Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering

Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering Costa Rican Restaurant

Overview

If you're craving a taste of authentic Costa Rican cuisine in Chicago, Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering is the place to be. Located at 1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, this vibrant spot offers a rich variety of flavorful dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to Costa Rica. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, Irazu has something for everyone.

One of the standout dishes at Irazu is their “casado,” a traditional Costa Rican dish that showcases the heart of the country’s cuisine. It typically consists of rice, beans, a meat option (like chicken, beef, or pork), fried plantains, and a simple salad. It’s a great way to experience a balanced and authentic meal, where every ingredient works together to bring out the best in the others. And let's not forget their ceviche, which is fresh and tangy, a perfect appetizer to start your meal.

The atmosphere at Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering is equally welcoming. The cozy, casual vibe makes it ideal for both quick visits and more laid-back, extended meals with friends or family. The service is friendly and efficient, always making sure you're comfortable and satisfied throughout your meal. It’s clear that the team is passionate about offering not just food, but a genuine Costa Rican experience.

In terms of the menu, Irazu goes beyond traditional favorites, offering a variety of options that cater to all kinds of tastes. If you're a fan of fresh seafood, their grilled tilapia and shrimp dishes are incredibly popular and full of flavor. For those who prefer something hearty, their steak options, cooked to perfection, are a favorite. The menu also includes vegetarian options like the vegetable-packed “olla de carne,” a delicious stew that's both nourishing and satisfying.

Something that sets Irazu apart is their catering service. If you're planning a special event or gathering, their catering menu allows you to bring a taste of Costa Rica to your celebration. Whether it’s for a small get-together or a large party, the restaurant offers an extensive catering menu that ensures your guests enjoy a memorable meal. The quality of the food remains consistent, whether you're dining in the restaurant or having it delivered to your event.

When it comes to reviews, Irazu has received a lot of praise from both locals and visitors. Many diners mention how the dishes are bursting with flavor and how the friendly, attentive service makes the experience even better. The authenticity of the flavors is a big draw, with many visitors commenting that it’s one of the best places to enjoy Costa Rican food outside of Costa Rica itself.

For anyone new to Costa Rican cuisine, Irazu is a fantastic introduction. The flavors are bold, but not overwhelming, and there’s a perfect balance between freshness and richness in the dishes. And if you’re someone who has already visited Costa Rica, the dishes at Irazu will feel like a little taste of home.

Not only is the food top-notch, but the restaurant’s location is convenient for anyone in the Chicago area. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Irazu’s inviting atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it worth the stop. Plus, with their catering options, you can enjoy Costa Rican food wherever you are.

Irazu’s commitment to bringing Costa Rican cuisine to the heart of Chicago has earned it a loyal following. With a diverse menu, exceptional flavors, and a warm atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering is a must-try for anyone looking to explore new tastes or revisit their favorite Costa Rican dishes.

Good to know

From the business

Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options

Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service Great cocktails Great coffee Live music Serves local specialty

Popular for

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Private dining room Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine

Dining options

Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Bar on site Toilet

Atmosphere

Casual Cosy Trendy

Crowd

Family friendly Groups Tourists University students

Planning

Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Children

Good for kids High chairs

Parking

Free of charge street parking Paid street parking

Pets

Dogs allowed Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 2678 reviews
Amazing 2935
Great 340
Okay 119
Not Great 28
Terrible 49
Delilah Crespo

We hosted my mom’s 80th birthday at Ñeca Costa Rican Restaurant, and it was such a beautiful experience from start to finish. My mom had a wonderful time, and our whole family left full, happy, and still talking about how well everything went. The food is delicious—honestly the kind of meal you keep thinking about after you leave. The drinks are top-notch too, and they really added to the celebration vibe. But more than anything, the service and staff were amazing. They truly took care of us and made the night feel easy and special. It genuinely felt like being at home. If you’re considering hosting a private party or any type of event, it’s absolutely worth it. They know how to make you feel welcomed, celebrated, and taken care of. Huge shoutout to Robert, who was our main server/host—he really hooked us up and made sure everything ran smoothly. And shoutout to the kitchen staff for putting out a great amount of food, plus everyone who supported Robert throughout the night. The teamwork was real, and it showed. Highly recommend—we’ll definitely be back.

Kyle Roberts

What an unforgettable dining experience. Every dish we tried was rich in taste and beautifully prepared. The casado skirt steak, empanadas, nachos, and shrimp ceviche truly stood out. The service was outstanding and made our family feel genuinely welcomed from the moment we arrived. I will be happily recommending this place to friends and look forward to returning to explore more empanada options.

Hagz

lrazú is phenomenal Costa Rican cuisine family Owen...The Pepitos sandwich with avocado is there signature sandwich...The Chifrijo appetizer was delicious recommend a small for two people and I ordered a vegetarian burrito added steak amazing there hot sauce is on point. The food is outstanding. The portions are very generous... The menu is very vegetarian-friendly, and the famous oatmeal shakes deserve the hype. 100% recommend!

Bailey Smith

we have been loving this place! the food is amazing and so fresh. i always bring my friends from out of town and they love it too!! the sandwiches are amazing and we always the ceviche and skirt steak casados. everything is so delicious!!! also be sure to get the watermelon drink :)

Argelia Martinez

I brought my parents for the first time and we absolutely loved our breakfast. My mom is very picky because she likes home cooked meals. She loved the plantains and traditional dish because it reminded her of a home dish. Looking forward to going back.

Samantha Evans

Tito was an amazing server and he walked us through his favorite dishes (10/10!!). The steak casado, pepito and coconut shrimp was our favorite plus the horchata of course.

Tonio “Him”

I recently tried this Costa Rican spot, and it was fantastic! The steak sandwich was the star of the meal—perfectly seasoned, tender, and packed with flavor. The bread was fresh and had just the right amount of crunch, making every bite satisfying. The chicken soup was equally impressive. It had a rich, homemade taste with plenty of tender chicken and fresh vegetables. It felt warm, comforting, and full of authentic Costa Rican flavor. Great portions, great taste, and great value. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Karyna Azarian

Took ceviche and their (recommended by the waiter) famous skirt steak. Food was ok but not yummy, given we asked for their specials. We were surprised at how relatively dry the skirt steak was. Plantain fries were good. Ceviche was good portion wise, flavor was also slightly amiss Nothing wrong with the place but the music was pouding club-style at 12 pm so we had to ask to tone it down politely :) we couldn't hear the person next to us..

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