Chilam Balam
3023 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL, 60657
Chilam Balam Menu
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Small Plates
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Chilam Balam
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Small Plates
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Desserts
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Address :
3023 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL, 60657 - Phone (773) 296-6901
- Website https://chilambalamchicago.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Closed
- Mon : Closed
Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Dawn A.
I'm not sure what this restaurant strives to be...tapas BYOB or destination restaurant. Our group shared several small plates...about $10 a small plate. They offered only 3 large plates (dinner I suppose) and desserts. This is not an inexpensive evening out but BYOB softens the $$$ impact on your wallet. It does though promote that social vibe of a great friends with family tapas happy hour. The flavors were is certainly outstanding for the hangar steak, ceviche, and those "bean boats". Guac was meh...nothing new and the empanadas were boringly bland. but yes, nice crust. Service is friendly, the bus boys really hustle, and our waiter got lost for some time but the bus boys picked up the slack. Tip: it's a small space and people were hanging on enjoying their BYOB. Get there early or bring your patience.
(3)Karen Anne B.
3.5 stars would be my choice for this place. I found their reservation system a bit frustrating. I wanted to go here with a group of 12 people, but they only take reservations during the week and not after 6 on Fridays. The place is tiny and there is nowhere for 12 people to wait. So we decided to suck it up and go at 6. Anyway, the food was really good. A couple more veg options would be nice. The desert was excellent. The cappuccino...barely warm. I like that they use small local farms/farmers. However, it's tapas style and they were constantly taking my plate and replacing it. I guess they aren't worried about water conservation. The staff also kept reaching right across my face to take plates and refill glasses. A big pet peeve. They are BYO and do not charge a corkage fee, which is great. Due to the small size and the lack of space in of the restaurant we were asked to leave after we were done and had to go elsewhere to visit. Would I go back? Maybe, but not on a Friday or Saturday.
(4)Sarah J.
Went here with 5 others on a busy Friday night - we knew it would be packed, so we came prepared. Brought our own drinks, which we saved for our meal, and hit the bar next door to have a few while we waited. WORTH IT. We went back after they called to let us know our table was ready (2 hours!, but just as promised on a Friday night!) and had a blast. With such a large group, including a vegetarian, we weren't sure where to start. The waiter took complete care of us, ordering a little of this and a little of that from the small plate menu. The empanadas were delicious, the flautas were crispy and tasty. Favorite? The chocolate chile mousse - SO good. We were tightly squeezed into their largest table, so might be better to go with a group of 4 or less, but we didn't mind bumping elbows to get after the food!
(4)Joe C.
I went here on a Saturday night with a group of 7. We got there around 6:15 and had to wait about 30 minutes to get a table. The nice thing was that they took our number and called us so we could go to a nearby bar to wait. When we were seated we just started ordering...we got almost everything on the menu. The food was all very tasty. My personal favorites were the grilled hangar steak, the banana leaf-roasted pork belly, the grilled skatewing, and the ribeye. We also got a few desserts. The sweet empanadas were excellent. The only reason I did not give this place five stars was because our server led us to believe that we would be getting a few items on the house. It was my nieces birthday. She was asking if the hangar steak was good and he said something along the lines of "it is fantastic; I will bring you one since it is your birthday." Later in the dinner, we were ordering dessert and the birthday girl ordered 2 items, and the server said "I will bring you those and another one for your birthday" Well, we just assumed that the hangar steak and the third dessert would be comped because we never actually ordered them. We were charged for both. Normally, I would be more upset and say something, but they were so good that I was glad we got to try them.
(4)Anisha A.
Revisited Chilam, and found it has definitely hit its stride. Everything we tried before was better executed. Also enjoyed the pike- the highlight of the November specials.
(4)R E.
Unbelievably delicious! Rick Bayless who? I am kidding! No credit taken away from Chef Bayless...I have much respect for Rick Bayless and the knowledge he has of our culture and the TRUE traditions and recipes of our food. However the food here is definitely as good as what I have tried at one of his restaurants if not better. It's Mexican Food with a tasty twist at inexpensive prices. My hope is that they continue to grow and open other locations. For now, I will gladly make the long drive from the western suburbs....a 2 hour drive in Friday night traffic, in order to beat the mad dinner rush, is definitely worth it! In all honesty, it's been a very long time since I've been impressed with a Mexican Restaurant and I'm Mexican....so I think I know the food, lol. Good Luck on Top Chef!
(5)Paloma N.
My review was erased for some reason so I will write it again. I had a terrible experience at this establishment. I went with a party of five and as soon as we arrived we were greeted by a rude hostess who yelled us to shut the door as we we trying to come inside the tiny establishment. After getting yelled at more we waited for 45 minutes to be seated at a table for two so we had to squeeze five of us in a tiny space with no room for our coats or purses leaving us feeling quite uncomfortable the rest of the night, bumping onto our neighbors and any passersby. The rudeness of the staff is unbelievable to me coupled with overpriced unauthentic Mexican food (I was born and raised in Mexico) and the inconvenience of no credit cards and BYOB with all kinds of rules attached. Just not a good dining experience at all!!!! Will never return and will recommend all my friends and family to avoid this place. Biggest turnoff: rudeness by the hostess and general pretentious atmosphere for semi-ok over-priced food.
(1)Morgan A.
I'd like to preface this review with the fact that I've had years of experience serving in restaurants, and for me to not be on the side of the restaurant and to be offended is a big deal. A group of six of us decided to try Chilam Balam on a Friday evening. They do not take reservations on the weekends so we came early to get a table, around 6:30. The night started out great until literally not 1 minute after we finished our main course of 14+ tapas, not even having a chance to look at dessert, our server got really uncomfortable and nervous when we asked to open another bottle of wine, telling us that they were going to need the table and that we'd have to move to the bar or outside. I understand they do not want people to sit around drinking their own booze all night, but before we've even had a chance to order dessert? I'd also like to mention there were plenty of tables around us that had arrived before we sat down, and were still pleasantly enjoying their meals, not being rushed out. It was like we were being punished for inhaling our food so quickly. We could've gotten over this except the entire staff of the restaurant decided to stand right behind us and complain and talk about us while pointing, which made us feel extremely comfortable while we tried to enjoy our dessert and last glasses of sangria (that we purchased.) It got to the point where we felt so uncomfortable that we called our server over to talk to him about it. The manager interrupted and started very condescendingly telling us that we can stay as long as we want, forever if we wanted. We mentioned that we were spending about $30 per person on our dinner and he said "Yeah I saw the bill it was like $200 so whatever." I'm sorry, since when is $30 a person for a little more than 2 small plates cheap? I said "ok, well we might never come back." His exact words were "that's fine!" and walked away. After the looks of shock wore off our faces, we paid our bill, tipped around 18%, which I personally do not think is unacceptable given how uncomfortable our server was making us. I heard him complain about it and then proceeded to tell us he doesn't like upsetting his customers but he was getting pressure from management. Fine, we understand this, and asked him to open our last bottle which we were going to take outside and gladly vacate the table (which they had asked us to do earlier). As he started, the manager came back again and stopped him saying "No, I don't care if they never come back, you are not opening that!" Again, I understand they are a busy restaurant and do not want people taking up their tables. However, to be told we are going to need to leave the table before even ordering dessert? And having the entire staff of the restaurant talk about us while we are 2 feet away and clearly within earshot? And being told that management doesn't care if we ever return? The food was NOT good enough to warrant this treatment. Don't waste your time; the food is overpriced and just OK. We'll take our $200 to a better tapas restaurant next time.
(1)Samantha R.
A complete surprise! First of all, you might not even realize this place is here, since it is pretty tucked away. Secondly, the food is outstanding and some of the most interesting pairings I've ever had. Incredibly delicious! The decor is really fun and it would be excellent for big groups. Only downsides are that it is somewhat pricey and cash only, so hit the ATM on the way.
(5)Annie G.
If this place really supports local produce like it claims, then I love it! I went here recently with some ladies to celebrate my currently chaste amiga's B-Day. Small, but good menu. The only problem of mine is I don't dine on swine or other red meat or mushrooms -- so options were pretty limited. But here's what I ate: - Corn masa memelas topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens By the sound of this, I was ready for it to be my favorite dish; it wasn't. But it was pretty good. I just didn't care for the base of corn masa memelas. - Crispy flautas stuffed with chicken and rajas; chipotle-mezcal sauce, pickled cabbage, fresh cheese and crema Umm, YES PLEASE! Mamacita, this woke up places inside of me that had been sleeping for some time. I wish the ladies next to me wouldn't have been so greedy with their grabbing of these - Chunky Guacamole with traditional garnishes and crispy tostadas I know it's hard to screw up guacamole, but some people do. Not this place -- theirs was awesome with some kick. The pickled cabbage on top was amazing. My only gripe? They're pretty stingy with the chips they serve alongside. I had to ask twice for more, and they'd literally come out with a plate of 5 small chips. Needless to say, my finger went skinny-dipping in the guac to finish it off. So, yeah that was all I ate -- but it all was great. I was dying to try the beet salad but the b-day girl was ordering. next time I will. The service was a little lackluster. I definitely agree with a previous review that it seemed like they were mostly interested in flipping the table, but I think it backfired because we closed the place down. BYOB makes this place uber-affordable. Decor is great, but the place is tiny and I felt like a giant in a miniature house. Next time I have to head to that hood I will definitely seek out this place again.
(4)T I.
I have been back several times and the rushed feel along with the prices and portion size isn't really worth it anymore. I am so disppointed.
(3)Greg S.
Think of this as a Frontera Grill BYOB....not only can you bring your own beer or wine....they have the best margarita mixer you will ever have...bring your tequila/grand marnier mix in a flask and order a pitcher of the limeade...you will not be disappointed! The food and service rocks....
(5)Cheron L.
Great food. But hostess and some servers not very friendly.
(3)kris k.
Decided to check out this BYOB on a Friday night with a group of six. Based on the reviews, we figured we needed to get our name in around 7:15 to eat somewhere in the 8-9:00 ballpark. We did just that and went to the bar to wait it out. Within 15 minutes we got the call our table was ready, however, we were still waiting for two members of our group. The restaurant was very understanding, kept our name on the list and we ordered another round of cocktails while we waited for our two stragglers. Once we had our full party, we received a call within 10 minutes informing us a table was ready. The waiter was friendly, attentive and helpful. We took some of his suggestions on our food choices and were not disappointed. Dessert was a hit. The atmosphere is casual, cozy and friendly. Tables are close together so be open to talking with your neighbor.
(4)Stratton C.
Be prepared to wait. Period. This place is popular and *tiny*. They don't take reservations on the weekends after 6pm (who under the age of 65 goes to dinner on a Saturday night before 6pm?). So I'll reiterate: be prepared to wait. Put your name on the list and let them call you when a table opens up like an hour and a half later. There's no shortage of crappy bars nearby in which to kill some time. The food is phenomenal, as just about everyone has already stated. Would have given CB five stars were it not for slightly spotty service (our waiter was constantly distracted) and the air of impossibility regarding getting a table. The chocolate chili mousse may just be one of the best things I've ever eaten. And the $0 corkage policy is a major thumbs up.
(4)Erin D.
After having a fantastic time here two years ago for New Year's Eve, my friends and I decided to make a reservation again this year. We were so much looking forward to dinner, and so disappointed by our experience this year. Two years ago, it felt as if everyone in the restaurant was attending one big party. Chuy and Soraya both gave speeches, and you could tell that they were so grateful for their success and happy to be living their dream. Now, I am not sure if a little bit of fame has gone to their heads, but the entire experience was really impersonal and service was at times almost rude. We were rushed through our courses, the food in each of the courses was cold, the pork in the main course was dried out, and after my friend received a burned, un-appetizing chile relleno (while another person at our table received one that looked fine), the waiter said, "well, I guess yours got a little too well done. Oops," and walked away. I am not sure if the food was so mediocre because Chuy wasn't even there, and if he is going to now only part of the restaurant in name only, but I won't be going back to find out.
(1)Mandy M.
Don't go here. Very poor customer service. They wouldn't seat us until the 4th person arrived even though the table was ready and we had to wait out in the rain because there is no room to wait inside. This place is BYOB so we brought some wine with but once we were seated it took a long time for the waiter to come by with wine glasses and a cork. When he finally opened a bottle for us he asked to keep the remaining wine bottles back in the kitchen. We agreed but thought that was a bizarre request. We finished dinner which was good, but nothing to rave about, and asked him to open another bottle of wine for us to have with our dessert. He said no! There is a limit on the amount of wine you can drink. 1 bottle for 2 people. The table next to us had an entire bottle of tequilla on the table so obviously they are not taking into consideration the % alcohol. So if you finish your wine before you're done with dinner you're screwed. Overall not a good experience and I would not recommend it.
(1)Brian M.
Great BYOB mexican tapas. The owners are very present and assure you have a great experience. The menu changes regularly, but it is always good. Because it is small plates it is ideal for a group of 4. They also recently started taking reservations, which is nice.
(5)Elizabeth P.
I made a reservation here for a group of 11 (at 8:30 pm on a Wednesday) for my boyfriend's surprise birthday party. They generously accommodated us, even though I was told they normally reserve for a maximum of 10. When we showed up, I understood why; the place is tiny! This means it gets a bit noisy, but in a good "everyone's-having-a-great-time" sort of way. Our party was probably making our fair share of the noise, too. The waiter(s) brought us bottle openers and ice buckets for our copious amount of BYOB, which was a lovely touch. With a group of 11, and the small-plates style of the menu, it was impossible to get a timely consensus on any specific food order. We started to just order one of everything on the menu, but our waiter helpfully noted that many of the smallest plates would only feed 2 or 3, while the bigger plates would probably get a taste to everyone. After light deliberation, two friends and I made the executive decision to hand control of ordering over to our waiter, who promised to bring multiples of certain smaller plates, but only one of each of the larger plates. The result was a near-constant but impeccably-timed progression of food, and every bit of it masterfully cooked. These people may only have been in business here for a few months, but they know exactly what they're doing. Everyone in our group got to try a little of everything, nobody left hungry (my fear with bringing a large group to a small-plates place), and there were no plates of un-needed food sent out. I've been to much more expensive and vaunted restaurants that couldn't pull the same thing off if lives depended on it. And at the end, our bill came to an insanely cheap $20 per person. No joke. Standout dishes (though there wasn't one bad dish in the lot): the beef short ribs (too spicy for some, but exquisite to me), the smoky lamb shoulder stew, the tender and bright ceviche, the memelas, and the delightfully avocado-forward guacamole. For dessert, the spicy chocolate mousse with goat cheese center was unusual and well-done, but I remember the off-menu dessert special (which thoroughly eludes me!) was the winner. The whole staff was very considerate and accommodating to our group, which generally caroused and had an excellent time (and probably kept them from closing as early as they would've hoped). The food was well thought out, and prepared with careful hands. Chilam Balam helped put a perfect end on a special night for me and my friends, and we will definitely be back.
(5)R. M.
My opinion of this place just changed from positive to negative. Had a great meal here with friends this evening (the food was delicious) but the service was very poor. More specifically, the dishes were cleared way too quickly course after course and when the meal was complete and we were finishing our drinks (mind you, we had not been at our table a ridiculous amount of time AND just moments before we had spent a great deal on the bill and left a solid tip) we were rudely asked to vacate our table in a very disingenuous manner. Definitely left a sour taste in our mouths. Would make me think about returning.
(2)Mikie B.
I came with a small group, the first Friday it was open. Despite a little bit of a wait, it was well worth it. We ordered the ribs, the empenadas, hanger steak and ceviche. All fantastic, though the cod in the ceviche was better cold than room temperature. Save room for dessert - the flourless chocolate chili cake (filled with goat cheese) ranks as one of my 3 greatest desserts ever! Warning - this place only took cash when we went. Not sure if that will change and our bill was on the cheap since it's BYOB, but be prepared. We will definitely be back!
(4)meghan L.
If there was an option to give negative stars, that's what I would give this place. This was BY FAR the absolute worst service I have ever received in my life. The night started out okay. We stopped by the restaurant to put our name in (since they do not take reservations) and had an hour and a half wait time. We went to a bar nearby to wait and they called us back for our table within the allotted wait time. We sit down and they tell us we can't drink all the booze we have (3 bottles of wine, 1 six pack of beer for 6 people). Since when does a BYOB restaurant restrict how much you can drink?? But whatever...we got over it. We started ordering our food. We ordered two orders of guac and two of the flautas and said we'd order more once we decided what we wanted. Both items were pretty good..but the guac didn't include nearly as many chips as it should. So we asked for more. After having to ask 3 times we finally received more chips. We were give SIX CHIPS for our guacamole (1 chip per person). At this point, things are not going well, but we continued to order. We asked for the scallops..and they said they were sold out of them. Little did we know at the time, they clearly lied as we saw them making scallops in the kitchen later in the night. Anyways, we order a few more things and ask for our other bottle of wine. The wine never came..and the waiter came back to take our next order..so we asked again for our other bottle of wine. After another 15 minutes, he brings the wine and asks us what we wanted to order. We weren't sure yet and he responds with "I don't mean to kick you out..but we're really busy." Keep in mind we've only been sitting for 50 minutes and 25-30 minutes of that was waiting for our wine! AND we were still ordering! We could also see the waiters snickering and pointing at our table. Why? I have no idea. Well, that about did it so we decided we were done. They delivered our check within 1 minute (shocking, I know) and unfortunately tip was included because it was a party of 6 or more. I have never in my life stiffed a waiter, but if I could've, this would've been the time to do it. The service was 100% unacceptable. STAY AWAY FROM HERE!!!
(1)Eric S.
Mexican goodness for Nortenos. Who said there is no good Mexican food in the North Side! Newly opened, Chilam Balam, has quickly become Lakeview's best kept secret. The atmosphere is casual Mexico City chic. The dishes are right-sized (not the typical cheesy enchilada platter). The mamelas are a complete meal - goat cheese and beans over a warm cornmeal cup topped with greens (ask for the habanera sauce for the kick). That they feature ingredients from local farms adds to the charm. Love the name, Chilam Balam, literally translates as jaguar priest.
(5)Nora F.
This place has charm. The food is great and it's BYOB. I'll go on the record as saying this is the best Mexican food in all of Chicago, and nobody would expect it to be if they caught a glimpse of it from outside. Never judge a book by it's cover. Everything this restaurant serves is exquisitely prepared, reasonably priced, and delicious to the last bite. The decor is bright and cheerful and it's a cozy. Love this place!
(5)Heather K.
I've been reading about this place more and more and the suspense has been building....finally, I went to check it out. I'm not sure if I was disappointed because the reviews were so overwhelmingly positive or if, perhaps, they just had an off night. I went with one of my girlfriends and we shared 6 small plates -- the guac and hangar steak were outstanding! The guac was perfectly seasoned and the hangar steak was melt-in-your-mouth wonderfulness. The empanadas - that I was so excited to try! - were just okay. In fact, they really lacked a lot of flavor. The texture was good....but the taste fell flat. The ceviche had a good kick to it, but was a bit on the salty side. If they only could have seasoned it less and the empanadas more they would have nailed it. Our last two small plates were the memesas (sp? - small corn 'boats' filled with beans and cheese) which were also tasteless albeit beautifully plated, and the grilled shrimp, which was very good but nothing out -of-this-world-I've-never-tasted-anything-quite-Âlike-it. The atmosphere was enjoyable. The shop is small but not too loud. We ended up with a seat by the door so it was kind of distracting with people coming and going, but there were some nice cozy corners that looked comfortable. I was really surprised how busy the place was for a late (800p-ish) dinner on a Wednesday night. The service was very prompt and friendly but not overzealous, which I prefer. They did a good job of making sure you were satisfied and didn't need anything without trying to join your dinner conversation. Our meal was very reasonably priced - thank goodness for a 'cash only' restaurant. I actually double-checked the bill to make sure we were charged for everything we ordered. We were! For the price, the quality and value is really good. However, I keep coming back to how overwhelmingly positive previous reviews were and based on that alone I don't think Chilam lives up to the hype. If Chilam was in my 'hood, I'd go back. But I'm an Uptown girl and I wouldn't go out of my way to visit again....especially when Mixteco is in my neck of the woods!
(3)Fern I.
This is my new Mexican favorite in Chicago. I go only on Thursday nights so that I can leave the office early around 6:35pm, get in a quickie 40 minute workout, and arrive after a 4+ mile taxi ride up State/Division/Broadway, still a little steamy; you want to be able to eat away without guilt at a place like Chilam Balam. Before walking in I stop at a local package store for beer. Recently the number 1 dish was the huitlacoche raviolis in the pumpkin seed cream sauce. I appreciated the more textured huitlacoche which was in contrast to the usual pureed version whipped up in crepas de huitlacoche at, for example, the San Angel Inn in Mexico City or la Diferencia in Tijuana. Possibly it could have been even better with a different, hotter chile than the pickled jalapenos. In second place was the grilled lamb sausage wrapped in a purple sweet potato waffle. It disappeared faster than the water cooling the rods at Fukushima. The guacamole here beats the Rick Bayless version by a country kilometro. The blue marlin ceviche with a little zip of habanero is pretty good, reminiscent of the no-name open-air spot a few blocks from the Rosarito-Ensenada bike ride finish line. Chilam Balam closes early at 10pm on Thursdays, so I stumble out with the help and walk, or waddle, back to the Palmer. I am sure the original jaguar priest author of the famous books would have felt right at home eating here.
(5)Jake B.
A mindful philosophy of life is that "quality is better than quantity". Chilam Balam is a prime example of such a mindset. Located in the hip Lakeview neighborhood, this underground (literally) restaurant is cramped but cozy, simple yet complex. With the head chef of this establishment formerly cooking with/for Rick Bayless (i.e., Topolobompo, Frontera Grille), the food represents high quality local mexican cuisine in a non-pretentious environment. As you walk downstairs, you'll soon notice that the place is a quaint eatery with a warm and welcoming aura. It is not stuffy and instead elicits a festive attitude that is suitable for a romantic dinner for two or a group of eight. The menu is by no means extensive yet satisfies any appetite. There are small and large plates to choose from. I would suggest sharing multiple small plates (a la tapas-style) to ensure experiencing all of the creative yet traditional tastes that this place offers. The masa with smoky black beans and an habanero salsa garnished with watercress and goat cheese was an amazing starter. Continue with the braised wild mushrooms and turnips with a dark beer essence, served with a side of fresh corn tortillas, is a satisfying meaty dish for meat-eaters or vegetarians alike. The empanadas (with a side of garlickly salsa verde) are spectacular with a freshness of local ingredients that permeate the senses in a simplistic yet astonishingly satisfying way. Definitely save room for dessert. On the night my wife and I went, an off-menu serving of the tres-leches (that included a goat cheese ice cream) and the chocolate mouse (that included a delicious cheesecake-like filling of goat cheese) with an orange essence were a nice way to end an already elevating meal. Chilam Balam is BYO and the tab for two for a very satisfying meal will set you back about $60. Parking is a pain but the food is worth it. Also, they only accept cash (a 7-11 nearby has an ATM) and there is usually a wait, from 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, there are several nearby bars to have a pre-meal drink and the hostess will call you when a table is available. My wife gave the best complement I think this newby restauarant could receive, "It feels like I'm in Oaxaca all over again". Chilam Balam is definitely worth the trip and time and your taste buds will be happy with your effort.
(4)Bruce L.
Finally, Lakeview has a destination restaurant that will be the envy of every hipster from Chicago Ave north to Howard St. Chilam Balam tops a growing list of memorable casual dining spots to be found on Broadway between Diversey and Belmont. Hidden below grade in a space formerly occupied by an unremarkable Italian restaurant, Chilam brings some serious Mexican food to a deserving neighborhood. I was seated immediately when dining alone at 6:30PM on a mid-week evening. The cheerful waitstaff promptly filled my water glass and walked me through the small plate and large plate items to be found on the well edited menu. I selected the Halibut ceviche and the roasted lamb in mole with mashed potatoes. Yum! What more can I say? The ceviche had the right amount of acid and accompanied with avocado and chips created a perfect small plate. The lamb was well seasoned and served with a very well constructed mole. Deep, rich flavors were released on that plate! The accompanying tortillas allowed me to sop up every bit of that mole. My only issue with the restaurant is concerning the cost. At $9.95 for the ceviche and $20.00 for the lamb, I ended up with a $34 meal without coffee, desert or drinks (BYOB). Clearly only top ingredients are being used, but in these economic times I wonder if the chef/owner would be better served by reducing the price point. After all, the quaint restaurant is in a postage-stamp sized, below-grade space. Ordering desert and coffee (don't forget Todd Stroger's sales tax) would easily push the meal cost to $45-$50. Cheap eats this place isn't, but if quality is what you seek, you'll definitely find it here!
(4)Karen C.
We ordered 4 small plates, 1 large plate, and 2 desserts for 4 people and it was plenty of food. The savory dishes were very unique and delish. My favorites were the fried softshelled crab and the barramundi over grits. I'm only giving this place 4 stars because the 2 desserts were only so-so. The hibiscus flan wasn't really a flan and the cheese crepe had a "stinky cheese" taste that was off-putting as a dessert.
(4)Jason C.
Ov-er Rat-ed! Come on everyone, Ov-er Rat-ed! I had such high hopes but my experience last Friday did not cut it. The space is small and cozy and BYOB is always great. However the food and service were average at best. We sat down and wanted to catch up with another couple over some wine before ordering - the server was pestering us to order to a point where he suggested that he just put in some small plates for us. Mind you, this was at 9pm and there were tables open so it wasn't because people were waiting. Finally we ordered to keep him from bugging us. He suggested 2.5 plates per person - not sure who they usually serve. For four of us, 6 plates plus dessert was plenty. The food was not unique and bland. I have had better mexican at so many other places in the city. The mahi-mahi was consumed in veggies, the ravoli was just plain bad and the corn masa was as bland as could be. The lamb sausage and desserts were the only items that saved the meal. Also, as other reviewers have commented, way over priced. $15.50 for 3 ravolis that were terrible - come on! I will not be going back. Sorry Chilam Balam, you are Ov-er Rat-ed!
(2)Tracey S.
Three other friends and I were looking for a BYOB with little to no wait on Saturday night at 7PM. (I know we were asking for a lot, right!) We happened to stumble upon Chilam Balam on Broadway. It is down a set of stairs in a basement like space, but do not let that deter your! The decor is bright and welcoming and very chic. The menu is 75% small plates (meaning order a few and share family style with the group you are with). There are about 4 large plate options, but I say get one of those to share as a group too! The flautas and empanadas were delicious! The ceveche was good too. Definitely try the pork ribs, and steak with mole sauce. The dessert that stood out in mind was the peanut butter chocolate empanadas! YUM! Order a dish just for yourself....if you don't you will be sorry that you had to share. The only downside of this place is that it is cash only. I presume that is because the opened not too long ago and will eventually accept debit/credit cards.
(5)Philip R.
Not bad for an unsuspecting little spot in a garden unit. My party and I, consisting of three others, arrived around 6pm on Friday and had no issues getting a table. We took two bottles of cheap wine to mix with their house blend of virgin sangria which was tasty. However, they said they would mix it for us and they did not. One thing I found annoying is they need not give us fresh plats until the last plat was on it way out which was a little late in my opinion. Below is a list of what we had and my thoughts. Shiitake mushroom empanadas- These were good empanadas but I would rather go to Litto's on Clark. Thumbs up Young greens- Very good and a nice complement to many of the heavier dishes on the menu. Indifferent Brussels sprouts- Stole the show. I'm not a Brussels sprouts lover but I would go back for these alone. Two thumbs up Lamb tenderloin tips- Very tender, I thought they would be grilled but turned out to be braised and flavorful. Thumbs up Sauteed shrimp- Shrimp we cooked well. However, the sauce was on the salty side and the pasta was just bad. Thumbs down Crispy pork belly- I've had pork belly from a bunch of places and always like it. They took it to another level with the corn tortilla, fried spinach, and spicy michelada suds. Two thumbs up Rib eye (Special- not on menu)- The meat was OK, the bean and veritable stew (I think it was a stew) was bland a tasteless. Bad way to end the meal. Two thumbs down! Overall, the experience was a 3.75 not a 4 but there were a few really great dishes.
(4)terry h.
so incredible! i love underground places so i might be biased but this place was incredible! the space is amazing and the food completely exceeded all expectations. we got loads of food (and i mean loads) and split four ways the total was about $20 each. with dessert. the food was incredible and their specials surpassed all my dreams. and the dessert... we got the empanadas and i never want to eat anything else again. the service was amazing and the food was to die for. everything you could ever want from a restaurant and more. definitely worth checking out- ask to meet the owners too- they're amazing!
(5)Mary F.
We were lucky to get to the restaurant on a Friday night at 5:30 and had great service and food. We wanted a light meal and the ribs and then the mahi dish. That was the perfect amount for us. The dishes were both very tasty and spiced. No complaints. Well, it is weird paying cash.
(4)Hallie B.
just a couple of hours ago i finished a lovely meal at chilam balam. good food, good service, until the end of the meal. less than a minute after we paid the bill, a woman came up to us and said, "i don't mean to be rude, but we have people waiting, so please keep that in mind." okay, that's fine. bad timing, but she was nice enough. then we started to put on our coats, maybe 30 seconds later, and the manager/our waiter came over and said, "Go home and watch TV." Our party of 7 left. I stayed behind, and pulled him aside. I said, "Sir, we had a great dinner tonight. I felt like we were rushed out." He replied, "Well, you didn't tip enough." (I found out later we tipped about 17%. Okay, maybe slightly low, but nothing to complain about.) I argued with him a bit, said I was a repeat customer, and he said, "Well I don't recognize you. I'll take care of you when you come back." I said, "Well this left a bad taste in my mouth. I don't think I'll be back." He said, "PERFECT!" I left the restaurant and an impassioned friend in my party went back in to talk to him. I accompanied her. She started talking to him calmly, and he said, "Let's take this outside." I spoke to the hostess for a moment, who was very nice, and then walked outside. He was telling my friend how he's the manager and he doesn't need our tip because he makes so much money, and has been a restaurant manager for 10 years. He tried denying everything he'd said to me, but then admitted it all a minute later. The argument lasted for 10 minutes before he gave a sarcastic apology and shewed us out of the restaurant. STAY AWAY from Chilam Balam. I've never been so offended at a restaurant. The food is not good enough to make up for the owner's awful behavior.
(1)Jill W.
Absolutely no street frontage -- you have to look hard for the location on a very busy street. Took my parents here -- they have long been apprehensive of Mexican (perceived: spicy) food. Now they are converts. We had a number of small dishes. Outstanding were the ceviche, flank steak and ribs. We also had the memelas (sorry but the masa at Maiz overshadows these) and the flan (which I personally prefer more carmelized). But overall, the experience was outstanding -- very fresh, simple but elegant and the waitstaff was helpful and the owners absolutely adorable. Felicidades to Chuy and Soraya. A welcome addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back as often as we can.
(5)Sam G.
Overall amazing, this small restaurant packs a big punch, giving an awesome twist to mexcian food and the Beef Short Rib braised in red wine is excellent. Also the service is amazing and they make you feel right at home.. The one problem is its sooo good its often hard to find seats so make reservations in advance..highly recommended
(4)Brendan F.
An extra star for local produce and esprit de corps. I couldn't help but feel every plate needed more salt and a slightly more deft hand to bring out deeper flavor. The one exception was the duck, a very nice plate. I appreciate the extra expense of local food, but eighty bucks for two without drinks hurt a bit, and it's not like we pigged out. Give it time, it will get better.
(4)Sharif H.
This restaurant is a welcome addition to a very vibrant neighborhood with a dirth of top quality restaurants. In the former below-street level location of a Chi-Chi's, Chilam Balam is a definite upgrade. The vibrantly painted walls and interesting original art on the walls transport you to another place. But on to the important topic: the food. The menu frequently changes with the farm to table concept and the freshness of the produce and ingredients from local producers is noticeable. The empanadas were light and flaky and the halibut ceviche was one of the best ceviches I've had in town. But it is the grilled Gulf shrimp in Mole Verde that will compel me to return before the menu changes. It is a perfect blend of flavors that you can fill into a tortilla or eat alone. My one grievance is that they pack in the patrons a little bit too tightly. I had to shuffle my chair a couple of times to make room for others in the dining room. That being said, this is the best restaurant on this top-quality cuisine starved stretch of Broadway.
(4)a s.
There are many things to like about Chilam Balam. First of all, i love that it is below street level, giving it a certain "hidden gem" charm. The decor is earthy and vibrant and the colors are warm and cozy. It feels like a place that the owners have poured their hearts into. And the food tastes like it too. Using locally sourced seasonal ingredients seems to be catching on like wildfire (finally) in Chicago, and Chilam Balam, even though their type of cuisine is Mexican, has adapted local ingredients to their non-local cuisine. We started with empanadas, guacamole, and Ahi tuna. The tuna stood out--amazing chileagua with fresh greens and carrots. So beautiful and fresh. The scallop dish was a complex mix of textures and savory flavors with just a hint of sweetness. The steak dish with potato and fried onions was also a winner, as the meat was perfectly medium rare and very juicy. My favorite of the night was the pork rib dish. The Oaxacan pasilla glaze was intoxicatingly sweet and smokey with just the right amount of crumbled creamy goat cheese and tangy pickled onions. The one complaint I had was concerning the way the corn memelas were served. They came on a small piece of blue paper napkin on a plate. As the four of us attacked this dish, we noticed the napkin disintagrating, sticking to the bottom of the memelas. Some of us found this too late--picking out blue napkin from our teeth was not a fun moment. But this glitch in plating design is forgivable in such a new place and will hopefully be fixed. The service was very fast, as dishes came out to the table way before we expected them. Our server was knowledgeable, real, and on-point. The rest of the staff kept water glasses full and cleared away empty plates (as there were many) quickly and efficiently, yet without making us feel rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here and will be back very soon to try more.
(4)Kelly A.
Finally, a great restaurant in this space. The decor is darling, and everyone is SO friendly and helpful. I have several food allergies, and they were extremely patient and accommodating. Everything we had was amazing, each flavor better than the next. Loved it! I can't wait to go back!
(5)LVgirl H.
going to try to be simple and to the point about this rating.... wonderful, simplistic, supurb tasting authentic mexican cuisine. -Halibut Ceviche... smooth and fresh -Beet Salad... amazing mix of flavors with perfect amount of morita-balsamic vinagerette dressing (added a tad bit more of taste but oh so not overwhelming... spice was right on) -Hanger Stake... perfectly cooked, tender and outstandingly tasty Guajillo sauce. +++ can't wait to go back to try more! All staff was truely hospitable... always genuinely asking what we thought/if we needed anything and comfortably conversating with us. They all seemed like a family and the place is small so we felt like we were in their home as they cooked for us. The space is quaint and cute, great date place (maybe a little less lighting would make that even more romantic). And big plus to the fact they are about local and green farmage. Point- Wonderful and Fresh Tastey Food!
(5)Jayne W.
This is a BYOB place and reservations are absolutely required unless its a Fri/Sat nite, when they do not take them. I have dined in many 5 star rest and I have to say that the food quality here surpassed any R. Bayless meal I have dined at both Frontera and Topolabambo. We shared 6 small plates = 2 deserts and brought a lovely Turley zin to compliment the spices. Only one dish slightly disappointed and that was the special Ono ceviche...a bit too much vinegar, but everything else was amazing. The fried Kale salad with an egg on top was incredible. The sweetbreads...yes , I ventured out and tried them, were succulent and delicate and were complimented by a smokey wood roasted green bean. We had rabbit, we had seared Hawaiian tuna, and a corn fungus that was my favorite dish! The deserts included a dark choc. mouse with goat cheese in the center and a chli sauce . and cinnamon-sugar covered empanadas with chocolate sauce and banana! YUMMMM! The thing that saves this place from getting too crowded is the recession and cash only deal! Do not go there...I want it all for myself!
(4)Katrina C.
i called for a reservation after reading about the opening in dailycandy, and was impressed by how friendly and helpful the person was that i spoke to on the phone. he explained that they were currently in a soft opening phase and weren't yet serving a full menu, but we would receive a discount and would be asked to provide honest feedback about how everything was. sounded good to me! so we went ahead and made a reservation for 8pm that friday. when we showed up, they were packed and there was a line out the door. understandably, with it being a soft opening, there were some kinks to work out, but they didn't seem to know about our reservation and we didn't get seated until close to 9pm. which was fine, we had our beer and they were kind enough to give us complimentary memelas while we waited at the bar. i'm actually kind of glad they couldn't seat us, cause i don't think i would have ordered the memelas on my own and they were delicious - my favorite out of everything we ate! we ordered the guacamole, sliced ahi tuna in chileagua, hanger steak with guajillo sauce, and roasted leg of lamb. the dishes we ordered were decent, but not spectacular...there just wasn't a whole lot of flavor. i did see a couple of orders of the grilled pork ribs and seared scallops coming out of the kitchen, and would go back to try those, they looked delicious. overall, it was a good experience, reasonably priced and i love a byob. but i have to wonder if the guy i talked to when i called actually worked there - in addition to not seeming to know about our reservation, we didn't get a discount. i'm sure things will only get better though, and i applaud their support of local farmers. plus, "chilam balam" is just really fun to say.
(3)mike g.
Dios mio! The reviews are all so giddy and glowing. I REALLY wanted to like Chilam Balam. I did! I wanted to find a little place in my girlfriend's neighborhood that would remind us of the food we had in the D.F. They came close but no cigar. I am writing this review in frustration. We were so excited when they opened ... we went last week and were disappointed by the high prices and the tiny portions. If they continue this way, I see them being the flavor of the week and then folding. People in Chicago like to eat! Chilam Balam needs to actually feed people without robbing them. Seriously guys ... you're at Broadway and Barry, not Clark and Hubbard. I wasn't expecting this place to be cheap, especially given the farm-to-table approach, but three of us ordered five small plates and an entree, dropped $100 (with tip) and left joking that we should head up to El Mariachi for a snack. When they get a liquor license, watch out! The check will reach astronomical levels! I don't expect to be stuffed when I eat out, but it's very disappointing to be teased with such good food. The scallops were the best I think I've ever had, seared perfectly, but at $19 for five, I doubt I'll ever have them again. The memelas and hanger steak were also delicious -- the sauce on the steak was lovely. The guacamole and empanadas were very, very disappointing and a rip-off. Our favorite part of the evening was when Soraya (one of the owners) came back with our cash and told us she couldn't make change for a twenty. They're cash-only right now, but she told me she asked the staff and no one had any small bills to make change. I laughed out loud. If you want to go here for an expensive but delicious snack before you go to another place for your actual dinner, you'll like Chilam Balam. No complaints about the service -- it was stellar, The owners should post the menu in the window so passersby can check it out.
(3)S P.
BYOB-ers Beware!! The food here is decent, but honestly my party was so distracted by the BYOB policy that no one appreciated it all that much. We brought a couple beers and half a bottle of pre-mixed margaritas for four people. The server was quick to spark a heated argument about the policy here. He says we can't have all the alcohol we brought. I point out the stupid policy says "one six pack or 750ml bottle per two people". I've been BYOBing across the city for years and have never see any actual restrictions on how much you may drink when you're paying for overpriced small plates. Maybe I was lucky until more, who knows. Anyway, back to the asinine argument with the server: we can't have the alcohol we brought but he can store it for us. No thank you! Like I said, four people, so we should get double the alcohol allowance two would get, right?? Right? No. Not until we pointed out another table looked like they were doing case races were we able to continue on with our evening. After a heated discussion, lucky for this place, remarkably we decided to stay. Sure wouldn't go back. Not with the headache of arguing with the waiter.
(3)Sarah P.
The quality of food has gone down over the years, I've found. It's getting harder and harder to justify putting up with the fascistic byob policies, the long waits, and rushed service. Probably will look for tapas elsewhere until they clean their act up a bit.
(3)Andy M.
My wife tricks me again. She tells me this is a Mexican restaurant. When I think of a Mexican restaurant, I think of Chorizo Nachos and Steak Burrito's the size of Wyoming. I don't think of a restaurant the size of a closet that serves these little Foo Foo plates of food to be a real Mexican restaurant. Like I said, my wife tricked me. And every time she tricks me I end up enjoying myself. Damn you Chilam Balam (shakes fist). Tapas really pisses me off. I hate communal food. I want my own plate of food that I can bury my face into. I really hate to say it, but the food at this place slowly put a smile on my face. My wife and I both ordered two dishes each. Our server did a great job getting everything out to us. We weren't overwhelmed by everything coming out at once. They brought the dishes out to us one plate at a time. We started out with the Corn Masa Memalas. Translated to English, it means Mexican Hockey pucks. I have no idea what was on these things, but it was a hearty little orb that was delicious. The next dish to come out was the Grilled Pork Ribs. Dare I say it? They were some of the best Ribs I've ever had. The sauce was thick and delicious. It almost tasted like they were topped with a spicy mole sauce. The meat was tender and juicy. I could have eaten five orders of these and walked away a happy fat man. Next on the Mexican hit parade was the Grilled flank steak. It was served with little onion rings and cilantro. Pretty fricking awesome!! The hit of the night had to be the Goat Birria. It was spicy, delicious and flat out amazing. It took all my will power not to lick the plate clean. Everything was so good that I didn't dare turn down desert. We went with the Hibiscus Flan. It was a Vanilla orgasm on a plate. It came topped with Ice cream and candy on top. It was the perfect ending to a awesome meal. Here's the bottom line: If you plan on making a trip to Chilam Balam, get there early. The place was half full when we arrived at 6 p.m. By the time we left at 7:30 the would be diners were lined up outside the door. Yes! Once again my wife tricks me into a awesome meal. Trust me, I'm not complaining. Chilam Balam was an amazing dining experience.
(5)Rita W.
Had an awesome girls night dinner here. We had a 45 minute wait, but it's definitely worth the wait. Plus there is a bar right upstairs from this place where you can get a pre-dinner drink which lessens the pain of waiting. If you have to wait, why not have a place to sit and a drink while you are waiting! Every dish was yummy! My girlfriends and I agreed that there was not a dish that we didn't like..which is pretty amazing considered we ordered about six dishes and dessert! This place is BYOB, which of course, are my fav types of restaurants. So Chiliam Balam is bascially Mexican tapas and here is what we ordered: Arugula salad - awesome mix of argula and beets - suprisingly refreshing and delicious! Scallops - YUM, cooked perfectly and very large and tender. Sea bass - I love fish and I thought this dish was delightful! Ribs - yummy sweet and savory sauce, I am a huge fan of ribs and this dish did not disappoint! Briskets - the sauce was heavenly, they came in small pieces and was differently prepared as it seemed more like short rib style but this dish was also very yummy. Flank steak - cames with little potatoes and a spicy red sauce, cooked medium rare Chocolate mousse - it was not your regular chocolate mousse and was absolutely delicous. oh the best part is, with each round of tapas, they also brought out a little basket of warm corn tortillas. I don't usually prefer corn tortillas but there were amazing! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! Just remember that if you do, be prepared for a wait since this place is pretty tiny.
(4)Christie J.
I came to Chicago for a recent visit and a friend had recommended this place. Amazing. The only things you need to remember are to bring cash and come earlier than the usual dinner rush (it's a small place). OH and bring your own beer!! Since my friends and I were coming from the other side of town and it was pouring outside, we didn't stop on the way to buy beer or wine BUT the great news is: there is a liquor store right next to this little hole in the wall. Perfect! My friend went over and bought some red wine. Chilam Balam had a sangria mix already on hand so once we had the wine, they mixed it together for us! Now, the food. It changes on the regular, although they do have their staple items. Let me just say... WOW. This food was sooooo good. They do it tapas style so you can pick 2-3 small dishes per person. My friends and I devoured every plate. Everything was fabulous. And as a vegetarian, I will note that they had some vegetarian options as well! Although we were stuffed from dinner, we didn't even think twice about if we should get dessert or not. Bring it on. We each got a different one so we could share. Again, fabulous. The place is small but intimate and has a nice ambiance. I think it would be a nice date place. If you have a group larger than 4, I would call to see if they can accommodate you depending on the day. I would definitely recommend this place 100%!!
(5)Elena S.
I was very excited when i saw this new place opened in lakeview so we decided to try it out for my friend's birthday. As it turned out the place is not good for groups of more than 3 people. The portions were tiny, not very sharable and pretty pricey. And the highlight of the night - we were asked to leave because they needed more space for next visitors (not because we were drunk & loud, cause we weren't :) aswe were gonna order some more food. I do realize that my experience might have been dramatically different if i went there on a romantic date. I ended up having to stop by a burito place next door :(
(2)Dhruv P.
Yes! Rick Bayless sous chef. Check His own restaruant. Check Lo-Fi. Check Cozy. Check Basement. Check Hidden. Check. Serendipitous choice. Check Impromptu Menu. Check Perfect. It helped that the food was delicious and while I'm not to crazy about the Tapas invasion afflicting most cities, the sizes were appropriate and I left satisfied with my choices. I appreciated that the menu seemed like it was homemade and gave only enough choices so not to annoy me with endless pondering over the dishes I should get. There was enough choices for the vegetarian in me and I knew that the dishes weren't an afterthought to the meat dishes. I'll be back there again. Maybe when its snowing out... actually, today would have been a great day to go, being in the basement as the snow blows outside.
(5)Jared B.
This is a great place to eat. All their food is great. My gf and I have been here 3 times and each time the food was delicious. They do have a rotating menu so it won't always be the same. With the regulars items they have we have gotten the guacamole, flank steak, and the dessert empanada and they are all good. We get the desert empanada every time, literally. It's great! I recommend you order anything from the menu. You will not be disappointed. Now I know some people complain about the wait, but it's a no reservations so I don't know what they expect. Obviously if you go on a Saturday night it will be a long wait. The last time we went it was a Saturday and it did take about 1.5 hours. What most people don't realize is you can go to the bar the next door over and drink until your table is ready. The bar lets you take your drink to Chilam, they get the glasses back. So i=I have no problem waiting that long. It is BYOB but you are only allowed 1 bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer per couple. They do allow tequila bottles but no other hard alcohol. They will make margaritas for you if you want. For ordering i recommend ordering 3 entree dishes and a dessert or appetizer. 4 entrees is really filling for 2 people. And the last note is it is CASH ONLY. No biggie for me but some people care.
(5)Michelle G.
MUST LIKE SPICE! I'd actually give this place 3 1/2 stars. The food was actually good but they tried to cover a lot of the flavor with spicy sauces. We started with the guacamole. Great salty chips. Moved onto the scallop in pumpkin seed sauce. Great dish but the scallops were undercooked! Pork belly sopes were good. Flank steak seemed to have lots of chipotle sauce. The ribs were coated with a gloppy chipotle sauce as well. I LOVE spicy but it really got to be a bit overpowering. Libertad in Skokie has similar fare but with much more flavor and finesse. Can't say I'd go out of my way to come back.
(3)Adoley J.
Holy smokes this place is good! Finally went here last night with a group of friends and basically it went down. Because there were 5 of us and since this place is tapas style with a small menu, we decided to go for it and order most of the things on the menu. Everything we tried and I mean everything was delicious. Some of the things that stood out include: Guacamole- perfectly done and seasoned Grilled rib eye in black bean sauce- the dish of the night Grilled pork ribs- sauce and basically fell off the bone Flautas stuffed with chicken- basically heaven on a plate Grilled swordfish- well seasoned and paired with awesome couscous I'm going to stop before I type out the whole menu but like I said we basically sampled everything including the two specials. Also this place is BYOB which is even better in my books. All this for $50. What a great place.
(5)Emily O.
This restaurant deserves more than the 3 1/2 stars it has on yelp. It actually almost pains me to see this because the meal we had was arguably the best ive experienced since I moved to Chicago a year ago. Every dish we had was on-point perfection. My favorite was the tuna tartar with strawberry, my boyfriend's was the ribs with the mole sauce. The service was casual without being sloppy. I look forward to returning.
(5)Ivana J.
Wow was I disappointed in this restaurant, especially after reading the great reviews. It wasn't even that the food wasn't good- although it was definitely overpriced for the quantity/quality- but rather that the "sharing" set-up was not executed well, which ended up rather ruining the meal. I came in a group of five, many of whom were meeting for the first time. Perhaps because we barely knew each other, no one was willing to take more than a tiny piece of each dish or to finish a dish, so we all sat staring at the food and salivating. The presentation exacerbated the situation. For example, instead of splitting the white gazpacho into 5 shot glasses or something similar, as I was expecting, we were served a bowl with 5 spoons. Awkward! Or when we got the queso fundido, we were only served 4 tortillas so for the rest of the night everyone was tearing the tortillas in half with each course in case we wouldn't get more. If you're going to insist that we share the expensive little plates, please make the plates more shareable! As for the taste, the only dishes that really stood out to me taste-wise were the white gazpacho and the pork belly, although they were both difficult to share. The other dishes were fine as far as I could tell from the tiny nibbles I was taking trying to make sure everyone got an even amount. I wish everyone had gotten two dishes to themselves and let others try it; I would have had a much more enjoyable time. Other things to keep in mind: 1) The restaurant is BYOB and they offer to mix your wine into a sangria 2) The place is tiny - I'd recommend coming in a group of 4 or less 3) Cash only
(3)Lauren G.
Definitely a fan of this cute 'n cozy date night spot. Servers were very nice and attentive. Food was interesting and tasty! I don't think "Mexican" is the right description here - maybe Mexican American comfort food. Two of us filled up on their seasonal shared plates... *Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad - I'd like to make this at home, very tasty *Fish Tacos - not as good as Big Star, but similar style w/ big fried fish, remoulade and crunchy slaw *Cauliflower Tortitas - basically mashed/creamed caulifower in fried balls, yummy! with tomato sauce, but didn't need all the extra frisee salad *Beef Short Ribs - good, but kind of soupy serving style with potatoes, pineapple and pearl onions swimming in sauce, would have preferred a more solid filling for the unbelievably good house-made corn tortillas. *Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake - can't decide if I liked the crunchy pumpkin and pomegranate seeds on top as they kind of ruined the textural qualities of the tasty cake. Could have skipped this but I'm not the biggest dessert person. BYOB is nice. Total bill was $75 including tax and tip. Give this little restaurant gem a try (just make a reservation first, Wednesday night was full)!
(4)Brianna M.
Byob bring a bottle of tequila and they have pitchers of "limeade". Great food every time. Cash only, so be aware. As many others have said they don't take reservations and is small, but I've only had the fortunate luck to walk in and get seated immediately. I love the ribs, scallops, and ceviche.
(4)Rits T.
This place feel like restaurant in NYC. Located on the lower level. Cute a little place. Friendly owner and staff. All food taste like they were send from heaven. Great experience!
(5)Alison D.
Food was okay. They say BYOB- but they only let us open one bottle of wine between four of us... Ridiculous. Mean servers.
(1)Gena K.
Just awful. The food was actually fine. Passable, at best. But the service was just deplorable! We walked in at 8:15 on Thursday and the place was packed. The hostess was rude and ushered us to the back, not really a major problem in a packed restaurant, but a please would have been nice. The waiter was hostile and snippy when my friend told him that she was gluten free and we had to flag him down to clear our table. The highlight of the night was when he asked us to please pay so that he could leave. Never mind that we were't finished...he clearly was.
(1)Michael P.
Underfriggin'whelming. That's the best word I can think of. The service was o.k. The food was o.k. The ambiance was o.k. And for all the hype I'd heard, for all the buzz, o.k. doesn't cut it. Being a small plates place, my date and I tried 6 different things, and, while I could find someting good about eack of them, none of them were good on their own. One had a nice sauce but the meat was over-cooked and the presentation was poor. Another had great textures and prefectly-cook meat but no flavor. And on and on. Each dish found a new way to be underfriggin'whelming. There are too many other better Latin/Mexican restaurants out there for me to go back.
(3)Cassie S.
What a fantastic place for dinner with a few girlfriends on a Friday night! Yes it's small and you'll probably have to wait if you come at a "prime time" - but if you're reading this review, you probably already know that. Which somehow makes it not nearly as objectionable. There were 5 of us and we were certainly cramped but, again, we knew we would be so it's tough to complain about that. As for everything else: amazing. We brought tequila and wine and drank margaritas and sangria. They'll only open one bottle at a time for every 2 people, but that's fine. Why did we need more? The food: wow. I'd tell you all about what I ate, except that I don't know. We had the owner/chef's (not sure which) wife just bring us food until we told her to stop. This worked well for a group of indecisive girls. It also ensured that we tasted the best of what they had to offer. We did select our own desserts and the peanut butter empanada is as amazing as everyone says and the hibiscus flan was also incredible. In the end, each of us contributed $50, and that was with a generous (more than 20%) tip. More expensive than my normal Friday night dinner, sure, but but for the experience and the food, well worth it.
(5)Victor D.
the food is out of this world. Not your traditional presentation but the flavor are very familiar. The atmosphere is cozy and over all service is good.
(5)Zeke D.
There were many things about this place that were solid, but overall I feel like there are much better restaurants in the city worth going to over this place. For a table on a weekend night, you're going to have to wait (no reservations). I'm completely okay with this as its not that uncommon and they took my number and called me when my table was ready which I appreciate. This place is small and the tables are pretty close together, which I'm okay with but when someone BYOs a little too much it can be a little annoying but can't really fault the restaurant for that. All the food was delicious but as many others have commented the portions are a little small. One other point that kind of bothered me was that they sell a virgin sangria (basically to mix wine that you bring with) but the price was similar to other places where I'm buying sangria with alcohol in it and it wasn't even that good. Pro Tip: After putting your name down, check out Monsignor Murphy's (next door) for a few beers while you wait. They have free darts and popcorn along with a great vibe and outdoor beer garden in the back.
(3)Carolyn L.
I had a delicious dinner with a friend here on a Wednesday night. There was no wait and we had some great sangria with our cheap BYOB red wine. My friend is a vegetarian so we stuck to veggie/fish dishes. They were all great and the service was quick! We started with the ceviche which was really flavorful with nice big pieces of fish. Next, we ordered the salad of young greens, roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas. All of the flavors came together really nicely for a refreshing light summer salad. We also had a tuna steak and, of course for dessert, we ordered the sweet empanadas, peanut butter filling, seasonal compote, oaxacan chocolate. That might have been my favorite part! I would definitely go back. It's a really sweet intimate setting with friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Cash only.
(5)J D.
I so wanted to love this restaurant. Aside from BYOB, which is always a plus, the menu looked adventurous and inspired, if somewhat pricey for small plates. But if it's fantastic, it's well worth it. Well, it wasn't. We had very tasty, spicy basic guacamole. Good, not astounding, but good. Then the corn masa (sp?) which had something that had gone moldy in my last bite. The pork dish had a piece that was entirely fat and the sauce had no mole inspiration at all. My friend ordered the fish and she said it was good. Not out of this world, but fine. I could not eat it after the moldy moment. To appease the waiter, who when we sat told us we should order 4 dishes (which also put me off a bit), we ordered the mousse. That would be five dishes. Well, the marshmallow sauce surrounding it was so off putting, it was difficult to eat. I loved the idea of the inspired dishes, but they were awkward in flavor combos and execution was iffy. I'm so sorry because we needed a decent, interesting BYOB in our neighborhood and although I applaud the adventurous spirit of the kitchen, I won't be back.
(2)James K.
Gem in the neighborhood. The menu changes constantly and with the exception of the chips and guac I'd recommend staying with the new items. Not that the static ones are bad but we just seem to like the items that change. Please keep in mind the place it cash only and it gets busy on the weekends so plan accordingly. Also, no one has ever stopped me from over ordering which can be an issue with small plates at times.
(4)Comensal A.
Chilam Balam was generally a pleasure on our recent first visit. The food was good, the staff was friendly & helpful, and the tiny room homey (if a little crowded and noisy). It's a but quirky (reservations accepted Tue-Thu only, cash only), but we had a good time. And it's BYOB, which helps keep the cost down. We started with young greens, and loved the variety added by avocado, oranges, candied pepitas (the greens were a little beat-up, but no big deal). Stuffed guero chiles were pleasant, though a little bland. Wild boar meatballs were scrumptious in a zesty tomato/chipotle sauce, and were served with very nice fresh tortillas. Pork ribs were slathered in a sweetish chile sauce and cleverly plated in a stack. For dessert, we liked a chocolate-chile mousse in a lovely marshmallow sauce (though the chile could have been a little "hotter" for my taste). Chilam Balam is not really a cheap date, but the food delivers good value and the vibe is nice. I'm sure we'll be back for more. Now, if only it would accept credit cards...
(3)nan B.
I really enjoyed the food at Chilam Balam. I like that they work with local farmers and that they change their menu. It keeps things interesting. I went with some friends and we had a wonderful time. The guacamole was very good. The duck tacos were excellent, and the ribs were outstanding. The empanadas and flan were awesome! Both desserts were big on flavor and not excessively sweet.
(5)Dave N.
One of the first restaurants I tried after moving to Chicago because the reputation was grand. My girlfriend and I had the flank steak and I wish we would have had another helping. The staff was very accommodating and if I were to add anything to a first time try...order multiple plates, change it up and branch out. Great Mexican joint for sure! Be sure to bring cash though, leave the plastic at home
(4)LR L.
Have been here several times and always liked the food; fresh ingredients, creative sauces, nice presentation, friendly service. Then why rate them only 3 stars? The portion sizes seem to shrink on each visit. For example, my dining partner and I shared the cobia and we each got 2 small bites at most. For the price point of the dish, I don't feel we got what we paid for. That was true of each of the 4 dishes we had. We left, $65 dollars poorer, still hungry. And remember, this place is BYO and cash only (so they are not absorbing the credit card convenience fees). I think it will be a while before we go back.
(3)E J.
I have been to Chilam Balam probably five or six times over the last couple of years, and every single time it has been delicious and special. The space is cozy and intimate feeling, the staff is always super-sweet, and the food is always very well-thought-out and tasty. Plus of course BYOB! This is a place that I just keep coming back to; there are so many wonderful restaurants in Chicago, but this one just keeps pulling me back in. One of the thing I especially love about Chilam Balam is the effort they put into keeping the menu dynamic and fresh; every time I go there are several new specials on the menu. The dishes that stay constant like the ribs, the corn masa memelas, and the chicken flautas tempt me back time and again. But last night I tasted some amazing new dishes too: the chile en nogada (a stuffed pepper with walnut sauce) and the beef brisket cazuela were both insanely good and wonderfully conceived. On another note, I was really taken aback by all the negative reviews, which I can only assume come from the sudden fame of such a small place struggling to cope with crowds. I have only ever had a lovely experience with the service at Chilam Balam, and never, ever had a problem with the BYOB policy. I've also never had to wait more than a few minutes for a table... but maybe with that I have just been luck! ;-) In any case, food like this is worth the wait!
(5)Anna M.
Chilam Balam was an AMAZING experience! Key points: it is cash only, and it is BYOB. A friend and I went on a Saturday night. Because it was crowded, we sat at the bar and had an amazing server! The papaya salad with mint, cilantro, grilled onions, and caramelized vinaigrette was the hit of the night with the mahi mahi ceviche taking second! Every item we ordered was delicious- the menu changes often. Overall, highly recommend! It was an amazing experience and the food was amazing. ***UPDATE 03/02/15*** I have now been several times and each time a server recognizes me. The food is simply outstanding and I have not had better! You simply must try it. Even if you don't like Mexican (I don't), you will find yourself drooling at the thought of their seasonally changing menu!
(5)Shazeena T.
I had an amazing birthday experience at Chilam Bilam! We decided to let the waitress select what to bring to the table. I did however order the pork shoulder with coconut and it was amazing. My aunt and our friend loved every morsel. I loved the food and the presentation. Everything that came to the table had a detailed explanation. My malbec from Argentina enhanced the flavor of every dish. So bring cash, a great bottle of wine, and be prepared for a wonderful meal.
(4)Sara S.
Awesome! I went here with 2 friends and got very unique (in a good way!)food. We got the tuna, brussel sprouts, tortilla lasagna and chocolate chile moose. Everything was delicious and didn't disappoint. People were super friendly and good value. I'll be back for sure!!
(5)Sarah V.
Dinner here on a chilly, rainy Tuesday night was perfection. And I do mean perfection in every sense of the word. Chilam Balam is that cozy, snuggly, comforting, slightly ratty blanket you have had since college. It comforted you during finals, it soothed you during hangovers, and it warmed you when you forgot to pay the electric bill. That's how CB feels to me. Tucked into a corner table on a bench with mounds of pillows and low lighting with the rain pattering outside, dinner here was the absolute perfect way to celebrate my autumnal birthday. Besides the teensy weensy restaurant being perfect, so were the small plates we noshed on in between our one alotted bottle of wine. From best to slightly less best: -Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and rajas, chipotle sauce, pickled cabbage, carrots and crema -Blue marlin ceviche, habanero, tomato, cucumber and fresh lime -Grilled pork loin, fire roasted onion, swiss chard, tomato habenero, avocado, queso fresco, watercress -Wild mushroom sope, goat cheese, green chile cream sauce, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage and queso añejo The grand total for my birthday dinner? Just $60, including tip. And now that one of the chefs at this little gem will be on Top Chef, that's an even better deal. Believe the hype in every sense. The food is phenomenal, the restaurant is tiny, and you definitely need a reservation.
(5)Hannah S.
Wonderful food with exciting flavors but I was beyond disappointed in the service. We were told the wait would be 45 mins-1 hour on a Saturday night for a party of 3, which we expected, so we went to a bar next door and ordered a round. Got a call in 10 mins that our table was ready! She wouldn't seat us until we were all there (I slammed my beer to go grab our table) but then seated a group next to us with just 1 member of their party present! Gave the waiter a stack of cash, said we needed change and waited forever for him to come back. Pretty sure the only reason he stopped at our table again was because he overheard me say we were still waiting for change. No dude, we weren't leaving you a 30% tip, considering the guy refilling our water was the friendliest in the place. Don't think I'll return, regardless of the food quality.
(2)michael m.
Cash Only, I wish they would change this as both times I've come I forgot and had to leave and get some cash. They should have a huge sign on the door reminding people. BYOB, and they also have the option of making a sangria with your wine, which I would recommend on summer days. The food is delicious, but it seems a bit overpriced. The interior is small and intimate. Overall, good tapas + BYOB is hard to pass up.
(4)scott y.
No credit cards no business from me. next they will have a atm machine outside the entrance... Please
(2)Meredith B.
I ate here like, two years ago and I'm sure I wrote a review - where did it go!? Obviously I've forgotten what exactly I ordered, not that it matters because Chef Chuy (as seen on Top Chef Masters!) changes the menu up on the regular, but the food here is really good stuff. Really fresh Mexican small plates. Really wonderful, seasonal stuff. Tiny, cozy interior and BYOB. I'd like to return soon and report on some actual dishes - but again, since they change so much, by the time I was like "Try it, yo!" you'd be like "dude, it's not on the menu anymore! something else awesome has taken its place!"
(4)Leslie B.
Had an extremely memorable meal at Chilam Balam. Having read reviews, I understood there would be a wait at 7:30 PM on a Friday. Sure enough, the hostess quoted us an hour. After we put our name in, we went to get cash, picked up a bottle of tequila (we were ready to get rowdy), had a beer at Wilde's (across the street), and were just finishing our beer when my phone rang to let us know our table was ready! I love perfect timing. Our waiter, Luis, came over and asked if we were adventurous eaters and when we responded yes, asked if he could order for us. Before I could even think what to say, my boyfriend blurted out "yeah! Go for it!" I was skeptical. I never should have doubted Luis. Within minutes, we had fresh, flavorful blue marlin ceviche and a pitcher of margarita mix to go with our tequila. Shortly after, we were brought out the potato/chorizo filled empanadas which were aaaamazing. I believe these are a seasonal special, this spicy, savory dish was the perfect continuation of our meal. After that, we had the beef short rib which was the only dish I wasn't crazy about. The meat and tortillas were pleasant, but the root vegetables gave it a very strong taste that wasn't my favorite. Our most exciting dish of the night was the octopus of which I was beyond skeptical of before taking my first bite...I shouldn't have been.The fingerling potatoes, sun dried tomatoes, and green sauce that accompanied the octopus made the dish so fantastic that I forgot I was picking up tentacles with my fork. Somehow, my boyfriend was still hungry so Luis brought us the grilled pork ribs. Nom. SO GOOD. Flavorful, rich mole/bbq/I don't even know sauce, these were a highlight. Incredibly messy, but at this point we literally did not care. Torn between the desserts, we asked Luis to bring the best one and were given the chocolate chile mousse. Obsessed. Light and satisfying, this brought a perfect end to the meal. Go to Chilam Balam. Go now and enjoy.
(5)Justine H.
Absolutely a neighborhood gem - go with a group of 4 so you can share a bunch of plates!
(5)Partha A.
The menu has changed. But try the pork shoulder - comes with a green mole with a tinge of coconut. Awfully flavorful. The ceviche is always great (albeit I could use a bigger portion - but I don't cry about it). Turkey corundas were great. Lovely were the chicken flautas. Don't now why I never ordered them before - they have been on the menu for ages. And the service is great as always. The staff is always kind and attentive. Talk to them and they will recommend the right dish if you don't know what you want.
(5)Nina R.
This was the WORST meal I've ever had.
(1)Colin Z.
I've never had a bad experience here. The mole ribs are one of the best things I've ever tasted--When I eat them my pupils dilate and I feel every synapse in my head fire. Service has always been great and laid back, wonderful atmosphere. BYOB with lots of good options around. And the flan is fantastic, even if you're not a flan person. Can't recommend highly enough. This is my go to recommendation for visitors.
(5)Lindsey A.
Rules!! So many stupid rules!! I walk in at 7:55pm for our 8pm reservation and am told I can't be seated until my entire party is there (Rule #1) and to go stand in the corner, not by the door (2). The others in my party arrive and now we're told to "move out of the way" and are essentially made to stand in the kitchen. When we were finally seated and pulled out our 6-pack of beer and bottle of wine (it was my friend's 30th birthday) our rude waiter informed us of their idiotic alcohol policy (3) and that it's cash only (4). We start to order and again Mr. Angry tells us we haven't ordered enough and we have to order more (5). At this point I wanted to tell the guy to go screw himself. So! The overpriced and exceptionally small small plates arrive and... really? What is the goddamn fuss over this place? That it's seasonal and sustainable? Because I'd like to personally invite anyone (chefs included) over to my pad where I can ensure my guac blows Chilam's out of the water. We had two standout dishes - the shitake empanadas and the sope. But would I come back here for $12 bites of food paired with (5 now?) rules and rude service? Hell no.
(1)Nancy G.
If I had to rate this on the scale of 1 to 10, it would be a 20! This is one of the best meals I've ever had! I have been to some pretty nice places! One thing was better than the next and the service was outstanding.
(5)Alex L.
Rich flavored trendy Mexican restaurant that manages to be pretty casual. Very cosy (lower level), a little pricey, and A lot delicious. Bring a bottle of your favorite drink and sample away. This place is made for sharing. Small tapas plates that also manage to be pretty filling. We ordered 4 plates and were pretty full (2 of us). Get the ceviche and the flank steak. The steak has a smokey, slightly sweet mole like sauce that is medium to spicy. Staff is pretty awesome as well; they were Very welcoming
(4)Kevin F.
My review on the restaurant is two thumbs down! The food was really good- but the service sucked! I will never go back again! They rushed us and were shitty. They put stuff on the bill we didn't order that never came to the table and even bought stuff out that we didn't order. They said we recommend each person order two dishes - but it was more like a policy than a recommendation. We had stuff no one ordered to make sure there were two dishes for each person and they charged us. They have a strict and inflexible BYOB policy but its to keep you from lingering and turn tables over faster! We had a large group and the bill was upwards of $350 you would think they would roll out the red carpet and really go to great lengths for a bill that high. We seemed to be more of a nuisance to them than anything. As I said the food was really good- but not great enough to overcome poor service. If service is not important to you, I would highly recommend Chilam Balam- but if you are like me and that is a critical element in the dinning experience, I would say go elsewhere.
(1)Colin E.
Our last time going was in 9/2013. We went last night and I wanted to update because we liked it even more this time. Mahi mahi ceviche was a standout as well as the escolar and the pork ribs.
(5)Robert A.
Had dinner here last night. Very happy with the place. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars its that it can get a little pricey. pros: unique place with a great menu lots of veriety for "mexican" tapas type food BYOB friendly staff Cons: A little pricey small dining area means you may have a bit of a wait for a table Cash only
(4)Rhoda G.
I live around the corner from here and always see this place jammed pack. Even more so lately because Chef Chuy was on Top Chef Texas. I came here on a Friday night with a friend when it opened and got seated right away. The wait can be long since they don't take reservations and the space is quite small. We decided to share 4 plates - goat birria, rabbit tamales, pork loin, and the tuna ceviche. My favorites were the goat birria and the tuna ceviche.Very tasty and fresh. I was disappointed with the pork loin. The pork was very dry despite the mole. The sweet potatoes that came with it were very good. I thought the rabbit tamales were all right. Nothing earth shattering. The best part of the meal - the flan. OMG. I almost didn't want to share and was tempted to get my own. I was somewhat disappointed with our meal here. Some hits and misses. I definitely wouldn't mind trying this place out again.
(3)Mike K.
After nearly a year of wanting to come here since we moved to Chicago, we finally made it out 2 weeks ago. Usually, 11 months of anticipation can lead to a let down, but that was definitely not the case! Since we have a 6 month old (the main reason for the delay) we stopped in on the early side one Saturday night - able to be seated right away, but still a good crowd. They were very welcoming and moved some stuff around so we could put our gigantic stroller somewhere away since it is a smaller spot. We ordered the Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas, Young Greens salad, Flautas, Corn Masa Memelas and one more plate that I am forgetting. It was hard to pick a favorite one as they were all fantastic. I had the flan for desert which was also great. Forgot it was BYOB, so settled with water and coke, but saw that the table next to us brought a bottle of red that the waiter turned into a nice little pitcher of sangria which looked awesome - will be doing that next time. Only down point is that it is a bit pricey. We were splitting every plate between the two of us and I was still a bit hungry when we got home, but it was a $100 outing. This could be because of our selections of plates, so next time may go for the heartier plates. Service throughout the meal was fantastic. Looking forward to returning!
(4)Melissa B.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time! Wonderful personal service and the food is superb! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Carol K.
I really enjoyed my meal at Chilam Balam. I think the chef(s) put together a creative, fresh, seasonal menu that isn't trying too hard, yet is still unique. Everything we had was prepared with care and attention to detail. Be prepared: this place is tiny, it's cash only, and there's generally a wait. I try not to get hung up on the logistics and just get excited for the food. Hopefully you will too. And it's BYOB, we brought beer and a bottle of tequila, they'll provide you with fresh made lime ade to make awesome margaritas! Try going at off hours. Make sure you try this place, you won't regret it!
(4)Lissie B.
I've been to Chilam Balam twice. The first time was a little over two years ago. Based on that visit, I would have rated the restaurant 5+++ stars. Unfortunately, my recent visit didn't live up to my past experience. The waiter was friendly, food was good, but service was SLOOOOW. I understand dishes go out as they are ready, but the 6 or so dishes that we ordered were spread out over an hour. The time between dishes didn't make for a streamlined or satisfying meal, and I eventually canceled our last dish since it took so friggin' long and by that point my appetite was spoiled. I'm sad to say that the slow service really ruined our dining experience. The rating for my recent visit would be 2 stars. Overall, the food is very good (if I was rating food alone I would say 4 stars), but there are too many restaurants in this city to try before going back to Chilam Balam. Still, it's worth a try...maybe I just went on an off-night.
(2)Daniel M.
We went to this place recently and I was really blown away. One of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. It's BYOB and cash only, so be prepared. It's a small restaurant and has a nice feel to it. Started with the guacamole with pickled red onions. Very good,pickled red onions added a little flavor. We also had the octopus tacos, wild boar meatballs and flautas. Octopus tacos were great, octopus was very tender and the corn tortillas very freshly made and very good as well. Wild boar meatballs were served with a chipotle sauce with cotija cheese. Amazing flavor. The chicken flautas were very good as well. They were topped off with some pickled red onions as well. If you can't tell I love me some picked red onions. We also got 2 desserts, the peanut butter empanadas and plantain and ice cream dish. Both were absolutely amazing. The empanadas were coated in what appeared to be a cinnamon and sugar mixture with the Oaxacan chocolate and compote on the side. When you combined them all it tasted as if you were eating a churro with reese's peanut butter cup. Amazing! The fried plantain with the ice cream and toppings were absolutely amazing. Not sure which dessert was better because both were so good. Will definitely be going back!
(5)Sarah L.
All of the food was good. I went with a group so we ended up tasting everything on the menu and there weren't any I disliked. I wouldn't say it is one of the best I've ever had though. I thought the prices were a little high to not be amazing food. All of the dishes are tiny as well.
(3)Sarah B.
We liked everything we ordered and the service was exceptional. Just don't forget your cash... We had to make a run to an ATM nearby.
(5)Patricia R.
Great traditional Mexican small plates but with an innovated creation to it and with surprising unique fresh spices, greens and sauces. I have tried many things on the menu but one of my favorites are the ribs, flautas and there dessert tamales.
(5)Carmen G.
I had been wanting to come to place ever since I saw it on Diners, Drive In's & Dives. I always get excited when i see a Chicago restaurant on the show. Then when i saw the Chef was a contestant on Top Chef I was intrigued even more. Well, I finally got my chance last night and i was sadly disappointed. The Scene: Size: Small spot located in bsmt/garden location Day: Saturday afternoon 6:30pm Wait: No wait. Altho we had to wait for bf to arrive before we got seated (He was parking the car) Party Size: 3 (2 Females, 1 Male) A) Not happy with all the house rules: Cash Only, Only one bottle of wine allowed to be open at a given time. Wont seat your party until everyone is present. No sipping while you wait. (While waited for my bf to park we asked if we could open our bottle of wine to enjoy a glass. We were told NO. Ugh!) B) Our Order: Guacamole - Ok. Nothing mind blowing. Not spicy. Not lime-y. Just guac. Young Greens Salad (w roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas) - Again, just ok. Nothing outstanding. But decent. Corn Masa Memelas - Now were talking. The masa was yummy. The beans were tasty but there's a sweet tangy taste that i can't get over. Hmm... Red Chile Sope - Was really looking forward to this dish. Poached egg on a sope? Umm.. ok.. I'll try it. Meh. Just ok. Too much sauce. And again, a slight tangy/sweet taste that i can't figure out. Flautas - Mmm.. i love crispy fried tacos... but these were just Ok. So far nothing is really standing out. Oh.. and again that tangy taste i can't explain... Eureka: Pickled Onions & Cabbage. Ugh! That taste just ruined all the dishes for me. Grilled Flank Steak - Another dish that was underwhelming. The guajillo sauce could've used a little spice. The dish was a bit bland. Altho i was excited to see some tortillas. The Special of the evening, which was a Tamal Oaxaqueño: YU-MMY!! First off, i love masa. Im a carb freak. But this was tasty. The pork was well seasoned. And the sauce.. yummy nutty creamy finger licking worthy. And guess what, no pickled anything!! Finally! Chiles en Nogada: I didnt try this but my companions really liked it. I've never been a fan of chiles rellenos and i was getting a bit full (of the vino not the comida). I did dip my finger in the sauce; creamy and walnut based. Dessert: Empanadas & Crepes - Empanadas were filled w peanut butter and covered in sugar. Then served w a chocolate sauce & a berry compote. Now believe me when i tell you I LOVE dessert but this was just ok. And do you really need all this sugar on top of sugar on top of sweet? I wouldve preferred a home made mexican sweet bread over this. Meh... waste of calories. And the crepes? Blah. There was a distinct taste to the caramel sauce that just didnt jive. Verdict: I'm Mexican. I love Mexican Food, but this place just didn't do it for me. Nothing memorable. And unfortunately I would not come back. Sorry Chuy
(2)M E.
I'd rate it between 3.5 and 4 if I could. I came here 3 years ago and was blown away by the cool, creative combos of ingredients and flavors. Under the new chef, the food is still really good, but the menu seems to be a lot more standard Mexican American fare now. Our favorite part of the meal was our dessert, the chocolate-chile mousse with goat cheese center. So so good. I'd say, go for solid, yummy, higher quality Mexican food, but don't expect innovative, unexpected dishes anymore.
(4)Timo R.
It's worth the price. Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas... Corn Masa Memelas... Formed Chocolate Chile Mousse. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Peter B.
My wife and I are big fans of this Lakeview Eatery. Chilam Balam is located in the basement of an old Lincoln Park row house. The space is very tight, but everyone there seems to have a great time. Make sure to bring cash as credit is not welcome! The food is authentic upscale Mexican. The next best thing in Chicago is Rick Bayless, but at 3 times the price. Chilam is BYOB, so remember to bring a 6 pack or bottle of wine. They have freshly-made sangria and margarita mixes for you to add your tequila and wine, respectively. The menu rotates every 4-6 weeks, but there are a number of mainstays that will always please you. Queso fresco is made daily in the kitchen. The tower of pork ribs is a particular favorite of the patrons. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful and the chips freshly fried. Owner/chef Chuy also pays homage to America when he services a chorizo meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes and grilled mushrooms served in corn tortillas is a perfect blend of 2 worlds. We particularly enjoyed the Suiza-style duck leg enchilada dish. The service at Chilam Balam is nothing short of extraordinary. The waiters are fast, friendly and always willing to recommend dishes. The glue holding the front of the house together is Chuy's co-owner, Soraya. She makes the rounds of the restaurant, speaking with the guests and ensuring that everyone is satisfied with their experience. Soraya noticed me taking photos of the food and came over to speak with us for a few minutes. She is very lovely and quite enthusiastic! If you don't get to the restaurant by 7 pm, there is a chance you will have to wait. Don't wory, they take you cell phone and call you when your table is ready, so you can go to the bar upstairs and enjoy a libation! The place is really popping these days, aided by the restaurant being featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives" and Chuy's appearance in the current season of Top Chef: Texas. The wait is worth it, give Chilam Balam a try!
(4)Pat S.
I've been to Chilam Balam twice. The first time, our food was amazing, but our waitress (who turns out, is actually the owner) was initially quite rude, but she became nicer when she realized we were ordering pretty much the whole menu. They have a lot of rules which they are strict about: only one bottle of wine/6 pack per table, cash only, everyone has to be there before they seat you. The second time around, I had the opposite experience: great service, and mediocre food. It was about a year and a half between my first time eating here and second, and it seems like the food has gone downhill a little. Plus, it seems like they raised the prices a bit. So, maybe it is a hit or miss place? Also, it is a VERY small restaurant. We were seated at a table smack-dab in the middle of everything. I was ok with it, but if you don't like small spaces or need a lot of room, I would avoid Chilam Balam.
(3)Joel B.
Get ready to drop some dollas! But not too many .... Look, Chilam Balam is EXCELLENT. The food is fantastic and ever-changing and the service is outstanding! On my most recent adventure, I had: Pork shoulder panuchos - FANTASTIC! The pork was tender and the slaw was complimentary to a T! Fried Soft Shell Crab Pan Seared Pheasant Grilled Beef Short Ribs - Tough and chewy. My least favorite dish of the night. Flautas with Chicken Thighs - My favorite of the night. I am a dark-meat chicken enthusiast and this was ON POINT. Corn Mesa Memelas - My second favorite and only non-meat dish for the night. Once again, the food and service were great. The place was cozy and the owners and hostess were beyond welcoming. I will be back several times. Just found it a bit on the pricey side.
(4)Anil S.
The food is excellent and the service is better. It is outstanding, interesting and always delicious take on Mexican food. Chilam is a small place that has a homey feel. They are one of the best, unique restaurants around. It is cash only. So don't forget to bring extra. Make sure you are hungry and leave room for desert. I always recommend it. In fact, when we have guests come in from out of town we always bring them to Chilam Balam. My wife and I love it. We at least 2-3 times per month to try the ever changing menu. If you haven't tried it, you need to go. You won't regret it. I've read a few of the bad reviews and wonder what restaurant they went to. If you are looking for burritos as big as your head or chorizo & cheese. This is not your place. Sure, there are rules, but that is what makes it kind of cool. Oh, and it is NOT kid friendly. So, if you are looking for a place to bring the little one. This isn't it.
(5)Chet M.
They should call this place Sham Bam Thank You Maam. When the other table is 2 inches from your table, that's not quaint and intimate, that's too damn tight. And when Mexican style dishes are 2 bites for $12, that's not fine dining but a hold-up. We cut our losses with a $50 tab and went for Pho at Tank Noodle! Pretty sad when you have to complete your dinner at another restaurant.
(1)Debbie E.
Cash Only alert. No credit cards accepted. We knew it was BYOB but were a little caught off guard when they said it was only 1 bottle of wine per table. We had never encountered that before. We started off with guacamole (which must have been premade since it came out in less than a minute-no exaggeration) and the blue marlin cerviche, which was excellent. After a bit we tried the goat tacos (you get two and we loved them. They were decent sized) and the flank steak - we did not love. First they tell us it will be medium rare and it comes out medium well. The sauce tasted like it was out of a bottle. The ambiance is good. Note that it is downstairs. It is very small but even at its most crowded it wasn't too loud. For the four entrees and waters only (and 1 out of 2 bottles of wine we brought), it was $51.75 before gratuity. Dress was pretty casual. Some of the earlier couples had kids with them even though there is not a kids menu.
(3)Robert Y.
The food was terrific here. The flavors were perfect in every dish. I'd highly reccomend their Salmon Tostaditas if you can get in there before they change their menu on February 6th. It took a bit of time for the food to come out, however, the atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and a great place to share a bottle of wine. If you do come here, be prepared to WAIT. We showed up at 830 for a party of 4, and didn't get seated until almost 11pm. They had to keep the kitchen open late for the few they let sit towards closing time!!!
(4)Richie D.
Chil-chila-chilaquiles? Chinchilla? Let's just agree on CB, ok? I recall similar phrases from my undergraduate Latin American Art & History class regarding a Mayan temple or book... [Thanks to Google, Chilam Balam are actually Tucatec Mayan manuscripts/indexes. Guess those prerequisites did me some good after all!] Whether or not you're into Latin American history, cultures or languages, I know we'll have one like in common: COMIDA! (Food!) And I'm not necessarily talking about traditional Mexican food as in average tacos or enchiladas. I'm talking Mexican spices and flavors with some intelligent fusion involved. Young Chef Chuy and his wife opened up this quaint (and I mean QUAINT) restaurant to give a taste of Mexican culture and cuisine. When you bring together small dishes to be shared and close quarters, you've got the right idea! After having CB on my "To Try" bookmarks list for a year, I knew that the dreadfully mysterious year of 2012 was only getting closer and closer. I arrived to CB at 6:30 pm to luckily no wait, however, by the time we were given a spot, all the tables were full and the looong wait had begun. With that said, no reservations are taken Friday or Saturday, plus they're closed Sunday and Monday (share your cell number since there's no where to wait and hang out). The only thing I could gripe about, other than not taking reservations or begin on OpenTable, is the lack of a hostess stand. You need to squeeze across the entire restaurant to get to her before making your way back. Yet, I ended up content being sat at the cutest table in the restaurant (the one in the northwest corner of the basement restaurant with plenty of pillows to eat a few tapas, take a siesta, and eat more tapas before dessert). It was then that I realized that they are BYOB, so I had a glass of virgin Sangria which was outrageously sweet and syrupy. Skip the Sangria and go for a glass bottle of REAL Coka [Cola] from Mexico without high fructose corn syrup, or do a TopoChico Perrier or Oxacan hot chocolate. Chef Chuy creates all his concoctions himself with local farmers' ingredients which requires the menu to change monthly with the produce. Talk about dedication! The monthly dish I couldn't pass up was the Roasted Duck Breast in a hazelnut sauce with toasted ancho marshmallow, cookie crumbs and smoked cocoa nibs. If you're one to skip dinner and go for the dessert first, you'll be a fan of this dish (it still somehow remains savory)! My second tapa were the Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and rajas (for those of you who are like "huh?" they're roasted chile strips with seasoning), a chipotle salsa, pickled cabbage, carrots and crema on top. They are the BEST Flautas I have ever bit into. Not greasy or over-cooked, with tons of flavor involving with the smokey chiptole salsa. I also ordered the guacamole which was tasty with bits of jicama to give it some texture, yet not outstanding. Two tapas per person in the party is a good place to start. Lastly, dessert is not to be skipped here! I loved the Chocolate Chile Mousse formed in a pyramid, stuffed with a large chunk of creamy spiced goat cheese and accompanied by an orange marshmallow sauce. Perfection! Shouldn't it be though since the ancient Mexicans invented chocolate?! Hurry over to Chilam Balam since Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives just stopped in this past month. Once his show hits TVs nation-wide, it'll be una locura! Andale with your cash in hand! Even better, CB's own chef/owner is on Season 9's Top Chef! Awarded Review of the Day in Chicago, Illinois on 12/10//2011!
(5)David J.
This review is about the SERVICE not the food. I had eaten at CB years ago when it first opened and it was good. I wanted to go back last night. They didn't take reservations (that's fine -- many places dont) but they said "it shouldn't be a problem. When I got there at 7, I was told it was a 45 min wait. Again, no problem BUT the woman at the front was so incredibly rude it was unreal. She said "give me your number and we'll call you but we're only calling you twice and that's it" Again, that is fine, but her tone and attitude were so unkind that I was honestly taken aback. My friend and I were each holding a bottle of wine and she said "Oh, you can only have one bottle between the two of you" -- again, no problem but WHY SO RUDE?? (and where does that rule come from? That's ridiculous). Then I didn't even finish my question when I was about to ask her if they would hold the bottles for us so we didn't have to carry them around and she interrupted me and said "we won't hold your bottles for you" Guess what? I won't be returning. The food as I recall was good, but this service was so embarrassingly bad, I would never recommend that anyone go there. Sorry but there are only about 1000 restaurants in a 2 mile radius of that place... there's no reason to be so unkind and unfriendly. You have permanently lost my business and I'll make sure to pass along this terrible service story to all of my friends.
(1)Amy L.
A nice spot to go with friends for tapas style dishes. The place is small and doesn't take reservations so I do not recommend large parties. The service was great. The food was tasty and best of all it's a BYO! The prices aren't bad but remember it's cash only.
(4)Paul K.
As close to perfection as it gets. A great bar above it to have a drink while you wait for a table. We started out with the guacamole which was very good. I am not sure about the chips though. They had a just out of the bag quality to them. We then tried the ceviche which had just the right amount of heat and was full of flavor. Again it was the chips that were holding this dish back. Then it was on to the grilled prawns which were a nice size and were accompanied by a wonderful chipotle sauce. My wife had the corn masa memelas which she thought was excellent, while I had the pork shoulder which was served in a salsa verde and pineapple. This dish was the highlight of the evening. Served with soft tortilla shells the pork shoulder fell apart and seemingly melted into the salsa verde. For desert we had the pumpkin trifle which was simply put amazing. Well worth the trip to Broadwaw, it is cash only and they allow you to bring one bottle of wine per couple. This would have been a five star review but they need to do something about the tortilla chips.
(4)Ted C.
Highly recommended! I'm a big fan of BYOB, so this place definitely checked that box. Although, you are only allowed 1 bottle of wine per couple (basically 2 glasses). I'm not a fan of this, as most people will have 3-4 glasses w a meal w many courses (like Chilam Balam). You ARE allowed to bring a bottle of tequila, which is a little ridiculous. Still trying to figure out the policy on that. My fiancé and I were big fans of the following dishes: crunchy pork belly tacos, duck breast in Chipotle sauce, flautas, and peanut butter empanadas for dessert. Not big fans of: the wait, the 1 bottle wine rule, ribs (a little dry), and the lobster (small portion for 17 bones). We are looking forward to our next trip back!
(4)Emily C.
This is what I wish all modern Mexican restaurants were like. They serve tasting plates, and the dishes attempt to combine a variety of complex and creative flavors while still maintaining a Mexican essence. Pork belly with cilantro and grapefruit: Excellent. The fatty meat pieces melted in my mouth, and the tangy grapefruit was an excellent touch to balance out the smoky, chocolatey mole sauce. Seared scallops: devine. The scallops were cooked to perfection - crisp on the outside but soft and flaky on the inside. The sauce was sour and creamy, topped with endives and pickled cabbage. Flank steak: TERRIBLE. Stay away. The waiter told us that the steak comes medium rare, but what we got was well done. It was chewy, tough, and tasted like it was made with low quality meat. The sauce was spicy at the expense of dynamic flavor. At the end of our meal, we told the waiter that the flank steak was truly awful. He did nothing to try to remedy the problem. I know that everything else was good, but the flank steak was simply unacceptable. Steak is a very standard dish that most restaurants create competently, so I am surprised that such a highly regarded restaurant would botch it so completely. Plus, I do not like making $15 mistakes, especially when I bring it to the restaurant's attention and they don't remedy it.
(3)Becky N.
Nice evening at Chilam Bilam. Our servers were all adorable, very helpful with menu. Things I loved in order of loving them: Pork ribs, grilled flank steak, corn masa memelas, steamed barramundi and young greens salad. I will be back. This place is super cute and the food was really good. Thanks Chilam Balam for a great experience. Becky PS: This place is great during the weekday. 6:00 pm reservation confirmed and honored. Not too loud or too crowded. Perfect for my pal and I.
(4)Jackie R.
I came here a few years ago when I lived in Lakeview. After trying to get a table on several occasions with no luck, my boyfriend and I decided to go to the restaurant when they opened (around 5PM). Well, we arrived at around 5:10 and a string of 4-5 men (servers, runners, possibly a chef or two?) were standing in a line smoking on the stairs outside the restaurant. It was really weird when none of them moved out of our way when we were just trying to get into the restaurant, and on top of it, someone commented, "I guess we're open now" followed by a bunch of snickering. So, that was the first thing. The next thing - we were the first people in the restaurant and we were seated under the speaker system which they proceeded to blast. Then, we ordered 4 small plates of food and the total (tip not included) was around $50. We stopped ourselves from ordering more food. We could have easily bought 4 more plates of food to be fully satisfied but didn't want to waste the money. The food was just really underwhelming. My boyfriend and I then proceeded to the CVS across the street to buy some cheap snack food because we were both still hungry. A basic equation sums up my experience here: Horribly rude staff + underwhelming food = I will not go back to this restaurant
(2)Chad V.
Inventive, interesting and exciting. However, this place didn't live up to the hype for me. The first time I went I was satisfied (not blown away), and the second time I left wanting more. The shiitake empanadas are good, and so are a lot of their other dishes. However, to my taste buds, some of the flavors seem to clash OR there is no flavor at all. Give it a try, it seems as though many people love this place...
(3)Austin H.
After walking by this place for months we finally decided to give it a shot. I'll start with the good things: -Small, bustling setting but quite cozy and comfortable. -We made a reservation the night before, showed up on time and were seated immediately. -We also brought along our own bottle of red wine and the server created a delicious sangria with it ($12) -The pork belly was great. Crispy on the outside and it just melts when touched with a fork. It was perfectly paired with a savory strawberry and black vinegar sauce. -BYO. Bad things: -We ordered 3 dishes to start, one per person, and the waiter replied with: "that's not enough" and that we had to "order at least one more or we would still be hungry." -The waiter was visibly perturbed when we said we'd wait to see if we wanted to order more. At that point the service dropped off steeply and so did our interest. -The quality of food did not stand up to the price ($10-15 per plate) FYI: We ordered the duck albondigas, pork belly, and chicken flautas. -Service was very rushed. I understand the restaurant is small and always on a wait but within minutes after the meal the hostess told us to move to the bar to finish our sangria. As a former host and server at a busy restaurant, this is unacceptable. If it absolutely has to be done, at least be polite about it. -Cash ONLY is truly inconvenient. What year is it again? Conclusion: After dropping $60 pre-tip we expected MUCH, much more. I'm almost positive that if we had tried 3 or 4 more dishes the experience would have been different, but the rushed service and pressure from the waitstaff ruined our mood and turned us off from ordering more. There are better restaurants in the area to spend your money on.
(2)Chuck K.
Really 3.5 Stars for this BYOB tapas restaurant! CASH ONLY - does not accept credit cards. Went here last night for dinner and was quite impressed with the food. The service was great. The only problem was getting seated! Despite what Yelp says, they do not take reservations on Fridays or Saturdays. We put our name in and were told 30 minutes. They were nice enough to offer to call us so we could go and enjoy a drink at a nearby bar. An hour later we headed back and were told it would be another twenty minutes. Unacceptable! They clearly need to get their system for seating people down and do a better job of setting expected wait times. The restaurant has a really cool set up and is quite small and cozy. Our waiter was great and made several recommendations that were a hit! Here's what we had that are a must: The Pork Ribs (Looks like Meat Jenga!) The Lamb Ribs have an amazing dry rub spice on them that is AMAZING The Scallops were prepared perfectly and have a unique sauce. The Flank Steak was prepared perfectly medium rare and served with a spicy red sauce. The one item we had that we did not really enjoyed was the quail. This was pretty gamy. Peanut Butter Empanadas were awesome!!! An absolute must if you go. As I said this place is BYOB! If you bring wine they'll make you sangria. Bring your own tequila and they'll make you margaritas or just join you in some shots! I really enjoyed the meal here, even though it was a three hour experience. I would suggest trying it out on a weeknight and avoiding on the weekends.
(3)Tony T.
Yes, five stars for a BYOB in a basement on Broadway. This place exceeded all expectations and hype. Great Mexican share plates presented in a way that you might not expect. We tried lamb chorizo, pork shoulder, escolar, and peanut butter empenadas. Each dish was better than the next. The service was attentive, informative, and overall outstanding. Do not miss this place. The place is small and tight. I would not recommend for a large group but perfect for a deuce and a huge score for a foodie date.
(5)Patrick M.
I will always have a special place in my heart for this place because we came here with a group for my best friend's going away party. We basically had everything on the menu and lots of BYOB Sangria... Outstanding service, great atmosphere, and amazing experience. Best things...short ribs, fish tacos, and every dessert they have!
(5)Kristy H.
This place is TINY! They don't take reservations, but they'll give you a call when your table is ready, which is nice since we lived across the street. The food is good. The service is good. Not great, but good. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. The presentation is very unique. I'd definitely go back and recommend everyone check it out at least once :)
(4)Katy S.
I finally tried Chilam Balam on a Saturday night with 4 friends. I planned for a wait- arrived at 7:30 to put my name in for a table of 5. The restaurant is teeny-tiny and we were prepared for a wait. They said the wait would be 1 hour to 1.5 hours. We were hardly half way through a beer at the bar upstairs and our table was ready (people had taken themselves off the list). Score! For a little less than $50 we sampled almost every item on the menu and dined for almost 2 hours and left stuffed. I have never found myself so full from eating tapas. Before I get in to the food, let me say our server was awesome. He cracked a couple jokes, offered honest advice, and kept our glasses full. You bring your own tequila or wine and your server mixes tequila or sangria tableside. The menu changes regularly but here are my notes from our meal: Memelas- simple ingredients and awesome flavor Hibiscus flan- we almost didn't get dessert and this flan was out of this world Herichaes Ceviche- two different kinds, light and flavorful Empanadas- good but not a must have Flank steak- tasty Ribs- hearty portion Crab- expensive, not the best Guac- simple, small serving I can't believe such unique and delicious food came out of the world's smallest kitchen. Chilam Balam is an dining experience worthy of all the hype.
(4)Charlie B.
I finally got to try this spot on Friday. I had been meaning to go for a while. Everything was really great, unique spins on Mexican food. I love that the menu changes and gives me reason to keep coming back. The highlight of the night: peanut butter empanadas for dessert. A couple cons - For the price, the portions are not great. And I know there is no standard table size, but for tapas-style lots of dishes were 3 pieces of this or that or odd numbers to share with a table of four. Also, prices are pretty high for what you get. It's some great high-end Mexican food, so I am sure I will be back. More like 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.
(4)Jason M.
Everything we ordered was bursting with flavor and it appeared made from the freshest of ingredients. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes!
(5)Robert W.
Wow, probably the worst food experience I've had in Chicago. We initially arrived in this basement restaurant and were told they did not seat anyone until the whole party had arrived, and were ushered back to the dirty bar in the back of the completely empty dining area (maybe 3 out of 15 tables were occupied). After waiting around 5 minutes, the hostess impatiently asked us "soooo...when is the rest of your party arriving?" while literally tapping her foot as if we were ripping off this establishment by taking up space in the filthy bar area. When the rest of our party arrived (relief!) we waited around 5-7 minutes for them to clear one of myriad empty tables. Irritatingly, we then watched as 2 patrons walked in and said "oh, my party is right around the corner" and were seated, then waited 20 minutes for the remainder of their parties to arrive. Main event: the food was somewhere between mediocre and unacceptable. It arrived very slowly, cold, and in tiny portions. While the per-dish price isn't exorbitant, it's usually in tiny portions which do not share well--for example, things are often in threes, so if you're two couples, forget it. Bill came to $98 for 5 small dishes that did not fill up the small group. To top off the pathetic and rude performance of the waitstaff, when I gave him $120 (note that it all has to be in CASH, so don't even think about bringing your credit card, and unlike every other cash-only restaurant I've ever been to, they don't even have an ATM) the waiter brought it back and I told him to keep the change to which he proceeded to argue that the balance was 98 and I had given him 100. So on top of receiving the worst service I've had in Chicago, I was embarrassed in front of my entire party and essentially accused of giving an insufficient tip after giving over 20%. I can not say more bad things about this place. The food alone would have earned it a 2.5/5, but the rock-bottom service pretty much made this my worst Chicago restaurant experience. Also, miscellaneous failures: their rules. They allow one bottle of wine per two people or a 6 pack of beer. Also, they allow beer wine and tequila. Not rum. Not vodka. Not hard cider. Do they think they're the only BYOB mexican place in Lakeview? No. They're not. And they're not even in the top half. FAIL, STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS.
(1)John E.
Simply amazing. Best food I have had to date in Chicago. Best, most flavorful and unique Mexican food I've ever found. If I can suggest one thing, something that I seriously recommend, it would be to try the hibiscus flan. Seriously. I have never been a fan of flan, honestly, but this was an experience in and of itself. A friend and I split four dishes, each one more impressive than the previous, and were sufficiently full. Then the waiter recommended we try the flan. Had we thought better of it I think my life would be slightly less awesome (no hyperbole). The flan really put the entire experience over the top and would guarantee a 6th star from me if possible. Chilam Bilam is BYOB AND cash only; a little note, however: they only allow one (1) six-pack per two people. Not that it matters, but just a heads up.
(5)Kim E.
This place is a hidden gem in the Lakeview area. Their owner has worked in Rick Bayless' restaurants and really brings a lot of Rick's style of fresh / local ingredient cooking to their menu. Their menu continually changes but there are some constants that have stuck around on the menu since our first visit. Definitely go for the ribs - they are well worth the mess. Their guac and ceviche are also delicious starters. For a party of two, we're usually good with four plates total plus a dessert if we're not quite stuffed (the empanadas are rich but very tasty). We've not found a dish we didn't like and feel free to let the waiter/wattress take control (for a party of 6, we once ordered every dish on the menu). This place is cash only and they do not take reservations. They are BYOB, so that helps keep the cost down. For a large party, plan to come early or to hang out upstairs until space opens up. For a small party, you can usually get seated pretty quickly but if you come in prime time, be prepared to wait.
(5)Kori E.
I was pleasantly surprised by this cute little place! I had actually never heard of it before and wasn't quite sure what to expect! Love that it is BYOB and we had no wait at 7:45 on a Thursday night! We started off with the Escolar Crudo and it was delicious! The astronaut corn was a nice touch and the fish melted in your mouth! Yummy! We then ordered the Empanada's, the brisket and the tomato salad. The tomato salad was by far my favorite out of the three. The tomatoes were huge and meaty, the seasoning was delicious and the cheese was a great accompaniment. The Empanada's were good, but the ones I've had at 90 miles were far better! The brisket we both agreed was kind of weird. The meat was crispy, almost like it had been deep fried. We weren't really fans. The sauce it was smothered in was delicious as was the potato salad on the side. They served tortillas with it, but I ended up just eating the meat by itself. All in all the food was very fresh, tasty and I would love to come back and try what other options on the menu. I love they change up their menu seasonally and they use sustainable fresh ingredients! I thought our waiter was excellent and he even recommended our starter due to the fact we had white wine. He was very helpful throughout the night and was attentive, but not overly so. This place is super cute and I would recommend it for a date, girls night out or just a go to dinner spot!
(4)Arpana U.
Tried this place for the first time couple weeks ago, my husband and I really enjoyed it. BYOB with no cork fee is a huge plus, as all have said. The place itself is quaint and cute, limited seating, but not tiny. On a weeknight around 9ish, we had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Definitely small plates style, but with Mexican flair, not Spanish. There were two of us and 5 dishes worked out well. In that sense, it does get a bit pricey at $25-35 per person. Had the guac, very fresh, very enjoyable. Liked the empanadas, also fresh and not greasy. I got the grilled flank steak and thought it was good, it was not tough nor fatty, and the sauce underneath was quite tasty, especially if you like tomato based sauces. Corn masa memlas were also delightful. The service was nice, helpful and accommodating. They made sure our wine glasses were full. Only downside is that the menu is small, and although it's changing, 80% of the items stay the same, with a just a few new ones. I can definitely see myself coming back, but not too many times at once, as the menu may get a bit monotonous.
(4)Nicki W.
Oh my good lord do I love the pants off this place. Do yourself a favor and go there soon....even tonight! Chilam Balam has gotten a lot of recent hype so its tiny little space is busting at the seams filled with salivating people. Here are some things you need to know. If you're coming with a bigger group, you may want to re-think your location because I can't see more than 6 people fitting at any table. The place is TEENY TINY and I love it that way but they pack em in. Adorable decor on the inside and I love the fact that it's located in a basement. It's very homey. The service is great and I've always gotten spot-on suggestions. Yes, you heard it here...BYOB.....bring it on. If you bring Tequila, they will make margaritas for you. With a CVS right down the street it's the perfect combo. Their menu changes all the time, but some menu items will stay on there. On my most recent visit I had the Blue Marlin Ceviche which I feel is so wonderful they keep that one on the menu. You can never go wrong with their Guac....amazing...BOOM. I tried the Grilled Flank Steak and they totally overcooked it, but it still tasted great. The Pork Tenderloin was bliss too. You HAVE to try the desserts. Even if your pants are bursting open and you can no longer breathe. Do it! The Sweet empanadas with peanut butter filling, seasonal compote and Oaxacan chocolate are TO DIE FOR! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it...omg. Last time I tried the Hibiscus Flan which was interesting and just what I needed. Go. DO IT. That is all.
(5)Diane H.
There are a lot of rules here. No credit cards, only one bottle of wine per two people, no reservations on Fri-Sun, and tables are not seated until entire party has arrived. I expected there to be a wait, so I arrived a few minutes early to get our names on the list while my friend picks up wine. The host continued to stress to me that I couldn't be seated until both of us were there. Ok, yep, I got it. Another couple comes in, who apparently is smarter than us and knows how to beat the system because she seats them, and then the guy runs out for the next 10 minutes to get wine. When my friend arrives, we are seated so close to the front door on a chilly evening that we were practically directing guests walking in where to find the host stand while wearing our coats to stay warm. There is a cozy small table available in the corner that we asked for but we are told it is being held for someone else (but I thought they didn't accept reservations for small parties?!). Then we notice a girl arrive by herself and the host quickly seats her at a table while she waits for the rest of her four-person party...apparently all of the 'strict' rules are negotiable depending on who you are. So be someone special. Oh, yeah, and they have food, too. Maybe the bad experience influenced my opinion, but although I wanted to love it based on all the great reviews, 'fine-but-unmemorable' would probably be the best description. I'm glad I tried it, but I wouldn't go back even if the service was better.
(2)Jack P.
Forget the fact that I can never remember it's name; when you say it, it sounds Middle Eastern, not Mexican. But I am happy to say I had the opportunity to try the place on a Saturday evening post Landmark Cinema. Certainly is convenient for dinner and a movie. What impressed me the most was how they converted a basement into such a warm.colorful, and charming space. Tables all smooshed together as if you were in New York City. You have to at least acknowledge your neighbors when they are almost in your lap. The proximity is also good for checking out other people's food choices. That influenced two of our choices. We walked in with some Mexican beer, had a short wait at the bar, and were seated in about 10 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday evening. I was also impressed (but not surprised) that the warmth of the place was also reflected in the staff. Or perhaps it was vice-versa. They were all gracious, hospitable and eager to please. No swelling of the attitudinal glands here. Just genuine and friendly. Love the little artsy handmade menus. It's the kind that has a lot of fiber in it, in case you choose to just munch on it. The choices reportedly change frequently. Our waiter suggested five tapas for two. We ended up with four: guacamole and chips, seared scallops (3) and corn/veggies in a sauce, a nice frisee salad with pumpkin seeds and grilled jicama, and finally two empanadas with a salsa verde. Flavor and texture-wise, I think my favorite was the salad. The other items were good, but not great. And while the total meal was only $42.00, it was light, and, at least to me, some items are over-priced. For $13.95, I want an entree, not a tapas. Or it better be a really big tapas. Prices vary from $6.00 - 14.00. There are also a couple of larger plate choices. The good news is lot's of choice to control the price. I will look forward to coming here again, especially for winter's coziness, and a very warm and friendly BYOB spot before or after the movie. Chilam Balam is a real original find in a town with a lot of culinary clones. And if you write their name on your palm, Like Sarah does, you won't forget it, and you can remember to tell your friends where to meet you. (P.S. Note to self: work on that restaurant-with-edible-menu idea)
(4)Jessica S.
For the past year I have been walking past Chilam Balam almost daily and waited to venture in. Ive read about it in tons of foodie mags and seen it on triple D and finally on my last night living in Lakeview we finally made it through the front doors! This tiny little mexican tapas spot was packed full with color and people. Luckily, we got a table right away and made our selection of guac, blue fin ceviche, mushroom empanadas, and the seared scallops in a black bean puree. Overall the food was presented beautifully and I thought the menu was really unique, but all in all lacked flavor; we both thought that every dish was a little bland. I love that this place has a weekly menu and that seasonal items are being used. It was a nice place and memory to spend my last night on the North side of town :)
(3)Gabriela R.
Not a typical Mexican restaurant. This is more contemporary and labored food :) really enjoy it .
(4)Elizabeth N.
BYOB Mexican - I am in!!!! So we went on Saturday at 7:30 - with 4 people. The wait was an hour - but we waited at Friar Tuck (a bar across the street) until they called us. We brought homemade margaritas and wine (we had heard they supplied fruit for Sangria). We ordered 7 small plates for 4 of us...All of them were very good. However, the beat salad and scallops (which the server said was the best) were underwhelming. The scallops had some grit and little flavor. But neither were bad - just not that exciting. All the other food was absolutely fantastic. We ordered the sangria mix (which cost 11.95) to go with the wine. We thought it was just going to be fruit but it was like grape juice with fruit added. They poured our wine into the mixture and it was practically undrinkable. Definitely skip in the future or bring multiple bottles of wine to dilute the mixture.
(4)Scott S.
Incredible food at a reasonable price. Very creative and well deserving of the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. I loved the swordfish.
(5)Jerry S.
Good food rude service. Did not feel welcomed by the staff and the owner didn't seem to care. Will never go there again.
(1)Sasha L.
I visited Chilam Balam tonight for the first time and loved it! My friend had heard great things about the restaurant, and we decided to check it out. The wait was 45 minutes when we arrived, but was well worth it. They even took down our cell number, which gave us time to go to the ATM - the restaurant is CASH ONLY - and allowed us to walk around. The ingredients are fresh and most are from local farms, so the menu changes each month. They recommended 2 plates per person. We ordered: Roasted cauliflower (with chimichurri, jicama, pineapple, cucumber, mango) - it was good, but nothing amazing. I was happy to eat it, but would probably order something else next time. Grilled salmon (with salsa veracruzana, wild rice) - very good, nothing extraordinary though. Corn masa memelas ( with black beans, aged goat cheese, arbol salsa and dressed shoots) - DELICIOUS! You could taste each ingredient, and the flavors complemented one another really well. Grilled vegetable succotash gorditas (with melting cheese, pasilla cream, pea shoots salad) - also delicious. I would happily make a meal of the corn memelas and these vegetable gorditas.
(5)Jeff G.
Liked it a lot. actually went a couple of weeks ago so don't really remember all the dishes. we went on a fri night when it was cold and raining hard. 4 of us got there ~7:30 and they told us would be over an hr wait. we had a six pack and stood in between the 2 doors and our table was up in about 20 min. had the ceviche which was good. taquitos were nothing too special. i did like that all their sauces (de arbol, guajillo) were fresh and homemade. server told us to order 2-2.5 tapas per person (would have been 8-10 for the table). we ended up ordering about 6 and we were full. also, each dish was pretty pricey. The total for the 4 of us was $100 + tip and it was BYO so no liquor included in that. i would go back in the spring / summer when veggies are in season.
(4)Eloise G.
It was my birthday tonight, Wednesday. I have wanted to try Chilam Balam for months. There were about 15 empty tables and 10 occupied tables, give or take. We had a reservation for 7:30.......it was a Wednesday night. My husband was parking the car but the women said they could not seat us until our entire party was there because they get so busy. My 3 sons and I waited for 15 minutes but they still would not seat us, nobody came in the entire time we waited. I told her I would buy $30 worth of small plates while we waited for my husband. She was not very nice and said no she couldn't seat us, so I decided to leave with my kids, because we were hungry and ready to eat...it was my birthday. We went and spent $250 next door at the restaurant Pastoral who were very accommodating and quite the sophisticated restaurant. Sorry Chilam Balam, I tried and wanted to like my experience but you ruined it from the get go. I imagine the food is good from all your reviews but maybe you should try and employ and train a more customer based employee. I live in the neighborhood and I am sorry I will never be able to recommend your restaurant. By the way when I walked by at 9:30 p.m. there were still empty tables on a Wednesday night! My recommendation is to remember the customer comes first, not your employees. Friday or Saturday night, I would completely understand but not on a Wednesday. Good luck in your success. My stars are based solely on our employee encounter.
(1)Kelley D.
After seeing Chilam Balam on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives I couldn't wait to come and try it. And it was worth the wait!! The mushroom empanadas were to die for!! And just when I thought it couldn't get any better I got the grilled pork ribs! That was divine and got better with every bite!! I definitely recommend getting the strawberry tres leches cake for dessert! I will definitely recommend coming here when your in town! I will absolutely be back every time I come to Chicago!
(5)Megan K.
Chilam Balam, at last, we have finally met. Now, while you were quite tasty you had a rude and abrasive edge that made me like you, but only from afar. Let me explain. We arrived around 7pm to a bustling restaurant that was packed, and we were told it would be an hour wait. I was fine with this, as it's a tiny establishment and it is a well known fact that you'll have to wait awhile. That being said, we decided to partake in the BYOB policy and walked over to Binny's to pick up some beer. We made our way back to the restaurant and met our dinner dates at the bar above the restaurant to have a drink while we waited. Right around 8pm we received a call from the hostess telling us that our table was ready, so we headed downstairs and we were promptly seated at a table in the middle of the dining room. I realize that the restaurant is cramped, but while I was pulling out my chair a waiter ran into me and literally almost knocked me over. I brushed this off, given the parameters of the restaurant, but I continued to bumped into the entire night. This was just a minor nuisance, but I felt that it should be addressed. After we were seated, our waiter promptly greeted us and gave us menus to look over while he went through the specials. For our party of four he recommending getting eight plates to share since the restaurant is tapas style (family style small plates). We decided to get less and to order more if we were still hungry, which we ended up being stuffed after five plates. They definitely try to up-sell you here, so keep this in mind. Here's the dishes that we put in: 1) Chunky guacamole with classic garnishes, crispy tostadas: This dish was exactly what you would expect, and it was a well executed staple for a Mexican restaurant. The garnishes were the only unique aspect of the dish--it was either pickled radishes or beets. The crispy tostadas were just chips, which made it very easy to share between the four of us. 2) Grilled Pork Lion, criollo, pineapple, forbidden rice, grilled broccoli, mandarin: There were about four strips of incredibly tender and juicy pork that had a nice smoky grill flavor to it. I particularly enjoyed the flavor combination of the pieces of pineapple and mandarin that we rolled up into a freshly prepared corn tortilla alongside the pork. The "grilled" broccoli was raw, but no one paid much attention to that as the main focus was on the pork. 3) Tamale Special: Shredded Beef: I'm a huge fan of tamales, and these tamales were incredible and met my standards. The corn meal wasn't overbearing or too much, the ratio of meat to corn was perfect. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the mole sauce accompanied it well without washing out all the flavors of the dish. 4) Grilled pork ribs, honey-pasilla sauce, radishes, crema and queso fresco: Ahhh, these were perhaps one of my favorites of the evening. You get six succulent ribs that are doused in a fair amount of sauce. These are ribs that you want to clean every bit of meat from the bones. 5) Veal sweetbread tinga, chorizo, tomatoes, fingerling potatoes: The more and more I eat sweetbreads, the more I find that I enjoy them. These were slightly breaded and fried, packing a lot of flavor. I liked how you could wrap them in a tortilla or eat them as a standalone item. Dessert 1) Chocolate waffle, rice ice cream, almond butter, honey whipped cream, oaxacan chocolate: Even though we were full, we decided to try one of their desserts. The waffle is small, but it was great to have a few sweet bites each to finish out the meal. The waffle itself was pretty bland, but the focus of the dessert is obviously on the almond butter, whipped cream, and oaxacan chocolate. It wasn't overly sweet, which was nice, but nothing about the dessert really stood out so I probably wouldn't recommend this or get it again. Now, going back to the service issues, after we finished off our plates of food, the waiter asked us if we wanted dessert. We said that it was a possibility, so he brought a menu for us to look over. A few minutes later he came by and asked us what we wanted, and we hadn't reviewed the menu yet. He just walked away and brought us the check, which was confusing to all of us as we had indicated that we were interested in dessert. We placed the order for the waffle to which he seemed annoyed by and brought us a new check. I could understand the frustration if there was a line out the door, but it was after 9pm at this point and there were empty tables. I probably would give Chilam five stars if they kicked up their service, but I won't let these minor issues keep me away. Chilam is a keeper.
(4)Nancy C.
I loved this place! It's BYOB. If you bring a red wine, they'll make sangria for you. The ceviche and pretty much every dish we've had was delicious. I also love how it's casual and unpretenious. Great for friends and dates alike!
(4)Kim C.
I live around the corner from this basement eatery and had been waiting to go for forever. Its always full and looks so comfy from the window. Its BYOB which is always nice and they offer t toss your wine in a pitcher of sangria, which is pretty cool. The problem with this place is that for a basement restaurant, its slighty pretentious and WAY over priced. I guess my expectations were extremely high, but 7 bucks for a scoop of guac and chips?! We ordered about 5 tapas, each not being worth their price. I dont want to sound like a mexican food snob, but I'm from California and I can get way better food from a taco cart in San Diego at 1 am. It was just so over priced. Total let down.
(2)Carolynne M.
I have a ton of reviews to write. As we speak, I have six including this one. Normally I don't keep a backlog like that, but I realized this would be review 1000, and I wanted to save it for something special (and also since #500 had been a tragic 1 star). Enter Chilam Balam. OK, first off, it is a Mexican restaurant, but unlike any you have been to before. It is tapas (small plate) style, and co-owned by Chuy Valencia, who is a Top Chef contestant. It is also a tiny place, in the basement of a nondescript building. It almost has a beatnik feel to it too, like if you walked in and everyone was wearing berets and black turtlenecks you wouldn't think twice about it. It's energetic, eclectic and has a young vibe (although when we were there it was a mix of all ages). And then the food comes out. First dish to arrive was the Corn masa memelas. These were little cups filled with black beans, aged goat cheese, arbol salsa and dressed shoots. These were good, but I wanted more. Something a few more notches closer to awesome. Then we got the Grilled flank steak. With roasted potato, crispy onion, guajillo chile and cilantro, the meat was tender, the flavour combination excellent. Now we were getting somewhere! Next dish was the Grilled pork ribs. Topped with honey-pasilla sauce, radishes, crema and queso fresco, this may be one of the finest sampling of ribs I have ever had. Phenomenal. But the winner was yet to come. The Young goat birria was simply a masterpiece. Slightly spicy pan juices, crispy arbol, fresh tortillas - it was one of those dishes that when someone says "What's the best thing you ever ate?" this immediately pops into your head. We normally don't go in for dessert, but we had to sample the Hibiscus flan. Paired with vanilla-lime swirl ice cream and candied pepitas, it was a crunchy, sweet, sour divine end to the meal. I guess if I had any complaint, it would be that the prices here are a bit on the steep side, especially for the sort of dive-y, casual feel the place is going for. And then I remember the birria, and yeah, I can forgive anything after that. BYOB Cash only No reservations
(5)James W.
Amazing. Probably the best Mexican I've ever had. The waiter suggested we let him bring out his favorite dishes and we were happy to let him. After multiple rounds he told us that was all he had ordered for us. The food was so good we had him put in another 4 dishes. The sauces they used were so delicious and you can tell they put a lot of time into them to create unique flavors, even with the more common sauces. The chorizo meatloaf and the duck enchiladas were unreal.
(5)Kelly K.
This was rented out for us on a Tuesday for a work event, and as a Mexican food snob, this has been one of the best Mexican food experiences I've had in a non hole in the wall place! The starters of ceviche and guacamole were spicy, but not too much (i have a very low tolerance for spicy). I surprised myself at how much I was able to eat since it did have a bit of a kick! The empanadas were delicious- light and flaky, not greasy and soggy! I'm glad we got the hangar steak, since I was able to gorge myself on the tender slices before giving up red meat for lent. Goat cheese and bean apps were filling and to die for ( I LOVE GOAT CHEESE). The short ribs were wayyyyyy too spicy for me, but that left room for dessert! DESSERT! We started with the peanut butter empanadas... My coworker described it as a "slice of heaven," and that's what it was. The chili chocolate mousse with goat cheese filling was incredible (I LOVE GOAT CHEESE!!!). I will be back again just for that!!
(5)Sara T.
I've been wanting to try this place for a while and I finally had the opportunity to try it last night when I met 4 of my girlfriends for dinner to celebrate a couple birthdays. We had a good time and I overall I enjoyed the expeience but it wasn't anything spectacular. We knew what to expect going in... cash only, byob (limited to 1 bottle per 2 people), and its very small and your whole group needs to be there to be seated... Lots of rules! Unfortunately two of us were running late so the other girls had to huddle by the kitchen before being allowed to sit at our table, which seems so silly since there were multiple tables open. We were seated at a tiny table for 5 in the center of the room and I was almost sitting on the lap of the guy behind me. There was less than 20 inches between our table and his chair, my chair with me scooted in all the way was touching his arm. If I had not been a petite women I never would have fit, I couldn't see a grown man being able to sit there so needless to say not the best ambiance crashing someone's date, but I went there for the food so I didn't let that bother me. As for the food, I have to say some of it was good, but nothing blew me away and overall I was a little disappointed. I have a gluten allergy and the restaurant was accomodating, leaving sauces on the side and advising dishes to avoid. We ordered 7 dishes for the 5 of us since it was a late dinner and my friend had Molly's cupcakes for us (which we did not dare ask if we could eat there with all the rules, but they offered store them in the fridge for us). The food - The menu changes almost monthly but some dishes are staples: Guacomole - Very good, but not spectacular. Portion size was reasonable for the price, but not nearly enough chips to eat it with (would have loved some veggies like jicima, cucumber, or carrots with it or soft tortillas). Asparagus Salad - I really enjoyed this and it seems like a healthier/lighter option. It's very small, maybe 2 or 3 aspargus spears cut in long thin pieces with leafy greens, and manchego cheese (yumm!). Shitake Mushroom Empanadas - Delicious! Two normal sized empanadas, deep fried of course so not the healthiest dish, but the filling was wonderful and they paired well with leftover guacamole. The server said they were gluten free and made with corn but the sauce seemed a little thick (possibly contained flour) and I'm questioning it after how I felt this morning. Pan Seared Shrimp - The shirmp were very good but I can't have couscous so I didn't try the rest of the dish but my friends enjoyed it. It would be great if they used quinoa instead. Grilled Flank Steak - This was really good and cooked perfectly, med rare. Very flavorful and tender but not a lot on the plate except the mountain of fried onion rings. They serve this with corn tortillas and if it wasn't for the leftover guac I added to my wrap it would have been really dry. Grilled Chicken Kabobs - I think there was one Kabob, so they should leave off the (s). I didn't get to taste this one but it looked good. Baramundi - This came out last and soured our experience. The fish was so incredibly fatty, most of it was dark meat and the skin was overwhelming. Maybe this is typical of Baramundi but if that's the case they should consider serving another white fish. The accompaniments and sauce were not great either. All in all some good dishes and I'd consider going back if I'm in the area on a weeknight, but I would never wait an hour or two on the weekend when there's so many other good options in the city. I would not recommend going with a large group but if you do and you can get one of the corner booths it will be much more enjoyable.
(3)Jessica C.
I have eaten at Chilam Balam probably 5 or 6 times since its opened. The first 4 times were all delicious and everyone in my party agreed that it was some of the best Mexican food we had ever eaten. After the 3rd time however, we did notice that there was a distinct change in the customer service. Chilam Balam is constantly telling their patrons about their alcohol limits (which I can understand bc they are a BYO restaurant and don't want ppl hanging out in the restaurant long after they finish their meals), but I find it to be aggressive and alot of time without justification. I feel bagered when I go in there now to order as quickly as possible and all at once, despite the fact that they push all the food out rapidly and attempt to get you out of there in 45 minutes time. I also found that the last two times a visited, the food did go down in quality. I dont know if this has something to do with the fact that the original owner/chef recently sold his stake in the company and is no longer affliated or if Chilam believes that they have a strong enough reputation that they no longer have to try as hard with the food. Regardlless, if you had asked me 2 months ago would I be back to Chilam Balam, I would have enthusiasticaly said "Yes!" Now after my last two experiences, I am not sure I would say the same. If you want any more information about Chilam, please read my blog post: youngfoodies.com/dinner-…
(3)Stephanie L.
MUY BUENO...ese alimento asombra. This place is amazing! Went here on a Sat night around 745ish. The place was packed...boy do they pack it in! They offered us a spot at the bar or we could wait an hour for a table to open up. We took the bar. We BYOB'd a huge bottle of wine. They will make sangria with your wine if you want. I thought that was a cool little touch. The staff is very nice, not so attentive but still pretty good. We started with some guacamole and also the black bean soup (a friend of a friend said you had to try the soup so we did). Neither disappointed. They were great! Guac was fresh and delicious and the soup had gooey cheese in the bottom. Next we decided on the ahi tuna ceviche and the huaracha (sp?). Both were March specials...both again were delicious. The price-I thought it was really reasonable. Our bill came to under $40 and we were full and tipsy The vibe in here was great. It was very up-ity. It wasnt crazy loud, but there was a good buzz going on. I will definitely be back here. FYI-they take reservations during the week, but I think only big groups on the weekends and also its cash only.
(5)Hyon L.
We live right around the corner to this place. It always looked like a hole in the wall spot but we've heard good things. So I step in to check out the menu, and food is not available for take out. Also, cash only. BYOB which could be a good/bad thing. Space is kinda tight. All this for some food? SOOOO good! Local ingredients, cooked to perfection. I feel like they can pull off strict rules just because they were so good. Shout out to their pastry chef. So good.
(4)Leanne A.
Maybe I expected too much? Our waiter was adorable, and the others seemed cool, too. However the manager's attitude was annoying. She kinda runs the place and was impolite. My mom only had credit card, and she was like "oh shoot! I don't have cash. I'll go get cash" The manager gets all uppity "well there's a sign on the door that says cash only!" Calm down lady, we're not going to leave without paying. You might want to enter the 21st century, FYI. Anyway, I liked the mixed green salad and the little empanadas. The one thing we really wanted was gone, and I thought the soup we ordered was too smoky. A little overwhelming for me. They made sangria out of our BYOB wine, which was awesome! 2 dollars instead of, like, 10! I like small and cozy (see my cozy list) but this was a bit too cozy even for me. We couldn't move our elbows much, and people kept knocking things over.
(3)Jeeve s.
How do I even begin writing a bad review for a restaurant who has a chef competing on Top Chef? I think it has all gone to their heads! I think the random quotes from the staff to our group throughout the night pretty much summarizes our experience: "Go ahead and order everything you want now so I don't have to go back and forth to place your orders" "We are a BYOB restaurant, but you aren't allowed to drink that in here" (in reference to our sweet tea vodka) I asked: "How is the restuarant without Chuy?" Waiter responds: "Chuy is going to be here tonight for a private party. You guys can't come because you aren't invited" All within FIVE minutes of completing our meal: "Do any of you want dessert TO GO?" Hostess: "We have a lot of people waiting so please hurry up" Table busser: "There are quite a few people waiting for your table so can you guys please finish" Waiter: "The manager has asked that you please get up so others can sit" ------Overall review---- I'll start with the pros first: *Decent presentation/food *Mexican tapas *Will call your cell phone when your table is ready Cons: *A bit on the pricey side for the quality of food *Not enough 'meat' in any of the dishes - had to pit stop at Flub a Dub Chubs afterwards to finish our meal *Even after spending ~$30/pp, ridiculously bad service from the entire staff *None of the dishes were out of the ordinary for a Top Chef contestant *Doesn't seat groups of 8 or more *Gotta eat, pay, and get out within an hour - no time to digest *Never should a restaurant make a table feel unwanted while others are waiting
(2)Alissa K.
We went on a random weeknight, fairly early, so it was not busy, but the place is super small so I would make a reservation. Also, they only take cash, so plan ahead. Service was attentive and helpful when we had questions and they brought out the plates in perfect order, with great timing to enjoy each one. I don't remember the exact plates we got, and they change the menu every so often so I can't find what we got. The guacamole was really creamy and delicious. The squash soup with goat cheese was really good! Kind of an awkward dish to share, but if you go with someone close to you, no big deal. Not very helpful that I can't remember what I ate, but I know everything was amazing, really good flavors, and I left feeling extremely satisfied. The sangria was really delicious as well! And we brought our own wine to put in it. Would go back to show it off :)
(5)Salvador L.
I must love rules. Cause I didnt seem to encounter Carmen's or Lindsey's issues. However it should be noted that I am generally not a curmudgeon period. I found the food at Chilam Balam to be an honest expression of one of Mexico's many regional cuisines. And for the record I am Mexican American 4th generation, from the northern region, and still savored evey bite from my plates and friends. We each ordered 2 plates, I had the flauta, and pork shoulder tamal. Both were delicious, Flauta was crisp the sauce was a complicated sweet and slightly smokey hint of spice, that did have me licking my fingers. The Tamal, was equally delicious and was extremely pleased with the presentaion and flavors of both plates. Also always a nice touch when the Mayor stolls through the door for his Mexican food fix! Cannot wait to stop in again for a fantastick meal.
(5)Ramya P.
A+ for innovation! Extremely fresh and tasty food always makes for a fantastic evening. It's BYOB, inexpensive, unpretentious and intimate. They take reservations only on weekdays and seat you only after the whole party arrives. I love the quirky decor and friendly service. This place is cash only, as the gazillion boards mention before you the premise. Our Chianti paired very well with the creamy guacamole, tasty memalas, fresh endive salad, ricottalicious enchilada and high quality scallops. I refused to leave the place without trying the desserts. I NOW believe that goat cheese can be successfully used in deserts.. Proof is the chocolate chile mousse with goat cheese and marshmallows. The hibiscus flan with a raspberry compote and cheesecake with kahlua ice cream were extremely innovative. Don't ignore the hype, withdraw some cash, and eat here asap.
(5)Drew B.
I went here for a friend's birthday and was a little nervous about the basement location, but whoa this place is amazing! BYOB and gourmet latin cuisine makes for a great night. The last time I was there I tried their pulled pork enchiladas in a corn husk wrap that were incredible! Another cool thing about the BYOB is that for a small charge, they make your wine into sangria! How perfect, two more please!
(5)J R.
This place is AWESOME! I've been here 3 times & will be back!!! The food is fresh, I like how they change the menu every month, service is fast and friendly. SUPER CLEAN!! The place is small, but has lots of charm. Keep up the great work!!
(5)Meredith P.
Great time! Went with two friends for a fun after work dinner. Honestly the fact that we could bring our own tequila and they would make us margaritas was a huge selling point! But the food did not disappoint. We came hungry so we were able to sample most of the small plates and everything was great! Our waiter was very helpful on making recommendations and the seasonal menu is nice so I can come back! The ceviche and the empanadas were two of my favorites! Almost forgot but you HAVE to save room for the chocolate dessert w/ peanuts and rhubarb sauce!
(5)Casey S.
This teeny restaurant in the basement level of a building would be easy to walk past without a second look-- But wouldn't that be a shame. Owners Chuy Valencia and Soraya Rendon made their tiny space warm and inviting with Mexican decor and filled their ever-changing, tapas style menu with creative, Mexican-inspired delights. Six of us ordered 10 small plates to share, with only one earning a poor review. The star dishes of the night for myself were the Grilled Pork Ribs with a sticky, honey-pasilla glaze and the Seared Sea Scallops with a creamy tomatillo sauce. The ribs were the last plate to arrive on the table, but a hefty portion of 6 meaty ribs with a drool-worthy sauce made them a standout dish. I love Sea Scallops and was happy to have my high hopes realized when they came out perfectly cooked and garnished with brussel sprouts, sweet potato and chorizo. Read my complete review on Crave Time at bit.ly/vjh101
(5)Jackie G.
$50 later I was still hungry and disappointed... I truly enjoy Latin American foods but these plates are just for show and expensive. We ordered the "large" plate of the lamb and it literally was four thin slices, which costs $30. We also had the mini flautas for the price of a what I could get for the regular size flautas. The taste was not equivalent to the price. Perhaps if I was overlooking the Chicago skyline then perhaps. But we were in a basement! This place is way too small and you literally have to crawl out of your spot to get up to use the bathroom, which on my way there it smelled of fish. Our server has to ask other customer to move over so that he can get to us to serve us more water. Other times he just reached over his shoulder to get to us. Just not pleasing for the price they're charging nor comfortable. For that price and better authentic food, try Sol de Mexico.
(1)Gfiddy F.
Thought it was great and a lively environment.
(5)Drew M.
Hands down worst restaurant in the city. The wait stuff is unbelievably rude, they kick you out after about 30 mins of dinning because there is a wait. Its BYOB but dont let that fool you. We had a group of 8 and they only allowed us 2 bottles for the whole time we where there. Not that it even mattered because our waiter came up to us after 30 mins of eating and said "not to be rude, but we have a long wait and you have to leave". Our group was discussed and none of us will ever go back again. I REPEAT, HANDS DOWN WORST RESTAURANT IN CHICAGO!!!!
(1)Sean C.
I have been to Chilam a number of times now, but never thought of writing a review till now. I have been dining out a lot over the past year and trying new restaurants. I have had a few good experiences but a lot of will not returns. Whether it is bad service, just OK food, or simply overpriced small portions. I am done with the hype of many new on the scene establishments. Chilam was a place I found and has never disappointed. Yes it is small, but it is what I love about Chicago. Very well run, very good food, and extremely good service. A real gem in this big city with many different options.
(5)Sabrina S.
The staff at Chilam Balam had the odds stacked against them when I came in for dinner last night. Except for the delicious Sopa de Fideo that is served in our employee cafeteria, I do not eat Mexican food. Not to mention that I have only heard wonderful things about the new restaurant and I thought there was no way anything could live up to all this hype. I mean, Rick Bayless is an amazing chef and for a chef to be known as a former apprentice of his creates many high expectations. However, my friend suggested a grownup evening of good food and conversation, so I went. And it was just as (if not more) delicious as everyone says. It was truly a great dining experience. The restaurant is just as small as everyone says - there isn't even a host stand! We arrived at 6PM and were quoted a 25 minute wait time by an adorable woman who I assume was the owner/general manager. Since there was no place to wait (seriously, the restaurant is slightly bigger than my studio apartment), the woman kindly took a phone number and released us to one of the local drinking establishments. She called us exactly 25 minutes later and we were seated two minutes after. The service was attentive. Our bottle of wine was immediately opened for us. They did not offer to chill the white, however, I did not realize this until I started typing the review! Since our group wanted to get the best experience during our night on the town, we asked our server for suggestions. He had a great list in his "back pocket". We took many of his suggestions. Now on to the good stuff - the food! It is just as fresh as they claim. Delicious. We started off with the roasted garlic soup. It is a great way to start off the meal. You will not want to share so be sure you each get your own serving - we did! I did think that this particular item was a bit pricey at $6.95 per bowl. For our "main courses" we all shared a number of dishes. The guacamole is fresh and tasty. I do not eat guac but this was GOOD. We had two servings and they were very good about bringing by chips once we ate them all up. Per our server's suggestion we also ordered: grilled pork ribs, grilled hanger steak, chicken flautas, duck le leg tamal and jumbo scallops. My favorite item was the grilled hanger steak which came with corn tortillas to make tacos. It was topped with what looked like funions (obviously freshly made and not the can variety). The steak did come out rare, which I prefer, but I know some people may be opposed to this. I was not a fan of the grilled pork ribs. The sauce was delectable but I thought the meat could fall off the bone a bit more easily. The duck tamal just "was". It was nothing to write home about but clearly something to write about on Yelp! I do not suggest ordering it. Finally, we had the most popular dessert the restaurant serves which is the sweet empanada stuffed with peanut butter and served with fig and chocolate dipping sauces. These were a great way to end the meal! I would come to Chilam Balam just to eat serving after serving of this! The entire bill, including tax and tip, came out to $120 for 4 guests. It as the best $30 I spent in a long time and was very happy with my experience. I suggest going here again and again! I know I will.
(5)P R.
Food was good but not worth the price. I'd give the food a 3 star. We entered here on a whim after hearing good things. Luckily got a table without waiting. It was a Thursday night at 6pm but it looked like it was going to be packed. Waiter came and gave us the menu. The price was about $10-$15 per a dish. We thought they were entrees, but turns out it was tapas style. We ordered 2 empanadas and a flank steak dish, which essentially was 3 appetizers. THE TOTAL BEFORE TAX WAS $40 or about $7 per a person per an item for a couple of bites each. The food was good but not that good. Plus it is cash only and the restaurants is below Flub A Dub Chubs, so you know they aren't paying much in rent. I just don't know why it is so expensive for the amount of food you are getting. The place is okay, but if you are going there on a date plan on spending at least $60-$75. Also it is BYOB which is nice. If the price was more reasonable, I'd give it 4 stars, but given how pricey it is, overall I have to give it a 2.
(2)Will M.
We went today. They are not usually open on Tuesdays, but I called ahead and they were today. We had the Young Green Salad, the Ceviche, the Fluatas and the Tamal. All were very good. I avoided the pork ribs based on the reviews below. We also had the mousse for desert - very delicious. I was surprised how the restaurant filled out - being it was pretty cold out and Dec 28th. I am all about the service, so I was pretty nervous about what was going to happen based on the reviews below. It turned out ok for us, but you should know that they say right on the menu: "eat it and beat it". While we were there there were a couple of parties that were *not* happy. In both cases their full party was not there; in one case they were not on time for their reservation. I thought the owner was pretty patient and tried to work with them. Its very small in there so I can see how they need to manage their tables tightly. I probably would not go if it was busy just because I hate getting pushed out of a place, but I will go back otherwise as the food was very good.
(4)Jeffrey C.
Not sure I understand the bellyaching in some of these reviews. This place is fantastic..which is why one of the owners was a contestant on Top Chef & they have been featured on Food Network. And prices are reasonable considering the quality. Apparently I make enough money to have a great meal without complaining about the price. One of my favorite places! Everything is made in-house...not sure why some reviewers think it isn't
(5)Jason H.
This is the only delicious restaurant on Broadway in Lakeview. I don't know why all the other ones are so bad, but the good news is, you don't have to go there. You can go here instead. It is delicious. Fine print: BYOB. On weekends you have to stop in and get your name on the list an hour before you want to eat. It's worth it, though.
(5)Josie F.
Such a great new addition to the area. The food here is fantastic. Service is great. This is gourmet Mexican but very affordable. It's almost unreal that it is BYOB. Seating is tight but you can not blame them. Note bring some good wine. The table next to us has a jug of Carlo Rossi. I was embarrassed for them and insulted for the restaurant. This is not that kind of place.
(5)Madison B.
This is the type of restaurant that you walk by thinking "I should try that place some time" well i decided to for once. It was a WEDNESDAY and the place was sooooo crowded. I like the fact that it is in the basement but there is very limited seating, it could fit about maybe 40 people including the bar. I ordered the guacamole for an appetizer. over well it was pretty good but very salty. For a main entree i had the pork belly. It was very chewy and squishy. I could not cut it or pull it apart. It was more then half all fat. The good thing was the seasoning. For desert I had a chocolate donut. It was OK but i prefer dunkin more. The frosting was kind of gritty but not horrible. Overall I had an okay food wise experience but the service was good. This was a new experience for me and i think some of the portions could be better. The one thing that threw me off was crawling up my coat while i was eating was a yellow worm. I have never experienced something like that and I am not planing on going back too soon.
(2)Lauren H.
Four of us went to Chilam Balam on a Thursday night. Our reservation was at 7:30, and my fiance and I showed up before our friends arrived. When we checked in, the hostess pointed to our table to say that's where we'd be sitting...but she wouldn't let us sit until the rest of our group arrived. There were plenty of other empty tables, and this place is tiny, they really cram those tables in. Therefore, there's not much room to stand. We asked her why we couldn't just go sit down - I mean seriously, our table was RIGHT there. But we were once again informed that nope, we couldn't sit, as that's against their policy. So we stood plastered against the bar so as to let the servers back and forth from the kitchen, while we waited for our friends. Given the size of this place, they need to seriously reconsider that policy. Once seated, we sat for what felt like a long time before anyone came to our table to open our bottle of wine or see if we wanted to order anything. I thought the food was decent, though there were mixed reviews around the table (my fiance thought everything was bland, our friends seemed to enjoy it all). I especially loved the chorizo meatloaf, the chickpea-queso anejo tortitas, and the chocolate pecan nitalla dessert. The other items we got (chunky guacamole, barramundi, mushroom empanadas, pork tenderloin and corn mesa memelas) were good - but not worth the price. In the end, I had been hearing about this place for a while so I'm glad we tried it. However, I likely will not be back, at least anytime soon.
(2)Kamilah S.
My girlfriends and I went here on a friday evening because we saw it on triple D Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives . It is a BYOB, so that caught are attention first, and if you leave your B, its a CVS, 2 stores down. The place, might hold 32 people and we waited about an hour and a half, the good thing is the hostess, takes your cell number and you can go to the bar next door and drink and eat popcorn. The food is good, I didnt like the steak in the mole, the steak just tasted like a grill, no flavor and the mole was very bland. The tortillas are handmade and are the best thing on the menu.
(2)Amanda A.
What a perfect way to start my mini Lakeview/Lincoln Park food tour! A friend and I grumbled through the two-hour wait on a Friday night (we almost canceled after the first 60 minutes when the hostess told us that we'd need to wait an additional hour, but that intoxicating Mexican- food aroma wouldn't release its grip). Luckily, both Intelligentsia and Argo are a short walk away, offering ample warmth and caffein-laced beverages. SO worth the wait! Almost everything---the halibut ceviche was wonderfully fresh, but under-flavored, and the chips needed a touch more salt---was fantastic. The seared pork belly in orange sauce will be guest-starring in my dreams for months to come, hopefully dancing a jig with the marinated duck in pecan sauce. The corn masa memelas were also a big hit. I'll definitely go back! Note: it's CASH ONLY.
(4)Jeff D.
The food here is GREAT! Everything is VERY fresh and tastes authentic. It's BYOB and, in my opinion, a great place to bring a good bottle of Malbec or two, some friends, eat some of the small plates so you don't get too full, and go out for drinks elsewhere afterward. I haven't been here yet where I've had to wait, but I'm sure the wait would be awhile since it's a small place. Judging by the popularity, I find it hard to imagine that they won't move somewhere larger soon, but we'll see. Excellent food. Great service. BYOB. And I can walk there! What more could I ask for?!
(5)Marissa E.
After hearing the greatest things about this restaurant, a group of my girlfriends headed here for a Saturday night of fun. When we walked into the restaurant we were seated right away but crammed between the many tables unable to move even an inch without intruding on someone else's dinner. To start off we ordered the guacamole, which although we were assured was plenty for a group of 5, came out with a dab of guac and probably 12 chips. We ordered another plate of it which came out the same. We asked for another side of chips and our waiter rudely brought us a plate with exactly 10 chips on it and said, "this is it girls". My group ordered the empanadas (tasted like a lean cuisine), steak (mediocre), and a few other items. No one was impressed with these over priced items, so we were debating dessert when all of the sudden our waiter told us we MUST decide that moment what we were getting because the kitchen was closing in 5 minutes. In the mean time, the entire kitchen and wait staff sat down and began eating their dinner, although we were not done with ours (same with the full restaurant surrounding us). Next, although the restaurant was full, the music was cut and people were getting rushed out. The wait staff was rude, the food was beyond mediocre and girls who were trying to have fun and do something new and out of their comfort zone will never be back. Cash Only.
(1)Nikol Z.
Amazing. Was visiting Chicago and staying with a friend this weekend. This was the place he took us to first, we brought our own tequila and we had the most amazing margaritas there. I have a garlic allergy and he was very willing to help me out with that. We had many plates but what I was able to eat was fantastic. My most favorite was the mushroom empanadas they blew me away. The ceviche was also delicious! They made me one rib without sauce [yes i was sad no sauce haha] but that was also very tender and yummy. The desserts were amazing we had the tres leche cake and the peanut butter empanadas, i cant stop thinking about them :)
(5)linda m.
Don't go on your Birthday! They asked us to leave the moment we paid our bill, no chatting while opening gifts. Three of us, here's what we had: Saktewing---yik, horrible bitter, burnt flavor Empanadas-- fine, boring salad with oranges and pepitas--beautiful and delicious Beefheart--boring but the chips are great memelos-- nice but $11 for 3 bites of beans and corn? duck breast in mole--one of the better dishes pork ribs---good Hibiscus flan--the best thing we ordered chocolate mousse with goat cheese--not so good So overall not wowed. I wouldn't go back for the food, nor to sit on a bare piece of wood nor to be asked to leave after spending $200 with nothing really good to eat. Teensy, mediocre food for big bucks. Skip it and go to Adobo grill where its alwalys good.
(2)Hope G.
I had the best time here a few nights ago! My bf and I were starving and we had been eating gyros, pizza and wings for days while he studied. This was our first nice outing. First, we went right at 5pm and there was no wait. Second, the environment is so creative and inviting. Bright pillows are anchored around the walls and other touches such as the handcrafted menu/photo albums just add to the homey and unique ambiance. The food comes in appetizer size portions and none of the options disappoint. Even months later, my boyfriend and I continue to talk about the amazing cauliflower soup special. Everything is fresh and flavorful. Careful, as far as I know, this place is still cash only and BYOB. I'll be going back and keeping my fingers crossed that the specials are equally amazing!
(5)Sarah I.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city (plus it's BYOB :) ). ! I went with 6 girl friends for my birthday on a Saturday night. We did have a to wait about 45 minutes but we just went to the next door bar for a drink. Everything was so fresh and delicious. I could tell that everything from plating to ingredients was very thought out. I love that Chuy uses fresh local ingredients and changes some of the items on the menu due to whats in season but keeps some staples. Going with a lot of people allowed us to get many different things! We had almost everything on the menu! Another plus was that Chuy was working in the kitchen that night so our server told him that it was my birthday. He came over, took a picture and hung out for awhile! Will definitely be going back asap.
(5)Dennis M.
It was an incredible experience. Our table loved everything but especially the scallops and salad. We're going back soon
(5)Amy J.
Loved my dinner at Chilam Balam. I will warn you that it's a little tricky to find- I walked by it literally 4 times with my iPhone GPS in hand so confused. (It's downstairs) Oops! :) BYOB, tiny hole in the wall serving delicious, fresh Mexican food with a twist. It reminded me of somewhere you might stumble upon in NYC more than Chicago. Love the hidden, neighborhood feel to it. We were a party of 3 and decided to do all small plates to share. We had ceviche, guacamole, flautas, empanadas and hanger steak. Everything was on point! The hanger steak which was highly recommended wasn't my favorite dish out of all of them, I'd skip that one. Dessert was the highlight for me, I was ready to pass but we got the dessert empanadas filled with peanut butter and dusted with sugar on the outside...as if that wasn't enough, it comes with chocolate dipping sauce spiked with cinnamon. Um HEAVEN!!! I'll definitely be back to try more. Yum.
(4)Michael C.
Heard about this place through friends and decided to check it out after I heard that they make Margaritas if you supply the tequila! How can you not be excited about that. We called earlier in the day and were told they do not take reservations and to just show up around 6:45. We were seated within 20 minutes which was a short wait for a such a small establishment. At first the atmosphere being bumpy and cosy was enjoyable but after the first few minutes you found out it was because the waitstaff were actually trying to get you to spend as much money as possible before kicking you out in the shortest time possible. The four of us ordered several dishes off the menu and were surprised when they literally came out all at once. We had staff standing around our table waiting for us to finish our plates before dropping more down. It was a bit insulting to be treated like farm animals. Thankfully we had the tequila to help mellow us out.... until we got the bill. No where had I read online or the menu that they charge $10 for each small pitcher [4 water glasses worth] of margarita. We supplied the tequila and yet were charged such an exorbitant fee [in my opinion]. What was extra disappointing was that we hadn't even finished the pitcher we had before they were trying to force us out the door.
(2)Hallie G.
We were super lucky to get in on a Sunday night without a reservation. Within 20 minutes of us being there, the place had filled up and they were only seating at the bar. Making a reservation appears to be the best way to get in. The food was DELICIOUS. Everything had a great flavor combination. The menu changes regularly, but we tried the heirloom tomato salad, guacamole, empanadas, scallops and a couple of other things. It was mostly small plates and three large plates (one fish, one poultry, and one red meat dish.) Desserts looked yummy, but we were too full to try anything. Service was excellent. Our waiter even brought us extra chips without us having to ask. BYOB, cash only, but there was a convenient cash station at CVS next door. I'd go back. Seems like exactly the type of place you'd bring your out-of-town friends to impress them with your "off the beaten path" type of restaurant. It's quaint, food is excellent, BYOB, great service, and food like no other place. Well done, Chilam Balam!
(4)Xtina B.
I went with some girlfriends on a Friday night for dinner. The place is BYOB, but they only allow 1 bottle of wine per couple. Not only was the food FANTASTIC, but we also had the best server. The server was super sweet and helpful. He made good suggestions on what to order and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. I loved the ambiance, service and the food. I have since told all my friends that we have to go back because the menu changes so often, and I am dying to see what other things they have to offer! GO!! Things to be aware of prior to your visit: 1. It is hidden. If you are driving it may be difficult to spot because the sign is so small. 2. It is practically in a basement--so be careful because the steps were icy! 3. It is very small, so be ready to wait 45-1 hour on a weekend. We put our name down and went down the street for some drinks while we waited for them to call our cell phones. 4. It is tapas, so bring an appetite to try a little bit of everything :) 5. Bring your own red wine, because they make the Sangria for you at the table and it was delicious!
(5)The Big O.
I'm on the fence about this place. Just ate there tonight, for the first time. Hadn't heard anything about it, other than that it was new and good. More atmosphere than I'd expect for a bad location below street level. Better food than I expected. I have eaten at Adobo, Toplobampo and Frontera tons of times, and this was easily their equal. In fact, I'd say that it bested most meals I've had at Topo, which in my view is the best of Adobo, Frontera and Topo. But the small plates thing .... It was too much for too little. My entree, the Gorditas, was $14.50 and was on the smallish side, even for an appetizer. My wife's entree was similarly puny. We exited hungry. She went for ice cream down the street. Honestly, I could have eaten another dinner. So, judged on food alone, I'd give it a five--a genuine food discovery, and delicious. But at these prices, for this location, I don't think I'd eat there again. It was expensive, for what amounted to a snack. (In that regard, it's worth noting that the menu is also tiny, and that they don't provide complimentary salsa and chips. We got the guacamole (which was quite tasty), but there weren't many chips, and when we ran out and asked for more, we joked that they'd probably bring just a few ... and they did. Really, I doubt they brought eight. I think the guy who brought them literally looked at how much guac we had left, and brought us exactly how amny chips he thought we'd need to finish it off. Weird.)
(3)Laura L.
Wonderful food BYO Small, expensive portions No reservations on weekends after 6pm. No waiting area, so you end up going next door to Monsignor Murphy's but that's ok bc they let you walk your drinks over to Chilam. Seriously. They trade glasses every week. Go. Try it. But not a place you will be up for regularly.
(3)Marshall M.
WOW! I work in the restaurant biz and it takes a LOT for me to be this impressed with an establishment. However, Chilam Balam surpassed every expectation I had and left me wanting to come back to try all of the dishes that I wasn't able to taste on my first encounter. First, the atmosphere and ambiance are absolutely engulfing. The space is super small. Usually this equates to a very awkward dining experience. But this place seemed to know EXACTLY how to deal with the size just right. It was cozy, warm, and inviting and made us feel welcome and comfortable. Second, the service was great. Fast, efficient, friendly and accommodating. I'm not sure if it's a family run operation, but it sure seemed like that. Last, but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, the food was absolutely INCREDIBLE. EVERY DISH, EVERY BITE WAS PHENOMENAL!!!!! We had the empanadas, gaucamole, hanger steak (SOOOOO GOOD!!!), pork ribs (SUPER DELICIOUS), scallop ceviche, and fried veal sweet breads.....(specials, both....and the veal was AMAZING!!!!) Needless to say, this place is somewhere I will be telling EVERYONE about and you should check it out NOW!!!!!! LOVE GOING TO NEW AWESOME PLACES!!!!
(5)Jennifer C.
Read about this place in the Trib, but forgot about it until I stumbled upon it walking down Broadway. It was DELICIOUS. Sure, it's not convenient that they are a cash-only restaurant and that the space seats about 20 people. However, the food was an awesome take and update on traditional Mexican cuisine! The dishes were served as small plates, and it made for a perfect meal for two. Each dish was delicious perfection. I like that it's BYOB, and really liked the atmosphere. It was incredibly cozy - would definitely love to come back for a date night. Because of how small the space is, I would not recommend that group come here - especially a group looking for a boisterous evening. The space is much too small and intimate!
(4)Rachelle D.
I went to Chilam Balam last month and was very happy! This is a small place so it is very easy to miss. We went at the right time because we got seated right away. Ten minutes later, there was a line out the door. I like to think of this place as an upscale Mexican tapas restaurant. The butternut squash soup is amazing! The empanadas are a great spin off to authentic empanadas. I like the mushroom, cheese and chile filling. The ceviche is also really good, I like the spicy kick it has. Everything we had was very fresh and the service was great! I definitely want to go back. We actually tried going last week, but they were closed (they are closed on Tuesdays). I was very disappointed!
(4)F D.
Saw this on DDD. The food is fresh and everything was excellent. This place is EXTREMELY small and I'd advise you get a reservation before going. Although my friend and I visited over the holidays and the staff were not very nice. The hostess was snippy and our waiter was very unaccommodating. I had to send a steak dish back twice because it was medium rare and not medium well as I requested, to which the waiter replied, "If it's dry, then it's your fault!"
(4)Laura M.
I thought Chilam Balam was fantastic. At least all of the food was!! I really enjoyed the steak dishes, and our group tried the majority of the dishes on the menu which were all delicious. We also brought a bottle of tequila and they sell pitchers of limeade to make margaritas. I was a bit skeptical, but the margaritas were excellent as well. My only complaint is the place is small and there are long wait times. Loved everything else.
(4)Liliana S.
The atmosphere was friendly and cozy. We were a group of 10, all from different backgrounds, expecting to try the common Mexican tacos or quesadillas. To our surprise, the menu was very diverse, with a hint of elegance in each dish. Since we were a big group we decided to try the small tapas and share one big plate. My favourite ones were the crispy flautas and the empanadas filled with braised mushrooms.The salad was delicious, too. The big plate was some delicious white meat fish that I cannot remember the name but was just cooked to perfection. Def a place to bring a date, big parties, or for a girls night out. The service was friendly and on time to take your order and bring the food. The owner was there to greet us and tell us a little bit about the restaurant and its organic, sustainable products. I'm coming back again! * Pros: perfect size dishes, excellent service
(5)Rachael S.
I felt compelled to write a review because I looked at the menu online and I was like, goo, only 16 dishes. I am so used to like, extensive menus at tapa's places like Ba Ba Reeba that I was sort of turned off by going there. We have a resevration for 7:30 and were seated promptly. The waiter was sooo helpful in describing the dishes and how much we should order for the table. At one point we OVER ordered a dish and he cancelled it. So thoughtful! The food was amazing. We basically tried one of everything on the menu and there was nothing that wasn't well cooked, flavorful and inventive. My favorite was the prok ribs in a mole sauce and the goat. The goat was amazingly well-seasoned and tender. Our bill for 7 people was $175...came to $35 per person. Not bad at all. The staff was again, super helpful, it was a great, cozy spot. It is small, but by 9:30 it had cleared out and we had no trouble getting a table. I would definitely recommend this spot for upscale, delicious tapas. I had not complaints at all!
(5)Daniel B.
Not sure how this garden level restaurant is making such a powerful splash being so small and tucked away, but the food brings the masses. The entrees were incredible, and they strive to use local and seasoning food which is extraordinary. The chips that came with the guacamole and ceviche were a tad stale, but maybe they were supposed to be that way...? All in all, delicious food, friendly and informed service team. I recommend checking it out.
(4)Melissa G.
I would actually give this place 4.5 stars just because I didn't love EVERYTHING I had. Most of the other reviews are in line with what I have to say about the place, so this review will just add onto what I have already read. Service = fantastic. Friendly, fast, and not in-your-face. Food = awesome. Portions are a bit small, but the quality of ingredients makes up for it. By small, I mean that some of the small plates are really only suited for 2-3 people, but you can make due for a table of 4 my having teeny-tiny portions. The FLAN = mouthwatering, o-face causing, yumminess. I don't know how else to describe it. It's not traditional chilled, custard-like, vanilla-flavored-substance flan. It's more like creamy, mousse, melt-in-your-mouth, caramel-flavored richness that I've never had anything else like before. A must have for anyone that appreciates custard/pudding/mousse textures. I have this on my immediate list of places to go with friends at any time.
(5)Judy C.
I've been here a few times but probably won't be back. Not because of the food but because the experience is lacking. As you've read by now, this is a small place and it's loud. Why? Mostly because the owners want to make this more of an event by pumping the music up so loud everyone must repeatedly ask their companion/s and waiter to repeat themselves. The waiter's adamant 'no' to a request to slightly adjust the music was more aggressive than receptive. A similar response to questions about ordering individually rather than sharing dishes did not engender an award for responsive customer service. While the BYOB option is attractive, there are many outstanding restaurants with the same and less restrictive open bottle policy that are equally good or better values for food and service.
(2)Ray R.
I reviewed the website and I have an appreciation for what the owners have achieved. The locally grown produce (when possible). The service was excellent, the presentation of the food was beautiful, and the interior was cozy. Oh yea, BYOB... What I didn't like. Although the dishes were unique I found the food to be quite bland. Seriously, I could have gone elsewhere and got better overpowering food for a lot less money. When it comes to Mexican food it has to taste good because there is a lot of competition out there. This was my 3rd visit to this restaurant and I finally got seated right away. I wasn't waiting the hour an a half that you have to on the weekends. Just because I didn't like it and I refuse to pay $9.00 for two tiny empanadas again. I hope everyone in the neighborhood supports this little start up business and makes it a success. May be one day in the future when they have different items on the menu I will return.
(3)Kristin S.
The WORST service I have ever experienced at a restaurant, EVER. After reading other's reviews, I can tell that this was not just one isolated bad experience. My friends and I were amazed when, after we suggested ordering just 2 dishes to get us started, the waiter's reply was "I'd like to just take your complete order, it's not easy for me to get back to your table". Repeated rude comments concerning our need to hurry up and/or spend more money ensued throughout the entire meal. The food was good, but hardly good enough for me to want to come back given the crappy experience.
(2)James H.
My neighbors and I came here on a Monday evening and, yes, it was filled to capacity by the time we left. Fortunately we arrived early, just before 7 pm and we were seated immediately without reservations. We shared five small plates (they recommended two each but we were satisfied after the five). My favorites were both mushroom dishes, the gorditas and the empanadas. One of my neighbors is a vegetarian and the menu provides plenty of vegetarian choices. We also shared the blue marlin ceviche, crispy flautas and chunky gaucamole (spicy). All of the dishes were exquisite with delightful, usually on the spicy side, flavor. Strangely, they were out of iced tea and I am not a sangria fan so water was the drink for the evening. The ambience is a bit rustic and the space is small and noisy but the food more than makes up for these minor annoyances.
(4)Katie A.
Great tapas style eats! The sope has great textures and the sauce on the flautas has a great smokey kick. Don't miss the tres leches with butternut squash ice cream. Who would have thought it would be the yummiest ice cream ever. The staff is very friendly and we loved the music selections playing in the background. BYOB makes the meal even more complete since you can enjoy your favorite libation along side flavorful mexican fare. The restaurant is small so you might experience a wait, but worth it!
(4)Lindsay P.
This is one of my first times writing a review on Yelp, so obviously this restaurant left some sort of an impression! I took my husband here tonight for a celebratory dinner for getting a new job! We have heard such rave reviews of the restaurant and had seen it on the Food Network so we thought we had to try it out. Thankfully I got home early from work tonight so we were able to get there by 6pm after hearing that the wait can't get quite long. Right off the bat I was turned off...when we walked in the door there was only one couple sitting in the restaurant leaving the remaining 10 or so tables empty (many of them 2 and 4 tops). When they went to seat us, they place us at the table in the middle of the room. Not only was it awful, it was right next to the door and it was FREEZING! I had asked if we could move to one of the tables in the corner (a 4 top) and I was promptly told No! I understand you want to save those for larger parties, but there was not a single person waiting or walking in the door and throughout the remainder of our dinner the restaurant never filled up. Very very frustrating! On to the food. The menu looked amazing and we were very excited to try out all unique dishes. Now don't get me wrong, the food was good, but that's just it...only good. Definitely not something I would rave over! We started with the guac, which was good, I loved the added sun dried tomatoes! Next we had the Mahi Mahi Ceviche and the Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas, which were really really tasty and I highly recommend ordering. We also had the chicken flautas and the special which was some sort of pulled pork in a corn tamale. Truthfully, I think they both could have been done better. My flauta had two chicken bones in it, which is surprising since they are the size of a finger! The tamale had great flavor, but the pork was really really dry! Overall, the meal was good since I feel like it's hard to mess up Mexican, but in the end I don't think it deserves all the credit and hype that it's been receiving over the last few years. There are plenty of Mexican places through out the city that are much more authentic, tasty, and accommodating which I would recommend any day! Happy we tried it, but doubtful we will ever be back. Oh, on a positive note, it's BYOB, but also remember its CASH ONLY!
(3)Lara E.
hannah k. bland food??? chilam balam is the opposite of bland food. we were four people. tons of plates. sangria. 3 desserts. with tip and everything it was 40 a person. that's really reasonable. fennel tamale was awesome. lamb sausage with sweet potato waffle AWESOME. i am still thinking about the peanut butter empanadas. skirt steak was smokey and wonderful. roommates loved the pork loin. etc. etc. i will go back & i would eat everything that we ordered. maybe pass on the chocolate mousse. it's good not great.
(5)anna c.
Cute, cozy little place. Looks like a real dive from the outside. Tables can be much too cramped. It's never fun when you're sitting on top of a stranger at the next table over... Inventive small plates, Mexican style tapas. Yummy ceviche and guac. The corn memelas were super delish as were the tamales. Knowledgeable service with excellent recommendations. Skip the pork spare ribs and whatever dish it is with the lamb chorizo - just so-so. One of my fave things about this BYOB is that they'll make you delicious margaritas with whatever tequila you bring in.
(4)Kelly H.
Pros: food is amazing, it's BYOB, inexpensive and intimate Cons: Cash only, crowded, not great for groups Went with a group of 4 people at 6pm on a Saturday night. We knew in advance we were going to have to wait a bit, especially because they only do reservations from 5pm - 6pm on the weekends, but it wasn't a huge deal. We put our name in, went to the bar next door and had a beer before they called us saying our table was ready. The food and service were both fantastic, and among the four of us we were able to sample a large portion of the menu (and the guac twice because it was that good!) The only thing I wasn't really impressed with was the duck, which bummed me out a little because I was looking forward to it. And bringing our own wine kept the price quite reasonable. Two hours after we put our name in, we each owed $35, had a full belly and a nice buzz and walked away happy and with promises of coming back again soon. A very successful dining experience. Basically, if you prepare yourself with your own alcohol, cash and the knowledge that you will most likely wait awhile for a table, this place is a great bet. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and it's a fun change of pace and scenery from some of the usual Lakeview restaurants.
(4)Danimal F.
When you walk into Chilam Balam you are transported to a small, quaint adobe basement in the heart of Mexico. The food is outstanding, the energy vibrant, and the prices unbeatable for the quality. Service is sometimes difficult for the staff to execute because the dining room is crowded. However, the staff is friendly and as accommodating as possible. Another gem hidden right beneath your nose in Lakeview, literally.
(5)Beth W.
We were so excited to go to chilam bilam but weren't that impressed. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant (table for two) that was tightly squeezed inbetween others tables and in the path of the servers. The food was unmemorable and it was pricey even being a byob. Especially didn't like the dessert empanadas.
(3)Phil K.
Absolutely top-notch. Three of us shared six small plates. Three of the plates were merely good; the other three were outstanding (the scallops, empanadas and pork ribs.) The grilled pork ribs in particular were amazing, and I say that as a Kansas City-raised barbecue fanatic/snob. Dinner at Chilam Balam was well worth the 90-minute wait (Saturday night; put our name in at 7:15, seated at 8:45). We almost didn't stick it out, but I'm so glad we did.
(5)Bruce Alan B.
We ate here a couple of evenings ago. Food was great, 3 of the "small plates" were still enough -and left room to enjoy desert. I had the ribs - really good - she had the halibut -also A+. The space is small but funky and intimate. The service was pretty good - though they seem a little nervous having just gotten started. Three small plates and two deserts set us back $50 - which is not bad for this quality of dining experience in Lakeview. They are cash only, which I support. They are use locally produced and organic supplies - which I welcome. I would have given them 5 stars - except the staff kept having personal conversations within earshot - which is a pet peeve of mine. ps. the flan is to die for.
(4)Sonesh S.
Wow. This place is a gem - I had an unbelievable experience here, and it is definitely every bit deserving of the coveted 5 stars. Ate here with a group of 5, we were seated within 10 minutes of our group arriving (which was pretty lucky, considering the size of the place and how busy it was). As soon as we sat, we were immediately taken care of by owner's brother, who was cool, funny and knowledgeable about the menu. Our plethora of drinks were opened for us immediately, and he even took our bottle of wine and made us some sangria (it was a bit sugary for my taste, but the others liked it). We looked over the menu, and we were honestly overwhelmed. So, we let the restaurant decide, and just told them to keep bringing out whatever the house considered the best items... We had just about everything on the menu, and we were floored by just about every dish. Everything was fresh, well prepared and extremely well-cooked. I would certainly eat here again, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to eat gourmet mexican food. But hurry, because they won't be BYOB for long...
(5)Emily W.
Went here on a first date a few weeks back. We had a lovely time, really enjoy the two dishes we got - guacamole and some little corn cakes - until we were just finishing up our BYO margaritas. The server curtly asked us to close out our tab, even though there were open tables and it was obvious we were almost done. He didn't offer any apology or explanation as to why (i.e., his shift was ending, or they were expecting a large party or reservation.) The end experience left a bad taste in my mouth and I will not be going back.
(2)Patricia G.
Cozy atmosphere and food was tasty. Small plates to share with friends. I recommend the tamales or the lamb.
(4)Allyson C.
I think if I went here and had the food plus the wait I might have given it three stars. But add in BYOB, and not to mention a BYOB that will sell you margarita or sangria mix to go with your booze, and that's a solid 4 stars in my book. Granted we went on a Friday night, but the wait was long. Even once the hostess called us saying our table was ready, we still waited another 30 minutes or so. The food was really good. The fact that at this point a couple of weeks later I can't name anything I had either means the tequila BYOB thing worked too well or the food wasn't so wonderful that it was memorable. Maybe a little of both. My recommendation would be definitely try this place, on a weeknight, with no more than 3 other people, and bring a bottle of tequila.
(4)Alison T.
We went here because it is right by our apartment, and we saw the great reviews! And BYOB is always a fun option! SO disappointing! Our waiter was really nice and seemed knowledgeable, but the food was barely OK. For that price, I could think of 100 places I'd rather go.
(2)Jenna P.
Yuck! Did I eat at the same place as everyone else? I have heard rave reviews about this restaurant, and so I was completely willing to overlook the tiny crowded tables, long wait times, and the fact that it's cash only (seriously?). Chilam Balam is technically BYOB, but our waiter would not allow us to open the pre-made mojito drinks we brought. "Tequila-based drinks only." Excuse me? The food was awful, simply awful. Granted, we only tried 3 dishes, but each was worst than the last. First, we had the grilled pork ribs. Now my boyfriend is from the south, and an experienced rib-eater. But these were awful! After MUCH work, we were only able to tear tiny pieces of meat from the ribs, and the meat was filled with tiny, crunchy bones! Gross! We hardly got any food off of these $10 ribs. Next, we tried the grilled hangar steak, which was served with little tortillas. The steak was incredibly tough, nearly impossible to chew, and had a very bland flavor. When we added the steak to the tortillas, as instructed, the flavors interacted badly and made for a truly gross taste. I mean, it's freakin steak fajitas, shouldn't a Mexican restaurant be able to handle that simple dish? $12 wasted. Finally, we tried the pan-fried sweetbreads. I'm not normally a fan of sweetbreads, but our waiter literally spent 10 minutes singing their praises, saying they would change our life. Fine, I consider myself an adventurous eater and I'm willing to try anything once. They were really chewy (GROSS) and came with wasabi ice cream (yes, seriously). Really awful, and another $12 wasted on food that was literally inedible. We initially ordered those 3 dishes. About 10 minutes after our food came, our waiter appeared to ask if we would like to order more food. We said we weren't quite sure yet, had hardly finished the food we had. 10 seconds later, we had the bill at our table and were being repeatedly reminded to leave ASAP. At this point, it didn't matter, since we were dying to leave anyway and get a second, edible dinner. But seriously? Horrible food and bad service? $40 for six bites of disgusting food? I will never eat here again!
(1)Alissa B.
I went for a birthday dinner a few weeks ago and loved it! I love our diverse the menu is and we tried so many great things. The peanut butter empanadas were so delish! This place is always packed... not sure if they take resys but you should make one if they do. I will definitely be back!
(4)Elizabeth D.
A new seasonal menu monthly makes Chilam Balam a must-visit-frequently-restaurant. Every time I find a favorite, I'm forced to try something new, and while at first I feel a little slighted by the absence of the original favorite, I am immediately comforted by the warm flavors in the newest dishes. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is about this place. Simply go, ask the server what his/her favorite is, and order away. Oh, and bring a bottle of wine... or tequila
(4)JS K.
This place is delicious! It has the warmest staff who never forget a face and have impeccable suggestions for meals. They never try to force anything on you but will tailor your order specifically to your taste buds. This place is BYOB and cash only so keep in mind that you may have to wait for awhile to grab a table. Well worth it though!
(5)Sierra I.
"this is a cash only restaurant, not a CURRENCY EXCHANGE"... is what our waiter said to us after we asked him to break 2 20's so that we could give HIM his TIP. REALLY? The restaurant is super small and very tight (to the point where we had to ask the table behind us if they could move over a little so that one of us (who happens to be a very petite girl) could squeeze in her seat. (The restaurant also smells a little bit like sewers being in the basement). Our waiter seemed very nice and accomodating and I must admit that the food was pretty good. However, I don't think that the portions fit the price.... BUT, I will not be going back to this restaurant because as we were paying, the waiter got extremely rude and made the comment I mentioned above.. I'll just re-mention it because it was so shocking. "this is a cash only restaurant, not a CURRENCY EXCHANGE"... In addition, we were talking, finishing our wine at 9:40 p.m. when one of the bus boys came up and told us that he was going to have to "take away our water glasses".. when one of our friends was clearly still drinking it. They were pushing us out of the restaurant at 9:40 p.m. AGAIN, REALLY? So, Chilam Balam get's 2 stars and I certainly won't be going back when there are so many restaurants in Chicago that deserve and earn my business.
(2)Mandy B.
im shocked to see poor reviews. the food was excellent, i would come back any time. the pricing seemed average for any "small plate" restaurant. the space is very small and the place was packed when i was there so it was a little too crowded for my preference. this is not Mexican food you should expect to find in pilsen (and pilsen is great) its different, and its delicious.
(4)Nicole H.
i had high expectations for this place. i love love love mexican food - it's my favorite. so when i read about this place upon the suggestion of a friend, i was so excited to try it - an organic mexican place that is a byob - sounds fantastic! so, three of my girlfriends and i decided to give it a try. i do have to say, the food is fantastic - thus my reason for giving 2 stars. however, the tasty food couldn't make up for the horrible service. our reservation was for 8:30 and by 9:30 they were turning of the fans (which had to be done by standing on a booth seat right next to our table - tacky), stacking chairs and trying to obviously push us out the door. the server asked if we wanted dessert - we declined, but i asked if i could have a cup of coffee. the server said, "no, sorry, the kitchen is closed." really? 'cause you just asked if we wanted dessert.... anyway, despite the food being delicious and despite the meal being relatively cheap - b/c it's a byob - i probably will not try it again. there are too many good restaurants in the city to have to deal with the poor service.
(2)maureen f.
we had a wonderful dining experience. if i lived in the neighborhood i would come here every day. we were visiting friends in the area and came here on their recommendation. omg!! we were not disappointed. with so many choices we left the ordering up to soraya the owner. every plate was a delicious surprise. small plates. guacamole,serviche, meats,fish,salads,all beautiful presentation and rocking with flavor.sooooo good. byob. check it out.you wont be disappointed.
(5)Samantha M.
So I am giving Chilam Balam one star but that is not based on the food. That is based on the fact that I NEVER got to eat their food. I arrived on Saturday night with 3 friends and the understanding that we would need to wait a bit and that was totally cool. It was 7:15 when we arrived and put our name in for a table. At that time we were told it would be about and hour wait. No biggie. We go to a bar down the street to wait it out. At 8:45 we still haven't gotten a call that our table is ready so we head back to Chilam. The hostess now tells us that there are still two 4 tops in front of us. I tell her that's fine but we will just wait here. She then tells me that we can't wait in the restaurant. The place is tiny but there is room in the back and other people were waiting there so that seemed outrageous so we went to the back to wait. There we talked to fellow diners who said that actually had been called that their table is ready but still had been waiting for 30 more minutes and not seated. We were standing against the wall out of the way but continued to get yelled at by staff that we were in the way and would have to leave the restaurant. The couple who had been called were also yelled at. Finally at 9:15 we decide to leave and eat down the street. I never did get that call that our table was ready. I understand that they were busy but that was totally ridiculous and the fact that I never did get a call is a horrible way to run a business. I won't be back.
(1)Sara B.
Food is decent but kind of pricey for the amount you get. The food comes out pretty quickly because they want you to eat and leave. So if you want a place to take your time and enjoy your food and wine this is not the place to be. They were more worried about those waiting then the ones actually ordering and eating.
(3)Mary Jo M.
Went as a recent birthday celebration with a party of 6- they do not take reservations on the weekends, but the wait at 7 was about 40 min, which isn't too bad. We had a beer at the place next door and were called when our table was ready. We let the waiter order dishes for us, so we really got to try everything. The soft shell crab was to die for, and the fish tacos (which I couldn't even find on the menu) were my two favorites. My entire party said to pass on the flank steak but that the short ribs where to die for (I don't eat red meat). The ingredients are fresh and when at all possible local which I appluad. BYOB and peanut butter empanada for desert? Yes please, I'll be back!!
(4)Jennifer N.
Four of us went back on a Thursday night recently, and I was able to make a reservation! We ordered everything on the menu except maybe 2 dishes-- all of it great. All empanadas in every form (mushroom, and the dessert peanut butter!) are delicious!! I was in love with all of the desserts except the donut, which was really just a warm donut hole with sprinkles. At least it was chocolate :) Again, simply love this place.
(5)Sarah V.
My best friend was returning to Chicago for a visit after her move to Boulder. We were looking for a new tapas place to try and I turned to Yelp to make our selection. We chose this place for it's organic menu, location and the fact that it is BYOB. The food and ambiance are actually quite nice, but the staff's obvious obsession with turning over tables at record pace totally ruined our entire experience. This place doesn't take reservations after 6 p.m. (which is bizarre). We arrived at 7 p.m. and they offered to take my cell phone number once we arrived and told us we could go to the dive bar next door until our table was ready. This was fine with us. Chilam Balam called us within 45 minutes and I ushered my group of 9 girls next door to be seated. RED FLAG - there was no table ready. The staff was trying to rush another group out of their table so we could sit there, but the patrons weren't having it - understandable! So, we went back outside to wait on the street for an additional 15 minutes or so. When we were finally called back in, our group of nine was squeezed into a table for 6. We voiced some concern, but our words apparently fell upon deaf ears. This was not an overweight clan either - in fact, most of the group was rather waif-like. Regardless, we were bumping elbows throughout the entire meal. I have been to MANY tapas places and typically when you order a bunch of items they stagger the delivery, so that the experience is a leisurely one. Not here! With 9 people at our table we ordered probably 25 dishes to start and they all came out simultaneously making our table even more crowded. The second each of our mini portions were finished, the plates were swiped away by a waiter who must have been hiding underneath our table based on the speed with which he appeared. I must also note that we came armed with 4 bottles of wine, but were only able to drink the 2 that we had the staff open upon arrival. This place has a rule (that we were never advised of) that if you want to open another bottle of wine you have to order another dish per person. Considering we ordered everything at the beginning, we did not want to order anymore food. We were kind of annoyed by the fact that the waiter did not make us aware of this when we were ordering, so that we could order in waves. When we tried to explain our situation we were actually told rather rudely, "This is a restaurant, not a bar." It was absurd. We were never planning to sit there for hours boozing it up without ordering any food; We only wanted to have some wine with the food that we were still consuming. Not allowed here. It was very evident the entire time that they just wanted to turn over tables and get the next people in asap. To me there is nothing worse than feeling rushed and our group of 9 was in and out of this place in less than one hour - and not by our own doing! The only way this place might be okay is if you go as a party of two and your table isn't in high demand.
(2)Alex V.
Chilam Balam is a winner. Anywhere that serves huitlacoche and is BYOB wins top points in my book. The only reason I'm giving Chilam 4 stars are the nondescript appetizers, or small plates. We had the empanadas and the memelas, which tasted exactly the same. The only small plates we liked were the seasonal specials - grilled shrimp, and enchiladas with huitlacoche. Also, they didn't have hot chocolate when we visited. For the larger plates, we had the trout baked in a banana leaf, again a seasonal item. AMAZING. We had to get a second one! Dessert was also delicious. The hibiscus flan was a light, fruity take on the usual flan, whereas the chocolate chile mousse was decadent. The service was great and attentive, even though every table was full. I would go back in an instant!
(4)Katie C.
So here are the deets.. -Party of 4 on a Saturday night -Walked in at 7:45PM -2 hour wait, but took our phone number to call us when ready -We waited next door at Monsignor Murphys -Had 5 buckets of popcorn -Got seated at 10:15PM (ended up being a 2+ hr wait) -We were the last table seated for the night -Food was OK I loved the duck with mole sauce but hated the hangar steak (WAY too much char), liked the guac (chunky and limey) and blue marlin ceviche (lots of lime), but hated the scallops in the tomato sauce Peanut butter empanadas for dessert were pretty tasty. -My real beef was with the staff who rudely rushed us out of there. We waited 2+ hours for our table and when we asked them to open our second bottle of wine they said, "you're not going to be the table who keeps us here all night, are you?" And when we asked to order dessert they informed us "the kitchen closes at 11, but we MIGHT be able to make an exception." The hostess had her coat on and her purse in her lap right at 11 and kept giving us the hairy eyeball. Seriously people, then don't seat us at 10:30pm? Meh. I've experienced better.
(2)Ryan K.
Pretty tight quarters in East Lakeview. I was really excited to dine here. At the very least I knew it couldn't be worse than Cesar's. I'd been more liberal with the stars if there was something I absolutely had to go back for. But I live 3 blocks away. There are a dozen of equivalent to better options in that span. All the dishes (small plates) are decently inventive and delicious. Pretty small portions overall. Certainly not a pigout place. Half the menu is monthly/seasonal specials. They will really push this on you. Good business plan really....probably ensures that many regulars will visit 12 times a year to try the new stuff that won't be around soon. I bet if I studied the menu closer, the new stuff had a pretty similar ingredient list to the regular menu. They did have hibiscus flan. And we got some pina colada sorbet. Both were the shit. Tips: - It is BYOB. It seemed pretty kosher to bring a bottle to tequila. If that is your thing. - Not a lot of seats. And they don't take reservations on Friday and Saturday. Not a big deal because you can wait in Monsignor Murphy's next door. But they didn't do a very good job of estimating our wait. The 20 minutes turned into 70 minutes. - Cash only. Brutal. I could see if you were an establishment with high customer turnover. Or had menu choices that were cheaply priced. Or weren't situated in the middle of an aggressive yuppie neighborhood. But this place has none of these attributes. Why would I want to carry a few hundred dollars around? I'm eating empanadas, not buying an eightball.....
(3)Josh B.
Great spot. The menu constantly turns over but I've enjoyed almost everything I've tried here. There is always a wait and I wish they would take reservations, but going around the corner to grab a beer at a local bar while waiting isn't all that bad.
(5)Jill S.
Was very excited to try this place and so glad I finally made it. Went early on a Tuesday night and it filled up QUICKLY! So keep that in mind... Don't hate the small size either - it's comfortable. The menu changes with the seasons, so I'll just tell you that everything we tried was delicious. Honestly, just so good. And byob with a CVS next door, so that's convenient... GO!
(5)Cassie B.
great small plates, BYOB spot. Although the 2 of us were seated right away at 8:15 on a Thursday, the tiny place was crowded and we would have had a long wait if there were more of us. The service left a bit to be desired. We waited too long to get water, have our wine opened, get glasses, etc. - then while our menus were still in front of us, the hostess came over and said, "have you ordered yet?" - huh? However, the menu had so many great-looking items I had difficulty deciding. They recommended we get at least 2 items per person, so we got flank steak, tamal azteca, ceviche, and masa memalas. Each dish had nice complex flavors and was good-sized, as far as small plates go. Got the peanut butter empanadas for dessert, which came with a jelly and a chocolate sauce and were very tasty. Just had regular wine, but they'll make your wine into a sangria or your tequila into a margarita if you want. Spot is cozy - cute decor, pillows, etc. Four dishes and a dessert were $60. Love it, can't wait to go back and try more of the dishes.
(4)Jesse C.
First visit 4 stars. Second visit 3 stars. An noticeable increase in salt on all dishes pushed me away from wanting to wait 2 hours a third time. Highlight: sweetbreads
(3)Alysha P.
