Don't walk, RUN, to La Cocinita! This restaurant serves delicious Venezuelan food that will have you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. I ordered the El Pabellón Arepas, and I genuinely couldn't stop myself from finishing every last bite. The flavors were so rich and satisfying. The cocktails were just as memorable. I tried the Rumchata, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The restaurant itself is spacious, bright, and filled with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The staff were incredible. They were helpful, upbeat, and genuinely kind throughout our entire dining experience. La Cocinita is definitely a must-visit. I can't wait to go back soon! read more

La Cocinita - El Pabellon Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Would have loved to have tried this place out but after being seated and being asked for our order, our server ended up telling us they were out of guascaca and therefore only three arepas were available. Instead of maybe leading with it... Ended up leaving to get something else because one of things that drew us over was unavailable. Maybe if a place is reliant on one key ingredient make it known up front? read more

Found this place based on walkability from train & a concert venue this evening. Perfect light dinner! My husband & I shared 3 empanadas & 3 arepas. My favorite were the bean & plantain empanada & the brisket arepas. My husband liked both chicken. Yummy dinner for $15 each! read more

La Cocinita - Empanadas & Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

THEY WERE DELICIOUS! We tried almost all of the Arepas except for 1 (El Vegano) and my favorite one was La Llanera. The drinks were good and cutesy loved the mason jars. The service was amazing they were really nice and explained the menu to us since it was our first time trying Venezuelan food. Big shoutout to the two guys working late that night we went they treated us very kindly! I loved the aesthetic aswell. read more

La Cocinita - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

We ordered a complete taco bar for a 35 person party at my parent's house. We could not have been more pleased with the outcome. The food was delicious and we got many complements and inquiries as to where it was from. An employee came and set everything up for us and the food was displayed in a way that was not overwhelming. I will definitely be using La Cocinita for future events where I want an easy reasonably priced delicious buffet. read more

We shared yuca fries , empanadas and tacos and next time I won't be sharing . And I'll also come back for the arepas

At my age and my position in the world, I have very few "Firsts" left in me. By "Firsts", I mean something new, different, exciting and novel. Today, was the first time in my life I had Venezuelan food; and yes, it was new, different and exciting; and yes, I really enjoyed it. La Cocinita here in Evanston just north of Chicago was this super clean and well set up restaurant. Their menu had a very different take on south of the border cuisine. Of course my palate has had: Several variations of Mexican food Argentinian Steak Peruvian Ceviche El Salvadorian Pupusa Cazuela from Chile and many more, but Venezuelain food has its own taste and make up. We ordered: * Tres Tacos - and yes they were tacos, but not Mexican. The flavors and consistency were way different but good * AREPAS - which is "Venezuela's Gift to Humanity" (as they call it). They are handmade stuffed cornmeal patties with your choice of proteins. Very good and very different * Build Your Bowl Customized Caribbean-Style Bowl with Your Choice of proteins - also very good Why the three stars? With their restaurant being almost empty at the odd hour we came, our order took over 30 minutes to be served. It didn't make any sense? Apologies accepted, I don't think I'll come back. read more

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Went here for a late lunch / early dinner on a Saturday and the place was pretty busy inside! The staff members who helped me out were extremely nice, friendly, and all had smiles on their faces which was greatly appreciated. Ordered a handful of things including a Venezuelan food platter, a side beef empanada, and La Llanera arepa for my friend and I. Everything was really really good, although I did kind of find the food to be a bit on the pricier end in general. The nice thing was that we had arrived for happy hour so two cocktail drinks came out to around $12 or $13 which is a steal! Loved the food here - just wish the prices were slightly lower. read more

La Cocinita - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The La Siftina arepas were excellent and very filling. Service was also friendly and speedy. read more

La Cocinita - La Sifrina Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Had this catered for lunch! SO GOOD. Both the chicken and pork were cooked so tender. Also loved the cabbage slaw. read more

La Cocinita - Tacos - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Came back a few weeks ago. This time with a large group of about 16 or so. We gave a heads up to management to make sure the number was ok. I again really appreciate the staffs service and accommodation of such a large group. The food as always was wonderful, tasty and surprisingly for the number of people only one person had a bit of a wait for their food. Thanks Rachel for making sure we were taken care of! read more

We have had their food truck at our annual company picnic for several years in a row now and I can't believe I haven't left a review yet! The entire team is a pleasure to work with. From help getting a menu put together, great communication every step of the way, prompt setup, friendly team and amazing food that leaves all our guests raving! The empanadas are amazing, the bowls are delicious, and the maduros are to die for. They are also vegetarian and vegan friendly. I have no pictures because I'm usually too busy running around, but next year I'll try! read more

Amazing is an understatement! One of the best arepas I have had in a very long time! All the flavors and the soft but gooey arepa bun. It was a party in my mouth! I will be coming here again! The staff was so nice and was very welcoming! read more

La Cocinita - El Pabellon Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The foods was so good that I wanted to keep eating but ran out of room in my stomach. The service was great. The music and ambience made me feel like I was visiting Venezuela. I enjoyed every moment! read more

La Cocinita - Us after eating all that delicious food - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Sorry I took a bite before taking the photo. I used to come weekly during my first pregnancy, always got the sampler...The low rating is due to the portion size which has become nearly half of what they used to be; the sope and the plantain much smaller in size... considering this is now $4 dollars more... defn not worth $17. The good thing is that the taste is still the same, but due to the shrinkage of the sizes, this will be my last order. read more

La Cocinita - Veme - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

They used to be around the corner on Chicago, remember that! Now their bigger and better with a full bar. I had a menu item. The staff and service are loquacious. read more

