Hubby and I spent a lot of time exploring the Obama Center, the Library and the grounds. We spent some time in line to grab T-shirts and other merch. I really wanted to try some of the food at the restaurant. Hubby refused to stand in that line. I had a longer break in the week so I decided to take the train over to the center for lunch. I arrived a little after 10a and the restaurant opens at 11a. Perfect. I was number eight in line. Once they opened up they handed us menus. I was so excited. You order your food and pay, then receive a number for your table. You can sit wherever you like. It's a beautiful space. I ordered the Obama Family Chili, a caramel cupcake and cherry lime lemonade. I really enjoyed everything and service and hospitality was amazing. Just a heads up, the chili is listed under soup for a reason. read more

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I really wanted to love this place because the ambiance is beautiful, and the service was genuinely nice. Our server checked on us often, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite live up to the experience. I ordered the tuna melt with fries, a simple meal, but several things fell short. The cheese wasn't melted, the food was lukewarm, and there wasn't enough sauce in the tuna, leaving it dry in the middle. I ate it because I was hungry, but I definitely wasn't happy with the meal. The jollof rice was another disappointment. It was hard and cold, and as a West African, I know what good jollof rice should taste and feel like. This definitely wasn't the jollof rice I know and love! Jollof rice should be flavorful and cooked properly, so this was especially disappointing. My friend ordered the short ribs, and she loved them, along with the mashed potatoes. However, the plantains missed the mark. Overall, the service was pleasant, and the ambiance was beautiful, but the food was inconsistent and fell short of my expectations. I would love to see more attention given to food temperature, preparation, and flavor because this restaurant has the potential to offer a much better dining experience. Unfortunately, this visit left me wanting more. read more

The food is excellent! I had the tomato gazpacho which was so fresh, and has a little spicy kick that made it feel rich. My Aunt devoured her Obama family chile with corn bread. And, my uncle had the berry salad with goat cheese. They have an incredible volume of customers. So the line to order was long, but moved quickly. The service was fast and attentive. The atmosphere is a cut above. Real cloth napkins and well designed attractive design. A nice finish to a wonderful a visit. read more

Fantastic place to enjoy after or before exploring the Presidential Center grounds! Our bartender was extremely accommodating and helpful and the food was fantastic but the drinks were even better! A must-do! read more

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What a wonderful cafe with menu items containing the Obama's favorite foods. It's cafeteria style and gorgeous. The line moves quickly. The bar takes care of serving the beverages. Food delivery was quick. But best of all the food is delicious and portions are just right. Recommend the chili and red rice. The roasted vegetables were amazing. And the brownie was a nice sweet treat. Definitely eat at Tafari's Kitchen when visiting the Obama Presidential Center. read more

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Upon our visit to the Obama Center, our admission time was 2pm. We arrived close to 12pm, to specifically have time to get lunch here. The line was long, but it moved fairly quickly; we waited for about 30 minutes. Lots of great, healthy options to choose from, even for a gluten girlie such as myself. The cafe ambiance was clean and communal; they even encourge guests to share seating spaces if it's possible. A great way to dine and meet other people during your visit. I got the quinoa salad with chicken and a side of roasted veggies-- the salad was super flavorful, the chicken wasn't dry at all. The roasted veggies were hand cut; not the bagged, crinkle-carrot-slice stuff you see in other places. I had a bite of my husbands chilli- full of beans/ground turkey and not soupy at all. They have extensive desserts and even beer/wine selections as well. If I lived in Chicago and worked close by (and the line wasn't long) I'd come back. The service was fast, super friendly and easy to get through. You have to come at least once if you can. read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Open kitchen - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I could not wait to try the Obama family chili at Tafari's Kitchen. The chili came in to-go containers with a piece of cornbread. The food is presented to you on a tray and you can sit in the cute cafeteria area or open area right outside of the cafeteria area to enjoy the food. The Chili was good. The cornbread was good but I needed some butter for my cornbread. read more

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We really enjoyed our meal Tafari's Kitchen. We thought the quality was excellent. We shared an Obama burger with fries, a bowl of Obama Family Chili (very generous portion of ground turkey) and Mrs. Robinson's Red Rice with shrimp. It was delicious. We enjoyed Grey Goose vodka and Woodford Reserve bourbon on the rocks. Yes, they have a full bar. Be aware that if you'd like to add something to your order, perhaps another drink or something else, some team members have handheld devices so that you do not have to get back in line after you've been seated. The seating area was comfortable and not crowded I was very pleased with the service. They were attentive and friendly. We were there in the first month the restaurant was open so naturally they were working out a few kinks. We were very pleased with our visit and we will dine here when we return. Menu details The Obama Burger - cheddar, lettuce, tomato, classic mustard, house pickles, toasted brioche - $16.75 (sub Impossible plant-based meat as vegetarian option) Obama Family Chili - ground turkey, onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder and spices, red wine vinegar, tomatoes, red kidney beans, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, served with a side of cornbread - $12.00 (GF without cornbread) Mrs. Robinson's Red Rice - chopped sautéed shrimp, long grain white rice, tomato juice, tabasco, crumbled bacon, sausage - $18.25 read more

