Everything you need to know about Costa Rican food in Chicago is right here at Irazu. In fact, it might be the only fully Costa Rican food in Chicago, but don't quote me on that! There's lots to love and flavors and dishes you just can't find anywhere else. The vibe is great for catching up with friends, family and casual date nights, year-round but especially in the summer! The windows open up to the outside and the bright colors feel like vacation. The staff is incredibly attentive, portions are large and service is speedy and attentive. But what I love most about Irazú is the food. My husband and I agree - we'd take anyone we know to Irazu because the Latin sandwiches and plantains we ordered blew us away. Not to mention they have awesome cocktails. Street parking nearby was paid but easily available too. We love Irazu so much and highly recommend it! read more

Irazú - Sweet Plantains - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you want some Pura Vida in the city, look no further than the legendary Irazú. They even have Lizano sauce . IYKYK. If you don't.. run, don't walk..get an aqua fresca & some healthy yet stunningly delicious bites. The rice is insane. And who doesn't love plantains. Every dish is top notch. If I didn't live in Chicago I would live in Costa Rica. I have only been a Chicagoan for 24 years, but this will forever be one of my favorite places to eat in the city. read more

Irazú - Feel like you are here! Guanacaste (not Irazú;) - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Irazu offers some true traditional Costa Rican dining in Wicker Park with lots of vegetarian options as well. The seating has that casual vibe you would find in Costa Rica and service is very friendly. Food also came out in a timely way and the house made chips and salsa do a fantastic job of keeping you satisfied while waiting. The Horchata frozen shake is refreshing and not too sweet, it was recommended by our waiter who said it was really popular and I can see why. It didn't taste too watered down and the horchata flavor was perfect. The prices for the dinner plates are on the higher end but it is a good amount of food and you get a good variety of items. They're called dinner plates but that's what they had for lunch too. The shrimp and veggies came with a hearty portion of veggies, rice, a lightly seasoned cabbage salad with some nice lime flavored dressing, and rice cooked with some black beans. Every component was delicious, although the rice could have used a tad bit more salt. It's not an issue when you eat it with the other stuff on the plate though. The Casado is the national dish of Costa Rica which is served with your protein of choice (tilapica here), Gallo Pinto (rice w/black beans), sweet plaintains, the cabbage salad and an over easy egg. This is what I would recommend getting because you get a good balance of everything. The tilapia was flaky and soft but well seasoned and the sweet plaintains were perfectly cooked. They also added some veggies on top of the tilapia too which I didn't expect but it's going to keep you healthy and not feeling sick after so you can't really complain. I do wish prices weren't as high so people could visit more often but they're understandable and still worth supporting this small business and the delicious food they offer! read more

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Over the years I've enjoyed Irazu in person and to-go. Since COVID we made Wednesday our Irazu night and we've taken it home religiously. I love the food and the service is always great. It's a great place! Get an oatmeal shake! Since they added fried shrimp to the menu there is absolutely nothing that could possibly be improved at Irazu. read more

I usually love ordering from Irazu -- the food is always fresh & delicious. Also, the quality is consistent. But today's order was a letdown. Our skirt steak & chicken pepito sandwiches contained only half the usual amount of meat, which was really disappointing since they are normally packed (worth the extra $ for skirt steak). Hoping this was just a one-time miss, because I usually look forward to ordering from here! Ordered via Uber Eats! read more

Yes. Go here. Yesterday. Having been to Costa Rica and experiencing a mixed bag with their cuisine, I was skeptical when I came across this well-reviewed restaurant. I am a skeptic no more. The food (and the accompanying experience) was excellent. The open-air dining transported me back to Costa Rica and enjoying the drinks in the shade while being kissed by the breeze. Ok, that got nostalgic. What's true is that the food, service, and atmosphere are all exquisite. Give them a visit when you're in Chicago. 10/10 read more

Irazú - Casado with steak--exceptional! - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Me and my friends waited in line for an hour, even though he said it was gonna be 15 to 20 minute wait and then we waited another hour for anyone to even talk to us and take our order, and then another hour to get our food. Even while we were sitting at the table for so long, we didn't get any free chips or salsa for the table and we were never offered salsa at any point in our dining experience. The fish taco literally gave me a big slab of filet o' fish patty like they have at McDonald's. And the plantain taco was not sweet. And the steak was just hamburger meat. And the rice was white lady rice from target. Pretty much when we got there, the restaurant was full and lively but the time we got our food, we had already finished three refills of waters and our milkshakes, and we had devolved into fighting over even the smallest inconveniences because we were hangry. After all of this our food got to us cold and dry. read more

This place is amazing! I've been going here for close to 20 years and somehow it seems to get better every year. Tino is a great waiter! He finds a great balance between being all over you and not pestering you. Highly recommend! read more

Immaculate vibes. Horchata milkshake is a must try. Great food, super cool setup and staff were so kind even though it was busy. Robert was the best! read more

Irazú - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I drop by on Valentine's Day 2026. This restaurant was buzzing with the best vibes from the moment we stepped into the lobby. The service, food and cocktails were excellent. We ordered empanadas, guacamole and chips, the arugula mango salad to start the celebration. We then ordered two of the Surf and Turf with Chicken and Steak, the shrimp entree and finally the rum cake and their version of key lime pie. We took another steak dinner and a pint of Mama's secret soup. I love places where you are treated like family and invited by family! Thank you, Robert #regulars #kissthechefs read more

Irazú - This is what next day meal prep looks like! I think you should always have some extra to share! - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely fantastic. Food is incredible and the space is lively, chill, and welcoming. Miriam was a wonderful server.

Food was bomb! Service was very slow however, and the layout was kind of weird. Will definitely go back though!

You will not regret coming here!!!! It's amazing!!!!!!!!! The entres, desserts, milkshakes, the people! Totally come here.

Super cute restaurant we found walking from Wicker Park. The service was pretty quick... the food was delicious!! Very authentic... great place!! read more

Irazú - Ceviche and plato típico - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food was amazing! I loved their appetizers and surf & turf meal. I will be back soon.

One of our favorite spots in Chicago! The food is always delicious, service is great, and the atmosphere is laid back and fun! We always start with a variety of empanadas. My favorite is the jalapeño and cheese and the plantain and cheese. The surf and turf burrito is amazing! There is so much steak and shrimp inside and it is always perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful. The portion is also very large and makes for great leftovers! The Casado is also a great dish with a variety of flavors and textures. Don't forget to end with an oatmeal shake! They also do great catering! Love this place and will continue to return! read more

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If you want to transport your taste buds to Costa Rica, this is what I'd imagine it would taste like. The balance of savory, fresh and flavorful works so well together. Friendly service and nice ambience with the indoor outdoor feel. I always come back! read more

Irazú - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best Costa Rican food on the planet. A must try anytime your in Chicago. Laid back atmosphere, friendly staff, amazing food. Live the fresh watermelon juice, empanadas and , skirt steak tacos. Fresh chips and salsa are to die for. read more

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I go here for the empanadas. The other food might be just as tasty, but the empanadas are my usual go to. I have tried the cheese and spinach, vegan and cheese and jalapeño ones. The vegan empanadas were a bit greasy, but flavored very well. The rest are fried perfectly. Both times I've gone I've gotten them to go. So I can't comment on the service other than the person who hands me the bag, does so with a smile. read more

Irazú - Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Irazú revisited. Living in Florida, Irazú is one of our must go destinations, whenever in Chicago. The fried pork belly, my favorite, is still outstanding. The black bean soup is the second best I've had, close behind one from a small Puerto Rican restaurant in Florida. Full disclosure, I'm a Central European cabbage muncher, I don't claim to know the nuances of Caribbean cuisine, but my childhood experience, my best friend was Puerto Rican. and his mom's black bean soup may have biased me. Regardless, both muy bueno! Final note, the watermelon fresca is an absolute must. I was offered it to be mixed with Mango or Passion Fruit, which might have been good, but why mess with perfection? Taste is like the freshest, sweetest watermelon to ever run down your face. To paraphrase another Central European, "I'll be back", hope to see you there. read more