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Love this place. We order from them all the time for our paddle team matchs (IYKYK!). Food is fresh and excellent quality, generous portions. It's the 'good place' we cater from. They have amazing sauces to go with everything. New space is cute, and has cocktails for dining in. Plus they are very accomodating for gluten restrictions (my daughter is GF). It's in our rotation for good. read more

This place was so amazing! The food was Devine and the environment was great! Will definitely be coming back for more! read more

La Cocinita - La Llanera Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Delicious from start to finish. Don't let the casual ambiance fool you. The food is amazing. The Tropical Agua Fresca was zesty and refreshing. I had the Venezuelan Sampler and each offering g was interesting and tasty. We also shared the roasted vegetables which were surprisingly yummy. read more

La Cocinita - Kitchen and bar. - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Super yummy arepas! They are the perfect size! I got the llanera and the meat was cut into pieces but it was enough and really tasty! I would definitely come back! I loved the cheese too! read more

La Cocinita - La Llanera Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

First time dining yesterday. Happy Hour 7 days a week is unheard of. Our server was friendly and helped guide us on what to order. Everything was fresh and delicious. I see us being regulars. And they deliver! GO!!!! read more

I ask for wasa caca and they didn't want me to gime any they said they put some in my order I got home and nothing I ordered arepa de pollo was under cook read more

La Cocinita - Venezuelan Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Went for happy hour and stayed well beyond. The food is so flavorful and the service was excellent. I got the arepita and the pataconcito to start. Both were amazing. Our whole table ended up ordering a bunch of plates and sharing bites. The chicken tacos were great for those with picky palates. Desserts were also great! The flan and the bread pudding were major hits. Do not miss the RumChata. With homemade horchata and Venezuelan rum... I will dream of this drink. read more

They just moved to new location on Davis. It's not set up as a conventional restaurant more like what they have at Devil Dawgs simple tables and chairs very clean. You order at the counter and someone brings food to you. They have a nice selection and between 3-6 happy hour prices offering a very nice Margarita price and portion size. Offering for regular menu make your own Bowls as well as empanadas and arepas as well as tacos. Good portions and nicely seasoned. Excellent choice for a healthy no frills meals. I recommend highly. read more

La Concinita catered our end-of-the-year faculty & staff party, and it was Amazing! We ordered the taco bar, black bean salad, salsa, and guasacaca. It was all delicious, ordering was easy, and the food was ready to be picked up at the designated time. The food was a big hit. Everyone was asking who catered the event. Thank you, La Cocinita! read more

Fantastic new space! I brought my parents here for an early dinner and it happened to be happy hour as well! (3-6pm) All of the food and beverages were fantastic. Service was friendly and fast. Fish tacos were a hefty portion and perfect amount of sauce/toppings. Arepas were AMAZING. The brisket and sweet plantain one was my favorite because it was truly the perfect blend of flavors. The carne asada arepa was also fantastic. Vegetarian options are plentiful as well. Mushroom arepas were delicious. Margaritas were good and the mango agua Fresca was fantastic. Cannot say enough good things. read more

Get the brisket. Just get the brisket. Everything we had was really good; the service was so sweet and friendly; the new place is charming. Oh! Get the brisket. read more

The new location is quite nice. Can be a little loud but it is that kind of place. The have cocktails, etc. The food is very good and interesting. Service is friendly. read more

Today was the first time that I have ordered from here, and I regret not doing so sooner. I got a pork empinada and 3 different arepas. Not only was it delivered super quickly, but everything was steaming hot. The food itself, was flavorful at every point of your bite. The sauces add to their food, and bring it to a whole other level of deliciousness. RUN, don't walk, to give this place a try!!! read more

Their food has always been amazing, but their new location is a so so much better. So first, the food is incredible. Every arepa I've had here has been outstanding, and it looks like they've expanded their menu and I look forward to trying more. My 1.5 yr old toddler devoured her meal, too! The service is top notch, and the ambiance in the new space is excellent - big, bright, welcoming, and upbeat. You have no reason to not try it! read more

The food here is very delicious, and the service was fantastic. I will definitely be back!

I came to La Cocinita with a friend. The restaurant had been recommended by my daughter and this was my first visit. But it won't be my last. I ordered La Llanera, the arepa with carne asada. I never had an arepa before and It was excellent. The service was good and the waiter was friendly. I'm planning to go back to sample the other arepas as well as other items on the menu. I see that one reviewer thought the portion size was too small. I thought it was just right. Anyway, the place was great. read more

The food at La Cocinita is seriously fabulous!! Truly fresh and well-prepared. The space is bright and open. The servers were very nice, but equally slow. There were only two tables so it's not like they should have been overwhelmed. Never a positive sign when you see a server on his phone, while you're waiting to order. But we will definitely return and hope the service improves. read more

Love the new location! Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Dine-in was great with prompt, friendly service and a great space.

This Evanston spot serving up Venezuelan treats, is delicious. They have moved from their Chicago Avenue location to around the corner on Davis street, which offers much more space to dine with a clean and fresh appearance. I have never had a bad food or service. Honestly, I get the arepas (El Pabellon) because if brisket is on the menu and you are not a vegetarian and eat beef, why are you not getting it?! The meat is tender, juicy and flavorful served up on a wam cornmeal flatbread that is sturdy enough to accommodate the deliciousness inside. FYI this bread is traditional as in before Chris and his band of colonizers. Can't go wrong with a recipe that has suvived the ages. It is topped with black beans, sweet plantain, cheese and crema. There is the option to wash it down with Jarritos, Coke products or beer. They also have a food truck that travels...they've been at this for a long minute. It definately gets my recommendation...I don't know why everyone is not eating there! read more