Chilam Balam

3.6 (929 reviews)

ModerateMexican

Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Updated over 3 months ago

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Chilam Balam - The Chile En Nogada - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chilam Balam - inside restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chilam Balam - Sooooo delicious - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Chilam Balam - drooled over these peanut butter filled desert empanada served with Oaxaca chocolate and caramel cajeta! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ono Ceviche (after we digged in oops lol)

Daniela N.

We did a walk-in and was seated at the bar! It's a small place and the ambiance was very cozy with good music and dimmed lighting. We were able to be served pretty quickly and learned, like many of the other reviewers here, about the minimum dishes required to uncork wine (which again is not mentioned on the website). It was a little annoying to have to pay more than we needed especially because we already bought our bottle of wine, but we were excited to try a new restaurant so it wasn't a big deal. Overall, we weren't very impressed by the food. For context, we love Mexican food-- cooking it at home, eating out, and have eaten food in Mexico. Guacamole: our guacamole wasn't chunky like described on the menu, but rather smooth and creamy. Chips are great, tasting like toasted corn, and can tell are freshly made in house. Guac has a subtle spice that creeps on which I liked but wasn't impressed for the price we paid for it. They did add pickled red onions on top which was nice for texture and introducing some additional acidity. Ono Ceviche: our favorite! Very fresh and interesting crumbly texture with the fish. Great level of acidity and great crunch with onions and cucumber. I wish the portion was slightly larger for $21. Roasted Brussel sprouts: The Brussel sprouts felt undercooked and chewy. Chipotle glaze was good but was very sweet at some bites. The white cream at the bottom of the dish was very good. Beef Short Rib: Mole was great-- sweet, smoky, and slightly bitter after taste. Short rib felt dry. Overall, food was okay but it didn't feel like it justified the high price point.

Em K.

Wanted to love this place based on the recommendations, but my experience fell a bit short. The ceviche was overly acidic for my taste, could have used a better balance of flavors. The meat dishes were disappointing as well; mine came out quite dry, and the ribs had an unusual flavor that didn't quite work for me. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was friendly, but the food just didn't hit the mark this time

Erica B.

Kind of an odd vibe, but food was still pretty good. They're cash only, but actually prefer venmo. Also, BYOB wine, beer, and tequila, but only one bottle of wine per two people and no corkage fee, but you have to order two dishes per person. They have a fairly strict time to dine policy as well as grace period (10 mins) for reservations. Overall, everything seemed a little over priced for what you get, but also everything was at least pretty tasty. We started with the ceviche and the guac. The guac was yummy, but nothing special. The ceviche was one of my favorite dishes. While small, it was tasty and different. Next we had the watermelon salad, empanadas, and 1000 layer potatoes. The 1000 layer potatoes were definitely my favorite - cheesy and saucy. The watermelon salad was really interesting, too, with a mixing of flavors that was unexpected and really good, but wayyy overpriced. The empanadas I didn't think had very much flavor. For mains, the stand out dish was definitely the short rib. It was super tender and flavorful. I also really enjoyed the pork belly which was served as tacos and had some yummy crispy bits. The milanesa was pretty good, too, but I had some trouble getting behind the added sweetness of the strawberries.

Peter D.

To all the people complaining about the "horrible service" and "unfair rules", I have a suggestion for you: maybe consider doing an ounce of research for a restaurant before booking a reservation. It's extremely easy. I looked at the website for two whole minutes before booking, and that was sufficient to understand how the rules worked. Now, the food was fantastic. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was also great, and all the staff were interacted with were wonderful. Our party of four came hungry, and we were more than able to eat 8 small shared plates. The BYOB option was fine, because again, I looked at the WEBSITE before deciding whether I wanted to do the BYOB rules. Soraya and Chef Natalie gave us a fantastic meal and great hospitality. We will definitely be back.

Sofia G.

I have been here many times, and every time I leave full, blown away and impressed by the service. The service is always a standout here - they help guide you through the menu and will make sure you get the good stuff (everything)! It's BYOB so be sure to grab a bottle of tequila across the street to have a marg pitcher!

Alanah H.

Food was great - especially the chile en nogada. But the ceviche was my favorite (so good I ate it all before remembering to take a pic)! I think what sets this restaurant apart was the service, super friendly staff and the owner was so sweet by checking in making sure everything was tasting good and our experience was nice. Felt like an intimate experience and ambiance was cozy. Good for friends or date night. We participated in BYOB and the margs were fantastic

Clarissa H.

I have walked past this place so many times and not know! It's a cozy little Mexican restaurant tucked in a garden unit. It's very easy to get to, as it's right on N Broadway. Definitely make a reservation if you plan to come here because it's small and popular! Also, Guy Fieri has dined here and it's a Bib Gourmand restaurant! Also important to note: the restaurant is cash or venmo only. They do not serve alcohol but you can BYOB (details on their website about what you can bring). The plates are all tapas style, so they recommend you order a few for the table. They recommended 4 for the 2 of us, but we ordered 3 and I was SO full. The menu is small but they have plenty of vegetarian options which I appreciate. They make you order everything at once, and then they bring you out the dishes as they are made. We ordered the 1000 layer potato, huarache, and the roasted cauliflower. I loved everything! The huarache was smoky and went so well with the goat cheese and carrots. I loved the use of pomegranate seeds in their dishes because they add a little pop of sweetness. The 1000 layer potato was so creamy and yummy. Even though we were very full, we decided to try the flan because flan is one of my favorite desserts. This one was hibiscus flan with mango compote and candied pepita. Unfortunately the flan wasn't my favorite - it was too sweet and had too many different flavors happening with the hibiscus syrup. But it was fun to try something new! I would definitely come back here!

Audrey R.

it's a tiny place with a tiny menu with big flavors - when I see a watermelon salad, I definitely do not think of any Mexican flavors. however, the mix of the rich burrata with the light sweet watermelon and the dark almost nutty salsa...truly wonderful and creative - I was also blown away by the beef ribs. it was basically just one giant rib (sadly) with all of the meat stripped off and then on top there was pickled onions, tomatoes, and corn. the meat was just decadent. it was so juicy and just fell off your fork. the star of the dish was the sayce the whole dish was sitting in. it was once again a dark nutty salsa that really captured the Oaxacan theme - the plato placero was really fun, loved making my own little tacos. the beef brisket was rich and flavorful, which was a great contrast with all the light vegetables. I could have done without the cherry tomatos. the Oaxacan queso was the perfect mild cooling taste with the crisp and spicy salsa - our server was super kind and perfectly attentive, but I do think the plates are priced a little high. we ordered 3 plates for two of us (they recommended 4 and one of ours was a no meat salad) and spent over $100, the potato being $22 is wild to me

Sidney M.

Loved our experience here. Cozy fun vibes, every dish was delicious. BYOB is fun, and I respect the rules that they let you know ahead of time when you reserve a table. I'm glad I didn't avoid based on the Yelp score, which appears to be based on bad reviews of people upset by the rules. This is a must-visit, I'm sad I'll never get to experience it again for the first time, but excited to come back!

Hailey D.

The 100 layer potato is so so good!! I also really recommend the flatas. Our waiter was so nice!

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Lyndsay M.

5 years ago

Went here for a double date night and it was amazing! Loved the small eclectic vibe! Server was great and very informative with the food. Everything we ordered was delicious! Highly recommend the skirt steak, pork ribs and flautas. It was a little pricey but WORTH IT! read more

Chilam Balam - Pork ribs where such a treat! True oaxacan style. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chilam Balam - Basement level, a good hole in the wall find! Loved the small eclectic vibe. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chilam Balam - Skirt steak and sweet potato fries... THE BOMB! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Renee Q.

285

3 years ago

The food and service was top notch. The lamb chops were my favorite. The waiter recommended two tapas per person and we were one shy of that. We were stuffed. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any date night or entertaining of friends. read more

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Hailey F.

Elite 26

125

8 years ago

I really like this restaurant, both for the food and the amazing service we received at my friend's wedding reception. I've been a couple times just to eat and the food never disappoints; they change the menu often so you'll have to see what's available when you go in, but I don't think you can go wrong with much of anything. But what drove me to write this review was the level of service we experienced when my friends rented the place out to host their wedding reception. The space was the perfect size for about 30 people, it is a little on the small size but with that number we were all comfortable. We were able to BYOB which was great, and they had a server available to make margaritas for us out of the tequila we brought in. It was nice to be able to go grab a drink myself but also have someone come around with wine or margaritas. All of the staff was friendly and the food came out in fairly regular intervals. Once we started eating there was almost always something on the table with very little time in between courses. Even with ~30 people all being served the various courses at once everything was fresh, warm, and as good quality as you would get on a regular night there. I would definitely recommend you give this place a try, and consider them for event hosting as well! read more

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Jim L.

4 years ago

Mexican fusion served up with hostility. Our party of four arrived and seated at a small table. It's a tight fit in the basement made all the more uncomfortable on a 90 degree day with no air conditioning in the restaurant. BYOB but told you can't open win until you place order. You can't pour your tequila at all since you're having wine. You must place full orders all at once. Everyone must order two items. All presented in a Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" tone. Food came out rapidly. So fast that given size of table we had salad bowls on our laps, stacking plates and consolidating tapas to make room on table. You need a playbook here and a boatload of empathy. Won't be back read more

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Lauren S.

3 years ago

Food was outstanding! Really cute and cool interior too. We really liked our server as well. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

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Samuel B.

2 years ago

Both times I've been here I've allowed the server to pick for me. The food has been incredible each time. Staff are super friendly and respect the food. They choose the right amount of food where you are full. Roughly $60 per person for many amazing dishes. Had 6 in a group of 3 and 8 in a group of 4. The best elevated Mexican I've had in Chicago. Bad reviews don't know how to enjoy being surprised and letting the server order for you. read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you. We appreciate your kind words and your support.

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Michael B.

3 years ago

Truly incredible food, come here every quarter to see what's new on the menu. If you want a unique date night, this is the place to go in chicago. read more

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Gracie M.

225

3 years ago

Incredible food and a cozy atmosphere. I love coming here with a group of 3-4 because the dishes are great to share and frankly I usually want to order the whole menu! I've come to wine pairing events and for dinner with friends and every time I'm blown away by the delicious food. I've never had one bad meal here and with a rotating menu, that's quite a feat! Highly recommend. read more

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Rick F.

4 years ago

I've lived in Lakeview for 6 years and am a pretty forgiving person, especially when people write bad reviews about a restaurant, but all of the 1 star reviews in regards to rude staff and INSANE alcohol rules that are unclear and not written anywhere are true. We brought a pre-made margarita mix but were told we can't drink it? Huh?? Are you BYOB or not? This isn't an isolated incident - friends who have gone have had similar experiences. WE are there to be served and give them OUR business, so under no circumstances should someone be so rude and dismissive. Not to mention how overpriced it is. Take your business quite literally anywhere else. No food will taste so good it overcomes the insanity you'll experience. read more

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Hoss M.

4 years ago

Was meeting a date there on a cold miserable evening. It was raining and snowing at the same time. My date arrived 10 minutes before I did. THEY MADE HER WAIT OUTSIDE IN THE RAIN. They would not let her wait inside because of their Covid policy. The restaurant was EMPTY. read more

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Sam L.

Elite 23

319

497

1047

6 years ago

GREAT spot for small plates. My sister and I split 4 items - grilled skirt steak with creamed corn, pork ribs, sweet potatoes, and a salad. The skirt steak with creamed corn was the highlight - the flavors and textures were on-point. Everything went together very well - tons of flavors, well-cooked, and interesting flavors/garnishes. Worth checking out! read more

Chilam Balam - Full spread - salad, skirt steak, pork ribs, sweet potatoes - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Samuel M.

4 years ago

Absolutely unreal. What a true hidden gem! I was here on a busy Saturday evening, the place was packed and they handled my large party with such care and excellence. We did the tasting menu and there wasn't a single detail I didn't love. I was introduced to the owner, Sariah and she was such a sweetheart who truly cares about every detail of the food and service. You can taste every ounce of passion she exudes into her little cafe! I am so excited to go back soon. Truly a meal I will never forget read more

Chilam Balam - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Tony T.

5 years ago

Fantastic tapas-style small plates of delicious Mexican dishes! The owner served each plate with a description of what each dish was made of, and/or how. He even remembered us from the last time we went! Each plate was tastier than the last! Do yourself a favor and eat here!! read more

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Hannah O.

2 years ago

My boyfriend and I have gone here a handful of times for special occasions and it never disappoints. The service is always amazing and we love to support a family owned business. The changing menu makes it an exciting experience every time we go, and we can't wait to go back! Perfect for any occasion read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you so much for your review.

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Dom D.

7 years ago

Agreeing with what a few others have pointed out here. No idea how this is 3.5 stars. We let the waiter choose for my party of three, and it was excellent. Big fan of going to taco spots, but this was such a refreshing change of pace for Mexican food. Inventive and delicious. The space feels like a spot you'd find in NYC (unassuming, downstairs, good use of space) but the food seems right out of the restaurant scene in Mexico City. Plus, the BYO aspect is really nice. I didn't find the service rude at all, just sticklers of their own rules. read more

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Art K.

3 years ago

I really like the food here, it's the stifling byob rules that give this family run restaurant a single star. They are really missing the boat. They don't charge a corkage fee but do employ all of these arbitrary rules about the alcohol they "permit". The rules have changed each time I've been there. It was one bottle of wine per two people then it was added that we have to order 6 dishes before we can get glasses, then they try to take the second wine bottle away until we order more, then rip you off on $28 limeade pitchers with your own tequila in it. Weakest drink I've ever had. We asked to have them fill a glass full of our tequila so we can cap off the drinks and we're told no, that's not how we do it (his voice was another whole creepy issue). So after three pitchers and the bill, they brought the bottle out and there was almost nothing taken from it! It's like a weird brother and sister team that doesn't want us to drink our own alcohol?!? Their excuse was that they almost died in Covid. Um, that's exactly why I want a good stiff drink you persnickety restauranteurs. It's such a stupid and ever changing policy, it's like they bully customers with their personal beliefs. I wish they were cool but they are not. Oh yeah, only cash and Venmo and only one Venmo payment per table. Whatever, but you should know. read more

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Libby H.

3 years ago

Forgot to take pictures both times I came because I was so excited to eat! The food was fresh, authentic, and delicious. The reservations was a bit annoying to make but it's BYOB and worth the little bit of hassle. Definition of hole in the wall but will keep coming back as the menu changes semi frequently. read more

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A W.

2 years ago

The food here is amazing! The guacamole was the best I've ever had. How can that be? I had never had memelas before and my first bite response was "oh my god". Then we had chicken thighs flautas, ono fish (which was on the menu that night) and dessert. This was the best meal we've had in a long time. read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you. Yes, Guacamole is delicious!

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Kyle D.

Elite 26

412

1083

1836

12 years ago

Overall: A fun an interesting tapas experience located in an East Lakeview Hideaway. Good food and good service calls for a good time. The good: Fun atmosphere in a basement. Seats probably 50 people or so. The food is great, from the ceviche to flank steak. All tapas. Decently sized tapas at that. Lots of options and proteins to choose from. Service, once seated, was friendly and quick. BYOB no corkage. The bad: Cash only. Can get very loud at times. The prices add up quickly. The music was too loud at times and could have been more festive. (They were playing modern electronic and/or hip-hop). Had to wait even though they said no wait when we called. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Food: 8/10 read more

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Chilam Balam - flank steak with onions - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Alex S.

289

3 years ago

Absolutely terrific meal. Great service, the vibe was stellar, and each dish was uniquely terrific and memorable. We'll be back.

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Scott B.

4 years ago

The food deserves their Michelin recommendation. It is unexpectedly amazing. It is hands down the most unique, interesting and delicious Mexican I have ever had. A lot of negative reviews have to do with the service. We had an great server and the owner spoke with us and was very friendly. My only critique is the margarita mix they serve is just so so. It is BYOB so we brought tequila and got a couple pitchers of margs. They were not equal to the food. I went to the market across the street and bought limes which we squeezed into the drink which made them much better. Cash only restaurant. If we were local I would eat there all the time. read more

Chilam Balam - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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William R.

198

2 years ago

Tried this place while visiting for the weekend and the food was unbelievable plus the owner is amazing

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Soraya R.

Thank you for stopping by William and your review. Until next time.

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Gabriel C.

107

3 years ago

What just happened? I felt like I was being punished through a BYOB experience before I was given silverware. I can't drink my wine until I eat 8 $30 plates? And my friends couldn't drink their tequila without order $20 juice pitchers? I couldn't understand the rules when I just wanted to enjoy my friends. Food and service was good though. read more

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Arianna M.

2 years ago

The service was excellent. The servers were engaging, caring, and considerate. Then the food just put it over the top. Not only was each dish exquisite, but the plating made the experience unforgettable. The environment of the restaurant was intimate and unique, and I couldn't say enough to recommend this restaurant to you! read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you so much for an AWESOME review!

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Karen H.

2 years ago

Wonderful restaurant! The food is always delicious and the restaurant is run by the sweetest people. Great for gluten free, dairy free, and other restrictions, and super fun BYOB! read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you for your stellar words. Hope to see you again.

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Bailey E.

234

2 years ago

Yummy food with a fun ambiance and friendly staff! The corn memelas, brussel sprouts, and fluatas were especially tasty!

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Soraya R.

Thank you for your review. See you soon

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Brian F.

2 years ago

Best Mexican food in Chicago hands down! The brussel sprouts lead the way into a great dinner. All of the meats were tender and delicious. Finished by the best flan I think I've ever had! They were also very allergy friendly! read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you, I am glad you and your party had a great time.

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Jack L.

2 years ago

Chefs menu was excellent. So much fun, great service, and ambiance! Highly recommend everything on the menu

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Soraya R.

Thank you Jack. Glad you enjoyed the chef’s selection.

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Emma J.

2 years ago

Some dishes were good and some were not good. Waiter recommended the special dessert (almond cake). Was very dry and not good at all! We still had some dessert left, but were asked to leave by the owner, because there were people waiting. Extremely rude and said, she didn't care if I wrote this Yelp review! Don't recommend the restaurant. We have plenty of great restaurants with amazing owners/employees in Chicago! read more

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Soraya R.

I was very serious when I said I didn’t care about your review.…

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Talia M.

2 years ago

What a gem!!! Such great food and cozy vibes. Not just a neighborhood spot but truly some of the best food in the city. Plus, the servers give the best recommendations & such quick service! read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you so much for your stellar words.

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Mosey K.

515

2 years ago

Absolutely incredible restaurant. Food is always amazing service is caring and experienced. Love this place.

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Soraya R.

Thank you Mosey, we are happy to have you.

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Liv R.

3 years ago

Yes I do recommend! I went to this spot with a girlfriend of mine and it was a pleasant experience. This place is BYOB bring your own bottle of wine or tequila. For those of you who love their tequila I would recommend that you bring the tequila bottle as the server will then bring a pitcher of hibiscus to mix with your tequila it is DELISH! Must try this experience. The place is Intimate and cozy the servers are friendly and very personable! I liked this spot cause you go in and place your entire order from appetizers to salads and main course and the chef brings to your table in a timed manner so that you don't have a table filled with everything you ordered all at once which helps a ton with flow and conversion. The meals are spread apart and paced while you enjoy your bottle of wine or tequila! This is Mexican cuisine with a Latin infusion of explosive flavors. I tried several items on the menu and was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed everything we tried that night. It's a great spot for a date or a one on one with a good Friend! Really recommend!!! read more

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Robert P.

6 years ago

Interesting options and engaged waiter. Bus girl was inept. They could stand to decorate the alleyway where the tables were placed. they could also tell people ahead that they only take Venmo and cash. made for an embarrassing moment when we all had to check our wallets. Definitely going back in a few weeks, weather-willing! read more

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Mariana R.

7 years ago

Really cool environment. I love it! The food was very tasty and not too spicy just how I like it. We order four plates and we were completely full. But couldn't say not to the Passion Fruit Marshmallow as a dessert and it was awesome. I will definitely come back here. read more

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Jacob S.

3 years ago

The food was good. Not exceptional but solid The guacamole was tasty as well as the Ono fish dish. The pork ribs were subpar. But the place is cramped and noisy and the "greeter" was rushing and rushed. Not a place to return to. read more

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Annie R.

3 years ago

So tasty! We did the chef tasting menu with seven friends which was PERFECT. Highly recommend going to get some great food! Faves were the ceviche, lamb, and 1000 layer potatoes! read more

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Soraya R.

Thank you guys, you were awesome as well.

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Rob W.

3 years ago

Food was amazing! Great atmosphere for a dinner with friends. Had a bunch of rounds that were all delicious

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Soraya R.

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed everything.

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Geni B.

3 years ago

Food was pretty amazing I have to admit. Unfortunately, our waiter was super rude about their BYOB policy. Our party of 3 was expecting 1/2 bottle wine per person but he literally forced us to order a 6th entree in order to open the second bottle. Felt like we got strong armed and he was pretty nasty about it. As much as I liked the food (even though it we ate too much) the experience was too tainted to want to return again. read more

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Tony W.

5 years ago

If you were an Asian, just don't come to this place, there were very rude to us when we had dinner here. If you don't wanna be yelled and thrown attitude at you, stay away from this place. read more

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Christopher H.

4 years ago

Took us 6 years in the neighborhood to find this place. Really yummy, thoughtful dishes and great local feel.

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Page 4 of 24

3023 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
Lakeview
Directions
(773) 296-6901
Call Now
Visit Website
http://chilambalamchicago.com/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Chilam Balam open?

Chilam Balam opens at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Chilam Balam close?

Chilam Balam is closed on Monday and Sunday.Chilam Balam closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Chilam Balam closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun ClosedTue-Thu 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Chilam Balam take credit cards?

Yes, Chilam Balam takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Chilam Balam have catering options?

No, Chilam Balam does not have catering options.

Does Chilam Balam serve alcohol?

Yes, Chilam Balam serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Chilam Balam have TVs?

Yes, Chilam Balam has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Chilam Balam have bike parking?

Yes, Chilam Balam has bike parking.

Does Chilam Balam have outdoor seating?

Yes, Chilam Balam has outdoor seating options.

Does Chilam Balam have parking?

Yes, Chilam Balam has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Chilam Balam wheelchair accessible?

No, Chilam Balam is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Chilam Balam have free WiFi?

No, Chilam Balam does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

A progressively sustainable, Mexican small plates.

Meet the Business Owner: Soraya R.

Driven. In one word, describes Soraya Rendon, Owner of Chilam Balam. Leaving the security of her family & the solace of home in Mexico City, alone she came to the United States at the young age of 18, intent on achieving the American Dream. With only a couple hundred dollars to her name, she immediately devised plans and set them into action. Learn English, check. Learn a career, check. Go from earning minimum wage to a salary most of us dream of within 5 years of coming to America, check and check. Some would think she had reached her goal, her American Dream...not Soraya. She had bigger plans, more dreams to fulfill. Chilam Balam is one of those dreams. Soraya hopes you will join and savor with her this next endeavor where she brings a little taste of her old home to yours.

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Ask the Community - Chilam Balam

What is their BYOB policy? Seems to be an issue in the reviews.

We brought a bottle of wine with us and they uncorked it for us free of charge. I saw others with beer and no issues. I'm not sure what the reviews are about.

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La Mejikana

We arrived not knowing it was a bar crawl happening but we still got in and waited for a table. It…read moretook 30 minutes to get a table bc of the bar crawl. As much as it was packed from 2:30 til 3:30 we were still were able to order a drink at bar. Martin was so nice and took our order and brought it to us being we went back to waiting line. The place is small with a hard time to walk around when it's full. It's a nice bar restaurant and didn't realized until we were leaving that there's a back area. The bartenders could be a little more social and happy bc that seem a bit dull and unhappy working there. Unlike Martin he was happy. Mildred was our server and she did phenomenal. The food and drinks were great

Came here on a summer Friday night. My friend arrived before me and was seated right away. It did…read moreget more crowded after about 7pm. There's also a nice long bar that you can sit if you don't need a table. I had the birria tacos. They were tasty but chewy and not tender enough. My friend had the hamburger and said it was ok, not great. We finished with the flan churros. That was pretty good and you get a lot so would be nice for a group to share. This was a cute place and had a cool vibe for a casual dinner with friends. The margaritas seemed to be the hit and what many people were ordering.

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Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine

Went here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. Nice atmosphere and music but not too loud…read morefor conversation. I loved the decorations. I ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas they were expensive but excellent! Came out on a sizzling plate. I tried the Habernita drink and sangria. The habernita drink had mezcal, orange, pineapple, and habanero so had a nice kick to it. My friend told server it was my birthday secretly and they came out with a sparkler had birthday music playing and shots of tequila for my table! We had a great time and I will definitely be back! I recommend coming here to celebrate your birthday or just to have a delicious meal

We went on a Friday for happy hour but it ended at 5 but there were still deals like $10 flautas…read more We also had the sangria which was really good. The servers all kinda float around so you might not have the same server the whole time but the ones we had were nice and answered our questions without being judgey. The vibes were nice. Will go ahead but for brunch next time!

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Empty restaurant

El Cafecito

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Oro verde our Traditional Guacamole

Barrio

Cinco de Mayo at Barrio was EVERYTHINGGG…read more We fully committed to the holiday and ordered honestly the entire menu and somehow every single thing that came out was better than the last. Starting with margaritas (because obviously ‍), queso and chips that were dangerously good, and the chicken empanadas that came out perfectly crispy with so much flavor. We kept looking at each other after every bite like "okay wait... THIS is the best thing here" and then another plate would arrive and prove us wrong again The carnitas fried rice??? I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it. So savory, flavorful, comforting, and packed with crispy carnitas on top with the eggs and pickled onions... literally unreal. And then the skirt steak tacos absolutely stole the show. The steak was cooked perfectly, packed with flavor, and paired so perfectly with all the toppings and sauces. Every single bite tasted fresh and homemade in the best way possible. And can we talk about the ambience for a second because WOW. The music, the energy, the vibe inside, everyone celebrating, the drinks flowing -- it felt like the perfect Cinco de Mayo dinner spot. The service was also AMAZING from start to finish and made the entire experience even better. One of those dinners where you leave already talking about when you're coming back If you're looking for the place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, date night, tacos & margaritas, or honestly just an incredible dinner in general... this is IT

Came for brunch and would not come back. Ordered the peach and guava mimosa and they were warm and…read moreflat. Plus the server mixed them up when bringing the drinks. When we tried them we realized she accidentally gave us each other's. No big deal but it happened again with the food when a different server brought it out. We ordered chilaquiles; one with chicken and one with carnitas. It was not bad but way spicier than anticipated, and we like spicy food. Service was also not great. She stopped once to take our order and once to bring the drinks. That's it. We did not get checked on until we were already almost done with our food. Cute patio. Inside seating wasn't busy at all.

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Sabroso! Mexican Grill

My husband and I had a great meal here. We were welcomed with complimentary chips and salsa. I…read moreordered the vegetarian enchiladas, and he had the Sabroso burrito with grilled chicken--both were excellent. The service was especially noteworthy. Our server was very friendly and thoughtfully let me know that the rice is made with chicken broth, offering double beans or a side salad instead. As a vegetarian, I really appreciated that attention to detail. The restaurant is small, cozy, and clean. There's no parking lot, but we found free street parking on Erie Street right next to the restaurant. We'll definitely come back!

PROS: - huge portions. great bang for your buck…read more- amazing loaded nachos = huge, filling. just wish had more meat or upcharge option. would prefer actual cheese (it's cheese sauce), but it's still great - has taco salad! the taco bowl is very tall :) - quesadillas = like a grilled cheese - the pickles jalapeños are large and tasty CONS: - not enough pico de gallo. they need larger "side order" options (like the large salsa) - if ordering through online platforms, no extra meat upcharge option

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CALIFORNIA BURRITO

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SABROSO! BEEF GUISADO

Carniceria Maribel

Top 3 Best taco place in Chicago! They're flavorful and…read morefilling. Definitely a place you will crave and go back to. The place is unassuming, reminds me of being in Mexico. Tell your friends, but only if they're not from the Northside. Keep this secret on the Southside!

These tacos are amazing. Walk all the way to the back to order then bring the slip to the front to…read morepay. They take about 15-30 minutes to make but are so worth it. It is not a good spot for a large group because there is very limited seating.

