Irazu
Latin American Restaurant$$$$
Bucktown, Chicago
The experts at Food Network and Eater recommend this place
"The oatmeal shake is a must for first timers."(24 Tips)
"Oatmeal milkshake is to die for!"(6 Tips)
"BYOB. must get the oatmeal shake!"(11 Tips)
"Get the pepito sandwich with hot peppers and avocado, YES!!"(5 Tips)
104 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- pepito sandwich
- lively
- BYOB
- casual
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Regina KardashianAugust 8, 2015Authentic Costa Rican food! Every bite was so fresh and delicious. I've never seen avocados so green and tasty! The craving for their food is unexplainable, it's a must try!
David KollerMarch 6, 2016I love this place. I've been going here for a very long time and the restaurant has passed from mother to son. Great tastes and great Flavors. Try the oatmeal shake. You will be a convert.- Olivia BarrettJanuary 22, 2014Wow! I couldn’t recommend this place more. The casado is much like what’s served in Costa Rica. Oatmeal shake was to die for! It’s cash only, but they have an ATM. Great atmosphere and service, too.
ChicagoistMarch 24, 2015The chorizo burrito is super fresh and has just enough grease to make it delicious. Make sure to get yours with a side of salsa lizano, a Costa Rican condiment that is slightly sweet and spicy. Read more
Food NetworkAugust 4, 2014Guy samples two traditional dishes, classic fried Chicarron with pico de gallo and Pepito sandwiches made with steak, onions and black beans, before telling chef Henry Cerdas, "you rocked it." Read more
Victoria UngerAugust 22, 2014Start with the empanadas ! They're crisp and flavorful. I got the vegetarian plate for my meal - seasonal veggie was zucchini- everything was very fresh. Huge portions but great prices. Byob!
Chicago TribuneAugust 30, 2016Featuring an affordable assortment of Costa Rican classics, along with a surprisingly large vegetarian menu, it's no wonder this restaurant has been a Bucktown staple for years. Read more
Brittany NicoleSeptember 26, 2015Love the outdoor space and of course the food...delicious. Really great black beans
Melissa ENovember 16, 2014The burrito was really yummy. If you bring vodka/rum/tequila they'll mix it into a delicious smoothie with whatever fruit they have around!
Jillian BurnickasMay 20, 2015I tried a little of everything my table had ordered and it was all delicious. The empanadas were the best I've ever had.
GinaOctober 8, 2014Just had the el tico and it was a great combination of food. The waiter service and the upbeat musical ambience is wonderful!
Scott KleinbergDecember 17, 2015I love everything about Irazu. It's the closest you can get to Costa Rica without a passport or zip line.
Jake SmithFebruary 19, 2013Order the chicken pasado, save a few tortilla chips, crunch them up and sprinkle on your dish. Adds an extra texture to an already delicious meal.
Miss WSeptember 29, 2013The food was really great! But if you're looking for dessert don't let anyone convince you to get the oatmeal shake. It's not a shake, tastes like chunky less sweet horchata.
Thurgood CoatsMarch 20, 2018The El Tico plate was amazing. Definitely would recommend the skirt steak and adding jalapeños.- Linda LeSeptember 4, 2022The oatmeal shake is a must for first timers. They also now take credit cards.
Kris DMarch 22, 2011Oatmeal shake is a must. Grilled steak is amazing upgrade to the authentic rice worth the buck. If you get Omar as a waiter tip him well, so makes the visit laid back....
Jason KhooMarch 17, 2015The oatmeal shake is wow and the appetizers with the pork skin, Pico de Gallo with rice and beans, too good
Chris SteeleDecember 22, 2014Possibly the last great bastion of BYOB in Bucktown, Irazu will reward your patience for a table.
GrubHub ChicagoMay 13, 2010Where else can you get the best Oatmeal Milkshake delivered right to you? Irazu Costa Rica Restaurant also has some of the best chicken and steak burritos in Chicago. The meats are nicely marinated. Read more
The avena (oatmeal) shake is one of the best shakes in the city. BYOB joint. Cash money only. No plastic.
ISC ChicagoJanuary 23, 2013If going with a large group, call in advance and let the restaurant decide the menu for a family style dinner
RellyRellMay 21, 2013The avena milkshake is delicious!! And Omar, one of the waiters, is the nicest guy there
Crystal RodriguezAugust 20, 2013Food is delicious. Had the Casado Chicken, yummy. Empanadas, very good!
Jaime FaulhaberApril 4, 2010The flavor in the guanabana shake is not as strong as in those that I had during my study abroad trip, but this is one of the few places that even offers it. The flavor always takes me back...
Definitely get the oatmeal shake. I prefer it made with water to the milk or soy milk options.
Melanie BOctober 29, 2012Oatmeal shake was TOO good, as well as the casada and spinach and cheese empanadas
William QuiñonesMay 22, 2017I went once and it was OK for me. Nothing really stand out for me, but good food overall. I am not sure now, but they didn't accept other method of payment, but cash.
Oatmeal Blackberry Shake, small cabbage salad - delicious meal on heated patio
Aly AndrewsAugust 11, 2012Even the pickiest eater will enjoy the Shrimp/Veggie platter. Honestly life changing.
The empanadas are a must! And never leave this place without a oatmeal shake! And their breakfast is great.
this is my favorite restaurant in the wp area. coffee is amazing, gallo pinto with plantains & eggs is a must
Natalie UngerSeptember 17, 2011I am a huge fan of guacamole and Irazu has the best guacamole that I've had...so far...
Jeff JohnsonMarch 14, 2011Banana oatmeal shake!!!!!!.. Pepito Sandwitch!!! and get the plantain empanadas with condensed milk for dipping as desert.. :D
KateJune 2, 2011If you like ceviche, don't pass up ordering some here! Everything is so good, though. Felt like I was back in CR
116 Photos
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Irazu is Chicago’s first and only Costa Rican restaurant!
Open until 9:30 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Sat
- 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
(773) 252-5687
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Wine, BYO
See More
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- 8.4
"Excellent food & service! Fajita Sandwich is delicious !!"
Melissa Brown - 7.6
"Classic Latin fare gets a brunch makeover with options such as breakfast tacos or an arepa topped with steak, eggs, peanut-chili sauce, mushrooms, peanuts and pickled vegetables."
Redeye Chicago - 8.3
"The skirt steak was outstanding. Better than most meals I ate while traveling through Colombia"
Jack VanOverloop
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- 7.3
"Mostly classic board games here but nice to have as an option. Nice quirky interior"
Jaclyn Le - 8.9
"Banana split is big enough for two, super affordable and perfect for an after movie date spot to cool down"
Eddy Gonzalez - 8.7
"Huge beer selection, fun place to go with a couple people and try a bunch of stuff."
Jeff Weinstein
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