Latin American restaurants in Chicago
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A
Borinquen Restaurant
The story goes that Borinquen owner Juan ‘Peter’ Figueroa created his signature dish after reading an article in a Puerto Rican newspaper about a sandwich that subbed plantains for bread – a flash of inspiration that birthed the jibarito, a popular dish that piles steak, lettuce, tomato and garlic mayo between two thick, crisply fried plantain slices. The idea caught on, and the jibarito is all the rage at local Puerto Rican eateries. It’s the marquee item at Borinquen, though more traditional Puerto Rican fare is also available at this homey family spot.
reviewed
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B
Irazu
Chicago’s unassuming lone Costa Rican eatery turns out burritos bursting with chicken, black beans and fresh avocado, and sandwiches dressed in a heavenly ‘mystery sauce.’ Wash them down with an avena (a slurpable oatmeal milkshake). For breakfast, the arroz con huevos (peppery eggs scrambled into rice) relieves hangovers. The small interior gets crowded; outdoor tables provide some relief when the weather warms. Cash only.
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C
Coobah
This hopping Latin restaurant and bar in the hot Southport corridor serves up spicy tamales and sweet plantains along with some ace mojitos. Despite the fever pitch of energy that the place reaches on weekend nights (DJs start spinning at 10pm), servers remain attentive and friendly. Try the Coobah pancakes (buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon butter and rum maple syrup) at the weekend brunch.
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D
Nacional 27
Latin American flavors aren’t limited to the menu – salsa dancing breaks out here after 11pm on weekends. Chef Francisco Vilchez mixes things up with a savory pan-American menu. The ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juice) is revered and comes as part of a four-dish tasting platter. Free salsa lessons push back the tables at 7pm on Thursday.
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E
Cafecito
Attached to the hostel and perfect for the hungry, thrifty traveler, Cafecito serves killer Cuban sandwiches layered with citrus-garlic-marinated roasted pork and ham. Strong coffee and hearty egg sandwiches make a fine breakfast. There’s free wi-fi; ask at the counter for the password.
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