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Name: Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine
Address: 4569 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630
Telephone: (773) 427-4239
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.96

Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine

4569 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630

(773) 427-4239
Store is closed

Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine Menu

Entradas - Small Plates

Papa O Yuca A La Huancaina

Ocopa

Ensalada Mixta

Palta Rellena Vegetariana

Palta Rellena Con Pollo
Sopas Grandes - Large Soups

Parihuela

Sopa De Mariscos

Chupe De Camarones

Sopa Del DIa - Soup Of The Day
Chicharron - Fried Seafood Entrees

Chicharron De Calamares

Jalea De Mariscos

Chicharron De Pescado

Camarones Fritos

Filete Alo Macho
Carne Y Pollo - Meat & Poultry

Lomo Saltado

Pollo Saltado

Estofado De Carne O Pollo

Seco De Carne

Seco De Cordero
Platos Vegetarianos - Vegetarian Entrees

Fettuccini Al Oleo Con Champinones

Tallarines Verdes Con Champinones

Vegetales Al Oleo

Arroz Chaufa Con Champinones

Champinones Saltados
Desserts

Crema Volteada

Flan De Cafe

Pionono

Milhojas

Alfajor

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine

Entradas - Small Plates

Papa O Yuca A La Huancaina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ocopa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Mixta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Palta Rellena Vegetariana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Palta Rellena Con Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sopas Grandes - Large Soups

Parihuela [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chupe De Camarones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa Del DIa - Soup Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chicharron - Fried Seafood Entrees

Chicharron De Calamares [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalea De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicharron De Pescado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Fritos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filete Alo Macho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Carne Y Pollo - Meat & Poultry

Lomo Saltado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Saltado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Estofado De Carne O Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seco De Carne [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seco De Cordero [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Platos Vegetarianos - Vegetarian Entrees

Fettuccini Al Oleo Con Champinones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tallarines Verdes Con Champinones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetales Al Oleo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Chaufa Con Champinones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Champinones Saltados [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Crema Volteada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flan De Cafe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pionono [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Milhojas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alfajor [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Kelly M.

Ay Ay Picante is a fantastic restaurant! I make the trip to the north side just for their ceviche selection alone! Great vibe, very friendly and attentive staff and BYOB! They have a cute outdoor area with heat lamps which is cozy and great ambience inside the restaurant as well. We went the other night and Dago was our server. He gave great recommendations on the menu for us to try and kept our bread basket full along with the green salsa/sauce which is so tasty!
(5)
Steve G.

I took a couple of friends to Ay Ay Picante last night as a returned favor. We had a great dinner. For appetizers, we got the avocado stuffed with a chicken-salad-style concoction of carrots, potatoes, and peas, as well as the yucca w/cheese-and-peppers sauce. Both were really tasty and fresh. Each entree was really good. My wife got the Lomo Saltado, which is beef, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and fries sauteed together and served with steamed rice--in fact, she's picking at the leftovers as I write this. I got the Seco Cordero, which is lamb (I think braised in corn beer) with peas, red chilis, and white beans. Our friends were both very pleased with their seafood entrees. I'm looking forward to going to Ay Ay Picante again.
(5)
Guillermo M.

The ceviche in this place is extraordinary.
(4)
Jamie B.

Are here last week and the place had a romantic ambiance but you can also go with friends. I went with my girlfriends and it is BYOB. They were very attentive and the food was delicious. The calamari was exceptional. Probably one of the best, especially with the cilantro and pickled red onion. I had the salmon with artichokes and that was juicy and the seasoning in the artichoke and mushroom medley made it even more delicious! I would definitely go back to try the flank!!
(4)
Sarah V.

We called up to reserve a reservation. No Problem. And they were really good about reminding us that Ay Ay Picante was a BYOB restaurant and that most people bring wine or beer. This is a great tip because we had never had Peruvian food before. We were sat at a very small table for two next to the window. If I spread my arms out I would be touching the next people's entree. This is my only negative tick about this restaurant. I'm a VERY talkative person. I feel wine and food deserve a fun, talkative time. I'm sorry for the people who sit next to us. Unless they liked our convo. We started off with the Ceviche Mixto. Excellent. Citrus-y yummy goodness. He got the Lobo Saltado which was huge and filling and I got the Chef's seafood special. Yes, we should've shared based on the portion sizes.... but we don't listen to other reviews :) Because our waiter was new (but he was really good) we got a free flan dessert! We are very happy with the restaurant. Industrial neighborhood, easy free street parking, small, cozy place!
(4)
Michelle M.

A friend of mine was having a birthday dinner with close friends a few weeks back. Stopped into the location and it was very nice. I never noticed this place. Staff was very cool and helpful when I tried to figure out what I wanted to order. I ordered chicken with rice. The food was very good. Its BYOB so even better. Will have to go back to try something else on their menu.
(3)
Jasmine L.

Damn good. A friend of mine is Peruvian and this is the place she takes the fortunate people, like me, who she wants to expose to great Peruvian food. I've had a lot of Latin American food before (I'm Hispanic and I'm from a city with a high Hispanic population) so I've tried versions of some of the dishes here. If you like seafood, there's only one dish you need to order: ceviche. I've had a lot of ceviche in my life and Ay Ay Picante makes some of the best ceviche I've ever had. I've had a lot of the other dishes there too and there's never been a miss. Lomo saltado is a good choice if you like steak and fries. If you're feeling adventurous, try the beef heart. It is awesome. The only negative would be location, if you live in the city. It's not terribly convenient to public transportation. However, parking isn't too bad if you can drive there and it's worth the cab fare.
(5)
Angelique R.

We decided to wander down Elston for lunch today and found Ay Ay. We were seated promptly in their back garden area, and the service was very friendly. The vegetarian options were very limited, basically fried rice and fettuccine. Non-sea food options were also quite limited, but the menu is quite expansive otherwise. The green sauce served with bread was yum yum! I liked their iced team w/ lime as well. I would go back to try some desserts.
(3)
Chicago J.

As usual, checked out the menu and fellow yelpers reviews beforehand. I decided on Pescado Frito, because I enjoy tilapia and the description claimed it is a dish found on every street in Peru. Sold. Nice authentic Peruvian experience. Everything on my plate was fantastic. The rice, even though it was just plain rice, was filled with flavor. So many restaurants that offer rice as a side and it's just bland. The fish was fantastic, cooked to perfection, and also very flavorful. Very nice wait staff, extremely helpful and friendly. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Andrew K.

Wait staff is friendly and attentive. Food is generous and delicious with reasonable prices. Sometimes can be a tad salty but nothing that would make me complain. Their empanadas are very good. The filling is unique with olives, meat and raisins. I have also had their breaded steak with fettuccine and basil sauce. That was very good too. The green sauce that they serve with the bread is incredible. They sell it too! Been there 4 times in the last two months and the restaurant has been very consistent so far. Haven't been able to make it to the the dessert course though!
(5)
Byron H.

I was on the way back from the DMV when this little gem lit up what was otherwise a wasted day. I saw the sign, realized I wasn't familiar with Peruvian cuisine, and made a fortuitous stop. I've been back three times now, and I can sum it up as thus: Eat the seafood dishes...they are fantastic. The salmon appetizer is crazy good and the shrimp and salmon entrees are superb. I did have the steak on the third trip and it was sup-par...but really, that's my fault for eating steak at a place where I knew to eat seafood. BYOB. Good service, great fish, and great ambience. Try it.
(4)
Sheila X.

I was taken to this restaurant by a Peruvian friend. So from the beginning I had high expectations.... The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating. While the inside is dimly lit and romantic, we have always chosen to sit outside.... (Chicago has a short summer, have to enjoy it while you can!) We usually start off with some wine, BYOB! Then come the entradas (small plates, or appetizers)... The Humita Salada is an appetizer which is very similar to a chicken tamale, and I would definitely suggest it to someone who is weary of trying new food. It is a safe, but delicious dish. The dinners come with a large amount of food. The Pollo Saltado is boneless chicken breast with tomatoes, onions, garlic, parsely, and spices and is served on top of a bed of rice and delicious fries! . The one downfall would be the desserts, we tried two, and I wasn't a fan of either one. The Tres Leches and the Cheesecake both tasted sugar-free. The tres leches was also a bit dry. Overall, the food and ambiance is good. Good place for an inexpensive date!
(3)
Zeke G.

Dined here for my friends birthday over this last weekend. The place had been recommended to me by several friends in the past but i have to say sadly this was my first visit. I have been missing out all these years! The food was amazing, the wait staff was very attentive, the Peruvian pan flute version of "My Heart Will Go On" all came together brilliantly for a spectacular lunch. So much so, that I did two things that I rarely ever do... and that is give personal compliments to the chef and secondly order dessert, which, by the way was also excellent. Also if they suggest coffee after the meal, take them up on the offer the roast we had after the meal was full bodied nutty and delicious. A great compliment to the dessert! I highly recommend!
(5)
Yesenia S.

The best Ceviche I have ever tasted! Ceviche is one of my favorite dishes and my aunt and mother make a killer Ceviche. This place outdid both of them by a large margin. Ay Ay Picante is BYOB and it has a nice candlelit romantic atmosphere. The price range is reasonable and the food is great. It is for sure the best Peruvian food I've ever had. One of Chicago's best kept secrets!
(5)
Aura A.

OMG this place is WONDERFUL, everything was perfect, thank you Guys to care of my family last week, I really suggest this place like NUMBER ONE!, authentic Peruvian Cuisine! Go there for Lunch, Dinner or on a weekend surprise that love one! Prices are GREAT!!
(5)
Kelly K.

The fish was really fishy and overloaded with sauce. Ew!. My husband was a fan. I am definitely not.
(1)
Lala S.

Ay Ay Picante is a little off the beaten path. Then again, isn't everything that is located on Elston? When we walked in I was a little scared because we were the only people in the restaurant, but opted for the outside patio ( I went in the summer, duh). There was another table that seemed to be having a hell-of -a-time, so that made me more at ease. Service: They checked on us about 50 times. It got to be a bit irritating, but I think they were just trying to give Customer Service 200% so I can't really fault them for that. I was confused because we had like 10 waiters. 3 people had asked to take our order. Menu: Their menu is quite extensive and my knowledge of Peruvian food is a little limited. It took me a while to pin down what I wanted. What I did know is that I wanted CEVICHE. Food: The CEVICHE was plentiful and absolutely yummy. My friend and I were stuffed after we finished our ceviche. Plenty of seafood and delicious Peruvian corn (my fave!). Our food came out and we were ready to keel over. The plates were enormous. I don't even think a Sumo wrestler could have finished a plate in addition to a starter. I would definitely go back if I was in the area.
(4)
Alejandra Ines R.

This place is WONDERFUL! Try anything....I dare you- it'll be good. My husband and I took my mom there to celebrate a promotion and it was spectacular. This BYOB is very dark, the service is attentive, and it's very cozy. It is kind of small, but we got there around six and it wasn't bad so i suggest an early arrival. The ceviche is hearty and everything a ceviche should be. The steaks were tender, the sauces amazing, and everything was downright flavorful. This is a gem, don't let the random location fool you.
(5)
Maria A.

We came here with a livingsocial coupon and it was fantastic. The food was tasty and portions are generous, the service was attentive and care about us all the time. We tried "seco de cordero" or Dry Lamb, "Palta rellena de pollo" or Avocado filled with chicken and a Fish that I forgot the exact name. The bill was $48 without tip so we only have to pay extra $18 which is wonderful !!! My only complaint is there is no high chairs for babies and they forgot to give me the spoon I asked for my daughter, I think the service is awesome but they have to be trained to care about kids too.
(4)
PHIL S.

Located off the beaten path this place offered great value on Steaks. Had the surf and turf an order of rice and the Shrimp stuffed Avocado. They also had live music performed by a creepy looking Peruvian chief.
(5)
Anatoly D.

How can you not like a place that has something like ten kinds of ceviche? Great food, charming atmosphere, and excellent service. Not sure how it got its name -- Peruvian food isn't particularly spicy.
(4)
Arlene C.

Walking in the door, the ambience is set. Romantic. Music and the aroma filling the air. Every table is candle lit. Cute little place. I think I need to try it on the weekends. It was suggested to make a reservation. Reccommended by the Hungry Hound, Check Please and Chicago Tribune. Oh the Lomo Saltado looked so tasty as I peered over to the neighboring table but the Host / Server suggested I try the Tierra Del Mar..... The Ceviches de Camarones is good. The chicharon con calamari is delicious.
(5)
Suzy C.

Yummers! Great atmosphere, great food, and best of all- really reasonable prices! Nothing is over twenty dollars and the food was great. I had the surf and turf and my filet mignon was super tender and cooked to perfection. The turf part came as a calamari, shrimp, and mushroom sauteed in seafood sauce. They gave me great big pieces of calamari and it was great. I wasn't a fan of the seafood sauce, but it's not b/c it wasn't good. My tablemates loved it, but it was a little creamy for me. My fiance had the lamb which he loved and our friend had a giant plate of deep fried calarmi, shrimp and fish. His dish was delicious! The batter was really crunchy and well seasoned, but not too heavy. This plate is pretty big though, and a lot of fried food for one person, so it would have made a great appetizer to be shared among four people. BYOB!
(4)
Oscar A.

I have been to Aye Aye Picante a half dozen times already, and I am a big fan. The ceviche mixto is amazing, and I love the fact that its BYOB. By far one of my favorite latin restaurants. Never disappointed when I eat here. I believe that they will have a patio opening soon but unclear.
(4)
Iris H.

Incredibly delightful! Forgive me for not remembering/knowing the names of the dishes. I plan to go back and try everything again and again. Definitely the place to get experimental with sea foods. Went last evening with the bf It was pouring rain and we sat outside on the quaint, covered patio Felt like going to another world The staff is remarkable generous and giving Piping hot tasty table bread and a delicious green, heat laden, garlic-y sauce that was so yummy I asked to purchase some to take home (and they gave use lots of little containers to-go) Started with a stuffed avocado appetiser with chicken, mayo, peas and spices -- wow! More green, garlic sauce and bread - Mmmmmm. Glasses and glasses of brewed, refreshing iced tea w/lime and sugar. Sweet! BF had a shrimp, squid and salmon plate laden lime infused, sweetie sweet potato, delicate spices and the largest, starchiest earn of corn (very earthy flavor -- interesting) I had and beef dish with large, melt-in-your-pie-hole chucks of beef over rice with veggies and a side of delicious and savory beans in a lightly bacon flavored sauce. Dessert (only because I saw the presentation at the table next to us) was a heavy, crusty-layered caramel cookie-like pastry surrounded by whipped cream. I think we took about 2lbs. of left-overs home. Tab came to $62. including $12. as a tip. A bargain! BYOB -- didn't know that - shoulda thunk about it. Bring vino or your fave beer selection. The cooks, servers, bartender and patrons were so joyful and relaxed. Only drawback/weird thing: Unisex bathroom with a urinal right between the toilet and vanity. Not so cress. But maybe in line with the entire Peruvian feel. Way way way too much food -- could have served 5 of us all told if needed. I'd give more stars if I could -- one the best dining experiences I have had in many years.
(5)
Y V.

I had a wonderful dinner here last night. This Peruvian restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, but that's not the case when you walk in. There are lovely Nazca murals on the walls, warm colors throughout, and candles lit on every table. I'm generally indifferent to "atmosphere" (as long as the food is good, then I'm happy), but this place made me smile. The first thing you get when you sit down is a basket filled with warm bread, butter, and a side of aji sauce. Aji is a green chili sauce that's creamy, spicy, garlicky, and addictive. Spread some butter on a piece of bread, dip it into the aji, and eat. That bread basket was empty within a few minutes. We tore that stuff UP. Aji = liquid gold. I used the sauce throughout my meal, too, since it goes well with pretty much everything. Appetizers were next. The Anticuchos were excellent. Two skewers of marinated, thinly sliced, and grilled beef heart with roasted potato. Yes, beef HEART. It was perfectly cooked, too. Remove the meat from the skewers and dip into the aji. I could eat 10 of these. I'm just gonna say it - I *heart* beef heart! The Chicharron de Calamares is another addictive dish here. It's deep-fried calamari, Peruvian-style. I've had a lot of fried calamari in my time, but this was one of my favorite versions. The batter was well seasoned and very crunchy. Just like "chicharron", hence the name. My nickname for it is "calamari crack". The calamari is served with salsa criolla, fried yucca, and corn. The salsa criolla is thinly sliced red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, which was delicious with the calamari. I had the Lomo Saltado next. It's another classic dish that I love because it reminds me of homecooking. I grew up eating meals similar to this one. It's simply a beef stir-fry with tomatoes, soy sauce, onions, and fries with garlic scented rice. Delicious. I also tried the Seco de Cordero dish, which was lamb cooked in Inca corn beer, peas, red pepper, mashed beans with bacon, and garlic scented rice. I thought the lamb could have been braised longer, but the flavor was definitely there. Service was great. I would love to come back and try their ceviches and other "small plates". And it's BYOB! I think we have a winner here. Ay Ay Picante is a great addition to the neighborhood. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------- 7/10: Had dinner here earlier and everything was delicious. I ordered the chicharrones de calamares appetizer (excellent as always) and the ceviche mixto. This is a generous portion of tilapia, shrimp, squid, and octopus marinated in lime juice, chilies, cilantro, and red onion. Simple and very fresh. I've found my two favorite dishes here and I'm sticking to 'em! (my only issue is that I wish the ceviche came with a side of something crunchy, like canchita). Apparently they just opened a new outdoor patio, so check it out the next time you go. And don't forget - it's BYOB :)
(4)
Susan L.

The food here is great! I really wanted to try nearly everything on the menu (except for the pasta dishes--I didn't realize south american cuisine was known for its pasta). Order the ceviche--even if you don't like ceviche (like me). It's to die for. Remember that they DO "take reservations" but DO NOT honor your reservations and actually reserve a table for you. You will wait. We waited an hour, in an apartment basement, 3 doors down. Bring a friend.
(4)
Dago S.

Greatest peruvian restaurant I've tried! + the amazing waiters make this restaurant perfect! I definitely recommend this restaurant for a romantic date or a casual stop.
(5)
C S.

For a $22 lunch special of filet minon skewers, I received a skewer of mostly raw beef
(1)
Terri N.

Celebrated a friend's birthday here last Thursday at 8pm. Such a wonderful cozy place. The staff were all accommodating and kind. They gave us ice buckets for our wine and beer bottles, corked it without a fee and split our tabs without even complaining one bit. The food was awesome. A few food we had on the table were: Green pasta (sort of like pesto but peruvian style) with sauteed mushroom, chicken saltado, lomo saltado, calamari I can't remember the rest but all the gals seemed to have enjoyed all their food without complaining or sending anything back. Portions were huge. Great flavors and ratio of meat to rice. I had actually order the arroz con pollo to go and another chicken saltado plus their beef empanadas for the family and they loved it. They actually raved about the infamous green peas rice, moist chicken, and said everything had great flavors. Definitely a great place to dine with the family and friends. Byob.
(4)
Alejandro S.

Not a fancy place but best ceviche in town so far. Prices are fair, service is ok.
(3)
Bill M.

This is a small but comfortable restaurant on an obscure stretch of Elston (and only a few blocks from my house). The place looks like a "taco stand" (as once described by an opinionated date of mine) from the outside, but its interior walls are decorated with Nazca-line stencils to emphasize its Peruvian roots. My buddies came in on a post-snowstorm Friday night a bit before 7PM and it was deserted, but the place quickly filled up with diners armed with their BYOB selections. I went with the in-house Inca Kola, a bright yellow soft drink reminiscent of cream soda. Every table gets a basket of bread with butter and a zingy light green sauce that I have seen in most Peruvian restaurants. My dinner selection was estofado de pollo, billed as a Northern Peruvian stew. It featured a nice-sized slab of boneless chicken slathered with a thick red wine gravy of tomato, potato, raisins along with white rice. It was very tasty, and admittedly I liked this entrÃ©e better than the seco de cordero (lamb) dish I had here a few moths ago, which featured a bit too much bone and fat on the plate. One of my friends had the pollo saltado, featuring chicken pieces mixed with peppers and onions over a bed of fries along with rice, while the other enjoyed his fried tilapia platter with salad and rice. Desserts are rather large in size and include tres leches cake, cheesecake, and dulce de leche in either a stiff napoleon pastry or a cake roll. The service is friendly (my glass of water was never empty) and the atmosphere is pleasingly casual. It's nice to reminisce about my trip to Peru in 1996 while dining at Ay Ay Picante (ah...Inca Kola...ay ay).
(4)
Jennie C.

What can I say I love the food here. Starting with the wonderful baked bread and Green Aji sauce. I love the Lomo Saltado, Tallarines Verdes con Bistec and Papa a al Huancaina. I have even made their recipe of Papa a al Huancaina and it came out just like theirs, except my potatoes were too soft. Oh yea I can't forget about the Peruvian cookies. LOVE THEM!!!!! We will be back many more times with our friends.
(5)
Kristen W.

Great restaurant. Very cozy and romantic on this cold, rainy Monday evening. Loved the candles all over and the rich red tablecloths and warm terra cotta walls. So inviting. The food was great. If you order a 'small plate' to start with, be sure to plan on sharing, there will be plenty. The ceviche though, is huge. One of their ceviche orders is more than enough for a table of 4 to try. And please do try the ceviche, it is crisp, tangy, the seafood is tender and it is incredible. I had the beef marinated in beer and peppers with peas and rice. This must be Peruvian comfort food- it was great. My date had the arroz con mariscos, he loved it and said it was like a Peruvian paella. I can definitely recommend this restaurant. Enjoy!
(4)
Jelly C.

Thank God for a friend who suggested this place for a dinner date 2 years ago! Ay Ay Picante has become one of my go to restaurants... They have awesome ceviche mixto... The boyfriend and I always order it. It's a generous portion and o so yummy! We also tried the tamals, something avocado, and something potato for appetizers... All were good but nothing mind blowing. My beau loves the lomo saltado... what's not to love about meat and potatoes wonderfully seasoned, right? We also tried their paella like dish... called something. Sorry, I can't quite remember names... add on the fact that it's in another language, making it that much harder to remember but there are descriptions so you'll find it, no problem. Will definitely enjoyed the flavor-tastic rice although there probably isn't a dish he wouldn't enjoy from here. The last time we went, I ordered the fried shrimp for my entree because I wanted something fried and oily (weird craving right?). I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was my battered shrimp not oily (which ended up working well for me), the batter was so tastyy and the shrimp was big and plump! Usually, you would have to dip your fried somethings in some sort of sauce, but these beauties were good on their own. The portions are pretty big... one appetizer (because you HAVE to order the ceviche) and 2 entrees is already way too much for the 2 of us... I always end up ordering more than we can chew but we're more than happy bringing it home and enjoying some later. So... here's what you need to do if you want to eat here on a weekend. Just to be safe, call first. Business is very sporadic. Sometimes, the place is packed throughout the night, other times, they wished they were packed throughout the night. We usually get there early to beat the crowds but when its a busy night, we only beat them by minutes. They don't have a waiting section so the crowds are usually tightly packed against the door... or outside in the cold.
(4)
Barbara M.

The only reason I ended up at this place is because my 16 year old son had an extra credit project do for his spanish class over Christmas break and tells me two (2) days before he's to return to school.......WTF ??? It was either make a pinata, which is at least an eight to ten hour job,(mostly done by Mom, of course) or visit an authentic South American restaurant from the list provided by his spanish teacher, we chose the later. This is a small cozy restaurant filled with quaint little tables with white table cloths and Peruvian designs on the walls. There weren't a lot of people in there when we arrived, but that quickly changed. We started off with two appetizers, the first one we tried was palta rellena which is an avocado stuffed with potatoes, green peas and mayonnaise. It almost looked too pretty to taste because of the way it is presented on the plate. It's something like potato salad, but much yummier and it was very good. The second appetizer we tried was anticuchos which is a Peruvian shish-ka-bob. This was so tasty and I almost ate it all. The beef was so tender and seasoned just right with garlic and other spices. Since neither of us has ever eaten at a Peruvian restaurant before we ordered papas a la diabla which was a large skirt steak cooked just right and accompanied with potatoes with cheese and peppers and white rice. The steak was similar to the anticuchos we ordered as an appetizer but not as spicy or as tender. We also ordered the seco de cordero which is lamb cooked in Inca beer with peas and sun dried red chilies. It was very tender but I didn't like the fact that there were bones in the lamb and it seemed more like a stew, but I was very happy it was served with white rice and frijoles canaries, which is like white whole beans. I would definetly go back to this place for the appetizers alone, but also to try some of their seafood entrees. I would give this restaurant 4 stars because although it's not my kind of restaurant, the food was delicious and the wait staff were pleasant.
(4)
K T Y.

Service: The service here was great. Our waiter was attentive for the entire 2 hours we were there. Atmosphere: Small, dark & loud: Food: Now for the best part. Every appetizer we ordered was spot-on. Really delicious expecially the ceviche and the chicken stuffed avocado. I had the sirloin. DEFINITELY PASS!! It just tasted like tough beef. Will definetly go back.
(4)
Megan O.

how can you not love this place!?! BYOB, fresh baked bread, the green sauce to go along with it, limo saltado, the empanadas....everything is soooooo good!! I used to go here once a week. The staff is super friendly and helpful!!! I love this place and can't say enough good things about it!!!
(5)
Lori K.

LUV LUV LUV!!! went to this place for the 1st time on friday and i have to say its on my top 3 list of places to eat in Chicago. great service and nice atmosphere. we sat in the outdoor seating area. i had the shrimp bisque with rice and my hubby had salmon topped with mushrooms. everthing was so flavorful. not ur average shrimp and salmon. we also had the empanadas and calamari which were also very tasty. the calamari was cooked just right. not greasy like at most places. and it was served with an onion mixture that paired very well. also had some type of cream pastry for dessert. light sweet taste. A+++++.
(5)
Lawrence Y.

This is the second Peruvian restaurant I have been to in Chicago, and it's probably my third favorite. I think if it were closer to home I'd definitely eat here more often, as it balances price and quality. First, I think the restaurant seemed a little crowded, table-wise. There weren't a lot of people around but I felt like the tables were way too closer than they should be. Anyway, on to the food. I ordered the Lomo Saltado (as I always do) and it was really good. How can you go wrong with Lomo Saltado? The service was fine but forgettable. My roommate ordered this other dish with peas and tomato sauce, and it wasn't appetizing at all. I have only been here a couple more times but that is due to the fact that it's pretty far from where I live.
(4)
SheRat R.

Great food, good service. It's loud in there, so it's good for privacy. I was even able to scold my date about being a drunken asshole the night before without anybody noticing. But remember, it's BYO, so if you need a glass of wine to steel yourself for the above-mentioned type of convos, you'll need to bring the bottle yerself.
(4)
Lex B.

What a little gem! Went for a friend's birthday dinner, and everything was delicious. People were not lying about the bread and aji sauce. Absolutely heavenly!! I highly recommend the cerviche mixto and the surf and turf. And if you have room for dessert, get the flan with chocolate. We had the plain flan as well and both are worth making room for! On a side note, Doug Sohn from Hot Doug's was eating there.
(5)
Kan C.

After seeing an episode of Check Please!, we needed to try this place out. It did not disappoint. We came here on a late weeknight and it wasn't too busy. We started with an order of the Tamal Peruano and it was delicious. Unlike tamales I've had in the past, this tamal was wrapped in a banana leaf instead of a corn husk. An Asian twist to the classic tamale we all know. We were given complimentary bread with a green dipping sauce that was probably the best bread I have ever eaten. The sauce was just as phenomenal. For our entrees, I ordered the Arroz con Mariscos after seeing it featured and my girlfriend went with the Ceviche MIxto. The ceviche was loaded with seafood including a lot of tilapia and had such great flavor. We liked that it included jumbo Peruvian white corn. The Arroz con Mariscos was a lot of food as well and loaded with an assortment of fresh seafood. We were shocked at the amount of food. There was plenty leftover for a second meal the next day! Our server was extremely nice and we liked the fact that he really took care in making sure we enjoyed our meal. He knew that we were going to like the green sauce with the bread, so he brought us extra before we even asked and kept checking on us to make sure that the meal was satisfactory. We were both so happy to finally try this restaurant since it is kind of located far off on an industrial strip on Elston, we didn't know what to expect. It was just a great experience and probably some of the best bang for your buck in Chicago.
(5)
Michael B.

I love this place. The people working there are absolutely delightful, like a family. They are genuinely happy that you came, delighted thrilled and proud if you like their food and sincerely appreciative for your business. The service was attentive but not intrusive. Our guy Julio, was fabulous. When queried, he gave us an intro to the region of Peru where the cuisine originates. When I see many Peruvian and or South/Central American looking families eating there, I know it's the real deal. This region in northern Peru traditionally serves Steak and seafood so... there is NO traditional Peruvian chicken served here. You will get outstanding family style Ceviche, marvelously spiced and savory sauces, and decent sized meat and seafood dishes and interesting tasty appetizers. It's BYOB. I think a Malbec work's here. They JUST opened a new outdoor patio!
(4)
Tom M.

An absolute disaster! My wife and I both have a lot of restaurant experience, so we tend to be patient and understanding w mix-ups and problems, but this was an epic train wreck. Basically sat for 90 minutes and never got our dinners while everyone seated before and after got theirs. Waiter completely disappeared. Asked several people about our food and were given hollow responses. Eventually we asked for a check......waiter magically appears offering to box our long awaited food and give us a 20 percent discount. What a joke! Never again.
(1)
L S.

Extremely expensive for the quality of food served. The food was just ok, really, not worth the price. The ambiance wasn't nice and it didn't feel clean. Not coming back.
(2)
Rosa J.

Yelp loner, Mrs. Rosa J., with her nerdy hubby went on to a search for food in the neighborhood of Albany Park. Her original target was Susie's on Montrose, but they took a hide on the Christmas Day. Rosa J. and hubby then diverted themselves to Elston walking toward the north direction. Lo and behold, Ay Ay Picante opens. Evidence? There was a lady walking out of the restaurant with her take-out. Ready, set, and let's get inside. They have a pretty extensive menu, ranging from meat, poultry, vegetarian, and seafood. Hubby and I both love seafood, so he picked out a salmon dish, and I took the young man server's suggestion: cau cau de mariscos. This is a seafood casserole dish, with octopus, shrimps, garlic sauce, and steamed rice on the side. Although the seafood dishes appeared to be pricy, they were generous with the portions of seafood. Hubby's dish had an entire filet of salmon, with the mandarin sauce and mashed potatoes. By the way, the green sauce that was offered with the starter bread was amazing! It wasn't too spicy, but the flavor was just in the right balance of garlic and other blend of spices. We both enjoyed the food, a lot. The portions were quite large, so I took some home. Guess Rosa J.'s Christmas was just as awesome, when food keeps her company. We found a yelp check-in offer (30% off on one entree) and inquired the young man if this was valid. This wasn't today, but he manually applied the discount to us. Well, you didn't need to do that, but thanks a lot, sweetie. The total came to a little more than $40, with two (2) seafood entrees and two (2) cans of Inca Kola. I will complete the mission to track down the Inca Kola at my local Hispanic supermarket because that stuff is quite delicious! It's located on Elston in the Albany Park neighborhood, so there should be a plenty of street parking. The bus isn't accessible on Elston, but the nearest stop is Montrose (CTA bus 78), coming from the south, or Lawrence (CTA bus 81), coming from the north.
(4)
Kat L.