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The kitchen. Order here and take ticket up front to pay

Tacos de asada

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Tacos de asada y al pastor

XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant

My second time here, the first time for my dinner companion. Everything was incredibly good, from…read morethe greeting we got when we arrived, to the service and the food...oh my, the food! Appetizers were quac and chips, and shrimp ceviche. The guac was really good, but the ceviche was the star. Served on a bed of cucumbers, it was visually beautiful, and the flavor was fresh and complex. There was also a LOT of it. We ended up taking some home. Entrees were steak and shrimp for me, and Tampiquena for my friend. In both dishes, the steak was done to perfection. The sauce that came with my shrimp was spicy and deep--lots of flavor layers there. Both of us took home portions of our meals because there was a lot of food on the plates. Finally, the service--the servers are attentive without hovering. If we needed something, they were there, but never intrusive. It is hard to believe this is a little neighborhood spot, given the service and the quality of the food. It was not too busy tonight--we ate early--but I recommend reservations. It is very popular with the neighborhood. Bottom line, we each had 2 margaritas, appetizers, and entrees, and our bills with tip were around $105.00 each--totally worth it! Try this little gem--you won't regret it.

Excellent service. Great drinks. Very good food. We will return. Perfect seating outside on a…read moregorgeous day.

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Dining Room

Pineapple special. Simply the best.

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Pollo en Mole

El Xangarrito

4.8

(217 reviews)

3.4 mi

Phenomenal food, staff and service. We have come back many many times with close friends and always…read moreleave happy.

Thanks to Yelp El Xangarrito has been on my list for sometime, and I was not disappointed. It is a…read morevery small family-owned Mexican restaurant but the seating does not make you feel cramped. We did make reservations/wait list and was seated immediately. We started off with chips and salsa, and the salsa was a bit too spicy for me, but everyone else enjoyed it. We started with the Chicken Poblano - a savory dish with creamy poblano sauce mixed with chicken and sliced poblano peppers topped with corn. We all enjoyed it. Most of the reviews recommended the enchiladas and we ordered a variety of them. The Enchiladas Poblanos stuffed with chicken and cheese. The poblano sauce was rich and smoky. We also had the Enchiladas Morita. They were filled with shrimp and cheese. It was so flavorful and the morita chile added so much flavor. Each dish was served with a side jicama salad. Their special was a shrimp pasta with lobster. It came with full lobster tail. The sauce was creamy and flavorful. It is also BYOB, which is a nice option. Service was excellent, friendly offered recommendations. This is probably one of my favorite Mexican restaurants and highly recommend.

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Veggie Pastor Tacos

Traditional Pastor Tacos

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Steak Enchiladas Mole. A generous portion to share or to take some home with you for a late night snack.

5 Rabanitos

A short walk to the northeast from the National Museum of Mexican Art, we had excellent service as…read morewell as food. It was a hot, humid day, but apparently it was warmer inside than on their sidewalk seating, so we dined outside. My wife ordered the Vegetarian Torta ($13.75) and I chose the Shrimp Torta ($14.50). They were each quite large and filling. My shrimp torta was good, but a little one note. The vegetarian torta was an awesome combination of flavors and I would order it again in a heartbeat. Only real negatives were that they did not offer any draft beer options and the Chips y Salsa ($3.75) had a meager quantity of chips to eat their tasty and generous tomatillo and 3-chile salsa options. Would actually go 4.5 stars based on those 2 factors, but gave the benefit of the extra half star due to how good our service was and the excellent flavor of the veggie sandwich.

I really don't even want to make this review because I feel like I'm sitting on a goldmine…read more.. but FINALLY, we have found a Chicago Mexican restaurant that fulfills every craving. From the queso fundido (we got ours with chicken) to the Mole enchiladas, to the tacos... everything was so good and fresh. Tortillas handmade. Meat is juicy and flavorful. Rice was delicious. I'm so happy we found this place and can't wait to go back!

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Interior

Chips & Guac

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This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

Manchamanteles Restaurant

Excellent service! Delicious food. Perfect place for Mexican cuisine! Ps love the Mole! The mole is…read morebombastic!

Manchamanteles is as fun and exciting on the inside as its boldly colored outside would lead you to…read morebelieve. The staff are donned in themed regalia, and will gleefully sing you a happy birthday song even if you're quite far from adolescence (and also a few days out from your actual birthday). The moles were all phenomenal, and the mezcal margarita pitcher more than satisfied our group. The interior is a bit bright and skews somewhat family oriented, so I wouldn't recommend it for every crowd. But for my group of friends and I, Manchamanteles more than delivered in food, service, and fun alike.

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Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

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Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

Frontera Grill

I first ate at Frontera in 1989 and although not exactly a "regular" I have continued to return…read moreagain and again, as well as to Topolobompo the sister restaurant next door. The food is always first rate, service good, atmosphere lively and drinks are top notch. It doesn't seem as innovative as it once was, not because the food isn't as good but what was once revolutionary, has since been copied/imitated by restaurants in every city in the country Last night we shared the tasty ceviche trio, the duck carnitas and the wonderful tortilla soup. The mezcal margaritas hit the spot, everything was perfectly prepared. Recommended!

We came for lunch and as usual service was exceptional. The restaurant could probably use a design…read morerefresh, but it's fine and our group enjoyed our seating. We had the prix fixe menu and it's a great value (plenty of leftovers), but certain dishes were tastier than others. Carnitas tacos, tortilla soup and the flan are standouts. We will be back and look forward to trying more items!

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Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Duck carnitas

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Pork shank

Quartino Ristorante

Great service. Amazing food. It does come out at different…read moretimes. You can also order half plates to share! The gnocchi was amazing. The lasagna was a showstopper.

