Wonderful Latin Restaurants in Chicago, IL
Latin food is from a variety of cultures, from Peruvian influences to Argentinian cuisines. It is centered on using local fruits, vegetables, and proteins to get the tastiest meals. Latin-based dishes also use spices and especially peppers which grow quickly in natural climates. Other herbs are used to create different flavors based on the food that is prepared. Dishes like Asado from Argentina, ceviche originating from Peru, sweet Brazilian churros, and many others are definite crowd-pleasers. Here are the best Latin Restaurants in Chicago serving the best meals from a host of Latin American countries.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Carnivale
702 West Fulton Market Street, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-5005
Carnivale is well known for its missing flavors from Central and South American cuisines to create a unique blend of dishes. The cocktails are a big draw, and the luxuriant decor and Latin American artwork contribute to the festive atmosphere in the restaurant. The Ropa Vieja appetizer is a must-try. We tried the Arrachera, a flavorful combination of Australian Grass-Fed Lamb Chops served with baby carrots, and perfectly smoky roasted mushrooms, lamb empanada, Chestnut Mole, and it did not disappoint. We also had the charcoal roasted chicken which was the perfect combination of the moist and crispy exterior. All of these make this one of the best Latin Restaurants in Chicago.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
BienMeSabe Venezuelan Cafe & Restaurant
1637 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 549-5538
This Venezuelan restaurant offers an outdoor patio seating space with a wonderful and attentive wait staff. The menu is comprehensive with Venezuelan food with a modern twist. We had some entrees, arepas, and empanadas, which were delicious with robust taste in all the dishes. We had gone for the Tostones (fried sweet plantain) and the caramelized beef accompanied by sweet plantains, avocado, cheese, and corn flour bread. The Asada Negro was delicious with a perfectly cooked wrap and savory and tender meat. The fresh juices are delicious, and you can also bring your bottle and enjoy the casual and fun atmosphere.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-5687
Irazu is the real deal for Costa Rican food. This is one of the top Latin Restaurants in Chicago. It is known for its outdoor patio seating and its food cooked with exotic spices. The empanadas are a must-have with fresh flavored ingredients, and the Costa Rican sandwich has thinly sliced beef with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Lizano sauce. The bold rich flavor of the steak quesadillas was memorable, while the Chicharron was generous with huge chunks of deep-fried pork, served with cabbage salad and yuca. The decor is homely and quaint but common with Latin restaurants, and there is a lively vibe with a BYOB option.
Photo credit: Yelp
Taste of Peru
6545 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 381-4540
Taste of Peru is a small Peruvian restaurant with exceptional food. We had the delicious seafood ceviche that was fresh and full of spice without overwhelming the dish. We also had the chicken Anticucho which was filling and full of taste, the Ceviche de Pescado, and the Pollo Saltado, which did not disappoint. The menu is heavy on fresh seafood and meats, and the sour mix made in the restaurant is a must-try. The food is fresh, full of flavor, and served in generous portions. To taste authentic Latin American food, this is one of the must-visit Latin Restaurants in Chicago.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Tango Sur
3763 N Southport Ave Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 477-5466
This Argentinian steak house is a wonderful option for a meaty filling meal. Being a steakhouse, Tango Sur specializes in large portions of grilled meats. We had matambre, a delicious appetizer, different empanadas, tasty, and provoleta, which was very good. We had grilled beef, pork chops, and chicken, all of which were well marinated. A group favorite is a juicy beef which is tenderly grilled. The atmosphere is fun-filled as it gets packed. The wait staff are excellent with cheerful service and give helpful tips on meals. This is a BYOB which is a perfect option for bringing your favorite drink.
