Tafari’s Kitchen

Menu Highlights
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Obama Family Chili
Taste an Obama Family classic. This homey chili features ground turkey, spices, red wine vinegar, tomatoes, beans, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, all served with a side of cornbread.
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Tafari’s Famous Ribs
A recipe created by former White House chef, Tafari Campbell. Enjoy a rack of succulent ribs with your choice of a side of traditional potato salad or cole slaw
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Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice
Celebrate the legacy of Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s mother with her beloved Red Rice. Featuring sautéed shrimp, long grain white rice, tomato juice, Tabasco, crumbled bacon, and sausage.
The Legacy Of Tafari Campbell
The late Tafari Campbell was part of the White House kitchen team and, later, the Obama family’s personal chef for many years. Growing up, he cooked for large family gatherings and learned to create beautiful dishes that nourished body and soul. A warm, fun-loving, and selfless soul, with award-winning culinary talent, Campbell used his passion for food to spread joy and create community.

Meet Chef Cliff Rome
Chicago Chef Cliff Rome is a beloved culinary force and entrepreneur, known for transforming neighborhood ingredients into unforgettable experiences. The Chicago native is the founder of Rome’s Joy Companies, which includes Peach’s Restaurant, Rome’s Joy Catering, and the Parkway Ballroom. BAMJoy, a new culinary collaboration between Chef Cliff Rome and Bon Appétit Management Company, have come together to lead food service at Tafari’s Kitchen and across the Center. This partnership brings together deep local roots and world-class hospitality shaping a dining experience that reflects the South Side’s culture, history, and future.

Tafari’s Kitchen FAQs
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Tafari’s Kitchen is open on Mondays from 1 - 8 p.m. and Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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We do not accept reservations for Tafari’s Kitchen. The restaurant will seat you on a first-come, first serve basis.
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Tafari’s Kitchen is fast casual service. Food is made-to-order and patrons order their food at the counter. A large dining room is available first-come, first-served and your food will be brought to your table.
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Tafari’s Kitchen does not use peanuts in its recipes and will make changes for those who have food allergies to products such as seafood, soy , dairy, gluten, and more upon request.
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Tafari’s Kitchen features a selection of locally sourced entrees, appetizers, and sides that are meat-based, vegetarian-based, and vegan. Menu items that are vegetarian and/or vegan are highlighted on our lunch and dinner menus. [LINK TO BOTH LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS]
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Tafari’s Kitchen is currently available for rentals for those interested in hosting their next event at the Obama Presidential Center. Explore our event rental options for Tafari’s Kitchen and other venues located across the campus.
Plan Your Visit

Getting to the Campus
Map out your route to our campus before you visit.

Museum
Explore the remarkable story of President Obama and Michelle Obama and those who inspired their journey.

Accessibility
Check out all of the accessibility options across our campus.

Sky Room
Head to the top of the Museum and take in stunning views of the West and South Sides of Chicago.

The Shop
Shop with purpose at the Obama Presidential Center store, where every purchase of curated merchandise and local artisan goods helps to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

Programs and Events
Take a look at the performances, activities, and classes happening across the campus.





