Mostly positive experience and the food is quite good. The desserts are to die for. They are a bit draconian on making you leave at 9 PM when they close but they are very communicative about it up front so it won’t come as a surprise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jaime García-Añoveros III
Chilam Balam - A Culinary GemNestled in the heart of Lakeview East, Chilam Balam stands as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. This charming and intimate restaurant may be small in size, but it boasts an undeniable sophistication that permeates every aspect of the dining experience.From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the warm smile of owner Soraya Rendón and a cozy ambiance that instantly transports you to the streets of Mexico. The décor is tastefully understated, allowing the vibrant flavors of the food to take center stage.Chilam Balam's menu is a testament to the culinary prowess of executive chef Natalie Oswald, featuring a tantalizing array of dishes that pay homage to Mexico's rich gastronomic heritage. One standout feature of their menu is the tapas-style presentation, allowing patrons to sample an assortment of small plates and share the experience with friends and family.Among the myriad of options, the enchiladas potosinas steal the spotlight with their bold flavors and comforting textures. Each bite is a symphony of savory goodness, with tender masa enveloping a filling of cheese and peppers, all bathed in a rich and aromatic sauce that leaves a lingering warmth on the palate.The flautas are another must-try dish, offering a delightful contrast of crispy and tender elements that dance harmoniously on the tongue. These golden-brown cylinders of joy are filled with succulent shredded chicken and served with a vibrant salsa that adds a refreshing kick to every bite.For something a little more unconventional, the peneques are a revelation. These delightful pockets of masa are stuffed with a medley of savory ingredients, ranging from duck confit to pico de gallo, before being fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a meltingly tender center that's bursting with flavor.No visit to Chilam Balam would be complete without indulging in their exquisite ceviche. Served in small, shareable portions, this refreshing dish is a true celebration of fresh seafood, marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices and spices that invigorate the senses and leave you craving more.In addition to the stellar food, the service at Chilam Balam is nothing short of exceptional. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have about the menu or their homeland! Owner Soraya and our waiter gave us wonderful recommendations on Mexico City, and we hope to visit soon.Chilam Balam is a hidden Chicago gem. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of Mexican cuisine or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, this charming restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips, Flan, Grilled Pork Ribs Honey-Pasilla Sauce Radishes Crema and Queso Fresco, Chicken Flautas
Katie Nichols
LOVED our experience here. Walking in, the atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and inviting. We were greeted promptly and warmly. We ordered the roasted brussel sprouts, memelas, and enchiladas potosinas. Each dish was divine. So flavorful — exceeding all expectations (the enchiladas were a personal favorite — stuffed with warm and oozy goat cheese). Towards the end of our meal, our server raved to us about the tres leches (with pistachio!), so we were compelled to order it, & it was the PERFECT end to our dining experience. Best tres leches I’ve tried. Will be back when I visit the city!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annie Satin
one of the best meals I've ever had in Chicago. We were so happy to get a table for dinner as walk ins on a Friday night! All dishes were incredible, not to mention the insane pistachio tres leche for dessert. I have not stopped thinking about this meal, we will definitely be back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elizabeth Wirtz
Second time here and it was just as fabulous as the first time! The dishes are all so tasty. Love that it is BYOB too. All of the restaurant staff are so friendly and kind. We will definitely be back many times!Parking: Paid street parking on Broadway.Kid-friendliness: Not kid friendly. We brought our daughter once but brought food for her to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Flan
A W.
The food here is amazing! The guacamole was the best I've ever had. How can that be? I had never had memelas before and my first bite response was "oh my god". Then we had chicken thighs flautas, ono fish (which was on the menu that night) and dessert. This was the best meal we've had in a long time.
