ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.7

31 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

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.

Location
3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL 60657-2172
Neighborhood
Lake View
Parking details
None
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch

Experiences

ISTMO NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER
$95.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Join Istmo for an enchanting New Year's Eve celebration! This experience is $95 per person and includes a 5-course tasting menu and a bubbly toast of Monte Xanic Rose with an option to enhance your experience with a wine pairing or cocktails for $45. We look forward to toasting to 2025 with you as we reflect on the past year. We can't wait to share this special evening with you!

What 31 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

4.6Food
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.

31 Reviews

D
David
Chicago
76 reviews
vip
4.0
76 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
after having great brunch here joined them for their 3rd night of dinner service. the food was amazing. my friend raved about his chicken with mole . still no liquor license but BYOB worked well . def worth a visit will be back
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S
Steve
Chicago
66 reviews
vip
4.0
66 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Busy place, vibrant crowd...very good food...a bit pricier than most brunch places
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c
christian
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 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?
S
Sharon
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
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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D
David
Chicago
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
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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V
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,
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G
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
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A
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!
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v
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!
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V
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.
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FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.7 stars by 31 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

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.

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

ISTMO NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER

Menu

What 31 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine restaurant rated?

Is ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information