The Absolute Best Colombian Food in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring twelve fantastic Colombian eateries scattered throughout this vibrant city.

From authentic arepas to mouthwatering bandeja paisa, each restaurant offers a unique taste of Colombia’s rich culinary heritage.

I’ve savored the flavors, experienced the warm atmosphere, and discovered hidden gems that truly capture the essence of Colombian cuisine.

Join me as I share my favorites, highlighting what makes each spot special and worth a visit for both newcomers and long-time fans of this delicious food.

ArePA George

Highlights
Home-cooked meal vibes
Delicious mango juice
Busy and lively atmosphere
Outdoor dining available
Variety of Colombian dishes

ArePA George truly captures the essence of Colombian culinary delights! Stepping into this vibrant eatery is like walking into a bustling kitchen filled with the aromas of home-cooked meals. The atmosphere is both lively and inviting, making it the perfect backdrop for a delightful dining experience.

One of my standout moments was sipping on their refreshing mango juice. It's an absolute must-try that can brighten any day! As I perused their menu, my eyes danced over a variety of authentic Colombian dishes, each one calling out to me. The tantalizing sizzle of arepas being prepared filled the air, promising a treat for my taste buds.

I opted for the classic shredded beef arepa, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors, showcasing the true essence of Colombian cuisine. The option for outdoor dining added a charming touch, letting me soak in the Chicago ambiance while savoring every delicious morsel.

If you’re hunted for a spot that exudes genuine warmth and serves up meticulously crafted Colombian classics, look no further than ArePA George. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Mekato's Colombian Bakery

Highlights
Authentic fried goods
Sweet and friendly staff
Quick service, even on weekends
Huge selection of fresh items
Highly recommended for quick bites

Mekato's Colombian Bakery is a true gem nestled in the bustling streets of Chicago. As soon as I entered, the aroma of freshly fried goods enveloped me like a warm embrace, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure. With a vast selection of delicious pastries and snacks, my eyes darted from arepas to empanadas, each item whispering promises of authentic Colombian flavors.

The staff greeted me with a sweet and friendly demeanor, instantly making me feel like part of the family. This warmth perfectly complemented the quick service, even during peak weekend hours. I couldn’t resist diving into their mouthwatering arepas, which boasted a perfect crispy exterior and a delightful savory filling. Each bite was like a mini celebration on my palate!

Mekato's is not just about the food; it's an experience. I highly recommend stopping by for a quick bite on the go or indulging in their freshly baked pastries that truly capture the essence of Colombia. This bakery stands out, not just for its tantalizing treats, but for its inviting atmosphere. If you're in search of authentic Colombian delights, Mekato's is where you'll want to be!

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Las Tablas

Highlights
Family atmosphere
Delicious empanadas
Vegetarian options available
Professional and warm service
Flavorful steaks

First and foremost, I was delighted by the family atmosphere of the restaurant. The moment I stepped in, I was greeted with warm smiles and traditional colombian decor that made me feel right at home.

Now, let's get to the most important part - the food. I must say, Las Tablas did not disappoint. The empanadas were hands down one of the best I've ever had. The crust was crispy yet tender and the filling was bursting with flavor. For those who are vegetarian, there are plenty of options available so you won't have to miss out on this delicious dish!

Moving on to the mains, their steaks were a true standout. Cooked to perfection and packed with flavor, they truly hit the spot. But what really stood out for me was their impeccable service. The staff were professional yet warm and went above and beyond to make sure we had an enjoyable experience.

Overall, Las Tablas is definitely one of my top picks for colombian food in Chicago. If you're looking for a place that serves up flavorful dishes in a cozy environment with exceptional service, then look no further than Las Tablas!

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Pueblito Viejo

Highlights
Delicious and affordable food
Friendly and accommodating staff
Great drinks and DJ
Cool restaurant decorations

First of all, let me just say that the food was amazing! Not only was it delicious, but it was also quite affordable. I ordered the bandeja paisa and it did not disappoint. The rice and beans were cooked to perfection and the plantains were crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.

The staff at Pueblito Viejo were extremely friendly and accommodating. They made sure that my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish. They even took the time to explain some of the dishes to me since I'm not fluent in Spanish.

One thing that really stood out about Pueblito Viejo was their drinks and DJ. The drinks were expertly crafted and went perfectly with my meal. And let's not forget about the DJ - they played a great mix of music that had everyone in a great mood.

Lastly, I have to mention how cool the restaurant decorations were. It really gave off a fun and vibrant atmosphere which added to my overall enjoyment.

Overall, if you're looking for some delicious Colombian food in Chicago, then look no further than Pueblito Viejo!

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El Fogón de Elena Restaurante

Highlights
Excellent food and service
Best empanadas
Beautiful food presentation
Freshly made to order
Large portions

First and foremost, the food was beyond amazing! I had to pinch myself just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with excellent service that made me feel right at home. The best part? Their empanadas are the absolute bomb! insert heart eyes emoji They were perfectly cooked and filled with delicious ingredients that left my taste buds euphoric.

The presentation of the food was also a sight to behold. Each dish looked like a work of art on its own - almost too pretty to eat. But then again, who am I kidding? Of course, I devoured everything on my plate without hesitation.

One thing that stood out for me was how everything was freshly made to order. You can tell that they take pride in their cooking and only serve the best quality dishes to their customers. And let's not forget about the portions - they were huge! Definitely come hungry because you'll want to try everything on the menu.

Overall, El Fogón de Elena Restaurante is a must-visit if you're looking for authentic colombian cuisine in Chicago. Trust me when I say that you won't be disappointed.

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Las Tablas On Lincoln

Highlights
Delicious meats
Creamy drinks
Flavorful empanadas
Friendly service
Live music

Firstly, I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious meats that were served. The churrasco was cooked to perfection and the seasoning was spot on. Every bite was a flavor explosion in my mouth.

To wash down all that deliciousness, I tried one of their creamy drinks called Lulada. It's a refreshing blend of lulo fruit, lime juice, and sugar. It's sweet but not too sweet and really complemented the meal.

One of my favorite dishes at Las Tablas On Lincoln were their flavorful empanadas. They had a crispy crust with a savory filling of beef and potatoes. The dip that came with it added an extra kick of flavor.

The friendly service also enhanced my experience at the restaurant. The server was attentive and made sure everything was to my liking.

Lastly, they had live music which really added to the ambiance of the restaurant. It was like having dinner while attending a concert at the same time!

In conclusion, if you're looking for authentic colombian food in Chicago with great atmosphere and entertainment, then Las Tablas On Lincoln is definitely worth checking out!

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Curramba Colombian Restaurant Bar

Highlights
Great service
Delicious food
Friendly staff
Vibrant atmosphere

Firstly, I was impressed with the great service that I received from the moment I walked in. The staff were very attentive and accommodating, making me feel right at home.

Now let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, it was delicious! The flavors were rich and authentic, perfectly capturing the essence of Colombian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the empanadas, which had a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling inside. The bandeja paisa was also a standout dish, featuring grilled steak, chorizo sausage, rice, beans, and fried plantains.

The friendly staff added to the overall enjoyable experience. They were all so kind and welcoming throughout my visit. It truly made for an unforgettable dining experience.

Finally, the vibrant atmosphere of Curramba Colombian Restaurant Bar added to its charm. The decor was colorful and lively - it really felt like I was transported to Colombia!

Overall, Curramba Colombian Restaurant Bar is definitely deserving of a spot on the list of best colombian food in Chicago. From its great service to its delicious food and friendly staff, there's nothing not to love about this place!

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Restaurante Colombiano

Highlights
Delicious empanadas
Old-fashioned grill chicken
Tender and juicy

First of all, I have to say that the empanadas at Restaurante Colombiano are absolutely delicious! The crispy crust and flavorful stuffing make them the perfect appetizer. They offer a variety of fillings such as beef, chicken, and cheese which will satisfy any taste.

Now let's talk about their old-fashioned grilled chicken, which is definitely one of their specialties. The chicken is marinated in a secret blend of herbs and spices before being grilled to perfection. The result is a tender and juicy piece of meat that is full of flavor. I highly recommend trying this dish if you want to taste authentic Colombian cuisine.

