Azuca

Frommer's Review

Anyone familiar with the late, great Latina singer Celia Cruz knows that her signature shout was "Azuca!" -- roughly, "Sweetie!" This Southtown restaurant pays tribute to the Cuban-born salsa queen in ways other than its name and the pop images of her that hang in one of the dining rooms (the one with the stage and the bar, naturally).

For one, there's the ability to cross over cultures. Just as Celia appealed to a wide array of Latin American (and American) tastes, so too do such well-prepared, creatively updated dishes as Bolivian empanadas, Caribbean carrucho (conch meat with olives, onion, and lime), and Peruvian-style rabbit stew with Inca corn. The glass art pieces from the studio next door and brightly hued walls create visual excitement -- as Celia's performances did. And the live tango shows; the merengue and Latin bands (Wed-Sat); the warm, friendly service . . . well, come on by, sugar, you'll have a blast.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.