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Brasero

1709 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Latin American

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Brasero 8.5
West Town
Brasero is chef John Manion’s wood-fired Latin restaurant in West Town, built for celebratory dinners around grilled meats, seafood, and vibrant small plates. With a moody room, strong South American wine list, and press-recognized menu, it works equally well for birthdays, anniversaries, and group feasts.
Must-Try Dishes: Pão de Queijo, Wagyu Picanha Steak, Brazilian Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.5 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Wood-fired Latin cooking with a serious wine program and event-ready energy.
Who should go: Groups or couples planning a lively, upscale night out.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the dining room is buzzing.
What to order: Pão de queijo, Brazilian Fried Chicken, wagyu picanha steak.
Insider tip: Ask about the family-style menu for special occasions; it showcases more of the kitchen’s hits in one pass.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in West Town can be limited during peak hours; allow extra time or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — think date-night attire, though nice jeans are fine.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is doable but expect a celebratory buzz during peak service.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; without a reservation you may face long waits or limited availability.
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for lunch; evenings are the focus.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some vegetarian small plates and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — expect a small handful of plant-based options.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-leaning, but confirm with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the moody lighting and polished vibe make it romantic, though the lively energy leans toward fun rather than quiet-intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially mid-week or early evening, but weekends typically require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens — there’s no kids’ menu and the vibe skews celebratory and adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Special occasions with Latin-inspired flavors, strong cocktails, and a festive dining-room atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-casual dinner or strictly traditional Latin dishes without modern interpretation.
Brasero 8.0
West Town
Brasero is a wood-fired Latin restaurant where much of the menu can be experienced as a shared, multi-course feast that functions like a casual tasting. Groups build the progression from pão de queijo and small plates to grilled meats and seafood, supported by a strong South American wine list. It feels celebratory without requiring a white-tablecloth budget.
Must-Try Dishes: Pão de queijo with chimichurri or dipping sauces, Brazilian fried chicken, Wagyu picanha steak from the grill
Scores:
Value: 6.4 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Wood-fired Latin cooking built for multi-course, shareable celebrations.
Who should go: Groups or couples planning vibrant, upscale-but-fun dinners.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the room and grill are buzzing.
What to order: Pão de queijo, Brazilian fried chicken, shared picanha steak.
Insider tip: Order in waves so the table feels like a rolling tasting instead of one big drop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but limited during peak dining hours; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for night out vibes.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversations are doable, but expect a buzzy room during prime time.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–90 minutes at peak.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — focus is primarily dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but choices are narrower.
Gluten-free options: Good support — many grilled dishes are naturally gluten-free; notify your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the shareable format and warm, fire-lit energy make it feel celebratory without being stiff. It’s better for fun dates than quiet, intimate ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or off-peak walk-ins have a shot, but weekends and prime hours usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens are fine, especially for early dinners. It’s not designed for very young children or stroller traffic during busy service.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want a festive, share-everything meal with bold flavors and wood-fire character — without fine-dining formality or prices.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, ultra-formal tasting structure, or extensive vegan options.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm