Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood is the only Costa Rican eatery in the city.
Unlike the flavors of other Latin American cuisines that come to mind, Costa Rican food does not rely on fiery hot spices or heavily fried foods. Instead, its flavor profile reflects the simplistic lifestyle of Costa Ricans, which is summed up in the country's unofficial motto: Pura Vida.
Pura Vida translates to pure life, but its meaning extends much deeper than its direct translation. Costa Ricans use this phrase as a greeting, to express happiness, or even a misfortune, among other things. Its easygoingness encapsulates one of the reasons why this small Central American country is often called the happiest country in the world and perfectly describes the atmosphere of Irazu.
Diners sit in the restaurant's spacious, naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional platters of homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans. Other popular menu items include their famous oatmeal shakes, fresh ceviche and guacamole with chips.
I'd recommend coming here with a friend on a sunny day and ordering any of the above. Irazu is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago for service served with a smile!
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.
by
OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
by
Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
by
Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
by
Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!
by
They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.
by
The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.
by
There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!
by
While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.
by
BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.
by
Start with a freshly steeped cup of sweet mint tea, a staple of any Senegalese meal. Then order fataya, triangular fried pastries with a savory filling.
by
I absolutely adore coming to Chiu Quon Bakery right when it opens and devouring their sweet and savory buns and steamed dumplings. Delicious!
by
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips