All the good reviews and I was left out not to share the same experience here. It was really disappointing here. Let me start by saying it's a confusing setup didn't know where to be seated, nobody came to greet us initially. So we sat down ordered the empanadas, they were fresh and hot. But then we ordered one steak and chicken plate each, both were boring and the plaintains were cold too! I mean I don't care to spend if they have great food but it was so plain and simple that it took away the excitement of going out to a Colombian restuarant for our first time. Our server was pleasant, she was the reason for the two stars to be real. I just don't see myself suggesting this place or coming back again! First and last here! read more

See all

I feel like the food used to better in the old restaurant across the street. It is a lot busier now and maybe that's why the food wet down in quality? It's still a good place to go for a nice churassco or rotisserie chicken. I ordered the carne asada and it came over cooked, dry and salty. Not the best I have had from here. Probably the worse. My wife also had the rotisserie chicken and she said the chicken didn't taste right either. Maybe it will take some time to get the food back up to par in the new restaurant. The empanadas are still really good with the salsa they bring out! read more

Good food overall. Some of the staff could use more of a smile. I know they are busy at times butt cheer up please!

I had to strike solo this time but glad I did.Well this is one awesome Colombian place in this hood.Ordered a Special($5.95) that comes with 2 pieces of rotisserie chicken/steak which includes rice,beans and little salad.Everything was damn tasty and fresh.The Pancake ($2.50)which is made of corn n cheese is definitely to be mentioned.It was so good with right amount of sweetness.Eat while it is hot. Pros: ------- Pretty Vibrant Ambience(Love the Decor) Clean Awesome Food Quick Service and Customer Friendly Spacious CTA Bus Connectivity with in 2 min radius Not Pricey Cons: ------ None to me Guys you got to check this place.You wont be disappointed for sure. read more

See all

We got carryout chicken, steak and empanadas. So delicious! It was super quick too. Would definitely go back and like to try some other things. The food on the customers plates all looked very appetizing. read more

As expected, the meats are the king here. I had a whole rotisserie chicken, but ended up taking half of it home. It was served with potatoes, a corn pancake, and a plantain; but it was the chicken that pleased the most - perfectly seasoned and cooked. read more

La Brasa Roja is one of my favorite restaurants to get a quick eats. They do offer lots of seating if you choose to dine in as well. Parking is not available so be prepared to pay the meter. I've only had the 1/4 chicken special from here and it's always cooked to perfection. The rotisserie chicken is full of flavor and so juicy, it will keep you coming back. The dish is complimented by white rice & beans and a side salad. The side salad is like nothing I've ever had before. It's a mixture of shredded lettuce, cabbage, and white onion. It tastes well when mixing with the rice and beans. I usually get the Postobon, a manzana (apple) flavored soda. It has a unique taste that makes the entire meal completely satisfying. This Colombian cuisine offers a wide range of authentic dishes. If your looking to have a finger licking meal definitely give them a try. They are inexpensive and offer fast service. read more

Brasa Roja - 1/4 Chicken Special $5.95 - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Always great food, fast and easy service, and I love the empanadas, which my partner can have since they are gluten free.

This place is one amazing inexpensive Colombian dinner. Great food that never disappoints and fills your belly. Give them a try, many options that you won't know where to start. I'll tell you to start with the rotisserie grilled chicken! read more

I came to learn of Brasa Roja by way of the show Chicago's Best and they claimed that their charcoal cooked chicken was, as the name says, Chicago's best chicken. I was inspired by what was shown on the show so I brought my sister along with me to the Montrose location, (there are two locations, the other being on Pulaski and Addison) and immediately upon eating the place we notice the lack of general heat in the place. It was uncomfortably cold for my sister as she remarked on it several times. I ignored it largely due to simply wanting to taste the food that was represented on the show. What I could not ignore was the poor service, bordering on bias and possibly even prejudice. Full disclosure I am a black man and the restaurant is Colombian and they had a restaurant full of fellow Columbians to which they made sure to wait on and serve all before us, including those who came in ling AFTER us. We found our seats near the rear of the restaurant and sat down waiting for over five minutes before placemats, our utensils, menus and glasses of water were given to us. Our actual waiter, didn't actually come to our table until another five or so minutes later and this was only after our conversation at the table went on so long and we noticed everyone else being assisted that we started to look around wondering why we weren't being attended to. So our waiter, Leo, as best I can spell what it sounded like, seemed to be in a perpetual rush, hurriedly asked us what we'd like and couldn't explain most of the dishes offered when asked. I ordered the rib eye plate, a side order of fries as an entre hoping to snack on that until the main dish arrived as he claimed they'd be ready quickly, and a coke with the intention of buying a roasted chicken dinner to go and enjoy at home, and my sister got the Red Snapper. I was given my coke and a straw during the wait in a can and Leo walked away so fast that I couldn't ask for a glass with ice in which to pour it in. We had to wave him down and ask for it which I found silly. We sat there for over fifteen minutes patiently waiting for our order as we saw two other groups of people (Columbian) come in, almost immediately be waited on AND get their orders BEFORE us! Ridiculous. So as we're waiting and looking around forming a negative opinion of the place my sister notices fries and what appears to be a steak sitting on the counter near the kitchen area not far from us. I looked around looking to flag down our waiter who was stopping at every other table and finally got his attention to which he remembered we were there as he walked over to the plates my sister noticed way before bringing me my steak which had cooled significantly and cold fries walking away. At this point I was fairly annoyed with the poor service and tired of waiting for him to come back out way and brought the plate of cold fries back to the kitchen counter telling him I no longer wanted them and wanted them removed from our bill. He later brought me the same plate of fries re-heated to which I again had to refuse. My sisters plate was finally brought to her some minutes later and again AFTER the other group of Columbian costumers were served their food. So as we sat there finally eating and we noticed we were never once bothered to be checked on with whether our food was fine or if we needed anything ONCE. Our waiter never came our way again so I flagged down another waiter asking for the check, which was relayed to our waiter who brought it to us. I was so thoroughly disappointed with the food and the service that I wrote "servicio pobre!" (poor service) on the restaurants receipt and never bothered ordering the roasted chicken to go. I highly doubt I'll ever go to this restaurant again as there are far better places to give my patronage too. read more

We saw Brasa Roja on Chicago's Best and the rotisserie chicken looked so good that we headed over for dinner that night! It's a lively place with a lot of heart. Great place to bring family and affordable for most anyone. We tried the chicken, carne asada, yuca frita and a basic salad. The food is simple, fresh and delicious. The service like the food is basic but friendly and hardworking. Our bill was under $30. Mark that a bargain! Bring your family or a group here and BYOB yourself a good time! #chinormous read more

Brasa Roja - Rotisserie Chicken - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's been a while since I've written anything on Yelp but my recent experience at Brasa Roja has inspired me to leave a review. This place is so good! The food is amazing and the staff's wonderful too. We ordered the NY Steak, half chicken, and chicharon (pork rinds) -- everything's yum!! We truly enjoyed our dinner here and we can't wait to bring family and friends here. read more

See all

We ordered 1/2 a chicken, arepas, yuca frita and empanadas...our waiter was very nice, however when the chicken arrived it was very dry and mostly bones. My husband and I arrived around 8pm....seems the cook gave us a chicken that might have been sitting there for awhile. We complained to the waiter who said his name was Leo and thankfully he came back with a fresher looking chicken. Pay attention to your food and do not hesitate to send it back if you are not satisfied. Too many choices to end up at an establishment you have to check your food in order to get your money's worth or sanctification. Will not be going back. read more

Nothing special chicken ok but like I mentioned with the picture for the price you can't complain . read more

Brasa Roja - Nothing special but for the price not bad - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Starting to wonder about the reviewers in this neighborhood. Went to this restaurant based on the rave reviews. The food was ok. The service was inattentive. The fruit flies we had to keep swatting away, we're obnoxious. I witnessed a server dumping used salsa from other customers into a clean bowl and putting it back in fridge for re-use. We asked if they had tortillas and were presented with a pack that was microwaved and ripped to shreds when we tried to separate. read more

