We ended our Frank Lloyd Wright tour, and stopped here on our way back to the train. The Carne Louca was exceptional - savory, satisfying, and the bread was light and crisp. The brigadeiro (which is nigh impossible to find) was perfectly soft, sweet, and chocolatey, just the way I like it. Our drinks were served hot in stone cups, which was a welcome experience on this cold day. We will definitely be coming back on future trips! read more

Mulata Kitchen - Carne Louca - Brazilian Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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Empanadas are to die for. The food is always fresh, quick, and service is very reliable. Cute cafe style restaurant.

Love this place! Great people, service and food! Must try the cheese bread and baked pastels. Out of this world! read more

Amazing empanadas and pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese balls bread like the one found in Fogo or Chama Gaucha)!!! The only draw back is they need more staff! Don't come here in a hurry, the service takes a bit long. The ladies are nice and def working their butts off, but they have too many online orders + in person customers. I tried the ham and cheese and guava and cheese empanadas. Perfect crust and savory fillings. I also had an oat milk iced caramel latte which was great! Im so happy I tried this place, def going back for more! read more

The enchiladas are good. The beef ones are tasty and the crust is a very good consistency. I had a mushroom one which was okay...the mushrooms taste like they'd been sautéed in butter but I was expecting cheese which I didn't get or maybe I didn't taste... Either way, I like their products...just wish I'd gotten more Solid 2.5 read more

Wow is this place good. Rarely do I give 5 stars and this place never disappoints. I am a big fan of the Cheese and Ham and Cheese Empanadas. They are so good! Food always comes fast when I order pick up. read more

The cafe con miel and the guava and cheese empanada were wonderful. The chicken empanada was solid but nothing super special.

We have tried pao de queijo (cheese bread) at a number of places, but this was the best we tried. First of all, it is huge. Then it's got warm, ooey-gooey cheese inside. Yet it is also light and airy. The guava and cheese empanada was delicious-perfect mix of salty and sweet. The prestigio cake was so moist. Our favorite savory entree was the carne louca. The braised beef sandwich was awesome. We liked, but didn't love the shrimp dish and the feijoada. read more

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As an Argentine, it gives me no joy to write a positive review of a Brazilian cafe who specializes in Empanadas ... but I have no choice. They're actually damned good and at a reasonable price. I've tried them all ... none disappointed. I brought my 90-yr old mother to try one and she said it reminded her of what she grew up with in Buenos Aires. So ... the moral of the story is that Brazilians can excel when they try to be Argentine ;) read more

Really like their matcha even though it is pricey. I think they may have just changed the oat milk though cause it tastes a bit weird. If it has changed, would love to have the other oat milk back! read more

One of my favorite coffee shops! The first time I came alone and ordered a Cafe miel coffee and I felt in love. Since then I've been inviting family and friends over for them to try their delicious coffee. I've also tried their beef empanadas and paninis; DELICIOUS! Their customer service is amazing as well; the people in there are always friendly and happy. I just wish it was a bigger space because it does get crowded but no complain there... I hope mulata does grow cause it is an amazing place .... I forgot to also mention, their cups are beautiful; nice to hold read more

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Came here for a short notice half tray feijoada order and they delivered! The manager is very nice and made sure that everything is perfect with my order. The taste is heavenly and my friends love the dish. The side dish it came with is more than enough and tastes great as well! The empanada, although I didn't get to try, looks scrumptious! Will be back here in the future! read more

Incredible ambiance and food! We were treated to live music and delicious homemade Brazilian food. The sandwiches and empanadas are perfect for lunch. Could not recommend enough! read more

This place is great. I rarely visit Oak Park and was stoked to find Mulata Kitchen. The initial draw for me was that they served Pao de Quiejo, delicious Brazilian cheese bread bites (although theirs definitely take more than one bite). I hadn't had it since I was in São Paulo. They were as good as any I had in Brazil. The empanadas were excellent as well. I went there in the afternoon so the crust was a little chewier than I prefer but the flavor was outstanding. If you want a little spice make sure to ask for their hot sauce. It is addictive. Lastly, their coffees highlight various regions in Brazil. I washed down the pao de quiejo and empanadas with an iced mocha. It was way better than the overroasted crap at Starbucks. Great spot. I hope to try other items on the menu when I'm back in Oak Park. read more