I really can't dish anything negative! This spot is great for a dinner date, or just an intimate dinner with one or two friends. The ambience is definitely more for a date, with low lighting and candlelit tables. Food: soooo delish! Their green sauce that comes with table side bread is just too damn addicting. Skip the butter. Use this on your bread. In fact, I use it on everything. I dip my steak for the lomo saltado in it, too. The lomo saltado is the only entree I get, really. But I have tried some other appetizers. The stuffed avocado is really good, too, being light but flavorful. It's got the flavor of a 7-layer salad, and is sooo filled with avocado. We ended up saving some to pair with the lomo saltado. This place usually has a groupon available, so be on the lookout. Otherwise I do think it's a tad pricier, but still worth it. For an awesome chill, quaint restaurant in the area, it is an absolute must-try
(5)
Paul C.

No air condition . expensive price for a restaurant on this location . . No parking. Food is OK but to expensive for what you eat Also they do false advertising . they offers Peruvian buffet on their Facebook page .for July 4 and you come here and nothing .
(2)
Rolando F.

I did not like this place. Not really what I'm accustomed to having. I figured I'd give it a shot and see if it could work for me. My instinct was right. Not the best I've had. I had their green pasta with grilled chicken. Their pasta was a bit too heavy, they put too much sauce. Their Aji was not even spicy, bread was flavorless.... Not some place I'd ever come back too and embarrassed to have brought someone here to enjoy this cuisine. I would never be back. Wouldn't recommend it.
(2)
Jennifer T.

I was born in Peru and grew up with my mother and grandmother making me many of these same dishes. With that perspective established, my review of this place can be summed up in one simple word: YUMMY!!!
(5)
R. F.

Really good place, love their food.
(5)
Amanda B.

This was my first time trying Peruvian and it was a 5-star experience. I had heard of this restaurant and had had it bookmarked for years. It's a small place and easy to pass by. I'm glad I checked Yelp before coming - this place is BYOB! On the way, I read a few reviews in hopes that a reviewer would point out a nearby liquor store or convenience store, but saw no mention of any. So here it is: there's a 7-11 at Lawrence and Elston. The "green sauce" that comes with bread at the beginning is unbelievable. My two friends and I kept requesting more and more. It's a simple sauce made with jalepeno but it's amazing! For an appetizer, we shared the ceviche de camarones - very good! The "golf sauce" it came with was pretty tasty, just a bit too rich for me. For my entree, I went healthy and got the vegetales de oleo and with it came steamed yucca. It was delicious! The portion was generous and I had extra for lunch. I especially loved the yucca. Service was great, no complaints at all. We had a Groupon ($16 for $30) and they were very accommodating. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
AJ N.

Wanted to leave an update because I went back here recently, during an incredibly busy dinner rush. I just really wanted to compliment the staff on not only accommodating myself and my family, but for being incredibly gracious even when they didn't have to be. Huge props to the staff!!
(4)
Donna V.

Great customer service. The food was delicious and they served us warm bread which was excellent. The only downfall was that my cup of as caked with previous food and the waiter had to get me a new glass. The food was tender and the rib eye steak was cooked to perfection.
(4)
Jeralyn M.

Never have had a bad meal here. Love the Ceviche Mixto!!
(5)
Cristina G.

Please update your open time with yelp as we arrived at 1130 am to find the place still closed even though yelp listed the open time at 11 am. The restaurant website says 12pm, so the restaurant needs to update their profiles with yelp and others.
(1)
Kathy S.

Service is great very friendly staff. Food is fantastic. I would definitely come back.
(5)
Michelle R.

Ay Ay Picante is my all time favorite Peruvian restaurant. First and foremost, you must try the green spread on your French bread. This is a creamy spread and just has a hint of spice that's perfect. My friends also like to add butter onto their bread, but I don't personally think it's needed. My go to dish is the Lomo Saltado. This delectable dish consist of onions, tomatoes, strips of steak with French fries and served with white rice. I must have a side order of Platano maduros (sweet plantain) as well. I'm Puerto Rican and that's one of my favorites!! A plus about the restaurant is that its BYOB. I like to come here with a group of girls. I've celebrated my birthday here a couple times and it's certainly a memorable event. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. Recently, the owner provided me with a business card to another restaurant they've opened up called, Ceviche on Diversey near California that's also BYOB. I've been meaning to try them out with some friends, possibly a double date and switch up this time.
(5)
Michelle B.

I have a Peruvian husband so he takes me to all the Peruvian restaurants when we are in bigger cities so I am pretty familiar with Peruvian food. I loved this place. I had Lomosaltado and it was amazing. Spices and recipes are so good here. Service was awesome. They had regular "American" soda products which a lot of Peruvian restaurants don't do. Just google the restaurant and you can see all the good reviews that it has received. The only thing that I have to say negative is that the place did not have air conditioning and they advertised a 4th of July buffet that was not there. Great place for families and really is a "restaurant" atmosphere not just a dive in a bad section of town. 5 stars for me!
(5)
Crystal R.

I have been here several times, the first two times by choice and the last time I had to be coaxed. Overall, the food was bland and of the five dishes that I tasted, only one would have again. The service is good, though but I need more than that to consider returning to a restaurant. Maybe it's because I'm Latina that I have a higher standard of Latin food, but I seriously don't get how high a rating this place gets outside of its cool atmosphere.
(2)
Linh L.

For the price, the food is decent. We ordered the ceviche and surf 'n turf. It wasn't amazing. I don't think I would care to come back. The entrees are huge too. Make a note not to eat the tres leches. It had to be the worst I've ever had! It tasted like old cake with milk, so the texture was weird. Of course it was moist, but also crumbly. Also, I really loved their green-avocado-spicy sauce with the bread. It's reallyyyyy good. You know what's weird though? They don't have hot sauce!
(3)
Katherina O.

I always order the same dish, steak papas a la diabla and I get extra potato sauce with it. Love that it's BYOB. The street parking is just really bad just make sure you have time to park.
(5)
Annie V.

I love this place! I've only ever gotten great service (and uh good looking guys) every time that I have frequented Ay Ay Picante. Our server this visit was Julio, who was very attentive, nice, and made our visit a delightful one. Upon entering, we were greeted and seated, given ice to chill our 3 bottles (its BYOB!), given wine glasses, and they even opened our bottles and poured our drinks. In no time we were given freshly baked bread, which smelled so nice and were so incredibly light and airy and fresh! It was served with butter and a green "Ay Ay Picante Sauce"... That sh*t was so good we asked for more and dipped literally everything in it! We ordered the fried calamari (yum), tilapia ceviche (omg-so Limey which I love), and lamb. Everything was so good! After a $16 groupon deal, our bill came out to $20! Can't beat that!! Furthermore, there was a group celebrating a birthday... On our way out, we took shots with them! All around good times!!! You really feel like you're getting more for your buck! I recommend this place to everybody. Parking is free, plentiful, easy to find, and yet they offer valet if you prefer. Do NOT skimp on tres leches if you try them!
(5)
Stephanie C.

I love this place, my boyfriend is Peruvian and the food tastes just like his family makes! Its a little pricey some dishes but it's really worth paying for! I. Wish they delivered
(5)
Alvita R.

Ay Ay Picante is perfect for new places to try.... The food was very tasty and flavorful. The fact that it is a BYOB makes it great for groups. Very fast paced and The staff was very friendly and gave suggestions on what to eat. We chose to go with the Tamale appetizer and Picante Mariscos (Seafood & Rice), Papas A La Diaba (Steak & Potatoes) for entrees.
(4)
Annette U.

After reading mixed reviews on here and hearing rave reviews about it from my friends, we decided to see how it was for ourselves. It is within walking distance from my house which is a plus since it is BYOB with no corkage free - score! We brought some white wine with us which the waiter promptly brought an ice bucket for and opened our bottle as we were seated. The menu is extensive and we checked it out before we went so we wouldn't be too overwhelmed. We ordered the papa rellena, shrimp ceviche, and seco de carne. Warning - do not fill up on the bread and aji sauce - it is so delicious and we kept chomping on it - you will not be able to finish your dinner. The papa rellena was delicious and the seco de carne was also good. I was disappointed by the ceviche - I've had ceviche at other places and this shrimp tasted a bit shrimp-y as in not too fresh. I think maybe I'm not a fan of this style of ceviche as it was swimming in a pink sauce which tasted a little lime-y but not as much as I would have liked. We ended up just putting more aji on it to make it more palatable. I would give them another shot - kind of disappointed the ceviche was a little different than expected.
(4)
Moe T.

Great restaurant for a date night. It's not a hole in the wall like most Peruvian spots I've been to but it has a nice restaurant ambiance and fantastic service. We had the empanadas to start which were perfectly crisped and had a nice hint of sweetness to them from the raisins. For entrees, we had the classic loma saltado. Tons of flavor from the meat and the veggies were cooked perfectly. The sauce soaking into the fries and rice made this dish outstanding. Secondly we had the ceviche mix that was also delicious. It has a nice citrus vinegar sauce and tons of seafood with a side of sweet plantain/potato that really set it off. My only knock on the restaurant is that they don't have hole in the wall prices, but again, it's not a hole in the wall spot like most other Peruvian places I've been to and the prices are more than reasonable. We really enjoyed our experience here and would definitely come back
(5)
Shashank C.

The food was delicious! Had the empanadas and anticuchos. The empanadas were especially amazing.. Had Seco De Cordero for the entrÃ©e. It was really well cooked and the lamb was tender.. Pricewise it is a bit expensive, but the flavors are worth it.
(5)
Lauren G.

If you've read my previous reviews you'll know this girl is a big fan of any place that's BYOB. The parking is God awful; it's really a hit or miss. The food in itself it's just to die and the prices are great for what you get. Huge portions. Their empanadas and any type of meat from the steak to the lamb is just SO SO good. It's fresh and seasoned so perfectly. The ambiance is dark and mysterious with dim lighting very romantic. I will say the tables can be way too close so if you're next to that obnoxious group it can really ruin your dinner. Definitely great food though.
(4)
Diana P.

Had a groupon. Walked in and ambience was warm and had a nice vibe. Only it was warm and they did not have a/c on. Staff was friendly, we ordered a papa rellena which was yummy and calamari which was soso but pricey. I ordered pollo and papas thinking I would get a chicken breast and fries but it was more like french fries w little shreds of chicken:( not cool an disappointed that simple plate was over $15 my husband ordered lamb and fries his looked better but nit sure if he liked but he didn't finish his plate at all, the food wasn't anything special by bill w tip and groupon applied was $75 for two people on appetizer and two plates with mostly fries. To espensive for simple items mostly fried.
(3)
Tyler W.

Don't understand the hype. Okay food. Good service but again okay good. The steaks were thin and didn't have much flavor... Probably won't be back
(3)
Melissa L.

Awesome place, awesome food, awesome staff. Simple as that. Any place that serves up tasty cuisine AND gets a two-thumbs up from my toddler girls is exceptional in my book. Our waiter was very nice & informative. Also very accommodating since we were there later in the evening, not long before their closing time. I'm very thankful that we were not rushed out, since we were their last customers. Will definitely be going back & recommend to friends! :)
(5)
Alexios T.

Food is terrific. my friends and i have been there several times. everything we get is amazing. the staff is very friendly. and of course, BYOB
(5)
Terrel K.

Right on point.empanadas were great.wife had a seafood mix which was great,and i had a steak and shrimp skewer which was awesome.good service and nice atmosphere forgot to byob but will next time.
(5)
Connie L.

I found out about this restaurant thanks to the help of Groupon. I ordered arroz con mariscos and the bf ordered a tilapia ceviche. My dish was good, but not good enough for me to order again in the future. Like all the other Yelp reviews, I would recommend the ceviche. The portions are definitely generous--the both of us packed up the remainder of our uneaten dinner, which made for a good lunch the next day.
(4)
Nancy H.

We ordered the ceviche mixto (tilapia, shrimp, and octopus), bistec encebollado, and churrasco a la parrilla. Food was mediocre to good. Just lacked that wow flavor. The churrasco tasted more like "a la frying pan" versus grilled. Both beef entrees were slightly overcooked, and the ceviche was different than I'm used to. The seafood and raw onions were swimming in a pool of orangy colored sauce, and it was room temperature. It was definitely too big of an appetizer for 2 people; 4-6 would be ideal. They should consider offering half portions of the ceviches because you can't really take it home and still have it taste fresh. On the flipside, we loved the warm, light, airy (free) bread and that amazing jalapeÃ±o garlicky green sauce called "aji"! I'm paying for this dragon breath now, but it was unforgettably good! Ask for more so you can dip your fries in it or pour it over your meals. Our waiter was really friendly too. This paragraph alone contains the reasons for the 3rd star. Overall, prices were steep for not enjoying our meal very much. Appetizers are under $10, ceviches average $16, vegetarian entrees are under $15, and meat & seafood entrees range $15-25. Note: BYOB
(3)
K N.

Every time we come here we are blown away by the food and the service. The cilantro cream dipping sauce for the bread is to die for. For an appetizer we always order anticuchos...delicious. My personal favorite entree is the filet mignon with a wonderful sweet, red wine sauce. Omg. Last night we also ordered "seafood rice" and it was packed with seafood. I'm from Charleston, SC and am so picky about seafood. This dish was great. It even included 3 oysters in the shell. We will continue coming here again and again.
(5)
Juan S.

The ceviche was decent, not amazing but let me tell ya....the anticuchos were among the best I've ever tasted.
(3)
Reda K.

Great place sorry you are moving. First of the bread is great and I loves the empanadas with eggs. Service was great as well
(5)
Magdalena L.

Not as good as I hoped for. after I read all of the good reviews I was expecting some amazing food. The chaufa was mediocre. Rice was a bit wet. The lomo saltado want too bad. The aji was salty and not very spicy. I guess u gotta go to Jersey or Peru to get good food. If you are ever in New Jersey go to Jaimitos or Venus. Bothe blow this place away on a bad day
(2)
Jes R.

Only reason they get 4 stars is cell phone signal is spotty lol , but really this is a great BYOB place with delicious food
(4)
Sid P.

Cozy (slightly dim but nice mood) atmosphere, excellent high quality food in generous portions. Friendly waitstaff and tasty ethnic cuisine. This is a great place to go, tucked into a mostly industrial/commercial section of Elston. Plenty of choices (veg, fish, beef, chicken), real variation, fresh baked bread with jalapeno spread that's just the right amount of heat. The menu is educational as well, describing some of the fusion that has resulted from Old World styles mingling with Peru's homegrown foods and tastes. And, it's BYOB.
(4)
Andrew S.

Wow! This is an amazing spot. This very authentic Peruvian restaurant offers incredibly fresh food and very kind and helpful staff. I have been twice, both with a colleague of mine who is from Peru himself. Feel free to order things you're not familiar with and enjoy what your tastebuds tell you!
(5)
Tony M.

This is my favorite Peruvian restaurant and the food there is really good. We started with an appetizer of the papa relleano and the empanada and both were pretty good. I also love the fresh bread that they bring out for you, soooo delicious. For the entree we had the Limo Saltado, which is my favorite dish there and she had the mixed ceviche. The dessert I want is always sold out, the alfarjoes. I'm sure that I spelled that wrong lol but you must try it if they have them.
(4)
Lindsay M.

The service was nonexistent. We arrived for our 8pm reservation and were in line behind two other couples who also had reservations. Shortly after, three more groups arrived right behind us. For 15 minutes, no host or hostess acknowledged that any of us were there, even when two tables opened up. I had to walk to the back of the restaurant to ask for assistance. The host followed me to the front and asked for the numbers in all of our parties. Another 15 minutes past and he never acknowledged any of us again. Eventually, every party that was in line with us stormed out. I walked to the back of the restaurant again to find the host and explained everything that happened. He offered an apology and a free dessert but I was no longer hungry and decided to leave. I hope he took my advice about keeping a wait list and not overbooking reservations. I have never experienced service like that and will never be back unfortunately.
(1)
Maury V.

I've heard so much about this place and when I saw a groupon for it, I immediately bought it. The first time I tried going was a Friday night. As I was circling looking for parking, I decided to call and ask what the wait was. I was told "oh you want to come in now, I wouldn't come in if I were you" I was so displeased with this kids rudeness I went elsewhere. Tonight, Friday I gave AAP another chance. After awkwardly standing at the doorway waiting in line like I was waiting to get into a club, my friend and I were seated. We ordered ceviche to share plus our individual meals at the same time . 20 min in, our cebiche comes. It was delicious I have to say, it was so limey and had sweet potato which was a good combo. AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER, we still hadn't gotten our meals. It was now close to 10 pm and we frankly felt ridiculous still sitting there waiting. They had a party in the back (seemed pre planned) of 35 and the waiter said that was holding the kitchen up. If your business cannot hold a party of that size and serve patrons in a timely manner, you need to rethink how you run your establishment. 10 minutes passed after we talked to the waiter and still NADA. So I told the waiter to just give me the check and asked to speak to the manager. When I expressed my disappointment to the manager he blamed his staff for "being slow" and offered us complimentary flan. I don't want your effen flan, I wanted my lomo saltado..an hour ago! Needless to say I rather let my groupon go to waste then ever return to Ay Ay Picante
(1)
Maggie W.

FABULOUS FOOD. We ordered a chicken dish, marinated skewers, a big fried talapia w/ side salad, and some delicious ceviche! Every entree was better than the last! Atmosphere is fun, beautiful low lighting, big families celebrating birthdays-- one of the best meals I have EVER had. You must go. And best of all?! BYOB!
(5)
John - Marce G.

Ay Ay Picante won me and everyone i've invited, to really enjoying peruvian food. I've tried others but keep coming back here. Menu has so much, i recommend you ask the waiter for his opinion if you are not sure what to order. So far, everything we've ordered has been excellent. Check out their Groupon.
(5)
Charlotte A.

I'm impressed. I'm never impressed. The food is so tasty with complex but not overwhelming flavor. Definitely recommend. Go out of your way for it. EXCELLENT!!
(5)
Kelly Z.

This was my second visit and I'm sure it won't be my last. The first time I was here, it was winter so I didn't notice the patio in the back. I was so delighted to see it today. Covered in vines and plants, it feels like a little oasis tucked away in the obscure Elston avenue. The meals here come in large volume, similar to home cooking. Well, I still struggle with the menu. I wish there were some pictures to tell what these things are so I can find the ones I had while in Peru. The first time I was here it was a couple of years ago. This year I went to Peru. Some friends were talking about going there next year so we came back here for the second time to share tips and ideas. It couldn't have been better. The waiter doesn't speak very good English so he took down the wrong item for me. Once I told them that was not what I ordered, they went back to make what I wanted while giving me the wrong one as complementary. AND at the end I chose not to order desert because they all seem too sweet. He came back with a complementary cake for me to try and a cup of tea to go with it. Can't beat that kind of hospitality!
(5)
Carlos V.

I really like this place, good peruvian food and it is BYOB. Favorites: Arroz con pollo, sopa a la minuta, ceviche de pescado, anticuchos y el lomo saltado. BAMH!
(4)
Dan Y.

Fantastic Peruvian food! We started with calamari, papa rellena and empenads. The calamari was pleasantly crisp yet lightly battered. Papa rellena looked like a dinosaur egg. A unique and tasty dish but very filling. Basically mashed potatoes rolled into a mini football and filled with beef, egg and olives then deep fried. The epenadas were not on the main menu. These were also pretty big and filling. Nice crust. For dinner I had the Lomo Salatado. Basically an everything including the kitchen sink dish. Ask for it with a fried egg and extra green sauce on the side. Very well seasoned beef and gravy pored over a stack of french fries and rice. The spicy hot sauce will help cut some of the richness.
(4)
Megan K.

I had a fantastic meal here, and I can definitely say that I am a fan of Peruvian food now, and I'll definitely be back at some point. We had a LivingSocial voucher ($15 for $30) that was expiring soon, so we made our way over here on a Thursday night. Since it's BYOB we brought along a bottle of wine to accompany our food. We made a reservation for 6:30 and when we arrived it was practically empty, but it started to fill up around 7 or so, so take this into consideration. The staff was extremely friendly and let us choose where we wanted to sit. They promptly opened our bottle while we looked over the extensive menu for our meal choices. It took quite awhile to sort through everything and decide on what to choose, but here is what we went with: 1) Appetizer: Palta Rellena Con Camarones: This sounded a lot better than it actually was, which I was disappointed about. Basically they took an entire avocado and stuffed it with diced potatoes, green peas, carrots, and mayo and had four large shrimp around the outside along with half a hard boiled egg and two tomato slices. The presentation was gorgeous, but the flavor was lacking and under seasoned. Avocados, by nature, are rich and buttery but always need at least a little salt or pepper to coax some flavor out of them. The mixture inside was all just a bland mashup of each flavor. We sprinkled some salt and pepper on the appetizer, but all and all it was an utter failure. I always feel like I'm insulting the chef by adding salt and pepper, but this was an insult that he needed to see as my taste buds were let down and offended. The saving grace of the "appetizer" phase was the complimentary bread and green sauce that they brought out. As other reviews have indicated, there is something about this green sauce that is amazing--not sure what's in it (tomatillos? avocadoes?) but it's great. I could have taken a straw to that sauce and enjoyed it that way. We even used it later on in the meal with our entrees, it was that good! 2) Entrees: I went with the Seco De Cordero which was amazing! It basically was a lamb stew with peas and a side of rice and beans. The stew was cooked with beer and the beans were cooked with bacon--how could one go wrong with these choices?! And, that being said, there was absolutely nothing wrong with this dish, in fact, it was fantastic! The lamb meat was very tender and flavorful, and you could tell it had been well marinated and seasoned. It was great to mix a small amount of the beans with the lamb, rice, and peas--the flavors were incredible. It was just a tad bit on the salty side, but that was to be expected. My boyfriend went with the Lomo Saltado, which I told him that many yelpers recommended. He was far from disappointed with this dish, and I thought it was very tasty. The beef pieces were very flavorful on their own, but with a bite of the potato, peppers, and onions it was fantastic. It reminded me of a platter of fajitas, but with a Peruvian twist. I'd highly recommend this one. Having never experienced Peruvian food I feel that our dishes were oddly reminiscent of Indian (the lamb dish) and Mexican (the lomo dish). Not that this was a bad thing by any means, I just had no idea what to expect and I loved it. The portions were large, but doable, but I was extremely full after the meal. This was unfortunate as the desserts seemed very appetizing! I'll definitely be trying more Peruvian restaurants in my near future. Well done, Ay Ay, well done.
(4)
Mark M.

The food was very good, but unfortunately that's where the compliments end. This restaurant arranges its 2-top tables as 4-tops and 8-tops, and all the 4-tops were filled by the time my wife and I arrived for dinner. There were two other couples behind us at the door, but the host for some reason decided to put all three couples at their own 8-top table, instead of splitting one up. Sure enough, a big group came after we had ordered our appetizer, and the waiter came and asked us very nicely if we would mind moving to another table. Being an understanding guy, I said, "sure, no problem." Within 5 minutes of sitting at our new table, which was as close to the kitchen as is possible in this restaurant, so close that waiters would frequently jostle our table as they retrieved their food from the serving shelf, we were approached by a different waiter and asked to separate our table from the 2-top to which it was configured. Presumably because they would be seating another couple there momentarily, but they never used that space while we were there. I ordered off the "Specialty of the House" insert menu: Filet Mignon smothered in a white cheese that tasted like Chihouha with veggies and mashed potatoes. I specified "Medium", and the waiter confirmed my request. When the meat arrived, the center was red and bloody, and clearly had not cooked long enough, since it hadn't even de-natured yet. I showed it to the waiter and he agreed that it was far too rare, and back to the kitchen it went. When it came back, there was no perceptible difference. The manager happened by before the waiter, so I caught his attention and did something I have never in my life done before: sent a steak back a second time. But first the manager had to argue with me about what "medium" meant. "Fine," I said, "I guess I want it medium-well, then." If my wife hadn't been happily eating her dinner, I would have stood up and left at that moment. The waiter, to his credit, came by and apologized profusely and talked about taking my entree off the bill... but we were charged for it anyway. The steak did eventually come back a good solid medium-well (by my estimate, not the manager's, apparently), bordering on well-done. The waiter tried to explain about how the fire was too hot, so the center wasn't cooking, etc etc. I appreciate him trying to salvage the meal, but quite frankly, as customers we weren't interested in the cooks' problems. A group of four near us had to send their corn-on-the-cob back because it was cold, and I overheard a heated discussion between the manager and another customer about a birthday-party reservation that could not be honored because they had used up all the tables that would seat the group. I really wanted to like this place, and the food (once it was cooked) was very good. But all these amateurish problems are inexcusable. +1 star for the food, -4 for the chaotic seating problems, the poorly cooked steak, and (I still can't believe this) the manager who was more interested in arguing with me than making me happy.
(1)
David B.

Great place. Go there. Lomo Salada, octopus and olive cerbiche were great!
(5)
Mercedes R.

I love the food here. I have tried a large number of menu items and never disappointed. The Ceviche Mixto is my favorite followed by Lomo Saltado. The waiters are super friendly and very attentive. Desserts are yummy, the waiter told me most of the cakes come from the Sweet Connections Bakery, though. So your best bet is to save a few bucks and drive there yourself. I have no tasted one thing so far I have disliked.
(4)
Jeanne L.

I was here on a Saturday night for a birthday group dinner. The service was very friendly and quick, given the size of our party and the night of the week. I ordered the Ceviche Mixto to split with someone, and word of advice -- this dish comes out too ridiculously large to share with just one other person. It is a dish that should be split maybe among 4 people (or even more). I got tired of the overpowering citrusy flavor very quickly. However, the ingredients are very fresh, and I think the flavor is very spot-on. (I'm comparing to food that I had when I spent a couple of days in Cusco, Peru). I also ordered the Tallarines Verdes con Bistec (steak with pesto fettuccine). Hmm perhaps not the most "Peruvian" thing on the menu, but I had a pesto craving. The dish was huge - I made it through less than half of my meal. (Oops! I shouldn't have filled up on that bread basket beforehand!) I had the waiter pack up my dish to go, but in the fervor of the night, he had ended up tossing my dish, and I forgotten about my leftovers until well after my party went through the arduous process of splitting the bill. However, the waiter had the kitchen cook me up another half-portion of my dish in less than 5 minutes. Hurray! Now the only thing that's missing is some CUY...
(4)
Chuck T.

Went there with a group of six people around 6 pm on 11/17/2012. Dinner was rushed, we asked the server not to hold the entrees until we finish our appetizers. Guess what, while we're still eating our appetizers he brought out our entrees. We asked to look at the dessert menu, the server brought out the sampler tray. We ordered the desert and again told the server not to bring them out until we finish our dinner. Guest what again, he brought out the desert while we're still eating our main courses and dropped the check on the table at the same time. If I spend more than $30 per person I expect much better service. When we complained to the owner about the poor service he just ignored us. There are better Peruvian restaurants in Chicago with better service and better food. BTW, I visited this restaurant twice before and the sauce taste different and the quality of food was not the same. The steak we ordered was dry and tasteless. PS, I am a baby boomer and been dine out quite a bit, this is probably rank one of the worst service (at that price point) I have ever experienced.
(1)
Stephen F.

For no particular reason, I liked Ay Ay Picante the moment I walked in the door. And I still liked it when I left. The food is tasty and served in large, and expensive, portions. We ended up with two more meals out of our lunch. We focused on seafood and were definitely satisfied. The service and prices were not all that good, but the food made up for it. Ay Ay Picante gets a star added for giving us free flans at the end of the meal.
(4)
Arlene A.

It had been a while since our last visit, and while the decor has changed, the menu has not. Seeing how it's been close to two years, I don't know if that's good or not. The Ceviche, while still very delicious was the highlight of the meal. That's not a compliment. The two meat entrees, while completely different, looked and tasted exactly the same. Muddled flavors with way too much brown gravy slapped on top of everything. Ay Ay Picante is great for seafood, but I now find it questionable for anything else.
(3)
James T.

I love Peruvian food. A good friend of mine is Peruvian and only his mom and his aunts cook better than these guys. The lomo saltado is one of my favorite dishes and is a must have. Never had french fries incorporated into your entree and not just as a side then you should definitely try this. The onions are sweated just right, veggies are cooked right and not over cooked to where they are wilted and super mushy. If your really hungry then I suggest you try the churrasco a la parrilla. The steak is bigger than the plate they serve it on. Humongous! I always forget what that little green sauce they serve almost everything with on the side is but its greatness. My only complaint is that the green sauce was hotter when this place first opened and now its a bit milder. I loved how hot it was before and if management is reading my review then please bring that back. I used that sauce with my over easy eggs the next day w/ an english muffin. This place is good for groups during the summer because the back patio is open which means more room. The front of the restaurant is big enough but better for a group of 2-4 max. If your tired of the same ol' Mexican or Puerto Rican joint that are all around Chicago then definitely try some Peruvian. You will NOT be disappointed.
(5)
Thomas J.

Great neighborhood BYOB restaurant. Definitely try the green salsa that they serve with bread that comes before the meal. The bread is just okay but the sauce/salsa is very good. My wife and I have gone a number of times and we've never had any issues with the food or the waitstaff.
(4)
Tory w.

I have driven down Elston and passed by this place dozens of times, and always wondered. I spent a month in Peru about 10 years ago and ever since have been on a quest for the perfect lomo saltado. Don't let the teeny storefront exterior dissuade you - yes, it looks like every other grubby Mexican joint in Chicago. Enter, and find a spacious room with cozy decor, charming waiters, and tons of happy diners! I couldn't believe how crowded it was when I went on a stormy Sunday evening. The portions are enormous and really good. My friend had the tallarines verdes - pasta with pesto, basically, but also with sauteed mushrooms, and I, of course, had the lomo saltado. It was as delicious as I had hoped and definitely satisfied my craving! We were so full from dinner that we passed on dessert, and next thing we knew, the waiter had brought us a slice of homemade flan on the house. That was the highlight of the meal and by far the best flan I have ever, ever had. I will definitely go back!
(4)
Angel G.