The atmosphere in Restaurante Colombiano is cozy and welcoming. You will feel like you're sitting in a Colombian home enjoying a homemade meal. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that you have everything you need.

In conclusion, if you're looking for some delicious Colombian food in Chicago, Restaurante Colombiano should be on your list. Their empanadas are fantastic and their grilled chicken is simply mouth-watering. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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Brasa Roja Montrose

Highlights
Delicious rotisserie chicken
Flavorful and filling food
Welcoming atmosphere
Complimentary arepa
Generous prices

The first thing that caught my attention was the welcoming atmosphere. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a smile and felt right at home. The aroma of the delicious rotisserie chicken cooking on the spit made my mouth water.

I started off with a complimentary arepa, which was a nice surprise. It was warm, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just how an arepa should be. Then came the main course, and boy was it a treat! The chicken was juicy and seasoned to perfection - no wonder it's one of their highlights.

The side dishes were equally impressive. The beans were rich and creamy while the rice was fluffy and full of flavor. Every bite felt like an explosion of tastes in my mouth.

Another thing worth mentioning is that their prices are very generous for the amount of food you receive. You definitely get your money's worth!

Overall, Brasa Roja Montrose exceeded my expectations with its flavorful and filling food, great atmosphere, complimentary arepa, and generous prices. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for some authentic colombian cuisine in Chicago.

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Brasa Roja Pulaski

Highlights
Friendly staff
Traditional food
Budget-friendly
BYOB available
Great empanadas

Firstly, let me start by saying that the staff at Brasa Roja Pulaski were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made us feel right at home as soon as we walked in.

Now, let's talk about the food. If you're looking for traditional colombian cuisine in Chicago, then look no further than Brasa Roja Pulaski. Their menu is full of classic dishes like bandeja paisa and sancocho that will make you feel like you've been transported to Colombia.

But what really impressed me was how budget-friendly this restaurant is. You can get a hearty meal here without breaking the bank. Plus, if you're looking to save even more money, Brasa Roja Pulaski is BYOB!

I have to give a special shoutout to their empanadas, which were absolutely delicious! They were crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful meat on the inside.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Brasa Roja Pulaski if you're in Chicago and craving some authentic colombian cuisine. The great food, friendly staff, and budget-friendly prices make it a must-visit spot!

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Brasa Roja Express

Highlights
Excellent service
Affordable and delicious food
Variety of delicious plates
Quick preparation time
Recommended dishes: Chicken Special, Rice and Beans, Pollo Asado

Firstly, the service was absolutely excellent. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making my dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Now, let's talk about the food! I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the menu is, especially considering how delicious everything tasted. The variety of dishes available was impressive, and it made choosing just one meal a difficult task.

However, after much deliberation, I settled on their famous Chicken Special, which did not disappoint. The chicken was juicy and tender with just the right amount of seasoning. It came with a side of perfectly cooked Rice and Beans, which complemented the chicken perfectly.

Another standout dish was their Pollo Asado - a succulent grilled chicken that was bursting with flavor. And what's even better is that their dishes have a quick preparation time, so you won't be waiting around for ages to satisfy your hunger.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious colombian food in Chicago that won't break your bank account, Brasa Roja Express is definitely worth checking out. Don't forget to try their Chicken Special and Pollo Asado - they come highly recommended!

El Asadero Colombiano

Highlights
Rich Colombian food
Affordable prices
Friendly service
Amazing rotisserie chicken
Delicious rice and beans

First off, let me tell you that the food here is rich and flavorful! I felt like I was in Colombia again with every bite I took. But what's even better is that the prices are affordable, so you won't have to break the bank for a delicious meal.

The service was also very friendly and welcoming. The staff made me feel right at home and even suggested some of their favorite dishes. Speaking of which, let's talk about the food!

I had the rotisserie chicken and it was absolutely amazing! The skin was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the meat was tender and juicy. It came with a side of rice and beans that were so flavorful, I could've eaten them on their own.

Overall, if you're looking for authentic Colombian food that won't break your budget, then El Asadero Colombiano should definitely be on your list of places to try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!