A New Latin Flavor in Humbolt Park

The term “Tumbao” means in Spanish “rhythm,” it is used more like slang. The late Cuban Singer Celia Cruz made famous with a solo hit “La negra tiene Tumbao” Which means the black girl has rhythm. If you have Tumbao, you’ve got rhythm! And lots of it! 

Tumbao in Chicago is a new special place in the Logan Square/Humbolt park area, this bar and grill opened its doors to the public in January of this year. It took Luis Saldaña and his brother Javier Saldaña two years to complete this project, but “it was worth the wait” “it is something that we always wanted to do and it was the right time to do it,” added Luis. In such a short time they did not foresee such success they are currently enjoying, “we did not anticipate being so busy, we did not anticipate the popularity, we wanted to build a quality establishment a quality venue for our community and let the rest take its course.” 

Tumbao is part of the rapid change these neighborhoods on the Northwest side of Chicago are going through. Although; still predominately Puerto Rican, people from all walks of life are now living in this area, bringing many changes to the community. “One of the things that we are extremely proud about, is that we were able to put a place like this in our community,” added Saldaña.  

The Saldaña brothers put a different twist on their menu. Tumbao does not have a typical restaurant menu. Their style is more like appetizers or “Spanish Tapas,” but with the incomparable taste and flavors of the Caribbean Island. “Our weekly menu is not very filling, but it is very unique in compare to other restaurants”

From Tuesday to Saturday, Tumbao’s patrons can enjoy a variety of traditional Puerto Rico dishes, such as; Bistec Encebollado (Beef Steak w/onions), Arroz con Gandules (rice with pigeon peas), Tostones, Maduros (fried plantain), Camarón al Ajillo (Grilled Shrimp with fresh Garlic and melted butter), Pincho de Pollo con salsa de tequila (grilled chicken skewer marinated in tequila sauce served on romaine lettuce) etc…

“We wanted to appeal to different people, but at the same time keep our flavor and try to incorporate some of the new things that exist out there. Concluded Saldaña. 

Tumbao also offers different types of entertainment throughout the week. Tuesday is “open mic night.” Local comedians will make you laugh with their stand ups, as well as local musicians get to sing their favorite songs. On Wednesday people will be able to enjoy “South American night” a band call “Bossa Tres” will be hosting the evening, they will begin playing the second week of May. On Thursdays, for those who enjoy Latin jazz a band called “Latin Inspiration” will be inspiring patrons with their sounds. Fridays the house Dj mixes House music, Barchata, Regueaton, and Salsa.  Saturday is Salsa night for those who have more than swing … They have Tumbao! 

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