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The service was very quick and easy! I will say depending on when you stop by the restaurant it may be busier. After we purchased our meals, we noticed the line grew exponentially. The food came out very quick and was delicious. The lemon drop martini was very tasty and was served tableside. It was very much appreciated that as a martini girlie! No spills! I love that the space is perfectly situated between the museum and the library. read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Menu - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We enjoyed our visit at Tafari's Kitchen. It's located in the Forum on property at the Obama presidential center. You have to get in line to order and seating is first come first served. The day I went I think they were training someone. The line was extremely long and the hold up was the cashier/ordering area. Food however comes out super quick and prices were good. I had the Obama burger and fries which was good. Basic but tasty. The star of the show was the chili. That was excellent. I'm still thinking about it. Lots of flavor. Everyone was really nice with good service. This was a nice treat during a great visit to the Obama presidential center. read more

I was excited to visit the Obama Presidential Center yesterday. I arrived early because I wanted to explore a little in my own and have lunch as well, before my 1:30pm guided tour. The line into Tafari s wasn't too bad when I arrived around 11:15. It maybe took 15-20 minutes to place my order at the counter. I then chose to sit at the bar (thankfully there were some open seats) to eat and enjoy a drink. I had the Obama Burger and fries. The burger was good, although maybe a tad overcooked. I loved the fries though! Such a fun day at the center. You'll enjoy the museum and the grounds! read more

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The restaurant in the Obama Presidential Center had a few hiccups, but otherwise was a lovely experience. You wait in a line to order at a counter, and that was slow, but the staff pivoted to accommodate. They were out of 2 of the 3 salads on the menu, and they came out slower than the to hot meals. But, the serving staff was very attentive. The salads were delicious, but a little tricky to eat as it was a whole head of romaine lettuce that needed to be cut up. I also got a brownie was dense and fudgy. The seating area encourages communal eating, which sets the tone for the whole center. Good job Obamas! read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Caesar Salad with Shrimp - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food was solid and it's a nice restaurant. They have a nice variety of options so there is something for everyone. The fries were really good, burger was just okay, the tuna melt was good but wasn't very hot when served. We waited I. Line for quite a while but the food came out pretty quickly. Will have to check out the cafe downstairs next time. read more

Beautiful cafe/restaurant with wonderful staff and a delicious menu! The lines were long when we visited over opening weekend but the food was ready fairly quickly. We got ours to go because we wanted to eat outside but the indoor space is a fantastic choice for both small and larger gatherings. You order at the counter and get a table number before grabbing a table. Usually museum and park food tends not to be something super exciting but this place is an exception. We got the Obama burger, chili, braised short rib, and Caesar salad with salmon. Everything was made with care and left you feeling happy, nourished and satisfied. read more

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Tamari's Kitchen is the restaurant at the Obama Presidential Center. There was a long line, mainly because it's an order at the counter, then be seated restaurant. We were just going to grab drinks at the bar, but while sitting there and watching the food pass by, we decided to order food as well. The bar did not have a cocktail menu so you basically just ask the bartender if she can make certain drinks, or order the premade drinks. We got the Michelle-rita (which was pretty good and didn't taste like usual pre made cocktails). For food I ordered the Obama Burger. The burger was good but was heavy on the mustard. read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Obama Burger - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They are busy so expect to wait a bit. We got the chili and were pleasantly surprised at how fast it came out. The inside dining area is very nice, and all of the staff were incredibly nice and welcoming. The next time we are at the Obama center, I will definitely try some more items on the menu read more

Sooo good! The staff was amazing and my Mrs. Robinson's Red Rice was absolutely delicious. My cousin loved her Summer Salad too! Don't skip this place! read more

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This was an awesome experience! The food, ambiance, servers all amazing! Please do one thing. Speak with Paul about customer service. I motioned for him for assistance...I only had a question - he totally ignored me. Everyone else I encountered was top notch. I really enjoyed my "Obama Burger". The Museum is a must visit! So much information. Loved seeing Michelle's dresses on display. Some videos were very emotional to watch. This entire visit was phenomenal! read more