Brasa Roja - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the best meal deals around. You would never assume that this little Albany Park storefront can give you so much bang for your buck (see...chicken...haha). For $6 (the price recently went up. It used to be $5), you get a thin rib eye steak or a 1/4 chicken, the most amazing tasty rice, beans, and an nondescript salad. Most of the time, I have gotten carryout, but when my husband's family is in town, we eat in. Yes, the place needs a bit of TLC, but the food is extremely tasty. They do seem to have issues pacing meals and getting all of the food out at once. For example, they served everyone who was having steak, but not the chicken entrees until a few minutes later. Also, it took them longer to serve my plantain with guava and cheese. It is also popular with people of Columbian descent. We noticed many families there who were ordering dishes of their homeland. This shows that it is a quality place. read more

Brasa Roja - Steak special - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Forget chicken n' waffles. I'm eatin' Colombian style - Chicken n' Arepas! Jacob J suggested this place, and the rotisserie here is definitely better than Pollo Feliz's chicken in Pilsen. As far as the starches go (arepas, yuca, and baked potato), they were all pretty bland. I had to order some rice with the dish. read more

Brasa Roja - 1/2 Chicken - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Walked two miles through a downpour to get their chicken, rice and beans. Would I walk three? Maybe. Would I walk four? I wouldn't walk four miles in a rain storm for a free steak at Gene and Georgettis. So no. But I walked two. read more

Great food! You will receive a traditionally Colombian cooked meal. Since most things are charcoal grilled..the taste is amazing, not to mention you receive oodles of food for your $$ For those that mentioned the meat being dry..it's not! You combine the "chimichurri" sauce with the juicy chicken or steak and it's divine Service is great and instead of this place looking high end, the money is clearly invested in the food. Although, I can really appreciate the hand painted walls which takes you away to the scenery in Colombia My recommendation for first timers that have never experienced Colombian food, you're in for a treat: try the Empanadas for your appetizer (1-2 per person, depending on hunger), Matrimonio or the Bandeja Paisa for your entree, and the Colombiana soda to drink. The rotisserie chicken is also excellent! even to go, it's awesome to slam at home like a King or Queen read more

See all

I've never eaten in here, but I've gotten food to go several times. I've ordered their rotisserie chicken dinners, and that chicken is truly outstanding. I haven't tried any of their other entrees, but I definitely will soon. Their plantains are also cooked perfectly. It's mesmerizing to watch the chicken guy keep up with the 2 dozen or so birds he has going at one time, and manage all of the orders. It's really very impressive! Their flan is also homemade and very delicious. read more

The best chicken I have ever had. They offered a 1/4 chicken with rice, beans, and salad and I went for it. The chicken was perfect tender inside and crispy outside. And even though I prefer dark meat chime as more flavorful, they didn't ask and gave me white meat. I can only imagine how good the thigh tastes! But in all this chicken heaven, don't forget this place has a number of Colombian dishes including fried whole plantains and cheese filed arepas. They have Columbian tamales and probably other dishes off-menu. read more

See all

I love this neighborhood because there are so many yummy-sounding spots in the area I want to check out, and I knew I wanted to grab dinner since I was already in the area. I got the whole rotisserie chicken, which is definitely more food than one person needs, so I took home a lot of it as leftovers. It came with a corn cake (an arepa, I think) and some plantains (maduros). I love love plantains, but these were a little off, which made me a little sad. The chicken was good - I don't know if it's the best chicken I've ever had, but I would come back here and try some other things. This place also reminded me of the Colombian places I used to go back home in New York, which was nice, and the waiters were friendly and talked to me in Spanish, although it did take a minute for them to notice me and serve even and I had to make pointed eye contact. Their jugo de mango con leche is as delicious as it should be, and I would highly recommend. read more

Brasa Roja - Jugo de mango con leche - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I went with my son for lunch' i was so looking foward to there Chicken. Well we order the whole. Chicken and vegetable,about the only thing that was moist was the sweet plantin the Chicken was very dry and part where burnt. the only thing we could eat was the thigh and one leg. We also order the fried Yuca it was so dry we couldn't swallow it! needles to say we wont be back dont wast you money Well like they say you get what you pay for was very cheap. but now we know way read more

TERRIBLE service. Attempted to dine in or take out... visited this location and the staff did not greet us or even take our order. Waited in line for about 10 minutes and still....no service. Terrible. Would not reccomend. read more

So order my food walk to go get it three people standing in a small entrance. I'm waiting out side waiting for these people to clear out so I can pick up my order and has two people walk right in front of me! I told them I was in line and had one guy curse me out! They have no sense of order here! Three people crowding in a small entrance! No thanks I'll keep my money to myself if they have no type of social distinct put in place. read more

The food is very tasty. The person cooking the rotisserie chickens could work on his attitude. Price point is okay. They do have some nice specials in there as well. Overall I would give this place about three and a half Stars. read more

I don't like nothing from the food they have! It's very disgusting and nasty. The food is so dried!! My arepa was super hard that I had to throw it away in the trash. Do not waste your money! I do not recommend this place. :) read more

I would give it 10 stars if I could. Best Colombian food hands down in the city. Get a special! It's posted on the front for $6.95. Your choice of protein (rib eye,rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken), beans, rice, and a salad. If I'm ever taking someone around Chicago, I show them brasa. You need to try their rotisserie chicken at least a few times! Go. Seriously. read more

Their signature dish is the rotisserie chicken, whole or half. My wife, being of Colombia, I was there for the Empanadas and Chicharrones! They were absolutely delicious. They even had Colombiana. We'll definitely be back. read more

Brasa Roja - I forgot the name of the entree, but this delicious. Rice, beans, egg, arepa, chicharonne, plantains, sausage, steak and Avocado. - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is great. Went here for lunch and had the quarter chicken special for $5.95. Comes on a big plate with beans, rice, simple salad and quarter chicken. You can ask for leg or wing quarters. This chicken is seriously good. I believe it is cooked on a charcoal rotisserie and is either marinated or brushed with an excellent marinade. It's one of the best non-fried chickens I've ever had. The plate was put down in front of me and the smell was amazing. I wasn't that hungry until I smelled this no joke it is incredible. It's hours later and I'm still thinking about this meal and when I can go back next. Also got the flan which was good. It's thick almost cream cheese textured. Good flavor. Great quick lunch spot, lots of seating, fast service and cheap. Good date spot too with its colorful interior. read more

Great chicken but lamb was disappointing. Chicken is very tender and juicy and has a great char flavors. Lamb was much pricier but a big tough. The rice and potatoes and fries were surprisingly good. Empanadas are ok but had too much potato and too little beef for me, and a bit dry without the salsas read more

Terrible service and wrong order! Drove so far to get my order home and find that it's not grilled chicken, but instead a burned wing and a piece of chicken breast. This is not what I ordered at all. I was not going to drive back to get my order right, not worth it at all. They didn't give my daughter a receipt and I couldn't park because there was no parking anywhere. Over priced, wrong order, no parking, not worth it at all. read more

Every time i order food from this place it's great! Love it a lot! I love that they roast the chicken and they spice it nice but not too much! They have cheap prices for the quality of the food! read more

Brasa Roja - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wooow!!!! What a great place, great service and awesome food, original Colombian taste. Somebody told me about this place. I'm surprise about the taste. Good price!!! Congratulations!!!! read more

I usually order for pick up, chicken special with an empanada and an arepa. Taste is great and the price is very affordable. The few times I have dined there the service is really good, fast and efficient. I recommend getting a "Colombiana" a Colombian soda, ask for a cup with some ice to enhance the flavor. "Buen provecho" read more

Brasa Roja - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This restaurant is honestly not the best, I do not recommend at all !! Everything is burnt not cooked fully, weird taste just not good overall lost appetite quick. Never coming again.I just wasted my money.. read more

Brasa Roja - Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place use to be amazing until today I waited 45 mins for my food , that I have order for my kids and I , they are starving , really bad service , The people became rude , need to do better . read more

The best $6 meal in the city if you like authentic Colombian chicken or steak.

The food is great and inexpensive. You have a chicken special that comes with rice, beans and a side salad that hits the spot. Now the staff is a different story they have to be the rudest staff I've encountered at any establishment and make you feel like you are wasting there time. They almost always forget to bring complete order and have to remind multiple times and then they have the nerve to give you dirty looks not knowing that without customers you get closed. read more

"bawk bawk bawk" (dances like a spazz ala Arrested Development) Rotisserie chicken! Yup. $11 for a whole chicken w fried plantains. And this motherclucker is juicy and succulent. The empanadas are bitchin as well meaty and with a masa (some call it corn) crust, what the cluck they're just a buck. Cafeteria blech atmosphere and mundane service. However the chick tastes so good whenever I'm in the area I'm livin la brasa roja. read more