This place is delicious, reasonably priced and with a fun ambiance. The Costa Rican food is delicious and the meat is flavorful. Highly recommend the plates and they are sized big. The recently changed out of BYOB, but their wine was great! read more

Irazú - Casado Dinner and Malbec wine - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just got take-out from Irazu. The food was really good. I will definitely go back and dine out. The Yucca fries were really good too read more

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Not even some of the best Costa Rican food I've had but some of the best FOOD I've had in a minute. Ordered the chicken casado and I could have had 3 plates, it was so flavorful and everything cooked perfectly. My partner got the empanadas for himself and has not stopped talking about the beef ones for over a week. I would go back for the drinks alone (the tico house cocktail was amazing, it looks like a glass of iced milk but tastes like a beach and the mango margarita was a hit) but would be remiss to not try more of the menu for how good those items were. Quick and friendly service, didnt feel rushed out the door or anything. We'll be back!! read more

Go check out this place Asap. The whole staff is 5/5 stars. Food is great. If you're a burrito lover, get the skirt steak & shrimp burrito! read more

Irazú - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Haven't had the a good meal like this in awhile! The salsa with the chips was one of the best salsa I've ever had, and the skirt steak dinner meal was amazing! It was very nicely seasoned and well-balanced. We would come back. The servers were very nice and the vibes were great. Windows were open since it was a very nice day, so it was closest to having a day in Latin America in the city. Hope to visit again! read more

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This restaurant represents what the ticos call PURA VIDA! A real experience of great food, friendly service (the owner is very nice and fun) and authentic flavors. My husband is from Costa Rica and I also visited many times with him and we were happy to find this place and incredible surprised with the food, they offer many dishes just like the ones you can try in Costa Rica. Chifrijo was one of our favorites, the empanadas (a lot of flavors to choose from) fresh juices and even local beers from CR! The restaurant is decorated with a Caribbean vibe very similar to the Atlantic area in CR so you can feel you are in there. If you want to taste a piece of Costa Rica dont miss IRAZU Costa Rican Restaurant. read more

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Skirt Steak pepito is a hit. Bread slightly cronchy, charred juicy steak cooked perfectly, lizano sauce is slightly tangy and very slightly sweet, and can't forget the beans. Dip the sandwich in their spicy green salsa and goooodnight zzz..zzz..zzz FWIW I also got the surf and turf platter & chips/salsa which were both excellent. But considering I'm a sandwich guy I'm just getting 2 steak pepitos next time. Cheers! read more

Irazú - Steak Pepito Sandwich - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Family owned and operated local restaurants. Tino was a fabulous waiter too. He made excellent recommendations especially on the desserts! We loved the rum cake and the key lime pie!! We had a group of 5 and no reservations on a Saturday and we were seated right away. I highly recommend you try this place when in this area!! read more

I came here five years ago when I lived across the street and have wanted to return ever since. Nothing has changed! The food is as incredible as ever. The Irazu salsa is the type of spice level that you must keep eating more to calm your palette and is paired with salty tortilla chips. The Patacones come with beans and roasted garlic oil to dip them in. I fell in love with these as dipping condiments as they differ from my mainstream American norms. The garlic and beans are so opposite of each other making it common to go back and forth between the two trying to decide which you like better. The Sur & Turf Dinner is a steal with caramelized plantains, which I found sweeter than a sweet potato. Having the plantains as a part of the grilled shrimp and steak curbed my desire to have a sweet treat afterward. There is a 12-top bar area which faces outside towards Milwaukee Ave and the music is pretty loud which is starting to make me feel older than I am. The service has a family-owned feel, which checks out as the Cerdas-Salazar family opened the Irazu doors in 1990. read more

Irazú - Patacones - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The tilapia casado was delicious, but the free chips and salsa was only alright. Overall, this restaurant is worth trying for Costa Rican food in Chicago. read more

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The food here was good along with the service. The oatmeal shake is interesting and worth trying. Definitely recommend trying this restaurant! read more

Great food and great service! I just had empanadas for dinner but everyone I was with said their food was amazing. Small restaurant so I would advise making a reservation. It's also BYOB which is always great! They even have mixers you can buy like pina colada. I look forward to trying one of them next time. read more

Last minute decision to eat out. Wanted to try something different. This location has plenty of street parking. We were able to grab a spot a block away. This restaurant is BYOB, so bring some booze, wine or even some cold beers. Wine shop located right across the street if you forget. We came in with a bottle of Bacardi Rum to pair with the Mango Daiquiri. Pitcher was $15, it was plenty for 2 people during the work week. We ended taking home the other half of the mix. Placed into the freezer for when we want some frozen drinks at home. Seating here was easy. We didn't have to wait long. It did appear we come towards the end of the rush so plan accordingly. For food, my husband got the steak burrito. He enjoyed the burrito and had leftovers. I got the classic Costa Rican dish with steak. It was really good. I also had leftovers. We ordered some yucca fries. Very enjoyable evening out. Prices were moderate but a good deal with Bucktown. read more

Came here for some really good food, had this place saved for over 10 years. So this day was the day for coming to Irazu. I've heard a lot of great things about Costa Rica and it's cuisine - that's on my bucket list too, Central and South America to be exact. Got in a little early (my first meal is after 11:00 a.m.), so I'm a little hangry everyday and the door, well it was locked but our server opened the door for us and welcomed us in. Such Great hospitality!! We got a variety of piping hot empanadas, they all had a Jollibee mango pie type like crust, the plantain and cheese empanada was the clear winner. It was packed with ingredients and I enjoyed the sweet and semi salty combined taste. However, I'd skip the cheese only empanada, it looked a bit hollow. The steak Casado was very soft and flavorful but my Pepito sandwich was on the dry side. I got an oatmeal and banana shake to go but it did not come close to Tiztal's. Irazu is airy, bright, BYOB and nicely decorated, therefore, I'll be coming back soon for those empanadas and the other stuff on the menu. read more

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I have catered and ordered online from here, but this was my first time dining in. It was a Friday night and it was super busy. We waiting a very long time to finally get seated. This place is BYOB so a lot of other parties brought their own drinks. After placing out order, we received some complimentary chips and salsa. They were tasty. We both ordered the chicken mixed rice which come with a side salad and sweet plantains. It was a surprisingly big portion so we took leftovers. read more

Irazú - Chicken Mixed with Rice Dinner - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to Costa Rica in March & the food was delicious. As soon as I came home to vegas I searched up Costa Rican food & was disappointed in what I found. When I was visiting my friend in Chicago we came we came here & I was very impressed with how similar the dishes were. My friend & I had a Casado & we both loved it. Extremely filling & yummy. The family is from Costa Rica so they it is an authentic spot read more

Good service and quick takeout! I had the casado with skirt steak and it was fantastic. Would definitely recommend checking this place out for Costa Rican food. read more

Irazú - Skirt steak Casado Dinner - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh my God it was so good and the food was so flavorful and so delicious the staff member who wait on us his Name is Robert he took good care of us the address is 1865 n Milwaukee Irazú Costa Rican dining read more

This is one of my new favorite restaurants in the city! Their food is so incredibly fresh and they have cuisine on here that is so unique to Costa Rica that you can only get it here. I recommend the Chifrijo and the Casado. Our server, Tino, was so helpful and full of beautiful, bright ever. The owner, Henry, was walking around and checking in on customers. This was such a wonderful experience. I don't know how we ate all this food read more

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GOAT-level sandwiches all around Fast and friendly service on top of that, and everything is around $15 base price read more