Irazu Reviews

After seeing this restaurant on diners drive ins and dives finally hit to Chicago to check it out. I have to say not bad at all. Fried green plantain was great with chopped garlic in olive oil and fried pork just as good. Definitely would revisit

One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago - love that it's BYOB, too. The Costa Rican specialty chofrito is delicious, and their ceviche is some of the best around. I could just dine on those appetizers. They also have some great sandwiches, which they will make breadless on romaine lettuce (hard to eat as a sandwich, but very tasty - just use a fork and knife) if you have gluten or carb issue. Can be very crowded at peak times - and tends to be very warm inside while the covered patio is much cooler (almost too cool in winter). Dress in layers and you'll be fine. Bathroom line can get really long, too, since they only have one. Plan ahead.

One final visit to my favourite Chicago restaurant. Cannot get enough of the Costa Rican Sandwich my favourite item on the menu. I did however try something different this time I had the El Tico Dinner plate. WOW another fantastic dish from the guys at Irazu, huge portion well worth the price and simply fantastic tasting! Wish I had somewhere this good to eat in the UK! Please open a franchise over here so I can experience your wonderful dishes again!

The original post seemingly got deleted, so if something like this posts twice, I apologize. I've been here at least twice since my last post, and as always, enjoyed wonderful food and the welcome of "staff" who in truth treat other patrons and I like friends & family. It makes the people something one misses as much as the food! I visited both friends and food on Halloween and just a few nights ago and am already missing them. Absolutely everything I've ever eaten here is too fantastic and it's getting cold outside; THEY DELIVER! In the meantime, I have to visit as much as possible before the snow :)

We waited about 30 mins on a Saturday night (expected) and just got a basket of chips and drinks and waited. When we got our table, service was prompt and the food was outstanding! Cant wait to go back.

Chifrijo is what you must have here. Saw this on "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives." Had to go. It's a small place with street parking. But staff was friendly and the food was out of this world. You can B.Y.O.B and they will mix it into one of their tasty concoctions. Cannot wait to go back!

Costa Rican treats

Great food very with reasonable prices! The only con is that they only take cash.

When I go to Chicago, i usually hit up the Puerto Rican restaurants because we don't have them in Washington DC. When my friend gave me options, i stopped and asked for more details of this place. I had a flash back of when we went to Costa Rica (CR) two year ago. I said to myself.....CASADO!!!! If you been to CR you know the name of the dish and it's portion. Well this plate was huge and it was my breakfast, lunch and dinner. I took advantage of the discount of you took a picture of two people enjoying PURA VIDA and load it up onto any social media. We got a discount on their oatmeal shake which was delicious. i felt like i was back in CR. i highly recommend this place and bring cash because they don't accept debit or credit cards. Pure Vida!!!!

Food was very good and fairly priced. Friendly staff. But LOUD with el rattling across the street to and fro and music with a heavy back beat. But a fun place. Must have the oatmeal shake and others. Suggest one sits in the back room.

Ok, so I don't eat here daily but at least every 2 weeks and we order from Irazu all the time at home. We stopped by last night and I tried the DELICIOUS potato tacos for the first time which WOW....I say that about everything I eat here of course, but really WOW. Also, I like the black beans here better than any other restaurant in Chicago where I've tried them. The staff was wonderful as always, the atmosphere was fun and lively as always, and as always, I went home dreaming of the next thing I shall order from Irazu. You guys make my spirit happy :)

Ordered the Taco Tico and the Pepito Sandwich. I found tacos to be a weird mix of flavors and the sandwich was overly greasy. Left disappointed with the food.

Three of us had pepitos made with steak, and one person had chicken and rice. Everything was very tasty. The tomatillo-based salsa and the thick corn chips were good. Street noise was bothersome sitting outside, so eat indoors for a quieter setting. Grade = A+

Stopped here for lunch on a sunny June day on the advice of a friend. Start with the Chifrijo - it is awesome. Truly authentic Coasta Rican dish that is hard to describe but a delight to eat - pork, rice, beans and avacado with Lizano sauce. Big enough to share with several people. The vegetarian Paella is great too, served with fried plantains. The owners run the restaurant, and the service and attention to detail shows. This will surely be a must stop location any time I'm in Chi-town again.

Throughout the winter you remained our takeout/carry-out haven <3 Trying to get a table LAST Friday had an insane wait, and unfortunately my husband would've died in the street in less than the 1-2 hr wait, BUT, we LOVED seeing that our friends & favorite neighborhood spot is getting the attention you deserve :) It's great seeing all the same staff we remember, and when staff turnover is very low, it speaks of a great work environment. Nevertheless, you gave us a wait list or carry-out choice, we chose carry-out, you have benches outside, you were kind enough to give us cups of ice water so we wouldn't just die of heat-stroke (even though your kitchen & waitstaff was SLAMMED), and then our nice, warm, sandwiches were as wonderful as ever.....next time we'll come back on a weeknight so we can hang out with you guys, because we love the staff as much as the food, but the point is, when busy, you get it DONE and quality/service doesn't suffer <3 Plus you're great to your carry-out people! Irazu is WAY above Wicker Park standards w/prices that your impoverished clientele (like myself) can occasionally indulge in w/out dying + BYOB & no corkage fee.....& the chips when you dine in! My husband wants to open a location of yours in London lol :) *BTW, I've been a fan since last spring/summer and so far see no reason to change my fangirl attitude! Irazu is amazing, budget & family friendly, has the BEST staff of many places in the area :) <3 seeing them so Busy!

Great little Costa Rican place. BYOB and not expensive at all. Very small though

Irazu was a great find, thanks to a friend. Pleasant, casual outdoor seating, great salads and the best patacones (twice-fried plaintains) with garlic sauce. Had lunch there and loved it.

I'm originally from Costa Rica but l live in ND. During our trip to Chicago l told my husband l wanted to eat some Costa Rican food and before we went there l saw Irazu featured on DDD We really enjoy our lunch there food was awesome my favorite the chifrijo I also love the plantain with cheese the chef sent to our table it was very nice

great place for the buck$!!!

Our daughter and her new husband hosted their wedding dinner ( 28 people) in the newly remodeled private room across the street from the Irazu restaurant. We had a very positive experience and would definitely recommend it for a smaller gathering. The staff went above and beyond to help us in any way possible - even helping decorate! The variety of food was very delicious and flavorful with generous servings. Alicia was serving our party and was extremely helpful and gracious about making sure we all had everything we needed and that everyone had an enjoyable evening! Thank you very much to all the staff on duty Jan 12!

