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Irazú Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Irazú Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
8.6
Chicago’s long-running Costa Rican spot turns out hefty skirt steak and vegetarian burritos alongside casados, empanadas, and the famous oatmeal shake. It feels more like a neighborhood cantina than a burrito shop, but national best-burrito lists and steady crowds make it a destination for Latin comfort food wrapped in a tortilla.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt Steak Burrito, Surf and Turf Burrito, Vegetarian Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Costa Rican cantina where hefty burritos share space with casados and shakes.
Who should go: Groups craving Latin comfort food and standout burritos.
When to visit: Weeknights and early evenings; weekends bring peak waits.
What to order: Skirt Steak Burrito, Vegetarian Burrito, an oatmeal milkshake.
Insider tip: It’s cash-only and BYOB, so bring bills and your own drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Milwaukee/Fullerton side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are common
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at weeknight dinners, louder during busy weekends
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak periods
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or seated quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several burritos, casados, and sides can be made vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few vegetable-focused items with modifications
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-light options, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than special-occasion nights — the vibe is relaxed, lively, and comfortable rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most parties walk in, but expect a wait during weekend dinner rush; arriving early evening improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly seating, approachable plates, and a casual room make it comfortable for kids and teens.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, generously filled burritos with Costa Rican flavors, plus broader homestyle plates and shakes than a typical taqueria
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale setting or highly customized dietary accommodations
Irazú Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
8.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Open since 1990, Irazu is Chicago’s original Costa Rican restaurant, drawing steady crowds for casados, pepito sandwiches, and shakes. A dedicated private dining setup and catering-friendly menu make it a go-to for casual but memorable group celebrations around Bucktown and Logan Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepito Steak Sandwich, Chifrijo with Chips, Oatmeal Shake
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Long-running Costa Rican spot with private dining and deep neighborhood roots.
Who should go: Groups craving relaxed, homestyle Latin plates and shakes.
When to visit: Evenings Tuesday–Saturday; avoid peak weekend rush if possible.
What to order: Pepito steak sandwich, chifrijo, oatmeal shake.
Insider tip: Use the private dining option for BYOB-style parties with set menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on surrounding residential blocks and Milwaukee Ave; can be tight during peak dinner hours and weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans and everyday wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is doable at smaller tables but can rise with large groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except during occasional office catering rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly plates (rice & beans, plantains, salads, and some sandwiches) with flexibility to modify.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 suitable options built around rice, beans, and plantains; ask staff to confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes (casados, rice & beans, grilled proteins); cross-contact not fully guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for comfortable, low-key dates than formal ones — warm hospitality and homestyle plates create an easygoing vibe, but the room can get lively during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties, especially on weekdays — expect waits on weekends and consider calling ahead or using the private dining setup for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, familiar comfort dishes, and friendly service suit families; evenings can be busy, so earlier visits work best with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Homestyle Costa Rican comfort dishes, budget-friendly group meals, and flexible private dining for casual celebrations.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale dining room, craft cocktails, or a highly formal private event setting.