We had a long travel day due to weather so I ordered ahead. So grateful an authentic place was…read morestill open for food orders at 10pm near our hotel. I ordered a mushroom pizza and the cheese was so good plus the funghi and crust. We ate there again the following night after a Cubs game. The bartender graciously took our order. We had the lemon kale salad, gnocchi and lasagna. The couple next to us had a to go order but they also were too hungry! Delicioso! Buon Appetito! Highly recommend. In the bar area we sat; mostly high tops there. A little more casual than the restaurant. But being a late night location, I'm sure if you are clothed and not drunk, they'll serve you.

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Bathroom

PROSCIUTTO SAN DANIELE and Duck Prosciutto

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Coppa alla banana

The Purple Pig

Discovered this little gem after I couldn't eat any more Chicago pizzas, hot dog or beef…read moresandwiches. The place was packed on Tuesday night so make sure to book a reservation. I ordered the item charcuterie and chose coppa, prosciutto, and a French Brie. The meat and cheese were good as expected but that quince spread really took the dish over the top! It was the perfect complement to the fatty meats. Next was the Mushroom dish and while the mushroom purer wasn't a looker, it was a huge umami bomb! Really good pairing with the other mushrooms on the plate. Lastly, I got the milk braised shoulder and it was so tender and flavorful. Good size portion, too! Took leftovers and made a breakfast sandwich the next day and it was still good! I regret not ordering the beef marrow, the table next to me did and I had food envy the whole time but honestly, I had no more room, I was so stuffed! Drinks and service was great, too! Highly recommend you go here if you are in downtown Chicago.

The first bite in Chicago... and what a delicious welcome!…read more My culinary adventure began at The Purple Pig, a Mediterranean spot in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. A James Beard Award-winning restaurant and Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree. The star of the meal? The divinely delicious Spanish Octopus. Cooked to perfection, so meaty and tender. And paired with marbled potatoes, sambuca, chimichurri, and Spanish chorizo. Every bite was beautifully balanced and flavorful. This octopus dish will be remembered. Service at the bar was attentive. And the restaurant was nice.

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Inside

Chicago style hot dog

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Squid Ink Chitarra

Green Street Smoked Meats

Not sure what else to say than.. food is good. Just…read morefantastic! Closes thing to the Texas .. Chicago jalapeño poppers were my favorite. Meat is always fresh and good here! Counter boys were lil mean but who cares!

Attached to Sawada Coffee, I was surprised to see a BBQ joint located inside! As lunch time started…read moreapproaching, I noticed more and more people standing in line for Green Street. This prompted me to go check out what was on the menu. When I was greeted by someone to order, it seemed like they were a bit impatient or a bit annoyed that I was between two entrees. I understand that businesses get busy, but it is always important to treat everyone with respect! That being said, I ordered the brisket sandwich and it was great! The potato salad as a side was the perfect pair. Portion sizes were great and overall a good experience! I would go again to try some of the other options.

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Line to order + Menu

Chopped Brisket Hot Link Pork Ribs smoked turkey Elote Style Corn Baked Beans

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Inside

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

33 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Javier G.

16 years ago

This restaurant came recommended to me by friends. A true connoisseur of Mexican, I had been anxiously waiting to try Chilam Balam. Much to my chagrin, our experience was sub-par, food was mediocre at best, and the service was deplorable. We arrived at 9pm and were seated quickly. The waiter informed us that the kitchen closes at 10pm and thus we would have to order food before. We also had brought a bottle of tequila to mix with their limeade to make margaritas. The waiter mixed half of the bottle, making two pitchers of margarita. When the food arrived, the tapas portions were small and for plates requiring tortillas, did not provide enough for our group. After finishing the two pitchers of margarita we asked the waiter to mix the remaining half of the bottle of tequila. in a surly manner, the waiter told us that he would have to check with the bar as it was 10pm. Mind you, we had only been told that the kitchen closed at 10pm - not the bar! We looked at our watches; it was 10:01 pm. The waiter informed us that they would not make more margaritas as it was after 10!!!! Moreover, would it not have been good service for the waiter to inform us of this fact in advance of 10pm so that we could have mixed additional margaritas? They began to shut the place down and ignore us without asking how everything was. When two of us went to the bathroom, the restaurant had locked the doors, making it impossible for us to avail ourselves of the facility. The food was way too overpriced for tiny tapa dishes. The waiter also failed to tell us that each of the pitchers of margarita, using the tequila that we ourselves brought, cost $11.50! Also, the chips and guacamole they brought out were considered one of the tapa dishes for which you will be charged. Overall: bad service, extremely overpriced, and over-hyped food combined to create a regrettable dining experience. Without reservation, I do not recommend Chilam Balam. read more

Kelly V.

8 years ago

This place was recommended by a friend and I have to say the food and ambiance were on-point. Pricing was about what I would expect for tapas like this. You can tell they use high quality ingredients. Everything we ate was great! Despite the great food and relaxed atmosphere, I was very disappointed in the service. This place is BYOB and they tell you that you're restricted to a bottle of wine or six-pack per two people. We had a group of five people, so when we arrived the waiter told us we could drink our two bottles of wine and half the six-pack we'd brought. The server recommended two small plates per person. We ordered eight to share and all found ourselves very full. Having finished one bottle of wine, we asked if he could uncork the second bottle. We were then informed that we had not ordered enough food to be allowed a second bottle of wine. We were all pretty shocked. I've never heard of this anywhere before. The restaurant was not full and there was still food on the table, but since we hadn't ordered 10 plates, we were told we couldn't finish our drinks. Throughout the night he kept pestering us to order more food. You could tell he was annoyed. Our final bill came to $107, which I would consider reasonable for a table of five. It really is a shame that this place has forever lost my business over a bottle of wine. Everything else was fantastic, but this insistence that we order more food and the refusal to open our last bottle left a really bad taste in my mouth. If they really care so much about how much you order, they should just offer a prix fixe menu to ensure everyone spends a pre-set minimum. read more

Whit B.

15 years ago

Birthday party. - Went in to the restaurant a day before to check on reservations- they do not take them... understandable. - 1 hour 15 minute wait- was told 1 hour wait... fine. - Waitress sat us at a 4 top (with 5 tall, lanky-armed people). - Asked for larger table- was told we can wait another hour for a bigger table... o..k... - The owner came over and told us we can leave if we are not happy, as there are plenty of people waiting... WHAT!? - Food and sangria is over priced....GGGRRRR - The lamb dish was VERY tasty. The rest of the food was not that good. The dishes that we tried had a strange mole sauce that overpowered the other flavors...(mind you we had about 10 dishes)... MEH A friend later asked how I liked Chilam Balam, as she knew how much I was anticipating it (for months), I told her the above. She asked if I would try it on a week day, when they are less busy. I will not. read more

Roberto A.

11 years ago

Only because I cannot give a zero star do a give a 1. The hours clearly posted on the door say 5-10 on a Thursday, yet we showed up at 9:25 and we turned away at the door. Even after arguing that we would only have an appetizer and mark it off out list of cool spots to visit in Chicago. These lazy assholes deserve nothing more than to be closed down along with the rest of the lazy restauranteurs!! Please do not give them a chance to succeed as they would not give us a chance to try their food. Pl see go down the street and put these fools in their grave. I only hope the next time I drive past this basement bar, it has become no more than a tornado shelter. If your restaurant is even remotely good, the hours should stick, or be rubbery in the other direction. Good job guys, way to look like fools. Hope the worst for you read more

Melissa B.

14 years ago

Honestly, how does this place get such great reviews? The food? Great. The service, rudeness and their cultivated sense of "exclusivity" is pitiful. First off, a table of 7 was sat at a table for 4 - when asked if we could wait for a bigger table we were told "you see the door? you can leave? We are a very popular restaurant." Seriously? Later when I asked a question about a shrimp dish preparation I was told that I should "learn how to read the menu." I went there about 8 months ago and at the time I lived in the neighborhood so I would walk by it frequently and it maintained it's "popularity" for quite some time. Now every weekend when I walk by there seems to be fewer and fewer people frequenting the place. Serves them right. read more

Matt S.

15 years ago

I thought the food was pretty good. We enjoyed the pork belly, the ceviche and the guac. However, we found the staff to fall flat. I called to make a reservation, oh no reservations...ok! So I call an hour before we are going to be there to see if I can put my name okn the list, we don't do that...ok! So we get there, the wait is 45 min no place to stand and it's frigid outside. Not to mention, the blonde at the door is completely rude and acts as though this is an upscale club and she is FRUMPY! So here is the skinny, the food is good but the inconvenience of trying to eat here is not worth it at all. Sit atbthe bar and have a drink while you wait, oh you can't it's BYOB read more

Erica S.

12 years ago

I was really excited to check this place out after seeing it on one of the food shows. We came on Friday night. The hostess told us that it will take around an hour to get our table. Since they do not have a waiting area or a bar we had to go get drinks next door. After finally getting our table we set there for a while before our waiter appeared.It was very busy and we felt very rushed,the waiter told us that we have to order all at once. The food itself was just ok.The plates were very tiny,food was cold,nothing memorable. For the quality of the food and the size,you are getting ripped off.Too many other great restaurants in the city,don't waist your time! read more

Jess R.

15 years ago

The food may be good here, but we'll never know bc we were never seated. We had arrived in good spirits, put down our reservation at 6, informed that wait would be about an hour and a half which was completely reasonable for a byob. That is, until the wait went from being 1.5 hrs to 3.5 hrs. The staff was not pleasant; the hostess was incompetent and the manager was very rude after we has expressed some concerns about the unexpected wait time. Since this experience, I've heard similar reviews from at least 3 other people. Will certainly never be going back. read more

adriana p.

16 years ago

I don't know what all the hoopla is about. The food is good but not that good. They serve "tapas" , which means they give you an appetizer and charge for it as if it were an entree. I had the black bean memelas and they were good, but way too small of a serving. We also had guacamole and I was disappointed to see how small and plain the serving was. I expected much more. I left hungry and disappointed. read more

J W.

15 years ago

The food may be good here, but we'll never know bc we were never seate. We had arrived in good spirits, put down our reservation at 6, informed that wait would be about an hour and a half which was completely fine. That is, until the wait went from being 1.5 hrs to 3.5 hrs. Staff was not pleasant. Since this experience, I've heard similar reviews from at least 3 other people. read more

Vinny K.

11 years ago

If you are a foodie with a penchant for tapas, look no further. My wife and I have been coming here for years...it is our favorite restaurant (we even dined there on New Year's Eve). From the food, pleasant staff and unpretentious décor, Chilam Balam does not skip a beat. Also highly recommend their sister restaurant Shaman! read more

Ariel K.

9 years ago

I've been here a handful of times and have loved it every time. The menu changes seasonally, so every time I have been there is always something new on the menu. It's a bit pricey, but if you know that going in, it's definitely worth it. Great date spot. read more

Shen L.

198

5 years ago

Terrible service, the lady owner and waitress are very rude. Unnecessarily confrontational, and don't know how to be a good host. We suspect the owner is a racist against Asian American. Stay away. It's not worthy to ruin your night here. read more

mo b.

16 years ago

great spot, the food well executed and full of flavor. I love d the pork belly dish ad the very hot salsa that comes a long. friendly staff and a great hostess. All together a great dining experience, read more

Jay A.

1071

5 years ago

Love the vibe and food ! Definitely has a twist to the menu and makes you feel like you are eating so delicious home cooking meals. The owner and staff are friendly and very accommodating read more

Gourmet Q.