Damian Franchere
Had the best dining experience last night here with my parents and girlfriend. We didn’t even look at the menu; we just asked for the chef’s choices, and the entire meal was curated for us perfectly. All the staff made sure we were having a great time and were very kind, personable, and welcoming. The pistachio tres leches cake was the best dessert I’ve ever had hands down no exaggeration. Also the playlist they had going was great! Will definitely be back soon. Thanks for such a wonderful time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts
Danielle Fisher
THIS PLACE IS A MUST!I’ve been coming here for the last few years and it is by far my favorite place in Chicago, and it’s BYOB (beer, wine, and tequila only). The food is absolutely fantastic and let me tell you… GET 2 ORDERS OF BRUSSELS SPROUTS! They are TO DIE FOR! But honestly, I’ve never disliked anything I’ve gotten there. You can tell they put a lot of love in their food.Soraya and Eddie are absolutely amazing, but everyone there is! They come by and check on you and make sure everything is perfect. They make me feel like I’m part of the family!!!Do yourself a favor and try this place out. I promise, it will be your go to restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Smith
The hostess lady is very abrasive, obnoxious, and ready to pounce. Quite unnecessary.The place has a lot of silly idiosyncratic rules regarding how to enter, coats, alcohol, ordering, where to stand, and how long you can stay. A certain episode of Seinfeld having to do with a soup counter takeout restaurant came to mind.We followed the rules, but the vibe of the hostess was just not friendly. Be ready for simple questions to be met with hostility, defensiveness, and snide remarks.The food is good, thus the 2 stars, but the experience is not consistent with what one expects at the price point.I won’t be surprised if my review is met with an aggressive and deflective reply by their owner peddling misinformation as this pattern of behavior seems to be normal for them. There’s too many options in Chicago to deal with such nonsense.
Christian Rangel
Been twice, the food and staff are amazing! Desserts and Jamaica limeade were superb. Look forward to my next
Never coming back - very unpleasant experience.We were going to come here a different time but had an unfriendly interaction inquiring over the phone. The man said we could make a reservation, but after I asked if it were possible to change the time, he said now they need a $40 deposit so we decided not to go.Upon giving it another shot, we experienced something similar. I called and made a reservation and he said they required a $40 deposit sent on Venmo. After I sent the money, he said the money would go towards the bill and the waiters would be aware.We saw online it said cash only and one bottle of wine per two people so we brought cash and two bottles of wine for a group of four.From the moment we walked in, a lady told us we had to hang our coats and to wait in the back. From just that interaction, we were already turned off. It was not a friendly or welcoming interaction.After that the waiter told us six dishes were required to open one bottle of wine and eight for both and desserts do not count. We ordered six even though we probably would have ordered 4-5 max otherwise. I asked if we could open the second bottle and the waiter said no. We left with it unopened.The table was very small to where it felt like they brought one dish at a time. When one dish was finished, it needed to be taken in order for another to fit.When the bill came, the $40 deposit was not on there. We paid the bill -40 and the waiter ran after us and said we did not pay it in full. We told him about the deposit and left.We noticed there were multiple tables with multiple open bottles of alcohol. One group of six had beer, wine and tequila. I do not think the rules are consistent as I’ve read other reviews and saw one that said they were required to get seven dishes for a group of four.Overall the food was good, but we left with a bad taste in our mouths because of the demeanor, inconsistency, and strict limitations and requirements.Things to Note:- Cash only- There may be a $40 deposit required to secure your reservation (they said it goes towards your bill, but was not present)- They will only keep your reservation for 10 minutes- They only sit full parties- Only beer, wine or tequila (with strict limitations mentioned above)- They require you to hang your coats
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Plato Placero with Beef Brisket Salsa Queso Oaxaca Roasted Plantains Tostadas and Lettuce Cups
Mikaela McParlan
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city and legitimately part of the reason I chose to live on the north side. Always incredible food, always a welcoming environment, always my favorite spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flan
Hannah O.
My boyfriend and I have gone here a handful of times for special occasions and it never disappoints. The service is always amazing and we love to support a family owned business. The changing menu makes it an exciting experience every time we go, and we can't wait to go back! Perfect for any occasion
Cody J.
Cozy place to grab authentic Mexican fare. Very casual and byob. It's loud and be sure to plan ahead as there is usually a wait!