Tafari's Kitchen - The Obama Burger - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was the best food me and my friend had in Chicago! Loved being able to eat the same foods that the chef would cook for the Obamas. The service and energy from all the staff was exceptional! read more

My husband really enjoyed the food and the service at Tafari's Kitchen. My husband and I both shared our entrees. He ordered the Salmon and I had Mrs. Robinson Red Rice with shrimp. Both dishes were delicious and very flavorful without being over seasoned. The restaurant is decorated so nicely and ran smoothly. There are plenty waiters/waitress walking around and ready to help. read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Salmon - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This restaurant is located in the new Obama Center and you don't need museum tickets to enter. It's a cute spot with contemporary vibe. I would've rated this spot higher if they had not run out of the two choices I wanted to order from the menu; Mrs. Robinsons Red Rice and the salmon dish. Instead I ordered the ribs and they didn't disappoint. They were both tender and tasty. The potatoes salad was different...and a little too fancy for ya girl. A good taste but the whole miniature potatoes was not it for me. It made it a dry experience vs the creamy style I've come to love and expect. My colleague had the Short Rib meal with Jollof and it tasted really good. She said it doesn't taste like traditional Nigerian jollof. To me it tasted like jambalaya. The lemonade was really good as well. I added some hibiscus tea which turned it up a notch. Long line hack: Offer to sit in the bar area if seats are available. We were able to sit right down and skip past the 50-60 people in line in front of us. This was the perfect meal before touring the library and outer grounds. I hope we can get tickets to visit the museum soon! read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Jollof - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My sister and I visited the Tafari's Kitchen while visiting the Obama Museum. The crew their was exceptional. I loved how we come together for a great time. Jonee and crew - great hospitality!!! We felt right at home. We hope to see you all the next time we visit read more

Tafari's Kitchen - A great visit. - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you visit the Obama Presidential center, you'll most likely end up at some point visiting Tafari's. While the cafe on the lower level was ideal for quick snacks or sandwiches, Tafari's is the place to go for a sit down meal. It's designed as quick service, where you order at the register, you're assigned a number, and a member of the service team brings you the food. Once inside the dining room, the cushion seats are comfortable, the air conditioning is strong, and the views span the entire width of the restaurant, so you can see outside and get some sunlight. I had the Obama burger, which was pretty tasty - not the best I've ever had, but better than most museum cafes. Pricing is reasonable, and while there was no tipping available at the register, I did leave a few dollars on the table, since the staff is hardworking and refills the water glasses periodically. People do mention the lines as an issue, and I don't disagree - I'm not sure if the log jam is caused by having one single cashier, or more likely having just one cashier prevents the kitchen from getting backed up. Regardless, we waited about 30 minutes in line, and about another 15 minutes after we sat down until the ordered entrees came out. If this were a standard restaurant that would be a long period of time, but in this case it gave us the opportunity to talk about the Presidential center. They had a visitor center representative walking the line talking to patrons, which made the wait more of an experience. We did go to the lower level Cafe on our second day at the center for a faster experience - both are good options. I'd highly recommend to view the Tafari's menu online first if you plan on visiting - it will likely expedite the process of moving the line quickly. read more

Today we were exploring the outside portions of the Obama Presidential Center as well as the exhibits that did not require a ticketed museum entrance. After about an hour of doing so we decided to grab some lunch at the restaurant located inside the Forum building on the first level. The air conditioning felt great as we waited in line to order for about fifteen minutes. The menu offers two soups, three salads, four sandwiches and six small plates/entrees. I decided to go with the spicy chicken sandwich. It was grilled chicken breast pieces on a toasted multi grain or sourdough bread, with lettuce and spicy Sriracha mayo. However, the sandwich was not spicy at all. In fact, it could have used more spice. It also came with a side of delicious fries. My husband had the Obama burger and it was delicious. We both cut our sandwiches in half and ate half of each other's sandwich. There is plenty of seating but as we left, the line was twice as long as when we had arrived. read more

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Delicious pork and short ribs. The wait was only 15 mins. We sat at the bar and Jonee was a wonderful bartender. She made a mean Lemondrop! The whole Obama center was amazing! The basketball court was huge and the playground was the best. What a great day! read more

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My sister's & I stopped to eat. One of the dishes was served cold. When it was "refired" it was still cold. The Manager, a very nice guy, did come to the table and made it right. He also credited the dish. Next, the grilled cheese would have been very tasty but the sourdough bread was hard as a brick. The chili was Very good. And the service was excellent. Would I eat there again, maybe when I'm in Chicago again. read more

