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Chilam Balam
Tapas Restaurant and Mexican Restaurant$$$$
Lake View East, Chicago
The experts at Food Network and Chicago magazine recommend this place
"Love BYOB!!!!!!"(7 Tips)
"New favorite Mexican joint in Chicago."(2 Tips)
"Go with friends and order one of everything."(2 Tips)
"wine for sangria or tequila for margaritas"(2 Tips)
41 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- BYOB
- order one of everything
- tequila
- sangria
- good for dates
- (15 more)
Sort:
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Food NetworkAugust 4, 2014Chilam Balam puts a "punk rock twist" on organic and farm-fresh Mexican tapas. According to Guy, the chicken flautas with pickled cabbage and homemade queso had great crunch and flavor. Read more
Chicago TribuneJune 22, 2012In keeping with the trend of designer tapas in subterranean restaurants, Lakeview's Chilam Balam is a basement-level dive with an upscale pedigree. The shiitake mushroom empanadas are a must-try! Read more
Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014You can always count on plenty of grilled meats, complex sauces and seafood. Bring a bottle of red wine to make your own sangria or tequila to spike the house-made limeade. Read more
Jason SearbyFebruary 26, 2014The sweetbreads are tasty. Ask for a little lime to get a bit of acid in to it. As a BYO, don't forget they'll let you bring wine, beer, OR tequila.- vanFebruary 17, 2013put your name in and go across to friar tucks while you wait! or go pick up wine for sangria or tequila for margaritas, it's byob! and cash only!
Jake SmithJune 1, 2013The grilled flank steak was delectable, and it came with tortillas (to make tacos out of the dish). I will also endorse the guacamole, but you were going to get that already, right?
Chicago magazineApril 16, 2012Try the seared scallops with a sweet-corn sauce, and the tamales—no matter the flavor of the day—are first-rate. Excellent service and fine homemade hot chocolate. Read more- Food NetworkJanuary 3, 2012Guy Fieri hit the road for homemade Mexican dishes at Chilam Balam, where they are making shiitake mushroom empanadas and flautas from sustainable, farm-fresh ingredients. Read more
Allison KaminskiJanuary 3, 2015Order the waiters recommendation since the menu is always changing! Trust me everything is good here!
Kelly FoxAugust 26, 2013Intimate environment. Eddie, one of the owners, is the man. Everything on the menu is delicious, so don't be shy.
Kevin TriskettNovember 18, 2011Enchiladas potosinas and Pan seared scallops from the December menu are two of the best small plates I've ever eaten. Great food and atmosphere.
KaligatorSeptember 11, 2014Cash only - byob - they'll make you sangria - the chile en nogada was unbelievably delicious
paul christopheOctober 15, 2014Literally, everything. We had ceviche, duck tamale, and sweet breads, all were phenomenal
If you see octopus on the menu, get it...you ll thank me later
Melissa EDecember 11, 2014The wait staff is great and really helpful with suggestions. Go with a seasonal selection. BYOB!- New favorite Mexican joint in Chicago. Tiny, cash only, no reservations - cool vibe. Mostly small plates, so I'll list my three fave - pork short ribs, grilled shrimp, and empanadas.
BrandonMarch 15, 2020It’s BYOB! Bring wine or if in a group of three or more bring tequila to mix with the limeade- When I say everything here is good you just have to trust me and try it cause I'm not lying
Ken MuenchJuly 3, 2011BYOB, delicious high end Mexican joint, real DF and Oaxaca style by a kick ass chef. Tiny underground place Read more
DailyCandyDecember 9, 2010The year’s best Mexican spot serves our favorite guacamole, peanut butter and chocolate empanadas, and is BYOB to boot. Read more
Chris LJanuary 13, 2013Bring your own cork shrew if you want to have more than 1 battle per two people. Or just bring screw top bottles.
Louis Brinkman JrDecember 10, 2011They don't mind beer or wine, the only liquor they approve of is tequila
Kelly KniewelOctober 9, 2009Grab a bottle of wine, go to Chilam Balam, and order one of everything on the menu. Or, just anything on the menu...it's ALL fantastico!
96 Photos
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Open until 11:00 PM (Show more)
- Tue–Thu
- 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
(773) 296-6901
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner
Drinks
Beer, Wine, BYO
See More
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- 9.1
"Great tapas! A Chicago classic."
Go Find Alice - 7.7
"Great bar and restaurant! Loved the drink menu, the bartenders make delicious drinks! Try the Autumn and Agave, Pendejo Anejo, New Fashioned & the Margarita en Fuego"
Angie Osmanski - 7.8
"Sensational food recommend the tasting menu although it's a lot of food!"
Amber Nelson
Places people like to go after Chilam Balam
- 7.2
"Really cool place to hang out in Lakeview. Karaoke night here is awesome!"
Adam Miller - 6.8
"This is a great neighborhood bar. The staff is super friendly and they have an awesome, newly remodeled deck in the back."
Geo K - 8.6
"Very cozy place with a fireplace, books, and amazing Mac and cheese."
Mark Brouch
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