Kevin Paul
This place is the most authentic upscale Mexican cuisine we have experienced in the city. It's a taste of Oaxaca and Mexico City and captures the true meaning to Mexican food. We felt like we were in a speak easy, exclusive, spot and well attended to the entire time of our dining experience. Huge plus on the BYOB, personally I would bring mezcal and get the hibiscus limeade to mix with it...true perfection. The owners are so friendly and welcoming to everyone, I definitely recommend for anyone looking to taste the flavors of Mexico.Parking: Paid parking on broadway is super easy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips, Shredded Carnitas, Corn Memelas, Plato Placero with Beef Brisket Salsa Queso Oaxaca Roasted Plantains Tostadas and Lettuce Cups
Mostly positive experience and the food is quite good. The desserts are to die for. They are a bit draconian on making you leave at 9 PM when they close but they are very communicative about it up front so it won’t come as a surprise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Chilam Balam - A Culinary GemNestled in the heart of Lakeview East, Chilam Balam stands as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. This charming and intimate restaurant may be small in size, but it boasts an undeniable sophistication that permeates every aspect of the dining experience.From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the warm smile of owner Soraya Rendón and a cozy ambiance that instantly transports you to the streets of Mexico. The décor is tastefully understated, allowing the vibrant flavors of the food to take center stage.Chilam Balam's menu is a testament to the culinary prowess of executive chef Natalie Oswald, featuring a tantalizing array of dishes that pay homage to Mexico's rich gastronomic heritage. One standout feature of their menu is the tapas-style presentation, allowing patrons to sample an assortment of small plates and share the experience with friends and family.Among the myriad of options, the enchiladas potosinas steal the spotlight with their bold flavors and comforting textures. Each bite is a symphony of savory goodness, with tender masa enveloping a filling of cheese and peppers, all bathed in a rich and aromatic sauce that leaves a lingering warmth on the palate.The flautas are another must-try dish, offering a delightful contrast of crispy and tender elements that dance harmoniously on the tongue. These golden-brown cylinders of joy are filled with succulent shredded chicken and served with a vibrant salsa that adds a refreshing kick to every bite.For something a little more unconventional, the peneques are a revelation. These delightful pockets of masa are stuffed with a medley of savory ingredients, ranging from duck confit to pico de gallo, before being fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a meltingly tender center that's bursting with flavor.No visit to Chilam Balam would be complete without indulging in their exquisite ceviche. Served in small, shareable portions, this refreshing dish is a true celebration of fresh seafood, marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices and spices that invigorate the senses and leave you craving more.In addition to the stellar food, the service at Chilam Balam is nothing short of exceptional. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have about the menu or their homeland! Owner Soraya and our waiter gave us wonderful recommendations on Mexico City, and we hope to visit soon.Chilam Balam is a hidden Chicago gem. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of Mexican cuisine or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, this charming restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips, Flan, Grilled Pork Ribs Honey-Pasilla Sauce Radishes Crema and Queso Fresco, Chicken Flautas
LOVED our experience here. Walking in, the atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and inviting. We were greeted promptly and warmly. We ordered the roasted brussel sprouts, memelas, and enchiladas potosinas. Each dish was divine. So flavorful — exceeding all expectations (the enchiladas were a personal favorite — stuffed with warm and oozy goat cheese). Towards the end of our meal, our server raved to us about the tres leches (with pistachio!), so we were compelled to order it, & it was the PERFECT end to our dining experience. Best tres leches I’ve tried. Will be back when I visit the city!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
one of the best meals I've ever had in Chicago. We were so happy to get a table for dinner as walk ins on a Friday night! All dishes were incredible, not to mention the insane pistachio tres leche for dessert. I have not stopped thinking about this meal, we will definitely be back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Second time here and it was just as fabulous as the first time! The dishes are all so tasty. Love that it is BYOB too. All of the restaurant staff are so friendly and kind. We will definitely be back many times!Parking: Paid street parking on Broadway.Kid-friendliness: Not kid friendly. We brought our daughter once but brought food for her to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Flan
The food here is amazing! The guacamole was the best I've ever had. How can that be? I had never had memelas before and my first bite response was "oh my god". Then we had chicken thighs flautas, ono fish (which was on the menu that night) and dessert. This was the best meal we've had in a long time.