Bf and I have been DYING to try this place for about ever.....we finally got our wish....and we were not disappointed!!! First things first.....byob, cash only, no rezzies on Friday and Saturday past 6pm.....and the place is tiny so plan accordingly. We strolled in at about 10pm on a Saturday thinking we'd be able to snag a table that was just finishing up.....no such luck....we took 2 cramped seats at the bar, ordered and about 2 bites into our salad noticed a table that had opened up.....we asked to moved and our server/host/genie granted our wish....yay!! The food was everything that we had hoped for and more.....seriously, some of the bestest, freshest mexi eats around! We got: Young greens w/ roasted poblano dressing, avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, jicama, orange and red onion: Simple and light.....but with beautiful flavors....perf start for a meal. Corn Masa Memelas w/ smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens: The corn masa was fantastic....loved the smokiness and depth of the goat cheese with the freshness of the greens....yum-a-rific! Grilled Skatewing w/ pineapple jam and other things I can't remember :) : I was initially worried that this dish would be too sweet for me.....so they brought the pineapple business on the side.....I tried it all together.....there was a hit of heat in the jam which totally made it work for me.....skatewing was light and cooked perfectly....great dish!! Ribeye w/ blue cheese grits: OMG....this was by far my and my bf's fav dish of the night....meat was juicy and melt in your mouth fatty-tastic....coupled with the creamy cheesy goodness of the grits.....food-gasm!! At one point I tried to tell my bf how much I was loving this dish.....he told me he was sorry but he couldn't hear me over the meat :) Service was super friendly....they came and went at all the right times without interrupting the flow of our meal.....wine and waters always refilled.....love it! I also loved the charming little space.....colorful and comfy....and to top it all off....they were playing some great tunes...all the indie hits plus some great mexi Michael Jackson covers. Perf spot for a date or dinner with a group......we had such a fab meal I honestly can't wait to go back..... Overall....excellent....Mex-tastic meal!
(5)Lauren F.
Im surprised this place has gotten so many good reviews, I was totally underwhelmed. First of all, I did not like the crampness of the space. I really felt like I was in someones basement and the kitchen smells were very pungent due to lack of ventilation; it even got smoky at one point. Plus, cash only for a restaurant that has $22 entrees seems a little ridiculous to me. On a positive note we had a very nice waiter. Anywho, I could have overlooked all of that if the food was amazing but it was not at all. The guac was the best thing I ate, and really, how hard is it to mess that up? We sent back the marlin ceviche because it was too fishy. The pork belly carnitas tacos were ok, but I didnt like the fatty pieces. The queso fundido was pretty yummy and filling unlike the rest of the dishes. Portions were very small for 3 people, I think the place is optimal for 2. For dessert we got the peanut butter empanadas with the chocolate dipping sauce which were okay, not good/bad and the chili mousse with goat cheese. The chocolate mousse iteself was good, but the goat cheese additions was odd and the orange marshmallow sauce was gross. i wont be returning. Some cusines should not be messed with or tried to make trendy and I think Mexican is one of them. If you want a Mexican meal thats a bit out of the ordinary Id go to one of Rick Bayless' restaurants instead.
(2)Borracho G.
No reservations accepted, no credit cards, no big plates, no bar, and just no room. That's too many No's for me to go up to a 4 star review. Our party included 8 people, so we waited an hour and a half in's Monsieur Murphy's which at one point seem to turn into the Chilam Balam wait room. Everyone walking into Murphy's had their BYOB bags of wine and six packs. I will give Chilam Balam one thing, the owner assured us that they would seat us at a very specific time and they did, right down to the seconds. The food was good but I was hoping for amazing based on the reviews and how much of an effort it was to get a seat. I really wish this place was bigger and had a bar. Overall nothing stood out to make me want to deal with all the No's again. One more thing you need to know, avoid ordering the pork belly unless you enjoy a slab of fat gristle with a hint of pork.
(3)Patrick U.
Incredible food and fantastic staff. You might have to wait but you'll be rewarded for it.
(5)Erin B.
BYOB Amazingness!! All of their specials are great... the pork ribs were awesome. Be prepared to wait at least an hour (they dont take reservations on the weekends), but there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood to wait until they call you to tell you they are ready ot seat you. I'm already thinking about the next time I go there! You HAVE to get the peanut butter empanadas for dessert. LVOE this place.
(5)Jeff K.
I have been back multiple times and my experience has always been stellar. The food is amazing - fresh flavorful with interesting preparation. Explore the menu and sample a variety of dishes. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Tina M.
I came here around 9PM on a Friday and was surprised to see very few people there. Not that I'm complaining-the restaurant is pretty small and I'm sure when it gets crowded it gets loud. I love the quirky decor and the cute menus. Service was very friendly. The food is not your typical Mexican fare-you won't find any tacos or burritos here! What you will find are Tapas style dishes that taste healthy and delicious. Thinking about the black bean and corn memelas and the vegetarian tamales makes my mouth fill with saliva. The chunky guacamole with chips was also very tasty. However the prices did seem a bit high given how small the portions were. You def need to order at least 3 dishes per person to fill up. I loved it and can't wait to go back.
(4)Tricia M.
Don't believe the hype! Food is pretty good...by no means extraordinary. Not at all worth the 1.5 hr. wait with the snobby host. Then you finally get seated and the pretentious Danny might be you server. We asked for extra chips. Danny scoffed & dropped them on our table from a cocktail napkin in disgust. Another waitress - not our server, keep in mind - reminded us how many other people were waiting for a table. Our server ungraciously told us we could only hang on to 1 menu...totally fine but say it nicely, please. Plates will be cleared whether you're really done or not. The peanut butter empanadas are pretty gross. Put bread w peanut butter in your microwave & voila.... Our city has a plethora of delcious Mexican food. Don't waste your time trying to get a bite here. Saturday nights are too far & few between.
(1)Carolyn H.
This place is AWFUL!! Talk about RUDE and RIDICULOUS RULES!! I came there with about 8 girlfriends for my bday. First of all, this place is so tiny. They said it would be a little wait which is totally fine, however they made us wait outside. So we went to the bar upstairs, no big deal! When we came back down, 2 of my friends went to go get cash because it is a CASH only bar. When we got inside, the waiter was incredibly rude and told us they could not sit us because our entire party was not there. Unbelievable! Finally when we did sit down, they sat us in the corner practically sitting on top of each other. Each of us brought a bottle of wine. They had told us that we could only have 1 bottles per 2 people (totally fine). They then asked us if we had any extra wine we snuck in? REALLY? Its our wine! And who says how much we can and cant drink. The waiter explained that the only way they would open bottles was if we ordered food.. The more food we ordered, the more bottles they would open up and that if we did not like it then we could leave. They would not open the wine until we ordered food and kept ordering food. At this point, my friends and I were so pissed that we actually did get up and leave. I could not believe the audacity of the staff. NEVER GO HERE!!! We were prepared to spend alot of money and they unfortunately lost out on alot of money. So we went down the street to a yummy Thai restaurant that let us drink what we wanted, when we wanted, with no corkage fee! I can't believe this place is still in business.
(1)Rob L.
Just like Gregory L, I was there the first night with my girlfriend. We had a great time, not only was the dinner wonderful, the service was over the top friendly. This is where the sadness creeps in. Kids. This place will be busy. Not in a few months, like yesterday. Its small, its cozy, the place is wonderfully decorated, bright and festive with dark exposed brick, splashes of yellow and red. It is small though. I did try and make a reservation, when I tried last week, they weren't taking them, so be aware there may be some lines and waits the later you come. I came in here last night when there was no lines, when it was early on. 6pmish. I snagged a two top, the owner, who was the host, was smiling and friendly, happy to have us there and excited for their first night. They did have some problems, but they were minor in the end. Like so minor they were microscopic. The menus were adorable and unique. Done in small little books, wonderfully decorated, with their small menus in side. No pages of items, but every one we tried was great. Strike that. Jaw droppingly awesome. Like I will gently stab you with my fork if you try and go for that final piece good. We tried about seven different small plates, there was about twelve to fourteen in all and didn't get to try the dessert or the large plates.. well because we were stuffed. Let's go to the tale of the tape, shall we? By far, the best was the corn masa, (I have no idea what they are called, masalasas? first of the small plates). Soft, but slightly crunchy corn masa boats filled with refried black beans, micro greens, crumbly cheese, a delicious red sauce... my God I want four of them right now. The guacamole was good, but as I told the server, wasn't spicy like we asked for. However, the printer in the back was having issues and it being the first day, I am not complaining. Its not like I left a spot on the dish. The halibut ceviche grew on me. At first it was a strong fish that overwhelmed the other flavors of the dish, but as I ate it, the flavors balanced, melted in to each other and it just got better. The salad of spring mix, avocado and citrus dressing, toasted pumpkin seeds was refreshing, bright, light and certainly flavorful. Top three of the night. The hanger steak with potatoes, guarillo sauce, (oh my freakin' word, Rick would be proud of that one!), and fried crunchy onion on top with fresh tortillas on the side was a winner winner steak dinner. The steak was done to a perfect medium rare and was flavorful and savory deliciousness. The empanadas with their two cheeses was crispy with just a little flakey crust and cooked just right to secretly hide the epazote and corn in the middle. The quesadillas although a little difficult to eat with all the chiles, the epazote and roasted corn, was fine with a knife and fork. Expect some influence from Frontera, from creativity and a little help from angels, because many of these creative dishes were a little slice of heaven. Congratulations to the owners, to Chef Chuy and to the very friendly and warm staff. I foresee some very good and fortunate times ahead, hopefully I can still get squeezed in a spot for dinner some time in the future!
(4)Darlene L.
This is my favorite casual Mexican restaurant. Bring a very good wine to enjoy with this sophisticated Mexican fare. I was able to make a reservation for 6:30 for three on a recent Thursday. We were seated immediately and began to enjoy Dumol syrah which was a most suitable pairing for creamy guacamole, tasty memalas, fresh green salad, enchilada, dayboat fish which was mahi (yum), and their fabulous tamales. Service was smooth as silk and everything was timed beautifully.Don't walk, run to this outstanding restaurant.
(5)R G.
This was by far the worst dining experience I have ever had. If i wasn't in GREAT company, I would have left the second our waiter sat us down and refused to give us more time to look over the menu. They advertise as BYOB, but don't be fooled because when I tried to ask for only my SECOND beer (the first beer I received while still waiting for our table, mind you) rather than explaining their "rules" our waiter opened up to a page of the menu and handed it to our friend before rudely walking away. The menu stated that you can only drink 750 ml per $25 ordered. Fine, that's very reasonable, but the manner in which it was explained was so awful. Oh and don't worry, we had already ordered 7 plates of food between the four of us. So clearly their math skills are about as good as the service. And speaking of the food, I was not impressed in the least. Don't plan to come here if you are actually hungry because those first 7 plates of food that we ordered, I could have eaten myself. But wait, aside from the bad services and less than par food, the icing on the cake was definitely after we left. After tipping our waiter way more than he deserved and leaving, i looked back into the restaurant through the window to actually see the waiter give us the middle finger!!! i apologize for going there with a group of 4 people who hadn't seen each other in months and for being excited to have dinner and drinks with one another. But we were not rude, and we were not causing a scene, so whatever warranted the middle finger is beyond me!!! Like I said, the worst dining experience i have ever had, and i will never recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Sean F.
Extremely fresh and tasty food! Went there and tried 4 different dishes...lamb tips (outstanding), pork ribs (2nd best), flank steak, and the cobia fish. The flank steak was rare so request your preference. I will definitely be returning and look forward to continuing to try new dishes as the menu changes every few months. Oh yeah byob too which is always awesome! Now get up and check this gem out.
(4)Rachel O.
I heard great things before I set foot in the place and I was absolutely not disappointed. The food was spectacular, the sangria amazing. You need a reservation for sure. Its a small tight space but totally worth the slightly uncomfortability that brings. Overall its a great atmosphere and ambience. The menu changes contsantly keeping you coming back to see what they have come up with this time.
(5)aileen b.
i don't think i can add much to the extensive reviews before me, but wanted to add in my five stars to this fantastic place. i highly enjoyed the roasted garlic soup (in fact i may come back and just have that for a light meal) and the blue marlin ceviche. also, i rarely order dessert but my dinner companion really wanted to try the peanut butter empanadas...and oh my, they are ridiculously good. it's like eating a warm reese's cup dusted in cinnamon and sugar.
(5)Crystal C.
I've been to chilam balam 4 times since they've opened and each time they drop one star. I've recommended this place and taken out of town guests, but I'm no longer impressed. 1. hostess skipped over us and once we waited 45 minutes i checked in to discover about 5 tables had been seated before us and we had to wait another 30 minutes. No apology, no acknowledgement. 2. the food was just okay. 3. BOTH of the two restrooms were trashed and unusable. one had a plastic bag over the toilet and the other had the a plastic bag halfway on the toilet and you don't even want to know what else. We had to go next door to a bar to use the restroom. Inexcusable for a place that charges $12 for two mushroom empanadas. It was worse than the worst dive bar restroom. 3. My group of four finished one bottle of wine were on our second bottle when our waiter tried to rush us out by offering to "cork our wine so we could leave." ummm, we just waited over an hour for this table. Sorry, I think your best days are behind you.
(2)S K.
When you open the door to Chilam Balam, you come face to face with a table that does not belong in the path of the front door - I felt like I was the waiter ready to take the tables order - the one room space is maybe 800 square feet of which 900 are tables. Once seated, the three of us were crammed in the corner with the servers constantly bumping into the back of my chair. I was surprised when the waiter explained that the menu items were Tapas style dishes. And I was more surprised to find Ravioli as one of the menu items - Ravioli in a Mexican Cocina? It was our best dish - the pumpkinseed cream sauce was very good. Our first choice was the Chunky Guac with tostados for $7.25. The chips (not tostados (I say that because I am from Arizona)) should have been warm, instead they were cold and was not enough for one person let alone three - the quac was good, very fresh and chunky. Amazingly, they only have one choice for a salsa - a very hot Habanero sauce that was pretty good (if you put the right amount on your chip or dish). The grilled flank steak was a little tough with very little flavor - the dish was in a tomato based sauce which was not very tasty as well. Again, a very small portion - $13.95. The smoked grilled loin with chorizo was so so - the Pork was ok - it was cut very thin which took a lot of the smoke flavor away - I never tasted the Chorizo - $14.75 for a very small portion. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant. We brought our own beer which they were happy to open and keep cold for us (no coolers allowed). Our bill for three with tip - $93.00??!! I was still hungry and had enough of the crowd - don't think I will be going back any time soon. SK
(2)Ruth G.
I thought the food here is definitely above average. I would return since I'm still thinking about the delicious pork loin, empanadas, and out-of-this-world cajeta cheesecake. I would need to return & try other items in order to give this a more solid review, since the duck in mole was good, but not a winner... the duck had no flavor, but the mole was outstanding.
(4)Elizabeth E.
I hate to write this review, because the waits can already be crazy long, but this restaurant always delivers a fabulous dining experience. A small, BYOB cash only basement restaurant. Sounds pretty perfect to me. Add to that the amazing pork ribs, chicken thigh flautas and guacamole, and the restaurant is perfection.
(5)Kate H.
Oh, hype. I'm giving Chilam Balam three stars, because I believe this restaurant could be better than the two stars I'm inclined to give it, and I'm also willing to try it again. That alone is worth the extra star. That said, I was excited to eat here and extremely let down. We went on a Saturday night and were a group of three, including a friend from out of town. We had tickets for a 10:00pm show nearby (The Blue Man Group -- yes, very touristy!). We knew Chilam Balam didn't take reservations, but the restaurant's close proximity to the theater meant that we hoped 2.5 hours would be enough time to wait for a table, eat and make the show. Much of my disappoint is in this -- it was simply not enough time. So, at 7:30pm, we put in our name and were told we had an hour wait. This seemed reasonable, so we grabbed a drink at a bar upstairs. But we kept noticing people who were clearly going to Chilam Balam coming into the bar, having a drink, and then heading downstairs to eat their dinner. So when we finally hit the one-hour mark, I ventured downstairs to ask how much longer it would be. The hostess rolled her eyes at me and said it'd be soon. She even pointed to the table we were waiting on to leave. I returned to my party upstairs. At 8:45, I decided to inquire again. I was told that the table still hadn't left, but we could wait by the bar, so we did. Of course, the reason we were waiting upstairs in another establishment in the first place is because there just isn't enough room to wait inside Chilam Balam, so this added an extra annoyance to the mix -- we were in the way of every server passing by. By 9:00, the manager came and spoke with us. If my friend from out of town hadn't been with us, I would've left at this point, but I had wanted to treat him to a nice dinner and knew that by this point, we were out of nearby options that would be available at that late hour. I left the restaurant at this time and picked up our tickets at the theater, hoping to save a few minutes. When I returned, they had seated my party, who quickly ordered appetizers and I felt rushed to order my entree so I randomly picked one. The appetizers were the empanadas everyone raves about, but they came with guacamole on them. This was not listed on the menu, and I am allergic, so it was, needless to say, disappointing. We were also told these were the last in the restaurant. Our entrees were good but small and we ate them as quickly as we could. My out-of-town guest wanted dessert but was told that was also gone (which was good, in a sense, because we just didn't have time for that either). We basically scarfed down a meal that cost about $40 per person (and this does not include drinks, because Chilam Balam is a BYOB). The waiters were much more polite than the hostess, so I don't even think Chilam Balam has a problem with service. The food was also good, if small. But I would never try to eat here again when I have somewhere else to be within four hours of arriving. There's just no telling how long it'll take, and if you aren't prepared to have a leisurely meal, don't come. I honestly thought 2.5 hours was enough time to accommodate for the wait and eating, but the wait was nearly two hours, leaving somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes to eat. What an utter disappointment.
(3)stan j.
It's like kids opened a restaurant to mess with yuppies. Totally fake, a little insulting, but ok if you drink a lot because they played jamiroquai.
(2)Indigo C.
Great food - super fresh and yummy! The menu changes seasonally - which my boyfriend and I love. I have eaten at super fancy places and 9 times out of 10, would rather eat here. Great date spot, byob and cash only.
(5)Clay K.
I've been wanting to try this place since seeing it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As others have noted, cash only and BYOB. We brought in a small bottle of Patron and the waiter quickly transformed it into a pitcher of margaritas. The menu is color coded. Items in black are regular dishes and items in red (which outnumber black items) are variable items. We had three dishes here. The first was a Mahi Mahi ceviche. It was delicious, bright, spicy with a citrus punch. A really delicious way to start off. We also had the guacamole. It was good, but about what you've had other places. We then had short ribs in a sauce that our waiter insisted was not a mole but it had the flavor and texture of a mole. It was delicious. This place is out of the way, a good 15 minute cab ride from downtown and it is tiny. We came in rather late (they had to ask us to leave) and we encountered no wait. If you like small dives with outstanding, adventurous, flavorful food you'll love Chilam. We had a great time and will definitely try to return.
(4)Elise K.
Despite being hard to get a table outside in the summer (they come in high demand), I am willing to wait to sit outside as that is part of the experience. If you bring wine (yes, its BYOB), they'll offer to make it into a Sangria for you - so yes, if you want to partake in the Sangria, no need to buy that expensive wine :) The most memorable part of the meal for me was the beet and goat cheese salad. I normally hate beets and have been training myself to like them, but something about this was amazing. It had a citrus pop like the beets were coming alive with carbonation... fantastic. We also had a very well prepare Ceviche. We enjoyed a cherry-pie like desert that was served with an amazing type of chocolate (started with an X) ice cream. Service was good and our water was never empty. Will I be going back? ABSOLUTELY!!!
(4)Adam K.
I totes forgot to rate this place on here, so I'm long overdue! I frequent this neighborhood gem in my area frequently, like once a month. I love the tapas style Mexican dishes here. I always walk away full. It's a triple D place (featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) and I always love Chef Guy Fieri's recommendations, since he definitely has some skin in the game to prove it. I love this place because it's BYOB and they have yummy dishes like chunky guacamole, mahi mahi ceviche, shiitake mushroom empanadas, grilled flank steak and the scrumptious pork milanesa. Since it's a BYOB, bring your own cheap red wine and mix it with a pitcher of their virgin sangria. Get there early though, this place fills up quick and they don't take resos. CASH ONLY -- I hate that, but it is what it is...
(4)Dan K.
Second visit highly disappointing. Food was decent, service was terrible. Don't count on a reservation meaning anything, as we ended up waiting a half hour and instructed to stand awkwardly in the tight space between the bar and the bathrooms/kitchen door.
(2)Ankit M.
I've heard a lot of negativity about this place and I thought I would check it out for myself. Pretty mediocre service, food, and very high BYOB prices. Also, I'm not a fan when people take cash only. I understand credit cards cost businesses more money but this is the cost of doing business in Chicago. Get with it.
(2)Johnny B.
If you don't mind rude service staff, rules (1 bottle of wine for 2 people..limited table time, etc), cash only, and paying too much fun too little food, then by all means check this place out. Zero ambiance, unless you like dingy, dated and dirty looking basements. The food pretty good, but rushed service, silly rules, and poor attitude do nothing for me. Too many good friendly mexican restaurants in town to waste my money here.
(2)Teresa B.
Loooove Chilam Balam. The menu is incredible and has several dishes that are rotated (monthly?). This place really is a hidden gem, and one of my favorite spots in Chicago. Show up early (or be prepared to wait) and bring cash.
(5)Adrienne B.
What a little hidden gem I found! Everything on the menu was fabulous! They change their menu monthly I believe, which spices this place up! We brought a bottle of wine and turned it into sangria! It cost $11 to do so.. Which is a little pricey so that's why we brought a cheaper bottle of wine. To start we had the mahi mahi ceviche which was mouthwatering! I highly recommend this dish! My other dishes I recommend is the grilled duck breast with potato bravas. I also enjoyed the octopus but it was a little spicey! We also had the flank steak which was ok! It's a small little place, but very intimate! A big downfall is that it's cash only! Wish they took credit cards!
(4)Laura F.
The food doesn't warrant all the inconveniences to the customer. Mediocre service. One bottle of wine/2 people. Cash only. Cannot be seated until your whole party arrives.Rushed through the meal. Asked to clear the table before our plates and glasses were emptied. Well what if I have a party of 8 and a dinner reservation and 7 out of 8 had arrived? And the 8th got there 15 minutes late by which point our table had already been given away? So we stood around 30 minutes more and tried furiously to find another restaurant in the area to go to instead. You should have just seated us. What a mistake to come to this place for any significant occasion. They do not care much for diners who wish to socialize and occupy table space a moment longer than absolutely necessary. Sort of like fast food in that regard. Too bad they are about 70x more expensive than fast food but they still run the place like a McDonalds. Seriously, this restaurant just makes my blood pressure rise. Above average mexican food doesn't cancel out the horrific customer experience. You've got to imagine the owner of the Chilam Balam restaurants is an absolute control freak. PASS. So many other, more deserving restaurants to support with your wallet. Tastier, too. I roll with very sweet, gracious, polite ladies. If we come to your establishment and run up a 200+ dollar check, tip well. Aren't obnoxious. And don't monopolize your table for hours.... Its absolute BULL to treat us that way.
(1)Ilana O.
Is it true? Have I never written a review for one of my favorite places in the whole city of Chicago? How can that be? I've been here almost a dozen times. Which means, it's time. The place: It was on drives in, diners and dives years ago, but it's not really a dive. Sure, you have to go down a few stairs to get there. It's small. Seats maybe 25. Maybe 5 or 6 at the bar. BYOB. A solid sangria that you can add your own wine too. To me, something about it feels familiar, and not only because I've been there a dozen times. The taste: The menu changes monthly, but a few items remain the same. Still, it's exciting. Even though I haven't been in maybe a year, a few dishes still stick out in my mind as being awesome. Once, there was this white bean gazpacho with red grapes in it. And this other time there were these fried apple rice ball things....we ordered them again, because with the first order, came 3 balls, and we each needed more than one. Bite after bite has always been delightful. I look forward to going back and trying something new. Hopefully soon. My face: Cash only, but I come prepared. If you do it right/well/ when I've done it, I'm usually set back about $70 for a couple. And service has always been great, so we do our best to let them know in the tip. If only they took reservations, but I kind of understand why they don't. And it's been worth the hour wait when we've done it.
(4)Adam D.
I'd go five stars based on the taste of the food alone, but there are two other components that I'm not crazy about: price and quantity. As in big price and small quantity. And I get that it's a small plate theme. That's fine. But these portions are straight TINY. I was there with two female buds of mine so it's not like I brought in the Chicago Bears offensive line. We're not eating like we're trying to make weight for the state meet here. It's just a little small. The quality makes up for the size, though; and you can save money by bringing in beer. We went with bbq cauliflower tacos, grilled pork ribs, sopes and the guacamole. I first have to comment on the guac, since I think it's the best I've ever had. Absolutely creamy, tangy and delicious. And free tostadas to boot! I did not sample the sopes because my companions destroyed it before I got the chance, but the ribs and tacos were delicious. I'd highly recommend visiting this place, and I will be back.
(4)Adi M.
Good atmosphere in a small, below street-level BYOB restaurant. Great food, with small plates, and small menu - not your "typical" Mexican cafe fare, and a little pricey. Good service. Will be back.
(5)Heather I.
Despite the delicious food, the service was enough to keep me from ever going back. A group of 4 of us wanted to get a light bite before a comedy show so we grabbed a 6 pack and tried this place. The manager actually told us we had to order a minimum of 2 dishes per person, an he said "we don't make a living by watching you people sit and drink beer." We had ordered 4 tapas and apparently that wasn't enough... So rude. Then we asked if we could try a few tapas and order more as we ate, (as I've always done at Tapas places), but NO. You have to order everything up front and follow their rules. The food was good, but for our 8 small plates our bill was over $100. Never going here again..
(1)Kate R.
UNBELIEVABLY RUDE service. The manager (? I was lead to believe..) Eduardo was possibly the most ill-mannered, unapologetic restaurant worker I have ever encountered. He rushed my mother and I through our meal, stomping up to us every 5 minutes or so mid-bite to ask when we would be done..he (or a bus boy he sent over) would continuously grab our plates with food still on them...he told us he "needs to sit other people" after we had been at our table for MAYBE 20 minutes, not to mention the fact that almost every other table in the restaurant had already been eating when we arrived and were still seated... I have been to small plate restaurants many times before, I understand that with few tables and quick turnaround on orders that meals are expected to be finished faster...but Eduardo chose the absolute wrong way to handle his job...by plain and simply being a JERK. After practically pulling my seat out from under me to allow another couple to take our table (once again...25 minutes after arriving...with food and wine still on our table...) he grabbed my wine glass and gestured to put it on the small bar behind him before I yanked it out of his hand and stood up myself to let him know how shocked I was by his behavior. Meanwhile, the couple taking our table just looked at us in utter confusion because (I assume), they too could not believe how he was treating paying customers.... Because we still had wine in our glasses to finish, my mom and I sat at the bar for another 5 minutes and told Eduardo how displeased we were with how he just handled the situation. I asked his name and told him I planned to write a review on Yelp (which I have never once been inclined to do before by the way..) Instead of apologizing and offering any type of explanation, he basically laughed us off and repeatedly shrugged his shoulders/ smirked, handed us a business card with the name of the chef and continued to fuss around with the register rather than engage and say ANYTHING. His brazen attitude during this exchange was actually what bothered me the most... Needless to say, I will not be returning to Chilam Balam (too bad, because I enjoyed the food!) and I will make sure to mention what happened here to anyone I know deciding on a spot for dinner in Lakeview. I read through several reviews on this page and it seems many people had very similar experiences at this place. Recommendation to owner/ upper management/ Eduardo: not the right way to handle customers in a "service" industry.
(1)Kristi C.
Ceviche was delicious as well as the duck and chorizo empanadas. I would definitely return. Plus it's a byob whole in the wall which I loved. The tapas style food is totally up my alley. The service was great. Our waiter was very helpful in suggesting dishes he recommended.
(4)Shambavi K.
I came here for the 1st time over the weekend for brunch since I hear it can be a long wait for dinner. They are open both days for brunch. Our group of 3 shared the following: - chicken and blue corn waffles with chorizo gravy (mmmm...it's like a marriage between biscuits/gravy and chicken/waffle) - mahi mahi ceviche (which reminded me of how much i like ceviche and should eat something refreshing as this), - Guacamole - very creamy texture - Sweet empanadas with peanut butter - Just get it! Wish I had room to try other stuff. What brings people back is probably the inventive seasonal menus. I hope to try the dinner menu one day or I hope they expand their brunch menu to include more dinner plates so I can get past the dinner crowd. Tip: this is BYOB and cash only
(4)Mary S.
I wouldn't recommend this place based solely on the crazy prices they're charging for the nibbles of food you get. I understand these are "small plates" but if you're in a group of 4, everybody pretty much gets one nibble and you're done. Arrived on a Wednesday evening and had to sit in the back on bar stools until my two friends arrived, even though there were easily 8 tables available. Once sat, we took a quick look over the menu and started with the chunky guacamole which was very good and a bit spicy, but didn't come with enough tostadas so had to keep asking for more (luckily you're not charged for more). Tried the shiitake mushroom empanadas which looked/tasted like something I would get out of the frozen section at the grocery store and popped into the oven. I was pleased with the fried Brussel sprouts salad because it had a great mix of flavors and was probably the largest dish, allowing for 5ish bites (in total, not per person). I believe my friends also tried a steak option which they said was "ok" but nothing stellar. After the semi- average dishes we tried (and seeing that we were still starving and facing a $75 bill, having ordered no alcohol) we didn't stick around for desserts. Still can't figure out why this place gets stellar reviews when it's so cramped, not exactly cleaning looking, and the "small plates" are meant for 2 year olds.
(2)Shawn C.
Dined on 4/26/2014: First we found out about this restaurant from Guy's DDD Food Network show and the DDD android app. We love trying restaurants from any Food Network show. We went looking for a non-tourist establishment that it's unique to Chicago, Chilam Balam did not disappoint. We've eaten at a similar small, cash only, BYOB eateries that are highly popular with the locals in Baltimore, only they specialized in Greek food. When coming here you need to expect to wait, an hour or more and our wait was about 1 hour. When a spot opened at the bar we opted to take those seats. This was probably the best choice we made as it gave us opportunity to converse with the owner's brother / our waiter and the very lovely hostess. We stopped and picked up a bottle of our favorite wine once we realized this was A BYOB. At first we thought maybe I should have gotten beer because this is a Mexican restaurant, but the wine paired beautifully with the food we ordered. We ordered 5 small plates (Mahi-Mahi ceviche, Shiitake mushroom empanadas, scallops in a pea puree & mango salsa, venison leg with & corn tortillas, and finally their signature dish Flank steak with potatoes and crispy onions with guajillo chilies. For desert we had the peanut butter empanadas...OMG the chocolate sauce was to die for. Sheri actually let me lick out the little dish.
(5)Cynthia T.
This place is fantastic. My favorite restaurant at the moment. Because of its small space, all parties must be present before you are seated. The service has always been great and the owner very hospitable. He even recommended a similar place to me in Brooklyn for my travels which turned out to be great. Don't miss the flan.
(5)Belle L.
Woo hoo! Brunch BYOB. Easy to get table in a cool comfortable and romantic setting. Ceviche ($11.50) -- whoa! I truly enjoyed this one to its last slice of red onion. Flavor combination is addictive. You get CHUNKS of Mahi Mahi. Freshly made chips was super hot (caution, *wink). Serves 2. Pork Belly Tacos ($12.95) -- my main motivator. Perfectly fried pork belly and chunks. The sauce puts the dish altogether. Pineapple and kiwi (my fave) are wonderful summery ingredients. Garlic Potatoes ($4) -- too dry for my taste. Plentiful as a side dish that you can feed a village. Plantanos Machos ($4) -- plentiful. Combination did not agree with me. It seems nanas are sliced too thick that it wasn't thoroughly cooked (slight tart?) Coffee -- Aroma coffee brand in regular and decaf. Taste like water. LOL. It means, clean taste. Say hello to Soraya friends!
(5)Angie K.
Trying to make mama happy with Latin food and BYOB for me to tolerate hours with her, I chose Chilam Balam. I had to wait 40 min which wasn't so bad because we went to the bar next door and I witnessed her chug a beer for the first and prob last time in my life. When our table was ready, they called me and escorted us in. Big booties beware, space is really tight and tables tiny but I promise once you pop your bottle, you'll get over it. Service was phenom and they spoke Spanish to my mom, so she was happy. We had the guac, blue fin ceviche, empanadas, potatoes, some kind of fish and they had steak. It was all really good, just tiny which I get is point of tapas style. Service got a little slower towards the end as it was getting more and more cray in the resto (with more and more bottles being popped, I presume) but it didn't spoil the dinner. It was a little pricey for 3 people but prices are adjusted to include the BYOB factor, so I understand. Since the menu changes regularly, I'd be down to go again (without mom) and check out what's new.
(4)Kyle D.
Overall: A fun an interesting tapas experience located in an East Lakeview Hideaway. Good food and good service calls for a good time. The good: Fun atmosphere in a basement. Seats probably 50 people or so. The food is great, from the ceviche to flank steak. All tapas. Decently sized tapas at that. Lots of options and proteins to choose from. Service, once seated, was friendly and quick. BYOB no corkage. The bad: Cash only. Can get very loud at times. The prices add up quickly. The music was too loud at times and could have been more festive. (They were playing modern electronic and/or hip-hop). Had to wait even though they said no wait when we called. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Sarah Y.
The biggest takeaway for me, after dining here one evening, was that the portioning and prices were off. We spent over $100 for two people (while bringing our own bottle of wine) and were met with small portions or mismatched portioning relative to the price. The tacos were good, but only 3 small tacos for over $10 is pretty steep. On the other hand, the rib dish was near $20 but came with 4 ribs. I don't know, I was particularly hesitant to part with my money after dining here, given how small the food was compared to how much it cost. Taste alone, while quite good, did not justify the price for me. I would take the price to portion to quality ratio at Avec anyday.
(3)Sarah W.
I am so disappointed in myself. I've lived 2 blocks from Chilam Balam for over a year and stepped inside for the first time last night. I can't wait to go back. The food was amazing, the service was great, the atmosphere was perfect! We had to wait about an hour and a half for a table of five but had a great time playing darts at Murphy's upstairs. Once seated we were greeted by the owner who opened our wine and mixed it with their house sangria (SO GOOD). He let us look over the menu and we finally decided to let him choose 10 plates for us. We had ceviche, flank steak, octopus, pork belly, ribs, game hen, beef brisket, chorizo etc etc. The plates are small so it's essentially one decent bite for everyone but I was more than stuffed when we left. And I'm one of those people who wants one bite of everything so this was truly my dream. We also had the peanut butter and chocolate empanadas for desert and the owner bought flan for the table. We truly had a great time. The atmosphere gives way for intimate and fun conversation. No cell phone scrolling or TV watching. Everyone leaving negative comments about service and BYOB rules are complainers. This is a very small restaurant ran by an equally small staff. Wait your turn to be seated, be gracious to your servers and in return you'll have a worthwhile experience. If you wanna get drunk during dinner you'll have more than enough time to drink at Murphy's while you wait for your table. Cheers!
(5)Shradha A.
We had an amazing date night here - the food was all so flavorful, great quantities, superbly friendly service. It's a tight space but makes it quaint and cozy. We didn't realize it was BYOB - so next time. I can see how paying so much for tacos seems unnatural, but the creativity and flavors in the food served totally justify it, I think. Gluten free vegetarian friendly!
(5)Kate L.
Came here Saturday night as a group of 6 realizing we'd likely have a wait given the limited seating. We stopped in early (6:30) and gave the hostess our number so she could reach us when the table was ready. She estimated a 40 minute wait so we were happy to grab a drink upstairs at Murphy's. 2 hours and several check-ins later, we were finally seated. The hostess couldn't have been nicer and apologized profusely. We knew there wasn't much she could do but then... Once seated we were told we had to chose between tequila or wine. We knew the one bottle per 2 people policy - and were not put off by it. However, there were two people in our group who intended to share a bottle of wine, and the other 4 wanted to purchase the limeade pitchers ($10/each) to partake in a few Margaritas. Not possible said our waiter. Disappointing - but nothing was keeping us from sampling this food now that is was nearly 9pm. We ordered about 10 different small plate dishes - as well as a couple orders of chips & guacamole. The mahi mahi ceviche was really the lone standout. The least favorite was the flank steak (Were we the only ones not asked how we'd like them cooked?). Shrimp tacos and mushroom empanadas did not disappoint but weren't anything to write home about. All in all, the food would normally warrant at least one return visit, but I'm just not sure I'll be back.
(3)Andy P.
This place is very hip, so expect to wait a decent amount of time. There are enough good bars in the area that you can easily occupy yourself for the hour (or more) wait. The food is pretty good, based purely on that, I would probably give this place a 4 start rating. Unfortunately, I have to give it just 2. The waitstaff has a very strict (and tightly enforced) rule on the BYOB. It's a bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer for every 2 people. I can understand that, but when you're with a group and the food is served a little slow, you might want more. They will not budge. We left with a decent amount of alcohol that we were unable to drink at the restaurant. Also, the group unanimously felt rushed by the waitstaff. Additionally, the portions are pretty small. You can expect to get 4 per person, which makes the meal pretty expensive. When my wife and I dined here alone, we had a much better experience. Still pricy but more pleasant. My last bone to pick with this place is that it's cash only. How do you run a business in 2015 that doesn't take credit cards? Completely inexcusable in my opinion.
(2)Sean H.
This is as much a review of yelp reviewers as it is a review of chilam. (There is some irony in this review, although I may not be grasping its full potential) Chilam Bilam--fantastic food, even better name. I couldn't help annoying my friends by singing down the street variations of Chilam Bilam, Bilam Bilam, Chilam. Which is about as socially acceptable as whistling on a packed train, but I couldn't help myself and these were solid friends that could endure minor upheavals of my unregulated personality. But enough with the narcissism lets get to the point. I was shocked that Chilam's rating was so low on Yelp. There was so much to love about it: a small intimate setting that fosters conversation among your companions--along with neighbor tables, delicious food, and excellent service. The place made you feel as if you were being cooked for my a Mexican grandmother whose children and grandchildren enjoyed countless individualized meals, with envious friends prying to get just one more dinner invitation. So, I read some of these more scrupulous reviews to see what I was missing, or rather what I missed. I chalked it up to a lack of elegance and class on my behalf that led my unsophisticated palate and Neanderthal aesthetic tastes to mistakenly influence my favorable review. Then, I read these negative messages and just found that I thought most of the people were assholes. Most unfavorable reviewers focused their dissatisfaction on service. But I think many people don't think of service in the appropriate way. Service is like a bad relationship, one side holds more power than the other and therefore does more of the accommodating, but nonetheless it's a relationship. It requires mutual respect and engagement. I found myself thinking that many of the people who found the service lacking seemed to forget that service requires basic understanding and input from you, the patron, of the common humanity you share with your server, even though it is their job to satisfy. That means please and thank you apply, you may have to be understanding of a wait or complications. Please, don't misunderstand my intent. Service is important and the burden of good service falls on the part of the establishment. But, based on my experience at Chilam, I can only conclude that those upset with the service must reflect on themselves. Chilam had great service. That should have been my entire review. Excuse my waste of your time, and poor reviewing services.
(5)K N.
I'm torn, the food is worth 5 stars, the service is worth 5 stars, the interior is worth 5 stars, but I spilled sauce on my shirt and stained so I'm only giving 4 stars...for now. My friend took me here last weekend and it was absolutely delicious. I've been craving the ceviche ever since it touched my tongue for the first time. We also had their empanadas, very good. Make sure you put a little of their green sauce on the empanadas and save that sauce for the steak tacos, delicious! "What caused the stain?" you ask. Their ribs but that's what I get for trying to cut into a rib rather than just gnawing at it like I was supposed to... A few helpful tips: 1 - the wait was supposed to be about 30 minutes so we went upstairs and grabbed a beer. We didn't even get halfway through our beer and they called us to be seated. 2 - we brought two bottles of wine but they have a one bottle per two people limit. We gave them the Malbec and asked for sangria, boy was it tasty. 3 - they are cash only but there are ATMs all over the place due to the location I'm eager to go back and try more of their menu (their menu does have its staples, as well as new plates but i'm not certain how often they switch them out)
(4)M C.
Saw this place on TV while traveling so when came home to Chicago I had to go. Small intimate non-snooty setting (Lakeview snobs feel free to pass it by). BYOB & cash only... There's a CVS next door if you stumble in & forgot. We got our name on the list and I messed up saying my number apparently. When we called after waiting a while were immediately seated. The owner himself was super apologetic which was nice though it wasn't his fault at all. Now the food. Guacamole yum! Mushroom empanadas I hope I eat nothing but these when I die. Alligator sausage with slaw WOW! Flank steak tacos with fried onions and potatoes need I say more. Dessert hibiscus flan. All the food was brought out at appropriate intervals and clearly with some thought as to which was next. The service was top notch. Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Sneha P.
You have to get this tamales and the chocolate mousse! This place is adorable and the food is inventive and delicious. I think their seasonal dishes are more creative and my favorite were the tamales (sooo good!). Service was very great and you can BYOB. Sangria is decent and there was nothing really special about the drink. This place is pricey and only takes cash (which I find super annoying). I'd give this place a try if you're a Chicago local. I don't know if I'd go back to my next visit just because of the price and portion but def a great meal!
(3)Allison D.
Went as a group of 4. Got reprimanded for bringing more wine than allowed because we all liked different wines - they didn't care and told us we didn't follow the rules and that it can't happen again. Then right after we paid our bill the waiter told us we have to leave and go to the bar if we wanted to finish our last sip of wine because people were waiting. We had just finished eating and paying the bill and it was very rude. It's not like we were just hanging out there. It just doesn't make a lot of sense - you can bring a bottle of tequila but no more than 2 bottles of wine for 4 people? Waiter told us we should order 9+ tapas and order it all at once. Food was ok - guacamole was very good but everything else was mediocre. The service ruined it for us. We won't be back
(2)Stephanie F.
Really good food and the wait times for tables have definitely gone down over the past few years. I recommend the ceviche, the ribs and the mahi mahi tacos. They lose one star because the space is SUPER tight and because of their "one bottle of wine per two people" rule-- my girlfriends and I really wanted to spend some time eating and chatting but felt a little hurried to get out because we were only able to have two glasses each. :/
(4)Andy W.
If I could rate the food alone, I would rate it as 4-5 stars. Unfortunately the service we recieved is the reason I will not be going back to Chilam Balam. We had made plans for a Friday night and we called on Wednesday to confirm we would be okay with a group of eight. The restaurant doesnt take reservations but when we called they said to get there before 6:30pm and we should be fine. We arrived a few minutes after six (we ended up being a party of 7) and the person seating us told us "well we dont usually do big groups" then went and discussed with other staff if we could get a table. The restaurant was barely half full at this point. They finally gave us a table big enough for four people to crowd around in the corner. There was a corner bench with pillows on it around the table and we asked the girl if we could take the pillows off to make more room since we had to squeeze people on the bench. She flat out said no. When it came time to order, the waiter mandated that we order two items per person all at once. We were a little shocked at this since the restaurant bills itself as a small plate restaurant and we wanted to take our time and order as we went. We also ordered sangria and the waiter would not let us pour our own wine (we had three different types -byob) and add the sangria. He made us pick one bottle and mixed it ina pitcher even though some of us were not a fan of that wine. Between the "ordering rules", the sangria, and the waiter telling us we only had 90 minutes for dinner, it seemed like a lot of rules for dinner and felt like we were very unwelcome. All in all, the food was delicious and if it werent for the service, I would be looking forward to going back to have more. However, I cant justify paying over $300 for dinner (which we did) for that kind of service again.
(2)Margaret H.
I had a few friends in town visiting me and wanted to take them somewhere new. Having heard about Chilam Balam from a friend, we decided to give it ago. What a fantastic meal! It was a meal for the books. Everything is made to share and we ordered 5 plates for 3 people. We ordered the kale, brussel sprouts and pomegranate salad, mahi mahi ceviche, a lobster chimichanga, and beef short ribs. The lobster chimichanga and the salad were my favorite! The best part about this menu is that it changes monthly; keeping even the regular diner on their toes! The restaurant is BYOB. We made the mistake of bringing wine and afterwards, our waiter informed us that we should bring some tequila next time to pair with their limeade. We will certainly be doing that! It's a small restaurant, nice and cozy. Arrive early to get a table and not wait. It's also cash only.
(5)Allison G.
Oh Chilam Balam- you have been right under my nose for the past year and a half and yet I first walked in the door this past weekend. I didn't know what I was missing! I was blown away by the food! I arrived in a group of 5 on Friday night just after 7, expecting there to be a wait for a table. We got lucky- a table for 5 was open and we eagerly took it. The guys ran down the street for wine because thankfully Chilam Balam in BYOB. The downside is there is a 750ml (or 6 pack of beer) limit per 2 people. The server politely stored our extra wine in the back until we were finished with our meal. The only reason I took one star off is because the sangria was $10.50/pitcher and wasn't special. It barely gave us each one glass with our red wine and didn't have a wow factor. Next time, I will either stick to wine or bring tequila and give your margarita mix a shot. The food was unbelievably delicious. 5 people was a great number- we ordered half the menu and I was full, but not stuffed, at the end of the meal. I will say that there were dishes I wish I could have had more than a bite or two of- they aren't kidding when they call it "small plates". The highlights for me were: 1. grilled swordfish- full of flavor and it came with plantains AND coconut. Two of my favorites. 2. Seared Scallops- omg I wanted 10 more orders of this dish. Too good to share. Keep in mind that when you order the delicious flank steak, cochinita, and venison- they each come with 4 small tortillas. This was unfortunate considering we had 5 people, so for each of these courses someone was minus a tortilla. For 8 dishes and a sangria pitcher it came out (with tip) to be $30/person. Not bad. I will be back, and hopefully very soon! Thank you for a fantastic meal.
(4)Ashley C.
We came here for a friend's birthday. We put our name in and went across the street to one of the bars while we waited. It may have been almost an hour wait, but it was worth it. It is a very small restaurant. It is not good for a big group but is more intimate. They also have a BYOB policy depending on the size of your group (general rule: don't be drunk or obnoxious, order food and you are good). The food here was excellent. I felt like we tasted a LOT of the menu. It is designed to be small plates to share. Some are more substantive than others. We started out with the ceviche and the guacamole. The ceviche was the standout. The lobster soup had a twist and was surprisingly delicious. The flank steak and the cochinita pibil were some of my favorite entrees. They had nice spice, but it wasn't overwhelming. Service was also very good. We also got to meet the owner who came to our table. Nice touch!
(4)Wayne H.
This place was very disappointing. I was expecting so much more based on all the good reviews. The most upsetting part of the night was thinking back to me waiting 2 hours to try this very average food. This place is also cash only, which was another inconvenience. We started with the guacamole, which was okay. The ratio of guacamole to chips is proportioned incorrectly. There were hardly any chips to eat most of the guacamole. This was true throughout the restaurant. So many tables experienced the same thing and were requesting more chips. We ordered based on the waiter's recommendation: The black bean huarache and grilled flank steak. We also tried the yelp favorite corn masa memelas. All dishes were average at best. Overall this place was a huge disappointment and I won't be returning. The only upside was that it was BYOB.
(2)Jaime L.
Great place to eat Mexican food!!! I saw this restaurant in a TV show on the food network and I decide to give it a try! I was happy to go! Great food! ppl were friendly and the food came fast! Just made sure you bring cash!
(4)Kaitlyn H.
One of my favorite places to eat in Chicago! Every dish I have had sends happiness through my taste buds. It is best to get there early so you avoid the wait. People start lining up before it opens. It's the perfect place for 3-4 people to share and leave plenty full. The BYOB Aspect is nice as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this place and still have yet to find a tapas place that compares.
(5)Kristine C.
It's now been our second time here. We love the hidden feeling of the restaurant, tucked down below a bar and hot dog restaurant. Yet, it's not a secret. Get here early or expect to wait. It's BOYB, so we love that! They recommend 2- 4 plates per person. They are pretty small, but you can order how you feel as you go. Be careful, the price can add up quickly. We've had the Guacamole. Pretty good, with a small kick. Always more chips than 'mole. We've ordered the Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas both times. They are more filling than some other items on the menu. Warm, great to try. Ceviches, this is seasonal and rotating. We've had this before but depends on the fish they are serving. The last time we had Tune Ceviche. They were nice size chucks of tuna, and over all refreshing. Between this and the guac, we had more chips than we could handle on our table. Another seasonal offering we tried on our most recent visit (March, 8th) was the Smoked Trout Quesadilla. They were two small half quesadillas. The trout was a bit lost with the quesadilla and other ingredients. We actually thought for a moment we were eating chicken. It was good, but unassuming. This was enough for us this time around. We will wait a few months before heading back to see what's new on the menu. It's a warm, punk-goth take on Mexican food. The staff is welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. It's great that it's so close to us, BYOB, but remember cash (and it can get pricey)!
(3)Elise M.
The food is amaaaaaazing there! We got there around 7.30 and the place was almost full, we seat at the bar and we take some recommendations from our host, the swordfish with strawberries was perfect, flank steak with tortillas and the chunky guacamole. Good service, Byob,cash only.
(4)Kate S.
I was looking forward to this dinner, but the experience wasn't anything special. First, BYOB is only 1 bottle per table... And that's no fun nor BYOB. Secondly, staff and service was poor. It felt like our waiter was paying more attention to certain tables, except ours. Food was good, fresh and small. Overall, would I recommend? No.
(2)Molly F.
So if I was basing my review on the food and the service, I could easily give this place 4 stars. But I just can't. Customer service and running a business to please their clients (which is what keeps them IN business), is not their strong suit. Food was good. Pork shoulder, flank steak and cauliflower were all amazing. But I will never come back for a simple reason. Their silly policies...more like ridiculous policies. I have eaten at a million BYOB places and I completely understand that you don't want people sitting at a table for 5 hours drinking a million bottles of wine when you have people waiting to sit down for dinner. I would never do that and I understand why many places have a policy or politely ask you to leave if you've finished your meal so others can sit. Instead, they have a policy of one bottle of wine per 2 people. We are drinkers (and can handle more than a glass or two at dinner) and they wouldn't budge on the policy. I asked if it was based on time and promised we would vacate when we finished our meal. It didn't matter. They won't budge. We were done with our bottle of wine and we still had two more dishes to come. In my opinion, the meal then became ruined because we couldn't enjoy it with the wine that we brought that had to remain unopened. And mind you, there was NO wait for a table...in fact, there were empty tables. Our friend was walking by and we told her to come and join us so we could open up the bottle of wine. She did and then when we asked the server if we could open it, he then made up some other rule (not listed anywhere) that they have a minimum of two plates per person!! Wtf? Are we in restaurant jail??? Who puts on rules on how I eat or how I drink if we are in control and not holding up seating tables?? He finally told us we could have half of the bottle only. Gee thanks. He then corked the bottle so hard that we were not able to open it without a cork screw. And let's not forget that apparently an entire bottle of tequila is okay to bring for 3 people as we saw a group had an entire bottle of tequila open and going on their table. Tequila is the first thing I think of as a 'low key' booze that will keep you customers under control. Simply ridiculous. Coming from working in the industry and a company who critics places like these in the media, it's an awful policy where they make their customers feel like children being scolded or held in detention. I was glad to find A LOT of other reviews complaining about the same policy. They really should consider changing their policy and consider restricting people on a case by case basis. Maybe a two hour time limit on a table or if you seem intoxicated, you're cut off. Most people are going to go through more than a half bottle of wine over the course of their two hour dinner. Think about it Chilam. Seems to me you are losing quite a bit a business because of this.
(2)Lori G.
Chilam Balam is a true gem. They have a creatively inspired rotating menu (with items like pheasant or alligator sausage) with some staples and take time and care rolling out yummy guac, flank steak and pork loin. It's great that they're BYOB and the staff is always friendly. The decor is cozy & distinctly Mexican. They also have several virgin drink mixes you can add to your own wine for Sangria or margaritas. Tasty. Friendly. Cool.
(5)Andrew H.
Have lived within a few blocks of here since it opened; have eaten here many times. The food is excellent. Menu rotates monthly and we've never been disappointed. Highlight of the last few visits was a fennel soup. The dessert empanadas are another favorite. My wife and I have always found the service warm, inviting and kind. They remember us visit to visit. We have never had an issue with any restaurant policy as others have outlined (plates per person, BYO limits). I can't remember these topics ever even coming up, and we've been with groups ranging from 2-8. That said, it's pretty clear why these policies exist. Of the less favorable reviews, some are upset about the wait and others are upset about the BYO policy. The latter is an attempt to address the former -- we have definitely seen tables staying well beyond their meal drinking, while others are waiting. In my experience, it and HB on Halsted are much different than other BYO spots in the neighborhood. The food is much higher quality, the price point higher, and the restaurants much more popular than the other BYOs nearby -- places like Joy's or Buena Vista. I think folks are sometimes confused as to why the alcohol policy at Chilam isn't more like those other BYO places, where you often see large tables essentially having a party for a couple of hours. That's simply not what this restaurant is trying to do, for better or worse. If you want to drink much more than the average patron, you're significantly extending the meal, usually while others are waiting for tables. In other words, a restaurant with only 10 tables and a long wait can't really have folks just sitting and drinking alcohol they brought. And I can understand why a restaurant this small tries to keep the same rules in place all the time, not just when it's crowded. I have often sat down as one of three occupied tables and within twenty minutes the other tables are all full; it's a small place. So, you can disagree about the strategy of implementing the policy, but I think it's a reasonable request. Regardless, I've never seen the staff be anything less than courteous. I recommend the restaurant to lots of people and it's loved by many. every professional review I've ever read is very complimentary of the food. I think it's year 3 or 4 with a Bib Gourmand. A couple of tips: it's less crowded Saturday than Friday. If you go late (after 830), there's often less of a wait. There is truly no room to wait inside; the bar area is not a true bar and you will still be pretty in the way. If you have a long wait and the weather is poor, many wait upstairs at Monsignor Murphy's, a dive. You may be able to get a cocktail at Ceres' Table, though it's also very popular. Wilde is also just up the street.
(5)Frank L.
The food was absolutely delicious. It's always a promising sign when the restaurant is bustling with activity as you enter the space. The staff clearly take pride in their menu. Multiple wait staff asked us which item was our favorite and seemed genuinely curious for our opinions, which I take as a sign that they actually listen and respond to feedback. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars was the seemingly arbitrary rule that no hard liquor is allowed in their BYOB restaurant EXCEPT for tequila. My husband brought a small bottle of rum which he had planned to mix with coca cola and while we happily respected the establishment's rule, it just seemed to not make a lot of sense. That small detail aside, I would enthusiastically recommend this place.
(4)J J.
I have been here several times before and most of the time had a great experience. However, the last visit left me really disappointed in customer service. The issue came with their limit and guidelines and the amount of alcohol you can bring (its byob). I had been before with a date (male) and they had no problem allowing us to open a second bottle of wine while we were still eating. We made sure to communicate that we would leave when dinner was complete. I came again with a girlfriend and they refused to open a second bottle. We had three more dishes still on the way and they refused to allow us to drink any more. Tables next to us had beer, wine, and a fifth of tequila for 2 people. I completely understand they need to have regulations and restrictions on the byob parameters. However, we were still eating and noted we would leave when the food was complete. They would not budge and then were incredibly rude about it. They cleared are table completely before we were done. Also, they could not explain how a fifth of tequila is equivalent to one bottle of wine. The customer service and their interaction with us ruined this location for me. I will not becoming back.
(1)Michael G.
Here's a short, sweet, and accurate review: 4 stars on account of food, though my cranky pants inner child wants to give it 3 stars for service. PRO: Super tasty dishes, not imaginative or "avant-garde", but damn well done, and only a sourpuss with no palate will leave there with a bad food experience. CON: Service is way too soup Nazi-ish. I know there's limited space, and I know they adhere to certain rules to meet the great demand their food inspires, but there's an undercurrent of nastiness that's unnecessary. Lots of rules for the customer: some sensible, some nonsense, all put forth with a touch of "F-U". BOTTOM LINE: I've worked in restaurants enough to shrug off the hostile vibe, I'm there for the food and dig it, provided I can get a table. POSTSCRIPT: F-U for your weirdo restrictive BYOB rules!
(4)Omar F.
Great food, great service, the mahi mahi ceviche is very good and the sword fish was good also the only complaint i have was the steak dish, it was too pricy for the portion we got but over all the experience was decent.
(3)Alex G.
This is my first one star experience. A friend and I were strolling through the neighborhood looking for a byob place. We had heard that chilam balam was a good one. We decided to check it out. We found ourselves seated in a dark basement and when the waiter, he suggested that we would need 5 to 6 plates for 2 people. We were a bit surprised because the plates were priced like entrees. We decided neither of us wanted to drop 40 bucks each for a quick dinner and we told the waiter we just wanted to get a plate of chips and guacomole. He got very angry at us. He said we would have to move to the bar immediately. *I actually understand this (if we aren't going to eat a full meal) we are taking away from someone who might be. The problem I have is that their were plenty of tables available.* Any way, we apologized and he kept going at us. He was extremely rude and I will never go back again. (we ended up going to buena vista down the street and had an amazing dinner!) p.s. The worst part is that the guac was actually really good. Its too bad that the service was so bad.
(1)Laura M.
I dragged my boyfriend and I to try out this place after everyone was raving about it. Well I was super disappointed. The food tasted fresh but barely any flavor. I ordered the carnitas and chipotles carnitas tasted better than this crap .These carnitas tacos tasted like nothing. So we ordered 3 more plates because the waiter suggested and I was still disappointed in all of them. Tasted amazingly fresh but literally no flavor. But this food is made for non-Latinos. So It taste great to them. I suggest going to pilsen to get better food and a better price.
(2)Margo A.
I have been to chilam balam about 4 times, and this past time made me never want to go back. We had a table of 5 people and ordered about ten dishes. We got guacamole and they give you about 7 chips with this, so obviously, we asked for more and got maybe 5 more. So, we asked for more, twice, and never got them. We received half of our dishes fairly quickly and then waited one hour for the rest of our dishes. We told our waiter to just cancel them because we were no longer hungry. He said the order was already in and he couldnt cancel them. We also asked for our 2nd bottle of wine to be opened 3 times before the waiter came over with an opener. In the past, I have recommended this restaurant to all of my friends. I will no longer come here, nor will I speak so highly of it. Their service was terrible.
(2)Nicki P.
Just wrapped a delicious dinner here, late on a Wednesday night but we were able to get in just before the kitchen closed, service and food was still amazing! We went for the guacamole to start, followed by the special salipcion *(sp?), then the chicken flautes, ribs and for dessert peanut butter empanadas. Honestly, I love this place, while small it's got a great atmosphere and homey feel. The food is cooked with love and such complex yet simple flavors if that makes sense. We will definitely be back! Also, byob, um yes!
(4)Talia G.
What a hidden gem this place is! By walking past, I would never have guessed that down in the basement lies a Mexican-inspired restaurant fit for foodies. The ingredients are fresh and local, the presentation is lovely, and the combination of flavors is both interesting and delicious. Plus, it's BYOB, which is always a plus! Size-wise, all the dishes are quite small, but my date and I split three small plates and one dessert and both walked away full. Although, I think that if I hadn't had three beers throughout dinner I wouldn't have been quite so contented. What we ate: -- Fried apple risotto with creamy tomatillo, pecans, and parsley ($12.95) -- Coconut milk braised pork shoulder with black bean rice, poblano rajas, and young coconut ($14.50) -- Swordfish special of the day -- Sweet empanadas with peanut butter filling, seasonal compote, and oaxacan chocolate ($8.00) Everything was SO good. I was particularly taken by the fried risotto and the swordfish special. The empanadas were delicious, but the peanut butter was quite intense. The pork shoulder was also yummy, and I enjoyed that it came with fresh corn tortillas, but I'd take swordfish over pork any day. Overall a delicious, albeit slightly pricy, meal. I would definitely recommend making a reservation. We came at 7:45 on a Thursday night and the wait was quite short without one, but I imagine that it becomes quite busy on a weekend night!
(5)Nancy P.