It's January, and I'm once again, vowing to keep up with Yelp reviews. So here we go! Ay Ay Picante is a great addition to the neighborhood, and we're always thrilled to make it. We've been for dinner for two, and come back with friends quite a bit (you have to share - there is so much food). The food is hands down awesome, and the portions are staggeringly large. The service is quick and attentive, the pricing is totally fair, and the back yard patio is phenom - when we aren't in the middle of a monsoon (although they do a good job covering it) The dining room can get crowded and noisy - and depending on the night parking on Elston can be rough (we try to walk over when the weather is good). Otherwise it's great!
(4)
Landi D.

Ate at Ay Ay Picante last night. What a great place. I've been wanting to try it for a long time, and it didn't disappoint! Here are the things I loved: --The patio - yes, in February, we sat on the patio. And it was so warm and cozy, it felt like we had been transported to a tropical vacation. --Our server - he was super nice and explained many of the dishes since it was our first time there. And he was really patient when my husband and I were bantering about what distinctive spice was in the "Deviled Potato & Steak" dish - he asked the chef 2x for the ingredients in order to end the debate! (Husband was right. I hate that.) --Lomo Saltado - definitely the winner dish of the night. MUY DELICIOSO. I've already called dibs that that's what I'M ordering next time!
(4)
Stacey D.

TONS of choices on a very unique menu. The food was amazing, the service was great and the prices were very reasonable. Ay Ay is in my neighborhood and the only thing I'm sad about is that I waited so long to try it!! I'll be back for sure!
(4)
Catherine W.

Excellent food at reasonable prices. Our group enjoyed mostly a variety of seafood dishes. It is BYOB. The place is a little tight for larger parties, but they do take reservations. Another minus is that the restaurant is in the middle of a dead neighborhood. Service however was very friendly.
(4)
Alan M.

I wasn't impressed. I was unfamiliar with Peruvian food, and the waiter wasn't particularly helpful with choices... apparently EVERYTHING is good. The dish I ordered, turned out to not be what I expected (my fault, not theirs)... but none of the four of us were excited by our food choices. Could easily be, since we were unfamiliar with Peruvian food, that we simply ordered the wrong choices... but a little guidance from the waitstaff would have been welcome. I won't be running back.
(2)
Ted S.

Ethnic food at its finest. This place is a fav of our Chicago family. We asked to go again when we were visiting in early August. BYOB. Very fresh and plentiful seafood dishes we all share. The flavors I've never tasted before (or since) is a treat. The mashed potatoes must have some grits and cream in them to taste so differently good! The back has quaint outdoor dining. Authentic mural art on walls in minimal lighting relaxes the senses. Was loud, but didn't interfere with our party's conversations. Will definitely ask to go again on next visit to Chicago!
(5)
Natalie S.

Disappointment galore. I was hella jazzed about trying this place. My friends Suzy C., Justin L. and my brother Erik W. had been in for dinner previously and had nothing but awesome things to say. So when they suggested it for dinner last night, I was pumped and ready to go! We walked in and were sat in the very back. Now, you might be alarmed that it is getting chilly outside and sitting on the patio is bad news. However, they have it covered with heat sources and it's quite cozy. Atmosphere, 4 stars! The food: hits and misses. I'm not going to pull up the menu so I can give you the exact names but we ordered a platter of deep fried goodness (calamari, shrimp, fish and yucca fries) which is actually an entree, as an appetizer. It was YUM. However, we ordered the empinadas and they were terrible... cold in the center. I regretted my entree choice. I ordered a breaded fried steak and fettuccine. It was terrible. The fettuccine was gummy and the pesto sauce was tasteless and oily. I offered bites to my dinner mates and they all agreed with me. Awful. The breaded steak wasn't bad but since it was literally only about 1/3 of the plate, it was overwhelmed. If the food had been good, I would be raving about the portion size... but I didn't want anything to do with taking that mess home with me. This might have been a three star review... but the service was just AWFUL. Horrible. Like "this is the third time I'm asking you for more water" kinda awful. Everything we requested was pretty much ignored unless we asked three times. One of the appetizers we ordered never showed up (we asked the waiter to take it off the bill since we never got it it and he offered zero apologies, just shrugged and scratched it off). We had to ask to have our plates cleared away. We had to ask to have our leftovers wrapped up. Then, after we were all clearly finished eating, we sat and waited. And waited. And waited... for about 20 minutes. No one came by to see if we wanted anything. No one came by to see if we wanted coffee or dessert. Finally we flagged him down to see a dessert menu. By the time he got around to bringing the tray of offerings by, we were over the meal and just wanted to get the Hell outta there. I dunno if I'd go back. I'm SO disappointed because I read all the awesome reviews on Yelp and was expecting so much more than what we got.
(2)
Omar S.

We ate here last night with my godson and his parents by their recommendation. I must say it is awesome! Amazing! Our server went over the menu and made recommendations. Warm bread service with this slightly spicy avocado spread was delightful. Calamari for appetizer was really good along with an empanada. The portions are generous with Peruvian spices...mmm MMM delicious. You must order the Ceviche Mixto (Tilipia Shrimp and Octopus) with sweet potato and corn OH MY!!, the Lomo Saltado is a must. Dont forget dessert, the tres leches was oh so good! Now I know why my godsons favorite cake is tres leches, they perfected it, I wanted more but was really full. This is my first 5 star review for flawless service, nice ambiance, perfectly seasoned food with generous portions, and its BYOB....I will be eating here again, thats for sure! What are you waiting for, go out and TRY IT =) Good call Alberto and Clarisa!! This restaurant is on the top of Chef O's list!
(5)
Sarah Beth B.

I'd never had peruvian food before this, and now the bar is set VERY high. I arrived starving, and was thrilled to find delicious, soft bread and yummy green dipping sauce soon after I sat down. We ordered the ceviche mixto and the arroz con mariscos. The arroz con mariscos was very good-- and so much food we could have just ordered that and split it with plenty of extra. But the standout was the ceviche. It was all just so fresh! There was a good mixture of different seafood, but I enjoyed the tilapia so much that next time, I'd probably order just the tilapia ceviche. Of course, the menu is so big and so much looked good that i'll have a hard time deciding what to get next time! In addition to awesome food, the restaurant as a whole is awesome. It's definitely off the beaten path for restaurants, and the outside doesn't look like much, but don't let that fool you. We sat outside, which isn't fancy but is totally pleasant. And the staff is awesome. My date had been there many times before, and the waiter totally chatted with him about whatever it was they'd talked about before-- point it, totally friendly and attentive staff. All around great place!
(4)
Philly G.

The green sauce was a little extra garlicky but it was good. The warm bread was okay. The stuffed avocado was a great appetizer. The salad it was stuffed with was good but the avocado was a little hard. The ceviche mixto was delicious. I had leftovers and it was even better the next day. The fiancÃ© had arroz con pollo and the chicken needed some more seasoning while the rice was just like having vegetable friend rice. The latte we had after the meal was delicious and saved the meal for the fiancÃ©.
(3)
Lourdes A.

Stopped by for lunch. We almost drove right past it because the place sort of gets lost amid the many storefront industrial businesses on Elston Avenue. Once inside though the place is immaculate and inviting. The bread they place on the table is unimpressive both in taste and visual appeal. It looks sorta cheap and was too soft. For appetizers, we started with an humita salada (sort of like a tamale) and a papa rellena (stuffed potato). I'd never had an humita and my basis for comparison was the Mexican tamal, which is far superior. The humita sort of falls apart and does not hold together well. The highlight of this appetizer was the salsa criolla or onion salad that it came with and not the appetizer itself. The papa rellena was decent according to my friend. For our entrees, we ordered the very typical meat dishes of Lomo Saltado (Sauteed Lean Beef) and Estofado de Carne (Beef Stew over Rice). Both were solid. My friend said the Lomo was a little greasier than he expected. Also, he ordered a side of beans to be brought with his meal, which he expected to be whole but were actually mashed or refried. To be fair, the presentation on the Lomo made it quite appealing. It's served over a bed of huge steak fries, which makes any dish better in my opinion. My Estofado was quite good though and it was a substantial dish. I was unable to finish it and my leftovers were enough for another meal. So, kudos for the twofer. We capped off the meal with cortados (espresso with a little milk), which was served sloppily. The foam overran the small espresso cups and the coffee pooled in the saucers. Not a good final impression but forgivable, especially because of the delicious estofado. Overall, a decent place. Since it's in the neighborhood, I would not mind trying it again especially given the friendly service.
(3)
Jesster A.

We finally tried Ay Ay Picante (thanks in part to the inspiring reviews by Jackie M. Martha Z. and Amanda - not to mention the mouthwatering photos provided courtesy of Ramon J, and Jean Z.!) And suffice it to say, we were not disappointed! Our party of four thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful Cerviche and Camerone Cocktail. We also devoured both the Chicken and Beef Saltados, Pescado Frito and that wonderful potato dish, Papa Huancaina among several othervery fine dishes. We enjoyed the ambiance and atmosphere - and of course BYOB is always a major draw... We will definitely be returning - soon. Thanks to all who's words and pics made Ay Ay Picante iresistible to try!
(4)
julie q.

Freaking awesome!!! Had 18 people here last night for a birthday and the servers did everything but eat the food for us. Brought out flan with a candle (it was soooo good). Everyone loved thier food...had 4 appetizers (stuffed avocado rocked my world) and 18 meals and cost everyone around 23 per person with tip and tax. That green sauce was addicting. Definitely will be back again and again - it's worth the short drive from humboldt park to picante!! YAY!!!!!!
(4)
Donovan P.

Mmmmm. awesome and BYOB. i love byob's. so, i'm kind of a latin food connoisseur if you will, and this place is the best latin food i've had in chicago. awesome ceviche. awesome steak and onions. will definitely be back.
(5)
Bruce M.

This place was great. Though the appetizer bread they offer is not what its hyped up to be. I would recommend this place to anyone that wants to try something different, but not too adventurous.
(4)
Melissa C.

The food was awesome but the service ;=( Seriously I do not blame them and this is why! We had reservations at 8pm for our friends bday dinner and It was 12 of us. When we arrived I couldn't believe that the line was out the door and the fact that the restaurant was small and over crowded. The first thing I thought was "Geez, How the hell are they going to accommodate 12 of us"!!! Needless to say they did, but not before they encouraged us to wait in there so called "Waiting Room" that was located 2 houses down in some body's living room! "Geez! Are you kidding me" what the hell is going on!!! It was a great laugh for my friends and I but seriously , I do not recommend for "Aye Picante" to do this again. This could be a liability issue! what if we got attacked on that gang way they lead us to. Somebody living room! are you kidding me! So back to the restuarant to crowded for me! Food was good! but I do not like to eat in restuarants when people are sooo close to me.
(2)
jenise r.

I love my wonderful Peruvian friend for introducing me to this food =) I've been to the other peruvian spot near my job many times and finally decided to come here while visiting my pal. I decided to get the Seco de Carne, Which is basically stewed beef with white rice....but i'll give you their description. It's beef cooked with Chica De Hora, green peas, aji especial that comes with rice and frijoles canarios cooked with bacon. Oh man was it good! They gave me a ton of bread and aji sauce and i was in heaven. The meat was so tender is just broke apart in my mouth, they gave me a ton of rice which i never finish and i mixed all the juices from the meat in the rice and it was perfect. I can't wait to go back, you should check it out. BYOB too
(5)
Sandy R.

BEST Peruvian food in the city! Fresh delicious food, great service, and BYOB. Recommend!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Clara P.

Have been here quite a few times and I love it. For one its BYOB, which is always a fave of mine and two, portions are generous. 2 close friends and myself often order 2 meals and split among us 3 and still there are left overs. It is a tiny place, but tiny places always tend to be better The chicken salad stuffed in avocado for appetizer is delish! Again, it is BYOB!
(4)
Marcia T.

First time I came here...I loved it...I had the lomo saltado and its delicious...last time I was there ummmm not so good...I had this rice that looked and tasted like burned chinese rice =( so dissapointed...I might come again...but def avoiding that rice dish...
(3)
Yuly M.

Once again Dee-lish! Lomo Saltado was even better this time. They r probably one of the only restaurants in the area that stay open late.
(5)
kelly c.

I love their seafood. It's incredibly fresh. This unassuming restaurant can either be dead or packed. It's warm and cozy inside. They provide really good service, in my experience. They even gave my date a free tea after we ordered a dessert and I a coffee. That was really thoughtful. The prices are really cheap for such good food. This place is a great date atmosphere, but also caters to larger groups. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Martha Z.

I love Peruvian cuisine so I was excited that Amanda B. introduced me to this spot. All the dishes sounded amazing but I went straight for the lomo saltado. My mom's old boyfriend used to make it for me when I was little and always crave that dish. How can you go wrong with stir fried steak and veggies over a heaping pile of rice and hand cut fries. Bonus points for being BYO. The staff was very accommodating but I felt like there was an occasional language barrier. It seems like a great place for a special occasion.
(4)
Nicole S.

I've eaten here on several occasions and have yet to be disappointed! Delicious authentic Peruvian food. It's hard for me to stray from the Lomo Saltado, but the ceviche is one of the freshest I've ever had. The restauraunt is BYOB and although it's small it has a very cozy vibe! The outdoor seating in the warmer months is also nice! Since only street parking is available if you go on a particularly busy night that may be the ONLY con, unless you don't mind a little walk.
(5)
Nate C.

I finally got to try a new great joint in the neighborhood.....After reading a lot of the reviews on here....I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. I had the steak and fries and it was just cooked to perfection. For the price of $16, you can't beat a good meal at a place nice enough to take a hot date. The ambiance is nice and casual but classy enough for a weekend date. Since I'm only 3 min. away, I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Jackie W.

Yum Yum Yum Yum Yum. This place had some good peruvian fare. I want to start by saying the ambiance really clinched the 5th star. They had a Peruvian guy playing some sort of pan/lute intrument and he opened with Yesterday by the Beatles...how awesome is that? pretty cool. Then he went into some more traditional tunes, but that was pretty great. I would recommend one of the Saltado dished you can get lean beef or chicken...pick your fancy. Oh man it was so good and BYO so you save a bunch on drinks. I highly recommend it. Delish. 5 stars.
(5)
Matt J.

A storefront that doesn't look like much belies the culinary treats inside. The dining room is crowded but the staff is friendly and the food is outstanding. It is a BYOB which is a big plus and street parking is easy. My wife and I visited here for the first time two weeks ago and loved it. We were back again last night and it was great again. Their website www.ayaypicante is very helpful. I have had the Ceviche Mixto and the Ceviche Camarones and they were both great. The desserts: tres leches, caramel roll, and flan are all good. Stop reading get eating!
(4)
Tony M.

Food was decent ceviche mixto was great, lomo saltado ehhh mostly fries arroz con marisco thumbs up why only three stars service sucked waiters never refilled our waters and we had to ask for everything despite 4 diff waiters serving our table in the patio i suggest the main room heaters in the patio were set on hell aka hottt had us sweating and very uncomfortable lucky one the waiters seen us opening our shirts and fanning oyr selves and cut the heater off overall might come back dependn on the reviews after today
(3)
Julia M.

Top rate Peruvian food! The best in Chicago. A Peruvian by ancestry, I am always hopeful in seeking out South American cuisine restaurants in major urban centers. Not only is the ambiance warm and inviting but the wait staff is attentive, professional and totally friendly. There was also a musician playing Andean music that really added the final touch of authenticity. The walls of the restaurant are painted a warm orange color to reflect the feel of dawn in the desert and the foreground features prominent drawings of the Nazca lines. The owner and his wife, who is the chef, are very friendly and stopped us on the way out to ask about our experience. They have taken a great deal of care in presentation, food selection, food preparation and finally customer service. I can't say enough about how great our experience was. I started with a perennial favorite, Papa Huancaina, which is a delightful potato dish that features a wonderfully rich cream sauce. Add a dash of picante sauce (on the side) and be prepared to melt! The entree I chose is also a famous Peruvian dish, Alli de Gallina. This dish is labor intensive and is truly unforgettable if made right. Again, Ay, Ay Picante! got it right. The flavors of the sauce is savory and a scintillating balance of garlic, onion and chicken. Again, perfection. I ended my meal with a caramel cake roll dessert and coffee. Not a disappointing plate in my whole experience there. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation to anyone who would like to experience Peruvian food or to Peruvians looking for a place to gather.
(5)
Kryste N.

This place makes me feel sorry for people that are afraid to try new things - because they are seriously missing out on the food at Ay Ay Picante. The ceviche is delicious, the Lomo Saltado was superb, and the service was terrific. They did a great job taking care of a big group - 10 for dinner, no complaints from any of us. The food is wonderful and the prices are pretty wonderful too!
(4)
Jeanus T.

Food's great here and cheap! Big portion and fresh ingredients. I like the marinates on meat and seafood. Taste very good!
(4)
Don H.

On a whim and before V-Day, we went to check out this out-of-the-way place on the northside. In my olden days riding up Elston, I noticed all the cars around this area -- and now I know why. It's a great, cozy little restaurant. We were lucky to get in before the crowd and, when the crowd arrived, it was insane. Tonight there were many groups so it was a bit cramp. Anyway... the food was VERY delicious. I had the ceviche which was amazing. The portions were generous and left me enough to eat the next day. And since it was cold, I didn't mind. For desert I had the flan. It wasn't what I expected, but it's a great take nonetheless. Strongly recommend checking it out. There's really no great way there without a car, though it's worth the trip at least once. Try to go on a off night.
(4)
Amy S.

After reading all of the reviews I had such high hopes for this place, but unfortunately it didn't live up to the standards. First of all, it was pretty far north and west for my standards. Yeah, that's my fault since I don't have a car and I don't get out much, but there are so many other amazing places closer to me that traveling that far is just not worth it. Second of all, the food was ok. I guess I'm not very familiar with peruvian food, so this could be my fault, but it was just not that spectacular. I got the tilapia with onions and tomatos and it was tasty (even had cilantro in it and I was able to eat it), but it wasn't anything special. My bf got a seafood casserole and he wasn't all that impressed and one of our friends got the ceviche and he was not happy with it. Even with that said, they were very accomodating to our large group of 20 people. Oh and it was BYOB, which is always nice. We ended up leaving there paying $25 a piece (we paid for the bday boy's meal), so I can't complain. Funny story though....they had just put all of our beer into buckets with ice and someone in our group decided to try to move the table and all the beer, ice, buckets, water glasses, bread places, silverware, salt and pepper shakers and sugar dish all came crashing down! It was loud and everyone in the restaurant looked over at us. The staff was so quick and efficient in cleaning up the mess...it was very impressive (don't worry though, we saved almost all of the beers).
(3)
Jennifer B.

It's been a while since we've visited, but I distinctly remmber coming to the conclusion (after several attempts) to skip the seafood and stick with the meat dishes. No frills, fun environment-great for groups-and plenty for lunch tomorrow.
(4)
Dantee A.

I never felt so close to my motherland before. This food is legit and amazing! It is cooked to perfection and it served in hearty portions - I usually just eat half and save the rest for lunch (which sometimes turns out to be too much!).
(5)
Suzan W.

I am strictly giving this restaurant four stars because of their ceviche. Probably the best in the entire City. As for their main course, I have had better at other Peruvian places, but still pretty decent. The service is great as long as they're not packed. The BYOB is a definite plus.
(4)
Danielle F.

Very good food and great prices. It's BYOB.
(4)
Gdawg W.

Place was awesome. Ceviche was to die for. ByoB is awesome. I will always return to this resturant when i visit Chicago. It was located in a fine neighborhood, parking was easy and free.
(5)
Megan G.

This is truly a gem. If you're looking for a dark, exotic, byob... aye aye picante is it! The ambiance is casual, yet still romantic. Food is amazing- and affordable! Can't beat it- I love it more every time I go.
(5)
malak l.

ay ay picante, as it sounds , the food is very exotic, i went there with a good friend of mine, we started of with ceviche mixto, which was really delicious, the portions are huge btw! then we asked the server who was really helpful to recommend an entree for us, so we got the surf and turf which is a steak covered with delicious seafood served with mashed potatoes a veggies. i got another seafood entree with some sauce i cant remember the name, but it was amazing, very flavorful served with rice! for dessert, we settled for a coffee flan yummmmmm... very nice restaurant, BYOB and the servers are very welcoming
(5)
karina p.

I came here with such high hopes after reading the reviews. Unfortunately, what I found was tasteless food. I stopped by here twice, to try to give them a chance. The first time I ordered take out. I had "anticuchos" and "papas a la diabla con bistec". The meat on both dishes were so hard I couldn't even chew it. The main dish, came with huancaina sauce, this sause it's suppouse to be kinda yellowish. What I got instead was a white sauce with no flavor whatsoever! They poured sooo much rice on my dish I felt cheated paying so much to get that kinda food. When I got there, there were only one couple in a table but somehow the waiter managed to ignored me. So I stood there, just waiting for the longest time trying to get someone's attention. When that didn't work, I kinda yelled a big "hello" and finally someone came to my aid. Just to tell me to wait (not even asking me what I needed). After another 10 minutes, some guy finally took notice of me, and I ask if my takeout was ready. I was told it had been sitting there for the longest time. I left, disappointed and really annoyed. But then again, I decided to given them a second chance. Went back, service did improve a bit since the first time but unfortunately the food did not. They say 3 is the charm but I am not planning to waste my money at this place anymore.
(1)
Rodolfo M.

Went here on a whim and loved it. It's a small, dark place with great ambiance and service. The shrimp ceviche was DELICIOUS and some of the best I've ever tried. Will definitely be stopping by again to try the Lomo Saltado. BYOB!
(4)
Samantha L.

The couple times I came here, the food was a little disappointing, and at first I thought it was my lack of knowledge on what to expect of Peruvian food, but my company used to come here all the time and also stated it's not as good as it used to be. I don't know... maybe there's a great cook one day, and an average one the two times I went. : /
(3)
Tiffany G.

When done well, Peruvian cuisine is always full of flavor and very satisfying. While my experience here is limited (I've only been once), Ay Ay seems to get it right. The fisherman's stew was decent but lacked the "umph" expected given such a richly infused chili-based stock. The seafood selection was fresh, if a bit boring... I would not order this dish again as it didn't wow me. The beef estofado was very tasty and well prepared. I'd like to return for dinner and have the chance to try other dishes, as the menu is extensive and I feel I didn't give it a fair shake. A good bottle of red wine might not hurt the process, especially with the restaurant's BYOB policy. The neighborhood isn't the prettiest, but hey, sometimes that's part of the whole experience...
(3)
Cheryl H.

Holy Moly! I am definitely coming back!! This place is amazing. And while the name of the restaurant may hint at extremely spicy food, I realized when we got there it refers to the other definition of "picante" which means the sauce usually has tomatoes, onions, peppers, and vinegar. All of which I LOVE! We had never tried Peruvian food before, so none of us knew what to expect. Ay Ay Picante is definitely one of those favorite neighborhood joints. When we walked in, there were two policemen eating in the corner, and you KNOW when cops eat there, the food is going to be good. I should just stalk cops all day and find out where the good eateries are. Anyway, the waitstaff welcomed us very warmly and let us sit anywhere we like. As soon as we were seated, we were given soft french bread, butter, and a spicy green sauce (avocado?). As we stared at the somewhat overwhelming choices on the menu, the server asked us very politely if we were ready to order. So I explained to him it was our first time, and he recommended some dishes for us. We ended up getting a couple small plates and one entree. The small plates are actually more than enough for one person. The entree is pretty sizeable, but the guy who ordered the entree finished the whole thing by himself. Anyway, we had the Humita Salada, which would be similar to tamales that are made with corn and chicken and comes with an amazing onion salad. THIS WAS DELICIOUS! (small dish) I also had a small plate: the Palta Rellena, which was a whole avocado topped with what tastes like American potato salad. Now I love avocados to no end, but you definitely don't want to order this as a main dish. I didn't like this as much as I liked my friends' dishes. It's kind of like having potato salad as your main course: you get tired of the taste pretty quickly. My friend had the Bistec Encebollado, which is a steak sauted with tomatoes and onions and white rice. Also VERY good (main entree). For sides we had the Platanos Maduros, which are fried plantains, and the Championes Saltados, which are sauted mushrooms. They were pretty standard plantains and mushrooms. It complemented the other dishes well though. The atmosphere is lively and the restaurant plays (what I guess is) Peruvian music. I really like the lines on the wall also... although I can't even start to imagine where they originate from. Anyway, give it a try. It looks small and humble from the outside, but it is worth it!
(4)
ELayne W.

Teriffic food - knowledge wait staff - you will not be disappointed. Make reservations and bring your own bottle!
(5)
Anna B.

Hands down, best Ceviche I've EVER had. The service was satisfactory, the entrees were delicious and it's BYOB. This was my first experience with Peruvian food. It was excellent and I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Jim P.

This place is FANTASTIC! It's a little off the beaten path - by a lot! Since I live in the hood it is easy to get to. About the food YUM! I have tried a different seafood dish every visit and they were all delicious! Service is excellent and it is a BYOB. I have brought several friends and family there because it is just that good so all of the reviews are spot on. I do have to say that the staff although attentive is not really good with suggestions but you should just call it an adventure in food, sometimes we all need to try something new and just go with it. Wait until Summer when the patio opens again.
(4)
Robert P.

Ay Ay Picante has been a favorite of my family for a couple of years now and they drag me there every chance they get. To me the place is over hyped but I still need to give it credit. The ceviche is awesome and has the right amount of spice. The rest of the menu im not too impressed with. The service has been great every time and BYOB is a plus. For the area, there isn't any better option.
(4)
Johanna P.

This is so sad because the food here is good and the waiters are sweethearts and very attentive but the owner of this place is complete trash, I really wish things weren't this way because up till today I loved coming here but the owner made me feel very uncomfortable and sort of humiliated and it is completely WRONG, so unfortunately I have opted that I will no longer come here and give this man my money. So it's my sister's birthday, my mom, sister, sister's boyfriend and I show up and the restaurant is packed. There's is 2 parties before us and 2 after us, so once the 2 parties before us are seated there's another table open, I'm thinking oh great we're next! But no, the man seating people took a look my mom and I and said "you have to wait a few minutes because I have people with reservations" (in a rude manner and mind you we were waiting to be seated STANDING UP for 30 mins half of the time in the cold) so I see him ask the parties behind us if they had reservations and I SAW them say no. So this a**h**e PRETENDS that the party behind us said yes and tells them "come with me you can sit right here" LUCKILY the party behind was kind enough to say they did not have a reservation and that we were there before them. So he looks at us and says FINE, sit down, he sounded angry too. I seriously wanted to leave and tell him that I could spend my money else where but I didn't because we drove so far, waited so long, and it was my sister's birthday. I later found out that this man at the door was the owner of the place which is a real shame. I honestly felt discriminated and felt like my family and I were treated less than. This is no way to treat your customers at all, a business is NOTHING without its customers especially ones that spend $100+ at your restaurant every time they go. This man is ignorant and I hope he realizes that this discrimination is wrong before he loses anymore customers. If you like this place go to Rios De Sudamerica they have better food and the owners a lot more humble.
(1)
Linda S.

I found this resteraurant on yelp. I was staying less than a mile away so I figured I'd go. The reviews are decent and I love Latin Food of almost any sort. We went in and went to the back little patio which was adorable. Very cute, Very heated. Let me tell you, this wait staff is ON IT. They refilled my water twice without me knowing. Once I ordered our food showed up on the table with in minutes. SO fast. Also, did not effect the quality. I ordered the CHURRASCO A LA PARRILLA. Basically, a steak. This steak was HUGE!!! It covered almost my entire plate! I don't know what kind of spices they used, but I need to know. Badly, because the were sooo good. We also had the PALTA RELLENA, which really is just glorified chicken salad in an avacado. However, I really like chicken salad. And I really like avacafo so that was yum. We were in and out of this place in under 40 minutes. Stuffed to the gills, happy as clams. Now I'm at home, in Detroit and sad because its so far away.
(5)
Jennifer S.

Food is plentiful for sure. I usually eat Lomo saltada as I don't get here often and love that dish. This time I got the beef with peas dish and was so glad I tried something different. Yummy! Kids had arroz con pollo and it's different than what I am used to. The rice was awesome. Service was better than usual. In the past, I would have called the service indifferent. Today, it was quite pleasant. Thanking God I don't have to travel closer to downtown to get good food.
(4)
Claudia Z.

1) Delicious bread and green sauce on arrival 2) BYOB! 3) Yum for the papa rellena. 4) Yum for the empanada 5) Yum for the HUGE pescado frito (fillet not whole) 6) Great beans and rice side 7) Decadent Flan (regular, not chocolate) Nice atmosphere and great service.
(5)
Meg G.

i feel like i have to udpate my review because in the years that Ay Ay has gotten more popular, the quality of their meals has decreased. I am so sad because i LOVED this restaurant before. now the food just isn't the same - I'm not sure if it's a different chef, different management, or just carelessness all around for their food; but now i think twice about coming here. oh and NEVER order take out.. every time i do they ALWAYS mess up my order. And I feel like i wait longer for my take out food versus if I just sat down and ate. I want the old ayay picante back!
(2)
Trung H.

Waiter and ambience is good. I ordered the seco de carne which is the beef cooked with Inca corn beer. The cut of meat they used was very lean, which led to dry chunks of beef. Flavor was ok, nothing that stands out. My wife ordered the combination fried seafood platter. This thing was a mountain fresh, crispy squid, fish, and shrimp. The vinegar/onion mixture that they cover it with is good, but overpowered the food. Next time, it will be ordered with the onions on the side. The actual star of the night was the fresh bread and green, spicy garlic sauce that they brought us. That sauce is amazing and was probably my favorite thing there. I think if I ordered the fried seafood, my review would be better.
(3)
Bien D.

Highly recommend to eat!!! Eat your dish slow and savor the flavor!!!! So so good!
(5)
Jorge M.

So I got a special in groupon for this place. And it was my last option since everything were close on Christmas Day. For my surprise this place was actually amazing I was kinda scare since I have been kinda disappointed with some groupon recommendations but this place by far is one of the best Latin American rest in Chicago, It's so nice and AMAZING food. Def worth it so everyone should try it.
(5)
Elaine M.

Went here for dinner with our cousins who will be traveling to Peru shortly so we wanted to get a taste of what was coming their way. Arrived before six on a Sunday evening and the place was packed. As such we were seated in the garage which was decorated up with lights. Keep in mind this was the dead of winter so they had additional heat lamps scattered around to keep us warm. I think that I would have preferred to have waited for a table and be seated in the main restaurant. Our waiter was enthusiastic about the cuisine and was happy to recommend some traditional dishes for us. As I said it was crowded so they were sold out of some items. We began our meal by sharing three items the CEVICHE DE CAMARONES, the ANTICUCHOS and a third item that was like a tamale in a banana leaf with fish. The best of the three by far was the civche. Though it wasn't like most civches that I have had, the shrimps were whole not chopped up. It was tasty though. The antichuchos SKEWERS OF BEEF HEART MARINATED IN VINEGAR, OIL, GARLIC & SPICES - a traditional dish according to our waiter, was not as good as promised. We had high hopes considering a woman at a nearby table overheard our waiter's recommendation and she chimed in with her ringing endorsement. For the main courses the waiter highly suggested the steaks as traditional food. I had the LOMO SALTADO, LIMA STYLE SAUTÃ‰ED LEAN BEEF, TOMATOES, GARLIC, CILANTRO, ONIONS ON A MOUNTAIN OF HOMEMADE FRIES. This dish was okay but not exceptional at all. Another in our party had the FILET MIGNON COOKED ON THE GRILL TOPPED WITH SAUTÃ‰ED MUSHROOMS IN A RED WINE SAUCE. Though I didn't taste it, I think that might have been a better choice. The husband had the PARIHUELA , A FISHERMAN'S STEW MADE WITH FISH, SHRIMP, ALAMARI, MUSSELS, OCTOPUS, CHICHA DE JORA (INCA CORN BEER) & A BLEND OF PERUVIAN SPICES. I did taste this and it was pretty good. All in all a very average experience, a disappointment after reading other reviews for sure.
(3)
Alexandra K.

So, after we loved our visit here the first time, we returned for my fiance's birthday dinner. Never ever again. We made a reservation for 8. That's cute, but they'll fffing seat you when they feel like it. We came at 8, sat at 9!!!!! No hostesses whatsoever and the waiter acted like he did us a favor by seating us at all. There were no beef hearts to eat for appetizer....seriously? The corn appetizer was disgusting. The service was shitty and slow.. The aji was minimal and non-existant. We came home 3!!! hours after our initial reservation, 100 bucks poorer. No point in ever returning, much better Peruvian places in the city that care about providing good service. You've lost us, Ay Ay.
(1)
Katie Z.

What's a great place. If u like Peruvian food or if you never had it but woykd like to try, it is the place to go. They have great food, nice staff and unique Southamerican ambient. If you like seafood do not hesitate to order Halea de Mariscos. This place has the best Halea in the whole Chicagoland!!!!! Ay ay Picante will take you on your culinary trip to the best of Peru. The trip your stomach will never forget. The place is BYOB, so don't forget to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to sip it while enjoying this amazing plethora of Southamerican dishes at its best. Yummmm.
(5)
Betty C.

We ate here on a frigid and snowy Wednesday night so it was not at all crowded. The service was attentive but slow on water refills. Do not sit anywhere near the front door as the heat in this place is not good and on a cold night the walls and floor are freezing! The garlic-cilantro sauce served with the bread is the bomb - very addictive. One of ordered the lomo saltado and it was a large portions and a very tasty carb bomb with potatoes and rice! A separate creamy garlic sauce was served over warm boiled potatoes but the sauce was so cold it made the potatoes get cold. Not sure why they cold not make it fresh or at least try to warm it a tad in a bowl before putting it on the potatoes. The tamale was tender, moist and slightly sweet like a Cuban tamale and not dry like the Mexican ones can often be. The broiled tilapia had a delicious garlicky seasoning and was very fresh. The grilled beef steak (like a thin cut sandwich steak) with grilled onions was tender and very much like the Cuban Bistec a la Palomilla. The place is BYOB so don't forget your wine bottles! The menu is way too long with too many different pages and options. Paring it down would be a good idea.
(3)
Vincent B.

Cute peruvian place which is hard to find in Chicago and a great reason to come here. We had a couple of appetizers (anticuchos and ceviche) which were both really strong but the entrees were a little bland. It may just be hard to get the right spices in Chicago, or maybe they don't want to scare off potential customers. I had fried tilapia which was the worst of the dishes we ordered, it was pretty dry and I had to borrow sauce from others to make it better, others had aji de gallina whose sauce was a little watery, and lomo saltado, which could have used more tomatoes. Overall I'd recommend it as somewhere new with a nice atmosphere (was pretty empty at 6:30 on a friday but filled up by 7:15) but it could have been stronger.
(4)
George R.

I think this place has a lot of potential, and I really wanted to like this place becasue the reviews seem good. Although, after browsing the Yelp reviews again, I think people either love or hate this place. Unfortunately, I fell into the latter group. We were seated outside, and there were swarms of bugs. Bugs landed in my water and drowned, on my plate, and in our bread. We asked to be reseated inside, but they didn't have room, so they moved us to a less buggy table outside. The people behind us even ask for a "net" facetiously. I have a couple tips for the bug problem: get rid of the forest of plants they have on the patio and get some bug repellent tiki torches or something. Another large group of middle aged ladies having a ladies night were irritated and compained about the length of time for their order to be take and how slowly their appetizers took to arrive. As fars as the food goes, the "green sauce" and bread is pretty good, but not amazing. We ordered the PAPA O YUCA A LA HUANCAÃNA with the Yuca as an appetizer, and this was probably the best part of the meal. The sauce was excellent. For my entree, I ordered the Peruvian-Chinese style fried rice per waiter's recommendation, and I was very disappointed. The dish tasted almost exclusively Chinese. There was no distinct Pervuian flavor, or even ingredient or component to it. Unfortunately, almost all of their vegetarian dishes are Peruvian-Chinese or Peruvian-Italian fusion. The vegetarian options at Between and 4 Suyos taste distinctly Peruvian. I'd say avoid this place if you are vegetarian and want Peruvian food. Check out one of the aforementioned options instead.
(2)
Matthew B.

This place is a hidden gem. It looks like a fast food place from the inside but it has excellent Latin food and is BYOB! This is normally reserved for date nights but I love the food and the staff is always excellent.
(5)
Alia H.

The ambiance was very nice casual and friendly. A great place for old friends to meet or a date. Dimly lit but brightly colored walls make it appear elegant. Our server was friendly, attentive, and knew the menus in and outs very well. The Yucca was perfect, and the Lamb exactly as I like it; soft, stewed, and delicious. The Fried Calamari was so beatiful and crisp. And the bread they had put on our table to start was warm and delicious with a dipping sauce I would like to have with me at all times. I will definitly bring friends here but especially my husband. I think my daughter would enjoy the food but save this place for intimacy, and let others enjoy it as well.
(4)
Joan L.

I tried Ay Ay Picante out since I had a Groupon. The waitstaff was pretty good. When I asked for refills on my freshly brewed iced tea, it was brought promptly. The bread and garlicky green spread was okay, but not outstanding. I ordered the Tamal Peruano for an appetizer. It was the size of a pizza puff but consisted mostly of overcooked soggy maize. I tried the Medallon de Lomo Fino for the main course (filet mignon in a red wine sauce with sautÃ©ed mushrooms, mash potatoes and veggies). The steak was cooked perfectly to order and I could taste a bit of char. The steak was buried in a mound of mushrooms and the sauce was very thin, bland and flavorless. The mash potatoes were good as were the fresh vegetables (broccoli and baby carrots). Since this was the only time I've eaten here, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give them 3 stars rather than 2. I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and was seated quickly. No parking meters out in front and I managed to get a close spot. Yay!
(3)
Luis P.

For those of you who like to casually drink alcohol with their food, then this is a good place for you. However, those of us who don't mind either or are also in for a good experience. Ay Ay Picante is a good place to eat, plan a date, or bring a small group of friends. I ordered the Ceviche de Camarones. Usually when I go to a Peruvian restaurant I always try the Ceviche first. From there, I decide if I'm going to come back and try something else. Saying that, I will definitely be back to Ay Ay Picante. Nice dimmed lighting, good waiters, and fast food service. Now to the reason why it's not five stars. The prices are reasonable but the drink selection is not that good. Parking might be an issue because there's a taxi dispatch company a block away and all the taxis are taking up the spaces. If you plan on showing up with a big group (more than 6), you might feel a bit congested, and will probably have to sit in separate tables to accommodate other guest. These are small complaints that's why this establishment still made it to four stars, but others might find these issues drastic. Overall, I would recommend this place. Come in a small group, in one car, and be ready to be pampered with authentic Peruvian food.
(4)
Joan M.

I went for lunch with my fiancÃ© and I as simple as we are not going back. The seafood smelled like it was in old water and it was old. The waiter wasn't that nice.
(1)
Adrian T.

Have been to Ay Ay Picante several times as it is close to home. Have only gotten the lomo saltado and the mixto ceviche each time and both are excellent. Will have to venture out and try the other dishes next time but will probably end up ordering the same things as they're so yummy!
(5)
Joe H.

To The Owners: STOP THE GROUPON OFFER. I've been in the restaurant business for 20 years. Profit margin is roughly 4-6% for food. Without the profit margin of selling liquor at 60%+, and NOT CHARGING A CORK FEE, it almost looks like you're trying to shutter this place. You have great food! The Surf and Turf is absolutely EXCELLENT. Guys, STOP the Groupon offer please. I bet any money you guys are operating in the red. Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective for you to realize these things. It's like a deer in the headlights, you get so caught up in it that it's hard to even think what to do. I hope this wasn't to harsh but I love your food (and that green sauce, so good) and want to be a customer of yours for years to come. One last thing, your staff needs to be trained because they pretty much suck for the most part.
(5)
Penny L.

loved my filet mignon, with an incredibly flavorful sauce, and mashed potatoes and broccoli. The empanada was good, but I always feel so guilty eating fried food. Nevertheless, the empanada was very fresh tasting and I do recommend it.
(4)
Jessi B.

First off, the customer service was really good. I tried this place yesterday, for the first time. We had a reservation of 7 people for 730 and they immediately sat us once we got there, no wait. Being a BYOB we brought wine bottles and the server always made sure to open any bottle we needed. We also brought in a cake, for a birthday celebration, and they had no problem storing it in the back. We didn't wait long for our orders to be taken. We had the ceviche mixto and the pulpo in olive dressing for appetizers and they both were AMAZING! I had the pollo Saltado, which was really good. Everyone else in my group loved their dishes as well. The portions were good and big, we all had leftovers. After they brought the cake out with candles and extra plates. Overall it was a great first experience, and we will definitely be coming back. On a side note their green salsa is by far the most amazing salsa I have had in a restaurant.
(5)
Daniela H.

Ok food. The place looks very grimmy and dirty, also quite expensive for the quality of the food.
(3)
Nancy M.

Authentic peruvian cuisine in a great atmosphere. Servers are always so nice and helpful. They are more than happy to explain any meal to you and even give you a little history lesson =) Definitely recommend for everyone to at least try it once! The Aji sauce is to die for!!! I always buy some to enjoy at home!
(4)
Courtney V.

so here goes my first review... I bought the groupon and it made it preeeeety awesome-er so if the deal goes back on get it! Decor & enviornment - smaller than expected but cute and romantic, we went on a thursday, not busy, no wait, candles on the table, dimming lights, music was a little loud but still good Service - I dont remember the servers name but he was nice and fun to talk to... not too serious, water glass was never empty... he did give us good recommendations for food but he was talking a little fast with that so it was harder to follow... I also asked to cook my steak a little longer and he was nice about it and didnt give me a hard time (it was my fault! Lol) Food - BYOB omgosh yes! That green sauce... YUM it had this kick to the end that I loved... pretty much would eat that with anything... (my friend ate it with the bread haha) oh and I know bread is bread but its crunchy on the outside and warm and chewy on the inside... im a sucker for warm bread :) soo off to the paid food, the beef hearts appetizer YOU HAVE TO HAVE it was sooooo tender and full of flavor with a potato and with that green sauce... OMGOSH it was so delicious! First taste of beef hearts and I think no place will ever go up to par with these... im still dreaming about them. I got the steak special as my entree, HUGE seriving size I only ate about a quarter of it (granted im not much a meat eater as I originally was) but it was delicious, tender, and flavorful and with that greeen sauce haha, my plate came with mashed potatoes and guac, nothing to rave home about but it was a good compliment to the steak. My girl had the surf and turf, if you like saucy, maybe you'll like this one... definitely not what I was expecting but it was good, I dont think im a fan of saucy buy the squid, shrimp and I think octopus wasnt chewy or overcooked and that steak... she likes her medium well (I dont know why haha) but it was the best medium well steak ive had not dry or chewy either! very happily surprised... we definitely brought food home and I had a wonderful breakfast and lunch leftover AND THAT GREENSAUCE haha ive never been to a Peruvian restaurant or had their food but im happy it was this one :)
(4)
Jeff N.

Ay Ay means fantabulous! Small cozy dining room with incredible flavorful food! Food is very recognizable and very flavorful. Did I mention how flavorful the food is? Very attentive staff. They speak English- Peruvian is optional. I love the flavorful food. Like flavorful food? Come here !!!!
(4)
Roxanne R.

Great food! Generous portions and BYOB! I have to stop myself from eating the entire loaf of bread plus green sauce but that usually ends in failure. I usually get the papas a las diablas com bistek and mmmmmmm! I love it! So good. A huge piece of steak, rice, potatoes and cheese sauce. How can this dish go wrong? The prices are pretty reasonable and the service is good. I recommend!
(4)
Amanda C.

After a long day at the Botanical Garden my cousin and I were extremely hungry. She suggested Peruvian here at Ay Ay Picante. I can't recall ever eating Peruvian so I said let's go for it. Lots of street parking! Our waiter was extremely nice and very knowledgeable. We had no clue what to get and he made a few suggestions for us. First off, they serve you bread with this green dipping sauce. It had a kick to it & it was tasty! We went with the Bistec con Papas Diablas. The sauce on the potatoes was called "huacaina" or something like that. It was delicious and it went well with the steak and white rice. I will say the serving was huge and I'm so glad we opted to split a dish. Siiiiince we split we had flan with chocolate crust for dessert. It was just right, not too sweet. The atmosphere was pleasant and I definitely enjoyed my food. I look forward to going back to try other items!
(4)
Melanie B.

Very good Peruvian food and great serving staff. I looooove the green sauce they give you with the bread. Their seafood with rice is my fave, but my sister loves their steak with fries. They give you huge portions so make sure you're hungry.
(4)
Kathy S.

First off, as a person of Peruvian descent, I have to inform non-Peruvians about three things they should know about walking into a Peruvian restaurant. Peruvian cuisine doesn't include: 1. nachos, 2. red hot sauce or 3. tortillas. You will be greeted with a basket of sliced French bread and "ajÃ" sauce- a creamy sauce that will make you want a big gulp of carbonation afterwards because it is spicy! Also, the best dishes to get here are the Lomo Saltado (with steak, not chicken) the Ceviche (though my grandma hates it because they powder it with some red stuff which grandma claims is inauthentic and turns the fish pink) and the Jalea. Also, our national soda drink is the Inka Kola, which a lot of my gringo friends describe as a bubble gum flavored pop. If you're not into this sugary overload, I recommend the Chicha Morada, which is a purple corn drink. It's great- try it. Anything you love at Mexican restaurants like tamales or tres Leches cake- forget about it. Try the papa rellena instead and for desert the Flan. The food sizes are large- that's typical of Peruvian restaurants- and involve a great deal of white rice. We always have leftovers. If you want ample seating, go any day except Sundays, when the Peruvian community takes over and fills up the place after noon day mass. Either way, this place and Taste of Peru are way too small for their following and need to expand. It's almost always elbow to elbow here. Someone else said it was kid friendly but I disagree, particularly if you have small children who still need a high chair because their chair gets in the way of practically everyone walking by. A child menu is non-existent. Also, it's quite dark in there (mood lighting?) their tiny bathroom in the back is unisex and I wouldn't send my child there without my supervision and good luck parking on Elston in winter time! Enjoy the Nazca Line designs on the walls, though. And in Summer, they open up a patio seating, which looks nice, but since we're in Chicago and have 9 months of winter, I'd recommend the owner to invest more in indoor seating!
(4)
Jackie F.

It was my first time trying Peruvian cuisine. I used a groupon worth $16 for $30. We started with the papa rellena, which was delicious!! So many flavors...yum!! My boyfriend had the filet mignon and I had the surf and turf. Our mashed potatoes were too salty for our preference and even our cuts were a little too salty. I could taste the different seasoning is my surf and turf sauce but the salt was overbearing. I'm glad we didn't pay full price for our meal. I heard great things about Peruvian food and this restaurant, so I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because of the papa rellena. I'm not sure if I'll come back here but I will try Peruvian food again!
(3)
Gitta B.

Absolutely Love this place, great food , great service. The only two negatives are, hard to find parking and wish the place was a bit more roomy. It's charming as is, but more elbow room would be fantastic!!!!
(5)
Gigi G.

we live in Darien (suburbs)... so trying out this place means travelling 40 minutes on a non traffic late afternoon day (saturday), but most likely a 2 hour hike on a weekday. the one major "turn off" is parking --- valet is $7.... damn! we tried looking for parking ourselves but we made a reservation 6:30pm last night (even if its not needed, but i heard this place can get full so, oh well, $7 it is) ambiance was kinda cozy, a bit romantic ( they dim the lights )... seating arrangement is kinda cramped. they need to expand! we ordered the Peruvian drink -- Chicha Morada ( purple corn juice ) this is sooo refreshing, ahhhh i want to order a gallon to take home -- it kinda reminded me of licorice but a juice version, but not too sweet... we also ordered the Inka Cola -- which is a bubble gum flavored cola --- its sweet... but definitely would order the Chicha Morada over the Inka Cola any day.... just had to try both while we were there... for starters....they bring out, bread which just came fresh out of the oven... and this aji spread.... the green aji spread is just soooo amazing... i dont like spicy food --- this aji spread has a tiny kick but i wanted more and more.... for appetizers, we ordered Anticuchos ( heart ) also ordered Empanada.... both were very tasty.... then we ordered Ceviche Mixto and a House Special Grilled Steak.... Ceviche Mixto is just sooo refreshing --- its a seafood mix -- octopus, calamari, fish etc... it tasted so fresh, which in my book, is important when you eat ceviche... don't just try kissing someone after eating this... coz your breath will stink after, with all the fresh onion mixed into the Ceviche... but if you are all sharing this... then it will be no problem, HA My BF ordered the grilled steak house special -- meh... i told him not to order anything that we can get somewhere else, ugh... I told him to order the Lomo Soltado, which I have seen here people talk about... but oh well... guys dont listen *rolling eyes* Phew, we got stuffed... we cant even order anything else ( but ended up at Nazareth Sweets after -- review next ) Service was impeccable, our server was always checking on us -- verge of a lil annoying -- BUT all the other servers are also willing to help if our server was not around. We will try this restaurant again -- just to try the Lomo Soltado and Jalea and Bistek.. and get more of the Chicha Morada and Aji spread..... mmm hmmm...
(4)
Bill C.

Great rib eye steak, mashed potatoes, avocado salad, fresh bread with butter and spicy avocado sauce that was soo good with the rib eye steak. Desserts not on the menu. A desert tray of 4 or 5 cakes were brought to the table. I chose the milk(?) cake. White milky texture went well with fruit and whipped creme. Service was great - not to crowded at 5pm on a Friday. Great street parking.
(5)
George H.

Well, I have to say I came here with high expectations after reading reviews here and watching this restaurant's segment on "Check, Please." Unfortunately, our visit did not live up to the hype. Our visit started out excellent but instead of staying there, but after our entrees we were practically saying, "Ay, ay, ay..." :-\ We were seated promptly and they brought us out their delicious bread and *Awesome* spread which we were told was a mixture of jalapeno, garlic and onion blended smooth. My wife and I were fighting over the little container until we asked for and received a second one. (Marriage saved!! LOL) We had the fried calamari for an appetizer and it was perfectly cooked and when we ate it with the marinated red onions...it was amazing! Unfortunately here is where the great experience ends - out of three entrees, only one was good, the other two were bad... Starting with the good - my wife had the shrimp ceviche entree and, while the flavors were fresh and bright, the texture of the shrimp was 'off' and felt mealy when eating them. I had the surf and turf, which according to the menu, the turf was supposed to be a tenderloin - I have never had a tenderloin that had that texture before and I am a tenderloin lover. The steak was gristly, stringy, and hard to cut. It gets worse, though - as perfectly cooked as the calamari entree was, the seafood portion of the 'surf' was overcooked and akin to chewing on rubber bands. (The surf was a combination of shrimp, octopus & calamari.) Our daughter had the salmon fettuccine - granted, ordering pasta from a Peruvian place is not cuisine correct, but we figured if it was on the menu, it had to be good...right? Well, we were wrong, way wrong...the pasta was undercooked to be almost raw in the middle, needed another minute to be al dente and the salmon was overcooked, mostly dry and chalky. We ordered their 'bottomless' iced tea...which is sort of a misnomer because, due to slow/inattentive service, all we could see in our glasses for most of the meal WAS the bottom of our (empty) glasses. The waitstaff seemed more interested in playing with the computer in the corner where they get the restaurant's music via a series of YouTube videos. (I am serious about this!) All this (with tax and tip) for over a hundred dollars? I'll take a pass...such a shame - we had high hopes going in and even more so after the appetizers, only to have the experience fall WELL short on the entree portion.
(2)
A. T. T.

Really rude service here, never having had this type of food before, I had questions and I was treated as if I was an idiot for not being familiar with this cuisine and already knowing the menu! Never going back, and do not recommend this place.
(1)
Alca U.

This location is unassuming outside buy fabulous inside. The service staff was wonderful. It was my birthday and they brought out a rich creamy choco-flan. If you take Pisco they make a great pisco sour. I had the conquistadors which was a skewer of meat and shrimp with mash, oh so good. I highly recommend this spot.
(4)
David K.

Went on a very busy night after purchasing a Groupon. Staff are very polite and the atmosphere of the place is very nice. I was with a group of four and they found us a very nice table large enough for everyone and their food. The food, is excellent. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but I am very glad I went. We were kept up to date about any delays which I expected to be great because it was so busy, but we really did not wait very long at all for the food. I am definitely going back. It is BYOB, next time!
(4)
Laura M.

I've been here twice and loved it both times. The service is friendly and quick. The ambiance is a bit dim, so it's nice for a date. The ceviche appetizers are so so good. Spring for the Mixto to get both fish and seafood. The first time I came here, I had the Arroz con Pollo entree, which I still dream about. I had the chicken with mushrooms the second time, which was very good, but got a little repetitive with the flavors: It really is just chicken and mushrooms. Each portion is basically two meals, so get a to-go box and have a killer lunch the next day. Huge bonus points for being BYOB.
(5)
Britney P.

The food was amazing and the server was extremely attentive to our needs. It's a plus that the restaurant is BYOB. All of the cuisine was nice and fresh! I'd definitely return here without hesitation! We ordered the beef hearts as our appetizer, and we shared an entree which was the fettuccine with chicken and veggies!
(5)
Dania M.

My favorite Peruvian restaurant in the City! We usually always start with empanadas and papa a la huancaina. They usually start you off with fresh bread and this amazing garlicky green sauce. I highly recommend their Churrasco a la Parrilla, el conquistador fillet Mignon screwers, and their tallarines verdes. Make sure to try their Inca Kola!
(5)
Pat G.

Excellence. Lomo Saltado was tender and tasty. Bread with the Aji spread was the perfect mix. Will definitely get take out from here again!
(5)
Ted M.

Great atmosphere/music, etc. Good service. Food could be more spicy, maybe its being toned down for americans? (Or peruvian food isnt that spicy to begin with?) my steak was okay and cooked properly, but I would choose seafood here next time. Fish was excellent. Recommended, esp on a groupon or with a discount (a bit pricey - not a budget place). *Is byob for drinkers*. Some brunch-y items would be nice for weekend mornings...
(4)
Kenneth K.

A quaint, delightful setting that's intimate enough for two people but spacious enough for larger groups without being too crowded with other patrons nearby. The food was very good. Growing up in a Peruvian household, I came in with a bias believing my family had mastered ceviche and lomo saltado. It was a splendid surprise have not only polite and attentive servers but great food that tasted genuinely authentic! The restaurant is BYOB so remember to bring a bottle of wine with you to make the night even more smooth!
(5)
Michelle F.

I would always pass this place while driving on Elston, and it always looked so out of place amid an industrial area of car washes, auto body shops and taxi cab garages. I had heard that the place had excellent food, and I'm glad I got to finally give it a try. I came here with my husband and bff on a Friday night. My friend was traveling to Peru in the coming month, so I figured she'd be the perfect person to try this place with. I had made a reservation, though the place wasn't crowded when we got there. It did fill up by the end of the night, but it was never at capacity. I have to start off by saying that while the waitstaff was friendly, they were a little unorganized. There were just so many waiters that we really had no idea which one was ours. They were all kind of running around the whole night in a fit of mild chaos. For appetizers, we got the Peruvian Tamale, which was stuffed with chicken, nuts and black olives. It was pretty good. For an entree, I had the Polo Saltado. It's chicken breast served with cilantro, tomatoes, onions and garlic. It came with fries and was served over rice. The flavors were spot on. Overall, we had a good experience. The food was good. The waitstaff was friendly but unorganized. I recommend it if you're in the area.
(3)
Gerry D.

The anticuchos are very good! I had the LOMO FINO TIERRA Y MAR for my entree. So flavorful! The only problem was my waiter never asked how I wanted the filet mignon cooked. It came medium rare. Black people dont eat their steak like that!
(4)
Victoria E.

Looks are deceiving. From the outside, it didn't look too inviting, but inside is very intimate with their candle lit tables and dimmed lights. Found this place on yelp when I was on vacation with my boyfriend. His family lives in Albany Park and this was the closest Peruvian restaurant. My boyfriend's cousin is picky with his food and does not like a lot of stuff, and is never into trying new foods but he loved their Lomo Saltado from here. Did I mention that his cousin already had dinner and yet he still kept eating the Lomo Saltado?! lol That says enough!!! Food is delicious, and may I add BYOB??? That is freaking awesome! One thing LA does not have. Definitely cannot complain. Really good food! Wish I lived in Chicago haha
(5)
Paola W.

The atmosphere at this place is great, very chill and comforting. They give you good portions not too pricey they dont serve alcohol but it is byob... only thing I hate is that they dont have their own parking so me and my husband had to park about 3 blocks away and it was on February and snowing so i think that was a big issue especially when youre wearing heels. Staff very friendly
(4)
Clements J.

Nice ceviche and good steak. Full of flavor. The green sauce for the bread was tasty.
(4)
Stephen S.

Came here with a group of folks on a Saturday night. The service was leisurely and we never felt pressured to get to anything which was nice to let us enjoy each other's company. The food was a mix of hits and misses, I enjoyed the seafood stew and the mixed ceviche but other people were not too happy with their entrees. Of course, I only ordered the seafood stew because the other 4 things I asked about on the menu they were out of. That's not all too surprising to many, the menu is huge and it'd be hard if they were able to manage so many offerings while keeping things fresh. Biggest benefit of this place: BYOB. We ended up with a bunch of food with a pretty reasonable food.
(2)
Comensal A.

Ay Ay Picante is a warm & cozy place offering an extensive (though seemingly repetitive) menu of Peruvian-accented comfort food. I've been to three or four Peruvian restaurants, and all seem to feature different cuisine. AAP seems to be into steak, fish and stews accented with lime and occasional jalapeno peppers. We enjoyed our starters most of all. Soft, warm bread is served with a kick-ass garlic/jalapeno sauce. Empanadas were tender and delicious. Mixed salad was dressed with a tangy citrus vinaigrette. Our entrÃ©es were not so fabulous. Seco de Cordero (a lamb stew) was tasty, but the meat was fattier than I prefer. AjÃ de Gallina (a chicken stew) was kind of gloppy and the flavors were low-key. Each entrÃ©e was served with an undistinguished cone of very dry rice. The staff was uniformly warm, welcomng and helpful (sometimes a bit too helpful, repeatedly trying to help us decide what to order as we perused the fine print on the extensive menu). Prices are reasonable and portions ample. I wasn't blown away by the stews, but may be back to sample the steaks and fish.
(3)
Heather D.

I am beyond obsessed with Peruvian ceviche and out of all the restaurants I have tried, Ay Ay Picante has the best! the prices are pretty decent and the portions are big. Sometimes you can find a groupon and get $30 for $15! It is BYOB which is pretty cool.
(5)
Johnny S.

Ordered Lomo Saltado, and Anticucious. Very delicious. The Lomo Saltado was very juicy. I had Lomo Saltado throughout the United States and I have to give it to this place. However, my wife didn't like their Ceviche. She didn't enjoy the orange sauce. Overall, the restaurant was very appetizing and I will come by again.
(5)
Luis B.

Ay ya ay! The lomo saltado was phenomenal. We came with a group of 5 and were promptly greeted and handed some bread rolls to go with the delicious and spicy salsa verde. 4 of us ordered the lomo saltado based on our previous experience with this spot. 1 of us had the ahi de gallina. As expected, the lomo was delicious and authentic (2 Peruvians with us agree). The ahi de gallina was not the best and did not have very good flavor. We're sticking with the lomo from now on! Fun environment with salsa music going! Try it out!
(4)
Cinthia S.

Woooaa... this place really suck!!!! No customer service whatsoever, it took us 30 min to get the check.. food isn't that great! I will never come to this place, all these people need a training
(1)
Vince D.

I was here recently for my birthday. Overall, everything was excellent from the service to the food. The entree portion was quite large and the price was reasonable. I would go back here again.
(5)
Josan K.

A hidden gem on the northwest side! Friendly service! Our waiter was pretty informative. This place has a HUGE menu of choices! It was hard to pick! Big cerviche bar, but we didn't order any. Warm, fresh rolls with a great green salsa started us off. He mentioned what were traditional peruvian dishes and we went with PAPAS A LA DIABLA CON BISTEC and the LOMO SALTADO and i must say, both were damned good! We will be returning! BYOB!
(5)
Dan M.