Didn't even get to try the food because the line didn't move for 15 minutes and we gave up. Seriously, what is the deal? It was 3:30 PM, not exactly the lunch rush. Maybe give back to the community and hire some more locals so I don't grow gray hairs waiting to order, Obama. And of course it's not a fast food setup, once you order you have to wait again. Ridiculous. read more

Enjoyed the wonderful experience and the exceptional service! The restaurant is thoughtfully designed just like the OPC is. All of the food looked picture perfect. As a pescatarian, I enjoyed the gooey grilled cheddar cheese sandwich. read more

Wow. The short ribs were the best I've ever had. The Obama's chili was outstanding. And the atmosphere (we sat outside on the patio) was gorgeous. Service is 10/10. There is still a wait (Sept 2026) but it's definitely worth it. read more

If you are ever in Chicago please visit this establishment. Jonne and her team was OUTSTANDING...I had the grill cheese with carmalized onions and bacon and it was delicious. When i say they cater to their patriots they really do. Exceptional customer service and good vibes. Plus Jonne knows how to make a cocktail. read more

Tafari's Kitchen - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My husband and I have visited Trifari's kitchen several times - everything that we have had is simply delicious! It's worth the wait!!

Good food at Obama era prices. Worth a stop. Don't be put off by the line. It moves fast. If you can't wait, bar seats get served first.

I believe they are still working out kinks. We were the first customers of the day and I ordered the chili that would come with a side of cornbread. When my chili arrived at the table they told me they were out of cornbread. Other members of my party got burgers and they told me fries were cold when they arrived. read more

10 10 10 across the board! Beautiful environment, delicious food and amazing service team! While the food tastes incredible, I can't say enough about the awesome team that made this such an incredible experience. From the moment you walk in the entire team is so welcoming, friendly, polite and check in constantly to make sure you have everything you need. They exude energy that reflects how proud they are to work at Tafari's. Dymond, Johnee, and several others made this such a memorable dining experience! As for the food, we had the Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Mrs. Robinson's Red Rice, Obama Family Chili and Tafari's Famous ribs. Everything was perfectly cooked, seasoned and tasted incredible! To top it all off, the drinks are amazing!! My family and I had the Barack Old Fashion, the Michelle Margarita and the Lemon Drop! Anytime I visit Chicago, I will absolutely be eating at Tafari's! read more

My first visit to the Obama center on June 22nd was simply Amazing! We concluded our visit at Tafari's Kitchen. I must say the hospitality throughout the entire center was above and beyond through everyone we met! The hospitality level shows that the administration at the center paid attention to their selection of staff members. The restaurant staff was very polite, hospitable, welcoming, and accommodating. There was one concern that I expressed with the manager, and she took care of it immediately. Customer service in my opinion is key to have a full enjoyable experience and the Obama Center as well as the staff at Tafari's kitchen went above and beyond all expectations!! Hats off to you all! read more

The experience was so fulfilling that we ate there 3 consecutive days! The food was delicious and the service was extraordinary! The cashier, Dymond, was a phenomenal resource to guide our food selections! The wait was not a problem because most people in line were talking about the positive atmosphere that permeates the Obama Center. I highly recommend this experience! read more

The place was bopping with activity when we were there. The service was top notch. Everyone smiling & thanking you for coming . The gazpacho soup was outstanding! I forgot to take a photo before I devoured it. Also the lemon drop martini was a delight. I will definitely be returning there. read more

Tafari's Kitchen - Lemon drop martini! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Lovely comfortable and tasty. A little pricey because it's connected to the Obama museum. I had the Obama cheeseburger and fries, which was good. I would probably try something else on the menu next time. Service was excellent. I'm looking forward to returning! read more

Do not patronize the restaurant until they get all of the operational kinks worked out. One person is the order taker, cashier and drink maker. Speaking to a manager, he indicated that "they are working on it." One hour in line to place an order. Very disappointing given the the planning and stature of the Center. read more

I toured the incredible museum with and family and was quite hungry when we finished. We waited 45 mins in line at Tafari because they only had 1 cashier working. I orders 2 Obama museum, 1 Ceaser salad and 1 Mrs Robinson red rice. Mrs Robinson rice was so dry and the sausage was hard. I was greatly disappointed. I added chicken as a protein to the Caesar salad and it was very dry as well. My daughter said the Caesar salad was delicious though and for the Obama chili, I saw no onions or red peppers. A flavor in it was off and it was very, very black. Overall, I was greatly disappointed. I was given a four out of 10. I also ordered two lemon drop Martini which were very good. Hopefully things will improve overtime. I did bring it to the attention of the manager on duty name Andre, and recommend he looked into improving the quality of the food for future guests. You might want to eat prior to going, this will give them Time to perfect the menu read more