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Istmo is a vibrant restaurant located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico, with a unique fusion of flavors and techniques from a neighboring international cuisine. Helmed by Chef Carlos Muñoz, Istmo offers a menu that showcases Oaxacan classics like mole and tlayudas, along with creative, innovative dishes that reflect a modern twist on traditional Mexican fare. The restaurant also features an extensive selection of traditional Oaxacan mezcal, making it a destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive dining experience in Chicago.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3231 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (872) 315-2034
Website: https://www.istmochicago.com/
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Related Web Results
Istmo | Oaxacan Cusine
Experience the vibrant fusion of Oaxacan cuisine and international flavors at Istmo, a Mexican restaurant in Lakeview, Chicago.
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, Chicago, IL – OpenTable
Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine is a “hidden gem in Lakeview,” offering “amazing flavors” and “authentic regional Mexican cuisine.” Guests rave about the “excellent food, …
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine (@istmochicago) – Instagram
Welcome to Istmo, serving Regional Oaxacan cuisine in Chicago. Crafted by chef @cblmunoz. 3231 N Clark St. Mexican breakfast & Dinner.
Reviews
Ash C
Went here for the first time with friends for brunch and we were all really impressed. The flavors a freshness of everything were outstanding! They had mocktail options, which I really appreciated. I started off with the Piña Tatemada, which was lovely and delicious. We shared the Tlayuda (fun fact: it’s gluten free, which our GF friend appreciated). The flavors in this dish were incredible and the tomatoes were so fresh. For my entree, I had Huevos Divorciados, which was also excellent. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to come back!
… moreMaggie Delaney
Absolutely love this place! I’ve come back 3-4 times. Hands down one of the best margaritas in Chicago.
I just went for restaurant week and tried the ceviche, scallops with mole rosa, mole chicken, cod, and mole baklava. Fantastic and tasty menu for restaurant week.
They get the flavor and spice levels so right, the mole was deep and complex, the chicken very moist and cooked perfectly. Highly recommend this spot and I’ll be back!
… moreI just went for restaurant week and tried the ceviche, scallops with mole rosa, mole chicken, cod, and mole baklava. Fantastic and tasty menu for restaurant week.
They get the flavor and spice levels so right, the mole was deep and complex, the chicken very moist and cooked perfectly. Highly recommend this spot and I’ll be back!
Marco Lopez
We came here for both a private dining event and a brunch and we were blown away both times. Great flavors and a wonderful staff. The chef made an effort to speak with us on both occasions and really puts a lot of effort and thought into his dishes. A new favorite and would highly recommend to anyone considering coming.
… morePiggly Wiggly
We tried NYE prix fixe menu ($105/person). The food itself was nicely presented but overall tasted pretty average for the price, and it leaned more “American fine dining” than bold, traditional Oaxacan flavors. As Oaxacan person it doesn’t feel authentic at all. If you’re coming mainly for a date-night vibe and service, it works; if searching for authentic Mexican food, you will be disappointed
… moreBrittney Edel
Everything about this place is amazing! Came to this place the first time with a friend tonight and we booked reservations online for restaurant a week. We notated in the reservation that I myself have a gluten allergy as well as a nightshade allergy. You might be thinking to yourself geez.. it’s going to be really hard to find something to eat with the nightshade allergy. The staff were so accommodating and the chef himself was able to find things for me to eat and try!
It’s rare that you find the details and the passion in service these days! This place has it though! The chef checked in and served us some of our food tonight. We even got to talk to the chef before leaving! Our waitress was also extremely attentive and very kind. 100% would recommend this place to anybody! Such an amazing experience! Thank you for everything that you do!!
… moreIt’s rare that you find the details and the passion in service these days! This place has it though! The chef checked in and served us some of our food tonight. We even got to talk to the chef before leaving! Our waitress was also extremely attentive and very kind. 100% would recommend this place to anybody! Such an amazing experience! Thank you for everything that you do!!
Shivani Shah
Just went for breakfast. Food was so good. Fresh, tasty, authentic. We got the dish with the red and green sauces – delicious! And the one with the sweet plantains and black beans. And the blue corn pancakes, which are perfect for anyone wanting warmth, some fresh fruits and fresh whip cream – without the sugar bomb. And the patatas bravas, which were some of the best I’ve ever had – perfect amount of spice (great for me, probably would have been too spicy for my kids). We left feeling full but not stuffed, and not feeling “gross”. Will def be back.
… moreRodrigo Velarde
Everything tasted great! The presentation was wonderful as well. The scallops did have an odd texture, maybe not the freshest. Although the pork shank has the coolest presentation, the outer layer had nice flavor but the inside meat flavor was just ok, kinda expected with pork. Not pictured but very delicious was the short rib.
Room decor is very nice, it’s just a small space. Service was excellent
… moreRoom decor is very nice, it’s just a small space. Service was excellent
Penelope Gutiérrez
Food was great. This is upscale Oaxacan food. With that being said, yes the dishes are smaller and more artistic. But the quality is there. The drinks are very good as well. The chef is doing great at sticking to the roots and hitting the authentic taste of Mexican food with all the spices.
We went for brunch and at the beginning it was not busy, but as it got busier our waiter was not checking in on us.
BUT the busers did a great job of coming and filling water as well as getting things for us. Truly enjoyed it and hope to be back soon.
… moreWe went for brunch and at the beginning it was not busy, but as it got busier our waiter was not checking in on us.
BUT the busers did a great job of coming and filling water as well as getting things for us. Truly enjoyed it and hope to be back soon.
The Windy City
What an awesome experience. The drinks are so innovative and unique. The Dzuladi is unlike anything you probably ever had and is so tasty. Highly recommend as an entry theChamorri en guajillo….. it is pork shank in a mole and it is so tender you will not need a knife. If you want something lighter the bacalao is perfect and reminded us of Mexico. Dessert was the Nicoatole, a delicious corn and custard treat. Service from Angela, and suggestions made for a great dinning experience.
… moreGreg P.
Took a group of 6 here for dinner and had a great time. We got a bunch of dishes to share with the highlight being the Shrimp entree for all of us. I also quite enjoyed the corn cake dessert. The cocktails were a surprising delight and a star of the night.
… more