Tafari's Kitchen

S Sergio 41 reviews · Local Guide 8 August 2026

What an opportunity! The line was of course LONG, but it moved once it got moving. Multiple check-in registers would be amazing, you order and pay at the entrance for your food. Menus will be passed around while you wait. The popularity and demand is clear and there is an opportunity to increase revenues for the center with some tweaks. The lemon-drop martinis were amazing, poured table-side. The service is consistent and appreciated. The short-rib is a must have! The burger did the job and is a convenient option. The cookie will definitely grasp your attention quickly and a must grab! Will be back to enjoy the outside patio and another martini!

L Lauren Jiles-Johnson 12 reviews · Local Guide 5 August 2026

We visited Tafari's Kitchen on the grounds of the Obama Presidential Center this week. There were some issues, which if corrected, could make this a lovely restaurant to visit. The center and restaurant opened at 1 pm on Monday, and there was a line to get in. At first, we waited outside the door on the south side of the building. Finally, someone told us that was an exit only door. Some signage would be nice. The restaurant had just opened when we walked around to the correct door. There was a long very slow line we stood in to place our order. You had to order before you were seated. We waited for 47 minutes. When we got to the front, there was one cashier, and she was in training. A supervisor was pointing things out, and the trainee was redoing anything she entered incorrectly. Nonetheless, everyone was positive, gracious and professional. I told the supervisor we had been in line a long time and there should be more than one cashier. She said the kitchen was small, you wouldn't get the food much faster anyway. In that case, why make visitors stand in line, why not seat them and take orders? Or require reservations in advance, or let you check in onsite when you get there and come back at a specified time? We are coming back in a couple of weeks with elderly relatives and will not come to this restaurant because at least one of them can't stand that long. My husband, who is an engineer with a restaurant background, assumes the kitchen is sized for normal traffic, not the heavy traffic of opening season. Time will tell. We finally get to the front, and the restaurant manager seats us just before we order. One of our party of 6 had asked her if we could hold a table, so she helped us out. The restaurant itself is light, airy and beautifully decorated. There were plenty of servers, bringing water and utensils. Everyone was helpful and pleasant. With that staffing model, why not let diners sit and order rather than stand in line as if you were in the world's slowest fast food restaurant? I ordered braised short ribs and my husband had Mrs. Robinson's red rice. Both dishes were delicious and we shared. They are listed as "small plates" on the menu, so understand they are not huge portions. But they were fine and we were full. The kids had burgers and those looked good. There is a large, lovely bar and floor to ceiling windows overlooking a patio with additional seating. I told my husband I'd love to come again if I could figure out when you could get seated without a long wait.

A Ashlee Figueroa 4 reviews 5 August 2026

Jonee and Mabel provided exceptional care for my group today. They went above and beyond to accommodate us and provided very thoughtful service. The food and drinks were delicious. I look forward to returning.

S S. Hollis 6 reviews 29 July 2026

After touring the Obama Presidential Center, we decided to dine at Tafari’s, and it was the perfect way to end the experience. The customer service was exceptional from start to finish, the menu offered a great variety of options, and every dish was delicious. The bar selection was equally impressive. We enjoyed Michelle’s Margarita and Obama’s Old Fashioned, both of which were excellent. If you’re visiting the Obama Presidential Center, I highly recommend stopping by Tafari’s for a great meal and outstanding hospitality.

C Charles Egner II 51 reviews · Local Guide 23 July 2026

I can’t believe how good the food is and the service is even better. Line moves quick, food was good, what a special atmosphere. Big time reasonable prices making it accessible. We really had a nice lunch. I am very impressed. We had the burger, chili, and a fantastic giant cookie. Very comfortable and nice surroundings.