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ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, Chicago, IL

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.7
4.7
29 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 36 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for brunch
  • Innovative
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 Fri–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 29 people are saying

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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mexican

  • Chicago

    Innovative

  • Chicago

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine offers an authentic taste of Mexico with "extraordinary food" and "delicious" flavors that transport diners to Oaxaca. The chef is "amazing," and the service is friendly and attentive. The vibrant ambiance enhances the experience, making it a must-visit for brunch and eagerly anticipated dinner.

29 Reviews

  1. christian

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service and ambience was excellent. Everyone was so eager to make our experience enjoyable.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sharon

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was an unexpected surprise for this area. we had the Carne/ chorizo, eggs, and patatas and blue corn pancakes with whipped ricotta and strawberries. Service was on point and the staff was friendly and accomodating. Will definitely add this to my rotation of brunch places.

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  3. David

    Chicago

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Such a great add to the neighborhood. The place was packed but not noisy. the food was delicious and very flavorful. Can't wait for them to open for dinner. Will definitely be back

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  4. VERONICA

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    I did not like the fact that they don’t have a variety of beverages. They don’t have soda, no decaf coffee, no alcoholic drinks. It was very disappointing. Literally all they have is regular coffee, tea and water,

    Is this helpful?

  5. Glynnis

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is such a great new addition to the neighborhood. The food is delicious, the coffee is great (served in the coolest mugs) and the wait staff are so friendly. The decor is interesting and the ambience is cozy and inviting. Can't wait for them to start serving dinner

    Is this helpful?

  6. Adam

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything tasted like it was made with love and you could feel the heart put into the space! Excited to return for dinner soon!

    Is this helpful?

  7. vera

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best meals I have had this year. The food was flawless as were the drink pairings. The chef came to the table and explained each course. One of the best meals I have had this year. Go before you can't get a reservation!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Vicki

    Memphis/West TN

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is very different than what u might be used to but DELICIOUS! Don’t know how they accomplish such great flavors. I hear they’ll soon be open for dinner and can’t wait.

    Is this helpful?

  9. CarolineV

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This place is the real deal. I wish we’d had a bigger group so we could have ordered the whole menu, as everything we tried was incredible. The food had a ton of flavor and the service was excellent (down to bringing my husband an extra corn tortilla so he could eat the last bits of sauce on his plate).

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Sheldon

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our second visit. Both were very good - pleasant service - excellent meal.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.7 stars by 29 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 36 times today
Google Map for ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

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

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Lake View
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Fri–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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