I was on vacation with the bf and a gf to Chicago. We were staying with a friend who recommended Chilam Balam to us. They don't take reservations so it was a bit crazy. Good thing for us, we lucked out and there was only about a 10 min wait. It's a BYOB so we brought some alcohol with us. Some of the food was hit or miss. The two winners of the table were the kale and brussel sprout salad and the lobster chimichanga. The chimichanga was a special of the night and we grabbed the last dish. With good reason for selling out, the lobster was perfectly cooked. I wasn't a fan of the quail dish (but I don't usually order quail in general). The beef short ribs was just okay. It was more like a thick stew that you put into tortillas. The mushroom empanadas were boring and not very flavorful. We also ordered the mahi mahi ceviche as the first appetizer but it was the last thing we received. In fact, we had to remind them we were waiting for it still. Pretty sure they forgot about it. It was a very busy night so service was flaky and all over the place. Cash only!
(3)Kelly V.
This place was recommended by a friend and I have to say the food and ambiance were on-point. Pricing was about what I would expect for tapas like this. You can tell they use high quality ingredients. Everything we ate was great! Despite the great food and relaxed atmosphere, I was very disappointed in the service. This place is BYOB and they tell you that you're restricted to a bottle of wine or six-pack per two people. We had a group of five people, so when we arrived the waiter told us we could drink our two bottles of wine and half the six-pack we'd brought. The server recommended two small plates per person. We ordered eight to share and all found ourselves very full. Having finished one bottle of wine, we asked if he could uncork the second bottle. We were then informed that we had not ordered enough food to be allowed a second bottle of wine. We were all pretty shocked. I've never heard of this anywhere before. The restaurant was not full and there was still food on the table, but since we hadn't ordered 10 plates, we were told we couldn't finish our drinks. Throughout the night he kept pestering us to order more food. You could tell he was annoyed. Our final bill came to $107, which I would consider reasonable for a table of five. It really is a shame that this place has forever lost my business over a bottle of wine. Everything else was fantastic, but this insistence that we order more food and the refusal to open our last bottle left a really bad taste in my mouth. If they really care so much about how much you order, they should just offer a prix fixe menu to ensure everyone spends a pre-set minimum.
(3)Linda N.
We came here for their newly started brunch service and all the food was great! There was no wait and the service was very attentive. They serve some of their dinner menu staples as lunch items (guacamole, ceviche) but have some interesting takes on classics such as chicken and waffles (which was very tasty!) Brunch is still BYOB, so feel free to bring along that tequila for a fantastic margarita or some wine for a morning sangria! :) Sure they have some rules regarding he amount of alcohol for BYOB, but they're understandable - no need to get sloppy during your meal, save it for the bar nearby afterwards! ;)
(5)Jo B.
The food here is just amazing! Not at all your typical boring, salty American Mexican. The dishes are more authentic according to my friend from Mexico City. To us, they simple are perfection. They are always packed and they don't take reservations so you put your name on the list, go across the street for a drink and they call you when the table is ready! It's really not that hard, but you do come here for the food.
(5)Jon F.
BYOB is great but it is limited to one bottle of wine or one six pack per couple! Our party of four was denied our third bottle of wine (maybe we drink too much, don't judge). We did the whole menu and everything was excellent but skip the shrimp and the chilis with mole. The ribs were OUTSTANDING! Expect to wait about an hour with a party of four @ 7 PM on a Friday.
(4)Michelle W.
I am so confused by all the good reviews on Yelp...it's what led us to try this restaurant but we found the food to be extremely disappointing. We've recently moved to Lakeview from South Africa, and have been enjoying trying out chicago's fantastic restaurant scene. We chose to have dinner at Chilum last week because it came so highly recommended. We ordered 4 small plates...the ceviche was nothing to write home about, asparagus tacos not great, and enchiladas were ok only because they were cheesy and anything with cheese is good. Then we got the ribs and after one bite pushed them away - they had NO flavor whatsoever. It was like eating rib textured air, not even the meat itself has any flavor which is quite surprising for pork!! We called the waiter over to send them back as $14 was steep to pay for the worst ribs we had ever had, and he promptly told us that was our problem if we didn't like them as it's their most popular dish and he's charging us for them regardless. Firstly, how is it possible that that is a popular dish? We know good food and that was not it. Secondly, we were shocked that the manager would refuse to take something we deemed inedible off the bill. We were sickened to pay $65 for 4 small and tasteless dishes, with no drinks! Millions of better places to eat than this place, steer clear!
(2)Chris T.
Called at 7:10 requesting an 8:00 reservation on a Thursday night. Was told we could "Walk in" if we wanted otherwise "8:00 was too late to take a reservation". They close at 10:00. Being kicked out of the restaurant and I hadn't even made a reservation. Business must be good.
(1)Danny L.
I just went for my first time after hearing from multiple friends how great the good is and I was not disappointed. The staff was extreme attentive and helpful when ordering. The menu also changes monthly so there's always something to try. I went on a Tuesday so there wasn't a wait but I understand there typically is so plan accordingly.
(4)Andrew G.
In a word: fantastic. If you expect to be disappointed by the service, you'll probably find something to complain about, but we were treated very nicely. We waited for 45 minutes for a table at 7:45PM on a Friday, so pretty reasonable for a place that small. The food was outstanding (especially the ribs) and they brought us margarita mix so we could mix our own drinks at the table. Some dishes were a bit pricey (we skipped a lot of the vegetarian plates because of this), but ended up paying a reasonable amount for a nice meal. This place is ideal for a fun and delicious date night.
(5)Mark S.
Literally a hidden gem. While the basement atmosphere is different than most restaurants, the food was incredible and imaginative!
(5)Nikki G.
I came here with my friend few weeks ago and I had the chicken waffle with gravy......sooo good! My friend was happy with her entree as well. The food is good, prices are reasonable
(4)Carolyn O.
We live in the Burbs and rely on apps or referrals for City eats. Found this one on DDD, but had to read carefully why reviews were lower on Yelp. Service appeared to be the main issue. Our experience was positive in every way. From the hostess to the owner, service was extraordinary. Everyone was so friendly, bus boys so efficient about exchanging clean plates and filling water. Food was unique and tasty. Since the menu changes, go with their recommendations. Our favorites were the suggested jalapeño peppers stuffed with sausage and some other tasty morsels then wrapped in bacon. Loved the Cobia with Brussels sprouts, pepitas - so different. Worth the drive to come back.
(5)Dan G.
The food at Chilam Balam is excellent, though it's a bit pricey in my opinion for what you get. Everything is small plates and pretty much everything is designed to be eaten as a taco. Their BYOB policy is a little strange - you can split one bottle of wine or six pack of beer per between two people, no more. The problem is how they enforce this BYOB policy. Basically, you're not allowed to have more alcohol in your possession than what they allow you to consume. We were a group of four. The girls wanted to have wine, I had brought a growler of beer and my friend had a six pack of gluten free beer, since he can't drink regular beer. Well, our waiter was really, really upset with us for having this much alcohol with us. As soon as I took out the growler of beer he darted over and informed me that if I opened it, he was going to take away the girls' wine. When I asked why, he reiterated their BYOB policy. I tried to explain that I was perfectly capable of only drinking three glasses of beer from the growler (which held 60 ounces) and invited him to monitor how many drinks I had, but he was adamant that I not open the growler. He wound up grabbing the growler and my friend's six pack of gluten free beer, saying, "I'll keep these behind the bar for you." To his credit, the waiter did dole out three glasses of beer from the growler and three gluten free beers to my friend. But the bottom line is that I don't go out to eat to get needlessly hassled. We will not be back.
(2)Ben B.
A Mexican small-plates affair with wild hits and misses. Great: * grilled flank steak Good: * shiitake mushroom empanadas * requeson gnocchi * coconut raspberry semifreddo Bad: * corn masa memelas * duck carnitas tacos I was at a table for three and our final bill was $170 after tip. We each ordered three dishes and most were very small. Also note that Chilam Bilam is BYOB, so that bill doesn't even include drinks. I have no problem plunking down more than $50 for a great meal, but this was simply a good one. (The typical plate will set you back $13.) Service was very slow and we waited nearly an hour for a table. I mean, their chairs weren't even comfortable. C'mon, Chilam Bilam! *CASH ONLY*
(3)Vicki L.
I have been here quite a few times (7 or 8) but just recently started reviewing places on Yelp - after promising to do so for years. And now that I am I absolutely have to review Chilam, Bilam - because I won't go anymore - and that is sad, but I am here to explain why. The food at Chilam Bilam is stellar, there isn't another place like this around doing these amazing Mexican (Oaxacan) small plates like they do and I have just about loved every single thing I have had there - their homemade sangria is delicious as well. Even writing about it now I want to go again...but here's why I most likely will not: Rudeness. Plain and simple. I am fine with them only taking cash that a lot of people complain about, I am ok with them being strict on the BYOB policy and also about everyone having to be there to get seated at your table, etc. For the quality of their food I think that is all a fair trade off. What I am not willing to put up with is how rude the servers have been - on the majority of my visits there. The last time my bf and I went we decided it was the last straw. Yes, the food is amazing but you can't be treated that way and keep wanting to return. I have always felt continually rushed there. There is never time to relax, enjoy the plates you have - it is what do you want next, do you want more - or even you SHOULD order more than that, are you done, etc. When you say you are done eating the bill arrives immediately. Let me say how lovely and nice the busboys are here however - SO nice, if only the servers could take a cue from them. There is no reason to be so rude to guests, yes the food is great - but people will stop coming when you treat them like they don't matter and like you just want to continually fill the restaurant up. Management is no better, two quick situations that happened: 1) a waiter knocked over one of my gf's glass of wine - all over her. It was an accident, ok. He hardly said he was sorry and we were all obviously shocked and talking about it. The manager came over and said here is a glass of wine to make up for it - a glass of some weird white when we drinking red. Not perhaps an I am sorry or let me buy you guys dessert or something. We would have much preferred sorry to a crappy glass of white wine. 2) I watched the same manager another time tell a group of 6 they were going to lose their table because their 7th guest was delayed by a late flight and not there yet - but was on the way from the airport. Even after they said they would sit down and order. How does that make sense? I swear they are just rude for the sake of being rude here. Like another reviewer said - way too Soup Nazi-ish. If you want to be treated like crap and be rushed through a meal (of albeit good food) come to Chilam Bilam, if you want to have a great meal with great service go to any of the 1,000 restaurants in Chicago that will value your patronage.
(2)Samantha K.
Perfect 5 stars. We waited no more than 10 mins for a table on a Friday night. This adorable and intimate restaurant was pleasantly crowded. The food came out quickly and hot! And the waitress was extremely knowledgable and efficient! A must return for brunch starting May 11th! Oh and p.s. Any creme brûlée dessert needs to be ordered! It was the BEST thing we had... Hands down!
(5)G A.
I feel played,I was totally misled by all the good reviews of this place:) My husband dragged me to this restaurant after seeing it on Diners, Drive In's & Dives. My experience overall was very underwhelming. I will ignore the hostess that was constantly rolling her eyes, at the end,its all about the food! Plates were exceptionally small and overpriced,nothing memorable. I liked the atmosphere but it was a bit claustrophobic.I don't think I would suggest it to any of my friends.
(2)Jaime G.
Super good Latin fusion place. Loved the the creativeness of the menu and the good service. Try the octopus tacos, meatballs, flank steak in a mole like sauce. Best is the pork ribs with a sweeter mole like sauce, cream, and cheese. Extremely good and unique. Place is small but fun.
(5)Jane K.
We might've ordered one of everything on the menu! It's not that big and everything is flavorful and delicious. The space is super cramped so small movements only please.... Expect to wait and be aware of the BYOB limits. It's slightly complicated but basically they have a limit for the amount of alcohol you can bring depending on the size of your party. Also, don't come with a lot of people, it's too small for that. Another good option is to bring a good tempranillo or other red wine and they'll mix it with their sangria for you, love that! We put our name and number on the list then did what everyone else does and hung out at CVS browsing and choosing our alcohol while we waited.
(5)Matt G.
The best kept secret in Lakeview. Outstanding and knowledgable service. The menu has some excellent main stays but they rotate items every month, so there's always something new to try. They don't take reservations, so get there in good time. You can always put your name down and grab a beer at Monsignor Murphy's while you wait. Bring tequila and they'll make you a top notch margarita.
(5)Sudesh K.
Great food! Good prices. Good service. Will be back for more.
(4)Daniel S.
Didn't really see what all the hype was about, it's cash only which is annoying, the dishes are all small, though I admit they tasted good, you'd have to spend a whole ton of money to get full here, the place is small and cramped too, and no free chips and salsa, and no reservations and no seating unless the full party is there, it's pretty inconvenient
(2)Chris J.
Great little place for a date! My gf and I went there for date night last month. The food is stupendous! The service is great. The only downside is they only take cash.
(5)Kate B.
If service would have been better I would have given this a five star rating. I've been here a number of times - the food is always awesome. I was excited to see they were taking reservations for the summer too, that was a nice perk to the normal first-come first-serve routine. I love that their menu changes, the food is always really good, and it's nice that's it's BYOB. Sadly, I went with a couple friends last night and the woman working the host stand and a waitress was incredibly rude. We had a 6pm reservation and I arrived at 5:45, she was quick to let me know that they don't typically seat people before their whole party has arrived BUT she was making an exception for me. Gee thanks - the restaurant was totally open, there was only a table of two being occupied. Not a warm welcome. Then she asked what I brought to drink, I told her my friends were bringing wine but I have a health issue and I can't drink the wine because of the sugar, so I have vodka and pallegrino. This is when it got bad. She got really defensive and told me that she had specifically instructed me not bring vodka over the phone. She had confused me with another patron so I told her I wasn't aware that bringing vodka was a problem and let her know it's bc of the health issue. Her attitude towards me was REALLY bad, I almost got up and left. Then she says she'll make an exception but reminds me it can't happen again - so I guess as long as I deal with the health issue I can't go back. She wouldn't let me pour my own drinks so she refilled my drinks for me. No clue what that's about. She even gave me a hard time for bringing the pallegrino. The funny thing is, she mentioned she has ciliacs yet she had zero compassion for another person dealing with a health issue that limits what they can consume. When my friends showed up she made it VERY clear that our table was only allowed to drink 1 bottle of wine. Like wtf is that? It's a Tuesday night and your restaurant is dead - we weren't about to hog a table for hours on a busy night!!! Her attitude was cold and abrasive throughout our dinner. Not impressed. What happened to this amazing little gem?! There are too many awesome restaurants in this city to go to one where your business isn't appreciated.
(3)Karen S.
I really enjoyed dining here! The food was unique and flavorful. We couldn't pick a favorite dish because we liked everything we tried. I highly recommend the Flank Steak. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Fun, cozy atmosphere as well. This would be a great date spot. Extra cool points for being a BYOB that allows you to bring Tequila in addition to beer and wine!
(5)Cassie B.
This place is pretty magical. It seems so hidden, so mysterious, so wonderful. The food is always really good, the service is fantastic, and the ambiance is out of this world. I took off one star because the hostess was a little salty and they get a little pushy after you've finished eating, but I think that can easily be overlooked. Two things-BYOB and CASH only!
(4)John H.
Best service you can find for a tapas bar. Very small and intimate. Tapas are good and unique.
(4)Bernadette R.
So I heard about this restaurant after it was featured on a food show, can't remember which. I love small cozy places that seem authentic. On the show the owner/cook? made everything from scratch including the queso fresco which is impressive to me. This is definitely not your traditional Mexican food, but I enjoyed it. I'm glad I checked the website before I got there. It is cash only and there is a 1 bottle limit per 2 people. So my girl friend and I went and ordered the following: 1. Corn Masa Memelas- Absolutely delicious! 2. Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with oranges and pomegranate seeds- I was a little nervous for the combo of fish and fruit, but they actually complimented each other well. Without the organges and pomegranates the taco would have been bland despite the chipotle mayo dressing. 3. Flank Steak with corn tortillas- This was my favorite. The meat was cooked perfectly and it came with onion straws and potatoes. 4. Flautas- These I don't recommend. They were so so, definitely better things on the menu. 5. Sweet Empanadas- These were tasty as well. It was peanut butter filled and came with a caramel apple sauce and a chocolate dipping sauce. All in all I had a great experience. The service was excellent and very attentive and the food was timed perfectly. Each dish was thoughtfully brought out one at a time and right after each other and the ambiance was perfect. I will definitely be returning since the menu does rotate about once a month.
(4)Rachel B.
Good food, creative stuff. And byob, even for margaritas. We took a bottle of tequila and it was the cheapest night of margaritas in a while! I had a rabbit stew that was luxurious. (This is not a typical Americanized Mexican restaurant). Cash only, and small, does not take reservations.
(4)Robby S.
Ya know...I came here after hearing about all the hype. I thought it was good, but not phenomenal. It was super expensive and the portions were actually quite small. Yes, it's a small-plate type place, but I expected more! The place has an interesting atmosphere, but it's almost too small. We were seated at a table right by the door and people were all up in our grills coming in and out of the place. The peanut butter empanada was really fricken good, though. My friend and I each spent $40 (cash only) and proceeded to go to Subway afterwards for more food.
(3)Carol K.
I am not a patient person. Therefore, I have put off trying Chilam Balam as I hate waiting in line to get in anywhere (even if it is one of the hottest places in Chicago right now!) But on a recent Monday night- I gave it a try and to my amazement we were seated immediately. The planets were aligned! Now- granted- we did get the last table at 7pm on a Monday night so all those who came in after us had to wait until one of the only 12 tables freed up. This downstairs space is intimate (translated into small). And the music not your traditional mariachi band fare but a more modern take on Mexican rock which was a nice touch. We came prepared with our BYOB (in this case a jug of premade margaritas) but we could have just brought tequila or wine as they sell pitches of mixers for sangria, and margaritas. The menu is simple and changes regularly. On the night we were there- our server steered us toward a few of the small plates to share and one entree. For the small plates, we had the guac and chips, the halibut ceviche, the chicken flautas and the skirt steak with tortillas. The food was great- so much so when they went to clear the flautas away that were not finished- I thought my dining companion was going to chase the server down! (actually he did, and the flautas were brought back to the table) For our entree, we went with the braised short rib. This was delicious! The beef was presented off the bone and topped with corn salsa. Served with warm tortillas this was my favorite dish of the night. If I had a wish- it would have been that our server was a little more pleasant. He didn't answer the questions that we had and seemed to be in a hurry to turn our table. He was efficient- he just didn't go out of his way to take care of us. Know that this is not inexpensive food. Rather- great food served creatively in a small space. Our dinner with tip came to $75 even with the BYOB. Also know that it is CASH ONLY so be prepared. Street parking is pretty easy on this stretch of Broadway. And here's a hint- if you go and have to wait- they will take your cell phone number and direct you to Monsignor Murphy's next door to have a drink and wait it out. And while they do take reservations every night except Friday and Saturday- on the night we were there- the reservations were all booked up so we just gambled that they could take a few walk ins. I get what the hype is all about. The food is amazing and it's hard to believe it is coming out of such a small kitchen. Chilam Balam will definitely go on my "go back list". And in the very near future.
(4)Jacob T.
I can get pretty critical of Mexican food, but this place is absolutely incredible. They change up the menu frequently, but I had the most amazing pork shoulder. It's tapas-style, should you get the opportunity to sample a broad spectrum of flavors and really get the full experience. I only wish it wasn't so hidden from view. Regardless, I'm definitely going back.
(5)KM R.
A real find among the many Mexican restaurants in Lakeview. The friendly staff serves creative apps and small plates, and just to note, the prices are higher than on our last visit. Start with Gual and Ceviche with excellent chips. The piece of Tuna was fantastic, but the fresh pea puree and blueberry fresh cream topping (tasted like yogurt) was a weird combo. The sauce on the Flank Steak was incredible, although the crispy onions could have been hot and crispier. It's BYO and cash only, so plan ahead.
(3)Andrea R.
This tiny restaurant is already way too crowded so I fear writing this 5 star review will keep me from ever getting to eat there again, but gotta give praise where it's due. And Chef Chuy definitely deserves praise for the meal I enjoyed here last weekend! It's BYOB, which makes me wonder if the young looking Chef Chuy is old enough to drink. My group of 6 came prepared for 4 bottles of wine- 2 reds and 2 whites. Can never have too much wine when dining at a byob spot! Unfortunately, Chilam Balam doesn't take reservations and getting seated right at 8 looked very unlikely. The very nice hostess took our name and sent us a few doors down to Monsignor Murphys for just what we needed- more drinks! 45 minutes later nice hostess called the bar (after unsuccessfully trying me on my cell) to let us know our table was ready. And while I usually am not one to wait 45 minutes for something this meal ended up being well worth it.... We were STARVING and asked our waiter to just bring out every small plate on the menu, which turned out to be a genius idea. Everything was beyond delish, but favorites included: * Empanadas filled with mushrooms and cheesy goodness * Halibut Ceviche * Chunky Guac * Grilled Serrano Marinated Gulf Shrimp * Peanut Butter Embanadas for dessert Oh, and an extra bonus was that they made sangria out of the red wine we brought with us. Uh-mazing! And I was also uh-mazingly drunk by the end of the meal. They've been open only 6 weeks, but it seems that Chuy & Co have things under control. My only suggestion would be a bigger restaurant!
(5)Brett F.
Hooray! Chilam Balam is finally taking reservations... now while it doesn't necessarily mean they'll be honoring them (or your credit card, yep, they're still cash ONLY), it's still a good plan to have a place on the ever long list of this new, popular Mexican BYOB hot spot. As you can tell I was a bit irked by the reservation system... had a res for a party of 5 celebrating a birthday on a Friday evening. Arrived on time to find our table wasn't ready - and likely wouldn't be for about 30-45 minutes. Yeeeeouch! I really hope my belly didn't hear that one. The wait was mighty treacherous as the restaurant is tiny with no foyer and relegates it's eager patrons outdoors in the cold. Burrr!! Once finally seated, we were placed at a small booth-type 4-top table. Grrr. Talk about claustrophobic... sitting in each others laps was not what we had in mind. Fortunately the BYO factor and our copious margaritas got us in the mood to be cozy with one another or this could have been detrimentally annoying. What's not annoying? The lovely accompaniment choices they have for your drinks... bring wine, get sangria mix... bring tequila, watch them transform into delicious margaritas served tall and frothy in adorable glasses with salted rims. What a nice and thoughtful touch!! The basement digs are colorful and warm... sort of reminiscent of Twisted Lizard on Sheffield but not nearly as dark. Light and bright, just like their staff... Mexican hospitality is at its optimal here. Loved our doll of a server, Juan, and his suggestions-a-plenty for our crew. I think we just about tried one of everything and boy-oh-boy was it tasty!! What phenomenal dishes are being cranked out of that little kitchen back there. Impressive! Fan favorites were tangy and comforting goat cheese and black bean topped corn memelas, the savory grilled pasilla pork ribs with crispy sweet plaintains and the adobo marinated pan-seared duck breast - holy sweet mole - inventive, tasty, smokey, spicy... it was a fiesta in my mouth!! Don't skip their yummy guacamole to whet your whistle while you whack a few maggies back - oh! - and save room for those Oaxaca chocolate empanadas with crunchy peanut butter and black fig.. Mi Amor, es perfectante!
(4)Lara T.
Why did this have to happen... to quote Morrissey, "We hate it when our friends become successful." Trust me, I was all-too excited to share this hidden gem with some local 'foodies'. After we were seated, we were IMMEDIATELY advised by the waiter that we were restricted to two bottles of wine for a table of four. The waiter forced us to order more than two appetizers right away or that we would have to give up our table. He proceeded to keep on top of us to order more things every ten minutes. What made it so difficult is that the food came out so rushed that we had plates on top of plates. When he came up to us and asked us if we wanted to order dessert, I gestured that we still had our dinners. I told him that we were still settling on our dinner plates and he replied, "Well, here's the menu." (rambles off the options.) He proceeded to add, "You need to make a decision. I have other people waiting." At this point, we were only there for an hour. To add insult to injury, he came back five minutes later and dropped the check on our table. I just don't know if I can deal with that again. It was a very jarring experience and I've never been treated so poorly at a restaurant. Never. I'm skeptical about returning any time soon. Very disappointed.
(1)Matthew J.
So NYC - small tables, tight spaces, and AMAZING food! Come with cash because this is a cash-ONLY place and dinner/sodas/dessert for the 4 of us was about $120.00 plus tip. The menu relies on local farms so check the website for the curent menu. Reservations are taken only on certain days so call them. Loved it and I will be back!! :)
(5)Luke S.
The food was good, but the experience on the whole was underwhelming. It was very expensive for very little food, and we were rushed through our entire meal. Less than two minutes after we finished dessert the hostess came to us and rudely told us to leave. I understand trying to get more people into the restaurant, but this was just wrong. Will not be going back.
(2)Kristine P.
Absolutely my favorite place in all of Chicago. No comparison... Everything rocks. We order half the menu every time & we never have been disappointed.
(5)Michelle H.
You walk into a cozy, festive room and will immediately be seduced by kitchen aromas. This is a really fun, casual environment. It's easy to talk and there's room to relax. The BYOB is nice and we were well attended to. We enjoyed 4 gluten free dishes: duck, scallops, tuna and empanadas. I'd say the empanadas were the only disappointment and at that, they were certainly fine (just not at good as Lito's.) Others have commented that this place is upscale. I'd really disagree. I'd say this is a great everyday joint.
(3)Jeff R.
My first review of a Chicago place in a while, since I've been traveling. I'll first say that I can see why it has 100% approval in Urbanspoon and high marks on Yelp. It also took over 30 minutes to get a table at 9pm on a Thursday night, so the locals are voting with their feet/checks too. Add the fact that it's BYOB, no reservations and cash only makes it all the more impressive. We had a relatively quick meal, only four small plates AND a bottle of wine. The place was packed as usual and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Since the space is small, conversation noise is high, especially when you pour your own drinks. The menu was surprisingly small, but it's also seasonal so maybe I should come back in the spring/summer. However, sometimes a smaller menu makes decisions easier, especially when dealing with small plates. We started with the guacamole ($6.50) and corn masa memelas ($8.50), with the idea of doing vegetarian starters. The memelas are topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens. Now everything was fine, which may have been the problem. Expectations were high, reasonable or not, but when I finished I realized that I did not really want to order those dishes again. The guacamole was fine, but nothing to write home about and the memelas tasted like black beans and feta cheese without additional flavors from the rest of the ingredients. Nothing was bad, just not meeting sky high expectations and not passing the "I want to order that again" test. We ordered two more dishes, also from the small dish selection, jumbo shrimp and pork belly. These were definitely more impressive and what I would guess more representative of the kinds of dishes receiving high acclaims. The pork belly dish was nice, full of flavor that you expect from pork and the butternut squash and sauce really made the flavors exciting. I'm not a huge fan of pork belly but this was very well prepared. In the end though, we saved the best for last with the shrimp. It was the only plate I would have ordered again. They served the shrimp with tortillas to make a taco, and it went down great. The light sauce was salty, but it in a good way that enhanced the flavors. There were also small potatoes served on the side. I know I only had four dishes, but only one was truly great. For all the praise and hype and waiting for 30 min at 9pm, I was let down slightly. I can see the talent and the creativity in the preparations. Maybe I wasted two selections on vegetarian starters that aren't quite necessary. The problem though is that I'm not enthusiastic to wait again for table to try and order right. I feel that most great restaurants shine through on a majority of the dishes, not the other way around. Again, I can see where everyone is coming from, and the experience is likely enhanced by the cult atmosphere surrounding the restaurant. I give it 3/5 this time around, but I recognize the high potential for future visits.
(3)Gareth D.
Note: Cash Only Despite what others have been saying, my experience with the service has been just fine. Our waiter was quick to offer up his opinions, which were solid selections. The restaurant is unique (at least for the neighborhood), intimate yet casual, and BYO. The cost of the small plates does add up quickly, but the flavors are reasonably bold, and I'm told that they use mostly organic ingredients. It's an overall worthwhile experience, but not everything has been so rosy for me here. There was definitely seating available on Monday, and we were seated right away at around 8-8:30pm. Just as we were seated, some well-proportioned and nicely presented food quickly skirted past our table. However, what would typically bring on serious hunger pangs resulted in my face scrunching up -- one of the dishes was acutely fishy smelling. Not pleasant, given that I had made the mistake of ordering the "cured salmon" on a previous visit. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I enjoy salmon, including NW coast native WA/BC-style smoked salmon, as well as lox and sashimi, but the salmon in this dish (which is undoubtedly no longer on the menu) was almost candied--tough, and texturally unappealing. They were kind enough to replace it with something else for us, as I think the server recognized that customers weren't picking up fully on the 'cured' bit. With respect to that fishy smelling dish, I told the waiter not to let me order that dish -- apparently it was the halibut, and he claims the flavors are amazing. Give it a shot, if you happen to have a clothespin on you. The other dish that I've had that was entirely not to my liking were the "Corn masa memelas topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens." Perhaps these things are so popular that they are pre-made and just shoved under the salamander broiler prior to serving, because I found them to be hard, dry little cups with little corn flavor. I am a fan of both black beans and goat cheese, but I couldn't be bothered to finish the second half of my small memela. On the other hand, the tortillas here were fantastic, particularly when filled with the highly recommended "Chanterelle mushroom cazuela, smoked pasilla cream ,epazote,grilled summer vegetables" -- I had to order more of those tortillas to enjoy the last mushrooms, which were as earthy as I had hoped they would be. Our scallops were seared beautifully, with a nice crust and succulent center. Finally, I also enjoyed the waiters recommendation of the "Formed Chocolate Chile mousse, spiced goat cheese center, orange toasted marshmallow sauce, candied plantains." The goat cheese is clearly visible in the dish, but plays a secondary role for me in terms of flavor, so don't let that dissuade you.
(3)Joe S.
Well, I went here when the restaurant just opened and thought it to be great, but when I went a second time I was unpleasantly dis-delighted to find that (a) the food portions shrunk in size and (b) the food prices grew in size. Not exactly a great mix of changes for me, but I understand that restaurants need to rethink their business model after getting settled in an area for the first time, ect. Perhaps one would like this place better if he/she never had experienced it when it was cheaper, more plentiful in course size. This is my curse, regrettably. That being said the food is GOOD, and the BYOB is hard to beat. Cozy small place with great decor, atmosphere, & both times we had a good waiter. CASH ONLY. I'm tainted, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
(3)Sarah C.
The short version of this review is that the food is incredible and the staff is lovely. The place is small and you might have to wait, but it's worth it. It's BYO and if you forget your favorite beverage, the CVS next door has booze. Their ever-changing seasonal menu makes amazing dishes from local purveyors of meats and produce in combinations I would never dare to use in my own kitchen. For those with some more reading time on your hands . . . I've eaten here a few times (we don't live nearby) and have never been disappointed. I even attended a wedding shower brunch here recently and it was easily the best food at a shower I've ever had (and that includes my own shower). It is a tapas-style restaurant, so be prepared to share plates with the rest of your party. In my opinion, it's the best way to try many of the amazing dishes on the menu. Soraya has always been accommodating and I've never had an issue with rude staff. I can't speak for the experiences of other reviewers, but I find that if you're kind and respectful to others, they are usually kind and respectful to you. Since this is a small place that only takes limited reservations and is usually quite busy during peak hours, this is not the place to camp out for hours, subsisting on only chips and guac and whatever alcohol you've brought with. If that's what you're looking for, this place might not be the best option for you. However, if you're looking for a delicious, well-priced meal that will having you craving peanut butter filled empanadas for weeks on end, then Chilam is the place for you.
(5)Stephen L.
What happened here? New management or something? The food, which I regarded as one of THE BEST dishes in Chicago, were terrible!! I had ribs, skirt steak, and a fish dish, but all of them were mediocre at best. They were not seasoned enough and very over cooked. The service went downhill also. Our server was not attentive at all and it was not even very busy. I was just so disappointed because this was my girlfriend and my favorite restaurant since few years back. I really want to like this place because the food and the people were so amazing. But for now, meh....
(2)Jessica S.
Excellent food, smarmy waitstaff, not kid friendly (or customer friendly, for that matter). I guess getting some national attention makes them think they are no longer in the service industry.
(3)Barry A.
It's so nice to be able to write a review where I can actually gush. Chui and his staff treat you like friends when you eat there, except they charge you for the food before you leave. Anything in an empanada will be delicious, likewise anything with a mushroom base. Hell, it's all been good so far. Peruse the menu, but ask the server what's good tonight, or ask if the chef would like to surprise you with something. The dining room is small, so don't show up with anything larger than a party of 6, unless you make arrangements ahead of time. Cash only and BYO.
(4)Cameron H.
My partner and I always walk by this place. Who would that though... From looking at it from the outside, it is in the basement (e.g. garden apt) of a building. After walking it, it was quite small and intimate. Usually, the type of restaurants we like going to for dinner. Initially, we thought the place was traditional Mexican food like burritos and carne asada. However, we were pleasantly surprised that what was served was tapas style. We ended up ordering 5 plates, even though we started off with just three. We ordered the: 1. Corn masa memelas topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens - very good 2. Empanadas filled with braised mushrooms in pipian verde, two cheeses, epazote and roasted green chiles - excellent 3. Crispy flautas stuffed with chicken and rajas; chipotle-mezcal sauce, pickled cabbage, fresh cheese and crema - very tasty 4. Tamal Azteca layered with housemade tortillas, roasted winter veggies, creamy ricotta, tangy chipotle sauce and garlicky white beans - decent 5. Grilled Gulf Shrimp tossed with roasted garlic mojo sauce (olive oil, thyme, guajillo chile) fried fingerling potatoes and sunflower shoots - not bad Overall, we would definitely go back!!!
(5)Jen B.
Absurdly great restaurant in Lincoln Park. My party of four came in on their two year anniversary, randomly. We wanted to go to Ba-Ba-Reeba but they were full. So glad they were, because now I'm all Ba-Ba-Reeba who? Chilam B is where it's at. Two turn tables and a microphone. Lots of veggie options for such a small menu. Empanadas, quesadillas, guac, ceviche and memelas were off the hook. Esp the memelas! They are like teeny tiny pizzas with a corn masa crust that makes me want to eat nothing but that forever. The chocolate mousse with goat cheese is pretty good, too, but I'd try the peanut butter dessert thing next time. Plates are small ergo your bill will be large. But not as large as you think since it's BYO. No corkage fee, I think? Cash only. Yeah, that's maybe the only knock against this place. That and they close at a 11pm and will blast Eye of the Tiger to get your ass out of there. Gross. I still think you're neat, though. Wander around the cute shops on Broadway after and maybe stop at Babcock for homemade ice cream. If you're a total fat kid like me.
(5)Jessica M.
I had super high hopes for Chilam Balam!! It is always packed, and I have heard several good things about it from TV. The food was not great! There were a few items that I would suggest, but nothing worth going back for. The flank steak (one of the most expensive items on the menu) was so tough it was not possible to eat it on the tortilla that they suggest you put it on. The empanadas just tasted like bread stuffed with veggies, when they were supposed to be shitake mushrooms. You could barely tell there were any kind of mushroom in them. The crowd in the restaurant was a clear indication of the restaurant's situation. Everyone was under 30.. and no one looked like regulars. It was obvious that everyone that was there was there based on the publication this place has managed to get. No one looked like foodies, they all looked like hip restaurant goers. I would not suggest this restaurant to anyone in Chicago. There are so many other great restaurants, especially in that area.
(2)Erika W.
Hmm, wish I could say better things about this place, but I guess my overall impression was don't believe the hype. Let's start with the things that bug a bit: cash only, no reservations on the weekend (why???), and absolutely NO where to wait if you have to wait (which you will). The place is TINY. Perhaps that's part of the appeal to some, but the small space in combination with it being in a garden unit just made me feel like I was eating in someone's colorful basement. Where we were seated was so tight that our waiter had to move out of the way when he was going over the menu with us every time someone went by. Seriously, guys, you seem to be doing well, maybe time to consider expanding? So despite these annoyances, i was excited to try the food. Small plates, our server suggested about 2 - 2.5 plates per person. So we ordered four - the ceviche, which was excellent, a salad with hearts of palm and goat cheese (pretty good), the chicken flautas, which were too vinegary and lacked the flavors promised in the menu, and finally the flank steak, which came with corn tortillas. The steak was recommended by our server and I love authentic corn tortillas, but both disappointed. Not a lot of flavor in either. For dessert we got the hibiscus flan which also lacked the flavor we expected and reminded me more of blueberry yogurt than anything else. Our bill with tip was about $70 (no alcohol), which to me was not justified. And remember, they're cash only. I expect that from a taqueria or take-out chicken joint, not a restaurant where one could easily rack up a bill of $100. Overall the service was attentive and helpful, and while the menu was promising, I just feel the actual food did not lived up to the descriptions or the prices. It was fine, just not great. Maybe the type of place I'd stop by on a random Tuesday night when I was out of food at at home, assuming it wasn't crowded and much cheaper. I would probably consider going there again to give it a second try, but not sure if it's worth the wait, cramped conditions, and prices to do so.
(3)Alison N.
Do NOT go here if you a bigger group (6+). We came here for a birthday dinner and were basically convinced to leave after the staff was nothing but rude to us. While it is BYOB, our server basically limited our amount of alcohol and told our group he would only open one bottle of wine and then would only open more depending on the amount of food we ordered. They also weren't going to let us sit until "all our party arrived" even though one of the persons in our group had literally stepped outside to use the ATM, as it is "cash only" I was incredibly embarrassed being the "party planner" and had people coming from all over to attend. At the end of our waiter's introduction, he stated "if you don't like this you can leave." Who actually says this to their customers? Aren't restaurants in the HOSPITALITY industry?? So we gave them what they wanted and left. I will NEVER go to this place again. The staff was incredibly rude. They just lost out on a great deal of $$ as my party was starving and would have ordered plenty of food. As having worked in the restaurant business you know how much money a 9 person party can bring in! Customer service is key, and this place failed miserably.
(1)Emily Z.
super small spot. They take reservations up to 6pm, after that it is redic crowded. Small and crowded unfortunately means stuffy on a warm humid summer night. They did have good service though This is definitely not your average Mexican restaurant, its more upscale Mexican tapas. Everything was very good. We saw the ribs go by and decided to get two because they were so pretty, yes they were very well presented but honestly the meat was not tender, definitely could pass up this one. We also had the Asparagus salad, which was about 6 asparagus stalks with a poached egg on top with hollandiase and some bacon, good but not fabulous. My favorite was the Flatus, nice and crispy with a little bit of spice. We loved the memesas and the tamale with goat cheese which was on special. For desert I tried the Hibiscus flan, it was pretty tart, and interesting but I wouldn't get it again. Though I will definitely be back to try the Chile chocolate dessert I see everyone loves on here ! So the plan, get there early, with a small party, make a reservation if its before 6pm, plan on sharing the small plates, and don't forget to bring your own bevie !!
(3)Pascal M.
This little piggy went to the market, this little piggy ate at home, and this little piggy ain't' no fool so he went to Chilam Balam. Fresh, fun, inspiring, and unconventional is what I think about when it comes to Chilam Balam. They have a colorful, inviting, and slightly intimate atmosphere. Plus I really like restaurants that you have to go down stairs to get to (see Flub a Dub Chub and Brick's review). It's hard to recommend any food, because they change their menu so frequently. However I can mention a few items and hopefully they're on the menu when you go. Guacamole is standard, just get it. The Blue Marlin Ceviche is everything I love about ceviche and more. Blue Marlin is such an interesting cut of fish to use (hence inspiring). Plus a nice subtle heat from delicately used habanero. Their grilled pork ribs are usually on the menu, preparation seems to variate with whatever ingredients their working with (from farm to plate mentality). Da ribs are always a satisfying choice. That's the tale of the tape here. They utilize their ingredients efficiently and in very creative ways. Portions are nice, you can try quite a few dishes when you visit (4-5 for 2 people is plenty). Again, that's to be expected when you have two owners who have nothing but a strong knowledge for food, paired with a rich and well experienced history around Mexican cuisine. Not to mention they are devoted and proud to using our regional farms. Chilam Balam rocked my world, let it rock yours.
(5)August B.
i was here almost a year ago. Great food then. Almost amazing. Really worth the wait...they just need a bigger joint.
(5)Adam M.
The only thing keeping this place from receiving 5 stars is the price. It's pretty pricey for such small amounts of food; however, the food itself was amazing. I was disappointed that they were out of the grilled pork ribs but that just gives me an excuse to go back. The grilled pork lion was out of this world, and I also really loved the Memelas, Wild Mushroom Sope, and the Skatewing. Chilam Balam is BYOB which is great and I would highly recommend giving it a try.
(4)Vaidehi T.
I had high expectations for this place - and it totally delivered!! It is a tiny, blink-and-you-will-miss-it kind of place. But inside it is a very cosy and cute restaurant. We made reservations for a Tuesday night and was still full, I can imagine the crowds on the weekend. The good news is they take reservations on week days, so the smart thing would be to go here on a week night and have a relaxed dinner. The food here is stellar. It is essentially Mexican cuisine but it is a totally modern and fresh take on the cuisine. It is tapas style small plates that are shareable. As a group of 5 we tasted the scallops, corn memales, endive salad, rabbit tamales, shitake mushroom empanadas, goat cheese enchiladas and 3 desserts. Each and every dish was good, but the corn memales, endive salad, scallops, empanadas and the cheesecake dessert were the favs. The corn memales are melt in your mouth delicious - perfectly salty and savory - yum!! There were 3 vegetarians at the table and there are plenty of choices on the menu for them. It is a BYOB restaurant which is great and adds to the casual vibe of the restaurant. The service also was very good and attentive. It is a great date night place or a place to hang out with a group. I would love to go back here. Also, be warned it is a cash only place.
(5)Brad O.
No real complaints about the food. It was executed very well. I'm just not a big fan of fussy mexican food. And the service was excellent. My main issue with this place is the cost. Normally the check at a BYOB restaurant is significantly less than at a place with a liquor license (assuming you order drinks, obviously). Even without booze, and ordering fewer dishes than the waiter recommended, the bill came to more than most restaurants with a liquor license. Just a bit surprising, thats all.
(3)Rebecca H.
Cozy place, byob, and really good tapas. Go during the week to avoid a long wait on the weekends.
(4)Sara B.
Our group of 4 adults and 2 infants arrived about 10 minutes after they opened. Let's just say "welcome" was not how we were received. The food was decent, but it was hard to be treated like our infants were an inconvienence. And they didn't even cry or make a sound the entire meal.
(2)Jeremy W.
Pretty good food, not the biggest portions, kind of pricey, cash only which is annoying. I like that they change their menu because you can find different things each time.
(4)Shelly S.
When we arrived at 6 pm on a Friday evening and were told it would be an hour wait, we were not surprised and had planned on it. The restaurant is small and loud and so charming, inviting and fun. We loved our waiter and every dish was interesting and delicious. Great addition to the neighborhood!
(4)Mindy W.
What better way to end my Yelp hiatus than by reviewing the wonderful sustenance provided by the Windy City? I am admittedly, unashamedly obsessed with Top Chef and any place BYOB. Clearly this was a match made in heaven. We walked the one minute to this cozy, underground restaurant and instantly felt somehow overwhelmed and welcomed at the same time. It's so tiny, but everyone was laughing, smiling and clearly enjoying themselves. The waitstaff was helpful, playful and really engaging. The four of us shared Chunky guacamole, Shiitake mushroom empanada, Rabbit barbacoa tamal, Grilled endive salad, Grilled pork ribs, tuna rusa, Grilled flank steak, Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and Corn masa memelas. The Rabbit, unfortunately, was the best dish. I didn't feel right eating it, but it was so tender and delicious that I told my conscience to can it. The ribs were also really good, but really spicy. The guacamole was some of the best I've ever had, and the Tuna Rusa only would have been better if it was never ending. My least favorite dishes were the Shiitake mushroom empanada and the endive salad. The veggies in the empanada were indistinguishable other than carrot. The pocket itself wasn't very flavorful, either. The salad was good other than the endive, so it felt a little lackluster. Maybe none of us really enjoy endive and we didn't know until that day. Chuy clearly has some wonderful flavors developing, and I would love it if this little tapas joint was down the street from mi casa here in Columbus. The prices were fine, and the portions were great for tapas. Final word: delicious, somehow high-energy and low-key restaurant that is great for tapas with friends.
(4)Mindy S.
Loved Chilam Balam. We scored a table for 2 with no wait on a Saturday night - a big surprise, seeing as the restuarant always has an extensive wait outside on the sidewalk. We shared 5 dishes and loved them all. The sizes were all larger than expected for a "small plates" place and the flavors were very strong. The current dishes (menu changes) we loved were: Chunky Guacamole - simply amazing Blue Marlin Ceviche - large pieces of fish, and wonderfully complimented by the citrus Short Rib Empanadas - omg. The meat was so tasty, and the side dish of the cold sweet potato salad was incredible. Cucumber Avocado Soup - this dish was the STAND OUT dish BY FAR. I have never tasted anything like this. Cucumbers and avocados were like PB&J in this soup. You must try this. Floutas - 6 small floutas, perfect for sharing between 2 people. Covered in a fantastic chipotle sauce. If you continue to walk by Chilam Balam and do not visit, you are truly missing out on a gem of a place in Lakeview. It is cash only, the noise level can be loud, it is BYOB, but well worth your time.
(5)Erin C.
Suggested this place for girls night on Saturday and after an encounter with an incompetent hostess and a petulant manager named Edwardo, I have to say I will not be returning (and encouraging others to do the same!). We waited over two hours when originally quoted 40 minutes (all while watching bigger parties further down the list get seated for some unknown reason...) but that was nothing compared to the nasty 'tude Edwardo copped w us! It seems to me that perhaps Chilam Balam has gotten a bit too big for its proverbial britches in recent months and now believes that openly insulting a few patrons every night won't matter since we are merely a drop in their super-sweet margarita anyway. Dine at your own risk!
(1)Tera D.
What an awesome place! I'm nearly certain it is a completely unique combination in this city - gourmet Mexican + tapas style + local ingredients + BYOB. And it lives up to all four of those expectations. The food was excellent, with a wide range of flavors, despite the some what small menu. The smallish menu means that with a party of 4 doing tapas style, you could probably order one of everything. But half the menu changes seasonally, so you still have a reason to go back! The service was great, and our server was able to tell us about all the dishes and even where the ingredients were from when asked. And then there's the BYOB bonus - they even have great limeade to mix your tequila with!
(5)Erin T.
Super cozy seating and a small space, so if you're right under a speaker (we were) or right next to an indefensibly loud talker (yep), it can get a little stressful up in here. We also waited like 20 minutes to be addressed after we sat down (they apologized and were fairly attentive thereafter, in keeping with the not-unfriendly "eat and get the hell out" philosophy). BUT DO YOU STILL SEE THE FOUR STAR RATING UP THERE? My friends, that is because of the food. The food was absolutely stellar. It is hard for me to remember everything we ate - that might seem like a bad sign, but all I remember is how much I loved it all - mostly because dessert put me on a higher plane of existence. We had the PBJ empanadas and the hot chocolate. The hot chocolate. The hot chocolate. I think of it every day, and will until I can have it again. Cash only, so - bring cash.
(4)Brittany H.
BYOB with an invite to mix with sangria? yes puuhleasseeee! Every food we tried was so delicious and the atmosphere was perfect for date or girls nights. The guac was amazinnnggg. A must try byob in the city!
(5)E R.
Really amazing food but less desirable service. The wait staff rushes your order and the bus boys are even faster to clear your plates. Don't plan for a long intimate dinner. Perhaps avoid the weekend.
(4)Nirav S.
yummmy!!! went there for the first time last weekend and was super impressed. Loved the goat cheese tamale! great maragarita mix!
(4)Alex F.
Chilam Balam was great. It's a very small restaurant, but it's cozy in a good way. The food is "Mexican" in essence, but totally goes along with the trendy-upscale American trend going on in Chicago right now. The plates are small and intended for sharing. This is a nice concept but leads to some pricey bills. It's BYOB which helps a lot. We just brought beer, but I noticed that the waiter made sangria for another table with their wine, so I'm guessing they do some special tricks for people in the know. The food is excellent. I had the scallops, duck, a beef thing, and for desert the empanadas and choco mouse. Everything was fresh and delicious. Presentation was perfect. The waitstaff was very kind and attentive. Also, the place was fairly empty when we arrived, but filled was packed in about 45 mins, so depending on when you go, you might want to try for a reservation.
(4)Joel H.
In short, if you are reading this deciding to go or not, GO. 100%, check it out. I was happy I did. Very few places have the small plate tapas style with this food theme and are byob. In long, we were lucky enough to have the owner, Soraya, as our waitress. This added a special bonus to really feel the owner's passion/vision. We got her recommendations and they were clearly the right ones. Each month has seasonal items, so they may/will be different by the time you read this. It is small, and a little noisy, and with this, you are semi-rushed, so do not go if you want to sit, sip your wine, and have a long relaxing meal. I will admit, two of the dishes we had missed a little, i.e. a little too much char and bitterness of overcooked on one item, and too much sour cream and cheese on another. But, those just made the highlights even better. We finished with the secret recipe hot chocolate with marshmallows. Authentic recipe, so not over sweet, and some of the best roasted marshmallows ever. I would go back, for sure. Great date spot if you do not mind skipping a long drawn out meal.
(4)andrea b.
I had been wanting to try this place for quite a while and finally got to go here last night. Luckily the weather was fantastic so my date and I got to sit outside, all of the tables inside were taken or said to be "reserved." This more upscale tapas version of a Mexican place is pretty unique as far as places I have tried. My date and I ordered 4 small plates, the waiter suggested 2-3 per person. Four seemed to be a good number for us, however bigger eaters may want more. We ordered the chunky guacomole with tortilla chips - not a special unique dish but it was really good. The guac was especially tasty, the chips were fresh and crispy. Awesome! Our second dish was the vegetable empanadas which had mushroom, sweet potato, and some other stuff. I took about 2 bites and declared it not worth the calories. I like mushrooms but this was extremely mushroomy and just seemed like a big fried blob with not a great taste. Third dish was the skatewing which is apparently a kind of white fish. It was a small amount of fish, covered in some kind of thick dark sauce, along with some unidentifiable things. When the plate was put down, the fish smell wafted very strongly. Pretty sure that shouldn't happen with quality fish. Fourth dish was the skirt steak that came with corn tortillas. This was tasty, no complaints. We didn't have dessert but they did have some great looking options including flan and a dessert empanada with peanut butter (and chocolate?). Yum. The waitstaff is friendly and pretty attentive. They were busy so we had to wait a couple more minutes than I would have liked between visits. This place is cash only so be prepared. All in all, it was decent but I don't think I'll head back any time too soon.
(3)Sherryl W.
I had high hopes for this place after reading the reviews. I was disappointed. This is a reaaaallly tiny place that serves more "upscale" mexican/south american tapas? I love that it's BYOB, but that's about it. Here's a summary: Pros: The scallops are what is saving this review. They were amazing. The ceviche was also pretty good....not great. BYOB Cons: The food is a little bland. We ordered a skirt steak, and a lamb shank., both were underseasoned The portions are also pretty small. They were small plates period. Not really sharing plates. To summarize, overpriced - underseasoned.
(2)Margaret O.
Definitely did not live up to the hype. The food was decent, but the hostess and possibly the manager (?) were terribly rude. Where do I start... Okay, so my friend made the reservation for five at 6:30 on a Thursday during a monsoon (or what seemed like it). The first friend that showed up had a bottle of wine with her (the place is byob) and had to wait until the rest of us to show up to be seated (typical of most places, so no big deal). She politely asked if she could have a glass of wine at the bar/waiting area while she waited. They said NO. Cool, whatever, everyone has their policies I guess... And by policies I mean rules, which they have conveniently listed on some menus and the website. Then as the rest of my friends arrived, one friend was asked--and by asked I mean TOLD-- by the hostess to get up from her waiting chair because she needed THAT CHAIR. THAT SPECIFIC CHAIR. I say that because there was a vacant chair next to the one she was sitting in. Then as my friends waited for me (yes, I was running late) they began to get berated from the hostess and the manager that we were going to lose our table to a different table of five that is arriving in an hour and a half. Yes. You read that correctly, an hour and a half. The manager even went out of his way to tell my friend, "I told you about our 15 minute policy when you made the reservation." When in fact he did not. Also, last time I checked I thought restaurants were in the hospitality business? Why are the manager and the hostess going out of their way to make their customers feel as uncomfortable as possible? And I'm the one that was running late, why should my friends be getting heat about it? I'm sorry Chilam Balam, it was raining and I was on my way from work which took me 40 minutes in the rain on a bus from hell. So yeah, sorry for being human. So when we were seated and my friends begin to tell me what has happened, the option of dining elsewhere had been brought up... Again, I don't work in the hospitality business, but I assure you, as a human being I respect others. Especially those that are about to give me money. Our waiter showed up to the table before we could make a break to leave, and turned out he was the one saving grace. Extremely nice man, extremely attentive, brought up the rules without sounding like a complete ass, made recommendations on what to order... Basically a dream waiter. Even the bus boy was great! I mean maybe these two kind people were the prize for my friends after surviving to hostess and the manager. And as we sat and ate we noticed people waiting at the bar/waiting area drinking wine, on top of which they waited longer than 15 minutes for their complete party. So I guess the manager and the hostess don't play the rude card with everyone. All in all, got treated poorly for decent and overpriced Mexican food.
(2)Janet J.
Seriously, Chilam Balam You can't open 2 different bottles of wine at once per your policy???? We had a party of 4......2 of which were allergic to red wine. We had to drain the one bottle for the white wine drinkers before we could open the red for the red wine drinkers. Not only are we not coming back but we will alert our other city dwellers to not come back either. The food was good, and our waiter was wonderful. He professionally and patiently explained the menu and the one wine bottle open at a time He should be hired in a heartbeat somewhere esle,,,,,
(2)Sean B.
Memorable, inventive, good contrasts in the food. I've been to some 50+ Mexican restaurants in Chicago and around the Aurora area and this is the best one I've found for creativity and flavor contrasts. If you want an enchilada, go somewhere else. If you are a foodie, come here. Yes, there was an hour wait on a Monday night, but they did take our cell, suggest we have a drink at the bar next door, and called us when our table was ready. 3 of the 4 small plates I had were exceptional: The chunky guacamole had enough lemon and not too much lime to give it bite without too much edge. Presentation on plate a plus. Ribs: came with candied plantains and in a beautiful stack. Messy but delicious. Duck Leg with Mole Sauce and peanuts: I would come to this restaurant just to order 2 or 3 plates of this for myself. The duck was tender, the mole sauce was complex and rich, the peanuts gave contrast to the dish, it was remarkable. Dessert: Extremely interesting Chocolate Mousse. It had goat cheese in the center of the mousse with a lightly toasted orange sherbet and banana. The flavors mixed together very well and the presentation was awesome. When a restaurant is this inventive, you have to forgive the basement location, cash only, tight aisles, galley-past-the-kitchen-simple bathrooms. This restaurant is for people who want to experience inventive food that has been carefully thought through and is interesting and 21st century Mexican.
(5)Kristin K.
Rude bus boys and offensively rude server. I was excited to try Chilam after hearing rave reviews from friends. Unfortunately after waiting an hour for a table we left after a few appetizers because of our server's attitude. My friends and I were excited to be out together but our exuberance seemed to annoy our server immediately. Instead of introducing himself he rudely explained how we would only be allowed to drink half our second bottle of wine as we were a party of 3 and they limit 1 bottle per 2 people. He then insisted on taking our second bottle to keep behind the bar while we drank the first. He would not return the second until we ordered additional food. At that point we left. I have heard the food is great but with so many restaurants in the city that welcome their guests I will not be returning to Chilam Balam.
(1)Kristin M.
Mmmmmmm, so yummy. We came as a group of four and tried about half the menu. Some general notes: the flavors were delicious, combinations intriguing and the textures were exciting. Almost everything came with something crunchy on top. Fan-tastic. Here they are in order of faves: -chicken thigh flautas - So. Freakin. Delicious. The flavors were so rich, I couldn't get enough. I could order several plates and finish them myself! -lamb shoulder chili - I am not typically a fan of lamb, however it was recommended by our waiter so we ordered it. The big chunks of lamb were so tender and not game-y at all. It wasn't chili so much as spicy sauce, and when heaped on a fresh tortilla, it was pretty amazing. -blue marlin ceviche - the big chunks of marlin are cooked (so why it's called ceviche, I'm not sure), but it was delicious. You get a generous serving of meat with fresh tortilla chips. -grilled dayboat catch - it was mahi mahi in chipotle-saffron cream sauce. Yum! -fennel and chard tamal - just plain good. If you're not a fan of fennel, rest assured the licorice taste is muted when cooked. -grilled pork ribs - these are served Jenga-style, which excited me for some reason. Ribs are not my favorite, but these were good. They were meaty and had a thick honey/dark (pasilla) pepper sauce. -grilled flank steak - this was the only miss for us. It was in a pretty non-descript tomato-based sauce. In comparison to everything else, this was boring. Save your appetite for something more exciting. Dessert was equally as good, if not better. -peanut butter empanadas - if you do not absolutely love PB, do not order, these are like sticking a spoon in the PB jar, warming it up and then wrapping in sugared, fried dough. Oh, and you can top with either Oaxacan chocolate or seasonal compote (ours was quince, akin to fig) -pumpkin french toast - yum, yum, yum. I didn't expect to like this, but it was delicious. Not so much french toast as it is perfectly moist warm pumpkin cake topped with quince ice cream and avocado cream. Sounds weird, tastes amazing. The space is tiny, but cozy. It's cash only and BYOB. They opened at 5pm on Saturday and we arrived at 5:45. We were seated right away, but within 15 minutes every table was full, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. There's a note on the menu about not allowing more than one bottle of wine/6 pack of beer per 2 diners, but I noticed a table that was well stocked with no issues. I think they just don't want you hanging around savoring three bottles of wine while people are clamoring for your table. They clearly want to keep it moving, but were not too pushy in my opinion. It's also reasonably priced, $35/pp with tip after all that food! I had a great experience and will be back!
(4)Sarah L.
Had an amazing first meal here with friends who love going to Chilam Balam. (And I love saying Chilam Balam.) We ordered about 8 plates for the 3 of us and it was the perfect amount of food. The server was really friendly and helpful when ordering. While a few dishes were definitely favorites, everything was really tasty. The scallops were the best I've ever had, and they were so perfectly done that I realized that any other scallops I've ever had must have been overdone. The only downside to Chilam Balam is that it's fairly tiny and very popular, so you either have to go to dinner at 5:30p or wait in line for a while. I'd prefer to go early, but it's worth a wait regardless..
(4)Jeff N.
I recently went to Chilam Balam for a friend's birthday dinner--there was a group of seven of us and, as they do not take reservations, we showed up around 7 PM and waited a short bit to be seated. As previous reviews have noted, the restaurant is in a basement space and in quite close quarters. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as it gives a more intimate feeling to the people dining, but it does make for quite a wait on the weekend evenings. The food itself was excellent--though, I will note that as the only vegetarian in the group, I was hoping for a few more selections on the menu. The small plates were a bit on the pricey side, but as the food started to roll out to the table, there were certainly no complaints about the quality. The reason for the 2-Star review is entirely service related. The restaurant is BYOB, and as we finished off with the plates it was made quite clear that the staff wanted us to leave promptly. We all still were finishing up glasses of wine around the table and figuring out the tab & tap (neither of which were on the small side--CASH ONLY, by the way) and as soon as our money was in hand they literally began hustling us out of the restaurant. The waitress came over and took all of our waters away, started snatching away unfinished wine glasses. We really got the picture when she came over and started blowing out the candles on our table. Don't get me wrong, I understand there's people waiting--but the fact that this all happened within about 5 minutes of receiving the bill and paying for it just left a bad taste in my mouth. The attitude of the staff really left me feeling as if our business wasn't at all appreciated. Sorry, Chilam Balam, but in spite of the good food--I'll be unlikely to come back anytime soon... let alone recommend your restaurant to others.
(2)Brenna M.