Henry, thank you for your reply. We hope to see you in November when we visit our daughter. PURA VIDA Mike

While visiting a friend in Chicago, she recommended this place in a nearby neighborhood. It was easy to find on Milwaukee Ave. I'm tempted to add a fifth star, but I'd say it's more like 4 1/2 stars. I had one of the best empanadas I've ever had, black beans. They have many different flavored, bean, cheese, spinach, meat, plantain, etc. I had palmita salad, which was pretty much like what you'd get in Costa Rica. I noticed that its BYOB, although I was there at lunch to eat alone. The staff was very friendly and attentive. They bring chips when you sit down and check on you. The menu is quite extensive making it hard the choose. I would go back, for sure. Most things on the menu would be found in Costa Rican restaurants in Costa Rica or in Costa Rican homes, but I'd say the tacos might be a nod to people who expect tacos at a Latin place. I didn't eat a lot if tortilla based foods when I lived in Costa Rica.

While visiting my sister in Chicago she took us for a late afternoon lunch to Irazu. We didn't get there until about 2:30 which ended up being a good thing because we didn't have to fight a crowd. The place is BYOB so we brought a 6 pack with us that we bought from the liqour store 2 blocks away. Overall the food was very good. We started with some fresh guacamole which was obviously done with fresh avacados right before we ate it. All of us ordered different sandwhiches and my sister got a side of plantains and I got some Costa Rican rice (rice, black beans, salsa mix). Although the sandwhiches weren't as adventerous as the entrees they were all very good. The plaintains did feel like they had sat for a while but still had good flavor. I also ordered a banana and oatmeal milkshake that was out of this world! Overall our food was good and would be the reason for us to return. I wouldn't say we had complaints but did have a couple of annoyances. First they only accept cash so be prepared to bring cash. They do have an ATM in the front of house but of course it charges you a nice $3 fee to use. Next our service was less than stellar. We were sat within minutes and our waitress at that point had taken drink orders and returned to take our order within a minute. However once she took our orders we never saw her until the end of our meal. A co-worker dropped off or food and nobody returned to see how things were going or if we needed a refill on water. Our waitress only returned to ask "do you need any change?", when she picked up the bill nearly 45 minutes after we received our food. Overall the food pulled through for Irazu. I would definately go back for a quick lunch but wouldn't make it my dinner plans or bring a large group because of the close quarters.

Decent food. Cheap.

This is my favorite spot to grab a bite on my way out to O-Hare. It's totally worth hiking out the blue line to get a real meal en route home when in Chicago for business. Try the shakes - they are amazing and rather virtuous when you consider they are dairy free. I don't know what they do to make oats and soy milk delicious but they nail it each and every time….

Fresh, fast,filling, & inexpensive ,good place to take a friend, or family, nice people, good food, you, and your family and friends will enjoy !!!

You can not have a Genuine Costa Rican Restaurant with a place work by Mexicans! do not take me wrong here, Mexican food is great and you do not see Costa Ricans trying to cook Mexican food! what a joke this place is... and all the ignorant souls that have never set a foot in Costa Rica thinking this is the real deal, I feel sorry for your ignorance.... go on and visit Costa Rica and then write your review... ! Their menu is more like a "ChiMexCostaRicawannabe" The service was not just slow but rude! we had to wait for ever for drinks and over 45 minutes for simple food and then had to hunt the guy for the bill... I was expecting Costa Rican food, but their menu is more like a poor mix of mex with God knows what, becuase that IT'S NOT COSTA RICAN FOOD! I know because I was born and raise in Costa Rica. A total misrepresentantion of my home and food.... if you want Costa Rican food .... flights are only $289.00 R/T inc tx and fees from Chicago, go and experience what the real CR food ! try some olla de carne, maybe some chorreadas.. and picadillos! gallo pinto ( what the hell is spicy gallo pinto???) - tacos do not include salsa.... ( that is Mexican) we do not use chips and salsa!!! WTH ... that is also Mexican... Don't take my word ... go and try it the real deal! it is amazing!!!!

Where to begin. A must have is their Chifrijol and steak sandwiches! Great service and its byob. Have gone here for many years and will continue to do so for many more.

Very small place and it can get crazy crowded (plus, make sure you have cash!), but the food is excellent! I've never had a bad experience. Stay away from the burritos and other Mexican-like foods (keep in mind that I LOVE Mexican food) because this is primarily a Costa Rican restaurant! Try the shakes - I LOVE the guanabana drinks, but I heard the oatmeal shakes are to die for. Yes, they are next on my list =)

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.

How do you make a milkshake out of oatmeal that tastes awesome?

This place doesn't accept cards which is annoying. The food is good but simple, it's comfort food from Costa Rica. We had a large plate of ceviche with patacons as appetizer. It was good, the issue is that it only has a type of fish. For main dish we had pork chops and el Tico. The plates are large and they have lots of different things (rice, beans, salad, plantains...).

From the Costa Rican sandwich, to the complimentary chips and salsa, to the chocolate-oatmeal shake recommended by Amanda, this was my favourite restaurant when I was in Chicago.

Great Costa Rican food, BYOB, one of my favorites.

The food is solid. I got the vegetarian burrito which was top notch. Don't leave without trying the oatmeal shake.

Had a group of four friends, everything we ordered was great. The shakes are a must have too. The place was packed, only complaint was slightly slow service otherwise great. We will all definitely be back again. Thank you for something different and delicious

really good. byob. reasonable prices

We just returned from Costa Rica two days before and I was on the hunt for a restaurant. Based on reviews we went there and it was pleasantly good. The Gallo Pinto was on point as was the plantains- the horchata was delicious and service was fast. We had enough for dinner the next day. We will go back for sure.

I'm a Costa Rican living in Elmhurst and Irazu is my goto place when I'm craving home. The food is amazing and Herry and the entire staff are great, demaciado pura vidas todos.

Laid back, delicious, colorful food! Exactly what my wife, my little guy (almost 1 yr) and myself were looking for. The vibe was great from the second we arrived. Parking was a breeze. We walked up to the host who greeted and seated us promptly in the outdoor patio. He accommodated the needs of a family from the high hair to shaded table and a cup of water with lid and all without being prompted. As we settled in and the island music being played crept in to our heads we found ourselves bopping our heads and tapping our feet as we looked over an easy and mouthwatering menu. Oatmeal shake was delish! We started a chifrijo appetizer. The fried pork was a nice compliment to the fresh pico! I had the the El Tico and upgraded the cut of steak. Absolutely fantastic on flavors but could have been a little more meat. Tried 5 different empanadas each one as good as the next. Service remained excellent throughout the meal and the music carried us between bites. Overall 8/10 would definitely do again.

Went there on a Monday night and the place was packed! Which was a good sign indeed. The porttions were generous for the value. Everything tasted great on my plate, and I would definitely go back again as well as recommend to friends.

We make sure to eat here each time we visit from NEBRASKA as our daughter lives 1/2 block from here. We are never disappointed!

Empanadas as an appetizer were fantastic- one mushroom, one black bean, and one plantain. Sandwich and entree we ordered were both just as good as the empanadas. Horchata to drink (you can BYOB as many people around us did). Just a couple of cautions: it was very loud on a Fri evening and they accept cash only.

