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Latin America offers a vast array of different salsas, cuts of meat, desserts and more to satisfy almost any Chicagoan's palate. From Belize to Colombia to Argentina, take a continental culinary expedition from the Windy City to tip of Chile.
Restaurante el Salvador
4125 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL
60632
(773) 579-0405
If you’re going to Restaurante el Salvador, you’re most likely there for the pupusas -- small cornmeal rounds filled with an array of delicious treats and then fried. The small storefront can be hard to spot, so keep your eyes open. And you didn’t hear it from us, but BYOBers are welcome.
Mi Ciudad
3041 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL
60618
(773) 866-2066
The steaks in this Ecuadorian restaurant are delicious and the service is helpful without being too overbearing. Aji, a spicy Ecuadorian salsa, starts off your night but won't fill you up. Live guitar music spices up the evening on many weekends.
Las Tablas
2942 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL
60657
(773) 871-2414 http://www.lastablas.com
If you don't mind a loud and lively atmosphere – or a little wait – try out this hot spot on the cusp of Lincoln Park (or try the other location on Irving Park). The steak and seafood dishes are enjoyable and both moderately priced. You can go the BYO route, or have them make one of their traditional South American juices or sodas, which are well-made and timely.
They keep it small at this out-of-the-way tapas bar. While the small plates are satisfactory, the sangria is the hit for many folks. After dinner, the bar crowd takes over the place until closing time at 2 a.m.
El Nandu
2731 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL
60647
(773) 278-0900
Hours: lunch Monday-Saturday; dinner daily
The empanadas at El Nandu are the star of the meal. Choose from a wide variety of meats and fillings to satisfy any appetite. If you’re craving more, try the pollo al chimichurri – a popular chicken dish from Argentina that will have you licking your plate. And you can’t go wrong with any of the excellent steak dishes.
Authentic Costa Rican cuisine is the tradition of the Cerdes Family at Irazu. Whether you want to dine in or carry out, Irazu will offer excellent dishes and appetizers for any taste. Patacomes, double-fried green plantains, are a great start to the evening. All the steak meals are well prepared and presented, and service is commendable.
Rinconcito Sudamericano
1954 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL
60647
(773) 489-3126 http://www.rinconcitosudamericanoinc.com Hours: lunch Tuesday-Sunday; dinner Monday-Sunday
The atmosphere inside Rinconcito is almost as if being inside someone's private dining room: very inviting and open. And the food does nothing to dispel that vibe. A helpful staff can guide you through the sizable menu. Anticuchos, Peruvian-style kabobs, are a specialty. A vast array of seafood dishes will capture your attention, specifically Chupa de Camarones, a shrimp soup; and the Ceviche Mixto, a seafood platter served with vegetables.
Rios D'Sudamerica
2010 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL
60647
(773) 276-0170 http://www.riosdesudamerica.com Hours: dinner Tuesday-Sunday
Bucktown’s contribution to South American mixed cuisine (a Brazilian, Peruvian and Argentine combo) does the job quite well. The specialty drinks need to be tried as does the fettuccine verde con Milanese. In fact, consider just about anything with Argentinean 'pesto' style sauce as a solid option.
La Humita
3466 N Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL
60641
773 794 9672 http://www.lahumita.com
Dine on traditional fare at La Humita, and hit the Ecuadorian-style lounge and bar, El Balcon, for a post-meal drink. The tortillas de papas are a great light option. For something a little more substantial, try one of the steak or pork entrees – plenty to fill your belly and adventurous enough with a smattering of side dishes.
Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL
60616
(312) 842-8856 http://www.cuatro-chicago.com Hours: dinner daily (through late-night Wednesday-Saturday); brunch Sunday
You might pay a few extra bucks at this contemporary Latin/Caribbean fusion restaurant in the South Loop, but the food and ambience will be worth it. Popular with the after-work crew, the place is also known to serve the occasional celebrity. Try traditional fare, such as flautas de barbacoa. Continue with options such as pinchos de pollo, chicken served in a jerk sauce that hit the spot. Live music has long been a tradition at Cuatro, but get there soon as they will be discontinuing their musical performances at the end of the year.
El Tinajon
2054 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL
60618
(773) 525-8455
An excellent choice for a Guatemalan-style breakfast, the corn and potato tamel are delicious ways to start the morning. The chef also recommends the chile relleno. Whatever you get, it will be great eats, and not too expensive either.
Mayan Sol Latin Grill
3830 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL
60625
773 539 4398
Start with some homemade salsa or guacamole, followed by a wonderful selection of steaks and meats. The BYOB atmosphere is relaxed and inviting – a perfect place to start the night.
Tickie's Belizean Cuisine
7605 N Paulina Ave
Chicago, IL
60626
(773) 973-3919
Just off the Howard El Station is this tiny but delicious husband-and-wife eatery. Specializing in chicken, beef and oxtail, you can't really go wrong with any combination. Try the Salbutes (deep-fried masa filled with chicken, veggies or beans) to start off your dining experience. It’s tough to get a seat at one of the few tables in the place, as it’s much more known for Rogers Park take-out traffic.
Mas Restaurant
1670 W Division St
Chicago, IL
60622
773 276 8700 http://www.masrestaurant.com
Hit up this fun spot on Division that is usually able to accommodate any size group at any time. The empanadas use goat cheese and mushrooms and were great. Sip on a mojito, or peruse an impressive wine selection. There are a multitude of seafood choices. Try the sopa de machos, a stew with a nice blend of fish, shrimp and scallops.
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Latin America offers a vast array of different salsas, cuts of meat, desserts and more to satisfy almost any Chicagoan's palate. From Belize to Colombia to Argentina, take a continental culinary expedition from the Windy City to tip of Chile.
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