I'll break it down to the high points: - didn't have to wait for a table for 2 at 6:30 pm - BYOB - scallops were to die for low points: - asking us 3 times before we had even been sitting down for 5 minutes if we were ready to order - saying "you see, there are only four items to choose from on the dessert menu." when we say we need another minute to figure out what dessert we want - not opening our second bottle of wine I understand not wanting people to linger at their tables at a byob establishment, but rush me after we've been there an hour, but not after 10 minutes. It made the whole experience so uncomfortable it was palpable . Bottom line: There are other delicious byo's out there that don't treat you as though they're doing you a favor by allowing you 45 minutes of their time.
(2)S R.
This place is cool. When I lived in the area I probably walked past it a million time and never thought to go into it. Not until my friend took me the other night did I realize what it was like. We went on a Friday night around 8 and waited maybe 5/10 minutes to get seated, which wasn't bad at all. The staff was pleasant, friendly and attentive. It's BYOB so we brought a bottle or sparkling red wine and it went perfect with everything we had. We had the Salmon, pork belly, ribs and one more thing and it was all perfect. The food was tender, flavorful, and juicy. I would go back again.
(5)Sophia L.
I was a little reluctant to visit this restaurant after reading the reviews about harsh 'house rules' and bad service. Working in the industry, I expect the best from establishments and hardly ever get it. But tonight was the exception. After buying a bottle of wine from the liquor store across the street, we settled in for dinner. Our server Eduardo gave us a short explanation about the restaurant and the food concepts. Always a great way to start a meal. He was very accommodating when we were unsure of our order and guided us to the perfect picks. We first had the ceviche (amazing), the beef tongue (sounds scary, but very delicious), flautas, empenadas, corn mesa, and rabbit stew. Each dish was complex and took the second bite to really appreciate what was meant to be experienced. Overall, all the dishes I had were fantastic. I understand why others left poor reviews.... they don't understand food and the dining culture. I had a great experience and will be back to try their ever changing menu. And thank you for the exceptional service!!
(5)Stefanie P.
This was one of the several restaurants chosen for my 30th birthday weekend eat-a-palooza. I was not disappointed. Delicious small plates with a cast of regulars and a couple rotating items, awesome desserts, and a cozy atmosphere. My mom, who is a notorious bean-hater, even loved the memelas with black beans. That's saying something! And it's within walking distance from my house!
(4)Mandy P.
I can't write anything different from the other reviews really. During weekdays you can make reservations here, and I would definitely recommend you do. Also, bring a cheaper bottle of red to have them mix up as their sangria. We had an expensive one that we didn't want to use in a mixture. Oh and go with a big group so you can try everything!
(5)Bree M.
I just revisited Chilam Balam last Sunday with my buddy Sam. It was just as fantastic as my first visit. The pork belly was one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life, and the chocolate bread pudding was one of the best desserts I've ever had. I love this place and I'm super excited that it's in the East Lakeview neighborhood and only 6 blocks from my apartment - wahoo! Visit my blog for pics and a longer review: BreeEatsChicago.wordpres…
(5)Aaron m.
Chilam Balam I want to start out by syaing thank you!!! You still have the best atmoshpere in the city for a group of people 4-8. Your dishes are exciting as well as not a bad$$$. I will say that you will my favorite for a long time to come. Thanks again
(5)Lindsay A.
I know i'm going to receive a lot of flack for this review, but I have to do it anyway. When I think of good mexican/texmex food I think of an overflowing basket of home-made chips and out of this work salsa/quac, huge plates with delicately crafted and uniquely spiced torillas and vegetables and etc etc. If i wanted tapas I would go to a tapas restaurant? I know all you snobs will turn your noses up at me for my love of mole smothered mexican goodness but I'm not ever going to pay 15 dollars for a plate that barely feeds two. The food is quality, that goes without saying, but if your looking to pig out, this is not the place. best part: Ribs. worst: quac.
(3)Dawn S.
Overall, I'd say this place just isn't for me. I prefer environments that are a little warm, welcoming and relaxing so that I can enjoy my company and food. That was not my experience here. I thought the food was good, but not a standout while the ambiance and service left me feeling harried and a little suspicious when my the change from my bill came back with $10 short. My friend and I went early on a Thursday evening. The place was not at all crowded. The place is in a "garden" space (out of towners that means it is in the basement). We settled in quickly and ordered guacamole. It tasted good, but nothing special and it was starting to oxidize with a little brownish tinge to it. Our waiter came to the table five times to check on us to see if we wanted to order. This, after telling him we would need a few minutes to catch up with one another and make our selections. Each time he came to the table, he lingered longer than comfortable after we told him we weren't ready. We ordered the empanadas, tamal and scallops. All were nicely executed, but not so great as to offset the rush that followed. The homemade tortillas were excellent. The scallops came with three on the plate.I wanted to enjoy every bite of it. I had a half a scallop on my plate that apparently wasn't eating fast enough. Our waiter came to the table SEVEN times to follow up with us and ask if he could take our plate or get something else. I am not exaggerating. I counted. That doesn't include the manager or bus staff visits. This was AFTER I told them that I really wanted to enjoy my last bite. In peace. Finally we ordered the pineapple upside down cake. This was a split vote. My friend loved it, I wanted to scrape it off my tongue. We asked for our check at the same time as we ordered the cake so that we could enjoy our dessert in peace without the frequent visits. When our change came back we were shorted $10 which required a trip to the register to sort out because all of a sudden there was no wait staff available to attend to us. Unfortunately, I cannot say I would go back here or recommend it to others.
(1)Sandy B.
Chilam has been on my list to try for years...I just seldom get back to the old neighborhood so it's taken awhile. Don't get me wrong, the food is excellent but I was SO embarrassed by the service. Friends and I met for dinner before the Timeline (Blood and Gifts, highly recommend). We came from different areas of the city and all brought wine (thus, we had more than we would drink before the theater). We went early enough to beat the dinner crowd and have a leisurely dinner. Got in, got seated and the place quickly filled up around us. I mentioned we weren't in a rush (we had a couple of hours) and was basically told that we needed to get in and out as they were going to get busy. I admit, he didn't know that my 'not in a rush' meant we had theater tickets and we did show up with several bottles of wine....perhaps he thought we were settling in for the evening. We are a fun-loving small group of adults of a certain age and we are not appreciative of 'rules'. Unfortunately they have them and they kept coming over and telling us about them. Tip - You should know that you are only allowed a certain amount of wine. You can share one bottle between 2 ppl over dinner and we were told we could have 2.5. It's not that that isn't a reasonable amount but when was the last time you were told how much you could drink at a restaurant?! I could see if we were young that might be a concern but most of us have gray hair (when its' not colored). There were more rules and by that time, no amount of FANTASTIC food could save the experience. By the end of the meal, a mere 1.25 hrs after being seated, we were told that no coffee was available. Really? Very disappointing as a cup of coffee would have gone so well with the peanut butter empanadas - that and another 15' would have saved them from this review. Don't you hate in when something you've been looking forward to for a long time disappoints for service?
(2)J F.
Cozy place, great service & great food. We had their season pumpkin soup and it was amazing. It's more of a tapas bar which the server did tell us and he recommended 4-5 dishes and we got 4 dishes & a dessert which was absolutely perfect. We will be back again. We left feeling great and not too full. And bill was only $55 a $10 wine from Binny's- amazing!
(5)Sree K.
Excellent food!!! Unique Mexican tapas - rich and delicious. Farm-to-table. Their menu changes regularly. BYOB or wine. Or rum for margaritas. Service once we were seated was great, but the hostess was not organized nor friendly. Waited once for 30 mins and next time for 60 mins. If not for the wait, I'd be there every week.
(4)Jen K.
I have to say, I had decent expectations and it didn't live up to it. We brought some Don Julio to mix with their margarita mix (limeade) which is way too sweet and sour and costs like $10. The marlin ceviche, and scallops were great. The other couple of plates we got, were not so great. We got some sort of black spice rubbed lamb ribs? Ok I don't really remember what it was, and it's not on their current menu. But there was actually zero meat on the ribs, it was basically the bone and spice. There was also something with an apple salad which was really sweet and gross.
(2)Ariana S.
Ummm looooove! Went here with my bf & another couple. We wanted somewhere casual (it was a Wednesday night) but tasty! And the BYOB is definitely a selling point! We got exactly what we hoped for! There was a bit of a wait when we showed up so the host had us wait in the bar next door where we grabbed a quick beverage. We actually were called within 10 minutes so we grabbed 'To Go' cups from the bar and took them next door back to Chilam. (Mad props to both establishments for being so accomodating on these drinks!!!) We decided to go the route of getting a TON of food and splitting it. I honestly can say that nothing disappointed but the clear winners were: PORK RIBS & EMPANADAS Also the dessert empanadas were AMAZING. Super cute atmosphere, great food, attentive service, BYOB. Where can you go wrong!?
(5)Claudia R.
We tried Chilam Balam for dinner the other night and it lived up to it's reputation. The ambience was cozy and inviting and we were seated in a corner booth where we could people watch. The food was excellent. We ordered 5 dishes (two orders of the Flautas) for three people and left full. Next time we'll get 4 small plates and save room for dessert. Our choices: - Chunky guacamole with classic garnishes, crispy tostadas - Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and rajas, chipotle sauce, pickled cabbage, carrots and crema - Shiitake mushroom empanadas with grilled veggies, wisconsin jack cheese, salsa verde - Grilled flank steak, roasted potato, crispy onion, guajillo chile and cilantro The service was a little spotty and we noticed that none of the waitstaff made way for guests moving about the joint - which was funnier than it was annoying. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Leon B.
The food is very good but the service was bad. I took my sister and her friends here for her birthday knowing the food is awesome and the environment is intimate and charming. We had a party of six reservation and upon arrival were told we had to wait until everyone in our party was there before being seated so we waited at the bar until 5 of our six had arrived. As soon as we sat our waiter (owner?) began to tell us if our last person did not arrive soon he would move us to another table which did not make since as our table was barely big enough as it was for us/our food/wine/glasses/our 3 year old etc. This all took place within a 10 minute span and we were on time to our reservation. From there on we were rushed to order food, and we all felt they were pushing more plates then we needed trying to get the tab bigger. It is our decision as a customer to take our time with smaller plates, try a variety of food during a longer period of time not have a buffet race and rush out for the next table to be seated. (and by the way our tab was over $150 with us bringing our own beverages) so they did make money on our table. It's too bad I had to apologize to my sister for the poor choice for her birthday dinner but at least she thought the food was good.
(3)Samuel M.
Maybe I should put my money where my mouth is and refuse to get Mexican outside of Pilsen. I'd been waiting to come here ever since I saw Chuy on Top Chef, and finally made the trip, only to be disappointed by the often pedestrian dining experience. We started with Guacamole ($7.50) which was actually very good, with a subtle but very present kick. Otherwise, not very remarkable. Mahi Mahi ($12.95), served with peanut butter mole and pomegranate seeds, was ever-so-slightly overcooked, and the sauce basically tasted like regular mole without the chocolate. Not so sure where this one was going... Beef tongue tacos ($12), served heartily with potatoes in and a barbacoa style sauce, were one of the better dishes - a well-executed take on the classic "lenguas" that you can get at any taquerÃa worth its salt. Of course, for this price elsewhere, you could feed 3 people on lenguas that are essentially this good. Pork Ribs ($14.50) are cooked well, but the sauce is woefully out of balance, erring towards the sweet side, which I generally find odious. Tamal (don't recall price, was a special), served with barbacoa and topped with classic mole poblano, is also a well-executed dish, though it doesn't succeed in varying the textures enough for my taste. I was waffling at giving Chilam Balam 4 stars after all the savory elements, as the ribs and tamal were pretty good, but then I had the hibiscus flan ($7) which was cloyingly sweet and had a flavor that can best be described as putrescent. It seemed like whoever made this dish was aiming a little too high in terms of complexity for his/her culinary acumen. Pricing is steep; even though this place is BYOB, we still paid around $35 each. Service is very attentive, but almost pathetic (at one point the server came over to lament the relative emptiness of the restaurant for a Thursday night). All in all, Chilam Balam operates best with relatively traditional Mexican fare, but if this is what you're going for, you can get the real McCoy 6 miles due south for way less dinero. I doubt I'll be compelled to return
(3)Ry O.
JAGUAR PRIEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was kind of apprehensive about going to this place because I knew I'd eventually have to tell my friends about it, which means eventually I'll have to let the words "Chilam Balam" spill from my mouth like some ridiculous drunken hiccup. But I get there, flip to the back page of the menu and discover that -- loosely translated -- chilam balam means 'jaguar' 'priest'. The name alone is gonna get 3.5 stars from me, and I kind of have this urge to start a whole bunch of restaurants with names like Skull Hole or Dick Maiden that are translated into other languages so I can tell my elderly co-workers I went to trou du crâne and I can tell my bar friends that I went to the skull hole for dinner. The restaurant itself is actually pretty nice, and I completely don't get the reference. My real-estate agent would have told me it's an intimate garden restaurant, but it's really a basement restaurant. That said, even though it's small and the tables are tightly packed together ... it does have a warm intimate vibe and it's easy to decide on what you want to order next because your neighbors food is so close to you that you can almost taste it. The food is good. Not quite great, but I'd definitely eat there again. The service however was seriously lacking. I was close enough to the table next to me that it was easy to see they were getting great service, but somehow our table was consistently overlooked. Also, what's up with the whole cash only thing? Apparently the Jaguar Priest Himself has a nasty drug habit and doesn't need a paper trail to implicate him. Our tab of two ran about $50, and I don't like carrying too much wadded up cash to that Jaguar Priest Restaurant.
(4)Christopher A.
My girlfriend moved in down the street and I was really looking forward to trying this place. The ambiance looked very cool from the outside, and the inside did not disappoint in this regard. It's very cozy, but in a good way. I would recommend getting in before 7 - it seemed to get much busier around then. Like other people, I found the food to be pretty over priced for what you receive. The grilled flank state was sub-par, while the ceviche and mushroom empanadas were average. The flautas and sweet empanadas were very good. Overall, I was disappointed with Chilam Balam. I won't be coming back here - there are several other places that I would go to for "tapas" before this on both a budget and taste.
(2)Shaun S.
Lots of great reviews here, don't need to add too much, the food is great! We had a gathering of three couples, no reservations on a Friday night, but with a 45 minute wait, we stepped across the way to a bar and had a few drinks while waiting for our time to pass. Unfortunately the 45 double to 90 by the time we were seated, so be aware or beware the timing can be tough if you have some loiterers at a bigger table. It is a very cozy space, but we didn't really notice anyone else as we were too busy enjoying our conversation and food. The staff is great and food starts coming quickly when ordered. I compare the small plates to drinking from a pitcher, it's sometimes hard to figure out how much you've consumed. Even with a vegetarian guest with us and a second person being a picky eater, everyone left happy! The BYOB works well, they take your booze and put it in the fridge to keep it cool, so that's a nice touch! And like others have pointed out, bring cash, no plastic accepted here!
(4)Brent H.
We have been here 3 times now, it is very good. Love the ever changing menu. Don't like that it is cash only. :( My only other complaint would be the house drinks ( sangria, limeaid) which are good but overpriced. Peanut butter empanadas on the other hand, amazing! BYOB and get there early if you want a seat, or risk waiting a very long time as they don't take reservations.
(5)Seth G.
My girlfriend and I finally ate here last weekend. It has been a spot that we have wanted to try for a long time, but their menu changes monthly and it just has never worked out. Important note: CASH ONLY. It is also BYOB. We brought a bottle of white wine and the waiter suggested ordering the virgin sangria that we could pour our win into. I thought it was a great suggestion. It really dressed up our bottle of 3 Buck Chuck. Our server was great. Very attentive and funny. It is a very small place so we were kinda close to the kitchen. We got to see the executive chef expediting. She presented almost every plate to every table. We ordered 4 dishes - 2 items that are always on their menu and 2 that rotated. Each was better than the last. Definitely recommened, but because it is so small you might have to wait.
(5)Sarah G.
My boyfriend and I have since returned to Chilam Balam two additional times. Still, we are overly impressed and in awe of this hidden gem. We recommend this restaurant to just about everyone we talk to. We've since brought back several groups to the restaurant and they remember us everytime--total bonus!! We can't wait for our next trip to Chilam Balam, or to try the newly opened sister restaurant. Keep up the great work, Soraya, we'll be back!!!
(5)Alexander F.
I came here on date on a Wednesday evening, and ordered the following: * Chunky guacamole with classic garnishes, crispy tostadas This one was AWESOME--they had sun dried tomato and pickled red onions. * Blue marlin ceviche, habanero, tomato, cucumber and fresh lime They served it with chips. Another winner. The texture and flavor of the ceviche was perfect and the garnishes went very well. * Young greens, roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas I just loved this one---for me the flavors melded together in perfection. My date thought it was nothing special though. * Foie gras potosina, white and black bean sauces, crispy duck leg and radish I was most excited about this, but unfortunately this one was a miss for me. First of all the foie gras and the duck leg flavors didn't go together. Also, the duck leg meat was served in two mini tortillas--one had the foie gras on it, one didnt--which was kind of weird. And there were sauces and kumquats and all sorts of stuff. Too much going on in this dish, and the flavors kind of got mixed up. * Grilled lamb sausage, ancho-pecan sauce, warm purple sweet potato waffle and long beans OK-- the lamb sausage was just perfect. It was absolutely delicious. The sauce and the waffle and the long beans felt a little extraneous though. Didn't need any sauce at all, IMO. * Rhubarb short bread, soy-carmel, toasted pecan ice cream and honey mousse Perfect ending. Loved the way it was served: from left to right: mousse, short bread, rhubarb sauce, ice cream. The flavors built up as you went from left to right and the textures went really well with each other. So overall, not all dishes worked, but I'll give them a give them a big A+ for effort and boldness. It was definitely worth the $42/pp including tax and tip, and we were stuffed. Also, the wine that I brought, a 10-year old Rioja went perfectly with most of the dishes and helped lubricate the evening . Love that BYOB!
(4)Dana W.
It was a Tuesday night and I needed to 'spice' things up a bit. I was told that Chilam Balam was on the smaller side and without a reservation I was a bit nervous.... but come on it's a Tuesday night?! Who goes out on Tuesdays!? Well guess what?! A heck of a lot of people do! haha So I would totally recommend calling at least a day ahead of time for a reservation. We were told that you could not make a reservation on the day of... so keep that in mind for those large parties out there!! Since I was a party of two, the wait was very bearable at 15mins. We actually wondered next door to Monsignor Murphy's ( misspelled that for sure) where a rant raving game of trivia was going on! The wait flew by and soon enough we were sat down at our table. Our server was a gem, very informative and had great recommendations. We ordered a total of 4 dishes. I first just have to say that I am a very picker eater, I would never call myself a 'foodie' by any means. We started with the empanadas because I assumed they were 'safe' haha. Not too strange for me since I have had an empanada before. They were very good, but not my favorite out of the 4 dishes. The next dish that came out was this shrimp dish with an amazing green sauce and little corn tortillas to eat with. The shrimp were very fresh and cooked perfectly. They didn't smell fishy like they sometimes do when not fresh. This dish was probably my favorite! The next dish was the 'special' of the day and was a beef brisket tamale wrapped in plantains. AMAZING. There was actually a tie for 1st place because I cannot pick between this dish and the shrimp dish. And for some odd reason I cannot remember the 4th dish we got!!! I know that sounds horrible but this is also a BYOB place so I definitely had a bit to drink. All in all I look forward to returning to try some new dishes since their menu changes often. My last bit of information is that you must bring CASH! They do not accept credit cards people! So hit up the CVS at the corner a few stores down for the ATM :)
(4)Jessie N.
Why did I not listed to my brother sooner and go to Chilam Balam?! This place is AMAZING! My brother has been talking this place up. I was a little timid to try since I'm a very picky eater and the current menu looked a little intimidating to this non-foodie. Big warning - this place is SUPER crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. I was shocked by the number of people who kept coming in to complain to the hostess about their wait time even though she was clearly telling everyone it would be at least 90 minutes! Also, we had a group on five and I'm not sure if any of the tables could accommodate a larger group. We got there around 6 on a Saturday and were told the wait would be about 90 minutes. No problem, Monsignor Murphy's to the rescue with drinks and free popcorn! We were seated a little before our 90 minute wait time. We had brought red wine and tequila and our waiter got to work making sangria and margarita mix. Sangria mix was so-so. Margaritas were delicious! The waiter suggested that if we were adventurous, he could bring out the staff's favorites. We were all willing so away we went. Here's what stuck out - Ceviche - I didn't try since I'm not a huge seafood fan. My brother said it was a little bland but when he put some lime on, it was good. Guacamole - Super chunky and tasty Duck enchiladas - I couldn't even get a bite of these since all the guys at the table devoured them in two minutes. Chorizo Meatloaf - Very juicy. Mashed potatoes that accompanied these were perfect. Chickpea-queso anejo tortitas - Oh.My.God. YUM Mushroom Empanadas - Also delicious! Also, no matter how full you are, make sure to get dessert. Our table split the peanut butter empanadas and the chile mousse. Both were extremely flavorful and everyone at the table was knocking each others spoons out of the way to try to get more. Can't wait to try Chilam Balam again!
(4)Meghan H.
This is definitely one of my FAVORITE places to eat in Chicago. I have been here a few times, and every single dish has been amazing. It is a great place to catch up with a friend, bring a small group, go on a date, or especially show some out of towners a 'cool place to eat in chicago'. In terms of price, probably closer to $25-30 a person. They are also cash only FYI. Food is great, atmosphere is cool, and the staff is helpful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
(5)Nicholas Y.
This place is as good as it gets and one of my favorites in the city. Cozy, BYOB, and delicious. Order the sweet empanadas for dessert.
(5)Glen W.
Near-Rick Bayless quality Mexican food you can actually get into.
(4)Rose T.
Holy guacamole. I am an unber health conscious vegan. My boyfriend is a cooked cow carcass devotee. Chilam Balam is literally the only place in the world that satisfies our disparate tummies. We've been 4 times (although we try to go every weekend... darn you, Yelp!) and each time has been more mágico than the last. I always get the salad, which is vegan with no adjustments, and pretty much eat an entire guacamole order by myself... what? My boyfriend gets the chips. Plus, now that they know I'm vegan, they point out the V status of my dining compatriots' dishes so that I can nibble sides off of their plates, too! And needless to say, meat eaters will be blown away, as well. Go to Chilam Balam. Be complete... just don't take my table.
(5)Gaby O.
We took my mother here for mother's day. My father was especially excited to go because my father comes from a long line of Balams. I was interested in trying it out because I'd heard good things about it and had read several positive reviews. My rating, by the way, is based purely on the food. I would have given them a lower rating but I fully acknowledge the fact that most people who read these reviews care mostly about the food. Food: The food was ok but not fantastic. The ingredients are fresh and local which was nice. The presentation was also very nice. We tried several things including the memelas, the grilled pork ribs, the empanadas, the tortilla soup the asparagus salad, the ceviche, the soft shell crab, the hot chocolate, the limonada, the chocolate chile mousse, and the sweet peanut butter empanandas. The three most memorable and best executed items were the alligator milanesa, the soft shell crab and the hot chocolate. While I do give the chef credit for trying to put together interesting flavors, I felt the attempts fell short and didn't really delivery. Let me be clear: I wasn't expecting the food to be traditional nor did I want it to but I did want it to taste good and a lot of it didn't taste very good or was merely passable at best. Ambiance: The decor is bright and cheerful and it's a cozy restaurant. Service: The service was good and my father seemed to enjoy chatting up with the owners at first who seemed very nice and seemed to enjoy talking about Mayan culture but it quickly became clear to us that they were exploiting the Mayan culture and mythology by using it to market themselves--which was bad enough (and to a certain degree, I get) but what was positively infuriating was the fact that their Mayan facts were completely inaccurate. Firstly, their translation of Chilam Balam is wrong. Chilam means priest and Balam means Jaguar. The got "book of the Jaguar Priest" from the fact that there is a book called "Los Libros de Chilam Balam" (Libros being Spanish for books not Mayan for books.) which is basically a collection of post-conquest writings that attempt to preserve some of the mythology and customs Secondly, that does not at any point mention the end of "the current cycle" nor does it mention the end of our natural resources. Secondly, they've been trying to learn Maya but I'm not sure who has been teaching them. One of the owners attempted to correct my father's pronunciation of Yucatec Maya words--given that my father is Maya and that he grew up speaking the language it seemed a bit...presumptuous especially since the owners are not Mayan and do not actually speak the language. That said, this place was worth trying out but I don't plan on going back. The food, though local and organic, is over priced given that it doesn't taste all that great. Chicago is full of really great restaurants that serve really good traditional or modern/experimental Mexican food and that do not make up random facts about other cultures in order to appeal to the public.
(2)Sarah K.
I had heard good things about Chilam Balam from friends and finally went for the first time this week. It is a small place, set back from the street and downstairs so it could easily be passed by. It's a great location if you live in the area, but not so great if you are like me and live further west. It's also cash only - good to remember. I was so pleasantly surprised by the food. I loved everything we got. I knew it was going to be good, but we could not stop raving about it. My two favorite things were the shitake mushroom empanadas and the huitlacoche quesadilla. The flavors were amazing, the mushrooms were in no way overpowering. I had huitlachoche tacos at Mercadito and HATED them - too overpowering and slimy for me - but this quesadilla was perfectly balanced. The scallops had my friends licking the bowl - they were more enamored with the sauce than the scallop I think but both were delicious. We ordered seven dishes for four people (guacamole, shitake empanadas, short rib empanadas, memlas, huitlacoche quesadilla, and two orders of the scallops) - right around what the server recommended (2-3 dishes per person). The only dish that got negative feedback was the short rib empanadas. I didn't eat, but were told they were a little on the dry side. It seems like most of the negative food reviews go back to the beef and pork dishes - save yourself the trouble and just go seafood and veg because what we tried were all awesome. It's BYOB with no corkage fee, which is great. Unless of course you dine in a group of four and bring four bottles of wine. And then the server tells you that he cannot open your fourth bottle because the maximum limit is three bottles for four people. We were so ashamed...
(4)Maria G.
A mixed review for Chilam Balam. There are four of us who regularly go out to dinner at least once a month. We pick a new place every time and try to go someplace that we have never been to before. I was happy that I was able to make a reservation for a Wednesday night. Yes we did have to wait at the "bar" (which is really a bunch of chairs again a wall. They don't have a liquor license...it's not a bar...so stop calling it that) until our whole party was there which was only a few minutes. They were nice enough to let us order a plate while we were waiting because I was starving. We were annoyed when the server wouldn't let us open our bottle of red wine and bottle of white wine. I thought the policy was one bottle for every two people, but apparently not for our table. This was a problem because two in our party break out in hives from red wine. Another dislikes white wine. The "why" really doesn't matter if you are a BYOB that charges the prices they do for food. The food was really good. I like everything that we ordered. I am thrilled that they purchase so much of their food locally. I am a huge supporter of this and I also buy as much as I can from local farmers. So this was a big plus for me. Our server was helpful and pleasant to us even after he was given a hard time about the wine. The next thing that annoyed us was when they started removing dishes and wiping up the table as we were finishing up our meal. Our server asked if we were finished but two other employees came over to pick up glasses, plates etc... I know there are people waiting, but don't lean over me with a wet cloth to wipe down the table. we were not lingering very long over our dessert. I also saw them move a couple from one table to another to accommodate a larger group. They better have comped them a dish for doing that, but I highly doubt they did. So I won't be back unless they move into a larger space that allows you to spend the time that a tapas style dining experience is supposed to be.
(2)Jessie M.
I went here last week on the recommendation of a friend: and I will never go back. First of all, I couldn't figure out what kind of a place it was supposed to be. I was told it was a tapas restaurant, but the small plate dishes were way too overpriced to order very many of them. We finally settled on three (there were two of us): the hangar steak (which was tough and grisly), the morell mushroom special (flavors didn't go together at all), and the guacamole (good, but not spectacular). But the thing that really bothered me about the experience was the fact that the waiter shadily tried to run up our check. I've worked in the service industry; I know when someone is doing this. He offered to make us sangria with the wine we had brought (it's BYO), then pressed us to order two more pitchers. Now, since we brought our OWN wine to mix, we were shocked when the bill came. Each pitcher was $11.50--and ONE bottle of wine was used to make the THREE pitchers. So basically we were paying almost 12 bucks a pop for ice and cut up apples. A 3 dollar bottle of Trader Joe's wine somehow ended up costing us 35 bucks. I'm not cheap at all--and I don't mind spending money on a great dinner. But I don't like being fleeced. We left our dinner STILL hungry, NOT tipsy, and we will NEVER be going back!
(1)Leigha I.
I saw this place while going to get some burgers and thought "that place is packed, it must be good"! My thought was right on the money because Chilam Balam is yummy! Chilam Balam is not a place you want to go all the time because it's not cheap at all, but the food is fresh, seasoned well, and cooked perfectly. I only went with one person, but I think this place is better for groups because of it's tapas theme. That way you can taste more of the menu items......it was VERY hard to choose what we wanted! We ended up getting the corn masa memelas that have goat cheese (my favorite cheese) on them and I STILL have the memory of the taste of these in my head. The Corn Masas were definitely the highlight for me. That's not to say the rest of the meal was not delicious! The flank steak and the scallops are also great. Cooked well and tasted great. I do wish the portions at this restaurant were a little bigger, but being a foodie, I care the MOST about the taste!
(4)Carla F.
oh em gee. Best restaurant I've been to in a while. We were smart (ahem...when do I dine with those that are not?) :) and made reservations. If you plan on going, do the same. This place is tiny and since opening has become quite popular it seems. And for good reason. All the employees were super friendly and fun. I like a server who will crack jokes. We tried quite a few of the small plates---the Blue Marlin ceviche, corn masa memesas, grilled pork ribs and flautas. All were superb. We also tried two of the larger plates; the pork tenderloin and mahi mahi. Both of which won all of us over. The pork tenderloin maybe a tad more than the mahi mahi, but it doesn't really matter they were both amazing. The fact that they use local produce and meat is just great. I support any establishment that does so. The freshness of all the ingredients is undeniable and evident in every bite you take. It's a BYOB which is a huge plus in my book and the price is very reasonable. There will be no twisting of my arms-I will be returning very soon.
(5)Mari K.
Geez, packed on a Monday night?! It's either a sign of a good restaurant or one with very limited seating. Actually, this place is both. We came at 7, were seated right away, but the place filled up within 30 minutes. Tables are small and close together- so close that my elbow was practically in the champagne bucket for the table next to us. Lovely, I know. :) My dinner companion and I shared 4 small plates- the empanadas, pork ribs, scallop ceviche, and the alligator tacos. They recommend 2 small plates/1 large plate per person. My favorite dish of the night? Probably have to say the empanadas. The cheese and mushroom filling was delish and the sauce rocked. We even saved it to dress the alligator tacos, which were a tad dry. Alligator meat is interesting.. probably not my fave, and I'm guessing probably not yours either. Oh, the pork ribs were super- it just takes some work to get at the meat, so I don't recommended it if you're dining to impress (you'll want to lick your fingers and pick at your teeth.) ;) The ceviche was good, had a nice kick to it, but was definitely overshadowed by empanadas and ribs. It is byob, but does not allow hard liquor. It is also cash only. Make reservations or be very lucky.
(4)Scott H.
Stupendous meal. Flank steak was the only slight miss, but that was because we requested it medium. Rhubarb shortbread was a great finish!
(4)S S.
Love, love love! We had a group of 9 (which was quite considerable given the size of this tiny, downstairs Mexican kitchen) but were still given incredible, fast service. We ordered lots of tiny plates (pretty much how everything is served here) and just loved the variety. There are a number of vegetarian dishes and different types of empanadas - all of which were amazing (especially the goat cheese). The desserts were also incredible... Chocolate mousse was ridiculous; beware of the peanut butter empanada - sooooo rich. Things to note: This is a tiny place and not very good for groups. If you do have a larger number, they ask that you keep them posted on ANY changes to numbers. Also, they won't seat you until everyone is there.... and this place is cash-only & BYO... not the best logistics but the food makes up for it!
(4)Ang R.
Look, the service is dodgy. I can't say it any other way. We waited a LONG time to order after the guacamole arrived at our table. Let me just say this: we DEMOLISHED the guacamole, (and it was THAT good, friends), and we were all forlornly looking at the plate, wishing for more food, for a long time. Long enough that I and another diner became rather testy. I hate to dock a restaurant a star for service. I HATE to do it. But I have to. I just have to. If you need to keep in mind that the service is iffy when walking in the door, a star is docked. (Order all your food at once! Keep in mind that your meal might be slow; don't go here on a night you have a deadline for the end of dinner.) All that aside, the food is pretty darn magical. We had the ceviche, which at first wasn't citrusy enough, but then...it just...I don't know. The more I ate it, the more I wanted. We also ordered the mushroom empanadas, and those were FANTASTIC. I could have eaten 5 more. And the flautas were also great; all the accompaniments to them were great. And lastly, the ribs. I loved them, but beware, you do have to gnaw the meat off the bone. Well worth it, in my opinion. Fellow diners had the peanut butter empanadas, and the chocolate sauce was enjoyed by both.
(4)David T.
Attended their early New Years Eve sitting and I have to say that this is as good as a small BYOB restaurant can get. Service was friendly, but not too professional, and the music was a little loud, but sufficiently interesting. The food was great, with the highlight being the scallop with chili-pozole sauce. Highly recommended. I've been to Alinea and Charlie Trotters, and a dozen of the best restaurants in Chicago, and this rates right up there. Chuy, congratulations. One recommendation to improve the service: they should get better wine glasses. Those tiny generic wine glasses do nothing to help the wine improve the experience.
(4)Tony M.
I was really surprised by this restaurant. Each of the dishes we ordered was creative and well balanced. The chef is very gifted. It was pricey, but worth it.
(5)Sarah B.
*Someone* has been getting on my case about not writing enough reviews and cited this outing of ours as an example. Sheesh, get off my case, man! After a failed attempt at going to another restaurant (closed!), we made our way to this cute little spot. It had been on both of our 'to try' lists so it worked out well. This space is tiny! With that comes a sort of comfortable hanging-out-in-my-friend's-dining-room-feel. It was cozy and I did not mind being crammed in with the other patrons. Everything on the menu looked delicious but we settled on just a few small plates. The duck tamals were a standout as was the fresh guacamole. Our desert was the chocolate chile mousse. It had an interesting texture and little kick from the chile. I enjoyed the experience, although even though there were not many folks waiting I still felt a bit of pressure not to linger. Also, our waiter seemed to have forgotten one of our dishes and obviously made up a story to cover his mistake--I hate that. Shit happens, just own up to it and its not a big deal. Overall, I liked this cute little spot and it is on my list of places to return.
(4)Tina W.
I've been to Chilam Balam three times now and I've always had a good experience. With one exception (a plate of terrible and burnt fiddleheads) every dish has been good or delicious. I especially like their meats (ribs, hangar steak, duck). Everything is organic, local, and tastes fresh. Their spicy chocolate mousse is to die for. Plus the atmosphere is intimate, colorful, and festive. The few minuses? It's a little expensive for the size of the dishes (but if you're taking your time. you should feel full on 30$ worth, which isn't bad). The wait is too long and they are weird about reservations. That means, you can't make them, but you can come in and put your name on a list and they will "see what they can do". It'd be better if they were just consistent. Finally it's cash only and I NEVER have cash.
(4)Neil G.
Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Value: 3 First off, I feel like I need to explain my absence of reviews over these past few months. My wife (aka my life and eating partner) was out of the country, so that cut down on my restaurant visits. After that, the two of us spent 3 weeks in Italy/Israel eating some of the most delicious food on the planet. Unfortunately, Yelp hasn't really gone international so no chance for reviews. (However, I kept a log of everywhere we ate so if you want recommendations, just ask) After so much carbs and meat, I was actually excited to get back to my kosher/vegetarian Chi-town routine at Chilam Balam. I've heard about this great little basement spot on Broadway for a while now, and given the close proximity to my apartment, frankly I'm surprised I didn't get there sooner. I was meeting a friend for dinner who also lives in the neighborhood so I knew this place would be perfect. We snagged the last available table around 6:45 on a Thursday night, and thus began our man-date. The menu changes every month or so and we got there on the first day of a new rotation. Unfortunately this meant I couldn't menu-stalk ahead of time like I usually do. So, like a (gasp) regular diner, I sat down and studied the menu for the first time at the restaurant. My friend isn't kosher but his girlfriend is so he was happy to oblige my dietary needs. We settled on the Guacamole, Grilled Salmon (tomato sauce, panucho, watercress and pineapple), Young Greens Salad (roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas), and Embanadas (Shiitake mushrooms, grilled veggies, wisconsin jack cheese, salsa verde) The guacamole was a nice start. Despite it's name ("Chunky Guacamole") It was actually creamier than most other Mexican places. However, I prefer it that way so no complaints here. The Chip:Guacamole ratio was spot-on which I appreciated; I always hate asking for more chips to finish the guac. The large cilantro stalk was a nice visual touch, but just got in the way of my eating. Thankfully it was not overloaded with lime like at Zapatista (see my review). The salad was just what I expected, which was a good thing. Fresh ingredients, a decent-sized portion, and a combination of flavors that really worked. I got sweet (orange), savory (poblano dressing), smooth (avocado), bitter (greens), and crunchy (jicama, pepitas) all on one plate. As one of the cheaper dishes on the menu at $9, I was happy to see it treated with as much respect as the others. The salmon was definitely the star of the meal. It was visually stunning and palate-pleasing as well. The scene of the deep grill marks set against the light pink flesh was awe-inspiring, and the accompaniments were top-notch. While we ate, my friend admitted that he doesn't even like salmon, but that this was absolutely delicious. The spice in the tomato sauce was perfectly cut by the sweetness of the pineapple, and the panucho added a great starchy crunch. The empanadas were a little underwhelming for $5 a pop, but not completely undesirable. My main gripe is that there wasn't enough cheese. If you're going to serve a vegetarian empanada, you've got to bind everything together with a nice, smooth, melty cheese, and there just wasn't enough to go around. The veggies were cooked nicely and the empanada was well-executed, but the dish didn't "pop" for me. Overall, I would recommend this place for kosherites and regular folk, but definitely not vegans or vegetarians. There are just enough options to get by, but it was a struggle. I'd also recommend this place for a date night, whether man-date, friend-date, or real-date. It's a little pricey, but the BYOB (thank you next-door CVS) helps. Just don't tell your date the name of the restaurant-it kinda sounds like a dirty Indian buffet. If you do, though, I'm sure s/he will be pleasantly surprised. Like my good friend Mike always says, "Under promise, over perform." [Thanks for reading my review and be sure to check out my other reviews on Yelp. My mission is to find restaurants that have great vegetarian, kosher, and vegan fare. On every review, I rate food, service, atmosphere, and value on a 1-5 scale to give you quick and easy overview of the restaurant. I love cooking, eating, and doing both with my friends and family. I always welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions so contact me on Yelp or Facebook if you want to share ideas.]
(4)Arlene D.
This restaurant is amazing. We ordered about 6 different small plates, and each time a new plate came, my friends and I were convinced it was the most delicious thing we have ever eaten. The service was excellent and the price is reasonable. The fact that it is BYOB makes the restaurant even better!
(5)Char Y.
After reading the exciting reviews we finally headed over to this tiny restaurant in the basement. It was pleasantly decorated and had an warm atmosphere. I thought the food was good. We had grilled pork rib, empanadas, flautas, roasted garlic soup, tetela, duck leg tamal, airline chicken breast, braised lamb shank, hibiscus flan, and sweet empanadas. Everything was good, of course the fried items were especially yummy, but over all, it is just good Mexican food. Our bill came out to be $100+ though, so it is a bit pricey. I think it is a good addition to the north side, but I think for that price we can get more.
(3)Ryan S.
This is my first Yelp. I've read many reviews on this site and find most of them beneficial. With the advent of blogging food "experts" spreading like a bad rash, I feel some of the reviewers are extremely itchy. With that being said, I promise you that I'm not going to be the typical tool who get's nasty because they had a miserable experience. But I did have just that. I'm only writing this because I believe that if I was the owner(s) or chef of this restaurant, I would desperately want to read this review to further catalyst (what I'm told is) a promising future for my restaurant. Having spent a decade in the service industry as a bar manager and a bartender, I understand that restuarants and the staff sometimes have off-nights. I'm also very forgiving when unfortunate situations go astray. Without giving you my resume and list of credential, I hope you take my word for what I am and have been, and I'll get to the point of why I had a miserable experience. My girlfriend and I started our trip via the Metra from the suburbs early on a Saturday night because I knew going in that Chilam Balam did not take reservations. We anticipated a wait. We were fine with that and the BYOB. Chilam Balam came highly recommended from a friend of mine who shares similiar tastes in food, decor and ambiance that I do. Having been to Frontara Grill and Topolobampo on several occasions and enjoying my experiences immensely, being excited to see Chuy Valencia branch-out from under Rick Bayless' wings would be an understatement. I did my homework. I saw Chuy on "Top Chef". I had a feeling Chilam Balam would be rocking. And it was. We arrived at around 8:00 pm and were greeted by a small group of diners waiting in the entryway.We enterd, expecting to see a hostess but there was none. The place, which is about the size of most people's living room, was jam-packed. We steered our coats out of peoples guacamole, slaloming around tables and busboys, until we reached the bar area and found a waitress. She was the only waitress. She was also the hostess. She advised that the wait would be one hour for the bar area and two hours for a table. We told her that we understood that it was busy, we were pleasant, and acknowledged that we would take whichever was first available. The waitress/hostess jotted down my name and number on a small, wire rimmed notepad and told us she would call when space was available. My girlfriend and I walked next door to Monsignor Murphy's and planned on enjoying a Guinness while we waited. Two hours and four Gunniess' apiece later, I still hadn't recieved a call. We ellected to walk back to Chilam Balam. Again we dodged the masses and found our way to the server/hostess. She flipped back one page in her notepad, rubbed her runny nose with her wrist, and searched for my name and cell number. It wasn't hard to locate. It was the only one on the page, in the middle of around 30 names and numbers, that didn't have a line drawn through it. She must have intentionally skipped us. Why? I haven't the foggiest idea, except maybe it was because I didn't tip her. I had no clue that I should have tipped her there--if I should've at all. Again, we were cool with the two hour wait and I didn't see anyone else do it as they waited, so it never crossed my mind. Shocked and possibly slack jawed, she looked us right in the eyes and told us it would be another hour. She didn't appologize or make an effort to seat us next. I couldn't beleive it. We told her, "sure, call us", and bounced. Not having any backup plan, we found this really dynamite sushi place on Broadway named Wakamono. Two bites into a dragon roll, I get the phone call from Chilam Balam. I didn't even give her the courtesy "F You" and never answered the phone.
(1)Shirese L.
I was not impressed at all. I went with a group of twelve and six of the twelve had been there before and loved it. Firstly, I did taste the quality in the ingredients but the ingredients were not seasoned to impress. I had the memesas, pork ribs, and sweet empanadas. The memesas were good, not curl your toes delicious, but good. The corn cake was a bit tough honestly. The pork ribs were a very bad rendition of Memphis style ribs. The sauce was very sweet. They tried dressing it up with a cream glaze. I was extremely let down by the ribs. The sweet empanadas was the best thing I had all night. They were stuffed with peanut butter and on the side was a strawberry jam and chocolate sauce. The jam was not all that good but the chocolate sauce with the empanadas was delectable. I will admit that the sweet empanadas will not be enough to pull me back.
(2)Nicole B.
I'm still a fan after my 2nd visit, since the food is pretty tasty, homemade, and interesting. While I thought each dish was great in isolation, tasting multiple small plates made me realize that a lot of them rely on the same few ingredients, arranged in different ways. The green sauce (can't remember what's in it), field greens, and goat cheese show up on pretty much everything. There's also a common aftertaste to all of their dishes, even the desserts. Hmm... If you're willing to venture to Canaryville, Amelia's is better.
(4)Jess E.
We couldn't get through on the phone to make a reservation on a Thursday night, so we risked it and showed up early at 6:15. We were told they were fully booked for the night, but since we had attempted to make a reservation and failed miserably, they agreed to seat us at a two top right away. Our server was great. He immediately opened our bottle of red wine and poured our glasses and recommended his favorite dishes on their rotating menu (all with a quick wit, I might add). We took a few minutes to decide on our main dishes while we noshed on their mild but tasty guacamole app. After deciding on a fish dish covered in chorizo sauce and the oxtail empanadas we couldn't have been more satisfied with the tase bud experience. After cracking our second bottle of wine, we decided to ask for a dessert recommendation. We chose the chocolate, goat cheese, chile sauce concoction and it was a most delightful mouth explosion. Highly advise you order this. Our waiter was great, the ambience was cozy and the food exceeded expectations. Come here for a great date night or a fun time with a small group. You will not be disappointed!
(4)Erin T.
I ate here last Saturday night with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and husband. First, I would definitely say that 4 is the MAXIMUM number of people I would come here with. I arrived at 7 on Saturday and was told that the wait was 2-2.5 hours. Whoa. We didn't have anything else going on, and I wasn't starving, so we all agreed to wait it out. The hard thing about Chilam Balam is that there is no where to wait in the actual restaurant. Given that it was pretty cold on Saturday, we definitely didn't want to wait outside. Thankfully my bro& sis-in-law live nearby, so we just walked back to their place. I think the lack of space would annoy me though if they didn't live close. I did overhear a few other groups say that they were going to go to a nearby bar to wait. The really nice thing is that they will call you (on your phone) and wait up to 10 minutes for you to come grab your table. So you aren't forced to stand outside. I was totally shocked when they actually called us after 45 minutes. Not a bad wait at all! This place is TINY! I think I legit counted about 14 tables. The atmosphere is very cozy and cute, but some mind find it cramped. I like it, but I'm also 5'2". We ordered 8 small plates. From memory we had the guacamole, skirt steak, swordfish (I believe this was a special in place of the blue marlin), ribs, turkey meatballs (also a special), mushroom empanadas, flautas, grilled duck breast. I thought the ribs, flautas and empanadas were AMAZING! So much flavor and incredibly delicious. I found the skirt steak to be the most disappointing dish. The steak was very tough (I know skirt steak is a cheap cut, but it can be delicious and tender if prepared right), and the sauce didn't do anything for me. I also was disappointed in the duck. It didn't have as much flavor as I thought it could have. For dessert we ordered the peanut butter empanadas, the chocolate chile mousse and the strudel. I wasn't wild about the strudel, but everyone else was. And everyone else wasn't wild about the mousse, but I was. Everyone loved the empanadas though. Overall the meal was great, and the margarita mix was delicious. However, I'm not sure it was worth $10/ pitcher. I think it's pretty awesome that this place is BYOB; however, our dinner still wasn't cheap. I am never a fan of cash only, so that's another gripe I have. It's one thing to have cash only for a $5 sandwich shop, it's another when it's a dinner restaurant. I would definitely come back to Chilam Balam because of the unique eats. However, I wouldn't order the skirt steak or duck again.
(4)Susan F.
Ahhh! This place rocks! So glad it took place of the italian restaurant that used to be there...is that bad? NOPE. The rumors are true, this place gets packed! It's tiny, don't be fooled into thinking you might get lucky and sit in a spacious spot. BYOB, of course, with mexican tapas. What more could you want? THe music in this place is amazing, they mix mexican music(i think) with current tunes, and it just sounds awesome and makes the experience that more amazing. I will say that I too was saddened by the small portion of tortilla chips served with guac. The guac is so good you want more chips to scoop with! Empanadas, ceviche, duck...allll very good. Anything you try will be great, I promise. Our bill for 4 people came to like $40 or something crazy cheap. Will come here again, over and over again fo sho!
(5)Michelle Z.
I've been here twice and really enjoyed the food both times. We had a reservation and were seated within 10 minutes of arrival. Ordered probably half of the menu items and had zero complaints. Every single dish was great. Point at the menu and order, you cannot go wrong. On my last visit, we had to sit right next to the door which sucked but the hostess was really sweet about it. She told us she would try to keep the door shut as it was freezing outside. Most people were polite and didn't stand there with the door open but the few that did were asked nicely to close it. It was just a nice touch that the hostess kept an eye out for us throughout the night. The place is tiny and she definitely has a stressful job. Love that its BYOB. They service is not that great. I felt like the waiters had an attitude or something. Maybe too cool to be doing that job? But since the food is so amazing, I can overlook that and still rate it 5 stars. Make a reservation. Don't show up with more that 4 people. Its too tiny. Bring cash.
(5)James J.
The best thing to do for this tiny place with the odd name is come prepared to wait. After they take your name go to a local bar and have a drink or two and think about the deliciousness that lays ahead of you. But don't gripe when they say its going to be an hour. We had almost every item that was non-meat - the guacamole - delicious creamy with the right amount of spice, the empanadas, the blue fin ceviche and the masa with black beans and goat cheese - was amazing. For dessert, the peanut butter empanada with chocolate and fig dipping sauces were delicious. The servers were attentive and polite without being overbearing. And the hostess could tell we didnt like our table stuck in the back so once one opened she asked if we wanted to move and we did. Well done!
(4)Josh S.
Chilam Balam is flashy without being pretentious; a B.Y.O.B. tapas-style Mexican restaurant whose dishes consistently meet or exceed expectations. The ingredients are fresh, sustainably grown, and local. The menu rotates seasonally and has a lot of options for vegetarians. It's a laid back restaurant, located in a lower garden level storefront in Lakeview. If you aren't looking for it, it is easy to miss. The last time i was here, I ordered the seared sea scallops. They were beautifully tender and had a rich, meaty flavor. The searing provided an excellent texture contrast, pairing the soft interior with the crispy sides. The empanadas are always fresh and work with the natural flavor of the ingredients, as opposed to by forcing them together by smothering them in seasoning or sauce. I could go on. They don't take reservations and there isn't anywhere to wait inside. The host will take your phone number and call you when a table is ready. There are a few bars in the area, so killing time isn't too big of an issue. I have gone there for a late dinner and still had to wait, so I am not entirely sure if their rush ever dies down. Regardless of the wait, Chilam Balam is worth it.
(5)Katie H.
Chilam Balam was a bit hit and miss for me. Yeah, the space is small and cozy, yeah it was packed, yeah the staff was spot on, but I came for the food. And the food let me down. We started with the queso fundido and the hangar steak and decided to go from there. After we got the food we did "go from there". We decided we'd had enough and didn't order any more. The queso fundido was basically all peppers and a little sausage topped with a layer of cheese that looked and tasted like mozzarella. Boring and bland. It was the first time I ever left a portion of queso fundido unfinished. And this potion was pretty small. The hangar steak was good, but the sauce it was in was pretty uninspired. At first, after the bland queso, it tasted too spicy. Then that quieted and it was just a nondescript sauce. I expected much better and for $22 for two mediocre small plates, I felt it wasn't a good value for the money.
(3)Andrea C.
there are several great things about chilam balam...and in my opinion, several not as great things. like many have stated, due to chilam's miniature dollhouse-esque size dining room, they do not take reservations. a group of five of us arrived on a balmy october saturday night, around 7:30pm... to a 2.5 hour wait. yikes. we decided to wait it out because the person that had recommended this place promised a ridiculously amazing dining experience. we returned after a few bevvies, tummies grumbling, at 10 on the nose and were seated as promised. the tales about this place being teeny tiny are no joke. we sat at a table for 4 with a chair on the end and i was practically rubbing elbows with my neighbors. started w/the guac, which was an excellent choice. slightly spicy, but very fresh. shared both types of empanadas on the menu (goat cheese one...yum) , and the flank steak (very well cooked and definitely enjoyable). the best part of our meal, however, was the dessert empanada. holy moly- amazing. a must! as many have mentioned, this place is also BYOB, which in my book is always a plus. overall, chilam balam left me wanting. the food was fine and enjoyable, but the highlight was definitely dessert...and the crowd and studio sized dining room are things i could have dealt without. id definitely return, but probably on a weeknight and with only one other person.
(3)Amber C.
I live near this place and was excited when it opened. We tried to go a few times, but it was always soooo busy! The wait was usually an hour or more. I figured it had to be good if people were willing to wait like that. I was dissappointed. I'm not sure if it's because I don't eat meat, so my options were limited, but I really don't see what the buzz was all about. My meal, the memelas, were a let down. I really wanted the flavors to be stronger. On the other hand my friend who I was with loved her meal. Overall the service was good, the food was ok, and the waits (in my opinion) are not worth it.
(3)San T.
Meet with three Friends on Thursday evening, we had to make reservation which was at 5:30. As we arrived we were the only ones in this very tiny restaurant. But oh boy did it get packed by 6:30ish. This the only reason why this place doesn't get five stars. Let's go to the fabulous part of Chilam Balam the food is FANTASTIC! Our waiter was very polite and informative. He explain to us each plate and was always making sure we were having a good experience. He was also very attemptive to our Bottles. Since this place is BYOB he was always making sure our bottles were open :) I will definitely return to this place. We will do the 5:30 thing again before it gets packed. Hopefully, they will invest in a much bigger place and this place will do great.
(4)Grace P.
BYOB and mexican small plates. How can you go wrong?!?! The ambiance was so cute. Its very unassuming from the outside. It was packed for a snowy Monday night. Thank god we got there early and made rezzies. It was standing room only! The blue marlin ceviche were amazing - so fresh. The flavors in the Beef cheek alambre....to die for. the service was impeccable! The server was very knowledgeable and gave great suggestions. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Blake L.
Mexican food is not always my first choice, but Wow!!! Chilam Balam, Natalie, Soraya, and Staff have changed my views forever. I was visiting from California and because of Chilam Balam it was a wonderful weekend. This quaint, charming little restaurant is incredible! When asked what we would be having we asked if they could just bring out whatever they suggested and to our surprise one dish was better than the next. Words cannot describe how delicious the food was. The following day was Chilam Balam's 3rd year anniversary and I was graciously invited to sit at the bar. This was a prefixed 5 course meal; again the food was phenomenal, indescribable. This was such a wonderful experience! From Huntington Beach California, with Love.
(5)Maria M.
GREAT FOOD AND VERY COZY! They also serve locally grown which is GREAT! On a friday night dinner around 6pm we got sat right away. Perfect time because around 630pm people have to wait longer and since the place is VERY COZY, it get crowded inside. They only take reservation on the weekends. Awesome BYOB service since if you bring a tequilla or wine they will make a margarita or a sangria for you. They only dowside is CASH ONLY. Food is Impressive Tapas style service.
(4)Patrick G.
Great restaurant for a fun date night! Awesome place for great small plates. The civiche was one of the best I have ever had. Service was fast and good. We really appreciated the BYOB.
(4)Jason M.
An amazing new addition to Lakeview cuisine Chilam Balam offers Mexican with a chic twist. The sugar encrusted peanut butter empanada dessert was a must try. I watched as my table-mates spooned the leftover chocolate sauce up with a spoon. The menu features unique sauces and innovative flavors. This was a must try addition in the eclectic Chicago cuisine.
(4)Raul B.
Yet another upscale Mexican restaurant that didn't fullfill. I was excited to try this place out ever since I walked by it every time I went to meet a friend who lives around the corner. We finally decided to try this place out Friday and went right after they opened to avoid the wait and it paid off as we got a table right away. A good thing too because when we finally left there It was like a 40 minute wait. The space is quite small and there is a bar at the back of the restaurant but it didn't seem to hold many. The decor reminded me more of the American southwest than Mexican. Now I didn't know that the co owner and chef is on top chef this season until like two weeks ago,I don't watch the show, so that makes this one of Chicago's more sought out places to eat. Since its small plate servings we decided to get two plates each. I got the goat birria and the blue marlin ceviche and my dining partner got the rabbit meat tamale and the pork loin with a red sauce. We also got a Hibiscus flavored flan for desert. Let me start of with the good. The flan was amazing, it was very flavorful and hearty and you could taste all it's flavors with each bite. Now the goat birria was very good and tasty and you could really taste the smokiness of the chilies and it had a decent hot kick to it. The unfortunate thing was they only gave you three small tortillas with it. The rabbit tamale I was very interested in as it was an unusual filling and I've had various tamales with various types of fillings but this was a first for me. Unfortunately it was disappointing. The meat wasn't very tasty and the sauce that they put over it was bland. The masa of the tamale was good but nothing spectacular. The pork loin dish was sliced pork loin over a bed of sweet potatoes and this dark nutty mole. The pork loin was very dry and the mole had no taste at all in my opinion though you could taste a little bit of the nuttiness of the mole. The best thing about that plate was the sweet potatoes which were very buttery ans sweet. The tuna ceviche was good, tasty, and fresh but not really outstanding Overall I have to give them two stars as they were just OK and middle of the road. I have had better Mexican especially for the price we paid.
(2)Mary C.
Excellent Meal! No rush. No wait. We were not rushed in any way, as many other reviewers mentioned. Granted, we were not here on a weekend and the restaurant was only moderately busy. We were fortunate enough to be seated in the corner booth away from the draft and most of the other tables. We had 4 small plates and a dessert between two people - we left stuffed. Everything was excellent. Especially the empanadas - both the savory and the sweet were highlights of the meal. Our waiter was helpful and recommended several excellent dishes. I highly recommend Chilam Balam to anyone who likes Mexican food.
(5)Brad B.
Wow. I really enjoyed the food, the experience and well...the whole mess was damn good. Two guys. One bottle of lovely cotes du rhone from Kafka on Halsted. Five little plates. One large plate. One cool waiter. One very lovely co-owner. What more could one want? The duck = yum Heck it was all yummy. Five small plates was prolly one too many....but, overall a fantastic experience. So happy this place is in my neighborhood. I was informed by one of the co-owners on our way out, that there will be a brunch service, starting next weekend (weekend of the 17th). Bring your champagne.... Oh, don't forget....no credit cards.
(5)Morgan C.
More like a 4.5 but I will round up. I have been here three times, with the most recent being last weekend. The prices are on the steeper side for the size of the portions, but this doesn't really bother me since I typically don't go to BYOBs so for me this place is great way to get a delicious meal without suffering the cost of buying drinks at a restaurant. On our last visit, we had 5 plates between the two of us (and then they gave us dessert on the house) and the bill came to about $70 pre-tip. What we ate, in descending order of greatness: 1. Pork belly with fried oysters -- this was my favorite dish, the flavors were so surprising, in a great way. Absolutely loved it. The pork belly itself was not the most tender, but the sauce was so good that it really didn't matter. Definitely recommend this. 2. Mushroom empanadas -- very good, nice and light but very flavorful, kinda small for the price. 3. Ribeye -- cooked perfect, with a nice black bean sauce and sweet plantains. 4. Bluefin ceviche -- nice way to start the meal, very refreshing. I am pretty sure this has always been on the menu. Wouldn't mind trying some other fish/preparation. 5. Octopus -- this was the only dish I didn't love because I am not a fan of the preparation: over pasta with a tomato based sauce. The octopus gets a bit lost, and the flavors not as memorable. For dessert, we got a chocolate chile mousse on the house (since we switched tables with another couple during our meal so that their friends could join them). This is good (since its chocolate), but nothing special. Service is perfect. Atmosphere is cramped but fun, and you don't even notice how tight it is in there once you sit down and start your meal.
(5)Lady D.
Everything on this menu is tasty. I love the corn memalas. They are covered with these delectable greens. So refreshing. Also, I indulged in the lobster. Not to be missed when its offered. I could bottle that sauce and sell for it gold. Sooo delicious!
(5)Ali H.
This place is THE perfect little basement restaurant. Places like this are what makes me love eating out in chicago or new york. The ambiance is charming and incredibly cozy. We stopped in here for a late dinner on a friday night and were seated in little time without a reservation. They were packed, however, so I think we were just lucky. First of all, we didn't know it was BYOB. On a whim, I decided to get a glass of their homemade lime-aid instead.... SO GOOD. SO GOOD. SO GOOD. Yum! It was the perfect balance of tart fresh limes with sweetness...it was a great pairing for their menu items. We ordered the meatless chili, the enchiladas potosinas, and the requeson tamale. Though they were "small plates," they were larger than what I expect at a tapas restaurant and we were easily filled with just 3 plates between the two of us (and another glass of lime-aid or two). The food was all really well prepared and seasoned, and I was nothing but pleased with the entire meal. For dessert we ordered the hibiscus flan. The people next to us who had ordered the same got an actual hibiscus flower as a garnish, whereas we got some mint sprigs.... hmmmm. I was so excited when I saw theirs come out and then a tear came to my eye as I saw ours approach sans flower.... but anyway, it tasted really outstanding. The hibiscus flavor came through and the entire dish was really exquisitely executed. Excellent flavor and texture. Now...about that flower....