Very tasty and vegetarian-friendly! The seating area is a bit limited, but the cuisine is great and the service is friendly.

Irazu is definitely worth a try if you're in need of a change in cuisine! A traditional Costa Rican Restaurant with a nice variety of appetizers, sides, and dinner selections. Irazu has a great atmosphere. The waiters were very friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and have great recommendations for those that have never tried this type of dinning experience. For me, I really liked the idea that it was a BYOB restaurant. You can also bring your favorite bottle of wine with no Corkage Fee! It is a "Cash Only" restaurant, Vegetarian Friendly, also boasting a small breakfast menu. I would give Irazu my highest recommendation for those that want to pull all stops and try something out of the ordinary!!!

you have to try the Chifrijo and the Casado! Real Costarican food in Chicago! Please be hungry and ready to eat great food.

My party of 3 waited about 30 minutes to be seated at 2pm. There were a ton of people waiting (a testament to the good food!). However, they were very understaffed and had just 1 waiter for the whole outside section. Our lunch took about 2 hours from the time we were seated. It seems to always stay busy so I would just be prepared for a wait when you do go!

Everything was wrong with this restaurant. We went in on a Tuesday night around 7:30, and were told we would wait 20-25 minutes. We actually waited and hour and fifteen minutes. Once we were seated the waitress failed to give us menus. In fact we saw her taking orders from people who were seated after us. At that point I got up and asked her for a menu, which she handed me, but still failed to come over and take our order or acknowledge us. After waiting another five minutes for attention we were starving and realized it would be 10:00 pm before we were going to get service or food, and left. They were rude on the way in and rude on the way out. Apparently it was our fault for wanting a little bit of service. This place is a waste of time and energy. Nothing is worth being spoken to or treated the way I was at Irazu.

Irazu has wonderful empanadas in a number of varieties including beef and potatoes, mushroom, and spinach and cheese. Their speciality dish is casada which can be served with chicken. beef, or tilapia. Very attentive service. Affordable prices. An added bonus is that it is BYOB.

This place has become a must-stop place for us every time we visit the Chicago. First of all the restaurant is a fun atmosphere, clean, and easy to get to. The staff is friendly and helpful; they definitely take care of you and make the experience even better. The food is phenomenal. Having been to Costa Rica multiple times, I can attest to the fact that it is authentic and delicious. The sandwiches are delicious and the empanadas are good as well. To top it off the oatmeal shakes are good as well. Definitely would recommend.

Great food - we had the ceviche and I couldn't go wrong with the chicken burrito. Chips and spicy salsa that was included were delicious! Great waitstaff, very attentive to my baby nephew. Great music (other than the super loud L close by). Couldn't beat the no cork fee BYOB. DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK!

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.

Not much yet near the 606 trail off ramps but here is a good one. CHEAP, friendly. They bring tortilla chips and super green salsa when you sit down Try anything with plantains. Burritos (all kinds) , tacos ( tilapia is good), sandwiches also fine Salads - only if you like cabbage! Drinks- those shakes with oatmeal / soy and mush are popular but i tried and prefer water.

I've been here many times this last summer and I can't get enough of your sandwiches and fries. Your black beans are seriously the best beans I've had in Chicago since I don't tend to enjoy refried and/or black beans, but yours are so flavourful. Great empanadas, I love the BYOB setup as opposed to many of the neighbourhood restaurants that charge for 2 drinks what one pays for a whole bottle of alcohol. Not wasting money on drinks means we can gorge ourselves more often and when I'm not here, my roommates and I are ordering. I'm so glad you deliver and am usually more of a delivery fan than eating in a crowded environment, but the staff is so absolutely wonderful that it feels like eating with friends and family and when I go back to Europe I know I'll miss you. If you're opening a franchise in England please let me know. We need you so desperately.

My family (husband, me, and our 6 year old son) went here for Mother's Day dinner tonight, and we all absolutely loved it! We got the Chifrijo, Oatmeal Shake, and Pepito which were all WELL loved by everyone... I only wish I would have ordered a bigger shake so I wouldn't have had to steal it away from my kindergartner multiple times. The Casado with steak was outstanding, as were the tacos. The fact that Irazu is BYO without a corkage fee AND offers frozen fruit pitchers just seals the deal for us. We will absolutely be back.

Love this place, all about the food. Service is fast and friendly, atmosphere is "bustling" but more importantly the food is fresh and delicious... I travel regularly to Panama and come back with severe Ceviche withdrawal. I get my fix here at this awesome BYOB spot!!

Went for our second visit on a Saturday evening. Got really busy after we sat down at 6:30. Crowded, noisy, with a boisterous and friendly crowd and loud music. Food was very good. There should be bottles of Lizano salsa on the tables, rather than having to ask for it on the side. We enjoyed ourselves.

After seeing a re-run of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on the Food Network, we decided to stop by on our next run from Milwaukee to Chicago this past Friday to give it a try. My wife is Honduran and I lived in Honduras for several years, so anytime we here about a good Central American restaurant, we want to give it a try. We had some things to do over by the airport, so we didn't get to Irazu until about 2:30 pm, which it turned out, was a good thing. There is no parking lot, so you need to fins street parking in a fairly congested neighborhood. After we found a spot, we walked the 2 blocks to the restaurant. I was very disappointed to see the window covered with paper and the place under construction. I thought we had made the trip for nothing. As we got closer, I saw a sign that they were indeed open for construction, but I only saw about 10 tables inside. Fortunately, at 2:30 pm in the afternoon, we were between their rush hours. We were greeted by a very friendly waitress and taken to our table. I hear that this place can get very busy. The menu was a bit of a dream for someone used to Central American cooking: ceviche, platano frito, patacones (tostones), yucca frita con mojo, quesadilas, empanadas and incredible liquados (shakes) made with either water or milk, in many tropical flavors. I knew that I wanted to try the Pepito Sandwich which I saw on DDD. I added some avocado and hot peppers to it and went with a large order of yucca frita con mojo and a large order of sweet plantains for the others at the table to share. The only thing missing was a nice side of Central American crema to go with the sweet plantains. My meal was fabulous!! The sandwich was stuffed with Rib-eye, onions, cheese, beans and the avocado and peppers that I added all on a very fresh, toasted french bread. The taste was very good. I savored every bite. My wife went with the Chicken Tacos with cabbage and pice de gallo and was very pleased. The tacos came covered in cabbage, which for my Honduran wife is a slice of heaven. For drinks, we had the Maracuya shakes (passion fruit): one with water and one with milk. It was like being down in Central America again. They were intensely flavorful. The construction had no impact on our meal nor the speed of service. You could hear the staff laughing and joking with one another. I put that down as a sign of how happy and fun they feel in the atmosphere that the owners have created. This was well worth the trip from Milwaukee and I know that I will be back on my next trip to Chicago. To the owners: Congrats on the fabulous restaurant and the very positive review from DDD.

My daughter had been hyping this place up and was the only thing she definitively wanted to do while in Chicago. We had a party of 14 on a Saturday night. The. Wait was not too bad but we did have to split up. The food was fantastic starting with the chips and salsa. The salsa was so good and much more spicy than I expected. The appetizer, chifrijo was fantastic. By the time my tacos came I was stuffed as was everyone. It as a great place to dine.

We love Irazu. It's veg-friendly, and there are several meatless options, as well as soy shakes that are to die for! I always order the vegetarian burrito, a banana soy shake, and a huge order of the amazing guacamole. The burrito is so darn good. How can a burrito be special, you ask? I wish I had the answer. It just is. Prices are super reasonable, and before you go, know that they do not accept credit cards.

This place is amazing. The food is Costa Rican deliciousness, the latin music creates a lively vibe and it's BYOB, including spirits! We brought vodka bottles from home and ordered Horchata, Watermelon and Mango pitchers for mixers. Be careful not to fill up with the mixers! We did and didn't have enough room for the delicious food. The Chifrijo appetizer is amazing and the dinner platters made like costa rican plate dinners are awesome. Order Tico Taco too! If you like BYOB, a fun atmosphere and amazing food check Irazu out!

My boyfriend and I saw this place on the food network show diners, drive ins, and dives and we made a special trip to check it out. I had the Pepito chicken Sandwich and he had the Pepito steak sandwich. Our daughter had the cheese quesadilla (shes 5 and not adventurous). Soooooo worth the drive. Atmosphere and food was great! We ate outside on the open patio. 2 sandwiches, quesadilla, 3 drinks and 2 sides of rice was $32. It's a BYOB with no cork fee, so bring your wine or beer!! Defiantly recommend.

Great food. Very reasonable prices and great service! Un pedacito de Costa Rica en medio de Chicago.

Dads bday dinner.. His first time here and he loves it. His empanadas were his fav. The waiter was really nice.

Try the Costa Rican style steak burrito with avocado!

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!

Did Guy F move to Chicago? I really feel like I am food stalking him...everywhere I go...he has been there! Does he have a condo on the lake? Can anyone confirm that info? The only reason I bring this up is because, when we walked in here they asked us, "Are you here because you saw us on Drive-in's, Diners and Dives?" I proudly told them NO!!! First thing..bring cash...no credit here...in fact, next time I am going to bring Costa Rican Colon's here to pay...I wonder if they will take it? If I was paying in Colon's our bill would have been $6,665.09 Colon's...wow that seems expensive and I am going to need a bigger pocket to carry all of that!!! Maybe I will stick to US dollars...our lunch cost us only 13 bucks and we were stuffed...this place is a great value for the money you pay. Okay on to the food. I made a huge mistake. I let the waitress and my wife talk me out of getting a steak burrito. The waitress said, "You should get the papito because that is the one that Guy liked!" And my wife said, "We can split it and you can have my half of my burrito!" This all seemed logical until my wife offered me a taste of her burrito and I realized I had made a huge mistake and not ordering the burrito. Maybe Guy doesn't know what he is talking about. Also, I never did receive the other half of my wives burrito and I do not blame her for that...I would not share it either. She did let me take a knife and cut off a sliver. Now do not get me wrong the papito was good but I was expecting a little more. I also added avocado and hot peppers on there. I did not feel any burn from my sandwich and noticed there was not a lot of hot peppers on there. I pointed it out to the waitress and she brought me over a little dish of more. I dropped those on the sandwich and it definitely fixed what was lacking in my opinion. My wife also started sneaking a fork into my hot peppers. Next time we are going to need separate tables. And if I ever do get this sandwich again I might ask them to cook it medium rare next time. The waitress never asked how I wanted it cooked and I never thought about telling her until it was too late. My wife got the veggie burrito and are you ready for this...added steak to it. Is it still considered veggie at that point? I am not sure but it really tasted good. One bite and I was hooked and sad at the same time. I had to go back to my papito...the sandwich not my Dad! I wish I never had a bite of her burrito. When I do come back I am getting a whole one all to myself. I am also going to bring alcohol too. Yes this place is BYOB with no corkage fee. Thank you for not ripping off your customers with the stupid corkage fee. Our waitress was also really good too. Once she had learned that Guy F had not sent us and she had taken our order...I talked about how many reviews I read that talked about the Oatmeal Shake...she said that it was crazy because it seems like that is what they are known for. Minutes later she brought us over a sample of the Oatmeal Shake and said, "You can not come in here and not try the shake!" How sweet was that? I love good service and I also love a business that knows how to make a customer happy. That type of service and dedication to a customer is what will keep me coming back here again and again!!! Also the oatmeal shake was really good. I am not a desert kind of guy but I will order this thing. You can even get a pitcher of it too. I wonder what liquor would taste good in here...maybe some rum! This is where the BYOB comes in handy! I almost forgot about the free chips and tomatillo salsa verde at the start of the meal. The tomatillo was so yummy and spicy...I started sweating but a good kind of burn. I also poured this on my papito too. It was really tasty and one of the better salsas you will find in Chicago!!! I am going to need a jar of this to take home!!! I really liked the vibe at this place. The menu was great. I loved the chalkboard in back with the staffs favorite app and the top ten places to visit in Costa Rica. I had not idea that there was a little Trip Advisor going on back here. I also must comment on there delivery area. I think the delivery area here is larger then Costa Rica...no I am not exaggerating this! They go from Lake Michigan to Pulaski and then from Belmont to 16th Street. I have not used it but I am crossing my fingers for a huge snowstorm tonight to try it out. Who am I kidding? 2012 was the warmest winter ever...thanks farmers almanac for getting it wrong!!! I can hardly wait to come back here and enjoy my own burrito and a spiked pitcher of oatmeal shake. This place was so worth it and I am glad to be removing the bookmark for Irazu from my Yelp. You are now on my list of restaurants I will be coming back to in the future!

This place has great food, Top notch food, but the service was sub par. A rain storm went through the city while we were waiting for our table, so many people didn't leave when they were finished with their meals. However, the service was very slow following this weather event. The waiter was friendly and attended to our needs when we asked, but it was very slow. They seemed to be understaffed in the wait staff that evening. Also, this is a cash only restaurant.

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.

I picked up a take out and fell in love with the place. The atmosphere could easily make you think you are in Costa Rica. The food is great, too. I got the casado with chicken and the portion was too large for me to finish. Very tasty. The ceviche was fantastic. I live 300 miles away, but I'll be back.

Reasonable, authentice. very tasty food

The food was ok....not the best thing but not horrible. what was horrible was the service at the restaurant. we waited like everyone else for our table (about 30mins on sat evening). we sat down and ordered and ate the food. as soon as we were done they brought us our check without asking if we wanted dessert. then as we were fnishing our beers (it is a byob) they told us that there are a lot of people waiting and they need our table. for me that is a huge no no in customer service. we were not keeping our table for an unreasonable length of time....we just wanted to finish our drinks.

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

We can here in the evening, and it was nice and quiet. Staff is very friendly! They recommended the oatmeal shake, which sounds awkward but it was too die for. I cannot remember what we had to eat, but both were delicious. We would go back again in a heartbeat.

Having spend over a month in Costa Rica, I missed the vibrant cheerful ambiance and cuisine. Irazu was that: hearty, tasty, fun, happy and worth the trip from the south suburbs. The staff was friendly, was not intrusive at all and the owner even check with us on the way out to make sure our experience was fantastic and it was. We got the legit patacones, which are the best I have had since my Costa Rican friend made them for us at home. They are messy to make, so I highly recommend them at Irazu. The chicharones are the Costa Rican variety - my preferred version. Loved it.

The husband and I came here wanting something different which we found. Everything we had was freshly prepared and tasting. I had the Guy Fieri special and of that enjoyed the oatmeal shake the most. We also ordered the empanadas which were probably the best items we had. Our biggest 'complaint' was the food was not as flavorful as expected. Maybe this was just because we hadn't had this nationality before and were comparing it mentally to Mexican or Indian cuisine. We were from out of town and would not go out of our way to return here again. The place did start to get really busy around 7 so it's apparently fairly popular with the locals. Service was friendly but slightly understaffed and slow. Our waiter was pretty busy running from table to table. We had my 21 mth old grandaughter with us. The tables were a little small for her quick little hands and the slight delay in getting our food wasn't the best.

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.

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!

Breaded Steak Sandwich!

My boyfriend never tried costa rican food and he loved it! The skirt steak was so juicy and the shrimp cocktail salad is so delicious. My second time here and still not disappointed. The waiter was really nice too, i forgot my umbrella and he brought it out in the cold to me. That was very nice if him

As Costa Ricans, we have been going to Irazu every time we visit Chicago. But something happened this last time. The menu has morphed more and more into a Mexican menu, and many Costa Rican dishes have disappeared. The chifrijo was really bad, with hard rice. The casado has lost the Costa Rican flavor. An horchata with coffee, a made up drink, was really bad. Wonder if management changed, or maybe they have lost interest. Please get back to what you used to be.

We were a party of 10 (4 adults, 6 kids) for dinner at this great BYOB. We had a reservation and they had our table ready and waiting when we got there. The restaurant was packed so if you have bigger group I would call ahead. The food was so authentic and delicious and the staff was very friendly and attentive. We loved it and will definitely be back! Don't miss the steak sandwich and the empanadas (we tried every kind - they are amazing!). Bring a bottle of rum and they have a punch to go with it - the kids loved the smoothies.

My husband and I along with my son and his girlfriend went to this restaurant on a Thursday evening. The place was hopping - you could tell it was popular. My son and his girlfriend eat here periodically, and they always enjoy it. My son really loves the oatmeal shake. We all had burritos and enjoyed them. I had the vegetable burrito and found it very tasty. I ordered it due to a soy allergy that limited some of the other choices. The staff was very helpful in helping me choose something safe to eat based on my allergy. We also order the Ceviche which was very good. I am not a big "fish" person, but I did find it very enjoyable. The atmosphere is fun, clean and definitely urban. We commented that it was a pure Chicago, urban-type restaurant with the "L" train in view not far from the restaurant. We were eating outside and enjoyed watching the train pass by. Would recommend this restaurant for atmosphere (fun, friendly), food and reasonable prices.

Parking is strange you have to locate a pay box. The patio is enclosed and warm, it felt like a nice sunny day even though it is winter! Service was nice. Our waiter was informed on the menu. The salsa that is served with the chips was hotter than what most of our group cared for. BYOB, cash only, their ATM was down. Not a quick eatery. Yummy food!

Super nice people and the food was different. Not too often that you get to find Costa Rican food and I very much recommend this place. The shakes are amazing and I recommend the Taco Tico and I love it that it is BYOB. The neighborhood is full of great places and I'm glad they are family owned and not some BIG chain place

Irazu is a charming, family owned and operated neighborhood restaurant . Try the vegetarian burrito for a very satisfying lunch or dinner. They are grilled after folding so they are extra delicious, crispy and soft at the same time. Fruit shakes and glass bottled coca cola. BYOB No corkage fee. Great place to experience a diverse creative clientele ! Go. Your tummy will thank you.

Awesome Costa Rican food at wonderful prices.

YES, Irazu genuinely merits every single review I post or I wouldn't take the time out of my day; buuut.....everyone living in Chicago or visiting really can't afford to not eat here. As well as the things I've stated in my prior reviews, they truly made my last month and gave my husband something to really miss when he headed back to the UK. We visited the weekend before he left for yet another WONDERFUL meal, served to us by staff that really feels like family at this point. Again, I note that during the entire time of our patronage (about 18 months at this point) we noticed the same staff so I'll always say that the lack of staff turnover speaks volumes about the quality of management and employee treatment as much as the food speaks for itself. I don't know if it's the ingredients, the love they put in, or WHAT, but the food here just makes my life right every time. Let's be honest; I am a very picky eater (as is my husband) and on top of that I have brain cancer so sometimes even benign food upsets my stomach unbearably and I can go days without eating. I honestly can't explain why, but whenever I'd like a reset button for my digestive system and just need a meal I can enjoy, savor, and digest, Irazu is my go-to. The effects last for at least a few days after eating there and I feel GOOD, the way I did back when I could eat normally, or the way I do when I'm outside of the GMO/chemically saturated world the US has become. To be fair, I have no idea how organic or not their food is, so I'm NOT saying things I can't attest to, just saying it makes ME feel normal and there's a noticeable difference between eating here and eating at places that use similar ingredients but don't produce the same result. SOMETHING is clearly different here and all things considered I'll just chalk it up to the fact that the staff and management care and someone puts thought, time, and effort into food selection and prep that lacks in so many local restaurants. Giving my husband the best time I could in the US, I took him all over Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, downtown, and beyond, and for all the money we spent to be either disappointed or at least underwhelmed (because both of us can cook too, so we don't actually NEED to go out), we soon learned that Irazu was the place to come for consistent happiness and also a way to not go completely broke. In a neighborhood full of itself enough to offer $15 burgers, $15 drinks, mediocre "gourmet" at every corner and general meals that cost the same as a week's stay at a hostel, we BOTH advise all travelers and locals to not believe the hype, not waste their money, and just go to this wonderful place that's priced to be affordable for regular people. Ok, so a lot of places have that if you look, but again, something is different with the quality here to a point it genuinely improves my digestive health and is my "fix it Jesus" solution for needing to eat without invoking cancery nausea. I mention these health things in this review because there must be many others out there in Chicago suffering a variety of maladies and we all know eating better makes us feel better. My other reviews may be aimed a bit more at the foodie set, but I'd like the sick and suffering to know that this works for me personally (and my picky husband) and perhaps sometimes when you're starving and can't bear the thought of stomaching general food and lack the energy to cook, that maybe this can be a solution for you too? I've also gotten my friends and family hooked on the menu here, and some suffer their own maladies that restrict their diets but ALL have enjoyed Irazu to to the point that they make it their quick-fix go to or their date-night dine-out spot. So it's not just me! Aside from the fair prices that fit into my sad budget at least a few times a month, the BYOB aspect allows for a nice relaxed dining atmosphere that keeps within that budget and is GREAT when one wants food AND drink in this neighborhood where a shot can sometimes cost what a bottle does. BYOB is nice as well since it doesn't confine one to someone else's taste in wine, beer, spirits, etc. Another notable point is that when ordered, the food takes some time to come out, during which they provide guests with endless baskets of chips and sauce that are beyond delicious (just remember not to completely fill up on them; it IS a struggle), and I like it when food takes a moment because it means someone is COOKING it and not just grabbing some pre-made nonsense from under a heat lamp. What else? The portions are soooo lovely and filling, and when you order a "platter" off the menu it is a PLATTER....I mean this is ALL the deliciousness on a plate and I've never finished one all in a single sitting (my husband can, and then goes into an immediate coma). 2 nights before I left town again I made SURE they were my goodbye meal even though I only ran in for a pick up order when they were SLAMMED with delivery orders, but they got my food to me hot and fresh as always. An important thing to mention is when they DO make a mistake, which is most seldom, they're very quick to correct it and never be shy about pointing anything out; they actually CARE and all they want is for guests to eat, drink, and leave happy. So I can genuinely say I've never left unhappy, nor have any of my guests, and when my husband and I return? Irazu will be the FIRST place we visit.....and probably the way we keep our stomachs sane yet again against all the mediocrity saturating the city. THANK YOU Irazu, for being our haven of affordable meals, friendship, and doing for my finicky stomach what an entire team of oncologists fail at. You made our lengthy stay bearable by providing something truly unique and outstanding for a very fair price with a side order of friendship and service that really is many cuts above local competition. Truth be told? 5 stars doesn't do Irazu justice; there should be a higher rating....gold stars? Platinum? If I could just bring them with me everywhere I travel I think my whole life would be right; so I love Irazu and if any staff members are reading, HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ACROSS THE POND!!! *Note for readers; I was there multiple times in September & October because I needed to build up my fix in my system before I left...some of my visits were take out, some dinner with my husband, some lunches with my dad, husband, and "uncle", so I guess those were "family" visits. I've been thanked profusely for turning them on to the cause and I was introduced initially in 2015 by roommates.

