Where to find Jibaritos in Chicago

Living in the United States, we are lucky enough to be able to experience so many different cultures. One of the best ways to learn about a new place, its history, and culture is by eating the amazing food that originates there. Ever heard of a jibarito? It’s a Puerto Rican dish and rather than using bread, the jibarito makes use of luscious plantains to serve as the base and then you pile on the toppings. They typically have steak or chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. They are delicious and we found 7 places in Chicago that serve some of the best for you to check out!

Jibaritos Y Mas

3400 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 799-8601

Jibaritos Y Mas always delivers whether you’re in the mood for one of their many jibarito’s or an entree like pollo empanado. Their large sandwiches are ideal when you’re really hungry and want something that’ll fill you up. You can always order a whole one and save the other half for later. Other items on the menu include appetizers like rellenos, pinchos, and carne fritas. For dessert, try their flan or budin. Jibaritos Y Mas is serving up some authentic Puerto Rican classics you don’t want to miss out on.

Casa Yari

3268 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-9546

Many types of Central American cuisine are on display at this spot. That makes trying Casa Yari a no brainer for those in search of a traditional Latin American meal. The large menu has a special focus on the world of Honduran and Puerto Rican cooking. That makes it easy to find many options including their jibaritos. Of the many types of jibaritos they offer, many people adore the vegan options. That’s because it is bursting with flavor including well cooked onions and carefully simmered tomatoes. It’s all topped with a Chipotle vegan aioli sauce that makes the meal come together perfectly. Other than their delicious jibaritos, they also serve several kinds of mofongo, pika pika, and dobladas!

La Bomba

3221 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 394-0106

Plantains fried up thinly to keep them as crisp as possible are the star of the show at this beloved Puerto Rican spot in Chicago. Add a large helping of steak and you have the jibarito of your dreams. The rest of the menu is just as good. Some of their appetizers include banana dumplings and pescado frito along with several other tasty items. They also have some delicious soup options you could order to eat with your jabrito or as a meal on its own. Try the shrimp soup with noodles or the Puerto Rican Sausage Soup with rice. There are also plenty of other sandwiches, seafood options, specials and more at La Bomba.

Ground Control

3315 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-9446

Fun and charming are just two of the many words that diners use to describe their experience at Ground Control. This is a vegetarian and vegan spot so they are reinventing so many classic flavors in new and exciting ways.  That’s why you’ll find one of the most inventive takes on the jibarito here. They use seitan, a type of protein that is commonly used by vegans and vegetarians. It also happens to be the star of their show in their version of the classic jibarito. The rest of the menu has tons of other great options, as well. Start with the fried green tomatoes or garlicy fries. Other types of sandwiches like the gyro also use seitan and lots of spice to show off all of the great flavor. Vegan food can get expensive sometimes, but at Ground control they have great prices and everything is fresh and tasty!

Papa’s Cache Sabroso

2517 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 862-8313

Few things are better than walking into a restaurant and seeing freshly made food right in front of you. You can see the chicken being roasted from the dining room, so you know it will always be hot and fresh. Order one of their large jibaritos with roasted chicken or steak and they’ll load it up with lettuce, onions, tomato, and mayonnaise. Their home-made green chili sauce is so delicious, you might come back just to put that one your meal. Some of their other entrees include pork chops and the tilapia dinner. They also have a special meal that is only served on Saturday’s, so be sure to get there while it lasts! You are sure to leave happy and full from Papa’s Cache Sabroso.

The Jibarito Stop

1646 W. 18th St Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 988-0585

At a place called “The Jibarito Stop” you can pretty much assume they are going to have a few other options, but the main thing they do is jibritos, and they do them well. They know customers are looking for a really great meal and they are there to deliver. They offer something for just about everyone whether you want a classic chicken, steak or pork jibarito or a vegetarian one. You can get half of a jibarito if you’re not that hungry, or if you’re in the mood for something more filling, go for the full jibarito. They do have some other options as well though like the empanada baskets, platters, and many sides to choose from. The Jibarito Stop is so great because they give you so many options to get your meal exactly the way you like it.

Borinquen Lounge

3811 North Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 442-8001

This is another spot serving up some delicious jibaritos in Chicago you need to check out. Start your meal with the Alcapurria. This is a fried plantain dumpling filled with pork. They have serval soup options if you want something warm comforting and better yet, all of their soups are made from scratch. Now on to the main event. There are the many types of jibaritos served here. The bistec jibarito con arroz is a true local favorite. Thinly sliced steak, rice and pigeon peas are all loaded on top of the plantains. Another version, the lechon jibarito con arroz, is filled with slowly cooked pork and rice. Those who prefer vegetarian options will find something to love just as much. They grill up many veggies like red peppers and onions and add spices until it is flavored to perfection. Each one is made fresh to order, so grab a seat and get ready to eat!