Photo credit: Yelp
Urban Vegan
1550 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-8208
Urban Vegan is a vegan restaurant that serves Thai food. Many authentic dishes on the menu with entrees, curries, rice, and noodle dishes are exotically spiced. We are not vegans but stopped by and had the soy chicken with peanut sauce, which was delicious and creamy. The tempura was light and with just the right amount of crunch, and we also had a portion of spicy noodles that were rich without being overpowering. The food options range from mildly spicy to medium spicy and very spicy, and you can choose how you want your dishes made. The space is ample with lots of seating which is very pleasant.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Isla Pilipina
2501 W Lawrence Ave Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-2988
This small Filipino restaurant serves hearty, delicious meals. The longanisa sausage, a house special, is perfectly smoky and spicy. At the same time, the mixed adobo with pork and chicken marinated in flavorful black peppercorn, garlic, and vinegar sauce is full of flavor. We also had beef stew with vegetables cooked in the Filipino style and Crispy Pata, a pork leg, cooked to savory perfection. We would like to try other foods on the menu, such as the Sisig, tinola, and Pinakbet. It is a BYOB, and you will have fun in the casual, lively restaurant.
Photo credit: opentable.com
Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse
2942 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
(773) 871-2414
This is a Colombian steakhouse with a broad menu. The skirt steak is excellent marinated in spices so that it is the right amount of meat and seasoning. It is tender, and the portions are filling. We also had the outstanding steak and stuffed chicken and the arepas with great-tasting cheese. The combo plates are a fantastic option to taste various meats such as shrimp and steak plates or shrimp and pork plates. In this top Latin Restaurants in Chicago, the wait staff is patient and friendly; however, it can get packed. The drinks are also well made, with their mojitos and martinis being excellent.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Cafe Con Leche Restaurant
2714 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 289-4274
This Mexican Latin restaurant serves tasty fare such as goat cheese quesadilla, Calamari appetizer, Camarón al ajillo, and Cochinita pibil for appetizers that were flavorful and in large portions. The camerones platter with black rice, kale, and mushroom with chipotle was a hit with generous portions seasoned just right. They have a brunch and breakfast menu which looked appealing and are planning to try out. The sangrias are delicious, and they have a good drinks menu. The food was served hot and fresh, which made this one of our favorites. The atmosphere is hip with music playing, especially during the happy hour.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
1492 Cuban Fusion
2615 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-9601
Cuban Fusion food is the best with fresh and authentic Cuban ingredients used. The sandwiches are delicious with garlic bread toasted just right and if you opt to have one, try the steak a Caballo sandwich. The empanadas and tostones are delicious. For meals, the Salmon Caribeño with sweet fried plantain and congri rice (black bean rice) was incredibly seasoned and tasty, while the yellow rice, roasted pulled pork, and fried sweet plantain were full of hearty flavors. The coffee is an excellent finish to a wonderful meal, and we must revisit this restaurant to try their vast menu.
Featured Blog Posts
7 Best Black-Owned Bars in Chicago, IL
In Honor of Black History Month, it’s time to talk about the incredible black-owned bars in Chicago! These spots deliver curated menus with craft cocktails and inspired, rich cuisine. Check out our list of the seven best black-owned bars in Chicago, IL.
The Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the best Black-owned eateries in the country, whether you’re in the mood for soul food, seafood, sandwiches, or anything in between. When you’re craving a great meal and a dining experience you won’t soon forget, check out some of the best Black owned restaurants in Chicago.
The Absolute Best Christmas Bars & Pop-ups in Chicago, IL
There’s no city that can put you in the Christmas spirit quite like Chi-Town! After all, Chicago is the setting for a long list of Christmas movies that includes “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “The Christmas Chronicles.” When the holiday season rolls around, the streets of Chicago are all decked out in twinkling lights, silver bells, and festive trees. Even the bar scene in Chicago becomes a little merrier in December. These holiday-themed watering holes are so authentic that you just might expect to see Santa’s sleigh and reindeer parked outside! Check out the rundown of the best Christmas bars and pop-up bars in Chicago, IL.
10 Best Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Chicago
The brunch scene in Chicago is bustling with fantastic restaurants offering classic and modern brunch fare. But finding a fantastic brunch spot that is also a black-owned business means we can lift up a minority-owned business while enjoying some of the best food in town. When in Chi-Town, grab your group of friends and hit up one of these awesome black-owned brunch spots for a fantastic meal.