Had the best dining experience last night here with my parents and girlfriend. We didn’t even look at the menu; we just asked for the chef’s choices, and the entire meal was curated for us perfectly. All the staff made sure we were having a great time and were very kind, personable, and welcoming. The pistachio tres leches cake was the best dessert I’ve ever had hands down no exaggeration. Also the playlist they had going was great! Will definitely be back soon. Thanks for such a wonderful time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts
THIS PLACE IS A MUST!I’ve been coming here for the last few years and it is by far my favorite place in Chicago, and it’s BYOB (beer, wine, and tequila only). The food is absolutely fantastic and let me tell you… GET 2 ORDERS OF BRUSSELS SPROUTS! They are TO DIE FOR! But honestly, I’ve never disliked anything I’ve gotten there. You can tell they put a lot of love in their food.Soraya and Eddie are absolutely amazing, but everyone there is! They come by and check on you and make sure everything is perfect. They make me feel like I’m part of the family!!!Do yourself a favor and try this place out. I promise, it will be your go to restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The hostess lady is very abrasive, obnoxious, and ready to pounce. Quite unnecessary.The place has a lot of silly idiosyncratic rules regarding how to enter, coats, alcohol, ordering, where to stand, and how long you can stay. A certain episode of Seinfeld having to do with a soup counter takeout restaurant came to mind.We followed the rules, but the vibe of the hostess was just not friendly. Be ready for simple questions to be met with hostility, defensiveness, and snide remarks.The food is good, thus the 2 stars, but the experience is not consistent with what one expects at the price point.I won’t be surprised if my review is met with an aggressive and deflective reply by their owner peddling misinformation as this pattern of behavior seems to be normal for them. There’s too many options in Chicago to deal with such nonsense.
Been twice, the food and staff are amazing! Desserts and Jamaica limeade were superb. Look forward to my next
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Plantain Creme Brulee, Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
Restaurantji Recommends
Never coming back - very unpleasant experience.We were going to come here a different time but had an unfriendly interaction inquiring over the phone. The man said we could make a reservation, but after I asked if it were possible to change the time, he said now they need a $40 deposit so we decided not to go.Upon giving it another shot, we experienced something similar. I called and made a reservation and he said they required a $40 deposit sent on Venmo. After I sent the money, he said the money would go towards the bill and the waiters would be aware.We saw online it said cash only and one bottle of wine per two people so we brought cash and two bottles of wine for a group of four.From the moment we walked in, a lady told us we had to hang our coats and to wait in the back. From just that interaction, we were already turned off. It was not a friendly or welcoming interaction.After that the waiter told us six dishes were required to open one bottle of wine and eight for both and desserts do not count. We ordered six even though we probably would have ordered 4-5 max otherwise. I asked if we could open the second bottle and the waiter said no. We left with it unopened.The table was very small to where it felt like they brought one dish at a time. When one dish was finished, it needed to be taken in order for another to fit.When the bill came, the $40 deposit was not on there. We paid the bill -40 and the waiter ran after us and said we did not pay it in full. We told him about the deposit and left.We noticed there were multiple tables with multiple open bottles of alcohol. One group of six had beer, wine and tequila. I do not think the rules are consistent as I’ve read other reviews and saw one that said they were required to get seven dishes for a group of four.Overall the food was good, but we left with a bad taste in our mouths because of the demeanor, inconsistency, and strict limitations and requirements.Things to Note:- Cash only- There may be a $40 deposit required to secure your reservation (they said it goes towards your bill, but was not present)- They will only keep your reservation for 10 minutes- They only sit full parties- Only beer, wine or tequila (with strict limitations mentioned above)- They require you to hang your coats
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Plato Placero with Beef Brisket Salsa Queso Oaxaca Roasted Plantains Tostadas and Lettuce Cups
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city and legitimately part of the reason I chose to live on the north side. Always incredible food, always a welcoming environment, always my favorite spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flan
My boyfriend and I have gone here a handful of times for special occasions and it never disappoints. The service is always amazing and we love to support a family owned business. The changing menu makes it an exciting experience every time we go, and we can't wait to go back! Perfect for any occasion
Cozy place to grab authentic Mexican fare. Very casual and byob. It's loud and be sure to plan ahead as there is usually a wait!
This place is the most authentic upscale Mexican cuisine we have experienced in the city. It's a taste of Oaxaca and Mexico City and captures the true meaning to Mexican food. We felt like we were in a speak easy, exclusive, spot and well attended to the entire time of our dining experience. Huge plus on the BYOB, personally I would bring mezcal and get the hibiscus limeade to mix with it...true perfection. The owners are so friendly and welcoming to everyone, I definitely recommend for anyone looking to taste the flavors of Mexico.Parking: Paid parking on broadway is super easy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips, Shredded Carnitas, Corn Memelas, Plato Placero with Beef Brisket Salsa Queso Oaxaca Roasted Plantains Tostadas and Lettuce Cups