(4)Lauren G.
ok. where should i begin.. this place is byob, but limits 1 bottle/2 people. just an fyi. not necessarily a deal breaker. so we ordered the following: chunky guacamole - pretty tasty. seemed like they were rationing off the chips. every 10 minutes they'd bring us 5 more. thanks..you shouldn't have. grilled pork ribs with honey pasilla sauce: they must've gotten these ribs from some sort of free range farm where they ran 10 miles a day. the toughest meat and there was hardly anything on the bone. pretty disappointing. chickpea queso anejo tortitas: meh corn masa memelas: probably my favorite out of everything. masa gets me everytime and the goat cheese in it really compliments. chorizo meatloaf: also pretty good- the potatoes were a nice touch at the bottom anyways- i think the food was subpar (although they did hit some high points with me) and the service wasn't that great - we got sat with a "take your time, we won't rush you out" and were given the bill with a "we have people waiting". that's fine. last time i'll be there.
(2)Stephanie s.
Great food. We loved everything we ordered. Guac, Empanadas, Pork Belly, Flank Steak, Corn Masa and PB Empanadas for desert. They were all very good. Great BYOB and they will make you Sangria if you bring red wine. Only down fall is that its cash only and its small inside. Wait staff is VERY friendly and made the experience that much better.
(4)Jennifer M.
Love this place! I don't live in the neighborhood but for this I will travel! Loved: queso, homemade tortillas, pork belly, ceviche, and the peanut butter empanadas (of course). Can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)sally w.
What a great cozy little gem in Lakeview. The small bites are tasty and just filling enough. It's a fantastic place to meet an old friend or go for a date. I'd recommend the ceviche above all else!
(5)Ellen O.
Waited for two hours on a friday night. put our name in at 7pm, got a table around 9. i expected the wait so i wasn't too bummed, exepct fpr the fact that they told us it would only be a 90 minute wait. the place is small, but not unbearable. we ordered a few things to share, and instead of actually bringing our food, between dishes the waiter kept coming back and asking us if we wanted to order more. not only did he forget what we had ordered, he forgot what he had already brought us. the food was ok, but nothing i hadn't had before. they apologized about our experience and brought us a free dessert (peanut butter empanadas), which was nice. all in all....long wait, bad service, just ok food....i won't be going back.
(2)Kairo C.
I wanted to like this place more, but I couldn't feign any better interest. First, I thought being in a garden unit of the building, it had a romantic charm to it... but not really greatly emphasized by the decor inside. The lighting was just a bit off, the paintings a tad unlikable (well considering one, a frida kahlo impersonation portrait...so original... fell on top of me in the middle of dinner), and the details slightly incoherent. But so much potential! And potential is the best word for this place in my dictionary. The dinner had potential, but it didn't set any standards or meet any impressionable expectations. The chops were kinda fun gnawing on by hand, abandoning any flatware etiquette a charming place would typically suggest, except for the fact there was not much meat to gnaw on and they were slathered in a sticky sauce not inviting to fingers (not fun)! The other plates were better, except for the fact in between each plate it took our servor a good millenia to forget and then remember us. By dessert, no matter what its greatness, the service put a damper on my experience. This gets a 2.9 from me to be exact, and has the potential to be 3.9 or better. I definitely want to see this place reach its potential. I'm certainly down to give it another go. I'll give you an update when that happens.
(3)Luna R.
The food here is really good. I just feel that everything is quit overpriced. You should definitely try the ribs.
(4)Rosie S.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!! I am a huge fan of small plates because I love to try everything on the menu. Of course, I did not order everything on the menu but came pretty close. I have to admit that this place had the best pork belly that I have ever had. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water. Everything we ordered was delicious and the food came out pretty fast and in stages...so we didn't have 20 plates on the table at once. The atmosphere is very cozy and dark and the tables are very close together. We ended up chatting with the next table which was really fun. And it's BYOB!!!! Just get out and try it...you will not regret it
(5)shannon s.
Amazing food, great service, reasonably priced and byob it doesn't get much better than this!!!
(5)johnny b.
Very good small plates. I'd have to go back to give it 5 but a winner. The decor was great. Lots of noche libre masks and other interesting brightly colored faces. I would definitely recommend.
(4)Allison S.
Great place. The owner is darling and the rest of the staff are friendly and informative. The ribs and corn masa memelas were a table favorites, but every dish was fantastic. As always, love the BYOB!
(5)David C.
Maybe my expectation of Chilam Balam was way too high as I went with a friend who has sent me to some great dining establishments. Maybe its also because I had read it was one of the best new restaurants in Chicago. After I left Chilam Balam I kept thinking to myself... the dining scene in Chicago can not be in such a sorry state that this place is one of the top ten in the city. REALLY? Seriously? Do not get me wrong... the food was decent but among the top ten new establishments in the whole city of Chicago? No way! I agree with others that the prices are way too high to truly enjoy a tapas style dinner without running up a huge tab. I tired the flautas and while they were crispy and had nice flavor, they were way too spicy to enjoy. The flavor of the gorditas were good. I grew up eating them back in Texas but I found the whole concept of these items being gorditas funny. Gordita means chubby little girl... and the one I was served was quite petite. They should have called them flacas.... skinny girl. No one could get fat by eating two of those tiny things! The masa of the gordita was very good and I would have loved to have been served a regular sized gordita.... served traditionally.... with chicken, beef, steak, or beans. They were stuffed with mushrooms... a nice veggie option. The gorditas were much better than the flautas. I am not sure I would go back. Not that I found the food horrible. I just did not see value in the food served. It was good but not good enough for the prices they are asking.
(3)Kathryn M.
I'm giving this place 5 stars, because I am a cheerleader for any small, family owned and operated business. Support the little guy!!! And let's face it, eating out a lot does not make me a food critic, so while I can offer my opinion, who am I to judge?! Plus, I feel like this is a huge risk of a location because not only is it in a basement, it really has no street visibility at all - so I automatically want it to do well. But I did have my likes and dislikes, so here they are. Likes: -They support locally sustainable farmers. Hoorah! - Very friendly staff, from the chef/owner(s) to the servers - Bravo. - Original menu design, cool "hidden gem" feel inside - Pork ribs. If you get a taste of the ribs with the glaze, plantain, radish, and cream all in one bite it is delicious. -Hanger steak - great sauce! Left me wanting more: - I really didn't like the little tissue paper stuff they served some of the food on. It looks nice, but I don't want sauce oozing into paper, I want it oozing onto the plate so I can lick it off later. :) -Empanadas - as others have said, good crust, but the crust is really all we could taste. Too much dough! -Peanut butter chocolate empanadas - might be a personal preference, but I wanted more bite to that chile spiced chocolate sauce. Just kind of okay. The memelas too, were just, well, good. I felt like there were great flavors there, but sometimes they were too subtle to really have an impact. Overall I think this chef knows what he's doing, and his wife(?) was the hostess with the mostess. We got there at 5pm on the dot, and the place was full by the time we left. Bring cash. And booze, if ya like. Then just enjoy the food and ambience of a neighborhood restaurant you can be proud of.
(5)Jennifer J.
I think this is a solid restaurant to go to. I went for one of my monthly girls byob dinner. We went here during this past summer, sat outside and still had decent service. I think that's always my fear, that I sit out of the normal boundaries and then the waiter forgets about me. Loved the food, especially the guac! That's a definite. I think the only thing I will avoid next time would be the pork belly. I really enjoy pork belly and get it at more restaurants than I should admit, but I felt like this portion was a little fattier than what I'm use to. Other than that, I say YES! It's a pretty small place and with the lack of reservations at any normal time, it's probably better to come smaller and earlier.
(4)Afton A.
Absolutely delicious menu that changes seasonally so I cannot wait to go back and see what is new! The menu is very small, but really delicious. It's best to order tapas style and share because the portions are really small, as is the venue. The service is also extremely friendly and helpful with suggestions on the menu. The great thing about this place (besides the food) is it's BYOB, no corking fee, and you can also bring in tequila and they will supply the sour mix and mix your margaritas for a small fee. PS - the guac is delish!
(5)Chelsea M.
This was my second visit to the 'lam. Its just not THAT great. Yes the menu is unique, they use ingredients from local farms, blah blah whatever, but all this about "the best meal of my life" - I don't know about that. For the money, there are just better places to go - period. Sixteen bucks for 3 pieces of rope-like consistency pig doesn't have me longing for a future visit.
(2)Nick S.
I have been here a few times and each and every experience has been great. The restaurant itself is very small but cozy and inviting. They support local organic producers which i love, the food changes frequently based on the season and what it fresh. The preparation is solid and dishes very inventive. When you go you have to try the dessert empanadas, AMAZING! FYI: It's BYOB which is great and helps keep the costs down. I just wish they weren't cash only.
(4)Joscelyn M.
The wait is worth it - and I HATE waiting! First, the outstanding: Ceviche - might be the best I've ever had. It had the perfect level of spice. Empanadas - thin, flaky crust that allowed the wonderful flavors to come out. Chocolate bread pudding - I put my one bite dessert rule away for this one! Wow! The rhubarb topping somehow made incredible even better! Next - BYO! YAY! One thing I wish I caught in these reviews was the existence of virgin sangria pitchers: you can bring your own wine and they'll mix it up for you! And of course, the service - I would have never thought that in a small yet packed restaurant, the wait staff - and I mean the ENTIRE wait staff could make us feel like we were the only table in the place. I would go back just because of that. The just OK: I really wish I loved everything, but the hangar steak and duck didn't do it for me. Disclaimer: I really don't love hangar steak, but with all the reviews, I felt compelled to get it. The duck had an amazing pecan sauce with it, but the duck itself and the tamale were just ok. Also, the guac was very good, but nothing outstanding. That said, solid A- and I look forward to returning!
(4)Liz P.
I had heard amazing things about this place, so naturally I was both excited and skeptical. Half the time great reviews that get passed along to me make me so excited that its impossible to live up to it. This place, however, was worth all the hype and more. First of all, the place plays pop-mariachi music [that is the fantastic description I got from a friend that I dined with - in her words "what else do you say when natalie merchant suddenly has a 12 string guitar behind her?"]. So I ask you, how can you not have fun at a restaurant that plays pop-mariachi music? Secondly, its BYOB - and they will turn your cheap wine into delish sangria. It costs a little extra, but I promise its worth it. Grab a cheap bottle and they will transform it into a fabulous pitcher of fruity, wine-y goodness. We got there, took one look at the menu and knew that there was no way we could choose what to eat. Instead we opted to trust out waiter and asked him to bring us what he thought we should eat. Must try: empanadas [especially the peanut butter ones], anything with pork belly, the ribs [OH MY GOD THE RIBS, THEY FELL OFF THE BONE...currently salivating thinking about them], ceviche For the five of us we had: 4 pitchers of sangria, 3 apps, 4-5 main dishes, and 2 deserts. Every single thing we ate was perfection. The menu is seasonal but I think they carry a few things over and try to have them all the time. Cost was insanely reasonable - with a 30% tip to our new best friend waiter it still cost us each under $40. The place is small so I would recommend a reservation if you want to get in at a certain time. If you don't mind waiting [I am honestly not sure about the wait time on the weekends], its right on Broadway so there are a few bars you can pop into to wait [definitely not room to wait it out inside the restaurant]. As far as if its worth waiting for - I would easily agree to wait an hour for an impromptu dinner at this place on a weekend night.
(5)jennie b.
Tiny restaurant, so plan ahead and call ahead for a table. Small plate Mexican food. Delicious! I recommend the pork short ribs, empanadas, flautas, and guacamole! Yum!! BYO Tequila for the margaritas!
(4)Aurore L.
After being sick for almost two weeks I was super excited to go out for dinner on Saturday night. Two weeks without going out is a little personal hell. Doing my hair, choosing an outfit and jumping in my high heels was only the first, easiest part. Then came the agonizing moment of the night: deciding on a place to go. Damn...sometimes I wish I were still lost in the woods of Central Connecticut where my only options for dinner consisted of Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday and the local Chinese joint. Life was much easier back then. And dull, awful, isolated and unsavory. Who am I kidding??!?!? I love being tormented by Chicago's bounty!! Quick trip on Yelp. Rob seals the deal with his praising of the corn memelas. We hop in the car and off we go. It's their third night. There is a line at the door. I am amazed......and in awe of what must have been a wonderfully orchestrated marketing operation! BYOB - 7/11 just next door. We grab a pack of Modela and wait patiently our turn, while taking in the lovely Mexican decor mixed in the oh-so-Chicago brick walls. Yellow, reds, Dia de los muertos masks, bright pillows. It screams sunshine and fiesta. On our arrival Soraya, co-owner of this little underground (quite literally!) gem, gives us a menu to browse. Adorable little things, hand-made with corn husks. I just wanted to put one in my purse... The real beauty hides inside of its thick pages where all the dishes sing the most inviting of songs... The selection is limited but straight to the point. Chef Chuy believes in fresh products and the "farm to table" concept - and it shows. The food is good, sometimes stellar, seasonal and solidly executed (he worked with and for the master Rick). Go get the memelas - they are to die for good. The masa is sumptuous and the marriage of smokey black bean and fresh goat cheese is perfect. We got two orders. They are that good. The grilled pork ribs were wonderful too, with a wonderful Oaxacan pasilla glaze. And a sprinkle of cheese...to keep things interesting. And creamy. And delicious. The hanger steak was good, but didn't rock my socks off. Nicely cooked though and tender. The special tuna was disappointing to me. Not the best quality cut probably, and even the dressing was quite tasty - it didn't do it for me. Stick to the ceviche which I heard is outstanding. Dessert: being addicted to chocolate like it's not allowed in this world I had to taste their chocolate mousse spiked with hot peppers and mellowed down by a fresh and tart goat cheese center.....as mouth-watering as it sounds. The empanadas filled with peanut butter and dipped into a rich dark chocolate sauce were quite a treat too. Pay them a visit before the Jaguar God comes to kill us all!! (no - I am not losing my mind.....check your Mayan mythology books!)
(4)Megan S.
We all know Friday nights are busy at any restaurant in Chicago, but definitely prepare to wait for a table in this tiny little hotspot. I personally don't think it is an issue to wait for 45 minutes because they take your number and you can hop across the street to Friar Tuck to grab a drink or two and then they will call you when there is a table ready. It is a byob and cash only little place. I love the decor, the staff, and the food. My bf and I had are first date and we stayed for about 3 hours...and 3 bottles of wine later...they finally "kicked" us out. They have changed the menu up a little bit from the first time I went there, but it is still just as tasty as ever. I had the sevichey...or however you spell it...and it is fabosh! I highly recommend it. Guacamole is amazing and we drunkingly ordered the Lobster. Thank goodness....cause it was amazeballs. You won't regret going to this fantastic little restaurant!
(5)Kelly Joy P.
I can see how some would be turned away by a minimum hour wait, but if you know it's part of the deal and you have patience to pop next door for a drink or two Chilam Balam is WELL worth it! The food is fresh and innovative and comes out QUICK! We ordered the empanadas, ceviche, tamal, pork belly and the mousse for dessert. Service was amazing (our waiter cut one of our dishes for us since all they had was butter knives and I didn't want to sent my delectable pork belly course flying across the room). A great variety of meaty and vegetarian friendly dishes, gorgeous handmade menus and all of the waitstaff wear Threadless Tshirts! A great evening and I will definitely be back. Especially since they change the menu regularly. Oh yeah, keep in mind that it is CASH ONLY.
(4)Laura C.
I went last week with some friends, and I have wanted to go back every night since! There were three of us, so we decided to order a handful of small plates. The handful turned out to be about the whole menu, but it looked too delicious to pass up! We had the halibut ceviche, the memelas, the flautas, the two salads and the empanadas. It was all delicious, but I have to say -- I am usually not a huge fan of ceviche, but I wanted to eat the whole plate! And then we moved on to dessert, we ordered the chocolate chili mousse with a spiced goat cheese center and empanadas filled with peanut butter, served with fig and chocolate sauces. I have dreams about these peanut butter empanadas...they were amazing! The staff was friendly, the atmosphere was great (though loud at times) and it was an outstanding meal -- with good friends and a bottle of wine, it made for a great night. I can't wait to go back for more!
(5)Anne F.
I ate here last year and never wrote a review (the food was just "OK"). However, I am getting peeved after reading all these reviews about people putting their name in with the hostess, being told to wait it out at a local bar, and then they would get a call or text when the table was ready. The same thing happened to my friends and me. We arrived at about 6:45 on a Saturday night. We fully expected to wait...and wait we did. We went upstairs to Monsignor Murphy's and about 4 drinks later, we still had not received a call. We went downstairs and the hostess said, "Oh, I was looking for you!" Yeah, right. We were finally seated at about 8:30. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but it is quite apparent that this rude, ditzy behavior continues. Get over yourself Chuy. Your food is not all that and to treat paying customers like this (and to boot, CASH only), is just not cool.
(2)Patrick G.
CHILAM BALAM! This is a solid four star Mexican restaurant. It is a gourmet , shared plate eatery. All the plates I had were excellent. The guac is on par with some of the best I have ever had. All the dishes are appropriately sized and are probably best shared with no more than 4 people and even that might be pushing it. I really enjoyed the Hibiscus Flan that I had for dessert. Also the BYOB doesn't hurt. The atmosphere is cozy and unique and definitely fun. We did have to wait an hour to get a seat but they take your phone number so you can go wander the neighborhood or grab a coffee somewhere close while you wait. The bathroom is hidden behind the kitchen which can be slightly odd when you practically walk through the kitchen to get there. We did feel pressured to order all at once and weren't given the best guidance on how much to order. But overall I really enjoyed my experience and I am very happy that Chicago seems to be the center of the Gourmet Mexican Revolution.
(4)Edwina B.
We went just after Thanksgiving to celebrate a friend's birthday and had a great time. The food was very flavorful and the waitstaff were extremely fun and friendly. Since it was BYOB, we brought a couple bottles of wine and some beer since one of our diners didn't drink wine. Here is what we ordered, don't think we had anything to complain about - all the food was so complex and flavorful. - Hangar Steak - Empanadas - Ceviche - Cornish Hen - Braised short rib - Chocolate peanut butter empanadas - Cake (forget which type) In fact, the NEXT day we went to Cabo San Lucas and none of the restaurants we went to in MEXICO could compare! HIghly recommend - though if it's cold, put your name on the list and go to a neighboring bar to wait.
(5)Bradley J.
I'm really torn about Chilam Balam. Our party of three waited for 20ish minutes at 7:15 on a Friday night, and felt in the way at the back bar - definitely go somewhere else and let them call you. We were seated in the front corner, where I had to dodge the window sill with my head (I'm 6'1") and the girls had to maneuver around pillows nailed to the backrest (they decided that was to prevent pillow fights). We decided to let our waiter (one of the owners) order for us, with mixed results - the ahi tuna was more like tartare than ceviche, and the flank steak was just OK. I could have eaten the corn masa memelas and guacamole all night... When it was time to open a second bottle of wine, he told us we'd need to order more food since they didn't charge corkage. So we got the queso fundido - tasted good but a bit difficult to cut the semi-melted cheese on top in our tight quarters. In hindsight, I wish we had chosen a few of our own small plates one of the large plates (based on the raves from other Yelpers). A nice touch, all of the servers were wearing Threadless t-shirts (as was I) - sounds like they get a nice discount!
(3)Cinsou E.
A lot of people told me it is great place, so I decided to go even if i am not a big fan of Mexican food. First of all it's tight. There are some beautiful paints on the walls. The plates are small but it is very tasty. The advantage is that you can order several different plates and then taste different flavors. The plates layout is beautiful with some salad and cilantro. On a top of that, dessert are awesome, especially the Chocolate mousse creamed with goat cheese !
(4)Elizabeth C.
I had been DYING to try this place, and finally, with the boyfriend's mom in town, my dreams came true. And boy, were those dreams delicious. First of all, most of their dishes are small plates. For four of us, we got 2 soups, a guacamole, a pitcher of sangria (they provide the mix, the wine is BYOB), some amazing corn and bean thing, the shrimp, the mushroom empanadas, the ribeye (a large plate), the beet salad, and two desserts. It sounds like a ton of food, but the small plates are definitely small - the empanadas, for instance, are pretty small, and the plate comes with 2. Everything was super-flavorful. The highlights were the corn and bean things (I think they're called meselas - ?) and the squash soup. Luis, our server, was an absolute delight, and I will definitely be asking for him again when we return. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, intimate, and festive. The bill, even after all those plates, for four of us came to right at $100. And we didn't even have to wait that long! One important note: they are cash only, so bring those dolla-dolla billz, y'all.
(4)Heather K.
Interesting experience at Chilam Balam last night... this was my second attempt trying to go here for dinner (after not wanting to wait 1.5 hrs a few weeks back!) and so I was very pleased that we were seated immediately. Now, the concept of CB is shared, small plates. And let me tell you - between 3 gals, we tried 5 dishes and 2 desserts and loved pretty much everything. We each spent $25 including tax/tip and left feeling satisfied but not overly full. (Which is a good thing!) Here are my thoughts on the dishes... 1. Halibut ceviche was my absolute favorite - this is a "must try" 2. Chicken flautas were a close second...great textures and a killer sauce 3. Mushroom and corn empanadas - delicious and well-balanced on their own, I didn't even use the salsa accompaniment 4. Lamb huaraches - I'd never had lamb in the context of Mexican cuisine before, so this was a nice surprise for me. Nice smoky flavors. 5. Shrimp in Mole Verde - really complex sauce, and I don't think I appreciated it as much as I should have... 6. Peanut butter empanadas - sinful! 7. Chile-chocolate mousse - goat cheese in the center, great accompaniments, had a nice spicy kick...yum. So here's what stuck out for me about the experience. All of the dishes were so complex in terms of flavors and sauces, that I really didn't feel like I got to fully enjoy any of them because of the shared plates concept. Some dishes, like the flautas and mushroom empanadas, I could have eaten the entire order by myself because I didn't feel satisfied after just a few bites. I'm definitely coming back here, but next time I don't think I'm going to buy into the whole sharing idea :) I'd rather get a few small plates for myself and really savor them. It's very clear how much thought and effort goes into these dishes, and I want to be able to experience that instead of just nibbling off shared plates. Delicious, unique cuisine and a great addition to the neighborhood. Enjoy!
(4)Tammy L.
I have been here twice now and have really enjoyed both times. Plates are rather small and it's not exactly cheap, but there's a lot of care and effort that goes into this food. It's amazing what they accomplish in such a miniscule kitchen. I am thoroughly impressed. Last time we went, the standout dish was morel empanadas. They were so good that we had 2 rounds of them (small portions!). The napa cabbage-chipotle slaw that came with them was positively addictive. The hibiscus flan is terrific, though it was slightly better the first time we had it. Soft shell crabs were delicious too. Definitely need to either come really early (with a reservation) or just be prepared to wait, but in my opinion, the food is worth it!
(4)Stephen R.
Oh, reputation. Why must you bolster my expectations? Cute and cozy place with decent food. BFF and I came here (per my rec, from others) for a post Christmas dinner. We had 4 "small plates" and a dessert. ~ Guac was great, but it's guac. ~ Flautas were exceptional. ~ Steak. I liked it; she didn't. ~ Epanadas -- boring, bland, and I recommend you avoid. So for her it was on a downward spiral starting with the steak. For me, it was with the very bland empanadas. We ordered the mousse (with goat cheese) for dessert, but the goat cheese was absolutely FROZEN in the center making the mixture of the mousse and cheese pointless. So it didn't end on a positive note. I guess I would try again, maybe actually bringing some booze. We didn't (just wanted to eat) so who knows? Service was definitely prompt, and the bill was $45 between us, which isn't bad -- but isn't stellar. Just A-OK. But give it a whirl if you're in the hood.
(3)Johnny B.
A Rick Bayless protege opening a reasonably priced, small plates, sustainable/localvore BYOB? Where do I sign up? Apparently underground! I walked past this place twice before spotting it. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere lovely, the service pleasant. I have an issue with some of these small/shared plate places though. They encourage you to order everything at once (Publican, Bristol). Then you order 12 things for a table of 4 and the next hour is a flurry of dishes stacking up, too much on your table at once, awkward spacing between items, and oftentimes a progression that I would have preferred completely differently. At all of these locations, Chilam Balam included, I feel too rushed when everything is ordered at once. I recommend ordering a few items at a time to have more control over your dining experience. That, and the fact that the guac is wildly overpriced (way too few chips, double the price of the awesome Xoco version) are my only complaints. One final recommendation: if it's on the menu, get the grilled serrano marinated gulf shrimp in mole verde with roasted fingerling potatoes, queso fresco and poblano rajas. It's served with a side of corn tortillas for wrapping - exquisite. One of the best things I've eaten in months!
(4)William S.
3023 N. Broadway, that is Pepe's Tacos.
(2)Jessica B.
I've walked by this place a million times in Lakeview and never once connected it to the place all of my friends raved about. Finally, I decided with a friend to go check it out and I'm so glad I did. Two big notes: It's CASH ONLY and BYOB. The latter I wasn't aware of, so if you forget wine, grab it from CVS next door, phew! Bonus: no corkage! The place is a garden unit restaurant but it adds to the charm. Most people stare in the window because they're not sure what it is so that's normal. The restaurant takes reservations and on a weekend, I highly recommend them. We came at a good time and were seated right away but since it only seats about 40, it got busy fast and soon, it was a 30 minute wait. Food wise, I was very happy with my meal. The waiter recommended 2 small plates each and that was more than enough for me. We got the guacamole and empanadas, both of which were great and light to start. For our next wave of small plates, we got bone marrow and pork belly, both of which were really tasty. The pork belly was a great mix with a little guac as well and the lightest potato chips I've ever had. Really, awesome. Although it can be a tight fit in there, it's fun because you can talk with your neighbors without feeling like it's communal seating and you're forced to acknowledge each other. The decor is really bright and colorful and festive. I would absolutely go back and try new things on the menu. Large plates are available but really, with a smattering of small plates, you don't need it.
(4)Kelly C.
Shhhh..... don't tell anyone. This matchbox sized restaurant is a neighborhood gem with great gourmet Mexican tapas and is BYOB. We went on a rainy Sunday night and the place was still packed. The mushroom gorditas were delicately crispy on the outside with melt in your mouth mushroom filling. The pork ribs and alligator tacos were also yummy. We'll definitely go back again, but hope that we can still get a table!
(4)Jill B.
I went to Chilam Balam last night with a friend for dinner. It was delicious! We had the taquitos, halibut ceviche, ribs, corn & mushroom emapanadas and the peanut butter empanadas with chocolate sauce. All amazing. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Blanca R.
chee-LAHM-bah-LAHM! The owner taught me how to say it...it's a mayan word. I have eaten at this quaint little BYOB Mexican restaurant twice now, and I have twice been delightfully pleased. Yes it's small, and yes the tables are small, but I have twice been seated right away. The first time I went with my sister very early around 530pm, and the second we went again around 830pm. The food was exquisite. Both times we ordered 4 small plates and dessert, and let me tell you that each dish just gets better and better as they are served. My favorite are the memelas. So the only draw back would be that it's cash only....but I am willing to stop at a cash machine any time for this place.
(5)K M.
The one star is for how the owner treats her customers. The food was five-star amazing for its price, but I hope the chef breaks off and starts her own restaurant. We were so excited to try this place. We came in on a 105 degree day with our young daughter. We had reservations for a large party. My husband, daughter and I arrived about 10 minutes early for the reservation and asked if we could sit down because we would stay even if the rest of the party did not. (Only two other tables were taken at this time.) The owner would not let us sit down. My daughter kept asking, "Why are they being so mean?" I don't know. I don't think they understand restaurants come and go. (We weren't asking to sit at a 9-top; but at a 3-top.) If had just been this one incident, I wouldn't yelp. But, later, a couple came in who were obviously excited to try the restaurant. The owner was so rude to the wife that the couple left. The husband came back and yelled at the owner for being so rude to his wife (who was brought to tears). The owner's response? She laughed in his face, then talked about him when they left. The waiter was also really rude to my friend who brought in a bottle of vodka. The waiter informed her she couldn't have it. No problem. We understand liquor laws. She immediately put it away then said, "I have a question." She is gluten intolerant and wanted to know if there was anything to avoid on the menu. His response? "This better not be about the vodka." I will not be returning to this restaurant unless the chef takes over ownership or the owners become silent owners and hire a manager who knows how to treat customers.
(1)Andrea M.
The tapas here are delicious. Of course there was a wait when we arrived on a saturday but they took a cell phone number and we went to the bar a few doors down. We brought a bottle of tequila and they brought out the margarita mix. We ordered more then enough dishes and each one seemed to taste better then the next. Our waitress was sweet and was able to recommend a few of her favorites which were very well received by our group. Apparently their menu changes which is exciting. Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely be returning.
(4)Melissa D.
WOW! I am a huge fan of Chilam Balam. Mind you, we had to wait about 45 minutes for a table,(go next door and grab a few drinks while you are waiting), but it is well worth the wait. :) It's BYOB and no corking charge. We brought beer, so that didn't even matter. Our server was the best. Really provided us with honest suggestions. Everything we had was amazing! The ribs were great, a bit messy, but they're ribs, cmon now, its supposed to be messy! The steak was so freakin' amazing! I can't wait to go back and this time we'll sit at the bar and eat! :)
(5)Matthew U.
This is really as good as it gets in Chicago. Amazing food, excellent prices, and a great staff. just get their early. Once this place fills up, it can be awhile to get a table. BYOB place. This IS my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
(5)John H.
We went to Chilam Balam on a whim after the four fork review in the Chicago Tribune. We were not disappointed. It is a tight, but festive downstairs space that is certainly intimate. It's BYOB and we continued our tradition of pairing Mexican BYOB with slightly sweet German rieslings. We started with the corn masa memelas and the empanadas. Both were complex if a little bland for my palate. The empanadas seemed to be missing a little salt, the memelas a little spice. The guacamole was very good--assisted greatly by the pickled cabbage. The beet salad was exceptional. The warm beets were paired with tart greens and jicama, harder goat cheese, toasted sesame and a pleasantly spicy balsamic vinaigrette. The highlight of this exceptional dish was the dressing--there were several layers of flavor that finished with a very satisfying hot-pepper heat. Our entree was the Cornish Game Hen, which was good. It was accompanied by a mole that was subtle, complex and tasty--Rick Bayless should be proud of his former sous chef--but missing some of the oomph of similar moles at Mixteco or Topolo/Frontera. The dish of the evening was the dessert: A pumpkin tres leches cake with toasted pumpkin seed ice cream. It tasted like creamy pumpkin pie and was topped by a generous dollop of crème fraîche and a dainty scoop of ice cream. It was beautiful, and the toasted pumpkin seed ice cream was whimsical and tasty at the same time. It had all of the toastiness and saltiness of for-real pumpkin seeds, and balanced absolutely perfectly against the sweet cake. Yum. I'm not sure that Chilam Balam deserved the hype and the praise of the Tribune review. That being said, however, our dinner was a very solid effort, our check was very reasonable, and we will be adding Chilam Balam to our regular rotation.
(4)Alex D.
This is one of those places that you walk past thinking "I'd really like to eat there, but it's so damn crowded." I made up my mind to actually eat there even if it meant joining the old folks for an early bird special. So that's exactly what I did. Overall, this place was not as good as the constant crowds would have led me to believe. Lots of good flavors, but looking back, I have no pressing need to go back. That, paired with the fact that it's cash only, means that I won't be terribly pressed to fight my way back in.
(3)jenny m.
Don't go here. Why? Because if YOU go here, then it'll make it all that much harder for ME to get a table when I want to go here. Is that selfish of me? Yes, but I can deal with being selfish because me and Chilam Balam have a little bit of a love-at-first-site thing going on. I've only been once, but I am definitely in love. From the moment I walked in, I just loved the feel of the place. It's in a little bit of a hidden spot (it's underneath another business, so not at street level) so immediately by finding it I felt special. Its all dark & cozy with low lighting and tables pushed close together to maximize the space. It's small and all the tables were all full when I was there, but it didn't feel crowded or too noisy. The service was great. Our server immediately came over with wine glasses and got us to drinkin quick. Hey, that's important! Nothing more annoying then staring longingly at that yummy bottle of wine you brought and having to wait 20 minutes to dive in to it. Our server was also really helpful without being pushy. There were four of us dining and none of us had been there. He took a few moments to explain the menu (mostly small plates to share, kind of like tapas) but then walked away to give us time to explore the menu before ordering. But I've saved the best for last. Oh the food. I think we tried just about everything on the menu with the exception of a couple of the large plate dishes and it was all fantastic. In fact, instead of doing the 'oh, you take the last bite' thing to each other, we were all diving in to take it before someone else could! Each dish was just unique and flavorful and so delicious. A few of our favorites were the ceviche, empanadas (to die for, we got seconds!), scallops, and the tetelas. But really, I think it'd be hard to go wrong with whatever you order. There was not a complaint amongst the four of us on one of the dishes. And believe me, we all eat out alot and can be a very opinionated bunch! When I got home I went back and looked at their website and realized something that made me fall even deeper in love. On the front page of the website is the statement "supporting locally sustainable farmers, ranchers, and purveyors". So the fact that not only was the food amazing, but that the restaurant buys ingredients locally which is good for the environment, is just a win all around. My only complaint is that I don't live closer and won't be able to frequent as often as I like. But, I'll see you in my dreams Chilam Balam and that will have to do for now.
(5)Michael S.
4.5 stars actually - SUPER good! This place is really excellent, and the reason not a full 5 is that one dish (shrimp) was slightly overcooked, and the bar seats pretty much don't take comfort into account (but I guess they had to work with their super limited space). We will certainly sit at a table the next visit (or which there definitely will be). Nonetheless, this is by NO means your greeeezy, cheese dominated local Mexican place. Instead, expect refined Mexican food, beautifully prepared with super ingredients, and sauce accompaniments -nothing less than superb! Started with the ceviche, which was marinated Halibut, and perfectly cooked / marinated, along with the guac -- they aren't huge portions, but adequate for small starters. The shrimp mole dish is served char grilled, and with a fantastic mole (definitely Rick Bayless influences in the mole, which is an obvious compliment) -- it was a bit overcooked, but super good. Then, the sliced chili rubbed ribeye, served perfectly cooked, and flavored wonderfully. I loved this dish, and can't wait to get it again. Cash only, and BYO -- so happy to have it in the area.
(4)John E.
I have already been a fan of Chilam Balam, one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood! A few weekends ago, my family and I held a private party there for 30 of my family and friends. We closed down the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. It was fantastic. We chose a great menu before hand and the food just kept coming. We brought our owe alcohol and the staff made sure that all my guest had a full glass of sangria, margarita, wine, or tequilla, whatever they wanted. The food was amazing as always and the service could not have been better. I would hold a special event like this again in a heartbeat. One of the owners, Soraya is a total sweetheart to work with and did a fantastic job making sure everything was taken care of.
(5)Nancy M.
This place is fantastic. Three of us ordered six small plates and an order of the soup, which was corn with cream topped with Shitake mushrooms. Every single dish was delicious: the halibut ceviche, the memelas, the flautas, the two salads (one greens with poblano dressing, the other heirloom tomato), the empanadas. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate chili mousse with a spiced goat cheese center and empanadas filled with peanut butter and served with black mission fig and chocolate sauces. The empanadas were the shining star -- outstanding -- but the chocolate chili mousse was tasty as well. The only downside? The small space gets LOUD when crowded. Like bar loud. Still, I'd highly recommend Chilam Balam: a restaurant on a mission to preserve the planet with delicious food for reasonable prices.
(4)Sarah B.
Fantastic food--it even overpowers the cramped feel of the restaurant, the uber busy servers and the somewhat scary bathroom. Try everything--even if you're not sure you'll like it. I was pleasantly surprised by the scallops and a dish with duck and mole. For a party of 5, we ordered almost everything of the menu (two of some items) plus dessert--we each spent about $30. For a casual, non-gluttonous evening, I would expect to spend less than $20 per person. Three additional notes: BYOB, cash only, and doesn't take reservations on weekends.
(5)Christopher D.
Chilam Balam left me with mixed emotions. One one hand, the tiny space is cozy and warm. The owner and staff are very welcoming. And the large plate my dining partner and I shared--the grilled hen--was well-cooked, very flavorful and moist. I also had a pleasant mixed salad. The homemade tortillas were among the best I ever had. There probably isn't a grandma in the back making them, but I would believe it if someone told me that were the case. However, there were some misses. The mushroom-stuffed empanadas had a fine crust but the filling was bland. And the tortilla soup was so thick and heavy that it resembled a sauce than a brothy soup. Its bitter flavor was another turn-off. Overall, Chalam Balam is a good addition to the neighborhood. It's not perfect, but its more ambitious, seasonal menu is a nice break from the taco/enchilada/burrito fare you'll get elsewhere.
(3)Lauren R.
My review is probably better expressed as 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed my experience here. Three of us came at about 6:45 on a Friday night, and had about a 30 minute wait. We decided to go to the bar next door to wait since there is seriously no room to wait at the teeny-tiny restaurant. But no complaints about that, it was nice to grab a drink while we waited. When we sat down, we pretty much immediately ordered the guacamole and empanadas. I thought the guacamole was excellent, with a tasty kick to it. The empanadas didn't blow me away, but they were very light and fairly tasty. Next round of food was flautas and pork ribs. The flautas were excellent, extremely tasty with a delicious sauce and a healthy portion for small plates. The pork ribs, however, did not do it for me. They lacked flavor and were too dry. I LOVE ribs though, so I'm picky I guess. Full disclosure: the other two at my table loved them. The small plate did come with a bunch of ribs which was nice, and it was a very beautiful presentation. Third round was hanger steak and the special walleyed pike. Both of these dishes were fantastic. The walleyed pike was my favorite of the night, and came with the most delicious lick your plate sauce. The steak was also super flavorful. I thought it was weird though that with each of these, they only brought us exactly three tortillas. We got more than three portions out of each of the dishes, so one or two extra tortillas would have been nice. I dream about corn tortillas though, so I can always enjoy more. We splurged and got both the flan and the peanut butter empanadas for dessert. The flan was fabulous, my second favorite dish of the night. The peanut butter empanadas, I am sad to report, were actually pretty gross. And I don't use that word lightly. They didn't taste like anything. But, the flan, was amazing, and maybe one of the best flans I've ever had. To sum up: Skip both the empanadas and the pork ribs. Get the guacamole, flautas, walleyed pike, and save room for the flan. I enjoyed a bunch of the things we ordered, but I felt like the price was too high for the amount that we got. But, it was definitely a solid 3.5.
(3)Colleen R.
+: - Cozy atmosphere. - BYOB! - Waiters in Threadless t-shirts. - Chunky guacamole. - Music selections included "She Wolf" and "Bailamos." -: - Loud, loud, loud. - Jostling other diners on the way to the ladies' room. - The ladies' room. The single roll o
(3)Tiffany D.
While the food here is tasty but way overpriced I can't even begin to describe how annoying it is to eat here. Starting with the host who threatened to take me off her list if she called me and my friends weren't yet there to take the table instead if just skipping us until our party was there and being very rude when I checked in to the fact that I can't have chips so asked for a side of tortillas for the guac at which point we were told they can't bring sides (then later half our dishes came with tortillas which he could've mentioned at that point) to asking them to open another bottle of wine and them telling us no because it is one bottle per two people. We still had five tapas not out yet! Then when we asked for coffee they said no because they were trying to close so wouldn't bring us any. Skip this place totally not worth the hassle. Completely unimpressed.
(1)Debbie H.
Chilam Balam, means "books of Yucatan towns" that highlight history and traditions, and the restaurant's bound bookish-menus produce just that through its rich ingredients, flavorful accompaniments and bold, fresh taste. Bueno! Yes, this place is tiny and I'm sure Mgr. Murphy's upstairs is having a ball with all the diners waiting for a table in its bar. But the atmosphere is fun and vibrant and the service is super friendly and attentive. The BYOB aspect is also great, we brought wine and beer but next time will carry in the hard stuff for some on the spot margarita making! We started with the empanadas, which were extremely good and sampled the scallops and swordfish as well. The chocolate flan is a great way to end the meal with something a little sweet. I went there at 6pm on a Friday and by 6:20, there were no more seats in the house! It could get a bit more problematic as the winter months close in, but the yummy food will keep me coming back for more. Delish.
(5)Scott A.
We didn't find the food that great. The portions were very small and overpriced... (the $8 nachos was simply nacho chips with a scoop of guacamole which didn't set the evening off very well) It has a very nice ambience...but that was about it. BYOB is nice too. That being said, we only ordered 3 items (Nachos included) so, by chance, we may not have ordered the best the menu had to offer...
(2)Jamie O.
Creative, organic and flavorful, I thoroughly enjoyed my small bites at Chilam Balam. I believe the chef formerly worked in Rick Bayless kitchens and he/she brings the authentic Mexican cuisine with inventive twists, like beet salad with queso ice cream. Smoked rabbit stew, chipotles, chorizo, roasted fingerlings and turnips; Crispy kale - the elusive crispy kale, fun!! And the fresh corn tortilla was a perfect bread companion to the dish. While the flavors of the stew were earthy and complex, the turnips were very bitter (almost inedible) and it needed more spice for my palate. Sweet corn tamal filled with housemade ricotta and braised greens; Poblano chile cream and Wisconsin Jack cheese - This recipe reminded me of Frontera's veggie tamale but with a stronger corn bread taste. Delicious. Hibiscus flan, vanilla-lime swirl ice cream and candied pepitas - This dessert was intricately designed and so yummy! I am so impressed when both the savory and sweet dishes at a restaurant are equally good. I'll be back. :)
(4)Ryan C.
wife and I ate there tonight and we'll definitely go back to try everything else on the menu we did not get a chance to try tonight. Generally, the food was fantastic, though there are still a few things that could use some tweaking. The rundown: Ceviche was fantastic, though could have been a bit better with a few more chips (our waiter did bring some more chips immediately). The masa with lamb was outstanding. By far the best of the four dishes we had, at least in my opinion. Definitely will order again next time. mushroom empanada was very good as well (though my wife is not a mushroom fan, so it wasn't her favorite) Finally, the hanger steak... flavor was fantastic, but texture was not the best -- perhaps this is b/c I'm not the biggest fan of hanger steak (my wife really enjoyed it). Overally, a pretty good crowd for a Monday night. The only additional suggestion/concern is with the music, which doesn't really fit the place and detracts somewhat from the ambience. Also, the cash only thing is somewhat quirky -- maybe this will get fixed sometime soon. Overall, a great evening out -- we will definitely visit again!
(4)Tiff D.
I heard GREAT things about this restaurant, all word of mouth! My friends are extreme foodies, and love to try new things. Myself, I am new to this whole game, and I still prefer a mix of quality and value. Chilam Balam has exceptional quality with no value. The Guacamole- Homemade, yes. Chips- I recognize these as the ones that are always on sale at Whole Foods. Portion- ridiculously tiny. Even if it was for one person. Sigh. Empanadas- I read a previous review- underwhelming is right. There is nothing special about these, and they are $5 bucks each! One thing I love about asian restaurants is they always tell you the amount of food you are ordering. We came with three people, so when two empanadas, well two of everything, comes out, it becomes a game to see who isn't going to try the new dish. Shredded Steak dish- Wow. Now, this is the dish that got the one star review. Again, super-tiny portion and the beef was shredded and deep fried? Yuck.... I didn't understand this dish at all. It was just a heap of gross textures. All these under-developed dishes, with a hefty price tag. To all those yelpers that loved this place, I hope it was because you were drunk.
(1)Jennifer J.
Had date night here a few weeks ago, and it was amazing! Brought a cheap bottle of red wine and they offered to mix it with their homemade Sangria. The food was awesome, we had flautas, cheviche, empanadas, and guacamole. I have to say the place is small but my 6'5 boyfriend didn't mind. We only waited for about 30 minutes before getting seated at the bar... the servers we're super nice and friendly. I left satisfied and drunk! Win!
(5)Jason M.
I don't think it's necessary to use hundreds of words to extoll the virtues of Chilam Balam. Almost every review shares the same sentiment...this is truly good food. Unless there was an off night, I have to believe that those giving this 1 or 2 stars have no idea what good food is. Realistically, this is probably a 4-star review. It is cramped, and in a garden level storefront, and there's always a really long wait that forces you to spend time inside Monsignor Murphy's having a bad cocktail. At the end of the meal, we were rushed a bit to make room for other diners. While it's totally understandable, it's still a little uncomfortable. The pork belly we had, however, makes it five stars. That was seriously the most amazing slow cooked pork I've ever had. I still have dreams about it 3 days later. If you like Mexican cooking, and especially small plates, I implore you to find someone you want to talk to for hours, go there, wait whatever amount of time it takes, and enjoy. You won't regret it.
(5)Lori M.
We're new to the neighborhood and had our first meal here tonight - fantastic! This cozy restaurant is delightful. The food is fabulous - we had the blue marlin ceviche, roasted garlic soup and the pork ribs, all prepared to perfection. Our server was very helpful and friendly and we enjoyed chatting with the couple at the next table, sharing reviews of all the different dishes. We look forward to becoming regulars!
(5)Donisha L.
I typically try to stay far away from the lake view area...the lack of parking or the $25 cab ride home just isn't appealing to me. So glad I ventured outside my comfort zone west of the 90/94 with Chilam Bilam. The words "tapas" and "BYOB" made it an easy sell for me. Not the easiest place to find driving along Broadway. The makeshift sign atop what appeared to be a garden apartment had me second guessing if this place was actually a restaurant. However, when we stepped inside the quaint, little 15 table establishment, the size and obscure location added to it's charm. I was nervous about the seating arrangement because we had 5 people and I didn't see a single table open that could accommodate our group, but luckily we had someone cancel last minute. Not recommended, and maybe not even possible for large groups FYI, keep it under 5! I checked out the menu the day before but the menu changed that afternoon, so my prepared palate had to start from scratch. We had the flank steak, pork tenderloin, scallops, empanadas, and flautas. It was a party in my tummy and every Latin flavor was invited! Everything I tried was ridiculously delicious! My friends also had the guacamole and enchiladas, which I had to skip since I'm allergic to avocado, but a fan favorite at the table nonetheless. We ended with the hibiscus flan dessert with vanilla ice cream, followed by a food coma by the time the check came. Not a place to sit and chit chat until the wee hours of the night...eat and leave seems to be the theme after payment. With the size of the joint, that's understandable. Moderately priced eats, cozy atmosphere, awesomeness in my tummy...I can dig it!
(4)Gregory L.
First of all, I have to say, that not only am I the first person to review Chilam Balam, but I am a also a part of the first table to eat at Chilam Balam. We ordered Everything, literally. Except for the ahi tuna, ribs and the salad. Don't worry, I also took pictures of it all as well. Chef Chuy Valencia shares his family traditions and roots with all of the dishes served. My brother and I got there first out of our party of four. We ordered the corn masa memelas and the halibut ceviche. The memelas were like sopes, and served with a very fresh, thick but not too sweet wisconsin goat cheese. I didn't even realize that it didn't have meat in them. The ceviche was up there on my ceviche list. Not only was it very fresh, but it was full of halibut, very little onion, cucumber and jicama. Just the way I like it. Once one of our friends got there, we ordered a couple more small plates; the guac, hanger steak, green chile soup and quesadillas. The guacamole was what it was. I've had good guacs before, and this one was as well. The hanger steak was nice and buttery, melt in your mouth skirt, with potatoes in a guajillo sauce. Roll this in Chuy's handmade fresh tortillas, and you're set. I didn't think it would get much better than that. The soup was very good as well. It was a green chile and cream soup, served at room temperature, with sour cream on top. The green chile was very deep and spicy, but subtle. We all enjoyed it. The quesadillas could've been better. I remembered a few days ago, before the menu was updatesd, there were supposed to be squash blossoms in them. To my disappointed finding, they were taken away. Now onto the main dishes. We took two orders of the scallops, the leg of lamb and the hen. I wish we had ordered two of the lamb dishes instead. The scallops were big and supple, but I just don't believe that quality scallops can be properly cooked on a grill. They need to be pan seared. Mixteco tried doing this yesterday. Didn't care for it one bit. The lamb was cooked at a nice tender medium rare, and served with this smokey mulato chile sauce. The smokiness hits at the end. It was a perfect end note to each bite. A sort of gift if you will. The hen was okay. I was hoping for a little bit more flavor, but oh well. It'll give chuy something to work on, considering most of his dishes are already stellar in my book. We had to save room for dessert. After a recommendation from our server, David, we decided to try the lemon infused flan with homemade ice cream. This flan was HEAVEN. It is not your ordinary flan. I couldn't pin point it, but I believe they used some sort of condensed milk and cream cheese in the recipe. I have never had anything like it. The ice cream was homemade, and amazing as well. wish I could remember what kind it was. Friends at the table were describing how much they loved it. One said "I could just have this served in a bucket" the other said "I could just sit down at the tv, and eat 10-15 of these easily." I would come here just to experience that alone once again. Chilam Balam is very tiny, and will fill up fast. Expect for it to be full on a regular basis. There are no reservations, and they only accept cash, and it is BYOB. There will be a table for 3 at the bar opening shortly.
(4)Julia L.
Overhyped and overrated but good. Be aware that this place has rules. You can only stay for an hour to an hour, 15 mins, tops. It's BYOB but wine and beer and tequila only. And only certain amounts per person, unless you order more to eat. I get it: it's a small place and it's blowing up since Chuy was on Top Chef. But sometimes it's tough to swallow rules at a restaurant. The service was good; I appreciated that we were told the rules up front. And the food runners were fantastic. The food is definitely good, but not as mind blowing as some would expect from a Cheftestant. I went with 8 people and we tried everything on the menu. The meat dishes were better than the salads. The sauces were fantastic. A lot of the dishes were better with sauces and lime wedges for additional flavor. Be prepared to wait. Go next door for a drink and chill out.
(3)D F.
My wife and I stumbled on this place at around 9:00 on Thursday night, after we realized it was too late to eat at Crisp. Wow were we pleasantly surprised! I'm only knocking a star off because of price. We got 4 tapas and a dessert, and it came out to $54 plus tip. To call Chilam Balam a Mexican restaurant is a bit of a misnomer. Most of the dishes really weren't Mexican per se, but had Mexican ingredients. For example, we got pork ribs (not really Mexican), but it had a mole sauce instead of a barbecue sauce. They were awesome. We also got the scallops, which were probably our favorite dish. We also got a green salad to be healthy, which was quite good, and one other dish that I can't remember, but which was good. We got a mousse dessert that had goat cheese inside. We wouldn't have ordered it, except the waiter recommended it. He was right. It was pretty phenomenal. The atmosphere is pretty cool - very tiny. I thought they could have dimmed the lights a little more to make it feel even more intimate, but whatever. Long story short, Chilam Balam is awesome, but expect to pay about $30-$40/person.
(4)Suzanne S.
The food was amazing. I think we ate everything on the menu. Our waiter was fantastic and offered to create our meal for us--which we loved. He brought out the perfect amount of delicious small plates. BYOB is always a plus. We spent our money on the food and brought great wine from home.
(5)Sara D.
I'm glad that this space is occupied again, in a previous life this was a quaint Italian joint. I stopped in here late-night a few Saturdays ago. The place was packed, and the hostess informed us that we could wait next door at Murphy's and the staff would call the bar when our table was ready. After about 45 minutes we were seated and ordered 3 small plates. We tried the hanger steak, tortilla soup, and empanadas. All were tasty, but the best was the hanger steak. It was a generous serving of meat, cooked just right (pink in the middle), with a side of homemade tortillas. For dessert we tried the flan, as recommended by the waiter....for flan fans, it was probably delicious, but I wish we would've gotten the peanut butter dessert. Although the flan was a generous serving and plated attractively with crunchy pistachios sprinkled on top, I'm not a big flan/custard person and this did not convert me. Lessons learned....pb/chocolate fans, when it is offered, take it! Overall, this is a great little byob with tasty small plates and I hope to come back soon to try some of the other dishes.
(4)Leah C.
this is vegi-me's first tapas dining experience where i've felt both full and satisfied... and i didn't have to stuff myself silly with bread and sangria to do so! our 6-top let our server do the driving. we let him know about some of our dietary [vegi] restrictions and he did an excellent job of balancing out the meat and sans meat dishes. stick with the small plates as the entree dishes are drastically more in price. plus, you don't want to fill up on one thing. pass on the guac (although the chips themselves were really good!) but double/triple up on the corn masa with garbanzo beans/mushrooms - delicious! carni's and vegi's BOTH loved them. the mole ribs were also a hit along with the tuna ceviche. hopefully my reco's are on the menu when you visit because as stated in other reviews, the menu changes. it was really nice to see the servers all interacting with each other and they seemed like they really enjoyed their jobs. they sang some pretty funny renditions of "happy bday" too! warning: the whole idea of byob goes out the window if you allow the kitchen to turn your byob wine into sangria - it's $11.50 per pitcher. so $10 wine + ($11.50 x 3 pitchers) = :( i guess we should've read the fine print. what sucks is that wine was good on its own :( reiterating: yes, it's cozy (anyone else remember this venue as pepe's?) and yes the wait (ours was ~2 hours) is toeing the line of "not worth it" but if you are in good company and willing to have a few beers at the bar next door (hey, you are saving $ by it being byob) then this is a great spot for latin (vs. spanish) tapas.
(5)Emily U.
LOVED Chilam balam. Went there for dinner a few weeks ago with a couple of friends and had a great time. We had to wait 2 hours for a table but we anticipated that from previous Yelp reviews, so we put our names in and drank across the street. We had a group of 3 and I agree with others that small groups are best here. The tapas were all delicious. The waiter was super nice and gave us excellent guidance. We didn't have anything we didn't like, in fact, we loved everything. The portions were also great. There are so many tapas places where you only get a couple of bites, but the three of us were barely able to finish our 5th plate because we were so full. The only downside was that it was really loud in there, so it would be somewhat difficult to have conversations. As a young person I don't really care but older couples or people who are more "professional" than me might not like it. Can't wait to go back and try their new menu!
(4)Jill R.
If this was only a food review I would give 4.5 stars but our server was rude and not helpful at all so they are only getting 3. We had my youngest with us (she's 8) and she was very excited to visit a restaurant that had been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. However, we weren't sure she would like the food. We asked the server a couple of questions about the flautas and other items on the menu and he immediately answered with "there are better choices than that", OK, but that is what we thought my 8 y/o would like so we were going to order that. He never answered our original questions. In addition to the flautas, we ordered the skirt steak and the quac with chips. The server was short with us and disapproving with our order; he thought we needed more food since the plates were small - um, that's ok. I told him if we wanted more, we'd order more as we ate (you are allowed to do that in restaurants, right?) After the food came, we ate it - it was wonderful and very tasty. Our server never returned to the table to check on us or see if we wanted to order more. Our water was also never refilled. My 8 y./o liked guacamole and chips and tried the other items but wasn't real super excited with them - which is fine, she's 8, she knows what she likes - i'm just glad she tried it all. Anyway, we didn't need more food, we were satisfied without being overstuffed... His tip reflected his service. I don't plan to eat in there again if I am in the neighborhood, but carry out is a possibility.
(3)Tish V.
Chilam Balam is a super cute & teeny tiny place that offers a level of coziness that is unlike others. It was almost like walking into someone's basement party equipped with hostess & servers. We got the best seats in the house so it made things even better! The service was great (never was left without anything needed) and the food was pretty darn good. We had to do a double order of the scallops and the guacamole - they were oh'so good! Pretty much everything we ate had great flavor and was authentico. BYOB makes this place even a better joint to visit. If you're claustrophobic then I'd say you'll probably want to do take-out because the space is small; make sure you have reservations and be on time. I'd definitely revisit this place if I was going to pay Lake View a visit.
(4)Betsy P.
While the food was good here we will never go back because of the way we were treated by the manager. After fininshing our meal (4 of us) in under an hour and when we said no to desert we were told that we had to leave because others were waiting for a table. We then said we'd order dessert and were told no, if wanted that we'd have to move to the bar (which really isn't a bar and there was no room). In under an hour we rang up a $80+ tab and was told to leave. Funny thing was by the time we settled the bill no one was waiting for a table.
(1)Cathy M.
Chilam Balam is a wonderful, warm, charming place near our son's apartment which is a plus and BYOB which we have been exploring more and more lately. Our waiter David was so friendly and attentive and gave us great suggestions. Everything we had, almost every small plate was flavorful, delicious and well prepared. We loved the corn masa memelas and the mushroom empanadas. The hanger steak had great flavors and the tortillas that came with the dish were amazing. We will definitely return as we understand that the menu changes often. Do note that it is cash only which was fine with us.
(4)Aztlan S.
FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS EAT AT DUMPS LIKE CHILAM BALAM! First of all, I would encourage you to look at the rating history provided by Yelp. It should come as no surpise that this place's ratings are falling precipitously. The FOOD: if your idea of a good time is eating overpriced-yet-mediocre "upscale" regional Mexican fare, this place is for you. The AMBIANCE: if you like dimly-lit (not in a sexy way!), overcrowded dungeons with patrons' chairs continuously bumping into yours while tired music from 1988 pollutes the air, this place should be your headquarters. THE SERVICE: if you like being treated like a herd animal by obnoxious waitstaff, RUN, DON'T WALK to Chilam Balam! My friends and I made the unforgiveable mistake of going to Chilam Balam last night. I had been interested in this place because of its name: it conjured up images of the Yucatan and its wonderful food. I was expecting great regional Mexican food. To add to the anticipation, I had recently seen a camera crew there filming for Guy Fietti's Food Network show. My disillusionment in Chilam Balam: The disappointment with this place began with the climb down the stairs because it is in the basement of the same building which houses Flub A Dub Chub's [way better food, btw!]. We were met by the hostess at the door/ wind tunnel who promptly took down my friend's cell number and said she would call us when a table was ready --in about 45 minutes, she thought. Some patrons' light bulbs must have gone off because they high-tailed it out of there and we only ended up waiting 25 minutes. We ordered over-priced guacamole and (stale) chips. Then we ate over-priced ceviche, pork ribs, ravioli, a soup, and memelas. The food was OK for the most part, except for the ribs and the soup which were nothing to write home about. Then we ordered two types of dessert: the peanut butter empanadas and the chile mousse. The desserts were actually good but, in retrospect, we should have just requested our check and ran out of that hell-hole! What really ruined it for me, besides the exhorbitant prices, mediocre fare, dungeon-like atmosphere, and depressing music was the intolerably annoying waitstaff. I was so insulted by the way they herded their patrons like cattle. The people at the next table kept complaining about the crowded conditions and how other people's chairs kept bumping into theirs. Another group was annoyed because they had requested a birthday song --they had even been promised a candle for their dessert-- and it never materialized, despite multiple attempts. (Yes, the staff does sing birthday songs but they must only do it when they feel like it!) One table had to keep asking every staff member that passed by for a wine glass because all the other staff members ignored their requests. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you want to have a good time or not? Do you want good food or not? Do you want to be treated as a paying customer or as a herd animal? Decisions, decisions... PS: If you decide to go, don't forget to bring cash. Tell all your credit card holding friends to make a DETOUR TO THE ATM or you'll end up paying the HUGE bill if you are the only one holding CASH. THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY. PERIOD!
(1)PJ T.
Went here for dinner with a large group of friends. It's a crammed place for a large group. The food is decent, nothing super exceptional. But we ended up having a good time. the chef came out to greet us which is a plus. Also, it's hard to spot, since it's below street level.
(3)Mateo S.
