Best Upscale Colombian Restaurants in Chicago | Upscale Colombian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Colombian Restaurants in Chicago | Upscale Colombian Food

• Deep Purpl — American · rated 5/5: Vibrant hues and bold flavors collide in this modern sanctuary, where the deep, velvety purple of artisanal acai bowls provides a refreshing counterpoint to the golden, flaky warmth of hand-crafted Argentinian empanadas. From the satisfying crunch of thick-cut toasts topped with creamy avocado or rich hazelnut to the savory comfort of buttery shrimp and grits, every dish is a playful celebration of fresh ingredients and global inspiration.
• Estereo — Mexican · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched, triangular oasis pulses with the warmth of Latin America, blending the laid-back charm of a breezy coffee house with the sophisticated energy of a craft cocktail bar. Guests linger over vibrant, citrus-brightened libations featuring earthy mezcal and botanical sotol, paired perfectly with the buttery, savory crunch of artisanal empanadas as vinyl records spin a soulful soundtrack into the evening.
• Theory — American · rated 4/5: Theory pulses with a modern, eclectic energy, where the comforting aroma of griddled challah French toast mingles with the zesty, bold spices of house-made chilaquiles. This vibrant social hub transforms casual dining into a sensory celebration, offering everything from crispy breakfast empanadas to inventive Cacio e Pepe chips that invite lingering over shared plates in a spirited, welcoming atmosphere.
• The Garage Bar & Sandwiches — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy social hub blends industrial charm with a laid-back neighborhood vibe, creating a spirited backdrop for lively gatherings and shared plates. The kitchen puts a playful, indulgent spin on comfort classics, serving up everything from molten Mac N’ Cheese Empanadas and zesty Cosmic Shrimp to oversized pretzels and crispy, sauce-drenched wings. Whether you're tucking into a vibrant, farm-fresh salad or a plate of hearty bites, the experience is one of pure, unpretentious satisfaction where the atmosphere is as bold as the flavors.
• Sabor de Mi Tierra — Mexican · rated 4/5: Sabor de Mi Tierra invites guests into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the rhythmic sound of sizzling planchas and the comforting aroma of slow-simmered spices evoke the warmth of a family kitchen. Hand-pressed tortillas and golden empanadas serve as the canvas for bold, heritage-driven flavors, bringing the soulful essence of Latin American home cooking to every colorful plate. It is a place where every bite feels like a nostalgic journey, celebrating the rich culinary traditions and spirited hospitality of the homeland.
• Ashley's Cafe & Tap — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant local hub, where the air is thick with the scent of buttery pastries and the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine. Guests tuck into golden-brown empanadas filled with everything from zesty chorizo to earthy spinach and feta, pairing their savory bites with a bold espresso shot or a crisp, hand-shaken lemonade.
• Estereo FM — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant and rhythm-forward, this spirited enclave pulses with the soul of Latin America, where the air is bright with the citrusy zing of pisco and the smoky allure of artisanal mezcal. Golden, flaky empanadas from Cafe Tola provide the perfect savory counterpoint to a sophisticated lineup of draft cocktails and botanical elixirs, creating a lively sanctuary that feels like a perpetual, sun-drenched afternoon.
• Pizza y Pan pa'ya — Italian · rated 4/5: The air is thick with the irresistible scent of golden, cheese-filled pandebonos and sweet buñuelos emerging hot from the oven in this vibrant, bustling corner of Colombian tradition. Diners gather over bubbling pizzas topped with savory meats and sweet corn, pairing flaky pastries with frothy tropical juices for a taste of authentic home-style comfort. It is a lively neighborhood hub where the warmth of the hearth meets a casual, welcoming energy, inviting guests to linger over a quick bite or a full family feast.
• Panadería Nuevo Leon — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air inside this vibrant neighborhood gem is thick with the comforting scent of toasted flour and caramelized sugar, drawing visitors into a world of traditional Mexican baking. Rows of golden-brown conchas with their signature crackled toppings sit alongside flaky empanadas and buttery galletas, creating a colorful mosaic of hand-crafted treats. Guests weave through the bustling space with silver tongs in hand, selecting from an endless variety of sweet breads that turn a simple morning ritual into a celebration of heritage and flavor.
• Mekato's Colombian Bakery — Colombian · rated 3/5: The air at Mekato's Colombian Bakery is thick with the comforting scent of freshly baked pandebonos and the rich, roasted aroma of premium Colombian coffee. Golden-crusted empanadas and guava-filled pastries glow within bustling display cases, inviting guests to savor a vibrant slice of South American tradition in a space that hums with neighborhood energy.
• El Ñandú — Spanish: Stepping into this vibrant Argentinian sanctuary feels like entering a rustic estancia, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling meats and the soulful strains of live folk music. Golden, hand-crimped empanadas and succulent cuts of beef are served in a candlelit space adorned with traditional South American artifacts, inviting guests to linger over a glass of robust Malbec. This soulful destination captures the essence of Patagonian hospitality, blending rhythmic charm with the timeless tradition of the open flame.
• 5411 Empanadas - Wicker Park — Spanish: Sunlight streams through the windows of this chic urban outpost, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted pastry and savory spices. Each hand-folded empanada arrives with a perfectly bronzed, flaky crust that gives way to a world of rich, artisanal fillings, offering a vibrant taste of Buenos Aires tucked away in the bustle of Wicker Park.
• Xoco — Mexican: The air at Xoco is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cacao and sizzling griddles, drawing guests into a vibrant space where golden, flaky empanadas and griddle-crisped tortas celebrate the bold spirit of Mexican street food. Soul-warming caldos and creamy guacamole provide a comforting centerpiece to the meal, which inevitably concludes with the irresistible crunch of hot-from-the-fryer churros and a steaming mug of frothy, stone-ground hot chocolate.
• Havana Grill — Spanish: Havana Grill pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the scent of sizzling spices and the rhythmic clinking of glasses. Crispy plantain tostaditos and golden-fried empanadas offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to savory, soulful fillings, while zesty ceviche and smoky chipotle crab cakes bring a bright, coastal flair to the table. It is a spirited escape where every spoonful of rich black bean soup or bite of a hearty chimichanga feels like a sun-drenched celebration of bold Latin flavors.
• Bocaditos Chicago — Spanish: Sunlight dances across the vibrant, welcoming space of this neighborhood treasure, where the air is perfumed with the irresistible scent of golden, hand-crimped empanadas baking to perfection. Each bite offers a soulful journey through Argentine flavors, from savory, slow-cooked fillings to the sweet, velvety embrace of house-made alfajores, creating an intimate escape that feels like a warm embrace from a distant shore.
• Brasa Roja — Spanish: The air at Brasa Roja is thick with the savory perfume of spice-rubbed chicken slow-roasting over glowing embers, drawing diners into a vibrant, bustling space filled with the hum of happy conversation. Succulent, golden-skinned rotisserie takes center stage alongside communal platters of buttery avocado, savory beans, and sweet caramelized plantains, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates the heart of Colombian comfort.
• BienMeSabe — Spanish: Step into a vibrant celebration of Venezuelan soul, where the air is thick with the sweet scent of fried plantains and the rhythmic sizzle of golden arepas on the griddle. Hand-pressed corn cakes are stuffed to bursting with savory shredded meats and creamy avocado, while the namesake coconut cake offers a velvety, tropical finale that lingers on the palate. Bright colors and warm hospitality transform every meal into a festive gathering, capturing a sun-drenched spirit in every bite.
• Tango Sur — Steakhouse: Bathed in the flickering glow of candlelight, this bustling Argentinian sanctuary invites guests to uncork their favorite bottles while the air fills with the savory perfume of sizzling, grass-fed steaks. Sizable platters of perfectly charred beef and golden empanadas anchor the tables, fostering a communal spirit of indulgence within a rustic, shadow-drenched space that feels like a hidden corner of Buenos Aires.
• 5411 Empanadas - Division — Spanish: Sunlight streams into this sleek Wicker Park haunt, where the irresistible aroma of buttery, oven-baked pastry draws passersby into a space of minimalist charm and urban energy. Each hand-crimped empanada arrives with a perfectly golden, flaky crust that gives way to steaming, savory fillings, creating a vibrant tapestry of Argentine flavors best enjoyed with a generous drizzle of zesty, herb-flecked chimichurri.
• 5411 Empanadas — Spanish: This sleek, modern outpost captures the soul of Argentinian street food, drawing guests in with the warm, buttery scent of empanadas browning in the oven. Each hand-crimped pocket features a perfectly golden, flaky crust that gives way to steaming, artisanal fillings ranging from traditional savory meats to melted cheeses. It is a vibrant, casual space where the simple joy of a handheld feast is elevated by bold flavors and a bright, herbaceous splash of house-made chimichurri.
• Cafe Tola #3 — Mexican: Vibrant murals and a signature pop of hot pink create a high-energy backdrop where the soul of Latin-American comfort food takes center stage. The aroma of buttery, hand-crimped empanadas wafts through the air, inviting guests to linger over bold salsas and artisanal coffees in a space that feels like a colorful, flavor-packed celebration of the neighborhood.
• Red Ribbon — Filipino: Step into a vibrant sanctuary of sweetness where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of freshly baked sponge cakes and buttery pastries. From the iconic, velvety ube cakes draped in deep purple frosting to savory, golden-crusted empanadas, every treat captures the nostalgic joy of a Filipino celebration. Whether sharing a decadent slice of mango cream cake or a steaming plate of savory noodles, guests find a warm, inviting space where every bite feels like a festive homecoming.
• 11 Degrees North — Venezuelan** or **Latin American: This sun-drenched sanctuary captures the vibrant spirit of the tropics, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of toasted maize and slow-simmered spices. Guests gather in a bright, breezy space to enjoy hand-crafted arepas bursting with colorful fillings and zesty, citrus-forward plates that celebrate the bold heritage of the Caribbean coast. Every bite offers a journey to warmer latitudes, blending a relaxed seaside atmosphere with an explosion of authentic, soul-warming flavors.
• Bodega Sur — Steakhouse: Stepping into this intimate Argentine bistro feels like discovering a hidden gem in the heart of Buenos Aires, where flickering candlelight dances across vintage decor and rustic wooden tables. The air carries the savory perfume of charred steaks and golden empanadas, inviting guests to linger over velvet-smooth Malbecs and shared platters of traditional parrillada. It is a soulful, bohemian retreat that marries the warmth of South American hospitality with a transportive atmosphere perfect for slow, wine-soaked evenings.
• El Llano Restaurant - Northcenter — Mexican: The air at El Llano is thick with the savory scent of sizzling meats and golden-fried empanadas, drawing guests into a bright, welcoming space that feels like a slice of the Andes in the heart of Northcenter. Generous platters of traditional Colombian fare take center stage, where crispy chicharrón and perfectly seasoned steak meet creamy avocado and sweet plantains in a vibrant celebration of South American flavors. Every meal carries a soulful, home-cooked warmth, inviting diners to linger over refreshing tropical juices and hearty plates that capture the spirit of a festive neighborhood gathering.
• Rica Arepa — Spanish: The air hums with the sizzle of the griddle and the sweet, toasted scent of cornmeal at this vibrant eatery, where golden arepas are split open to reveal steaming centers of tender shredded beef, creamy avocado, and salty white cheese. It is a lively celebration of Venezuelan soul, inviting diners to linger over colorful plates in a space that feels as warm and welcoming as a family kitchen.
• Sweet Pepper Venezuelan Food Bar — Venezuelan: Sweet Pepper Venezuelan Food Bar pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the savory scent of toasted corn and the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle. Golden, crispy arepas are stuffed to bursting with tender shredded meats and creamy avocado, while sweet, caramelized plantains provide a luscious contrast to the salty snap of artisanal cheeses. This lively spot invites guests to dive into the bold, sun-drenched flavors of South America, offering a soulful dining experience that feels like a warm, communal celebration.
• Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse — Steakhouse: The rhythmic sizzle of the open grill and the intoxicating aroma of charred meats fill this vibrant space, transporting diners to the heart of Colombia with every flame-kissed bite. Succulent cuts of steak arrive on signature wooden planks alongside golden plantains and zesty house-made chimichurri, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates bold South American flavors and warm, spirited hospitality.
• 5411 Empanadas - Lakeview — Spanish: Step into a bright, minimalist haven where the golden glow of freshly baked Argentinian pastries fills the air with a buttery, irresistible warmth. Each handcrafted pocket boasts a perfectly crimped, flaky crust that gives way to savory fillings ranging from slow-braised meats to gooey melted cheeses, all elevated by a vibrant splash of zesty chimichurri. Whether paired with a robust Malbec or a smooth espresso, these portable treasures offer a sophisticated yet casual taste of Buenos Aires in the heart of the neighborhood.
• Irazu — Costa Rican: This vibrant corner of Costa Rican soul pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the savory aroma of golden empanadas and the comforting hum of a bustling neighborhood gathering spot. Hearty plates of gallo pinto and pressed pepito sandwiches are elevated by the iconic tang of Lizano sauce, while frothy, cinnamon-spiced oatmeal shakes provide a cool, creamy finish to every sun-drenched bite. It is a lively, unpretentious escape where tropical warmth meets urban charm, celebrating the rich, rustic flavors of the Pura Vida lifestyle.