Wonderful experience at Chilam Balam. Small yet powerful menu with a wide variety of selections depending on your dietary restrictions. Service was super personal and friendly. Ended up settling for the chefs special and was the best move. Every dish was expertly prepared and individually crafted. Ensure you bring your own wine or liquor as this place is BYOB. A nice additional touch as they have mixers for your cocktails. If you are looking to dine here I highly recommend making a reservation as this place can fill up quick. I will definitely be back here again! read more

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I have been waiting for a restaurant in Lakeview to impress me, as I like to try a lot of new places and have been having trouble finding something that stands up flavor wise. Chilam Balam was exactly what I have been looking for. I'm vegetarian, but have been incorporating more fish into my diet, and the ceviche and swordfish were absolutely delicious. We also had the guacamole and memelas which were packed full of flavor. Every bite was a party -- I will definitely be coming back with friends. read more

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

A nice, smaller restaurant in Lakeview although it's definitely always booming! It's BYOB, and you have to pay in cash or Venmo. This restaurant has definitely become more popular ever since being named Michelin Bib Gourmand, and they have a really creative menu. Each dish here is definitely unique, although none particularly stand out. This is a cute and cozy restaurant though, and a great neighborhood spot. read more

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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

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Chilam Balam deserves every word of good praise that it has ever received. The food is always creative (new menu every month) and tastes amazingly fresh. This restaurant is best enjoyed in a group of 2 or 3 where you can order many dishes and share with the table. Be warned that it's a very small space so larger groups won't work and it gets very crowded on weekends, but now they take some reservations so plan ahead. Be sure try the ceviche, it's a staple on the menu and easily my favorite ceviche I've ever tasted. My husband and I love this place so much we chose them to host our wedding party and the food/service was everything I had hoped for for a group of 30. Now, let me address these other BS 1 star reviews that are complaining about service. This is a tiny restaurant. It's operated by the owner and her brother. It is a BYOB establishment. To keep tables moving (and $$$ coming in) they generally limit a table to 1 or 2 bottles of wine depending on how many dishes your group orders. It seems like other reviewers here expect that they be allowed to sit at a table for an hour after they've finished eating and just keep cracking bottles of free wine while there is a line of people waiting to take a table. Have some decency, common sense, and respect for other diners and the owners who aren't making money off your fat wine-drinking ass holding a table. You're at dinner not a bar trying to get tanked. read more

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

This is a tough review to write because the food deserves one score and the hospitality/service deserves another. Pros: Food. It speaks for itself. It's sharable and unique. We ordered the brussel sprouts which were very flavorful, the corn empanadas which were tasty, the skirt steak which was good, the pork ribs which were a bit overcooked but I see potential here, and the chile which is their house dish and soooo good. We also had 3 desserts- basically, all of them which were the peanut butter empanadas (my least fave), the mango carrot cake which was good but I prefer traditional carrot cake, and the chocolate mousse which was great and my #1. You really can't go wrong with the food here. Service however was lacking. There were 4 of us in our group. 2 got there early and were "allowed" to sit despite the other 2 not being there yet and made to feel guilty even though the restaurant was empty. I got there next and we waited another 20 min for our friend. It's BYOB and they refused to give us glasses or open our wine until we ordered food. They said they didn't trust that we'd order food. What else would we be doing there?! We were then told to order all food at once which we said we wanted to wait on dessert to see how hungry we'd be after the 5 dishes we ordered. The waiter insisted we give him 1 of our bottles of wine and he'd store it in the back as we didn't order enough food to warrant 2 bottles of wine to be opened. When I asked why he said that they don't charge a corkage fee and that we didn't order enough food to warrant 2 bottles of wine. Excuse me? Who is he to judge as there were 4 of us. He took my friend's bottle of wine and placed it out of sight. She now voiced how she didn't know if he was tampering with her wine as it was a twist off and it made her very uncomfortable. Once we ordered our 3 desserts he offered to bring it back. I just have never been to a restaurant that is Byob and regulates how and when we use our BYOB. There were only 3 other tables in use throughout our stay. It was pretty empty. The minute we were done with the dessert, half the lights went out and we were given a bill and a 5-minute warning to pay and leave. It was probably one of the most horrific service experiences I've had in Chicago which is a shame because it does not match what the chefs are throwing down in the kitchen. For a bill of nearly $200 in food, I'm pretty appalled at how we were treated. Please also be aware that the bills are cash only or Venmo and they won't take more than 1 Venmo. All in all a very bizarre experience with their rules. If they can get out of their own way, they'd create a more hospitable environment for their guests. read more

This place is truly a hidden gem if you don't know about it. I mean... truly, IYKYK. The team that works here (Soraya and Eddie) are truly top notch and the food is just fantastic. This is a great date spot (BYOB!) or good for a small group. The menu is ever evolving, so what you got last month might not be on the menu next month.... and that's what makes it more fun. I almost didn't want to leave this review because I don't want more people knowing about it and filling it up, but they honestly deserve that business! read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

Chilam Balam - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

Despite being hard to get a table outside in the summer (they come in high demand), I am willing to wait to sit outside as that is part of the experience. If you bring wine (yes, its BYOB), they'll offer to make it into a Sangria for you - so yes, if you want to partake in the Sangria, no need to buy that expensive wine :) The most memorable part of the meal for me was the beet and goat cheese salad. I normally hate beets and have been training myself to like them, but something about this was amazing. It had a citrus pop like the beets were coming alive with carbonation... fantastic. We also had a very well prepare Ceviche. We enjoyed a cherry-pie like desert that was served with an amazing type of chocolate (started with an X) ice cream. Service was good and our water was never empty. Will I be going back? ABSOLUTELY!!! read more

Chilam Balam - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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