May 9, 2025

Irazu Chicago

Chicago's Only Costa Rican

"Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans."

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!

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

1865 N Milwaukee Ave

Dinner:

USD

25

+1

7732525687

Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

Denden Restaurant

Affordable Eritrean

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

OMI Cafe

Japanese Dessert Café

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Sweet Rabbit Bakery

Loaf Perfection

Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

The Momo World

Nepalese Dumplings

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Publican Quality Bread

Bread at its Finest

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!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Gundis Kurdish Kitchen

Chicago Kurdish

They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Taco Loco of Pilsen

Juicy Street Tacos

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.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

La Fournette

French Family Bakery

There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Hendrickx Belgian Bread

Expert Croissants

While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

BULSHO Restaurant

Spicy Somalian Food

BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Gorée Cuisine

Senegalese Comfort Food

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Chiu Quon Bakery

Best Asian bakery in Chicago

I absolutely adore coming to Chiu Quon Bakery right when it opens and devouring their sweet and savory buns and steamed dumplings. Delicious!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Chicago?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

116 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Chicago

Our team loves Chicago

Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
71
Filters