So reviews are all subjective...right? Not this one, here are the facts. My wife and I go in for the first time to try this neighborhood (to us) restaurant. We order a Cebiche dish as an appetizer. It was great, we loved it! Additionally, we ordered the filet and scallop entree and the filet and shrimp entree. 20 Minutes after the appetizer dish (took 20 minutes to get the app) is cleared from the table the entrees arrive. The mashed potatoes and vegetables are cold, and the steak is not even rare. It is so under cooked, it was uneatable. The waiter comes, apologizes, and takes our dishes. Another 20 minutes go by and someone else brings out our plates. The steaks still aren't cooked the way we ordered and they never reheated the vegetables or the potatoes. I told the waiter that I could not eat the steak and that the sides were cold. I then told him I couldn't eat anything on the plate and asked for the check. One would think that they would provide customer service and take the 2 steak dinners off the check. Nope! They gave us the check, minus the appetizer. I told the waiter that he shouldn't have done that and he should have charged us for the appetizer and not the plates. He apologized, agreed, and then said his manager wasn't around. I gave him my credit card assuming he was smart enough to fix it. Nope! He charged the full amount. I am appalled at the service we received, the amount we were charged, and the inability to rectify a situation that was their fault. My promise to Ay Ay Picante....I will make sure that I tell every person in our neighborhood this story and detour them from your restaurant. Thank you for charging me $57 for a fantastic appetizer. Good Luck.
(1)
Rick D.

I've frequented this restaurant three times and only did take out. Love the lomo saltado with chicken or beef. So, I decided to dine in. The service was mediocre and not friendly. The waiter Ivan was not attentive. Did not greet us with a smile. Didn't ask how the meal was. Possibly because it was late or he was tired. However, his lack of service interfered with my overall dining experience. I will not dine in again. I will only do take out. This kind of service is unacceptable and Ivan needs some coaching and counseling on how to deliver good customer service.
(2)
Amy L.

Best thing I liked here was the Lomo Saltado. Ask for extra rice. A bit pricey but big plates to share. Kid friendly. They were able to make a breaded chicken with fries for my 3 year old. They also had high chairs available. A little too small for strollers to be in there if the place was packed. We went on a Tuesday night and there were just a few tables used so stroller was ok then.
(3)
Evelyn L.

My sister and I stopped in Sunday, late afternoon. I absolutely loved the food and our server was so friendly and helpful, he made suggestions and answered every question we had about the food. We ordered the octopus appetizer, it's served in a garlicky sauce, which was so tasty and speaking of garlicky, that green sauce that they bring to the table with the fresh bread is Amazing!! I couldn't even imagine eating it while out on a date though, I had to brush my teeth and gargle two times before I went to bed but absolutely worth it. Anyways, for my entrÃ©e I ordered the Lomo saltado? I think that's what it's called, it's grilled pieces of steak, onions, tomatoes and a mountain of French fries! Oh my God!! So much food!! It's served with white rice and all of that deliciousness is laying on top of the tastiest brown sauce. I don't know how they make it, but it has a hint of vinegar in it and it is simply delicious!! My sister order a steak and white rice entree which looked similar to mine but the sauce had a different flavoring, I have to say mine was much tastier, either way, we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals and had enough left overs for another meal, speaking of which, mine was even better the next day!! This was our second time eating there and we both agree, it is a lovely little restaurant with great food and very nice staff.
(5)
H A.

Here is a little gem of a place hidden away on the northwest side. We hit this place up for a girls' night out and loved it. the portions are very generous and delicious. The menu itself is loaded with an insane amount of choices and this time I ended up taking the waiter's advice. BYOB makes the deal even sweeter, I think. Parking was a bit of a treasure hunt, but we just parked on a side street. Yeah, it was a tad dark in there for my liking, but I think that it didn't really take away that much from the experience.
(4)
Patrick E.

Order your meat one level more cooked. Here, a medium is more like a medium rare. Thanks to our waiter for the tip! Love the intimacy of this place, but whats up with the lights getting stronger and dimmer throughout the meal? Definitely good place for a date. If you love meat, you'll like this place!
(4)
Carmelo R.

Went in on a Saturday which happens to be a busy night for them but that didn't stop them from providing great service. BYOB and great food will defiantly stopping in again.
(5)
Susan C.

This restaurant is one of the best Peruvian spots in the city. There was a groupon and after seeing them featured on Check, Please!, I was extremely curious to check it out. I went in for dinner with a friend of mine on a Sunday night. While we got there rather early (5 pm-ish), it wasn't crowded - yet. This place is very small and cozy and pretty soon, the restaurant was packed. Not bad for a Sunday night! We ordered the mussels and calamari for appetizers. The mussels were good, and quite large in size. They were served cold with fresh pico de gallo topped on them. The calamari was also good, but a tad bit salty. My friend and I both ordered the tilapia with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. It was a lot of food and I ended up taking my entire entree home with me. The service is so-so...waited a bit for almost everything. The menu is also very large as well. For being a smaller restaurant, they have a lot of choices to pick from. I will definitely be back at this restaurant!
(5)
Anne M.

Very expensive. Seafood soup was delicious the "Parihuela"....we had ordered Calamari, Parihuela, Pescado Frito, and the Sudado de Mariscos. I loved the soup like I said the broth was divine, reminded me of Thai Tom Yum Goong Soup :) The squid was over cooked and rubbery, so we had to becareful to chew very, very, very well so as not to choke. I will return for the soup or learn to make it myself because I live so far. I did not like the Pescado Frito, until I took it home and added some of my sauce to it. ALL DESSERTS ARE $5 EACH. We got the desserts of Flan and Tres Leches... and for some reason they were not on the menu. They bring a platter out for you at the end to see which of the sample desserts you might want. We forgot to ask about the prices because we were already enticed by the eye candy....somewhat of an eye candy because the desserts they show you look old. The slice of tres leches was good however very the milk was very thick, I've never had it that thick, the milk was not runny at all, it's almost like it was mixed with sour cream or something and milk. The flan was okay. Just know the dessert prices going in, or put them on the menu. Maybe this is their marketing thing. The Sudado de Mariscos was seriously the same thing as the Parihuela, just mixed in with rice. This meal could have been $54 $12 x 4= $48, and $3.00 per dessert, tea and coffee $3 each could have made the meal bumped up to $60 but it was $84. ....however it came to $84, not including tip. Especially for where the area was....it was funny to see how much soy sauce is used, this is proof Peruvians are ASIANS, because they also have the shovel-shaped incisors and their dressing is just like those in Tibet and Mongolia.... I had a purse that someone noticed looked Peruvian. It was from Thailand. Our server was nice, we had several servers which makes it family style service. To recap, the soup was a delight, price is a bit much for the location and food.... I would go there again but I'll learn to make it myself :) unless I'm in the city!
(3)
Amy H.

Flavorful, delicious and authentic. I love this restaurant! Just having brought a groupon, I didn't know what to expect when I went there first (it wasn't my last however)! We had the ceviche, lomo saltdo(beef) and a chicken dish. Everything was very good. My favorite was the bread and the green sauce. Ceviche was on point and so was the beef. Do try this place out if you like flavorful dishes. Saving money with groupon is another bonus!
(5)
Hillarie R.

You know when you find a little spot that exceeds all expectations and you just have to go Yelp about it first thing the next morning? That's Ay Ay Picante! Went there for dinner last night with my mom and brother. Very cute ambiance, musical was lively yet not overbearing and little candles everywhere. The server was very attentive, I appreciated how quickly he brought out an ice bucket for our sangria. Oh, did I forget to mention that they are BYOB?! I ordered the Churrasco all Parrilla with garlic rice and a tomato salad. Sirloin was cooked to perfection and even after all three of us picked at it, I had enough steak and salad for an enviable lunch today. My mom ordered Jalea de Mariscos-basically a delicious bevy of Peruvian seasoned fried calamari, shrimp and tilapia accompanied by a fresh onion salad and zesty corn and yuca. Next time I go back, I will order this bad boy for myself. Even my brother's basic fried fish dish was delicious. The portions are huge but I still recommend everyone order their own entree because you will want to sample around. Everything was spectacular!
(5)
Jenny O.

Overall, it was a good dining experience. The food was flavorful, and the service was great. However, there were a few things that prevented me from giving the place a perfect score. With that said, I'll start with the cons... Cons: Way way way too dark. So dark that I had a hard time reading the menu. Also, regarding the food, I ordered the lomo saltado. Honestly, I liked it; I could taste all of the ingredients that were mentioned in the description to the fullest degree. However, the meat was not tender, and somewhat difficult to chew. Pros: Although it took awhile to get a menu, the service was really great. I loved my waiter; he was very friendly and attentive to our needs. Also, my friend ordered the grilled steak with the fettucine in albahaca pesto sauce. I thought the meat was cooked better in this dish, and the pasta was very good. The noodles were al dente, and the pesto sauce had great flavors. I highly recommend this dish.
(4)
Lynette M.

The only part I enjoyed was the ceviche mixta. It's mixed with octopus, tilapia, shrimp, etc. So delicious. It's a bit pricey but it's honestly delicious. My entree wasn't so great. The steak was extremely rough, and I couldn't even enjoy it. I would just go for the appetizers again, not for the main course. We paid more then what I expected. $200.00 down the drain.
(2)
Mon P.

The green salsa is pretty amazing and is served with warm bread. I also enjoyed the cerviche and loma saltado. I have gone here several times and the food is always fresh and served hot. The food is not that expensive either. The taste is muy muy sabroso.
(4)
Lu A.

Sooo, great food, great service and great ambiance! Yes, we are those customers who walk in 15mins before the kitchen closes. They took us with open arms and fresh delicious wings. I highly recommend this place! Yes, I am peruvian!
(5)
M P.

Very good service and great food. Very warm and cozy, very prompt service. BYOB which includes Wine, beer, Soda anything.....so clever! We will defiantly return again!
(5)
Marina S.

Do not like. Service was awkward, calamari was rubbery and fish tasted meh. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)
Jennifer H.

My favorite restaurant! I get Pollo Saltado with no french fries. The people are great here.
(5)
David K.

For me, seafood is a tricky thing. Outside of sushi, I don't often get wowed by seafood as the centerpiece of my meal because I usually find it too bland or over fried. I usually order seafood to enhance a dish (shrimp with my linguini, crab cake appetizers, lobster bisque, etc). I have no such reluctance at this place because the sauces and marinades that come with the seafood here are really good. On my last trip, I ordered the Filete Lo Macho which is a lighted fried tilapia doused in a cream sauce similar in color to a vodka sauce. Accompanying the talapia was a mixture of callamari and shrimp, with a side of rice. Completely flavorful and large portions. My girlfriend calls herself a so-called expert in ceviche since her job takes her to South/Central America and Spain and it's her favorite food. She claims the Ceviche Mixto is some of the best she's ever had anywhere. I'm not a huge fan of ceviche but found myself nibbling off her plate all evening. Last thing I'll say is that the staff is really nice here. We walked in just before closing. Usually they serve us bread with that great spicy avocado sauce, but they were out of bread so they served us saltines. Seeing our disappointment, one of the waiters went out at 9:30pm and picked up a loaf of bread for us. That is service!
(5)
Steve L.

Pretty strong restaurant, service/atmosphere is a little spotty though. 3.5/5 The food was actually quite delicious, it was flavorful and the portions were just the right size. The ceviche was damn good, I highly recommend that. Even the bread with the spicy guacamole was a nice addition. It was sort of off putting having a restaurant with such a huge front side and no one sitting there. I question whether the bus boy fully understood English and we often had to repeat ourselves as to whether or not we were done with the plate. A little pet peeve of mine is I hate it when I get served water from the right hand side. It should always be served from the left...but that's nit picking
(4)
David G.

There is a saying you cannot have too much of a good thing... well in the case of the ceviche I think we have the exception. My wife and I shared the tilapia ceviche and it was wonderful. The flavor was terrific, the fish marinated to perfection and the onions were light enough to complement the dish well. The portion was HUGE. By the end my palate was fried by all the acidic goodness. I think some sort of salty chip, maybe some fried yucca would have balanced the dish a bit better. We also shared the Tilapia provencial which was fantastic. There were spices and flavor profiles I really never have experienced. The fish was cooked perfectly and the mushrooms were extremely flavorful. It made my mouth happy. The bread was ok and the green sauce was tasty though I don't understand the hype. I would have liked just a little bit more of a kick to really set it off. Overall a pleasant experience and I would go back.
(4)
Tamara U.

Still coming to this restaurant whenever I get a chance, and still LOVE the food! The fried calamari is also a new favorite, and their green aji sauce with bread is amazing! One piece of advice: If you like your ceviche a little more spicy, try adding some of the green sauce to it. Yum!
(5)
Daniel C.

I have mixed feelings about Ay Ay Picante. The food itself is excellent and of good value. I could not have enough of the dipping sauce for the bread, which had a nice kick to it. I also enjoyed the ceviche, the seafood stew, as well as the seafood with rice. Their dessert selection is also great. However, service the second time we were there was absolutely horrendous. It took forever for the food to come out, and when it did, they brought us the wrong dish! The server apologized and said that he would 'steal' it from another table. What kind of server does that? We then realized that service was equally slow at the other tables handled by this server. What a shame. I really, really hope that this was just a blip, because the food is really good!
(3)
Eli B.

Mellow ambiance, wall art & covered outdoor garden. Male wait staff is on it, likes non braty kids. Chef Lucas brings global experience. Delicious south american food/desert (really south west africa according to Dr. Sertima) . groups more than 4 will increase the volume & lessen the romantic chill vibe & i suggest a different place for that.
(4)
George K.

I have passed by this place a million times and have never noticed before, but overall, I thought it was a good place. They have a really big menu in which everything sounds delicious. So, as an appetizer, my girlfriend and I split a ceviche which was incredible. Having our expectation bar raised, we though our entrÃ©e would be fantastic, it was really good, but it wasn't to the same level as the ceviche. Maybe we just ordered the wrong thing. After, we had a flan which was spectacular. I would honestly just go back there again for the ceviche and the flan.
(4)
Cheryl M.

I absolutely loved this place. It's down the street from my work and I was interested in trying something new. As soon as we sat down, the waiter brought forth a basket of French bread (weird) and a small cup of this avocado spread which was really spicy. I could not stop eating it!!!! We then ordered some yucca, plantains and calamari. I ordered the entree which was skirt steak with pesto pasta. The spices on the steak was fantastic. Not sure why I ordered pesto at a Peruvian place but it did the trick for lunch the next day. We then ordered coffee and the waiter brought us a coffee cake which had a dulce cream in the middle. We definitely ordered a ton of food but the bill only came out to be $42. This place is a BYOB so that is a great way to keep the bill down. No doubt, I will be back there again to stuff my face!!!
(5)
Kasia K.

best food for good price. great service! bring some wine and friends
(5)
Giovanna B.

Ay ay picante it is! Kinda. Having nothing but hot and pure Peruvian blood running through my veins, it is my duty - my moral obligation if you wish - to check out all the Peruvian restaurants I encounter. (My humble opinion is that the Peruvian cuisine is, after all, the best. Everything else comes at a close second =) And so, after coming across this particular spot on Elston, I decided to check it out. The decor is nothing to write home about, but I did enjoy the Nazca lines painted on the walls - it is refreshing to those not familiar with Peru to learn that there is more to the country than just Machu Picchu. The music was standard for Peruvian restaurants, meaning that it is something that you would listen to if you were eating in a restaurant down in Peru. I think the songs were mostly Limenas (i.e. from Lima), and I loved them, rightly so. But stay away from the table closest to the stereo - it gets friggin' loud. Now lets get to the nitty-gritty and the main reason for me going: The food. Probably the best part of our visit was "el aji": This creamy sauce made of chili-like peppers is a tasty addition to bread, potatoes, and just about anything under the sun, if you are a spicy-food addict like me. I don't mean to brag or anything, but it tasted JUST like the "aji" my father makes! And that is a very good thing because his will floor you. Besides, it is my experience that the quality of a Peruvian restaurant is directly correlated to the goodness of their "aji". I won't go into fine detail as far as everything else we ordered. I'll just say this: Overall, the food was very good, but not phenomenal. Maybe it's because I have already tasted mind-blowing-toe-curling Peruvian cuisine goodness, but don't let that dissuade you. The food is very good (better than a place or two I might write about later), and I would take anyone who would like to try it. The service was good, but the take-out portions of "aji" were small - boo! I love the fact that it's BYOB. Okay, so I said I wouldn't get into detail, but I lied. The anticuchos (grilled steak on a stick) were very good, so go get them! Don't get the tamales though - they lack the Peruvian flair. However, the "salsa criolla" (onion salsa) that came with it totally rocked my world! I wasn't too thrilled by the "tiradito" (ceviche-like dish made with chili peppers original to Peru, and one of my favorite meals ever); it wasn't tangy enough, nor did it tease my taste-buds the way good tiradito always does, so don't order it from here. I think I will try the ceviche next time though. And the seco de cordero - it looked and smelled great when it was ordered by some other table... yu-um! My major complaint - not only of this particular place but of other Peruvian restaurants in the area - is that they don't serve chicha morada (sweet purple corn drink) nor do they carry ANY mazamorra morada (sweet purple corn pudding)!!! Though these are not restricted to only Peru, they are a staple of our cuisine, and quite tasty to boot =) Please get them!
(4)
Tom S.

BYOB - Small with attentive service. Huge portions of very good food. Peruvian tamale ( Tamal Peruano) starts off bland, starts building the heat as you eat it. Aji de Gallina was tasty without being too spicy.
(3)
Jon R.

Everything is good in this place! I just wish they offer packaged menu pricing for functions.
(4)
Jennifer Q.

This was my first time eating in a Peruvian restaurant. I was really impressed! The food was cooked really well here -the potatoes were boiled to perfection -soft without being too "watery". I ordered the steamed shrimp platter and the shrimp too were cooked very well -very soft and easy to chew unlike some places, where they can be "rubbery". I also got to try the Ceviche Mixto -the seafood in this cold dish was very nice as well -melt in your mouth consistency. They also had one darn good cup of cafe as well as Inca, the cream-soda-esque flavored soda. They also have outdoor seating which gives you a more "ethnic" experience -you almost feel like you've left Chicago and are sitting on some one's patio in Peru. Another plus for me was that they had a really nice variety of vegetarian dishes and even mark them with a "V" on the menu! Overall, I was very impressed by the expereience and will be back!
(5)
Simone G.

My Peruano roommate pointed this restaurant out to me. My am I glad he did. While you can get your food for delivery or pick up, the environment within the establishment is quite nice. Picante is not upscale by any means, but they have cool paintings of Mayan crop formations on the wall while you listen to traditional Andean music playing over the stereo. You are served a basket of bread and small butter packets along with a bit of a sauce or spread that was absolutely delicious. I couldn't quite put my finger on what its constitution was, but it sure was garlicky... mmmm. For my entree I ordered the Seco de Carne, which is a beef dish consisting of peas, tomatoes, onions and cilantro (an herb that will always sell me on a dish) cooked in a stew like fashion. It is accompanied by rice and white beans. My co-diner had the Pollo Saltado, which is best described as chicken, fajita style, on a bed of some of the most delicious french cut fried potatoes I've ever had (Ok, so I never go on French Fry rants but this place seriously has some of the best french fries I have ever had I believe I am going to come her just to try an a la cart order of them). The dish itself was accompanied by a side of beans. For desert we were offered a free pastel (pastry), with a caramel creme filling. The food here is fantastic. Peruvians have a wide array of noodle dishes, considering their large Chinese poplulation, and this place has many varieties of them. For the vegetarians there are several options available that are strictly just that, and some that can be modified to be made so. At times I felt the service was a bit disorganized, but the bread basket was set promptly, I always had water, my food arrived piping hot and never did I feel rushed. I am definitely going to become a regular here seeing as I loved what I had and want to try so many more things on this menu. ayaypicante.com
(4)
Julie M.

This is a wonderful find! Their food is always fresh and interesting and the staff is great as well. I have relied on Yelp reviews and have never been disappointed with their suggestions. Am bringing family there tonight and am looking forward to another wonderful dinner at Ay Ay Picante!
(5)
Annabel J.

This place is excellent. The dipping sauce is amazing, the service is always great even when they're busy, and it's BYOB and extremely inexpensive for the quality and quantity of food you get. One of my favorite restaurants.
(5)
Jaclyn C.

I don't mind venturing out to get some food, especially when it is different. I had Peruvian before once at a friends place but I haven't actually found a restaurant that serves it till I moved to Chicago and it is BYOB at that. The area it is located on the stretch of Elston where there isn't much going on however, the place itself is very cute and lit by votive candles on each table. The menu can be a little overwhelming but I knew what I was looking for and I am so glad I ended up being correct. It is a shredded chicken dish that is cooked in a thick sauce with potatoes and peas. It is a little sweet and spicy and really good. It is a little out of the way but I can't wait till I come back. It is on my list of places. My husband liked it but I think I got the winning dish. Which was big enough to bring home for leftovers. Waiters are really nice and it is great for bigger groups too.
(4)
Bethzabe S.

I go there pretty often. I am Peruvian and this is one of the few good places I have found. I have been at the other Peruvian restaurants in Chicago,and this is my favorite so far. I recommend tamales and arroz verde. Buen Provecho!
(4)
Heidi C.

It's crowded on most nights I come here for dinner - and it's obvious why. The food is delicious. Peruvian cuisine at its best. There is a wide range of menu choices (I still have yet to try them all!) including seafood, pasta, steaks...I suggest trying the ceviche mixto for an appetizer. It's unbelievable. My boyfriend is an avid fan of their fried calamari. We ordered both on one of our visits and ended up with a 40 lb. doggy bag. (May be a slight exaggeration but the point is, they have generous portions.) My cousin strongly recommended it to me for a birthday dinner I was organizing and I'm very thankful she did. Everyone had a wonderful time with the food and the fun atmosphere. Service is great, our waiter was very helpful and attentive. The prices are very reasonable. And don't forget your wine, it's BYOB with no corkage fee! I have to warn those of you who are looking for a quiet evening. From my experience, it's usually pretty loud in there. Loads of energy and not a lot of room to work with.
(4)
Qadree H.

So I must say that the food at this restaurant was spectacular. However, our issue was with the service. You can't be a niche place like this in Chicago and not have good service. I would say we would go back, but we'd only do it if we had unlimited time to wait on the poor service. The check in process was completely unorganized. Our server forgot our appetizer and they tried to make it better with free flan in the end. Again great food, but don't expect a lot when it comes to good service!
(2)
Nery E.

one of the best peruvian restaurants in chicagoland! all their seafood appetizers or entrÃ©e are amazing. this is their forte! i was a little bit dissapointed with the lomo saltado though. i normally order papa a la diabla con bistec and it's like being in heaven!
(4)
Walt M.

Complements are great especially from people who know what Peruvian food is supposed to look, smell, and taste. Coming from someone who actually grew up seeing, smelling, hearing, food being prepared and eating Peruvian food... I should know a little something about this...just a little. ( I try to be humble.) Anyway, the place is sort of small. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for it in its ambiance, service, quality and authenticity. The wait staff was excellent!! Very attentive and ready at your disposal for anything you may need. BYOB...bring your own booze...or you'll be SOL!! ...either way you can try Inca Cola...a sort of a ginger ale, bubble gum tasting soda from Peru...it's good especially when combining with the complex flavors of the assorted Peruvian delicacies. For starters I'd go for papa a la huancaina. It's a delicious starter dish made of boiled potatoes served on lettuce and covered in a spicy, huancaina cheese sauce and garnished with black olives and hard- boiled eggs. Like seafood? Try ceviche mixto...it has fresh seafood mixed together in it's own juices....the leche de tigre....(tiger's milk)....drink every last drop because it's supposed to be an aphrodisiac....or so my peeps tell me. ;P It's really excellent. In the mood for poultry or meat? Try either the pollo saltado or lomo saltado. It combines seasoned bite size pieces of meat, onions, tomatoes and fries and is served with traditional white rice. Excellent choice if your new to Peruvian food. There is so much good stuff, that it's hard to go wrong here. You might even see the Owner of the place, greeting you on your way in or out or just checking to see that your meal went well. Now, that's service my friends. You've just found your favorite Peruvian place.
(5)
Roger V.

Great little place that happens to be nearby to where I live. My parents are Peruvian and know how the food should taste like and this place is pretty good. There are somethings that they make differently like the "Tallarines Verdes" which are too bright, but I'm guessing its because the aren't adding enough spinach when making the sauce. I'm from Miami and would eat the lomo saltado from El Chalan which is excellent, thankfully Ay Ay Picantes is just as good. If you want good Peruvian food at a descent price then give this place a try.
(4)
Cristina B.

The only reason I give it 3 stars is because the first time I tried it , didn't like it. Oh boy, was it worth s second try. I had the Salmon LimeÃ±o. It comes with a side of mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables. They have a mushroom gravy sauce that it is MMMmmmm delicious! I recommend ordering the gravy on the side because it is too much. Even if you are not a mushroom fan, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy this sauce. Their Ceviche De Camarones is superb! It's BYOB, so make sure to bring your bottle of wine and Buen Provecho!
(3)
Larz F.

I grew up a few blocks away and let me say that this neighborhood has never been a gastronomical destination; that is until now. I driven past here many times and from the outside it doesn't look like much. There's a flashing bulb sign reminiscent of an old pizza parlor and the store front looks like it could be an insurance office, but don't be fooled by the exterior. The dining room is cozy and inviting with beautiful murals. It was a wonderful summer evening so we opted to sit on the patio out back. Aside from the faux plants and fruit decorating the maple tree the patio was a great quiet; and based on the many couples dining there; romantic spot. The menu was pretty extensive although I wish there were more details about the entrees. Service managed to find that great balance between being attentive and being unobtrusive, although we did have to ask for the check after sitting there for 15 minutes. The food was awesome. If you aren't familiar with Peruvian food there are South American, Spanish, and Asian influences which makes it unique to other South American cuisines I've had. Next time I plan to take a larger group so we can try a wider variety. If you do decide to go my advice is: bring wine or beer - it is BYOB and there aren't any liquor stores within walking distance and plan on spending some time - sit back and enjoy.
(4)
Francisco P.

The food here is consistenly good and authentic. I love their "Arroz con Maricoz" and their "Papa Rellena". The place is elegant and most of the waiters are extremely helpful and efficient. Highly reccomend it!
(4)
Grace L.

We came here as friend's suggestion and we love this place. The food is fresh, the service helpful, and the room is warm and inviting. The 10 of us ordered the whole gamut, from the avocado appetizer, seafood soups, and the beef...and not one of us complained about the food. The quiet eating period was the great evidence of some good eats, and as we nibbled from each others plates, we knew this place was a "keeper". It's BYOB and in the warmer months, they have a cute patio out back.
(5)
Manny R.

The food is good, no main complaints. I recommend their Ceviche or Ceviche mix; trust me I'm Peruvian. One day I didn't have such a good day there but it's definitely better than that hole Rinconcito Sudamericano. I myself order the Lomo Saltado, Seco and Tallarines Verdes; oh, and lets not forget the Ceviche, Papa a la Huancaina, Papa Rellena etc. etc. Well, I've been eating that since day one in Peru. VIVA PERU CARAJO!!!!!!!!! Also, get their Alfajores for dessert. ONE CON, there are no PICARONES, otherwise I'd always be there.
(4)
Beebe G.

my husband invited aap to our community meeting/open house and bring in some food samples from their restaurant to further promote their restaurant. they were a huge hit at our open house! we ended up dining here friday night and had a really nice dinner. their ceviche is fresh and, full of flavor. and the stew we ordered succulent. we will definitely come back since it is afterall near our home! oh, and it's byob - a dining savings!
(4)
Mindy G.

I wanted to try this place since it is in my neighborhood and I have read all of the reviews. We came in at 10:00 and asked the host what time they were closing he said we had plenty of time since they were closing at 11:00. We received a basket of bread and then never saw a server at any time at our table. There were at least five servers, some doing nothing, some doing sidework, but they never came to our table. Some of them just stared at us and still didn't take our order. One guy was in the kitchen area lifting his shirt up while the other servers were laughing and joking around. After getting completely fed up and waiting over 15 minutes we decided to leave. We will not return-there are so many restaurants in the city that have such good service. This was ridiculous!!!
(1)
Kimberly L.

Excellent peruvian food and a fun atmosphere make for a great evening with friends. Yum...the ceviche mixto is fresh and spicy and I had to try really hard not to shovel the pollo saltado into my fat mouth all at once--I was with others, hence the need for modesty. They offer a chile based sauce that someone makes by hand...OMG...this stuff is addictive. Plus...it's a BYOB. Service wasn't perfect (my reason for 4 stars instead of 5) but it's friendly. I will definitely return.
(4)
Natallie W.

This was my first time trying Peruvian food. Delicious! I went with the waiter's favorite dish and recommendation and was blown away. Will definitely be going back for more. The fish was perfectly cooked and the garlic dipping sauce is out of this world.
(5)
ellen h.

i couldn't love this restaurant more. i used to live in the neighborhood and was so happy to discover it! the green aji dip with bread that you start out with is hot and buttery and so good that i often ruin my appetite before anything else comes to the table. every variant of ceviche i've had has been outstanding - and this is from someone who doesn't much like fish and almost never orders seafood away from the ocean. i love the stuffed mashed potato appetizer thingy, and i have to admit that i pretty much always get lomo saltado. i swear i'm going to try something new every time, but i love it so much i can't help myself. i've never had a guest be anything but bowled over by how great the food is, no matter what they've ordered. and the staff is wonderful - attentive, kind, and they are good at knowing when to chat and when to leave you alone. i miss you, ay ay picante!
(5)
Amanda B.

I came here for my birthday dinner and was quite pleased. The atmosphere is comfy cozy. It was a Friday night, there was live music ! ha! BYOB is a plus. I really loved the Palta Rellena Vegetariana and the Yucca a la Huancaina..mmmm...sooo much creamy goodness. For dinner I went for the Pescado Frito, I had a hard time deciding because everything sounded good. The description said it was a dish found on every street in Peru, so thought it would be a good choice, and it was! I love fried food, just can't help myself. The service was good, and I would love to come back for more.
(4)
Stephanie M.

this was really good food. i felt like my mom cooked it for me, if my mom was peruvian. it is not something i could eat all of the time because it was a little more heavier than what i am used to eating. maybe more like a once every few months type of treat. it was a little pricey for my budget. the portions are gigantic, but for my dish consisting of chicken, peas, rice, a small potato, and tomatoes, the price was a little much (15 dollars) considering how cheap these foods are to begin with and the fact that you could tell by tasting, at least in my dish, that there wasn't much of a special preparation of meal that would be costly. i did enjoy the atmosphere and the window seat. i will more than likely try coming back in the summer to sit on the patio and eat their ceviche that other yelpers talk of. my mouth is watering thinking about it.
(4)
Juan Q.

Everything is good on the menu!
(5)
A S.

Discovered this place years ago and love coming back! Atmosphere is fun, outside and indoor seating, very trendy, yet down to earth. Food is fantastic and BYOB! Great staff, definitely one of my favorites!
(5)
Cara S.

The food is outstanding. The staff is iffy. My partner and I have been to dine at Ay Ay Picante 4 times, and each experience was a little different. The fact that there is no where to wait when you enter is a little weird. I feel as though I'm learing over other customers food. We tend to go before or after the dinner rush to combat this. Making reservations doesn't always work. I couldn't believe that we waited longer than people who had just walked in off of the street (granted friends of the employees). So, all in all, a great dining experience if you can get there when it's not completely packed. The only consistancy here is the food, and the food is GOOD!
(3)
Rachel V.

This is a great place for small parties or for dinner for two. It's a hidden gem where Peruvian meals are served at great prices. The casual atmosphere is dim with a vibrant energy from the people around you and background music. The servers are attentive and you can't go wrong with their recommendations. It's a BYOB restaurant as well. This place is worth the drive out there, as public transportation isn't as accessible.
(4)
Ursulla D.

I love this place! Food and service is great and so is the atmosphere. The food is so good, it makes me forget they unfortunately do not serve Chicha Morada, but the Inka Kola works. I have been to a couple of other Peruvian restaurants, but this place is the real deal and I know the real deal since my stepfather is Peruvian and I've grown up eating Peruvian food pretty much all my life.
(5)
Kara S.

I went here last night for dinner and it was fabulous. I especially enjoyed the byob and the fact that there is no corkage fee. We had 7 of us in our group and were very wiling to share food so I pretty much had the opportunity to try various dishes. The ceviche was fantastic. The bread sauce was great if you like a little spicy. I think the bread they served before the meal could have been higher quality but it was okay. Perhaps they could have something that is more indicative of Perivian style bread.
(5)
Sheilah G.

I just found out about this place last year. I have been missing out! The food is amazing and so flavorful! My favorite is the Lomo Saltado. It's a must try. I also enjoy the ceviche. I'm looking forward to trying other items on the menu.
(4)
Serena L.

This place was excellent. Went here with my parents one night on a friend's recommendation and couldn't have been happier about it. I'm generally vegetarian, but I make exceptions when I know it's gonna count. Anyway, love the BYO status, love the fact that we got seated immediately, even on a relatively busy weekend night, and loved the service--extra attentive and knowledgeable. The food was phenomenal (we each tried one another's dishes--ALL winners). Oh, and the atmosphere--just right: small-ish, stylish, low lights, warm/welcoming, and a mix of different groups of people--couples, old and young, families, friends. What's not to like??
(5)
Brighid C.

this is one of the best restaurants in the city! I dream of my next trip to Ay ay Picante. I am always impressed by the service. The Food is fantastic. Everything I have ever ordered has has been delicious. The prices are great and so is the BYOB factor. The Menu is is carefully thought out and the food is prepared with care. I cannot wait to go back. I love the Lomo Saltado. YUM!!
(5)
Bryan D.

I have tried several items on the menu & have not been disappointed yet. The green sauce is one of the best concoctions on the planet. Everyone must try this place at least once.
(4)
Marcos L.

Just ate there. Some interesting and very well-presented choices. Try the beef with chicha sauce (I forget what they call it exactly). Comfy & attractive room. Overall a solid place; I'd go back with friends. Bring a nice bottle of wine and you'll have a fine repast with no sticker shock.
(4)
Kim K.

flavorless....tooo dark......tooo small......
(2)
joco w.

This place was really good. For starters I am a big fan of BYOB's, and this is one of them. This was my first take at Peruvian food and the place definitely won me over. I has the Tamal Peruan as my apetizers and it was amazing. The cilantro is great as well. The prices are a little on the higer end but not expensive, average price for an entree is $15 -$17. The place is dimly lit so it gives off a romantic vibe which is good for a night out. I would def come back .
(4)
D t.

Delish!! Food-5/ Environment- 5/ BYOB- 5/ Waitstaff-5 It really doesn't get much better than this. My boyfriend took me there for my birthday and they came out with free flan and sang happy birthday to me. Not only that, but they were the friendliest waiters ever. They seriously treated us like family. We stayed into the evening when everyone else was gone and by the end of the evening knew everyone that works there. Amazing people! And the food- out of this world. The ahi sauce that they give you with the bread is to die for. The portions are huge and a few times when we have gone with other people we just get a few appetizers and a few entrees and eat family style. The ceviches are amazing and I can guarantee that I have never tried a dish here that I didn't like. I would recommend this place for a date or a super fun place to go with a big group. It is economical and even better... it's BYOB! This is a place you will go once, and keep going back for more!
(5)
claudia r.

MMMMMMM.....mussels on a half shell with lemon juice, onions, corn and tomatoes. I first had these in South Beach Miami and was soooo happy to have them again at Aye Aye. The food here is wonderful and in the summer, it is nice to sit outside on the back patio....if you wear glasses....take them off, so you don't notice the fake shrubbery;) Also, if you bring our own booze, don't go outside for a smoke. Most of the staff doesn't understand english and they kidnapped our booze thinking we left. Yummy food! Check it out!
(4)
BurtK D.

My husband and I love Peruvian food and have tried out about 4 diff Peruvian restaurants in Chicago - Ay Ay Picante is the best. We actually just returned from a 2 week vacation in Peru, and the entire time I was thinking that Ay Ay's food is SO close to the food in Peru if not better than some of the restaurants in Peru. Delicious! I can't wait to go back to get my Peruvian fix in a few weeks...the atmosphere is the best too with the live music, we are lucky it is close to our house!
(4)
Emerson C.

Try the Bistek Enceballado. This was probably one of the best meals I've had in awhile. It was lightly soaked in vinegar and onions topped it all off. They even deliver for 3 dollars. Starting to be one of my favorite places.
(5)
Sarah J.

I hadn't ever noticed this place but my boyfriend, who is extremely not adventurous with food, booked it for our valentine's celebration. So as we were driving there I asked him where we were going and he says that he can't remember the name but that it's peruvian cuisine. Stop the presses does he realize how wild he is getting with this! I am very pumped to try it out and afterward was more than pleased with our experience. The staff welcomed each person like we were walking into their house and were totally accomadating. I have to sadly admit that because of the byob I don't remember the names of the dishes but suffice it to say the food was amazing. The green spicy stuff with the bread...as all have said...addictive. I ordered a marinated and boiled tilapia with steamed rice -- loved it. The boy got a filet with mashed potatoes...he loved it. Then they even gave us a slice of cake just because they are nice...I can't wait to go back and try some other dishes!
(5)
Maria L.

Ok, I admittedly know nothing about Peruvian food, or for that matter, South American food. That being said, this was a really good meal! My partner had the Lomo Saltado, as referenced here. He said it was good but a little salty- hence, "saltado"? The meat was very good he said and the sauce was yummy. I had the Filete de Pescado Sudado- tilapia, not "fishy" (yay!) with an interesting sauce- I think there was some taragon, cilantro, something tomato-ey- not spicy but yummy. I ordered a side of beans, only to learn that you don't mix the rice and the beans. The beans are white and the order was really creamy! Very different for beans, at least in my experience. Very yummy, but definitely a meal in itself- heavy, creamy, ham-y. But good! Admitting my South American cuisine ignorance, it tasted really good! Plus the waitstaff was very attentive (we were the only ones in the dining room), BUT....And, of course, being BYOB is always a plus. I'll go back!
(5)
Hugo A.

Appetizers are Awesome. Food was over priced. Service was slow. For starters we had Ceviche, Calamari, and Empanadas. For Dinner we had Steak. Of 4 Steaks, 1 was cooked correctly. They all came out MÃ©dium-rare. We needed One Well, and 2 medium-well. It took 45-minutes for our food. Given they got hit with a Fathers Day Rush. But how are you not ready for a Rush on Sunday + Fathers Day? Their food not worth the wait. $200 down the drain.
(3)
Andrew P.

Andy P Used our Groupon, the food would have been far more enjoyable if it was served more than barely warm, from appetizer to main entrÃ©e.
(3)
Ty R.

The food was amazing and the service was great. Parking is a beast...best bet is to park on the side street and walk. Great date night stop and its BYOB!! Would go back!
(5)
Kacie M.

What a great restaurant. We'd just flown in to the city and had to find a place near the home we were staying at, and Ay Ay Picante popped up on Yelp. Off we went, and wonder of wonders, there was an open parking spot right outside. We were impressed. It's a dimly lit, romantic sort of space, and the wait staff were attentive and very helpful. Excellent service, really. The food, though, that was stand out. It's different than anything I've had before in terms of what things they mix and what flavors they use, and it was all awesome. The portions were huge, so we got the stuffed avacado appetizer and the lomo saltado to share, and we still had leftovers. The lomo saltado was tender steak over a stir fry sauce and some veges, all over what is essentially thick french fries. Different, and so good. My husband also ordered a coffee and it was beautifully presented, and when we told them we'd never had Peruvian before they also brought us out an Inca Cola to try. It did, indeed, remind us vaguely of bubble gum. All in all, a fantastic spot.
(5)
Elizabeth B.

We come here always for ceviche, jalea de mariscos, tiradito, papa rellena, flan, tres leches pastel and it's a BYOB!!!
(4)
Jean Z.

I can't believe I started coming here more than 5 years ago already. Things have not changed. I'm still as excited about the food, service, and location of this awesome Peruvian restaurant. Always always delish. Always nice servers, always busy on the weekend but pretty steady during the week. LOVE these guys.
(5)
Tamara W.

This is one of my fav BYOB places, also one of my fave Peruvian restaurants. Food is amazing, huge generous portions, big enough for sharing. Owners are really caring and service is excellent!
(5)
Amy H.

Love this place! Great food at good prices. Huge portions of steak, seafood and carbs and it's BYOB- hello! what's not to like?! Love the amazing green sauce that I always want to put on everything I'm eating. The servers are always super nice and helpful giving honest recommendations if you cannot choose from their rather extensive menu. Go, go now!
(4)
Liz A.

Bad service, overpriced, ok food. My husband and I went to this place with high expectations due to the previous outstanding reviews and were sorely disappointed. The service was aweful. We sat for 20 minutes with no server, got spilled on, had to move tables, waited another 20 minutes for water, were served the wrong appetizer, had to wait again for the correct one to be brought out, and by that point had kind of a bad taste for the place. The food was fine but overpriced, nothing to write home about.
(2)
Patrick B.

I ate at this restaurant several years ago and recall having a positive experience. This time was different. The food was very disappointing.
(2)
Beth S.

This place is delicious! Their steak and seafood are divine and the prices are incredible. Not having a corkage fee is also fantastic. Wish there were more places like this to choose from. We live in Prospect Heights but still come out to the city to dine here. The only thing I'll say is never stray from the tres leches cake for dessert. It's amazing and the other desserts seemed old and dry when we ordered them so definitely stick to that for dessert and you'll be happy!
(5)
Jennie T.

It seems like I've been trying a lot of Peruvian food lately. My friends and I came here for dinner last month, and we decided on this restaurant because at least two of them had a Groupon to the restaurant that was close to expiring. I made a reservation for four the day before, and I came into the restaurant approximately 15 minutes earlier than expected. I was seated right away, and they served me bread with aji verde. I liked the sauce just fine, but the bread was a little too crunchy for me. When my companions arrived, Kenny O. ordered us the following: - Chupe de camarones (creamed soup cooked w/ shrimp, spices, egg, salsa madre, and huacatay). I love soupy things, and this was one of my favorite dishes of the night. I'm also slightly allergic to shellfish so I wasn't able to have too many shrimp, but it was very delicious. Afterwards, I asked him if he'd make this dish for me one day. That was how much I liked the soup. - Lomo saltado. I've had this dish at almost every Peruvian restaurant I've been to so far, and I didn't like Ay Ay Picante's version... I thought it was way too salty, but Kenny disagreed with me. My roommates seem to like it too, and one of them mentioned an aversion to salt too, so perhaps I'm just a bit too sensitive to salt. - Cerviche de pescado. I love this dish too. The leche de tigre was a little too limey, but I like it a lot. - A can of Inca Kola. This is the Peruvian soda. I did not like this, but I'm not a fan of bubblegum-flavored anything, which is exactly what this tasted like... a carbonated bubblegum drink. Sorry Kenny and other Peruvians, but ew. It became the first Peruvian item that I really dislike. I'm not sure if Kenny ordered us the papa rellenas at Ay Ay Picante or not. He usually orders it, but I don't remember. If he did, I probably liked it here too as it's one of my favorite Peruvian dishes. Overall, I liked the restaurant and wouldn't mind returning. I think the dimness of the restaurant made the atmosphere seem very intimate and romantic. The service was also good. I don't like that it's so far away from the blue line station though. It was about a 10-15 minute walk in the middle of nowhere. Or at least, that's what it felt like.
(4)
Christina X.

Tasty food and huge portions! Their menu has a large selection so it will take a while to get through. We had grilled steak, fish and shrimp with rice and veggies and it was all so yummy. And the BYOB is definitely a plus! I only wished it was in a livelier neighborhood but at least finding parking was easy :)
(4)
Esther L.

I came here with two friends because we had a Groupon. The restaurant was not really wheelchair accessible. There was a step to get in. To make it accessible, the owner put down a small table as a makeshift ramp. The restaurant was pretty small, making it hard to maneuver for someone in a wheelchair. The way out was a nightmare because there was a line of people blocking the door and people were not really moving out of the way. The owner had to come back to put the table back on the step. The restaurant was really dark so I couldn't see anything, including what I was eating. It was also extremely loud, kind of like a bar. I couldn't hear my friends when we were eating. This prevented me from having an overall positive experience. I went to the bathroom and on the way back, I was trying to squeeze by the waiters when one of them accidentally smacked me. My friends and I ordered the parihuela, which is fishermen's stew, a seafood ceviche, and an appetizer. The meal came with free bread and a spicy green sauce, which I presume was salsa. My favorite part of the meal was sadly the spicy green sauce. The fishermen's stew kind of tasted like spaghetti/pizza with seafood because of the tomato base. The ceviche was sour from the citrus. The appetizer was bland. Overall, the food was average. My friend, however, commented that the seafood tasted very fresh. I would not come back because it was too dark, too loud, and the food was just average.
(2)
Bart K.

While the food was very good (4 stars), the service leaves much to be desired (2 stars). Our reservation was for 7pm. We arrived promptly and went inside. We stood there for 5 minutes, waiting, while all the staff was running around. No one approached until I made eye contact with one of the staff and he simply pointed us to a table. We seated ourselves and waited for the waiter until he finally arrived. After finishing our appetizers, the waiter came over and in an unprofessional manner pointed and told us that our table is somewhere in the middle of the dining room next to two gents. He began explaining that they have party of 16 and they need this table. We were all stunned! Ay ay! He tried to offer something for free but soon left and said something about his manager. The manager never came over to nicely ask us to change tables so we remained seated but at this point felt rushed to just eat and get out...which we did. This definitely ruined our night out. Manager/Owner: You need to better manage your restaurant and teach the inexperienced waiters proper ways of communicating.
(3)
Dee R.

I've been to many peruvian restaurants in Chicago and this is the best I've been to. Their lomo & pollo saltado are tender & flavorful. Their white rice is so fluffy and their prices are affordable with good portions- I always have leftovers. The Arroz con mariscos was also quite good. Their aji sauce is so good we just poured it on everything. It's BYOB - Will definitely be back.
(5)
Nanette F.

I went with a group of 8 and we all ordered different dishes. This is the first time that I can say that everyone's choices were absolutely delicious. My husband ordered a steak dish, I had a seafood dish and my friends next to me had chicken and some kind of delicious seafood stew. The appetizers were quite tasty as well, with a Peruvian friend of ours ordering the friend yucca with this amazing green sauce on the side, I literally wanted to pour it on everything! The pricing is also incredible for what you get, large portions of yummy food. Also loved that it was BYOB. This kept our bill at at a minimum. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Liz P.

Great food and service. Lomo Saltado and Ceviche Mixto are a must have! Loved this place. BYOB
(5)
Lisa A.

Stopped in for an early dinner today, we bought a groupon to try this place out. Glad we had the groupon because for four entrees, one shared appetizer & only two people having canned sodas (so no refills, the other two had good ol water) the bill came to $98! The menu you can download from thier website is old, because everything we ordered was priced $2-6 more than expected. Ok, on to the food. It was better than we'd expected, none of our party ever having Peruvian before. Started out with an appetizer of palta rellena con pollo. It was a giant avocado stuffed w potatoes, peas, onion, chicken & mayo. Now, we swore we got the vegetarian version, because none of us tasted chicken. At all. But it was so good, we didnt complain. They also serve hot, fresh bread w an amazing avocado-mayo spread which is salty & spicy. We could not get engh & asked for more bread it was so good! The main entrees were huge in proportion sizes, & all were satisfied. The shrimp in two of our parties entrees were fairly large size. Personally I had the papas a la diabla con bistec, which was a lomo steak of decent size with a large scoop of white rice and boiled potatoes with a yellow creme sauce of some sort of pepper. The creme sauce was delicious and it went very well with the marinated meat, a sweet limey flavor. Service was very good as well. The only complaint was after we were served with the bill we presented the groupon and our waiter did not adjust the bill appropriately, so we wound up paying about $6 extra. We could of argued, but we we all stuffed, & the restaurant was starting to fill up quickly, & we wanted to get out of there. I have to say I would not want to be dining when they have a full house, because the tables are so close together you are bumping into people. For this reason & the bill discrepancy is why I'm rating this four stars and not five. I will definitely go back to try other dishes as our food was good and the menu is large.
(4)
Liz M.

Delicious, dependable kind of place. My boyfriend and I ordered the papa rellena for an appetizer (twice baked potato stuffed with beef, olives, veggies, and more), and it was delicious. I thought the bread and dipping sauce was "meh" He got the lomo saltado, which was tasty and a huge portion, but not nearly as delicious as the Seco de Cordero I ordered, which was a lamb stew with peas, with rice and beans. That was the best thing we had, in my opinion. Inca cola is gross to me, but worth a try if you haven't had it before, just for the experience. My boyfriend liked it. Service was good, and it ended up to be a pretty reasonable price for the extremely generous portion sizes. I will likely be back.
(4)
Jinx T.

Excellent Storefreont BYOB Restaurant Ay Ay Picante is a simple storefront restaurant on the Northwest Side of Chicago that serves excellent traditional Peruvian food. If you're a visitor to the city, it's a bit of a trek from downtown, in a neighborhood with little to offer in terms of entertainment or attractions. However, if you've got a taste for Peruvian, you'd be hard-pressed to find any better in town. The portions here are huge, and there are so many wonderful dishes on the menu that it's best to order several dishes for the table and share. The atmosphere is easy and casual, and the service is friendly and polite. And note that if you'd like beer or wine, or cocktails with your meal, it's BYOB. Highly Recommended!
(5)
Lulu R.

Long time Albany Park Lover, first time diner. Long awaited review. Went here to celebrate something (anniversary? Valentine's Day?), I will tell you the level of deliciousness definitely made me forget what milestone it was. I would like to consider myself as a connisuer of Peruvian foods. I enjoy the culture, the location, the people, and the food. This is a cozy little spot with an enclosed outdoors area. I am not a huge fan of the outdoor area of this joint myself. Actually dining al fresco is not my idea of fun at all. We were seating sans a reservation and the hubs and I already knew what we were there for, Churrasco. So we ordered it and basked in this intimate Latin food setting with others doing the same. We looked in each others eyes and.....then the food came and totally ignored each other because it was such a beautiful plate (LOL). Silence struck our table as we devoured the succulent Churrasco steak, rice, and salad. Cooked to perfection and seasoned with their secret spices (I asked...they aren't budging). At that time, Yelp was offering 30% off one meal so we got a deal but the prices are affordable and not outrageous. The staff was friendly and attentive. The restaurant is clean, the portions are big. Definitely a hidden gem in the Albany Park Area. If you are coming from far, totally worth the trip. Plentiful street parking. Ay! Ay! Picante definately knows the difference between eating and Dining. It was an amazing dining experience.
(4)
Mark C.

Ay Ay Picante I discovered from Check Please... where there were mixed reviews from that group... from our group- Food all got a Thumbs Up! The Steak Appetizer was delicious and the Seafood Platter was recommended by the waiter, turned out to be an excellent choice. The star deduction comes from the temperature of the inside of the restaurant.. when we walked in, we were told to sit where we wanted as it was fairly empty on a Friday night, however, had we known about the nice patio (with perfect temperature) where most of the diners were, we would have taken that - and as it turned out, most of the people were out there. It was very warm for us (no air conditioning apparently?) and all of us took breaks to go outside or hang out by the patio. We will keep this in mind next time and avoid on warm days...Why we weren't told about the patio under the category of disappointing...
(4)
skip l.

We jumped on a Groupon $30 off opportunity to try a restaurant not too far from where we live. We've enjoyed Peruvian food and this looked great. In fact, the warm bread -- served immediately -- was wonderful. Amazingly light inside, but with a nice crust. The little cup of green sauce was, as expected. VERY spicy -- not to our taste, but surely welcome to others. The empanada was very good; light crust, flavorful meat/onion filling. For a beverage I had a wonderful dark purple corn-based beverage recommended by the waiter. If the rest of the meal was up to those standards, we'd be back. Alas, it was not. I had the Arroz Mariscos, a combination of seafood in a tomato based sauce with what I was told was garlic rice. I asked if this dish had the same seafood as the next item on the menu (a paella like dish with octopus, squid, shrimp, and mussels) and was told yes -- but in eating it I found only rubbery squid rings and a couple small to medium size shrimp, with half of a large boiled potato in the middle; skimpy on the seafood. The rice -- was simply rice. I probably should have complained, given that this was highlighted as one of the chef's specialties, but the restaurant was busy and the flavoring was good. My wife had a lamb dish with rice; large and very tender. She liked it but found nothing special about it, though it was the waiter's suggestion. For desserts, the waiter produced a pastry tray of attractive items. We chose slightly different looking large custard wedges -- hers with a layer of chocolate, mine described as having coffee flavor. Both were very heavy and bland. and went unfinished. (I found no coffee taste at all in or on my custard) That said, Ay Ay Picante was doing a great business -- full by 6:30 and cars beginning to line up in front. Part of this may be their BYO policy (most people did) and part may be spicier dishes. Their menu is huge -- several panels of offerings, including a page of vegetarian items. Beyond that, the portions are large and prices are very reasonable. Their valet parking (which would have been necessary by 6:30) is $7. With the restaurant's popularity, I suggest you look at the other, positive reviews before making a decision whether or not to dine here. As for us, for Peruvian food we'll head back to Taste of Peru on Clark Street north of Devon, especially for their paella.
(2)
Vin V.

Groupon took us there. We enjoyed the ambience. The place has a sort of Latin American vibe to it. The staff are dressed with flair and a red color to brighten up the place. It was very busy Friday night. We waited 5 minutes to get seated. Used the valet to park as parking on the street was hard to find. Only after reaching did we realize it was BYOB (opposite to a place of worship, no liquor license).. Didn't want to go out and get something so just went and got seated. Food - we liked the Peruvian beverage, didn't like the entrÃ©e or appetizers as much. I had been to other Peruvian restaurants in Dallas and Buenos Aires before, and liked those better.
(3)
Antoinette T.

The neighborhood is light industrial, but it feels like you step into another world when you walk in the door of the restaurant. It's got a cozy atmosphere. I had a huge steak that was reasonably priced and tender enough that it easily pulled apart with fork.
(5)
Mary K W.

Lovely dinner here with another couple. Food was quite tasty, and portions were huge. I'll agree with other reviewers that it's a little pricey, and the restaurant is small - small like not enough room on the table for four entree plates and an app or two. We'll return when the weather turns - their giant portions is too much to eat for one in the heat of the summer!
(3)
Gumaro E.

I really like the food here. I'm also a fan of BYOB. Not much of a drinker but I do like the fact that I can bring a bottle of wine with me.
(4)
Daisy D.

Loved it. I wouldn't have had my first Peruvian dining experience anywhere else. The steak was cooked perfectly, as was the shrimp. I liked it so much I came back 3 weeks later with a group of friends and they all gave it two thumbs- way up. Recommended dishes: Papas a la diabla, Conquistador and Mar y Tierra
(5)
Ndn C.

Enjoyed the seafood at this friendly neighborhood place. The shrimp ceviche was outstanding - the only issue with it being the side of sweet potato mashed doesn't really go with it though I understand that it is traditional (would rather have some crunch on the side than mash); wifey ordered mixed seafood with some kind of cheese sauce which I helped finish off - sauce kinda heavy for seafood but it works; I got the arroz con mariscos - pile high of rice with mixed seafood - took half of it home. Good service, BYOB (Argentinian Malbec is perfect compliment to the flavors) and a $15 for $30 groupon makes this a must visit again place.
(4)
Norman P.

C'mon Chicago Yelpers... 4 stars? I've had much much much better. Why is it so dark? And why do they keep repeating the same 4 songs on repeat with awkward music silences sprinkled in between? Food is also quite uninspired. My aji de gallina was ok. My grandma got the stuffed avocado (Palta) since she wasn't very hungry. It came with the most boring boiled shrimp. Looks like they were defrosted from a bag from the freezer section of the supermarket. Tiny tables too. I'm average in every way, but was terribly crowded at our table for 4.
(2)
Jeff G.

went there with the wife and 3 month old baby sat night at 8 got a table no prob. then baby freaking out when entrees came, so we had ot have it boxed up. when we got home the food was tasty. seemed pretty authentic to me very friendly wait staff
(4)
Triet N.

Come For The Great Food, Not So Much For The Ambiance This is a very simple neighborhood restaurant with great food and an amazingly extensive menu. Location is a bit out of the way,in a commercial/industrial neighborhood (e.g. a cab company central dispatch location a few blocks away). The restaurant itself is simply decorated and, as many other reviewers have pointed out, dimly lit. Our party of 5 ended up being seated in an extension area in the rear of the building next to the garage. However, the area was covered and well-heated. The food was quite tasty and the portions quite generous. The Ceviche Mixto is an absolute Must Try. Re: entrees, we'd recommend the Picante De Mariscos and the Pollo A La Parrilla. This was our first taste of Peruvian cuisine and we love it, perhaps because of the Asian influence. Highly recommended.
(4)
Ed P.

This is a hidden gem. We had never been here before and asked the server for a recommendation he recommended beef heart which was delicious they also had a delicious jalapenos butter sauce and very warm bread fresh out of the oven! Byob... a must try!
(5)
Aline E.

I had a terrible experience at this restaurant. DON'T GO TO THIS PLACE! First, even if you make reservations, they won't respect the time and won't hold a table for you, you will stay in line like everyone else and wait, in my case, for 25 munutes stading by the entrance door. I orded a plate with shrimp and rice, after 20 minutes of wait, I got a mariscos plate with shrimp and calamares. I try to call the waiter that would never come to our table and when I finally made it, he got my plate back and said he was going to bring a new one asap. I was with my boyfriend that had a big stake, he finished his meal and 25 minutes later my plate hadn't arrived yet. We called the manager and explain what happened, he said the kitchen was late cause they were having a big party in the back - what kind of excuse if that to give to your client??? We canceled the order and they didn't bother to give us any options. We left the restaurant upset and I don't intent to go back there.or recommend the place to anyone.
(1)
Jennifer P.

Ay Ay Picante is a BYOB place where you can have a decent sit-down dinner in a part of Chicago where no one could think of another excuse to visit. This place runs a strong second to Machu Picchu. If you have not familiarized yourself with Peru, like me, then you wonder why you're walking into a restaurant where Asian design crashes into an obviously Latin base of decor. For some reason this is what exactly happened in Peru. I am not going to put the research out there. If I did, I'd insert here. For the moment I cannot remember. What came out of it was good food, okay? I think what took away the star for me was the staff.. they are prompt, and courteous, but for some reason I just don't get the sense that they are friendly. I'm probably being picky. My feelings only come from what I might be reading too much into -- with only my visual assessment of their demeanors. Their food is excellent. Is it just me or does it seem saucier than Machu Picchu? The dishes have lots of gravy unless you're ordering one of their meat and french fry dishes, called Lomo Saltado. You can switch it up and have it with shrimp or beef. Really, all of their food is so good. You just have to like seafood. If you don't, make sure you get a steak. Ay Ay Picante has had reviews done on their green sauce that comes with the bread at the beginning of your meal. It's so good. Eat it. LOVE IT. Don't forget to order the ceviche! If you're not hungry then don't come here. They actually FEED you. Bring an appetite!
(4)
James G.

I just had dinner at this restaurant and I was not impressed. The service was not great and there are a plethora of other Peruvian restaurants with better food. I was not a fan of the Lomo Saltado which is my favorite dish I would go to Rio over this place.
(2)
don k.

Came here using the Groupon as my pops has been dying to try this place, although I didn't expect much actually based on what others had told me a while back. I'm half-Peruvian and had been to Peru several times. It was cold so got the Chupe de Camarone and the Lomo Saltado. WOW, much better than I expected. A lot o the good flavors. The meat was a little toughof the lomo, but that was fine. I think they added mushroom, which was a real nice addition. I liked it. Good basic Peruvian food. Prices a little high, but then again, in this city, Peruvian food prices are high everywhere. Try it out.
(4)
John T.

5 stars is not enough. We carried out the Parahuela and the Cerbiche Misto. Both had Large portions FILLED with sea food. The Cerbiche was very tasty without being overpowered by lime and cilantro, which were nevertheless appropriately represented. Great service and they honored the Yelp coupon on the carryout. Outstanding. We can't wait to come back.
(5)
Megan A.

Perfect date night spot. Went last night on a freezing cold Chicago evening. The place was warm and inviting. BYOB is always appreciated. Had the tilapia and it had a delicious sauce and plenty of veggies and mashed potatoes. Hubby had a steak, and he loved the spices. Huge portions! Plenty of street parking and great service. We will be back.
(5)
Alyssa S.

Having a Peruvian-born mother, I'm very picky when it comes to South American food. But this place has the most authentic tasting Peruvian food in Chicago. I recommend the Lomo Saltado and the Ceviche Mixto. The aji sauce is great here too and goes on anything from bread to chicken. The menu has everything from chicken to beef to vegetarian. It's also BYOB as well. My only complaint is that the service could be a little faster but I think there's usually only one server on. Besides that, I highly recommend this place! Yum!
(4)
K G.

...........
(1)
JJ D.

Great value, great food and good service. Not too much more I can say that other reviews haven't covered, I'm definitely working on copying the jalepeno sauce recipe at home, the steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned very nicely, sides and apps were all delicious and BYOB so I only have myself to blame for the poor quality wine. Go here, get the groupon and it will be even more affordable.
(5)
Rosanna L.

I've heard great things about this place from my girlfriend and so I finally was able to give it a try and wasn't blown away. Starters: TAMAL PERUANO - PERUVIAN TAMALE FILLED WITH CHICKEN, NUTS, & PERUVIAN BLACK OLIVES AND COOKED IN BANANA LEAF. ACCOMPANIED BY SALSA CRIOLLA (ONION SALAD). The tamal was pretty big, but lack a lot of meat and I don't think I tasted any nuts. From the outside and 1/3 way in there was nothing but corn. CEVICHE MIXTO - A plate of variety of seafood & tilapia marinated in leche de tigre (lime juice & Peruvian Rocoto chilies). Accompanied by lettuce, camote (sweet potato), finely sliced onions, & choclo (Peruvian corn) - had to be my favorite with the sourness of the lime and chilies. Everything tasted very fresh. It's a huge portion for 2 more for like 4. Entrees: FETTUCCINI AL OLEO CON CHAMPIÃ‘ONES - MUSHROOMS & FETTUCCINI SAUTÃ‰ED IN VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, GARLIC, BASIL, & SWEET RED PEPPERS - lacks seasoning whether it was salty or pepper. I don't eat salt much in my food so I was quite surprise when this dish was very bland. It needs something else to add more flavor Beef and shrimp skewer (not sure what the actually dish is called) but I the meat was very tendered, but at this point I was pretty full from everything else that I didn't get to really enjoy it. Best part of course is the BYOB, they'll gladly bring you a ice bucket to keep your drinks cold.
(3)
Roseann M.

What a nice place! What a pleasant experience! The Young Lawyer and I came here early on a recent Thursday night, thanks to some kind of deal coupon he had. I was particularly interested in a Peruvian restaurant, since my good friend, the Purple Grandma, is currently doing a 4-month volunteer stint in Peru. I figured, Ay Ay Picante is as close as I'm going to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where she is right now. This restaurant is along a industrial/undistinguished stretch of Elston Avenue. The advantage to that is, it's easy to find free parking on a nearby side street. And we did. Ay Ay Picante is a beautiful place. The lighting is low, but not so low you need a flashlight to read the menu. The walls are decorated with stencils resembling those on the Plain of Nazca. Andean music wafts gently in the background. It feels very welcoming, very comfortable. Ay Ay Picante is strictly BYOB. Since the Young Lawyer works obscene hours, and I was the designated driver, we were not drinking. We both tried (for the first time) Inca Cola. I've heard about Inca Cola being the national drink of Peru, and I was very excited to try it. The description said, it has a bubble gum flavor. We wondered if that meant it would be very sweet, but we went ahead anyway. It did have a slightly sweet flavor, but it was not overpowering. We liked it very much. The menu was large, but not intimidating. There is a big emphasis on seafood, steak, and poultry. Surprisingly there is also a vegetarian selection. Some - maybe all, I don't really remember - had notes describing what region of Peru they came from, or what cultural group had influenced it. Peru has had a lot of immigrants from various countries, so there are dishes influenced by Italy and China, for example. We decided to split an appetizer called Palta Rellena Vegetariana. This was an avocado stuffed with veggies, potato, mayo and olives. Oh my God. Fabulous. And filling. The Young Lawyer ordered the Filete Alo Macho. This was tilapia topped with a combination of seafood in a special cheese/salsa sauce, accompanied by rice. He is too well-raised to pick up a plate and lick it in a public setting, even though the lighting was dim, but he came close. He loved the whole thing. I enjoyed the appetizer so much, I decided to just go with appetizers. The Papa o Yuca o Huancaina was potatoes in a cheese and pepper sauce with eggs and olives. Also fabulous. But VERY filling. I recommend this for sharing. It's heavy. I also ordered something that turned out to be an ear of corn with a side of sliced cheese. I had to ask the waiter, how do people eat this? He indicated you bite into one and then the other. I have to say, this I did not enjoy. The corn is a unique variety, starchy, large kernels, and not sweet at all. I'm an old midwesterner,and my idea of corn is sweet. I'm not saying there was anything wrong with this appetizer - it just wasn't for me. I wouldn't order it again, but you might like it. We were both very full and didn't order dessert or coffee. The only complaint I have, and it's minor, is that I told the waiter that I wanted appetizers as my dinner entree, and I would like them served when the Young Lawyer got his fish. That didn't happen. All the appetizers came at once, before his meal. That was awkward. Would either the Young Lawyer or I come here again? In a New York minute, yes, even without any sort of coupon. It's that good.
(4)
JB K.

Ate here after a sales call with clients. Atmosphere is very casual and friendly and the food was great! The waiters were so cute and sweet too, and seemed honestly, quietly pleased that we liked the food. Very charming. We started with the calamari (PALTA RELLENA CON CAMARONES) and the delicious potatoes in a spicy cheese sauce (OCOPA). For my entree, I had a shredded chicken dish that was sublime--I can't find it on their online menu (which is a tad outdated--the one we perused had many more options). The dish I had was shredded chicken in some kind of spicy pale yellow sauce and a few whole black olives, and was served with rice--it was amazing, and I hope to have it again someday. To drink I tried an Inca Kola but would have preferred to have the Inca Corn Beer that so many items on the menu were cooked in...it's BYOB here, which was disappointing UNTIL I had the food. You know it must have been good for me to recover from this disappointment. For dessert, I tried the Tres Leches cake, which was absolutely divine.
(4)
Lita B.

AMAZING!! I am not in love with the decor and layout but very nice tasty food. Nice place for the area.
(4)
Erick N.

I belong to a BYOB dinner club and this month's event was held at Ay Ay Picante. I arrived a bit early, but fortunately had brought with me a binder filled with women to keep me occupied as I waited for my party to arrive. The decor at Ay Ay is... interesting. Red is definitely the theme here - the walls are red, the waiters' vest are red, the tablecloth underneath the paper covering is red and most intriguing the light fixtures have something red hanging down - nobody at my table was able to discern if they were bandannas or boxer shorts, but what was most puzzling was they appeared to be adorned with Asian letters. Perhaps they were meant to be fish skeletons, but they definitely looked like some type of Asian language. There also were hieroglyphics stenciled into the wall. Although Ay Ay definitely serves Peruvian cuisine, the ambiance is an odd fusion of Asian, African, Latino, Vegas and cruise ship. Tables are rather close together, so it can get noisy - especially if someone is celebrating a birthday in house (at various intervals during the night the stereo was turned up to full blast and a rendition of Happy Birthday blared, bringing conversation at other tables to a screeching halt). They do keep the lighting dark to try and create an intimate vibe, but the faux fire-lamp, boxers and occasional bursts of happy birthday result in something other than intimate. The menu is rather vast with a focus on seafood and steaks, but plenty of other fare to choose from. Most appetizers run about $6 to $8 (aside from ceviches which run $13 to $16) and entrees about $14 to $18. Not bad considering it is BYOB and the portions are fairly generous. The spring 2010 menu is currently up on Ay Ay's website, and it is still pretty representative of the current menu - I meant to ask when the summer of 2010 menu will be out, but sadly forgot to inquire. The menu itself is interesting; it is several pages and not all of them were connected so when I first opened it up a couple pieces fell to the floor and turned into a jigsaw puzzle of sorts. Service was adequate; sufficiently attentive but aside from taking orders, filling water glasses, and clearing the table they did not interact much. They did forget to bring my side of plantains (but since my entree was so large I did not say anything) and there was a fairly long gap between when the first person's entree was delivered to our table and the last person's (we were a party of seven, so fairly large group - but still it seemed a bit too long of a gap). Like the service, the quality of the food was decent, but nothing to write home about. Everybody at our table seemed to be satisfied, but nobody was oohing and awing over the food (though I think a few of us were still mesmerized with trying to figure out what the boxer like thingies were that were hanging from the light fixtures). At the beginning they delivered us some tasty crusty bread with a nice green dipping sauce that was garlicky and had just a touch of heat. Our table shared a few appetizers; tamales, ceviche mixto and an empanada. The ceviche was the best of the bunch, but lime overpowered the other flavors (I had been thinking that to myself when one of my friend's mentioned the same thing). My entree was a seafood stew with a red sauce and generous portions of shrimp, calamari, mussels, octopus and tilapia. This too was decent, but some of the seafood was overcooked and had a rubbery consistency and bland taste - as one of my friends pointed out, I did consume the entire bowl, so it certainly was not bad. At this price point (and factoring in the BYOB) I felt the meal was a good value (we paid $26 per/person including tax and tip for seven of us each ordering an entree and the table sharing three appetizers). Chicago has so many outstanding restaurants at or near this price point that unless you happen to be in the neighborhood (there are not many restaurants nearby), happen to be craving Peruvian food or want to check out the boxers with Asian lettering hanging from the light fixtures first hand there are better options out there, but Ay Ay Picante is a good value for the money and certainly can be a fun night out without putting a big dent in the wallet.
(3)
Liz K.

I have been here a few times. The first time we were in the back room for a large party and the other times in the front. All the experiences were great. This place is one of those restaurants where the food does all the talking. They have a great variety of appetizers. I once had a stuffed avocado which was amazing. Even their vegetarian pasta was delicious...but the best of all is their steak/lean beef...which is like a firework of flavors. I eat the french fries under the meat because they also have some of the left over flavor....(I'm drooling just writing this). This place is Basically...ahhhmazing! Hopefully I will go back soon to check out some of their newer menu items!
(4)
Michelle Z.

The filet mignon was not cooked to the temperature ordered for multiple people in our group and the black pepper in the sauce was overpowering. Appetizers had a lot of sauce but temperatures on the same plate were inconsistent from one potato to the next. We had to ask the wait staff for drinks at minimum three times any of us wanted one.
(1)
Pamela M.

I've been back a few times and tried more dishes and just as happy as my previous visits! Ceviche Mixto was just as amazing as the tilapia ceviche! The coffee flan was THE best flan I have ever had! Even the fried calamari that I'm not usually the biggest fan of was good here, way better than any italian place! The breading is super cruchy and it comes with yuca fries, omg - who needs white potatoes?!?! Excellent, as usual ;)
(5)
Femia M.

My husband and I have officially declared this restaurant as our anniversary spot. What Ann incredible restaurant with wonderful ppl and, dare I say, even more wonderful food. The calamari was exquisite and the ceviche lives up to ALL the hype. The restaurant is tucked away on a more quiet part of Elston. It's charming not only because of its size but how beautifully content you are by what it is. I highly recommend that you make this a must on your list.
(5)
Fer M.

Awesome food! I really enjoyed the Lomo Saltado. The service was great. My friend and I ordered a spice sauce for the bread and it was terrific! It brought back some good memories of the good South American food I grew up with. Would definitively recommend to a friend. Good for dates but also to hang out with your buddies.
(5)
Mad I.

Oh my gahsh!!!! This place is awesome, reviews were right on! So funny because it is def not in a desirable neighborhood, but parking for free on the street is nice. GREEN SAUCE! That magical mix of jalapeno, garlic and cilantro is really the best sauce I ever ate....too bad it comes in that tiny container. I have no shame, I asked for like 4 more rounds to go with the amazing bread. CEVICHE was as good as everyone said, hearty helping for 2 people, delish calamari even unbreaded, who knew! Fettuccine with the basil sauce and some breaded pounded out steak that tasted like my moms pork chops, mmmmm. Fiance ate the grilled meat dish with the fries...meh... wouldn't get that again but not terrible. We will be back to try that avocado shrimp with the sauce looking number :) P.s-A+ for our server Pablo
(5)
Jo P.

I like the ambience, the food, the portions, and the byob! I usually come here with big groups of people and they handle it with ease!
(4)
Lauren F.

With our condo being only a block away, its hard not to pass the big Ay Ay Picante sign at least once a day. We first tried it out last year on Valentine's Day and we were completely unimpressed-they were taking in way more than they could handle and the service and food suffered because of it. When we got there we were ushered into the first floor of a house a couple doors down which seemed to be their makeshift waiting room. We waited, and waited.....and waited some more until we finally went over to see what was up and were basically seated right away-I think they forgot about us because they were seating whoever walked in. We did a lot more waiting the rest of the night for just about everything and we left not understanding what all the great reviews were about. Well, this past week we decided to give it another go on a non-holiday and boy were we happy we did! Seated right away on a Friday night and our wine and beer opened immediately. The green dipping sauce (which we learned to be jalapenos, avocado, and something else) is fantastic-it definitely has a kick to it so be prepared! My boyfriend wanted to take a jar home! We had the calamari appetizer and it was soooo good-fresh calamari and the breading was delish (we did wish it came with some sort of dipping sauce other than a bowl of onions). I had the Ceviche Mixto for my main and it was very good. This was my first foray into ceviche and the fresh seafood and a kicking lime sauce did not disappoint. My boyfriend had the Churrasco a la Parilla and it was delish as well-a huge steak that was perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned-only disappointment was the "fried potatoes" which, when the plate arrived, we discovered to merely be french fries. For dessert we had the Tres Leches cake and it was delish as well, I'm a sucker for Tres Leches. We were so glad we came back to give them another try! I'd stay away on holidays/special days (ie Valentine's Day) but other than that, wouldn't hesitate to go return!
(4)
Michael G.

"Don't bother me, waiter, can't you see I'm eating this bread? I mean, I know that I'm supposed to be ordering food and all, but just give me another few minutes to enjoy this bread uninterrupted! It's unreal! You make it fresh out of the oven with some incredibly rich butter. Can you blame me for wanting to savor it?" When I finally decided to not appear like a homeless person (I had just finished moving a futon, so I had a reason for appearing dirty and sweaty) and actually pay for some food, the decision was difficult. Ay Ay Picante has a very extensive selection. And since they're a seafood restaurant in general, my choices were endless. With the Italian and Chinese influences to Peruvian food as well, even if someone's been to a Peruvian restaurant before, there are new and exciting dishes from all regions of Peru (marked on the menu). I ended up getting two appetizers. It's just how I roll sometimes when there are too many entree decisions. The Crema de Papa (the eggs and olives that accompanied the potatoes were top notch) here made me a little less sad that Rosa De Lima is no longer around. But what sets this place on a pedestal in my mind is their Palta Rellena Vegetariana! It's a full avocado filled with an ancient (at least I like to think it is) Incan potato salad recipe consisting mainly of peas and carrots to supplement the potato. But it was so rich with mayonnaise that it felt like a really guilty pleasure. Everything was soft and so tasty that it was relaxing. If a food can be that. In fact, this whole place has a great laid back vibe to it for a somewhat fancy Peruvian restaurant. Starting with that soft, warm bread. It really sets the mood.
(4)
Jessie M.

This is my favorite restaurant in the whole world. I went on my first date with my husband here, so we had our wedding rehearsal dinner on the back patio. Jamie is the man--he took such good care of us. Sentimental reasons aside, the food is consistently fantastic. They have a huge menu, but the lomo saltado is the best thing on there. For an appetizer, I love the yucas huancainas and the calamari. Ay Ay Picante has a special place in my heart :)
(5)
Issy G.

I ordered ARROZ CON MARISCOS (similar to a paella). I thought there wasn't much flavor, and the shrimp/octupus was overcooked. As for the appetizer, we had the CEVICHE MIXTO which was delish. I would definitely go back just for that. All in all, I would go back again and give it another try but I am not a fan.
(3)
Kristina K.

Love this place. We started with an empanada that was tasty and big enough to share. My husband had two kabobs, one of salmon the other shrimp, accompanied by rice and steamed veggies. I had the steak and grilled shrimp,with fabulous mashed potatoes...perfectly seasoned...forget the chocolate flan, go for the tres Leches cake. The service was excellent and, did I mention that it's BYOB??? Great food and we will return.
(5)
Claudia S.

To be completely fair, I haven't eaten in the restaurant...I've only had food to go, so I can't comment on decor or service or anything of that nature. With that being said, I had high hopes for Ay Ay Picante. My friend that introduced me to Peruvian food recommended this place after the other one closed and seeing as how he's half Peruvian, I figured it would be just as great as Rosa de Lima was. It wasn't bad, but it was a little disappointing. Best dish I tried, the Lomo Saltado of course! Aside from the roasted chicken, this grew to be one of my favorite dishes in general and Ay Ay impressed me with this one. The rice, the empanada, the calamari and even the green sauce felt like something was missing. However, their red onion side dish thing was really good, so not everything I tried was a let down. Nothing was awful by any means, but I don't know if I'd make my way over here again if someone didn't suggest it, which is disappointing because I miss my old Peruvian spot and it'd be nice to find a suitable replacement.
(3)
Belle L.

Freshly made bread was delish with butter and the green dip (jalopeno in garlic oil etc, but not spicy). It's an appetizer by itself. Everything taste fresh. Perfectly steamed veggies. Textured home made mash potato. Gordon Ramsey would have a field day on the extensive menu and its fillers (mash potato, mushroom and green pepper on top, and steamed veggies). There is a chinese-peruvian vegetarian dish. Fried rice? I wish Ay Ay would cut down on the fillers and reduced the price by half.
(3)
Emily Z.

This is hands down my new recommendation for anyone asking me for a great restaurant in Chicago; its only downfall is being so darn far from my Lakeview home! Aye Aye Picante was started by a former employee of Tango Sur on Southport. Though less convenient for many, Aye Aye has better food and a better atmosphere - same byob atmosphere but with no hour long waits and get this, you can sit at a table and not have your elbows rub with the table next to you! The house bread they give you is AMAZING, small personal sized crusty baguettes served with butter, but you won't need the butter because they also give you a cup of what I would call a chimichurri - a green garlicy and cilantro sauce. yum. I was in Peru 2 years ago and have been craving good ceviche ever since, luckily I have found that at Aye Aye with their Ceviche Mixto ($16) A variety of seafood & tilapia marinated in lime juice. We also split the Palta Rellena Carmones ($12) - a whole creamy Avocado stuffed with jumbo shrimp, green peas, diced potatoes, carrots, mayonnaise and black olives. For entrees I would definitley recommenced getting a steak, my favorite is the BISTEC ENCEBOLLADO ($14) - topped with sauteed tomatoes, cilantro, and onions. Auh-mazing. The steak was very thin but HUGE and the flavor was out of this world, I cleared my plate other than the unneeded carbs in the form of rice. Luckily I went with my friend who ordered us 2 desserts against everyone elses wishes. The caramel flan was delicious but the tres leches cake was definitley my favorite, I hate dry cake so this super moist cake has always been one of my favorites! GO HERE. No excuses, the food they serve is not crazy, don't be afraid, its seafood and steak! Somehow I ended up spending $40 even with it being BYOB but it was soooo worth it !!
(5)
Lisa A.

My first time here and so glad I was with a friend who is such a great hostess. She ordered us some Seafood Mixto, which is a seafood mixture big chunk style ceviche that had the perfect blend of lime, cilantro, & spices. Then palta rellena vegetariana which is a potato pea salad wrapped by an avocado and olives that was so tasty! Dinner was chicken saltado, a salmon dished topped with mushrooms that was perfectly done and vegetarian fried rice with very good flavor. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that the desserts were okay and I have had better in the Pilsen neighborhood, but otherwise the dinner was superb and the service and people in the restaurant super friendly. I noticed after I left that it is BYOB, too...so that's nice on occasion. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Meatdowntown C.

The papa relleno was a hit. The Peruvian tamale had chicken and olives. I have had this in Lima, Peru and the flavor was the same and right on the spot. It was Americanized in size because I believe these tamales are typically half the size. I love the green sauce they have on the table to soak the warm bread. The arroz con pollo was delicious and the portion of chicken was big. The rice has a green texture like spinach or perhaps pesto with a great flavor. We ordered the ceviche with shrimp and I was not impressed.
(4)
Franco S.

Great food, South American service but ok as long you aren't expecting anything other. food is great which is more important than anything else.
(4)
Luis O.

We just had a wonderful evening at this modest Peruvian restaurant. The space is cozy, simply decorated and unpretentious. The menu seems a bit aggressive at first, with a large number of dishes to choose from... never a good sign in a small restaurant. We decided to order a whole bunch of different item from various sections on the menu and I am glad to say that every single one was delicious - except "the chicharrones de calamar" . All Lovely, tasty dishes, each with its own identity - just a great combination of flavors that kept everyone talking. We recommend the seco de carne, seco de Cordero, chupe de camarones, aji de gallina, empanadas, any of the ceviches, and most of the seafood preparations. The fried items can be a bit "too fried". The food presentation definitely needs help, it's sloppy and lacks creativity. The staff was terrific and our server took great care of our group..4 stars for him and the crew! This is a BYOB... bring wines with character as the flavors are definitely bold. We will be back for more!
(3)
Rebekah H.

How I do love thee! From your fresh baked bread to the tub of green stuff to your skirt steak you have yet to disappoint me. Hubby and I have been here numerous times and have tried many items on the menu. Our favorites are the papa relleno type appetizer, both stuffed avocado apps with or without the chicken is so yummy, the empanadas are very good too. For entrees we like the Churrasco Parilla but be warned this is a huge piece of steak and a ton of fries ( which I highly recommend you choose as your side) so if you are not really hungry share this with someone else cause it does not reheat very well. We also like the fettucini dish that you can get with grilled or breaded steak. So far we have liked everything we have tried and one of these days we will save room for dessert. :-D
(5)
Abigail F.

Went to Ay Ay Picante for the first time with my mother on a weekday for a small dinner. We shared the ceviche mixto, a steak entree and the leche flan for dessert. This a BYOB restaurant which is great if you are particular about your wine and beer selection. Our waiter provided us an ice bucket to keep our white wine chilled and opened/served our wine for us. The jalapeno dip that is accompanied with the bread is delicious! (way better than just butter) The ceviche mixto is a mix of different types of seafood with a lot of flavor---highly recommend for seafood lovers. The serving was a bit big for two people though, but can't complain since it's 16 dollars. The steak was tender and cooked to our liking which was medium rare. The leche flan was a good portion and tastes just like how my mom use to make it when I was kid. The waiter was very polite and helpful with our food selection. Overall, had a good experience! I would come here again to try something different.
(4)
Spenser W.

I lived in Peru for two years and I visited the most excellent restaurants while I was there. I was in Lima as well as in the country side. The food here is as wonderful as I had it there. The chef and owner as well as most of the staff are from Peru. I could jot believe at how the food taste exactly how it was in Peru. I would strongly encourage anyone looking for a true Peruvian restaurant to try Ay Ay Picante. The service is a little slow but that is how Peruvians work. If you want true Peruvian food, take the advice from the guy who actually lived in Peru, that food is here a At Ay Picante
(5)
Lauren P.

Lomo saltado whaaaat?! Super good lomo saltado up in here! A bit pricey but they give you a huge portion so I guess it's worth it! Their steak is very good quality cut of meat... Fries are super crunchy.... And the rice has the perfect amount of garlic in it where it's not overbearing! Byob! Currently they also have a yelp check-in special 30% off 1 entree at the table! Superb :)
(4)
Jeka M.

Legit huayna music, sabroso salsa verde (it's a weirdly spicy avocado-ish puree sort of thing that I haven't found anywhere since Peru), and a literally and figuratively warm setting full of chatter. The lomo saltado was pretty flavorful but the aji de gallina was... well, kind of like someone else described it, similar to cream of chicken soup. Which wasn't right. Not enough flavor there. Friendly waitstaff! I still have no idea how they were tag-teaming our table... we had like 5 people keep showing up and they would randomly take or leave extras of things we didn't need. ;) Overall good experience and not at all disappointed... I wanted Peruvian food and I got it. :D *BYOB!!
(4)
Phil X.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GREEN SAUCE. The place can get crowded on weekend nights but don't let that stop you. Pick up a bottle on your way...it's BYOBizzle! They start you off with some warm bread and some Aji sauce. This green dipping sauce is the SHIZZLE! It's made with jalepenos and garlic as well as a few other things. I've been here just to pick up some of the ahi sauce to take home. That being said...it seems to go well on everything. You could seriously throw it on anything and make it taste three times better. As usual, I started with Anticuchos. These perfectly seasoned and grillled cow heart on a skewer were delicious...especially when paired with the side of red onions marinated in limes, Salsa Criolla. The meat was so tender. If you've never had this before, you must try it. Don't be scared...it's just beef heart. If you don't tell your friends what it is they will just think it's tender, juicy, delicious, beef. It can be shared...but it's so good I could just order it for my main meal. The portions for the main dishes are generous. As everyone has already mentioned their Lomo Saltado is great along with their Ceviche Mixto. Service was good. They are very friendly. No corkage fees for your wine or beer. It can get very packed on the weekends. When it's nice out they have outdoor seating in their backyard. Street parking isn't too hard to find. The inside is pretty dimly lit and they are always playing some kind of Peruvian music. Overall it's a great foodie experience that shouldn't be missed! ---Take home some of that green sauce and try it on scrambled eggs for breakfast!
(4)
Martin P.

Food is always good but their service can be hit/miss.
(4)
Joseph S.

This review is long overdue. After watching an episode of "Check, Please!" I quickly added this restaurant to my Chicago bucket list. My wife treated me to dinner at Ay Ay Picante for my birthday. We went on a Monday night and the place is rather quaint and cozy. The service was superb beginning to end and our meal could not have been better. My wife opted for the ceviche mixto and I chose the surf and turf. My wife's not a fan of onions but the ceviche was packed with a citrus and garlicky flavor that she didn't mind them in this dish. My steak was cooked to order and paired well with the Negra Modelo we brought in (BYOB is bonus at this place)! Since it was my birthday, I requested a slice of the flan for dessert which satisfied my major sweet tooth. As if we needed another reason to love this place, our waiter did not charge us for the flan and allowed us to redeem a "30% off entree" Yelp check-in deal. This wonderful experience took place in October and I just bought a Groupon so that we can venture back soon!
(5)
Evelina L.

Went here for lunch today. Probably not the best place for lunch, since they don't have any lunch specials, but we still managed to share a bunch of appetizers and make it reasonable. Food was GREAT, especially the beef hearts. I have been to this restaurant last year and this definitely still stands out in my mind. Empanadas were also pretty fantastic - very unique. Ground lean steak? Sounds good.. Olives and raisins together inside? Sure... Add an egg into it to top it all? Sounds interesting.... But trust me - its fantastic!!! Will definitely be back, but please add a lunch menu so I don't feel obligated to spend $20 on lunch...
(4)
Thuc N.

My best buddy rarely like going to any place that offer waiting staffs beside pizza place. I managed to convince him to come here a year ago. He liked the foods and was comfortable with the service. Perfect! The place was well kept and quite cozy since it's a bit small with warm orange wall. There were Nazca drawing on the wall which is quite cool to me. I'm a fan of the mystery behind Nazca drawing. The service was good. The staffs were attentive but not intrusive. Nothing to complaint about. The foods were delicious. So far, I tried quite a few entrees and few of the appetizers. My favorite appetizers would be the fried calamari with fried yuccan. I'm just a sucker for fried foods and I likes calamari quite a bit. The Chicharron De Calamares and Bistec are so far my favorite. Only bad/good thing about Ay Ay is the extensive menu. I wanted to try everything on the menu since they all sound so good. It has been over a year now and only tried a dozen or so. Darn it. I am definitely going to start making this my regular Saturday/Sunday lunch spot
(5)
Michael B.

Great find! A huge variety of tasty dishes for the adventurous (beef heart appetizer= delicioius flavors and tender as a NY Strip) and not so adventurous (creamy avocado stuffed with shrimp). Portions are voluminous so anticipate sharing, carting home left-overs or ordering all appetizers, as I did during my first visit. The oft mentioned green sauce (jalepenos, garlic and avocado) for bread starts you out right. The ceviche is easy on the onion and heavy on the lime but the tilapia was perfectly firm. Servers are well informed, efficient, and even provided a special Birthday dessert during our recent visit. Kid friendly and easy to park. Try it!
(4)
Cecilia M.

One of my favorite Peruvian restaurants.Good flavor! good price! My favorite plates are ceviche, choirs a la chalaca, jalea and lomo saltado. Best of all is BYOB. Go there and enjoy the flavors of Peru!!!
(5)
Alexis O.

Groupon success! Went at 3:30 p.m. to avoid the Groupon crowds, as the voucher was set to expire the following day. The seating is pretty tight, so on a crowded night, you'll definitely be hearing your neighbor's conversation. We tried: Papa relleno - mashed potatoes ball stuffed with ground beef, then deep fried - ok Tamale Peruano - tamale stuffed with chicken and black olives - needs more filling; I was surprised that the tamale had an acidic taste - it must have had a lot of lemon squeezed on top. Fried yucca - we love yucca, and haven't had it in a while, so we liked it. They almost tasted like french fries, except they are prepared as big thick strips. Ceviche mixto - Marinated tilapia, octopus, calamari, and shrimp - I really liked the sauce and the texture of the seafood. Lomo Saltado - my husband thought it had too much garlic, but as a garlic lover myself, I thought it was absolutely delicious! Even the white rice had a great amount of flavor. Service was great - Pablo was very nice and helpful. Price wise was on point with other ethnic restaurants. My husband is from South America, and he's used to these dishes as street food where it's not expensive, so he thought it was a bit pricey, but fair. For example, a tamale would be 50 cents there, where here it is $7.00. But I love experiencing different cultures, so I'll happily pay a bit more. It's also BYOB - so that's a plus! I'll be back.
(4)
Saleem K.

My new favorite restaurant!! The spices in the foods are like no other! The food, music and waiters all excellent!!! You get a bread and green sauce when you first sit down as appetizer. The green sauce is incredible and the bread is so warm. Parking is also very convenient, plenty of street parking, no crazy traffic! Love the location, right off of 94 E/W Emmanual has waited my table a few times. He is the best host!!!! They are all friendly and the food is incredible! Take my word for it, best place for a date, birthday, parties or just to eat out! Go eat there!!!!!!
(5)
Kensey W.

so glad i got to try this place! it wasn't mind-blowing food, probably more around four stars, but the service was so great - i had a ton of fun eating here. the patio is great for a nice night and feels festive. some friends and i shared the beef heart appetizer, the mixed ceviche, a seafood casserole, and the lamb. i loved loved the ceviche. it was pure delicious lime and it was a huge plate. i've only ever had ceviche as an appetizer but this was definitely meal-sized. it was all seafood - they did not skimp. the only thing i'd say is that it had too much tilapia in ratio to the other ingredients. the lamb was great, though a bit salty. it was tender and well-cooked and delicious. also a huge portion. the casserole (also a huge portion), was creamy and hot and not lacking in seafood at all. beef hearts were garlicky and salty, but didn't have that springy heart texture i like. i wouldn't get them again, though i would definitely order everything else again. the best part was the bread! okay not the bread (i don't remember it) but the green sauce it came it! the sauce was a garlicky avocado sauce that i asked for more of and ended up putting on everything. i don't even know if it was meant for the bread, but it was frickin delicious. service was the cherry on top. when we first got there, we didn't know it was byo and our waiter gave us lots of suggestions on where we could get some booze nearby. the service was super attentive and friendly, but not at all overbearing. i wish this was closer to my home but i'm just so glad i got to try it!
(5)
Tim S.