Our daughter chose this place for her birthday celebration so my wife made a reservation using Opentable that was supposedly never received by Irazu. Luckily she called on the morning of to make a change so we were OK since there were already people waiting for tables at 6:30 on a Saturday evening. We were seated in the main part at the back (their enclosed patio area was open) so we were able to observe the ever-present line of people waiting to use the one bathroom. The service was good. Everyone enjoyed their food, which was tasty - both my wife and I had the Casado with steak. For dessert both the flan and the bread pudding were overly sweet. While the food was interesting, I would not return because I really dislike having to wait to use a bathroom that is in constant use and already had a wet floor by 7 PM.

This was my first time trying Costa Rican food and I was not disappointed. I ordered the Vegetarian Burrito and sweet plantains...very satisfying meal topped off with the oatmeal shake.

Our son always takes us to new restaurants when we are in town. This one was just average. The paella was not interesting. Not a lot of flavor. The El Tico was ordered with the Gallo Pinto to add a little flavor. For the dessert, one of the flans were burnt on the bottom. The Yuca fries appetizer was interesting. It was okay to try something different but not worth a return visit. This is a BYOB restaurant which several tables were taking advantage of that option. This is a Cash only establishment.

I'd give the food and drinks 5 stars but the tight quarters brought my review down to 4 stars.

I love this place. The food is great and so is the service! I would recommend trying the oatmeal shake and the yuca fries. So good! It's a BYOB without a corkage fee. The location is off the Western blue line. Try it if you're a local or visiting Chicago.

Recently went to Irazu with a group of friends. Pros: Service, atmosphere, byob, desserts, empanadas, and oatmeal shakes. Cons: the salsa for the chips came in a bottle = weird to eat, the chairs are rough on your butt = need to add seat cushions, the Taco Tico is more of a taquito = make these into actual tacos, and the music - don’t be afraid to turn it up.

Loved the oatmeal milkshake. I just ordered a steak taco and really enjoyed it. They use cabbage instead of lettuce. It's a nice change. The outside seating is nice. Really close to the Western stop on the blue line.

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.

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

The Pepitos sandwich with avocado was to die for. The Chifrijo appetizer was delicious and the hot sauce was fantastic.

Hola! A Costa Rican Restaurant in Chicago, PURA VIDA! That means Pure Life and it is all good at Irazu Restaurant. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica and this is the REAL DEAL! So good to have "gallo pinto" (black beans and rice with lizano sauce) again and my husband loved his Chicken casado which featured such succulent, flavorful chicken, rice, black beans, plantains(sweet fried bananas), cabbage salad(with lemon juice, beet, radish, & tomato) and a fried egg. We were given chips and a yummy green salsa when we arrived and missed a great opportunity to have a batido(milk shake) or a coffee. NOTE: The Lizano sauce is an awesome Costa Rican sauce. It is a vegetable sauce that I love to add to vegetarian dishes, tacos, salsas and eggs. The will sell you a bottle for only $7.00(note that is the price today). Get it, you will love it! We sat outside that is very basic, music loud but good and place is clean!

Do you like avocado, fried pork belly, plantains, empanadas, horchata, chorizo, lizano sauce, ribeye, sauteed onions, or chicharron? Do you like all these things at a BYOB spot or delivered to your door with only a $10 order minimum? Look no further--this is the best place ever. You will overeat and fall asleep afterward, but it is well worth it.

Best Latin American food I've found in Chicago yet. And cheap for the quality.

If you're a fan of Diner's Drive Ins and Dives then you've seen this restaurant on the show. I got the 2 items that were featured on the show. The chifrijo with black beans and rice with pico de gallo and chicharron. It was good but there wan't very much chicharron in it so I coudln't tell if it added much flavor to the dish. Also got the pepito steak sandwich, that was really good The place is very home feeling inside and decorated bright with fun colors.

The food is decent. Some of the food is great, some of the food is okay. We have eaten at the place and have ordered delivery a number of times. Delivery is fast. In the winter, the place is covered to create an indoor space. The space is kept cozy with heaters. In the summer, this place is great for the outdoor space.

Food taste wonderful, prices are very affordable. I've had several of there dishes and im never disappointed. Definitely worth a try.

My other top brunch spot. Irazu has breakfast tacos with fried egg, and black beans and rice. They are really simple but a great flavor combo. Some of the sandwiches are also really good- with various combinations of steak, avocado, and mayo. Huge shakes are good for sharing, some good ones are oatmeal, banana, tamarind. A small patio for warm weather dining. NOT OPEN SUNDAYS!

This is the coolest place in Bucktown-Wicker Park to eat! The staff treat you like family. The quality of the service is outstanding and the food ...it relish! Pura Vida lives! You can walk the 606 Trail and hope off at Milwaukee for a short northern walk and arrive in Costa Rico. The watermelon juice is a thirst quencher in summer and the vegatarian offerings are high. Don't worry, those carnivores will get your fill as well!

Food was awesome. They deliver too, but we wanted the exerience of going to the restaurant. Glad we did. Oatmeal shake was delicious. Parking was no problem. Service was good and they were busy. All the employees were working so hard to provide the food quickly and keep up with the demands of all the people.

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.

Me and a couple of frinds whent there because we had passed by and wanted to try it to our surprise the meat in my burrito was cold i mean ice cold and red which means it wasn't fully cooked. the staff had a very warming attitude and very friendly. there food needs some imprvement.

Stopped in for lunch without plans or reservations and we were totally wowed by this restaurant. Chicken empanadas are just superb. Followed up with coffee "con leche" that was the best I ever had. We will return next trip to Chicago!

Simply a must visit place if you are Costa Rican food fan. The place has been at its location for a good bit and the reason is the tasty cultural food they produce. From the "chifrido to the casado de bistek" the food is outstandingly tasteful. You will not be disappointed. Its not an upper class restaurant but the food quality sure is above it. 100% recommended. PURA VIDA Mae!

Family outing for tacos, chifrijo and sweet plantain! Authentic meal and I must say the plantain was the best I’ve ever had. Reasonable prices and the best is it’s a BYOB with a lively environment. Bring cash because it’s cash only. Great food, environment and pricing = win, win, win

Stopped in with my son and grandson for lunch and tried Costa Rican fare for the first time. Really loved it. Started off with chips and guacamole. It was covered with pico de gallo and was great. We then ordered a different appetizer, chifrijo which was fried pork with black beans, white rice, more pico de gallo, all topped with avacado and Lizano sauce. Very tasty. Ended with the Pepito sandwich, rib eye steak, sauteed onions, cheese,beans, white rice and Lizano sauce. Large portion. We left totally stuffed and happy we had stopped in. Great place in the Bucktown area of Chicago.

Fantastic place for a family gathering, excellent authentic Costa Rican fare. Family style plates, plenty for everyone. Empanadas are awesome, All meats cooked perfectly, tender, juicy. Shrimp properly snappy. BYOB, I brought Sangria & Beer, which works great with all dishes. HENRY, owner is a great host, all staff friendly & fun. Crazy busy environment, but orderly. Great Vibe. Will be a staple drive by anytime I am in Chicago.

I was a bit skeptical because I typically stay at Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality properties in Costa Rica and Nicaragua where the food is fresh and fantastic! However, I must admit that this comes in a close second for not actually being in the country. I had the ceviche, which was delicious and the El Tico, which was very tasty. My son had the veggie burrito, which is his favorite and his girlfriend had the hearts of palm salad. we took half of our meals home as the portions are huge and we ate them the next day. YUM! The service was great and the waiter made many helpful suggestions. I definitely will return when in Chicago. The price is right, the quality of the food is good and the service was great. Oh, BTW, it's BYOB and they accept CASH only.

We came to irazu for lunch and were very happy with our experience. The food was hot and fresh and delivered promptly. Yuca fries are by far my favorite food and they did them perfectly! Less than 20 bucks for the two of us to get stuffed! Definitely worth a try.

Fabulous, fresh food and great service! Try out their classic appetizers and you will be sold from the first bite. Also, BYOB and there are several surrounding liquor stores.

We went to Costa Rica and was told we had to try Irazu in chicago, so we did. The food was so fresh and delicious! We had The shrimp & avocado salad and a very tasty variety of empanada's for an appetizer. The service was excellent and the owner Henry, came to our table to talk and give us main dish suggestions to compliment our appetizers. Thanks for the midnight snack Henry! I loved Irazu, and we will be back!

My friend from Kansas loves Hispanic food so I searched TripAdvisor and found Irazu. I needed a restaurant between O'Hare Airport and downtown Chicago to stop for dinner and Irazu fit the bill perfectly! I had the Pepito sandwich and the chifrigo. The meat was a bit tough in the sandwich but otherwise it was good. The Chifrigo was especially interesting and delicious. My friend Leland thought that the steak quesadillas were outstanding...especially since they were only $5. He also enjoyed the steak taco very much. The décor of the restaurant was very bland but I forgave it as there was a sign on the front door about a "soft opening". It appeared to me that the restaurant had just finished a remodel and it was not quite done yet. A nice meal at a very reasonable price. BRAVO!

I had high hopes for this place, but it was just alright... not bad, but not fantastic either.

We visited Irazu on a Wednesday night, initially surprised with a 10 minute wait, but intrigued us more to give Irazu a try. We were not disappointed. Our waiter was on the ball, constantly moving and attending to us and a restaurant full of people. We most enjoyed our appetizers -- Cerviche and Yam Fries – Yam Fries, fantastic, a must to try! The entrees we had were just “ok”, we’ll try something different next time. Irazu was noisy and full of energy - restaurant noise, street and train (the porch was open). So it was difficult for us to talk. Don't forget, BYOB, but if you do, there is a handy wine shop directly across the street. We will return!

Our first time time dining (thanks to my sister's high recommendation). The brief wait was worth it. Henry took care of us right from the start : appetizers while waiting, secured a table for us and service was flowing. Food was no nonsense, absolutely delicious, fresh and full of flavor. Great ambience for pure social, casual time with family or friends. Lively conversations buzzing. BYOB so bring your libations (and cash only). Great choice overall for great food with great company. Definitely to repeat! Henry and staff will take care of you :)

I went here for a wedding rehearsal dinner and the place felt like you were walking into someone's home. They also treated you like family. They were warm pleasant and just wanted to make sure you enjoyed yourself. Besides the wonderful service the food was amazing. I didn't see the menu because it was a catered affair but I would love to go back to see what else they have to offer.

This is a great neighborhood restaurant. They have a large selection of empanadas. I had the spinach/cheese and the plantain ones. I will be going back to try the other flavors. The El TIco is also very good. They have a nice outdoor dining area. It is BYOB and cash only. Street parking is available and it is only two or three blocks from the Western stop of the blue line.

The food is outstanding. The portions are very generous, and at first I thought we'd be bringing leftovers home..........but it was so delicious we opted for a Clean Plate Club instead. The menu is very vegetarian-friendly, and the famous oatmeal shakes deserve the hype. The dining area is tiny -- less than a dozen tables. There is also an enclosed patio area, which can double the seating. (It wasn't set up on this 5-degree Chicago day). There is one unisex bathroom. Other info: metered street parking on Milwaukee Avenue and free street parking around the corner; cash only (ATM onsite); and BYOB without any corkage fee. Pretty sure I'll be dreaming about their caramelized plantains tonight.

I studied abroad in Costa Rica and have been dying for gallo pinto until I found this place. The best authentic Costa Rican food in Chicago. Don't let the exterior of the building scare you - The inside is perfectly normal. My favorite is the Chicken Casada with gallo pinto and plaintains. And don't pass up the homeade guacamole. It's BYOB too - My favorite! It's cash only so come prepared.

Amazing food. Very filling, and affordable.

I tried this place for the first time coming back to town this summer for lunch, but it's near me and I find myself frequenting it often. They have decently reliable delivery (more so than many comparable neighborhood places) , prices comparable to the rest of the eateries in the area, and the value for money is a YES. Just a YES. The first thing I tried was a selection of empanadas (black bean, zucchini, and I think ground beef but I could be wrong) and these convinced me to order a few dinner platters, which then convinced me to take my boyfriend for AMAZING sandwiches. They look small at first, unassuming; one says. "Really, $7 on THIS"? (though by now you must've filled up on the delicious chip baskets) and then you TASTE it! By the time the first half is gone you're filling up and realizing THIS may be the sandwich to end all sandwiches. Add friendly service, a pleasant atmosphere, a central location, and the fact it's BYOB, and one realizes why I'd literally be happy to live in a sleeping bag outside their front door (their breakfast menu convinced me too)

The best burrito I've ever had!

It has great vibes and good food. Costa Rican Items as well as others. It is very busy and they let you BYOB. They have a nice patio as well as a nice indoor seating area. Similar vibes to 90 Miles Cuban nearby.

This is definitely a place that is very casual and quaint. The food was good. We started with the Chifrijo. The combination of flavors were great. I had the Pepito sandwich. It was okay. The steak in it was very tender. My friend had the steak quesadillas that were excellent. Had the bread pudding, but did not like the cinnamon on top. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.

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

Irazu has excellent food, including Oatmeal Cinnamon Rum Shots. I am pictured with my wife amongst others.

I live on the same block as Irazu, and I took me almost a year to eat here, and now I am kicking myself I didn't eat here sooner! Someone suggested the Chifrijo appetizer to me a while ago. It's basically pork belly over rice, beans, avocado, and tomato. The regular can feed up to four people! The entire group liked it. I think the tortas and taco tico are the star players of this menu. They are different from other types of cuisines, and I crave them all the time now. They both have unique sauces, which make these entrees stand out from the rest.

Such a great place. The Guy Fieri special is always a good thing to split: delicious sandwich, oatmeal shake, and an amazing dip of vegetables, rice , beans, and pork belly. Cash only which sucks. The service is superb though! The starting salsa for the chips and salsa is spicy-delicious!!!

It was warm, cozy and nice athmosphere restaurant with delicious meal. We ate the traditional Casado meal ftom Costa Rica.

This IS NOT Costa Rican food, the reason I know this is because I am a native of Costa Rica. Quality of food from 1-10 is 0 A complete misrepresentation of our culture and folk food. Not even close! Folks, burritos and quesadillas are NOT Costa Rican , more like Mexican. Mexican tacos are delicious, but to make a Costa Rican taco you need a tico /tica in that kitchen!

cheap & friendly...tasty food!

i love this place. The food is good and the people are great. Its BYOB. Can you top that.

I decided to go with the hubby after several good reviews. Not disappointed. I ordered the empanadas -chicken, beans, and cheese which were good. Also ordered the chicken pepino sandwich. The oatmeal shake is definitely an item you do not want to miss. So delicious!! Looking forward to going back and trying the ceviche.

yummy!

I went with my wife and her cousin's family when we were visiting Chicago. We have been here before and liked it. My wife's family is from Costa Rica so we like to try the Gallo Pinto when we are in Chicago (and Costa Rica). This place has good, homestyle food- heavy on the rice and beans, just the way my wife likes it. We also got Guanabana batidos (smoothies) which were good- not something we get to drink very often at home. The prices are very reasonable and it is easy to get here from the Blue Line (Damen or Western stops). There is also street parking on Milwaukee Ave. If you like Gallo Pinto and Casados, this is the place.

Good service with friendly waiter. Food enjoyable especially the chicken and plantain. Will be happy to visit again.

It was yummy. If you come from a small portions country (e.g. southeast asia) 1 meal is good for 2. Oatmeal shake was terrific!

I really love their shakes. The guy in the front counter is sommetimes crabby. the food is so so for lunch. I really like their brunch, their gallo pinto is delicious

Most will disagree with me but I am going simply on my two trips. I did not follow everyone suggestion of getting the burrito but instead went out on my own ordering a dinner plate each time; first the chicken then the steak. Both were very dry and unappetizing by the end. To wait in that line to get in, I'd think something other than the burrito would be good.

I now live in Costa Rica but I took my parents down to Irazu for a Costa RIcan meal before I left the US. It was delicious. The chifrijo was fantastic, the avena shake delicious. My mom had the arroz con pollo, my dad had arroz con camarones. I had the casado with beef. We all shared and still had meals for the next day. We also took an order of gallo pinto home which was also great. I appreciated the BYOB and went across the street to get some Imperial. It is CASH ONLY so plan ahead. There is an ATM there if you need it. Gracias por una experiencia tuanis!

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!

Costa Rican fare. Byob. Delicious and cheap. Plan on a wait as the place is tiny, but they turn tables fast. Try the oatmeal milkshake (I know...weird, right?)...but it's outta site.

oatmeal shake and veggie sandwiche = awesome meal

Great food, great atmosphere, a bit small. Great that you have to byob. Awesome food for your buck. Had a good time with hubby.

My husband and I ate here for lunch one afternoon at the recommendation of a friend. I really enjoyed it. I had the taco tico's, empanadas, and an oatmeal shake. The food is great! The shakes are delicious. It's Costa Rican and a bit different then I expected. I would go again and again but my husband I'm afraid is not as big a fan as I am.

This is a family owned restaurant that cooks Costa Rican food mainly. The options are great and the portions are fair. As as Costa Rican I noticed that some recipes were modified a little but I understand that they need to create something to satisfy their clientele. I will recommend the "Pinto" (typical Costa Rican breakfast dish) to anybody is was very good. Thanks for bringing CR up north!!

From the service to the food flavors and colors, it is truly a slice of Costa Rica in Chicago. So delicious, that once you are done with the food you can still smell and taste every single spice they use to cook the great Costa Rican dishes.

I ordered from this restaurant via Grub Hub, so when it arrived it was not really warm or fresh. (no reflection on the restaurant itself) I ordered the Pepito steak sandwich, and even cold it was very, very good. I would absolutely eat there again the next time I am in Chicago.

The steak casado is to die for and absolutely huge! The guacamole is great...not too much cilantro, which i appreciate. Amazing Costa Rican food with a great atmosphere.