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ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, Chicago, IL

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.7
4.7
120 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL 60657-2172

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
We celebrate the culinary connections between the Oaxacan region in Mexico and a neighboring international cuisine. It highlights the vibrant flavors, traditional techniques, and unique ingredients of Oaxaca, while also incorporating elements and influences from a neighboring culinary tradition.

Meet Carlos Lopez Muñoz, a culinary virtuoso hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Oaxaca, Mexico. His gastronomic odyssey began in the heart of his family's kitchen, weaving a narrative steeped in the rich culinary tradition of "El Istmo."

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (872) 315-2034
  • Website
    https://www.istmochicago.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Lopez Muñoz
  • Catering
    contact@istmochicago.com
  • Private party facilities
    Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca! Immerse yourself in an exquisite culinary experience featuring authentic Oaxacan cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavors. Our skilled chef will delight your palate with traditional dishes, crafted with the freshest local ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 120 people are saying

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine offers "authentic Mexican food" with a vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff. Diners rave about the "amazing food and drinks," highlighting dishes like the "Chamorro Enguajillado" and "Mole con pollo." The restaurant is praised for its "creative and unique menu" with a warm, welcoming ambiance.
120 Reviews

  1. Liz VIP

    Chicago14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent food and wonderful cocktails. Everything was prepared with detail. We loved the food choices we made. We will definitely be back.

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  2. Natascia

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely loved it, wonderful food great staff.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Loni

    Chicago4 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    The food lacked flavor. More servers were needed as my server seemed like she didn’t have much time for us. Had two drinks and only enjoyed the second one.

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  4. Todd VIP

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food and great service from our server, Mesly. All of the food was great. The most memorable was the Chamorro Enguajillado, which was served flaming. My cocktail was the Raizes Sour, unique and excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Elizabeth

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing staff. Delicious food. Overall great experience

    Is this helpful?

  6. Osvaldo

    Minneapolis8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Istmo was truly a magnificent experience, the food and flavor transported me immediately back to Mexico to my mother’s or grandmother’s cooking. It all comes from the soul and love for Mexico, there are no words to describe how wonderful the experience was. Istmo is a one of a kind spot and brings the roots of Oaxaca to the table. Thank you for such and an amazing home feel experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Eduardo h

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Un excelente restaurant todo muy rico la comida muy rica las bebidas Exelentes el personal los meseros muy atentos el shef muy buena honda siemprz atento 100% recomendado

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  8. Ned

    Chicago57 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great new place . Exciting menu. Glad they now have alcohol . Good drinks and a few Mexican wines . I tried the red blend and it was delicious.

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  9. Kayne VIP

    Naples3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So blown away by this seemingly unsuspecting restaurant. Inside was bright and welcoming with fun, aesthetic decor. Fantastic menu with plates perfect for sharing and good cocktails. I can’t wait to eat here again.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Patrick

    Raleigh2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great vibe, high quality ingredients and authentic menu, great cocktails, pricey but what isn’t

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.7 stars by 120 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Lakeview / East Lakeview

Make a reservation

Booked 18 times today
Google Map for ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL 60657-2172

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Lakeview / East Lakeview
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Lopez Muñoz
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch
  • Website
    https://www.istmochicago.com/
  • Phone number
    (872) 315-2034
  • Catering
    contact@istmochicago.com
  • Private party facilities
    Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca! Immerse yourself in an exquisite culinary experience featuring authentic Oaxacan cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavors. Our skilled chef will delight your palate with traditional dishes, crafted with the freshest local ingredients and time-honored recipes.
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