Excellent. Had high hopes and this gem exceeded my expectations. We had the empanada app and Anticuchos ( Beef Hearts) on a kebob, grilled. Both excellent dishes. I would have liked some sauce on the empanada...I tried the green sauce that came with the bread. It worked perfectly! On to dinner.... We ordered the Lomo Saltado: an excellent mix of grilled beef and some veggies. I was worried about the heavy starch..i.e fries and rice. Not to worry. the fries were blended in perfectly with the meat...and the Mayan Rice "Pyramid" was filled with a garlic taste....I love garlic....so +++ on the yum factor. OMG, the mariscos ceviche mixto was to die for...sauce itself was an amazing...generous portion. BYOB was an added bonus. If the food in Lima is as good as it is here....I'm headed to Peru.
(5)
Jennifer E.

Lomo Saltado - deliciouso! It averages about $14-$17 per person but the good thing about it is that there's so much food, you're actually getting dinner plus leftover for lunch the next day!
(5)
Khadijah S.

Ay ay love it!!!
(5)
Susana D.

Starch-fest like all other Peruvian joints, but tasty and interesting. Dare to try the solid-hunk potato salad and different cuts of meat. BYOB.
(4)
Bruno R.

Great , simple ambiance with great authentic food. I always go there for the ceviche and lomo saltado. The papa rellena is also to die for. This place feels like you just went to a friend;s house for dinner, great price performance and great food!
(5)
Cameron H.

Went over to a friends house for dinner. Originally, he was supposed to be cooking. But long story short, he ended up ordering food and I picked it up on the way over to his house. So, for 4 ppl, the bill came to $80 w/tip. Wasn't expecting that amount when I picked up the food. The caller of the party did reimburse me for the full amt. So, I am ok with that. However, we started off with Ocopa, Palta Rellena and Paltavegetal. Not bad appetizers. Then for the main dishes, we had Parihuela, Estofado and Arroz Pollo. Tasty. Would I go back if I were in the area, maybe...
(3)
Amy G.

My husband and I stopped by here the other day for some lunch. It was really great! My waiter helped me decide between two dishes and we ordered extra just to try some different things. Couldn't even eat a quarter of it all, but it was so delicious! I recommend giving it a try for some good Peruvian cuisine. We both really enjoyed the food and although there were few people in there, we noticed nothing else except how full we were getting. Good stuff!
(4)
Rudra B.

I'm only reviewing carry out. The food is outstanding. Ever since we traveled to Peru back in 2007 we've been searching for the papas rellenos that wowed us when we arrived in Cusco. And y'know what? MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. I know there are other Peruvian places in town - but this nails that stew-y goodness with the lightness that can only come from fresh ingredients and *knowing* that anything might have seafood in it. not to be missed. We look forward to checking out the dining experience soon!
(5)
Natalie A.

I've been to Ay Ay Picante twice...the most recent visit on my birthday in December I am in love with this place...Excellent Peruvian cusine! The ambiance is intimate and sexy...Perfect date place! Getting the ceviche as a starter is a MUST, trust me :) I also enjoyed Chicharron De Calamares: Deep fried seasoned calamari accompanied by salsa criola (onion salad), corn, and fried yucca! BYOB! My most recent visit was a hit with the service..friendly and attentive...as oposed to my 1st experience which was a bit rude.. Portions are huge! Tres leches cake is delicious here!
(5)
Derek H.

I've been here three times now and I have gotten something different every time. As someone who usually locks onto a fave and sticks with it, I see lots here that makes me curious. As mentioned by others, the green sauce that comes with the bread is great! BYOB!
(3)
Omar O.

One of the best restaurants in the city. Bread with the green salsa is DELICIOUS. Had the tamale for an appetizer, DELICIOUS. For entrees, I've tried both the Lomo Saltado and Bistec a la Diabla, DELICIOUS. For dessert, the coffee flan, DELICIOUS. You see the pattern here? Parking may be tough on a Friday or Saturday evening but they do have valet. This restaurant is also BYOB so bring your poison of preference.
(5)
Keisha J.

Cool place to dine...
(3)
Rob L.

This has been on our "try it" list for a while, as we've been in the neighborhood for a couple of years now. A Groupon finally tipped the scales, but we'll definitely be back even without that enticement. The atmosphere on a Friday night was loud and dark. That's not a bad thing by itself, but it highlights my only complaint about Ay Ay--the ambitious menu. We opened our (large) tri-fold menus, and two (large, back-printed) inserts fell out. It's BYO, so this wasn't even a wine list... there are a *LOT* of items on this menu! The dark made it hard to read, but even in good light it would have taken 20 minutes to read all the descriptions. My suggestion: cut your menu down... *waay* down! An Italian restaurant can get away with a 9-page menu because people know what to expect from it, and usually know what they're looking for anyway. Pick your most popular dishes, or the ones you're most proud of, or the ones that best highlight the distinctiveness of Peruvian cuisine, and lose the rest. Rotate them in as specials, if you want. Your kitchen staff will thank you, and I think your guests will thank you. We definitely would. Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way... the good stuff! The aji verde is definitely all that (yeah, I said it). It's so popular, they actually had run out when we sat down. They whipped up a new batch, and we were finally treated to this amazing, spicy, garlicky elixir. You could probably get by on just this, but you'd be depriving yourself. We started with the fried calamari, which was fairly standard, but paired well with the aji verde! ;-) It was served with some pretty wonderful pickled onions and some fried yucca (also went well with the aji. What wouldn't??). Good, but we'll try something else next time. Entrees... I had the Seco de Cordero (lamb)--it was perfectly braised in Incan beer, and the beans were just lovely. Another in our party had the Bistec Encebollado, which was a wonderfully tasty skirt steak with onions and tomatoes and some distinctive spices. Our third party member had fettucine with mushrooms, which was a little bland, but acceptable. (Why is this even on the menu? A head-scratcher!) The portions were quite generous--we each had half our meal to take home. We did save room for dessert, though, the menu for which was a beautful platter brought to our table and explained in earnest detail by our server. We split the Pionono, which was a rolled cake with Tres Leches. Just sweet enough, but not overly so. This is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant. Ever-so-slightly pricey, but I think the quality of the food and the uniqueness make it worth the cost. I will definitely study the menu in advance for next time. ;-)
(4)
Rose M.

Specifically searching for a restaurant serving Peruvian ceviche- Ay Ay Picante sounded like the best option available in Chicago. We were right. Not only was this place BYOB and had very attentive service, but the portions were HUGE, the prices were fair, and the food was AMAZING. We had the ceviche pescado, ceviche mixto, and anticuchos -- all were great. Plus they served aji sauce with bread! Will definitely return.
(5)
David G.

First and foremost I have to say this review will be a tad bit limited. I have been to Ay Ay Picante four or five times. EVERY time I've gone there I have ordered the same exact thing.... the CHURRASCO A LA PARRILLA.. which is sirloin steak for all you uncultured bums out there. I consider myself to be a huge steak snob and rarely order them from anywhere since I love the ones I make myself so much. However, I was brought here years ago with a group of friends that went to grub hub and heard great reviews. I'm not too into seafood, and never had Peruvian food before, so the steak seemed the safest bet. I ordered mine Medium Rare, and sure enough thats what I got. (that alone is a huge problem with 90% of the steak houses I've been to.) The steak was so great that unfortunately I haven't even been able to try anything else whenever I go there. I brought my Peruvian friend there to get an authenticity check on the food. He loved it as well.. and has been back multiple times. The place is fairly small, but has a really nice outside eating area in the back if the weather permits. It isn't flashy at all... very comfortable and intimate. The lighting can be a little dim at night depending where you sit.. so those with poor eyesight might wanna take a look at the menu before going there. The worst part about the place might be the parking situation.. which is tough, especially at night on the weekends. Even with those slights against the place and the fact its a bit pricey... I still consider it to be a 5 star rating and the food (at least what I like) does all the talking. Taking a bite into the wonderfully seasoned, that is more of an accent than overbearing, steak and having the juices seep into the fries never gets old. As I said before I never have ordered anything else besides the sirloin,but the people that I've gone with have.. and all enjoyed their meals.. and have all been back multiple times. If you wanna take out the family, or go to a nice dinner with a friend.. or a date.. this is a great idea for something different.
(5)
Alejandro P.

Lomo saltado is the ultimate meal. It has everything you would want in one forkful. It manages to access every taste bud in your mouth and combine them into one amazing treat. I went here just once and was pleasantly surprised with the waiting, decor, and overall quality of the restaurant. It won't be my last visit.
(4)
Rayid G.

excellent aji verde to start, followed by a pretty good tilapia ceviche. We also tried estofado de pollo but I found it just ok. I'll definitely go back for the aji verde and ceviche!
(4)
Kyle P.

Love his byob. Try it out and make sure you get the arroz con pollo
(4)
Simone T.

This afternoon was my 1st time here, a late lunch w/co-workers. I'd like to come back again, possibly on a date with the Husband. The food is fresh & delicious; I also think the portions are quite large. But this is no "cheap eats" kind of place. With an appetizer and entree, even with the place being BYOB, you will still pay a MINIMUM of $20/person. And that is for the low end price menu items! Be prepared for the menu "sticker shock". Also, even with the garden dining area, the restaurant is very small. Still, there wasn't one complaint from our group of 6 regarding our food - the empanadas were GREAT, and the various entrees we got were delicious beyond words.
(3)
Fernanda R.

I will say this was the worst restaurant I have ever been too. A couple of friends and I wanted to have an enjoyable dinner on a Saturday night. When we got there we had to wait a little bit, which is normal for a Saturday night at a decent restaurant. There was no waiting area so we were waiting outside in 20 degrees. The host then comes and gets us and starts to take us to our seats, we end up going all the way to back which happens to be the "backyard" that has tents/canopies up and some heated red lights. We literally sat next to the garage at a picnic table that had a red table cloth over to make it look "fancy." It took about 15 minutes to get menus when we finally did my two friends ordered Inca Colas and I ordered coffee because it was freezing. Of course the coffee took about 20 minutes the waiters excuse was that when he went to get the coffee the other waiters took it from him. As we looked over our menus the waiter came and asked if we were ready, so we ordered an appetizer and that I needed another minute or so to decide. The waiter flat out said no because he needed to put the appetizer and the meal in at the same time because the kitchen was too busy to put in two orders. So we all put in our orders. We had some bread which was ok but never got more considering that It took them almost 2 hours for us to get our food. We did our appetizer which was Papas a la Huancaina, it was ok. Nothing great or special about it. The ones at Machu Picchu are way BETTER! Our waiter did not seem to know what he was doing. I had to get up while we were waiting and actually go inside of the restaurant to warm up. I told two different waiters in Spanish AND English if it was possible to sit inside since there were empty seats and no one else was waiting to be seated at the front. So what happens? They just move the space heater closer to us! Really? It also seems like as soon as I decided to speak English they got on it. They would ignore my requests all together if I asked them nicely in Spanish. I will say that the food was OK nothing great or special and completely overpriced considering that we were cold and uncomfortable and really bad service. But they gave us our check and did not bother to ask if we needed anything else. Let me just say that I walked out of there so pissed off and they were not willing to do anything. I did notice the other people sitting by us as well ended up leaving because they never got there food and also complained that they were freezing and they had little kids and babies. Of course after extremely close observation there was only Caucasians and NO KIDS in the inside of the restaurant. Extremely disappointed....I am not a snotty person and I work in the service industry. I love my hole in the walls restaurants Peruvian and Colombian ones and they have a so much better service than this place. This place is not worth your time and money on this place because it is not worth it at all. Worst experience.
(1)
Char Y.

We came on a sunday and were seated inside, which was very dimly lit and warm. We opted to sit outside instead, and found it much more pleasant. We ordered palta rellena - ok, totally under seasoned with tasted everything arroz con mariscos - ok, still not seasoned at all lomo saltado - tough meat with soggy fries. papas diabla con bistec - good steak but tasteless potatoes. did the chef forget to salt EVERYTHING?
(3)
Bria G.

My first time trying this place was on a field trip with my Spanish 5 class in high school. The food was great and the service was sufficient. The people are nice and helpful. The food is really great and the kitchen is so close to the dining area that you can see them cooking & preparing your order! Really cool place, really good food. I would go back if I had the chance!
(4)
Sandra C.

I have been here a few times and it's hit or miss. It's not consistent, but I have returned because of the ceviche which is really good. Today, the service was poor. We arrived around 1:00 pm. At that time, the restaurant was empty, except for maybe 2-3 other tables of small parties. We ordered coffees and it took a while to get our coffees. We asked for more bread and sauce which also took a while, and another waiter actually brought it over to us after we asked a second time. Our ceviche came promptly, and we did ask the waiter to give us a few minutes to order our main entree but after that, he was MIA! He finally came over and took our order. When our meals finally arrived, two people in my party sent their plates back because the food was cold when it arrived (not warm, but cold) and the third person sent it back because there was a THICK BLACK HAIR intertwined in her food! YUCK! Needless to say, our appetites were ruined! After that, the wait staff pretty much ignored us. We weren't asked if we wanted more coffee, a refreshment, or even more water! Although they didn't charge for the plate with the hair in it (which they shouldn't have anyway) the manager/ owner did not offer any apology or try to make up for this in any other way, nor did the waiter. One star only because the ceviche is very good, but I'm sure I'll find another Peruvian restaurant that makes it just as good. The worst part is that (stupid us) we still left this waiter a "guilt" tip, but he certainly didn't deserve it. I always tip well, and tip exceptionally well for exceptional service, but they lost this customer and won't be getting anymore of my money.
(1)
April P.

Yes, bite my tongue, but that other Peruvian restaurant made famous on DDD is one of our favorite restaurants. But it's just toooo darn far and not conveniently located next to one of Chicago's many hwys. So for a quick fix, I recently found Ay Ay Picante and I was happy, pleased and impressed with their menu. I ordered dinner to go and had Aji de gallina, which is the walnut cream sauce mixed with pulled chicken. They gave a very hefty serving, along with bread and butter to go. It was mighty tasty, and a tad bit spicier than it's nemesis. Still good, but just commenting about the flavor. The price of the dish was a whopping $15 plus change. That's almost a 25% difference in comparison to yet again, it's arch enemy Perusing over the in dining room menu, I saw that all the prices are much higher. I'm quite sure the food is good, so if you're in the neighborhood, and don't feel like driving to Rogers Park, check out Ay Ay Picante Big feat they need to work on....carry out paper menus. They had none available
(4)
Carl f.

An unusual place for a restaurant, but good parking, easy access and it's worth the trip from any distance. Wonderful and kind wait staff, extremely pleasant atmosphere, and my Filet Mignon was the best - spiced nicely with Peruvian spices, mashed potatoes and fresh vegies. They brought an ice bucket right away for our white wine. Lots of really intestesting choices on the menu. Just a nice place for dinner with good food and warm hospitality. Much preferred to the hoity toity of the overpriced 'trendy areas' of the city.
(4)
sarah s.

Excellent ceviche, with fresh fish. Great guacamole (and I don't even like avocados). Nothing else had any flavor whatsoever. My recommendation: Bring a bottle, and only eat appetizers.
(2)
Lisa C.

Went there again this past Friday night, because wild horses can't keep me away from Ay Ay Picante. New discoveries: 1. Awesome steak and shrimp kabobs. Come for the seafood; stay for the meat. 2. First time I had the pleasure of dining on their patio. It is cozy and inviting. Much more spacious than the main dining room. In case you were wondering, the ceviche is still good enough to make a girl scream like a dirty slut. It's two-people-go-through-two-baskets-of-bread-just-Âsopping-up-the-leftover-sauce-because-it-would-be-Âa-sin-if-it-went-to-waste GOOD.
(5)
Local G.

I was looking forward to eating here after reading all of the great reviews. I heard all about the great ceviche and yes it does live up to the hype. I only wished they used tuna or snapper instead of tilapia, much better texture. That being said the warm bread and green sauce was delish. On to the entree, I ordered the bistec encebollando which is thinly sliced steak topped with some sauteed onions & peppers etc. Big disappointment; the dish was overly salty as was the side of white rice. It was so salty that I couldn't finish my meal. My friend ordered some sort of vegetarian fettuccini dish with mushrooms and it was very uninspiring. That coupled with taking over an hour to get our food, I wasn't all that impressed. I think we just didn't order the right stuff off of the menu. I may or may not try this place again. 3 stars for great ceviche and green sauce.
(3)
Grace N.

Don't let the cheesy name fool you. This is great food, in a pleasant setting, with great value. I tried the lomo saltado in Peru, and I've got to say, it's better here. It's both date-worthy and kid friendly, and I recommend that you order....just about anything. And ask for extra green sauce.
(5)
Tia J.

OMG!! Best ceviche ever.... Besides out mexican dish... Love the rimantic ambiance at this place. Will def return.
(5)
Victoria D.

Ceviche Mixto is a must. Lives up pretty well to la comida autentica en Peru. I also suggest the Seco de Cordero. Savory lamb with some good flavor! La salsa de aji that is on the table pretty much goes well with everything - the bread, the tamal, whatever.
(3)
Ralph F.

Nice BYO place! Great execution on seafood, and a nice change of pace for latin cuisine in Chicago. We had the ceviche (huge portion!) and some other peruvian apps and then had some more fish for entrees. Its out of the way (but plenty of parking!) and dimly lit, which makes it perfect for a date night. I look forward to returning to try the rest of the menu. Waitstaff was great too.
(3)
Michael E.

The service was perfect and the food was awesome. They helped me win points with my girlfriend. They brought her a dessert flan with a birthday candle and played happy birthday over the speakers. She was impressed. I didn't request it but she thought did so thank you ay at picante for making our night fantastic.
(4)
jenny m.

I've been to Ay Ay Picante twice now. The first time I left thinking A-Mazing. The second time I still thought it was a great spot, I was just slightly less wowed (but that was probably just because the newness of being a first timer was gone). Be prepared, the menu is intimidating. It's huge and there are so many tasty sounding options!! What really lured me in to this place the first time were the glowing reviews for the ceviche. I'm an addict, I love the stuff and can't get enough of it. THe ceviche here does not disappoint, but it is served differently then other places I've had it. The Peruvian way seems to be to serve the fish or seafood in larger chunks and not chopped up fine like you see more traditionally in Mexican/Central American type spots. It's also not served with crackers or tortilla chips or anything. Does that make it bad? Nope, not at all....just different! We had the ceviche mixto and it was a gigantic plate of mixed fish & seafood. It was really good, although the portion size was huge for two people (as in, bring your appetite). For the main course I had a seafood & tilapia dish with a white wine fish sauce and salsa de huancaina marinade. It was good, but the sauce wasn't my favorite (although my friend had some and really liked it). But the portions were again gigantic and I ended up going home with enough for another meal and then some. My friend had the salmon which was topped with a seafood & mushroom sauce. It was delicious! I am 99% positive that I had a dish with this sauce when I was here the first time and I loved it then too. We also had a side of fried Yucca and it did not disappoint. Perfect to dip in the salsa, as explained below. You also get served this warm, crusty bread and some sort of salsa verde that is out of this world. I don't know what's in that salsa but I would put it on just about anything (great for dipping the Yucca!) and eat it every day if I could. As I mentioned, the portions here are beyond generous so we did not have any room for desert. The service is really great, both times the servers were very helpful with suggestions/questions on the menu and prompt with bring out wine glasses, filling water, etc. This would be a good spot for larger parties too since it's BYOB and you get SO much food. They also have a cute patio in the back although it was still a bit too cold to sit out there. I'm looking forward to Spring/Summer so I can take advantage and sit outside while I gorge myself on this yummy Peruvian cuisine.
(4)
Katy K.

This is Peruvian food that tastes as if your mom prepared the meal lovingly over a stove at home. We tried the empanada, tamal, pollo saltado, and seco de cordero. All four were exceptionally tasty but I'd say the chicken and the empanada were the stars. The food is great, but my only complaints are that it's quite dark inside and the wait staff is slow and slightly unprofessional.
(4)
Eric R.

Finally getting around to reviewing this place after 8 months! ha Great ambiance, Great food, Great quiet date spot. The the only thing keeping it from a 5 star was the space cadet waiter (yes I said waiter and not waitress) that forgot that I ordered tea until close to the end of the meal. Since I at least had water I let it slide...once. You pretty well can't go wrong with anything on the menu, though I believe the portions to be a bit too big...why not reduce the portion sizes, reduce the cost on the menu and give your patrons the opportunity to try a few things...just a thought...but what do I know...
(4)
Carla S.

This place is fantastic. We had hubby's birthday dinner there some time back. 3 out of 4 of us love what we got and the other (who is a malcontent anyway) was jealous of the birthday boy's lomo saltado. Hey, if it can please a crowd consisting of adventurous 30-somethings and traditional 50-somethings, I call it a winner!
(4)
Onur U.

They have a pretty expansive menu that was kind of intimidating for a first timer, but the friendly served helped us navigate. The selection of ceviches was particularly impressive, and I have to say, the ceviche we started off with was the best dish of the night. It has large, tender but firm pieces of tilapia dressed in a citrusy, slightly spicy sauce that we sopped up with the crusty bread. Also the green dipping sauce they served with the bread had nice complexity and heat. We asked for a second helping of that sauce. Unfortunately, the entrees weren't as good as the appetizers. The steaks were overcooked and under-seasoned. The Aji Gallina was creamy but otherwise totally bland and uninteresting. When I think of Peruvian cuisine, I think of bright flavors, charred, juicy steaks, and chile heat. Our entrees exhibited none of that. They've got good yelp reviews and a Dolinsky, so maybe we just visited on an off night. Or maybe they specialize in large quantities of cheap meat and BYOB, so the same crowds that fill mediocre South American steakhouses all over town are the ones keeping Ay Ay Picante in business. Either way, our first visit was a pretty big let down.
(3)
michele m.

Have been here many times and I Love this restaurant! Let me count the reasons why: (not neccessarily in this order:) 1- Ceviche is the best in the city 2- The Lomo Saltado (fried potatoes-also dellious!) 2- BYOB 3- Covered patio 4- the Chimichurri / aji sauce. (complimentary) 5- Papa Rellena 6- Lots of vegetarian options 7- Friendly waitstaff & chefs 8- Very reasonably priced These are a few reasons - go there and check it out for yourself. Make a reservation if you plan to go on the weekend.
(5)
Lorelei W.

My boyfriend and I came here tonight for our anniversary, and we were quite pleased! It's quaint, dark, and comfy. Our server was very helpful with any questions we had. The food was out of this world. From the bread with the green sauce (ps, we bought a 32 oz. container off the sauce to go!) To the chocolate flan, and everything in between... Incredible. Steaks cooked to perfection, tasty rice, just fantastic. Also, when we ordered the green sauce to go, we heard the blender going from the kitchen... They made it when we ordered it. Big plus! We both agree we've found our new favorite neighborhood restaurant!
(5)
Vanessa P.

Lived in Chicago for about 2 years and out of lack of things to do because of the horrible weather and over-expensive parking I must've tried over 200 restaurants. I loooove Chicago for it's restaurants but if I was to pick one that is my NO 1 it is this one AY AY Picante how we miss you here in Miami where there are a lot more Peruvian restaurants but none like you! The best food ever! We rarely re visited a restaurant because there were so many options, but this one we went back to over and over again to have their delicious bread with their delicious green salsa and the Maravillas del Mar dish - best dish we ever had. Going to this restaurant is on our list of top things to do when we go back to visit Chicago!
(5)
Melissa M.

I've been here a few times now and I've ordered carry out as well. While the restaurant itself is a small place, the food is pretty decent. The service is usually pretty good with the exception of two times that I went and it just seemed to take too long (otherwise, I might've given it four stars). The servers are generally very nice. I usually order the Lomo Saltado and it has yet to disappoint. I will definitely go back again.
(3)
Molly S.

Dig. Dig a lot. Yeah, it's a bit cramped in there, and the service is a bit disorganized. They also set the lights a bit too low, and the music a bit too high. BUT the food is SOOOO good. Peruvian is one of my favorite kinds of food, and this is up there among the best I've had in the U.S. Papa a la diabla con bistec: Really good. At other places this dish is a whole plate of papa a la huancaina, with just a small thin steak. Here it's two large pieces of steak and basically a side of papas. The steak is still thinnish, but it's still thick enough that you can get it cooked medium. The marinade is amazing. (The papa a la huancaina could actually be better though. Not enough aji in the sauce.) Lomo saltado: This is a very standard dish, and it's usually good wherever, but this one is particularly good. Great tang to the sauce! Just generally, the food could be a tiny bit spicier. (Which is really funny considering the name of the place lol.) Food in Peru is actually not as spicy as some places in the U.S. make it, but the food we tried had very little heat. Even the salsa de haucatay (green sauce) was very mild. It was delicious, for sure, and actually the mildness was slightly appreciated, because some places make it so hot that it blows out your taste buds, but it still could have been just a bit kickier. Overall, though, I think this place is awesome, and it's not super expensive. Not "I feel like cheap take out" inexpensive, but the boyf and I had a nice dinner for under $40, including tip.
(4)
Joe B.

The food has its good days and it has its bad. I guess I know what true Peruvian quality should be since I grew up on it. The typical and most popular dish of lomo saltado is very good. The seco de carne isn't so bad - but their arroz chaufa and ceviche isn't that great. I noticed the decline in quality when it isn't so busy which is odd because you would think they would take time to do well since they are not being rushed! If this is your starter Peruvian place it's not a bad place but I truly feel the food leaves something to be desired.
(3)
Rob U.

I called on a Sunday afternoon while the restaurant was open to make Saturday reservations. I was told that I needed to call back on Monday to make reservations for Saturday. I now don't plan to call back to make reservations. What a terrible way to treat customers.
(1)
George V.

Great food and prices! BYOB and a small outdoor area in the summer make this a nice neighborhood stop.
(4)
Fernando T.

After last week's fiasco at another Peruvian-food restaurant (see my other review), we headed to Ay Ay Picante. It did NOT disappoint. The food was very good and yes, it was Peruvian. For starters, we ordered the papa rellena (stuffed potato) and a plate of "tiradito de pescado", to share. The flavors were spot on! The tiradito was delicious!! It was a large portion but we managed (tiradito is similar to ceviche, but the fish is thinly sliced and covered in a "aji amarillo" - yellow Peruvian-chili - sauce/paste). It is served with sweet potato. The "papa rellena" was very good! Very tasty, freshly made. I also had the "lomo saltado" which was very good. I could only finish half of it, as I had already stuffed myself with the appetizers. Once again, the flavors were there, very yummie! The only fault was that, as the name suggests, the meat in the dish should be lomo (tenderloin). Here they used what appeared to be flank steak, which was a little too chewy...Other than that, it was a good dish. My party had estofado de pollo (chicken stew) which was quite tasty. The chicken piece appeared to be some sort of flattened chicken breast, which was odd, but the flavor was good. Overall, it was a good dining experience. Service was good, prices were okay. One word about the establishment: I like the smell of good food, but I think they have to turn on their exhaust. When we walked in for lunch, the place seemed a bit "smoky". I would have tried the patio in the back had it not been raining. Oh well. Nice place though, nice Nazca-inspired murals. I will definitely go back!
(4)
Rachel H.

Older sis and I ventured out to the city just to try this restaurant. It came highly recommened by one of her patients, who has been consitently fabulous when it comes to recommending good spots.Was here for lunch on a Sunday afternoon( labor day weekend). we got here around 11:45am. We parked across the restaurant(metered parking). The restaurant itself was not crowded, just a couple of tables occupied...I was not sure if that was a good sign, but kept shut. Good thing I did; in a matter of 30 minutes the place was almost packed.The crowd was interesting, there were families with kids, yuppies, older couples...interesting mix of people and ethnicities. As soon as we were seated, the waiter placed crusty bread and ahi dip/sauce.It was out of the world, just delicious.The problem is it is soo good, it is hard not finish up the bread basket. Thank goodness older sis is more disciplined that me, she stopped me from getting a second basket and stuffing my face. We got the Ceviche and 2 appetizers. The Ceviche was excellent, the citrus was not too overpowerering, seafood "cooked" to perfection.Nothing was "overcooked". The 2 appetizers were smoked salmon and chicken tamale.Both excellent, the Tamale came wrapped in banana leaf, stuffed with chicken( not enough) and peanuts. The smoked Salmon was drizzled with a very nice dressing and nice big fat capers.For dessert we got the flan (good enough for 2 to split). The table next to us, got a braised lamb dish which looked delicious.I overheard them saying the coffee was excellent( which is Colombian coffe BTW, the waiter told us, since I was curious to try Peruvian coffee). I am looking forward to going back, this time with my 5 and 3 year old nephews who love to try out new restaurants.
(5)
Franco B.

Best peruvian ceviche in chicago. Big portion and the leche de tigre on the bottom of the plate is amazing!!
(5)
Nancy L.

My boyfriend flew in for the weekend and we decided to check out some Peruvian places...excited to try the place out we realized that the food was just blah...my taste buds were highly disappointed. My boyfriend, being Peruvian was ashamed and was let down after the hefty bill was left on our table. We did not care to take the left overs. Wah...! Will not be back...heard Taste of Peru is yum..we'll be the judges of that. One star for the Inca Cola.
(1)
Janice g.

Very good food, large portions, excellent waiter (Rafael). There are many items on the menu. Nice atmosphere.
(4)

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Address : 4569 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL, 60630
Phone (773) 427-4239
Website https://ayaypicante.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine

4569 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630

Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine Menu

Entradas - Small Plates

Sopas Grandes - Large Soups

Chicharron - Fried Seafood Entrees

Carne Y Pollo - Meat & Poultry

Platos Vegetarianos - Vegetarian Entrees

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Cuisine

Entradas - Small Plates

Sopas Grandes - Large Soups

Chicharron - Fried Seafood Entrees

Carne Y Pollo - Meat & Poultry

Platos Vegetarianos - Vegetarian Entrees

Desserts

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