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Hours
Wed
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$0.00 – $27.00
CUISINES
Latin, International, Central American, Costa Rican
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurants allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages to drink?
Details
About
Irazu is Chicago's first and only Costa Rican restaurant and we've been perfecting our style for the past 30 years. We've been a mainstay in the heart of Bucktown, just steps from the O'Hare Blue Line (Western station) and "The 606". Come visit us for a quick bite or a rustic sit-down meal with friends and family - your stomach and your party (and your wallet) will thank you! We are BYOB please bring your favorite spirits we have thirst-quenching mixers that pair beautifully with our cuisine. Pura Vida!
PRICE RANGE
$0.00 – $27.00
CUISINES
Latin, International, Central American, Costa Rican
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Cash Only, Table Service, BYOB, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
165 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
52
Average
11
Poor
6
Terrible
3
marykaybourbon
Florida52 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
A gem of a place! Born & raised in Chicago- left a decade ago and returned for a visit and stopped here for lunch this week. Was not disappointed! The decor was minimalistic, functional and clean— and for what might have been lacking in decor — was more than made up for in friendliness, hospitality and delicious high quality food! The black bean soup was by far the best to ever touch my palate, the cerviche was fresh and light. The empanadas (cheese and jalapeños, meat and potatoes) were light and flavorful. Homemade key-lime pie for dessert is a MUST- better than any I’ve tasted on a couple of Caribbean islands!
The meal was made even better by the server— he was very attentive, gave great recommendations and made the overall experience and vibe a positive experience. We can’t wait to visit again!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juanvanilla
Springfield64 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
First saw this on the food network so we knew we had to try it while in Chicago. Everything we tried was amazing and our waiter was extremely helpful and explained the dishes. This is a must every time we visit Chicago again.
Written 3 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francisco M
Lansing101 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
The combination of flavors and textures on the plate make for a great taste buds stimulation. I felt like I was eating at my Costa Rican friend grandma's house; which I was I expect when I go to a place that boast a cuisine of a specific country.
The service was ok, somewhere between the waiter and the kitchen staff there was a disconnect and one of the appetizers we order didn't come out and one entree got mixed up, but they provide with excellent service, in their defense the place was packed with tons of people waitIng for a table, so it was busy
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A3933ERhenryc
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Pura Vida.
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deb P
Chicago19 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Have been here twice and enjoyed it both times. Started with the avocado shrimp appetizer last time and it was amazingly delicious. Have also had the casado, tacos and one of their specials. All very good. Nice casual atmosphere, BYOB and cash only. The owner stopped by our table each visit and is delightful to talk with. Looking forward to our next visit, just a short walk off the
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A3933ERhenryc
Pura Vida. Thank you for the feedback!
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kaisui2016
219 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
It was warm, cozy and nice athmosphere restaurant with delicious meal. We ate the traditional Casado meal ftom Costa Rica.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
livinginbetween
6 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
For all you old-school or old people like me still reading Tripadvisor reviews to know where to go, go to Irazu. We moved my son into an apartment in Bucktown and walked the short (but cold) distance to a fun, friendly, warm restaurant -- and got a table right away on a Friday night, which apparently was akin to winning the lottery. The portions were generous (took most of mine home in a box for later), there was a nice variety, and everyone in our group liked what they ordered. I even saved room for a coconut milkshake which I then had to share with my group because I made the mistake of commenting about how good it tasted. We'll be back the next time we're visiting the boy.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela M
15 contributions
Jul 2021 • friends
Everytime I go to Chicago, it's a must to pass by Irazu to taste my home country food after leaving abroad for many years! Food is really good and it's always hard to choose from all the options!! Was glad to share a chat with Henry, the owner and the nice and friendly service from Robert! Looking forward to next time!
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
howard p M
Chicago84 contributions
Jul 2021 • solo
Weather is gorgeous. Storefront fully open. Food is great, salsa is HOT!
They will do vegan, have lots of veggie things.
I have never been disappointed here and they now take cc's.
Written 1 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine J
Missouri City12 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
I cannot get enough of Irazu! I find myself craving the food especially yucca. I haven’t had anything I haven’t like and the shakes are a must!
Written 18 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IrishRover
Pittsburgh3253 contributions
Oct 2019 • friends
If you are looking for something different give it a try. The Empanadas are.good a little doughy. I had the fish tacos and they are very good. Remember to bring cash
Written 4 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A3933ERhenryc
Appreciate your visit and feedback.
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jwflory
United States77 contributions
Jun 2019 • solo
I was in the neighborhood and found the restaurant while looking for cheaper Latin food with vegetarian options. I was on a student budget and traveling alone, so I was looking for something affordable and also filling. Irazu was the perfect spot for me! I ordered a chile rellano which came with a side of plantains, rice, and beans for $12. It tasted as delicious as it looked. Without a doubt, I will return with friends and family. The service was also friendly and my waiter had several recommendations when I asked him for his favorites. Also, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere and there are several things to make you forget for a moment that you are in Chicago. A great place to go if you are looking for authentic and delicious Puerto Rican / Latin cuisine.
Written 16 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henry c
Thank you for your feedback and testimonial. Greetings from the only Costa Rican Restaurant in Chicago.
Pura Vida!
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 17 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Manny
Shiloh9 contributions
Oct 2018 • couples
If you’re ready to try a great dining experience you must go to Irazu, 1865 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago. We dine there whenever we are in the city. All the entree’s that we have tried are delicious. And the oatmeal shakes are fantastic. The food is traditional made with fresh ingredients. The staff is professional and courteous. Try it, you’ll love the food.
Written 23 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henry c
Thank you Manny for sharing your experience. We look forward to hosting you and your family when you are back in Chicago.
Pura Vida!
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 24 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IvanSusanin1613
Cleveland202 contributions
Mar 2019 • none
Very tasty and vegetarian-friendly! The seating area is a bit limited, but the cuisine is great and the service is friendly.
Written 9 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henry c
Thank you for your endorsement and feedback.
Appreciate your visit.
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 10 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cvilltrvlr
Collierville621 contributions
Jan 2019 • family
Who knew Costa Rican food was this good? The place isn’t fancy, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from coming here to enjoy some darn good food. All choices of Empanadas, Tico Pico ( like fajitas), great guacamole and some great green sauce that will set fire to your taste buds. I love the heat! What’s not to like? Well okay, then top it off with a smooth shake to cool you down.
Written 20 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henry c
Thank you very much for your endorsement and kind words. We look forward to re-hosting you in the near future!
And you are RIGHT! We are proudly not fancy but serve up some good food.
' Till next time. Pura Vida!
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 22 January 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pikemere
Harpenden322 contributions
Nov 2018 • family
Good service with friendly waiter. Food enjoyable especially the chicken and plantain. Will be happy to visit again.
Written 7 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henry c
Thank you for the feedback and the endorsement.
Pura Vida!
Henry Cerdas, Owner
Written 8 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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