Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine
Mexican Restaurant
$$
4.6
(78)
Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine offers a delightful blend of authentic Oaxacan dishes that transport diners straight to Mexico. The restaurant is well-regarded for its warm atmosphere and attentive service, with many patrons praising the freshness and quality of the ingredients used in each dish. Visitors can expect a satisfied palate, though some have noted the portion sizes can vary.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (872) 315-2034
Address: 3231 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Opening hours
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Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" I recently visited Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine for brunch, and it was an extraordinary experience! The ambiance truly felt like stepping into a cozy Oaxacan restaurant. I had the horchata chai, which was a delightful twist on traditionally spiced tea. For my meal, I ordered the enfrijoladas, and they were hands down some of the best I’ve ever tasted! The black bean sauce was silky smooth and worked perfectly with the fried egg on top. I also got to try the dango dessert, which was sweet and comforting. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive as well. I can't wait to go back for dinner when they launch their full menu! Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Mexican food in a charming setting. Overall, the experience was a solid 5-star! I can't emphasize enough how much I loved everything here. " (*Curated Review*)
" Absolutely loved our time at Istmo! The moment we walked in, we felt welcomed. The décor is beautiful and pays homage to Oaxacan culture. I had the tlayuda with all the toppings – it was a gigantic plate of happiness! The flavors were rich and authentic; it reminded me of my last visit to Mexico. My friends raved about the garnachas; they were so flavorful and perfectly balanced. I also appreciated the service staff; they were attentive and genuinely cared about our experience. We finished off with the nicoatole, a sweet treat that was out of this world! Overall, a fantastic experience. Will definitely come back for dinner once their liquor license is active. " (*Curated Review*)
" Istmo is such a fantastic little spot! I’ve been several times and I always have a good experience. Their tlayuda is the best I’ve had outside of Mexico and it’s loaded with delicious toppings. The sweet blue corn pancakes are also a must! The staff is consistently friendly—a big plus for repeat customers. What can I say? I just love the authenticity they bring to each dish. I can’t wait for them to open up for dinner! " (*Curated Review*)
" My recent visit to Istmo was quite enjoyable! The ambiance was vibrant and energetic. I had the papas bravas and I was impressed with the seasoning they used! For main, the chicken enchiladas did not disappoint, they were filled with flavor. The service was outstanding; our server was attentive and informative about the menu. I do wish that there were more options for larger portions as I tend to eat quite a bit. Nonetheless, a great experience, and I look forward to returning! " (*Curated Review*)
" What a gem this place is! Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine deserves every bit of praise it gets. I came here with friends for a Sunday brunch, and we were all blown away by the food. Each dish came out looking beautiful and tasting incredible. I had the entomatadas, and they were perfectly sauced with a wonderful flavor profile - tangy and savory all at once. They also offer a great variety of mocktails which is a big plus for those of us who are steering clear of alcohol. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with lovely Mexican decor. The only downside was the wait time for our food; it took a bit longer than expected, but it was worth it. As for the service, it was friendly and attentive. Overall, highly satisfied and can’t wait to return! " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (64)
" Just had lunch at Istmo, and I really appreciated the variety on the menu! I ended up choosing the horchata latte and garnachas as they sounded intriguing. The latte was rich and slightly sweet, which I loved. The garnachas were decent; however, I found the seasoning to be a bit light for my taste. The atmosphere was lovely, and I admire the artistry in the decor. Overall, it was nice, but I hope my next visit offers a more flavorful experience with other dishes. " (*Curated Review*)
" This morning's brunch at Istmo was such a treat! Had their famous cafe de olla which instantly reminded me of my visits to Oaxaca. Pairing it with the enchiladas was a perfect choice! Each dish was full of fresh flavors, and the atmosphere was serene and inviting. I also noticed how friendly the staff were, adding to the lovely experience. I can’t wait to come back and try other menu offerings! " (*Curated Review*)
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