome and at home throughout the evening. Our waiter patiently walked us through each item on the menu and helped us all order something we'd like (we have some dietary restrictions and they were so accommodating of that).

Also, breastfeeding mamas, this place is extremely breastfeeding friendly! I have a five-month old who I needed to breastfeed at one point and I was preparing to take her to the bathroom so we could have some privacy. (I fully support nursing in public, but am self conscious about doing it myself so I usually try to find a private space when I can.) Our waiter saw what I was about to do and told me there's no need to go to the bathroom if I don't want to - that they fully support "open feeding" and I should feel free to feed her right there in the restaurant, with or without a cover - whatever I felt comfortable doing. As a breastfeeding mother who just wants to be able to feed my baby when I need to without stress or too much inconvenience, this was so amazing to hear. I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed, as opposed to feeling stressed and rushed like I often do when I have to nurse her in public.

So, thank you Tavos Signature Cuisine for an unforgettable night! We are already talking about when we can come back with...

Honestly, not that this places needs another 5 star review, but why not!?!

First, this is NOT New Mexican cuisine, it’s not even TexMex, but it is bougie Mexican food. So no Hatch green chiles here. With that said…

The food is excellent. It’s all in the seasoning and presentation. We were lucky to walk in and be seated immediately too without reservations, seeing as they are frequently waitlisted.

The Birria Tacos are 5 out of 5, best we’ve ever had. I just closed my eyes and tried to memorize the flavor it was so good. How do they get their beef to taste like that?!

The Steak Enchiladas (1 carnitas) were 4/5. Enchiladas are hard to impress, but that verde sauce was on point and the corn tortillas were soft and delicious. Carnitas were excellent, but the steak was steak, nothing superior than the norm, but good. Black beans banging too.

The elote was gone before we could even take a pic.

The Sopes a la carte with carnitas was excellent from top to bottom, yummy! The red and green salsas were fire!! Amazing, well made. Not every spot gets both right.

They threw in the their Molletitos which were okay, but a nice introduction.

The Guacamole Azteca was pretty good too, definitely worth it with the plantain chips. Save some and add to your tacos or other entrees too.

The Firebowl Platanitos was memorable to say the least for its scrumptious rum and cinnamon flavor and fun experience.

Overall, wonderful quaint date night! We recommend you try whatever your heart desires because you will likely enjoy...