Craving some Latin flavor? Check out these four buzzworthy Chicago hot spots for top Latin cuisine.
Paella at Cielo Rooftop at Azul
1. Cielo Rooftop at Azul
Along the Chicago River in the Elston Corridor just northwest of downtown, Cielo is an ideal place to unwind beneath the summer sun, preferably with cocktail in hand—like the frozen mangonada, spiked with Gran Centenario reposado, mango puree, fresh lime juice, chamoy and lime garnish. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, you might consider Azul’s signature Patrón margarita tower, with a choice of three flavors that are presented in a bottle tree. Pair with the signature barco de mariscos, a shareable seafood boat with a variety of fish, including Alaskan king crab leg, lobster, jumbo shrimp and oysters, served alongside cocktail sauce, mignonette, lime, hot sauce and salt. 1177 N. Elston Ave., 773.770.3766, azulmariscos.com/cielo
The dining room at El Che Steakhouse and Bar
2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
After being closed due to the pandemic, El Che is finally making its comeback. Owner and chef John Manion’s love for asados, traditional backyard barbecues featuring flame-grilled beef, is the influence behind this Argentinian-inspired steakhouse. Manion, who grew up in Latin America, is passionate about bringing meat-forward flavors to life with dishes like beef short ribs with tira de asado and red chimi, and the Milanesa, a double-cut pork chop served with arugula salad and herb aioli. Pair with the Humo Mate cocktail, made with mezcal, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, lemon and yerba mate syrup to bring the heat. 845 W. Washington Blvd., 312.265.1130, elchechicago.com
The piscospiked Chilcano cocktail at Lirica
3. Lirica
The first and only Latin- and Iberian-inspired restaurant at Navy Pier, Lirica encourages guests to embrace the unique concept of comiendo con ritmo, or eating with rhythm, as they enjoy the waterfront dining experience. The 22-seat bar is an appealing spot to indulge in a passion fruit vanilla mojito, made with Bacardi, Licor 43, lime, simple syrup, mint and passion fruit for a crisp and refreshing flavor. Sip while you experience a culinary tour of Latin American cuisine with dishes like fresh-cut salmon asado or the decadent bistec marinado, a marinated skirt steak that combines flavorful chimichurri, fire-roasted zucchini and onions, and is garnished with queso fresco, lime crema, avocado and smoky salsa that creates the perfect balance of savory and spicy. 900 E. Grand Ave., 872.710.5750, liricarestaurant.com
4. PiniPico Brazilian Café
In an effort to bring more of his beloved Brazilian culture to the United States, pediatric orthopedic surgeon and 45-year Chicago native Luciano Dias opened PiniPico in May 2020. The coffee shop prepares freshly baked goods each day, with a special focus on pão de queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, a traditional snack made from gluten-free cassava root. Try the regular pão or ones filled with bacon, jalapeño, Nutella or guava jam for some added flavor. While you’re there, choose from a selection of authentic Brazilian coffee, bite into an empanada or indulge in a coxhina (chicken croquette). 1538 N. Clark St., 312.624.8389, pinipico.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF EL CHE STEAKHOUSE & BAR; COURTESY OF CIELO; BY TARA WHITE
