National Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to discover the diverse culinary traditions of Chicago’s dynamic Hispanic/Latino communities. The city’s Hispanic-owned restaurants specialize in everything from modern fusion fare to traditional recipes, covering cuisines from Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and beyond.
You’ll even discover only-in-Chicago bites like the jibarito, a delicious fried plantain sandwich created by the city’s Puerto Rican residents. Here are just a few of the city’s many Hispanic-owned restaurants to get you started on your culinary adventure.
Artango Bar & Steakhouse
Artango Bar & Steakhouse exudes the flavors and lively atmosphere of Buenos Aires. Indulge in imported grass-fed Argentinian steaks, prepared in the typical Patagonian method of grilling, paired with regional wines and lively music.
Azul
This upscale mariscos, located along the Chicago River, serves up a variety of Latin-inspired seafood dishes and creative cocktails. Grab a spot on the waterfront patio and enjoy ceviches, seafood platters, paellas, and more.
Bar Takito
In the bustling West Loop, Bar Takito is a colorful oasis, with Latin American cuisine, freshly squeezed margaritas, and an energetic atmosphere. Come for taco Tuesday, happy hour, or bottomless brunch.
El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant
This long-time staple has been part of the Lakeview neighborhood for more than 40 years, serving authentic Mexican dishes like carne asada and sizzling fajitas. They also have plenty of vegetarian options.
El Solazo
Focusing on Mexican cuisine from the Jalisco region, El Solazo is known for its modern takes on traditional dishes, along with its spacious patio and agave bar program featuring more than 100 mezcals and other spirits.
Jaleo
From acclaimed chef and humanitarian José Andrés, Jaleo brings the spirit of Spain to Chicago. Fill your table with colorful tapas, sizzling paellas, and a selection of Spanish cheeses and meats. And don’t forget the pitcher of sangria.
La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant
In a neighborhood known as the “Mexico of the Midwest”, La Catedral is a standout option to experience the culinary traditions of Guadalajara. Come for brunch for some of their famous chilaquiles. La Catedral also has locations in North Lawndale and Brighton Park.
Las Tablas on Irving
This family-owned restaurant has a menu of classic Colombian-style plates, including sancocho, arepas, seafood, and Colombia’s national dish bandeja paisa. They also have a Portage Park location.
Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar
Bring a group to this lush Uptown spot so you can sample an array of the classic Puerto Rican dishes, including jibaritos, mofongo, lechon asado, and beyond. Pair it all with rum-based cocktails like the Marina Punch.
Mi Tierra
This father-daughter-owned business has been serving the Little Village neighborhood for more than 30 years. The colorful restaurant, designed to transport diners to Mexico, is the perfect place to enjoy their signature parrilladas and other classic dishes.
Papa's Cache Sabroso
This Humboldt Park institution is beloved for its famous pollo chon, a succulent rotisserie chicken served with rice, tostones, vegetables, and more. This is also a great place to try an authentic jibarito, a local delicacy.
Tanta
This bustling rooftop in River North is the perfect place to sip a pisco sour before diving into a menu that celebrates the diverse aspects of Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy grilled skewers, cebiches, causa, empanadas, and more.
Tzuco
Tzuco offers a chic atmosphere and elegant plates that blend Mexican and French flavors for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience from Carlos Gaytán, the first Latin American chef to earn a Michelin Star.