Mulata's is owned and run by the same people ran the Taste of Brazil restaurant further south on Oak Park. I was very saddened to see it had closed when they lost their lease. But now they're back and have opened a larger brighter restaurant on the corner of Lake and Oak Park. I stopped in not long after they had opened. I had a slice of fennel infused corn cake, it tasted like nothing I'd had before but was very good, a bowl of their always wonderful lentil soup, it hadn't changed since I'd last tasted it at Taste of Brasil and a cup of coffee. All of it delicious. The restaurant with his corner view is bright and sunny and has a very friendly atmosphere. The menu focuses on soups and sandwiches with a Brazilian flare and various coffee drinks. Everything I had was very fresh and flavorful. read more

Authentic food and great service. From the cheese bread to the pastels, everything is as close to Brazil as it gets. This place is a must try for anyone in the area looking for a quick bite. read more

Guys... these empanadas are just killer! Highly recommend several flavors, but my personal fav is ham & cheese. Empanadas are definitely their shining star. Everything else that I've tried so far is good! Not sure I'd give five stars, but four is fair. read more

First visit did not disappoint. I got a Cafe Miel and a beef empanada. Both were delicious! Excited to have a new local option. Great Service Great Food & Drink I look forward to working through the menu! read more

I get my Brazilian coffee here most mornings. So delicious! Other favorites: the Avocado Toast has a very generous amount of guacamole-like avocado, topped with tons of baby greens, tomatoes, a light-tasting and yummy vinaigrette-style dressing, and a variety of other veggies, depending on the day. So good! Also love the Meatloaf & Bacon sandwich. And the vegetarian sandwich that has eggplant, some kind of Brazilian cheese, and other yummy well-seasoned veggies. The cafe is so bright and cheerful, with a big mural on the back wall, and comfy seating. read more

Great option for lunch in Oak Park. I'm always greeted with a smile and the food, of course, is a pleasure! I usually grab an espresso or an empanada for a quick bite and go to the park next door. I highly recommend the heart of palm sandwich and the pão de queijo- it's Brazilian cheesy bread and there's an option for caramel filling too...these are delicious!!! Please try. Love supporting local small business especially during these times. Obrigada! read more

What can I say that would convince you that this is new "it" cafe in Oak Park. As soon as you step foot inside you're greeted with warmest welcome that you could ever imagine. It's as if you stepped inside a quaint little cafe in Brazil. The menu is authentic and stays true to its roots. The owner greets each customer and is very engaging. The Brazilian espressos and empanadas melt in your mouth. The soup taste like your grandmother herself is in the kitchen making it from scratch. They have complimentary water as well. If you're looking for a stand out cafe that is not the norm. This amazing cafe checks each box effortlessly! You're welcome read more

I've come here a few times for food and coffee and I am continually impressed by this local joint. Most people have talked about their empanadas but people truly are sleeping on their Brazilian plates! It was my first time trying Feijoada (black bean and pork stew) and all the textures and flavors blew my mind. I loved that they served this with breadcrumbs which I googled later and found out is farofa (fried cassava flour), which offered a nice texture. The pork was so tender and I like that they didn't skimp on all parts of the pork (fat/tendon etc). The blood sausage also offered a unique balance to the stew. Even though I try not to eat meat, I will definitely make an exception to get this dish. I've also had their lattes here (including the chai which I loved) and they are all great if you need a caffeine fix. I've only had their mushroom empanada but can't wait to come back to try more (love how many veg options they have!). read more

Mulata Kitchen - Feijoada - Brazilian Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Beautiful coffee shop. Friendly staff tasty Empanadas. Would definitely go again. read more

Mulata Kitchen - Grand Opening! - Brazilian Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Love the Brazilian coffee! Have to try the food next time.

Stopped in first thing this morning, after waiting a while I got a half dozen empanadas. Got to my construction site for a meeting and found out I was given the wrong flavors, even though I watched her grab them from the right stack. Will you all try to make up for this, Or just ignore it? That will determine whether or not I return an update my review read more

I stopped by to try some açaí but, unfortunately, I got disappointed. The taste was okay but the consistency was quite weird. I've also got a heart of palm Pastel and it was very good, the staff were friendly and the place is beautiful! read more

I have had their coffee and empanadas. It's a great place to enjoy people watching and yummy food.

Really cute Brazilian cafe cranking out delicious beef empanadas and Brazilian coffee! They have a lot of other Brazilians dishes on the menus and other types of empanadas but the beef is the most popular! Definitely worth the stop if you're in Oak Park! read more

So good! Everything I have had here is great. I love the empanadas, coffee, and smoothies. It also is super cute inside, so it is a great place to go with friends to hang out, or study/do work if you like a coffee shop atmosphere. read more

Great new place for great food. Staff is friendly and drinks and food is good! Definitely going to become a regular. read more

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OMG their empanadas are THE BEST!!! Service is fast and friendly, and the ambiance is warm and inviting.

I can't speak on their food, but I can speak on their coffee and service. They had just closed and I walked in with three kids. I completely understood they were closed and was ready to go on about my business but the barista and manager welcomed me in and made me the most delicious vanilla latte I've had in a very long time. I will definitely go there again, and I encourage you to give them a try! read more

First, the service is great! The staff is comprised of mostly younger, teen workers, but they all embody the warmth and spirit of its owner, Cristiane, who is such a lovely individual. This fate is only one block from my residence, so it is my go-to for a quick bite or a warm/cold beverage. Second, the food...amazing! There isn't anything I've ordered which I did not like, from the Entrees, small bites, beverages and desserts. Let's start with the empanadas. Their most popular item. You have to get there early to grab your fav, otherwise there might be a wait for replenishments. The chicken empanada is my fav, followed by the Spinach and Tomato and a sweet Guava and Cheese empanada. If you like guava, you must try this one! They also offer a Hearts of Palm, Beef and Ham & Cheese empanada as well. The hot and cold beverages are delicious, although my fav are the fruit smoothies, which offers plant-based milk options. The lentil soup is my fav. Very hearty, chock full of veggies and simmered to perfection. It's really satisfying. If you want to level-up your soups, I recommend ordering the Brazilian cheese bread with is made with tapioca flour, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Can you say, Gluten-free? My fav entree is the Brazilian fish stew. While I'm no longer a fan of tilapia, due to farm-raising, I do make an exception when it comes to this dish. The accompanying coconut sauce with onions and bell peppers is so so silky and delicious and is served with rice. This is by far my fav entree. As far as dessert, you can't go wrong with any of their options. My fav is the Prestigious Cake. It reminds of of German Chocolate cake, but on steroids. The cake has a layer of white cream (could be made from coconut cream) and chocolate filling with shredded coconuts and a rich, decadent chocolate frosting. I've worked myself into an appetite just taking about it. Don't take my word for it, please pay them a visit and see for yourself! read more

Great coffee and Brazilian specialties. The Cafe miel is nice blend of spices. Add oat milk for a bit of sweetness and it is perfect to start the day.. The empanadas are fresh made daily and you can taste it. The cheese bread with caramel is otherworldly, definitely a must try. read more

yes, we even ordered delivery, their empanadas are so good! and if you score their home-made bottled sauce, consider yourself one step closer to heaven! read more

Great service and delicious food! The pumpkin empanadas are AMAZING!!!!! Such friendly staff and quick service. Definitely my new regular coffee shop before work! read more

So pleased I finally got to pop in here for lunch on this beautiful Saturday! The yummy aroma has been trying to lure me in for weeks. I just enjoyed one of the most amazing turkey melt sandwiches I've had in a very long time. Menu isn't huge, but looks like there's something for everyone, empanadas being the main attraction. The lovely owner/proprietor stopped by to greet and say hello while keeping the whole place running at a swift, even keel. Very different vibe from the old place on Oak Park Ave. New and fresh. There's a bit of a wait for food but coffees/drinks come up quick, and the pastries look incredible. Loving this unique and upbeat addition to downtown Oak Park! read more

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When you enter the restaurant, you're greeted by the staff over the counter as they're preparing someone's order. The place is beautiful and so well lit. Not quite as spacious as the courageous bakery across the street, but when you manage a seat, you'll have a view of the details of the design. The small Brazilian bread is a must order; such a great item to have when you don't have the will to eat at a Brazilian steakhouse. The sandwiches are good as well, because they're all made to order and fresh. I really appreciate the open kitchen and you can see the diligent staff creating your food. I had a friendly experience with the owner as she took my order and I wish the restaurant all the best. The Hemingway district is very fortunate! read more

Good coffee, great empanadas. Right by the library, so a great spot to study or grab lunch.

I just love this spot! I ordered feijoada, and it was certainly as wonderful as any you would find in Brasil. It is easily two servings. The pão de queijo was wonderful and light. I am looking forward to my beijinho dessert later on. Not only is the food fantastic, the ambiance is lovely and the service was beyond friendly. Such a nice treat on a gloomy Saturday. read more