Chilam Balam. Learn it, live it, love it. Hands down, proof that Chicago currently reigns as the most exciting and innovative city in the country for Mexican dining. Despite getting lumped in with a crowd of other recent upscale-Mexican openings, alta cocina with a snootily upturned nose isn't the idea here. Even after being bathed in adulatory praise from nearly every critic in town, chef Chuy Valencia is turning out honest, approachable and downright delicious fare that tastes every bit as good as it reads on the menu; serious, authentic and adventurous. Chilam Balam is that rare restaurant that is a perfect equation of elements: Farm-to-table, BYOB, friendly and informed service... Yes it is loud, yes it is crowded, but that is the fun part: the convivial basement setting feels more like a raucous private dinner party than another staid night out.
(5)Gino P.
We went to Chilam Balam on a recommendation from a friend. There was no wait on a Monday night at 7pm, though they did have reservations, but fit us in. First, I was pleasantly surprised by the interior upgrade they completed relative to the Italian restaurant that was there before Chilam. While the dining room is small it was a very comfortable and cozy setting with a wrap around bench covered with colorful pillows. Second, the waiter was extremely helpful and charismatic. He kindly welcomed us and offered recommendations, however he did not except the discount card for Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce members, but he said he'd consider it for the future. Finally, the all-organic food was excellent, including non-alcoholic sangria and several small plates. We enjoyed Acorn Squash soup, which was the best dish and as well as Beet Salad (the beets could have been cut a bit smaller, but it was still quite good and tasty). We also had Chicken Flautas, which were delightfully crispy and with just the right amount of cheese and sauce. Last, we had the short ribs, which were not as meaty as I would have liked, however the wonderfully tangy sauce made up for it. Great experience, wonderful staff, and a definite recommend for others!
(5)Joel S.
The food here was excellent. Guacamole - super fresh and tasty. They brought more (also fresh) chips for us without our even asking. We had a couple of other small plates, whose names unfortunately escape me - also great. I tried the braised short rib and it was prepared perfectly and was really fresh. My only complains are that there was a super fat guy who appeared to be friends with some of the staff hovering about 6 to 12 inches from our table about half of the meal. I am not a big complainer and it didn't seem like there was anywhere else for him to go, so I didn't complain. But it really sucked, and almost ruined the meal. The space is just too small, I guess. Good luck if you plan on going here in the winter! I don't know what you would do, or where you'd wait. Another small issue... we ordered a lot of food, and were in and out of there in about 30 minutes! I was hoping there would be a little more time between courses to relax, but there wasn't. Food was great though! I'll be back if I'm looking for a really quick meal at an off time where I know there won't be a wait.
(3)Leslie F.
Came here with my boyfriend's parents for dinner while they were in town. First - service - the waiter took excellent care of us. We ordered small plates haphazardly and he was kind enough to organize our order into a set of courses. Everything was great and all the plates seem reasonably sized. (We had just about two per person, for 7 people and including 4 guys who are typically pretty big eaters.) The highlights were the corn and black bean memelas, the chicken flautas, the quail, and the peanut butter empanadas for dessert. We also tried the octopus, the blue fin ceviche, and the ribs, and those were all very tasty as well. The flank steak was tough but still pretty good. He also recommended their home made limeade BYO-tequila margaritas, which were absolutely amazing. They were tart and very fresh tasting. We may have added a little extra tequila to the mix at the table. The only thing that makes me wish I could give 4 and a half stars was that the restaurant did not have particularly good air conditioning, so by the end of the meal, our whole group was looking and feeling a little uncomfortable in the heat. But then again maybe that was only the 'ritas.
(5)k h.
Had dinner there Saturday night with a friend and was blown away by the food! What an interesting take on Mexican food! 4 small plates for the two of us was the perfect amount of food. I highly recommend the shortribs and blue marlin ceviche small plates, as well as the chocolate chili mousse. I can't wait to return and try even more dishes. I disagree with anyone who says the prices are too expensive. Given the quality of our food, I thought our bill was very reasonable. Plus it's BYOB and there's no corkage fee. The only drawback is the crowded space ... we at the bar (due to the 90 minute wait for a table) and felt we were a bit in the way of the servers bringing dishes out from the kitchen. But the benefit of eating at the bar is that we were able to chat with one of the owners and got great suggestions on the menu!
(5)Rob H.
Just went to Chilam Balam for the first time. Pretty much can be summed up as a Mexican take on tapas. My girlfriend and I had the chicken flautas, roasted pork belly, blue marlin ceviche, grilled pork ribs, and chocolate mousse (really more of a terrine). All except the ceviche were delicious and had a very nice presentation -- though they do use a very similar garnish for many of the dishes. In particular we really liked the roasted pork belly, which had a great roasted and savory taste but wasn't too fatty and was paired with a spicy orange salsa. The chocolate terrine was also great with the goat cheese center (and I don't even like goat cheese). Some of the other reviews complained about the amount of food, but I think if you get 2 small plates per person and 1 dessert per 2 people you'll be fine -- we didn't finish the ceviche and felt satisfied. All in all, the food was great, except for the aforementioned ceviche which was pretty mediocre both in taste and presentation. Contrary to some other reviews, Chilam Balam did take reservations -- I made them at about 6:00 PM on Monday night for 8:00 PM. We showed up at 8:10 PM and were seated immediately at a table with a "RESERVED" placard on it. The service was solid and I have no complaints there. The restaurant is a bit cramped, but the ambiance was nice -- the open kitchen (not that we could see the prep going on) filled the place with good smells and the music was at a good volume where we could hear it but hold a conversation (also, was a great CD of Mexican covers of rock classics.) Since it was BYOB, we brought a bottle of chardonnay and paid $60 including tip. Since four of the five dishes we had were great, I'll give it four out of five stars.
(4)Padraig J.
Overpriced, unmemorable Mexican small plates in a tiny underground restaurant. Felt like a rip off while we were eating. Flavors were fresh I suppose, but honestly I can't remember anything I had to run back for. Adequate for all its hip upscale pretension. And WORST OF ALL: after spending 100 dollars trying to get enough food to fill us up- we were two couples out for the night- our previously jazzy enthused server RUSHED is off of our table. They literally asked us to leave when we had barely finished and were still drinking our wine. Im sorry- that's unforgiveable. We'd never go back. It was a total hustle, you drop a lot of money and the food is good, but you don't go out just to eat. You go out, and you pay that big money for the theater of the restaurant. The place is too small, and instead of enjoying the party like atmosphere, you just feel like you're getting the run around and losing 50 bucks to boot. Get over yourselves, or get a bigger place. By the end of the evening we were eating hot dogs.
(2)Patrick M.
I will always have a special place in my heart for this place because we came here with a group for my best friend's going away party. We basically had everything on the menu and lots of BYOB Sangria... Outstanding service, great atmosphere, and amazing experience. Best things...short ribs, fish tacos, and every dessert they have!
(5)JS K.
This place is delicious! It has the warmest staff who never forget a face and have impeccable suggestions for meals. They never try to force anything on you but will tailor your order specifically to your taste buds. This place is BYOB and cash only so keep in mind that you may have to wait for awhile to grab a table. Well worth it though!
(5)Jane K.
We might've ordered one of everything on the menu! It's not that big and everything is flavorful and delicious. The space is super cramped so small movements only please.... Expect to wait and be aware of the BYOB limits. It's slightly complicated but basically they have a limit for the amount of alcohol you can bring depending on the size of your party. Also, don't come with a lot of people, it's too small for that. Another good option is to bring a good tempranillo or other red wine and they'll mix it with their sangria for you, love that! We put our name and number on the list then did what everyone else does and hung out at CVS browsing and choosing our alcohol while we waited.
(5)Barry A.
It's so nice to be able to write a review where I can actually gush. Chui and his staff treat you like friends when you eat there, except they charge you for the food before you leave. Anything in an empanada will be delicious, likewise anything with a mushroom base. Hell, it's all been good so far. Peruse the menu, but ask the server what's good tonight, or ask if the chef would like to surprise you with something. The dining room is small, so don't show up with anything larger than a party of 6, unless you make arrangements ahead of time. Cash only and BYO.
(4)David T.
Attended their early New Years Eve sitting and I have to say that this is as good as a small BYOB restaurant can get. Service was friendly, but not too professional, and the music was a little loud, but sufficiently interesting. The food was great, with the highlight being the scallop with chili-pozole sauce. Highly recommended. I've been to Alinea and Charlie Trotters, and a dozen of the best restaurants in Chicago, and this rates right up there. Chuy, congratulations. One recommendation to improve the service: they should get better wine glasses. Those tiny generic wine glasses do nothing to help the wine improve the experience.
(4)LR L.
Have been here several times and always liked the food; fresh ingredients, creative sauces, nice presentation, friendly service. Then why rate them only 3 stars? The portion sizes seem to shrink on each visit. For example, my dining partner and I shared the cobia and we each got 2 small bites at most. For the price point of the dish, I don't feel we got what we paid for. That was true of each of the 4 dishes we had. We left, $65 dollars poorer, still hungry. And remember, this place is BYO and cash only (so they are not absorbing the credit card convenience fees). I think it will be a while before we go back.
(3)Sean C.
I have been to Chilam a number of times now, but never thought of writing a review till now. I have been dining out a lot over the past year and trying new restaurants. I have had a few good experiences but a lot of will not returns. Whether it is bad service, just OK food, or simply overpriced small portions. I am done with the hype of many new on the scene establishments. Chilam was a place I found and has never disappointed. Yes it is small, but it is what I love about Chicago. Very well run, very good food, and extremely good service. A real gem in this big city with many different options.
(5)Chris J.
Great little place for a date! My gf and I went there for date night last month. The food is stupendous! The service is great. The only downside is they only take cash.
(5)Aaron m.
Chilam Balam I want to start out by syaing thank you!!! You still have the best atmoshpere in the city for a group of people 4-8. Your dishes are exciting as well as not a bad$$$. I will say that you will my favorite for a long time to come. Thanks again
(5)Brad B.
Wow. I really enjoyed the food, the experience and well...the whole mess was damn good. Two guys. One bottle of lovely cotes du rhone from Kafka on Halsted. Five little plates. One large plate. One cool waiter. One very lovely co-owner. What more could one want? The duck = yum Heck it was all yummy. Five small plates was prolly one too many....but, overall a fantastic experience. So happy this place is in my neighborhood. I was informed by one of the co-owners on our way out, that there will be a brunch service, starting next weekend (weekend of the 17th). Bring your champagne.... Oh, don't forget....no credit cards.
(5)jennie b.
Tiny restaurant, so plan ahead and call ahead for a table. Small plate Mexican food. Delicious! I recommend the pork short ribs, empanadas, flautas, and guacamole! Yum!! BYO Tequila for the margaritas!
(4)Matt G.
The best kept secret in Lakeview. Outstanding and knowledgable service. The menu has some excellent main stays but they rotate items every month, so there's always something new to try. They don't take reservations, so get there in good time. You can always put your name down and grab a beer at Monsignor Murphy's while you wait. Bring tequila and they'll make you a top notch margarita.
(5)Sudesh K.
Great food! Good prices. Good service. Will be back for more.
(4)Daniel S.
Didn't really see what all the hype was about, it's cash only which is annoying, the dishes are all small, though I admit they tasted good, you'd have to spend a whole ton of money to get full here, the place is small and cramped too, and no free chips and salsa, and no reservations and no seating unless the full party is there, it's pretty inconvenient
(2)Kristy H.
This place is TINY! They don't take reservations, but they'll give you a call when your table is ready, which is nice since we lived across the street. The food is good. The service is good. Not great, but good. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. The presentation is very unique. I'd definitely go back and recommend everyone check it out at least once :)
(4)shannon s.
Amazing food, great service, reasonably priced and byob it doesn't get much better than this!!!
(5)johnny b.
Very good small plates. I'd have to go back to give it 5 but a winner. The decor was great. Lots of noche libre masks and other interesting brightly colored faces. I would definitely recommend.
(4)Allison S.
Great place. The owner is darling and the rest of the staff are friendly and informative. The ribs and corn masa memelas were a table favorites, but every dish was fantastic. As always, love the BYOB!
(5)Kim C.
I live around the corner from this basement eatery and had been waiting to go for forever. Its always full and looks so comfy from the window. Its BYOB which is always nice and they offer t toss your wine in a pitcher of sangria, which is pretty cool. The problem with this place is that for a basement restaurant, its slighty pretentious and WAY over priced. I guess my expectations were extremely high, but 7 bucks for a scoop of guac and chips?! We ordered about 5 tapas, each not being worth their price. I dont want to sound like a mexican food snob, but I'm from California and I can get way better food from a taco cart in San Diego at 1 am. It was just so over priced. Total let down.
(2)Sara S.
Awesome! I went here with 2 friends and got very unique (in a good way!)food. We got the tuna, brussel sprouts, tortilla lasagna and chocolate chile moose. Everything was delicious and didn't disappoint. People were super friendly and good value. I'll be back for sure!!
(5)Meredith B.
I ate here like, two years ago and I'm sure I wrote a review - where did it go!? Obviously I've forgotten what exactly I ordered, not that it matters because Chef Chuy (as seen on Top Chef Masters!) changes the menu up on the regular, but the food here is really good stuff. Really fresh Mexican small plates. Really wonderful, seasonal stuff. Tiny, cozy interior and BYOB. I'd like to return soon and report on some actual dishes - but again, since they change so much, by the time I was like "Try it, yo!" you'd be like "dude, it's not on the menu anymore! something else awesome has taken its place!"
(4)anna c.
Cute, cozy little place. Looks like a real dive from the outside. Tables can be much too cramped. It's never fun when you're sitting on top of a stranger at the next table over... Inventive small plates, Mexican style tapas. Yummy ceviche and guac. The corn memelas were super delish as were the tamales. Knowledgeable service with excellent recommendations. Skip the pork spare ribs and whatever dish it is with the lamb chorizo - just so-so. One of my fave things about this BYOB is that they'll make you delicious margaritas with whatever tequila you bring in.
(4)Ankit M.
I've heard a lot of negativity about this place and I thought I would check it out for myself. Pretty mediocre service, food, and very high BYOB prices. Also, I'm not a fan when people take cash only. I understand credit cards cost businesses more money but this is the cost of doing business in Chicago. Get with it.
(2)Johnny B.
If you don't mind rude service staff, rules (1 bottle of wine for 2 people..limited table time, etc), cash only, and paying too much fun too little food, then by all means check this place out. Zero ambiance, unless you like dingy, dated and dirty looking basements. The food pretty good, but rushed service, silly rules, and poor attitude do nothing for me. Too many good friendly mexican restaurants in town to waste my money here.
(2)Teresa B.
Loooove Chilam Balam. The menu is incredible and has several dishes that are rotated (monthly?). This place really is a hidden gem, and one of my favorite spots in Chicago. Show up early (or be prepared to wait) and bring cash.
(5)Patricia R.
Great traditional Mexican small plates but with an innovated creation to it and with surprising unique fresh spices, greens and sauces. I have tried many things on the menu but one of my favorites are the ribs, flautas and there dessert tamales.
(5)Laura M.
I thought Chilam Balam was fantastic. At least all of the food was!! I really enjoyed the steak dishes, and our group tried the majority of the dishes on the menu which were all delicious. We also brought a bottle of tequila and they sell pitchers of limeade to make margaritas. I was a bit skeptical, but the margaritas were excellent as well. My only complaint is the place is small and there are long wait times. Loved everything else.
(4)Maria M.
GREAT FOOD AND VERY COZY! They also serve locally grown which is GREAT! On a friday night dinner around 6pm we got sat right away. Perfect time because around 630pm people have to wait longer and since the place is VERY COZY, it get crowded inside. They only take reservation on the weekends. Awesome BYOB service since if you bring a tequilla or wine they will make a margarita or a sangria for you. They only dowside is CASH ONLY. Food is Impressive Tapas style service.
(4)Patrick G.
Great restaurant for a fun date night! Awesome place for great small plates. The civiche was one of the best I have ever had. Service was fast and good. We really appreciated the BYOB.
(4)Elena S.
I was very excited when i saw this new place opened in lakeview so we decided to try it out for my friend's birthday. As it turned out the place is not good for groups of more than 3 people. The portions were tiny, not very sharable and pretty pricey. And the highlight of the night - we were asked to leave because they needed more space for next visitors (not because we were drunk & loud, cause we weren't :) aswe were gonna order some more food. I do realize that my experience might have been dramatically different if i went there on a romantic date. I ended up having to stop by a burito place next door :(
(2)Katie A.
Great tapas style eats! The sope has great textures and the sauce on the flautas has a great smokey kick. Don't miss the tres leches with butternut squash ice cream. Who would have thought it would be the yummiest ice cream ever. The staff is very friendly and we loved the music selections playing in the background. BYOB makes the meal even more complete since you can enjoy your favorite libation along side flavorful mexican fare. The restaurant is small so you might experience a wait, but worth it!
(4)Elise M.
The food is amaaaaaazing there! We got there around 7.30 and the place was almost full, we seat at the bar and we take some recommendations from our host, the swordfish with strawberries was perfect, flank steak with tortillas and the chunky guacamole. Good service, Byob,cash only.
(4)Kate S.
I was looking forward to this dinner, but the experience wasn't anything special. First, BYOB is only 1 bottle per table... And that's no fun nor BYOB. Secondly, staff and service was poor. It felt like our waiter was paying more attention to certain tables, except ours. Food was good, fresh and small. Overall, would I recommend? No.
(2)Michelle H.
You walk into a cozy, festive room and will immediately be seduced by kitchen aromas. This is a really fun, casual environment. It's easy to talk and there's room to relax. The BYOB is nice and we were well attended to. We enjoyed 4 gluten free dishes: duck, scallops, tuna and empanadas. I'd say the empanadas were the only disappointment and at that, they were certainly fine (just not at good as Lito's.) Others have commented that this place is upscale. I'd really disagree. I'd say this is a great everyday joint.
(3)Jason M.
An amazing new addition to Lakeview cuisine Chilam Balam offers Mexican with a chic twist. The sugar encrusted peanut butter empanada dessert was a must try. I watched as my table-mates spooned the leftover chocolate sauce up with a spoon. The menu features unique sauces and innovative flavors. This was a must try addition in the eclectic Chicago cuisine.
(4)Stephanie L.
MUY BUENO...ese alimento asombra. This place is amazing! Went here on a Sat night around 745ish. The place was packed...boy do they pack it in! They offered us a spot at the bar or we could wait an hour for a table to open up. We took the bar. We BYOB'd a huge bottle of wine. They will make sangria with your wine if you want. I thought that was a cool little touch. The staff is very nice, not so attentive but still pretty good. We started with some guacamole and also the black bean soup (a friend of a friend said you had to try the soup so we did). Neither disappointed. They were great! Guac was fresh and delicious and the soup had gooey cheese in the bottom. Next we decided on the ahi tuna ceviche and the huaracha (sp?). Both were March specials...both again were delicious. The price-I thought it was really reasonable. Our bill came to under $40 and we were full and tipsy The vibe in here was great. It was very up-ity. It wasnt crazy loud, but there was a good buzz going on. I will definitely be back here. FYI-they take reservations during the week, but I think only big groups on the weekends and also its cash only.
(5)Hyon L.
We live right around the corner to this place. It always looked like a hole in the wall spot but we've heard good things. So I step in to check out the menu, and food is not available for take out. Also, cash only. BYOB which could be a good/bad thing. Space is kinda tight. All this for some food? SOOOO good! Local ingredients, cooked to perfection. I feel like they can pull off strict rules just because they were so good. Shout out to their pastry chef. So good.
(4)Leanne A.
Maybe I expected too much? Our waiter was adorable, and the others seemed cool, too. However the manager's attitude was annoying. She kinda runs the place and was impolite. My mom only had credit card, and she was like "oh shoot! I don't have cash. I'll go get cash" The manager gets all uppity "well there's a sign on the door that says cash only!" Calm down lady, we're not going to leave without paying. You might want to enter the 21st century, FYI. Anyway, I liked the mixed green salad and the little empanadas. The one thing we really wanted was gone, and I thought the soup we ordered was too smoky. A little overwhelming for me. They made sangria out of our BYOB wine, which was awesome! 2 dollars instead of, like, 10! I like small and cozy (see my cozy list) but this was a bit too cozy even for me. We couldn't move our elbows much, and people kept knocking things over.
(3)Jeeve s.
How do I even begin writing a bad review for a restaurant who has a chef competing on Top Chef? I think it has all gone to their heads! I think the random quotes from the staff to our group throughout the night pretty much summarizes our experience: "Go ahead and order everything you want now so I don't have to go back and forth to place your orders" "We are a BYOB restaurant, but you aren't allowed to drink that in here" (in reference to our sweet tea vodka) I asked: "How is the restuarant without Chuy?" Waiter responds: "Chuy is going to be here tonight for a private party. You guys can't come because you aren't invited" All within FIVE minutes of completing our meal: "Do any of you want dessert TO GO?" Hostess: "We have a lot of people waiting so please hurry up" Table busser: "There are quite a few people waiting for your table so can you guys please finish" Waiter: "The manager has asked that you please get up so others can sit" ------Overall review---- I'll start with the pros first: *Decent presentation/food *Mexican tapas *Will call your cell phone when your table is ready Cons: *A bit on the pricey side for the quality of food *Not enough 'meat' in any of the dishes - had to pit stop at Flub a Dub Chubs afterwards to finish our meal *Even after spending ~$30/pp, ridiculously bad service from the entire staff *None of the dishes were out of the ordinary for a Top Chef contestant *Doesn't seat groups of 8 or more *Gotta eat, pay, and get out within an hour - no time to digest *Never should a restaurant make a table feel unwanted while others are waiting
(2)Alissa K.
We went on a random weeknight, fairly early, so it was not busy, but the place is super small so I would make a reservation. Also, they only take cash, so plan ahead. Service was attentive and helpful when we had questions and they brought out the plates in perfect order, with great timing to enjoy each one. I don't remember the exact plates we got, and they change the menu every so often so I can't find what we got. The guacamole was really creamy and delicious. The squash soup with goat cheese was really good! Kind of an awkward dish to share, but if you go with someone close to you, no big deal. Not very helpful that I can't remember what I ate, but I know everything was amazing, really good flavors, and I left feeling extremely satisfied. The sangria was really delicious as well! And we brought our own wine to put in it. Would go back to show it off :)
(5)Salvador L.
I must love rules. Cause I didnt seem to encounter Carmen's or Lindsey's issues. However it should be noted that I am generally not a curmudgeon period. I found the food at Chilam Balam to be an honest expression of one of Mexico's many regional cuisines. And for the record I am Mexican American 4th generation, from the northern region, and still savored evey bite from my plates and friends. We each ordered 2 plates, I had the flauta, and pork shoulder tamal. Both were delicious, Flauta was crisp the sauce was a complicated sweet and slightly smokey hint of spice, that did have me licking my fingers. The Tamal, was equally delicious and was extremely pleased with the presentaion and flavors of both plates. Also always a nice touch when the Mayor stolls through the door for his Mexican food fix! Cannot wait to stop in again for a fantastick meal.
(5)Ramya P.
A+ for innovation! Extremely fresh and tasty food always makes for a fantastic evening. It's BYOB, inexpensive, unpretentious and intimate. They take reservations only on weekdays and seat you only after the whole party arrives. I love the quirky decor and friendly service. This place is cash only, as the gazillion boards mention before you the premise. Our Chianti paired very well with the creamy guacamole, tasty memalas, fresh endive salad, ricottalicious enchilada and high quality scallops. I refused to leave the place without trying the desserts. I NOW believe that goat cheese can be successfully used in deserts.. Proof is the chocolate chile mousse with goat cheese and marshmallows. The hibiscus flan with a raspberry compote and cheesecake with kahlua ice cream were extremely innovative. Don't ignore the hype, withdraw some cash, and eat here asap.
(5)Drew B.
I went here for a friend's birthday and was a little nervous about the basement location, but whoa this place is amazing! BYOB and gourmet latin cuisine makes for a great night. The last time I was there I tried their pulled pork enchiladas in a corn husk wrap that were incredible! Another cool thing about the BYOB is that for a small charge, they make your wine into sangria! How perfect, two more please!
(5)J R.
This place is AWESOME! I've been here 3 times & will be back!!! The food is fresh, I like how they change the menu every month, service is fast and friendly. SUPER CLEAN!! The place is small, but has lots of charm. Keep up the great work!!
(5)Meredith P.
Great time! Went with two friends for a fun after work dinner. Honestly the fact that we could bring our own tequila and they would make us margaritas was a huge selling point! But the food did not disappoint. We came hungry so we were able to sample most of the small plates and everything was great! Our waiter was very helpful on making recommendations and the seasonal menu is nice so I can come back! The ceviche and the empanadas were two of my favorites! Almost forgot but you HAVE to save room for the chocolate dessert w/ peanuts and rhubarb sauce!
(5)Casey S.
This teeny restaurant in the basement level of a building would be easy to walk past without a second look-- But wouldn't that be a shame. Owners Chuy Valencia and Soraya Rendon made their tiny space warm and inviting with Mexican decor and filled their ever-changing, tapas style menu with creative, Mexican-inspired delights. Six of us ordered 10 small plates to share, with only one earning a poor review. The star dishes of the night for myself were the Grilled Pork Ribs with a sticky, honey-pasilla glaze and the Seared Sea Scallops with a creamy tomatillo sauce. The ribs were the last plate to arrive on the table, but a hefty portion of 6 meaty ribs with a drool-worthy sauce made them a standout dish. I love Sea Scallops and was happy to have my high hopes realized when they came out perfectly cooked and garnished with brussel sprouts, sweet potato and chorizo. Read my complete review on Crave Time at bit.ly/vjh101
(5)Jackie G.
$50 later I was still hungry and disappointed... I truly enjoy Latin American foods but these plates are just for show and expensive. We ordered the "large" plate of the lamb and it literally was four thin slices, which costs $30. We also had the mini flautas for the price of a what I could get for the regular size flautas. The taste was not equivalent to the price. Perhaps if I was overlooking the Chicago skyline then perhaps. But we were in a basement! This place is way too small and you literally have to crawl out of your spot to get up to use the bathroom, which on my way there it smelled of fish. Our server has to ask other customer to move over so that he can get to us to serve us more water. Other times he just reached over his shoulder to get to us. Just not pleasing for the price they're charging nor comfortable. For that price and better authentic food, try Sol de Mexico.
(1)Gfiddy F.
Thought it was great and a lively environment.
(5)Sabrina S.
The staff at Chilam Balam had the odds stacked against them when I came in for dinner last night. Except for the delicious Sopa de Fideo that is served in our employee cafeteria, I do not eat Mexican food. Not to mention that I have only heard wonderful things about the new restaurant and I thought there was no way anything could live up to all this hype. I mean, Rick Bayless is an amazing chef and for a chef to be known as a former apprentice of his creates many high expectations. However, my friend suggested a grownup evening of good food and conversation, so I went. And it was just as (if not more) delicious as everyone says. It was truly a great dining experience. The restaurant is just as small as everyone says - there isn't even a host stand! We arrived at 6PM and were quoted a 25 minute wait time by an adorable woman who I assume was the owner/general manager. Since there was no place to wait (seriously, the restaurant is slightly bigger than my studio apartment), the woman kindly took a phone number and released us to one of the local drinking establishments. She called us exactly 25 minutes later and we were seated two minutes after. The service was attentive. Our bottle of wine was immediately opened for us. They did not offer to chill the white, however, I did not realize this until I started typing the review! Since our group wanted to get the best experience during our night on the town, we asked our server for suggestions. He had a great list in his "back pocket". We took many of his suggestions. Now on to the good stuff - the food! It is just as fresh as they claim. Delicious. We started off with the roasted garlic soup. It is a great way to start off the meal. You will not want to share so be sure you each get your own serving - we did! I did think that this particular item was a bit pricey at $6.95 per bowl. For our "main courses" we all shared a number of dishes. The guacamole is fresh and tasty. I do not eat guac but this was GOOD. We had two servings and they were very good about bringing by chips once we ate them all up. Per our server's suggestion we also ordered: grilled pork ribs, grilled hanger steak, chicken flautas, duck le leg tamal and jumbo scallops. My favorite item was the grilled hanger steak which came with corn tortillas to make tacos. It was topped with what looked like funions (obviously freshly made and not the can variety). The steak did come out rare, which I prefer, but I know some people may be opposed to this. I was not a fan of the grilled pork ribs. The sauce was delectable but I thought the meat could fall off the bone a bit more easily. The duck tamal just "was". It was nothing to write home about but clearly something to write about on Yelp! I do not suggest ordering it. Finally, we had the most popular dessert the restaurant serves which is the sweet empanada stuffed with peanut butter and served with fig and chocolate dipping sauces. These were a great way to end the meal! I would come to Chilam Balam just to eat serving after serving of this! The entire bill, including tax and tip, came out to $120 for 4 guests. It as the best $30 I spent in a long time and was very happy with my experience. I suggest going here again and again! I know I will.
(5)P R.
Food was good but not worth the price. I'd give the food a 3 star. We entered here on a whim after hearing good things. Luckily got a table without waiting. It was a Thursday night at 6pm but it looked like it was going to be packed. Waiter came and gave us the menu. The price was about $10-$15 per a dish. We thought they were entrees, but turns out it was tapas style. We ordered 2 empanadas and a flank steak dish, which essentially was 3 appetizers. THE TOTAL BEFORE TAX WAS $40 or about $7 per a person per an item for a couple of bites each. The food was good but not that good. Plus it is cash only and the restaurants is below Flub A Dub Chubs, so you know they aren't paying much in rent. I just don't know why it is so expensive for the amount of food you are getting. The place is okay, but if you are going there on a date plan on spending at least $60-$75. Also it is BYOB which is nice. If the price was more reasonable, I'd give it 4 stars, but given how pricey it is, overall I have to give it a 2.
(2)Will M.
We went today. They are not usually open on Tuesdays, but I called ahead and they were today. We had the Young Green Salad, the Ceviche, the Fluatas and the Tamal. All were very good. I avoided the pork ribs based on the reviews below. We also had the mousse for desert - very delicious. I was surprised how the restaurant filled out - being it was pretty cold out and Dec 28th. I am all about the service, so I was pretty nervous about what was going to happen based on the reviews below. It turned out ok for us, but you should know that they say right on the menu: "eat it and beat it". While we were there there were a couple of parties that were *not* happy. In both cases their full party was not there; in one case they were not on time for their reservation. I thought the owner was pretty patient and tried to work with them. Its very small in there so I can see how they need to manage their tables tightly. I probably would not go if it was busy just because I hate getting pushed out of a place, but I will go back otherwise as the food was very good.
(4)Jeffrey C.
Not sure I understand the bellyaching in some of these reviews. This place is fantastic..which is why one of the owners was a contestant on Top Chef & they have been featured on Food Network. And prices are reasonable considering the quality. Apparently I make enough money to have a great meal without complaining about the price. One of my favorite places! Everything is made in-house...not sure why some reviewers think it isn't
(5)Jason H.
This is the only delicious restaurant on Broadway in Lakeview. I don't know why all the other ones are so bad, but the good news is, you don't have to go there. You can go here instead. It is delicious. Fine print: BYOB. On weekends you have to stop in and get your name on the list an hour before you want to eat. It's worth it, though.
(5)Josie F.
Such a great new addition to the area. The food here is fantastic. Service is great. This is gourmet Mexican but very affordable. It's almost unreal that it is BYOB. Seating is tight but you can not blame them. Note bring some good wine. The table next to us has a jug of Carlo Rossi. I was embarrassed for them and insulted for the restaurant. This is not that kind of place.
(5)Madison B.
This is the type of restaurant that you walk by thinking "I should try that place some time" well i decided to for once. It was a WEDNESDAY and the place was sooooo crowded. I like the fact that it is in the basement but there is very limited seating, it could fit about maybe 40 people including the bar. I ordered the guacamole for an appetizer. over well it was pretty good but very salty. For a main entree i had the pork belly. It was very chewy and squishy. I could not cut it or pull it apart. It was more then half all fat. The good thing was the seasoning. For desert I had a chocolate donut. It was OK but i prefer dunkin more. The frosting was kind of gritty but not horrible. Overall I had an okay food wise experience but the service was good. This was a new experience for me and i think some of the portions could be better. The one thing that threw me off was crawling up my coat while i was eating was a yellow worm. I have never experienced something like that and I am not planing on going back too soon.
(2)Lauren H.
Four of us went to Chilam Balam on a Thursday night. Our reservation was at 7:30, and my fiance and I showed up before our friends arrived. When we checked in, the hostess pointed to our table to say that's where we'd be sitting...but she wouldn't let us sit until the rest of our group arrived. There were plenty of other empty tables, and this place is tiny, they really cram those tables in. Therefore, there's not much room to stand. We asked her why we couldn't just go sit down - I mean seriously, our table was RIGHT there. But we were once again informed that nope, we couldn't sit, as that's against their policy. So we stood plastered against the bar so as to let the servers back and forth from the kitchen, while we waited for our friends. Given the size of this place, they need to seriously reconsider that policy. Once seated, we sat for what felt like a long time before anyone came to our table to open our bottle of wine or see if we wanted to order anything. I thought the food was decent, though there were mixed reviews around the table (my fiance thought everything was bland, our friends seemed to enjoy it all). I especially loved the chorizo meatloaf, the chickpea-queso anejo tortitas, and the chocolate pecan nitalla dessert. The other items we got (chunky guacamole, barramundi, mushroom empanadas, pork tenderloin and corn mesa memelas) were good - but not worth the price. In the end, I had been hearing about this place for a while so I'm glad we tried it. However, I likely will not be back, at least anytime soon.
(2)Kamilah S.
My girlfriends and I went here on a friday evening because we saw it on triple D Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives . It is a BYOB, so that caught are attention first, and if you leave your B, its a CVS, 2 stores down. The place, might hold 32 people and we waited about an hour and a half, the good thing is the hostess, takes your cell number and you can go to the bar next door and drink and eat popcorn. The food is good, I didnt like the steak in the mole, the steak just tasted like a grill, no flavor and the mole was very bland. The tortillas are handmade and are the best thing on the menu.
(2)Kelly K.
This was rented out for us on a Tuesday for a work event, and as a Mexican food snob, this has been one of the best Mexican food experiences I've had in a non hole in the wall place! The starters of ceviche and guacamole were spicy, but not too much (i have a very low tolerance for spicy). I surprised myself at how much I was able to eat since it did have a bit of a kick! The empanadas were delicious- light and flaky, not greasy and soggy! I'm glad we got the hangar steak, since I was able to gorge myself on the tender slices before giving up red meat for lent. Goat cheese and bean apps were filling and to die for ( I LOVE GOAT CHEESE). The short ribs were wayyyyyy too spicy for me, but that left room for dessert! DESSERT! We started with the peanut butter empanadas... My coworker described it as a "slice of heaven," and that's what it was. The chili chocolate mousse with goat cheese filling was incredible (I LOVE GOAT CHEESE!!!). I will be back again just for that!!
(5)Amanda A.
What a perfect way to start my mini Lakeview/Lincoln Park food tour! A friend and I grumbled through the two-hour wait on a Friday night (we almost canceled after the first 60 minutes when the hostess told us that we'd need to wait an additional hour, but that intoxicating Mexican- food aroma wouldn't release its grip). Luckily, both Intelligentsia and Argo are a short walk away, offering ample warmth and caffein-laced beverages. SO worth the wait! Almost everything---the halibut ceviche was wonderfully fresh, but under-flavored, and the chips needed a touch more salt---was fantastic. The seared pork belly in orange sauce will be guest-starring in my dreams for months to come, hopefully dancing a jig with the marinated duck in pecan sauce. The corn masa memelas were also a big hit. I'll definitely go back! Note: it's CASH ONLY.
(4)Jeff D.
The food here is GREAT! Everything is VERY fresh and tastes authentic. It's BYOB and, in my opinion, a great place to bring a good bottle of Malbec or two, some friends, eat some of the small plates so you don't get too full, and go out for drinks elsewhere afterward. I haven't been here yet where I've had to wait, but I'm sure the wait would be awhile since it's a small place. Judging by the popularity, I find it hard to imagine that they won't move somewhere larger soon, but we'll see. Excellent food. Great service. BYOB. And I can walk there! What more could I ask for?!
(5)Marissa E.
After hearing the greatest things about this restaurant, a group of my girlfriends headed here for a Saturday night of fun. When we walked into the restaurant we were seated right away but crammed between the many tables unable to move even an inch without intruding on someone else's dinner. To start off we ordered the guacamole, which although we were assured was plenty for a group of 5, came out with a dab of guac and probably 12 chips. We ordered another plate of it which came out the same. We asked for another side of chips and our waiter rudely brought us a plate with exactly 10 chips on it and said, "this is it girls". My group ordered the empanadas (tasted like a lean cuisine), steak (mediocre), and a few other items. No one was impressed with these over priced items, so we were debating dessert when all of the sudden our waiter told us we MUST decide that moment what we were getting because the kitchen was closing in 5 minutes. In the mean time, the entire kitchen and wait staff sat down and began eating their dinner, although we were not done with ours (same with the full restaurant surrounding us). Next, although the restaurant was full, the music was cut and people were getting rushed out. The wait staff was rude, the food was beyond mediocre and girls who were trying to have fun and do something new and out of their comfort zone will never be back. Cash Only.
(1)linda m.
Don't go on your Birthday! They asked us to leave the moment we paid our bill, no chatting while opening gifts. Three of us, here's what we had: Saktewing---yik, horrible bitter, burnt flavor Empanadas-- fine, boring salad with oranges and pepitas--beautiful and delicious Beefheart--boring but the chips are great memelos-- nice but $11 for 3 bites of beans and corn? duck breast in mole--one of the better dishes pork ribs---good Hibiscus flan--the best thing we ordered chocolate mousse with goat cheese--not so good So overall not wowed. I wouldn't go back for the food, nor to sit on a bare piece of wood nor to be asked to leave after spending $200 with nothing really good to eat. Teensy, mediocre food for big bucks. Skip it and go to Adobo grill where its alwalys good.
(2)Hope G.
I had the best time here a few nights ago! My bf and I were starving and we had been eating gyros, pizza and wings for days while he studied. This was our first nice outing. First, we went right at 5pm and there was no wait. Second, the environment is so creative and inviting. Bright pillows are anchored around the walls and other touches such as the handcrafted menu/photo albums just add to the homey and unique ambiance. The food comes in appetizer size portions and none of the options disappoint. Even months later, my boyfriend and I continue to talk about the amazing cauliflower soup special. Everything is fresh and flavorful. Careful, as far as I know, this place is still cash only and BYOB. I'll be going back and keeping my fingers crossed that the specials are equally amazing!
(5)Sarah I.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city (plus it's BYOB :) ). ! I went with 6 girl friends for my birthday on a Saturday night. We did have a to wait about 45 minutes but we just went to the next door bar for a drink. Everything was so fresh and delicious. I could tell that everything from plating to ingredients was very thought out. I love that Chuy uses fresh local ingredients and changes some of the items on the menu due to whats in season but keeps some staples. Going with a lot of people allowed us to get many different things! We had almost everything on the menu! Another plus was that Chuy was working in the kitchen that night so our server told him that it was my birthday. He came over, took a picture and hung out for awhile! Will definitely be going back asap.
(5)Dennis M.
It was an incredible experience. Our table loved everything but especially the scallops and salad. We're going back soon
(5)Amy J.
Loved my dinner at Chilam Balam. I will warn you that it's a little tricky to find- I walked by it literally 4 times with my iPhone GPS in hand so confused. (It's downstairs) Oops! :) BYOB, tiny hole in the wall serving delicious, fresh Mexican food with a twist. It reminded me of somewhere you might stumble upon in NYC more than Chicago. Love the hidden, neighborhood feel to it. We were a party of 3 and decided to do all small plates to share. We had ceviche, guacamole, flautas, empanadas and hanger steak. Everything was on point! The hanger steak which was highly recommended wasn't my favorite dish out of all of them, I'd skip that one. Dessert was the highlight for me, I was ready to pass but we got the dessert empanadas filled with peanut butter and dusted with sugar on the outside...as if that wasn't enough, it comes with chocolate dipping sauce spiked with cinnamon. Um HEAVEN!!! I'll definitely be back to try more. Yum.
(4)Michael C.
Heard about this place through friends and decided to check it out after I heard that they make Margaritas if you supply the tequila! How can you not be excited about that. We called earlier in the day and were told they do not take reservations and to just show up around 6:45. We were seated within 20 minutes which was a short wait for a such a small establishment. At first the atmosphere being bumpy and cosy was enjoyable but after the first few minutes you found out it was because the waitstaff were actually trying to get you to spend as much money as possible before kicking you out in the shortest time possible. The four of us ordered several dishes off the menu and were surprised when they literally came out all at once. We had staff standing around our table waiting for us to finish our plates before dropping more down. It was a bit insulting to be treated like farm animals. Thankfully we had the tequila to help mellow us out.... until we got the bill. No where had I read online or the menu that they charge $10 for each small pitcher [4 water glasses worth] of margarita. We supplied the tequila and yet were charged such an exorbitant fee [in my opinion]. What was extra disappointing was that we hadn't even finished the pitcher we had before they were trying to force us out the door.
(2)Hallie G.
We were super lucky to get in on a Sunday night without a reservation. Within 20 minutes of us being there, the place had filled up and they were only seating at the bar. Making a reservation appears to be the best way to get in. The food was DELICIOUS. Everything had a great flavor combination. The menu changes regularly, but we tried the heirloom tomato salad, guacamole, empanadas, scallops and a couple of other things. It was mostly small plates and three large plates (one fish, one poultry, and one red meat dish.) Desserts looked yummy, but we were too full to try anything. Service was excellent. Our waiter even brought us extra chips without us having to ask. BYOB, cash only, but there was a convenient cash station at CVS next door. I'd go back. Seems like exactly the type of place you'd bring your out-of-town friends to impress them with your "off the beaten path" type of restaurant. It's quaint, food is excellent, BYOB, great service, and food like no other place. Well done, Chilam Balam!
(4)Xtina B.
I went with some girlfriends on a Friday night for dinner. The place is BYOB, but they only allow 1 bottle of wine per couple. Not only was the food FANTASTIC, but we also had the best server. The server was super sweet and helpful. He made good suggestions on what to order and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. I loved the ambiance, service and the food. I have since told all my friends that we have to go back because the menu changes so often, and I am dying to see what other things they have to offer! GO!! Things to be aware of prior to your visit: 1. It is hidden. If you are driving it may be difficult to spot because the sign is so small. 2. It is practically in a basement--so be careful because the steps were icy! 3. It is very small, so be ready to wait 45-1 hour on a weekend. We put our name down and went down the street for some drinks while we waited for them to call our cell phones. 4. It is tapas, so bring an appetite to try a little bit of everything :) 5. Bring your own red wine, because they make the Sangria for you at the table and it was delicious!
(5)The Big O.
I'm on the fence about this place. Just ate there tonight, for the first time. Hadn't heard anything about it, other than that it was new and good. More atmosphere than I'd expect for a bad location below street level. Better food than I expected. I have eaten at Adobo, Toplobampo and Frontera tons of times, and this was easily their equal. In fact, I'd say that it bested most meals I've had at Topo, which in my view is the best of Adobo, Frontera and Topo. But the small plates thing .... It was too much for too little. My entree, the Gorditas, was $14.50 and was on the smallish side, even for an appetizer. My wife's entree was similarly puny. We exited hungry. She went for ice cream down the street. Honestly, I could have eaten another dinner. So, judged on food alone, I'd give it a five--a genuine food discovery, and delicious. But at these prices, for this location, I don't think I'd eat there again. It was expensive, for what amounted to a snack. (In that regard, it's worth noting that the menu is also tiny, and that they don't provide complimentary salsa and chips. We got the guacamole (which was quite tasty), but there weren't many chips, and when we ran out and asked for more, we joked that they'd probably bring just a few ... and they did. Really, I doubt they brought eight. I think the guy who brought them literally looked at how much guac we had left, and brought us exactly how amny chips he thought we'd need to finish it off. Weird.)
(3)Marshall M.
WOW! I work in the restaurant biz and it takes a LOT for me to be this impressed with an establishment. However, Chilam Balam surpassed every expectation I had and left me wanting to come back to try all of the dishes that I wasn't able to taste on my first encounter. First, the atmosphere and ambiance are absolutely engulfing. The space is super small. Usually this equates to a very awkward dining experience. But this place seemed to know EXACTLY how to deal with the size just right. It was cozy, warm, and inviting and made us feel welcome and comfortable. Second, the service was great. Fast, efficient, friendly and accommodating. I'm not sure if it's a family run operation, but it sure seemed like that. Last, but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, the food was absolutely INCREDIBLE. EVERY DISH, EVERY BITE WAS PHENOMENAL!!!!! We had the empanadas, gaucamole, hanger steak (SOOOOO GOOD!!!), pork ribs (SUPER DELICIOUS), scallop ceviche, and fried veal sweet breads.....(specials, both....and the veal was AMAZING!!!!) Needless to say, this place is somewhere I will be telling EVERYONE about and you should check it out NOW!!!!!! LOVE GOING TO NEW AWESOME PLACES!!!!
(5)Jennifer C.
Read about this place in the Trib, but forgot about it until I stumbled upon it walking down Broadway. It was DELICIOUS. Sure, it's not convenient that they are a cash-only restaurant and that the space seats about 20 people. However, the food was an awesome take and update on traditional Mexican cuisine! The dishes were served as small plates, and it made for a perfect meal for two. Each dish was delicious perfection. I like that it's BYOB, and really liked the atmosphere. It was incredibly cozy - would definitely love to come back for a date night. Because of how small the space is, I would not recommend that group come here - especially a group looking for a boisterous evening. The space is much too small and intimate!
(4)Rachelle D.
I went to Chilam Balam last month and was very happy! This is a small place so it is very easy to miss. We went at the right time because we got seated right away. Ten minutes later, there was a line out the door. I like to think of this place as an upscale Mexican tapas restaurant. The butternut squash soup is amazing! The empanadas are a great spin off to authentic empanadas. I like the mushroom, cheese and chile filling. The ceviche is also really good, I like the spicy kick it has. Everything we had was very fresh and the service was great! I definitely want to go back. We actually tried going last week, but they were closed (they are closed on Tuesdays). I was very disappointed!
(4)F D.
Saw this on DDD. The food is fresh and everything was excellent. This place is EXTREMELY small and I'd advise you get a reservation before going. Although my friend and I visited over the holidays and the staff were not very nice. The hostess was snippy and our waiter was very unaccommodating. I had to send a steak dish back twice because it was medium rare and not medium well as I requested, to which the waiter replied, "If it's dry, then it's your fault!"
(4)Liliana S.
The atmosphere was friendly and cozy. We were a group of 10, all from different backgrounds, expecting to try the common Mexican tacos or quesadillas. To our surprise, the menu was very diverse, with a hint of elegance in each dish. Since we were a big group we decided to try the small tapas and share one big plate. My favourite ones were the crispy flautas and the empanadas filled with braised mushrooms.The salad was delicious, too. The big plate was some delicious white meat fish that I cannot remember the name but was just cooked to perfection. Def a place to bring a date, big parties, or for a girls night out. The service was friendly and on time to take your order and bring the food. The owner was there to greet us and tell us a little bit about the restaurant and its organic, sustainable products. I'm coming back again! * Pros: perfect size dishes, excellent service
(5)Rachael S.
I felt compelled to write a review because I looked at the menu online and I was like, goo, only 16 dishes. I am so used to like, extensive menus at tapa's places like Ba Ba Reeba that I was sort of turned off by going there. We have a resevration for 7:30 and were seated promptly. The waiter was sooo helpful in describing the dishes and how much we should order for the table. At one point we OVER ordered a dish and he cancelled it. So thoughtful! The food was amazing. We basically tried one of everything on the menu and there was nothing that wasn't well cooked, flavorful and inventive. My favorite was the prok ribs in a mole sauce and the goat. The goat was amazingly well-seasoned and tender. Our bill for 7 people was $175...came to $35 per person. Not bad at all. The staff was again, super helpful, it was a great, cozy spot. It is small, but by 9:30 it had cleared out and we had no trouble getting a table. I would definitely recommend this spot for upscale, delicious tapas. I had not complaints at all!
(5)Daniel B.
Not sure how this garden level restaurant is making such a powerful splash being so small and tucked away, but the food brings the masses. The entrees were incredible, and they strive to use local and seasoning food which is extraordinary. The chips that came with the guacamole and ceviche were a tad stale, but maybe they were supposed to be that way...? All in all, delicious food, friendly and informed service team. I recommend checking it out.
(4)Melissa G.
I would actually give this place 4.5 stars just because I didn't love EVERYTHING I had. Most of the other reviews are in line with what I have to say about the place, so this review will just add onto what I have already read. Service = fantastic. Friendly, fast, and not in-your-face. Food = awesome. Portions are a bit small, but the quality of ingredients makes up for it. By small, I mean that some of the small plates are really only suited for 2-3 people, but you can make due for a table of 4 my having teeny-tiny portions. The FLAN = mouthwatering, o-face causing, yumminess. I don't know how else to describe it. It's not traditional chilled, custard-like, vanilla-flavored-substance flan. It's more like creamy, mousse, melt-in-your-mouth, caramel-flavored richness that I've never had anything else like before. A must have for anyone that appreciates custard/pudding/mousse textures. I have this on my immediate list of places to go with friends at any time.
(5)Judy C.
I've been here a few times but probably won't be back. Not because of the food but because the experience is lacking. As you've read by now, this is a small place and it's loud. Why? Mostly because the owners want to make this more of an event by pumping the music up so loud everyone must repeatedly ask their companion/s and waiter to repeat themselves. The waiter's adamant 'no' to a request to slightly adjust the music was more aggressive than receptive. A similar response to questions about ordering individually rather than sharing dishes did not engender an award for responsive customer service. While the BYOB option is attractive, there are many outstanding restaurants with the same and less restrictive open bottle policy that are equally good or better values for food and service.
(2)Nikol Z.
Amazing. Was visiting Chicago and staying with a friend this weekend. This was the place he took us to first, we brought our own tequila and we had the most amazing margaritas there. I have a garlic allergy and he was very willing to help me out with that. We had many plates but what I was able to eat was fantastic. My most favorite was the mushroom empanadas they blew me away. The ceviche was also delicious! They made me one rib without sauce [yes i was sad no sauce haha] but that was also very tender and yummy. The desserts were amazing we had the tres leche cake and the peanut butter empanadas, i cant stop thinking about them :)
(5)Ray R.
I reviewed the website and I have an appreciation for what the owners have achieved. The locally grown produce (when possible). The service was excellent, the presentation of the food was beautiful, and the interior was cozy. Oh yea, BYOB... What I didn't like. Although the dishes were unique I found the food to be quite bland. Seriously, I could have gone elsewhere and got better overpowering food for a lot less money. When it comes to Mexican food it has to taste good because there is a lot of competition out there. This was my 3rd visit to this restaurant and I finally got seated right away. I wasn't waiting the hour an a half that you have to on the weekends. Just because I didn't like it and I refuse to pay $9.00 for two tiny empanadas again. I hope everyone in the neighborhood supports this little start up business and makes it a success. May be one day in the future when they have different items on the menu I will return.
(3)Kristin S.
The WORST service I have ever experienced at a restaurant, EVER. After reading other's reviews, I can tell that this was not just one isolated bad experience. My friends and I were amazed when, after we suggested ordering just 2 dishes to get us started, the waiter's reply was "I'd like to just take your complete order, it's not easy for me to get back to your table". Repeated rude comments concerning our need to hurry up and/or spend more money ensued throughout the entire meal. The food was good, but hardly good enough for me to want to come back given the crappy experience.
(2)James H.
My neighbors and I came here on a Monday evening and, yes, it was filled to capacity by the time we left. Fortunately we arrived early, just before 7 pm and we were seated immediately without reservations. We shared five small plates (they recommended two each but we were satisfied after the five). My favorites were both mushroom dishes, the gorditas and the empanadas. One of my neighbors is a vegetarian and the menu provides plenty of vegetarian choices. We also shared the blue marlin ceviche, crispy flautas and chunky gaucamole (spicy). All of the dishes were exquisite with delightful, usually on the spicy side, flavor. Strangely, they were out of iced tea and I am not a sangria fan so water was the drink for the evening. The ambience is a bit rustic and the space is small and noisy but the food more than makes up for these minor annoyances.
(4)Lindsay P.
This is one of my first times writing a review on Yelp, so obviously this restaurant left some sort of an impression! I took my husband here tonight for a celebratory dinner for getting a new job! We have heard such rave reviews of the restaurant and had seen it on the Food Network so we thought we had to try it out. Thankfully I got home early from work tonight so we were able to get there by 6pm after hearing that the wait can't get quite long. Right off the bat I was turned off...when we walked in the door there was only one couple sitting in the restaurant leaving the remaining 10 or so tables empty (many of them 2 and 4 tops). When they went to seat us, they place us at the table in the middle of the room. Not only was it awful, it was right next to the door and it was FREEZING! I had asked if we could move to one of the tables in the corner (a 4 top) and I was promptly told No! I understand you want to save those for larger parties, but there was not a single person waiting or walking in the door and throughout the remainder of our dinner the restaurant never filled up. Very very frustrating! On to the food. The menu looked amazing and we were very excited to try out all unique dishes. Now don't get me wrong, the food was good, but that's just it...only good. Definitely not something I would rave over! We started with the guac, which was good, I loved the added sun dried tomatoes! Next we had the Mahi Mahi Ceviche and the Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas, which were really really tasty and I highly recommend ordering. We also had the chicken flautas and the special which was some sort of pulled pork in a corn tamale. Truthfully, I think they both could have been done better. My flauta had two chicken bones in it, which is surprising since they are the size of a finger! The tamale had great flavor, but the pork was really really dry! Overall, the meal was good since I feel like it's hard to mess up Mexican, but in the end I don't think it deserves all the credit and hype that it's been receiving over the last few years. There are plenty of Mexican places through out the city that are much more authentic, tasty, and accommodating which I would recommend any day! Happy we tried it, but doubtful we will ever be back. Oh, on a positive note, it's BYOB, but also remember its CASH ONLY!
(3)Lara E.
hannah k. bland food??? chilam balam is the opposite of bland food. we were four people. tons of plates. sangria. 3 desserts. with tip and everything it was 40 a person. that's really reasonable. fennel tamale was awesome. lamb sausage with sweet potato waffle AWESOME. i am still thinking about the peanut butter empanadas. skirt steak was smokey and wonderful. roommates loved the pork loin. etc. etc. i will go back & i would eat everything that we ordered. maybe pass on the chocolate mousse. it's good not great.
(5)Kelly H.
Pros: food is amazing, it's BYOB, inexpensive and intimate Cons: Cash only, crowded, not great for groups Went with a group of 4 people at 6pm on a Saturday night. We knew in advance we were going to have to wait a bit, especially because they only do reservations from 5pm - 6pm on the weekends, but it wasn't a huge deal. We put our name in, went to the bar next door and had a beer before they called us saying our table was ready. The food and service were both fantastic, and among the four of us we were able to sample a large portion of the menu (and the guac twice because it was that good!) The only thing I wasn't really impressed with was the duck, which bummed me out a little because I was looking forward to it. And bringing our own wine kept the price quite reasonable. Two hours after we put our name in, we each owed $35, had a full belly and a nice buzz and walked away happy and with promises of coming back again soon. A very successful dining experience. Basically, if you prepare yourself with your own alcohol, cash and the knowledge that you will most likely wait awhile for a table, this place is a great bet. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and it's a fun change of pace and scenery from some of the usual Lakeview restaurants.
(4)Danimal F.
When you walk into Chilam Balam you are transported to a small, quaint adobe basement in the heart of Mexico. The food is outstanding, the energy vibrant, and the prices unbeatable for the quality. Service is sometimes difficult for the staff to execute because the dining room is crowded. However, the staff is friendly and as accommodating as possible. Another gem hidden right beneath your nose in Lakeview, literally.
(5)Beth W.
We were so excited to go to chilam bilam but weren't that impressed. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant (table for two) that was tightly squeezed inbetween others tables and in the path of the servers. The food was unmemorable and it was pricey even being a byob. Especially didn't like the dessert empanadas.
(3)Phil K.
Absolutely top-notch. Three of us shared six small plates. Three of the plates were merely good; the other three were outstanding (the scallops, empanadas and pork ribs.) The grilled pork ribs in particular were amazing, and I say that as a Kansas City-raised barbecue fanatic/snob. Dinner at Chilam Balam was well worth the 90-minute wait (Saturday night; put our name in at 7:15, seated at 8:45). We almost didn't stick it out, but I'm so glad we did.
(5)Bruce Alan B.
We ate here a couple of evenings ago. Food was great, 3 of the "small plates" were still enough -and left room to enjoy desert. I had the ribs - really good - she had the halibut -also A+. The space is small but funky and intimate. The service was pretty good - though they seem a little nervous having just gotten started. Three small plates and two deserts set us back $50 - which is not bad for this quality of dining experience in Lakeview. They are cash only, which I support. They are use locally produced and organic supplies - which I welcome. I would have given them 5 stars - except the staff kept having personal conversations within earshot - which is a pet peeve of mine. ps. the flan is to die for.
(4)Sonesh S.
Wow. This place is a gem - I had an unbelievable experience here, and it is definitely every bit deserving of the coveted 5 stars. Ate here with a group of 5, we were seated within 10 minutes of our group arriving (which was pretty lucky, considering the size of the place and how busy it was). As soon as we sat, we were immediately taken care of by owner's brother, who was cool, funny and knowledgeable about the menu. Our plethora of drinks were opened for us immediately, and he even took our bottle of wine and made us some sangria (it was a bit sugary for my taste, but the others liked it). We looked over the menu, and we were honestly overwhelmed. So, we let the restaurant decide, and just told them to keep bringing out whatever the house considered the best items... We had just about everything on the menu, and we were floored by just about every dish. Everything was fresh, well prepared and extremely well-cooked. I would certainly eat here again, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to eat gourmet mexican food. But hurry, because they won't be BYOB for long...
(5)Emily W.
Went here on a first date a few weeks back. We had a lovely time, really enjoy the two dishes we got - guacamole and some little corn cakes - until we were just finishing up our BYO margaritas. The server curtly asked us to close out our tab, even though there were open tables and it was obvious we were almost done. He didn't offer any apology or explanation as to why (i.e., his shift was ending, or they were expecting a large party or reservation.) The end experience left a bad taste in my mouth and I will not be going back.
(2)Patricia G.
Cozy atmosphere and food was tasty. Small plates to share with friends. I recommend the tamales or the lamb.
(4)Allyson C.
I think if I went here and had the food plus the wait I might have given it three stars. But add in BYOB, and not to mention a BYOB that will sell you margarita or sangria mix to go with your booze, and that's a solid 4 stars in my book. Granted we went on a Friday night, but the wait was long. Even once the hostess called us saying our table was ready, we still waited another 30 minutes or so. The food was really good. The fact that at this point a couple of weeks later I can't name anything I had either means the tequila BYOB thing worked too well or the food wasn't so wonderful that it was memorable. Maybe a little of both. My recommendation would be definitely try this place, on a weeknight, with no more than 3 other people, and bring a bottle of tequila.
(4)Jenna P.
Yuck! Did I eat at the same place as everyone else? I have heard rave reviews about this restaurant, and so I was completely willing to overlook the tiny crowded tables, long wait times, and the fact that it's cash only (seriously?). Chilam Balam is technically BYOB, but our waiter would not allow us to open the pre-made mojito drinks we brought. "Tequila-based drinks only." Excuse me? The food was awful, simply awful. Granted, we only tried 3 dishes, but each was worst than the last. First, we had the grilled pork ribs. Now my boyfriend is from the south, and an experienced rib-eater. But these were awful! After MUCH work, we were only able to tear tiny pieces of meat from the ribs, and the meat was filled with tiny, crunchy bones! Gross! We hardly got any food off of these $10 ribs. Next, we tried the grilled hangar steak, which was served with little tortillas. The steak was incredibly tough, nearly impossible to chew, and had a very bland flavor. When we added the steak to the tortillas, as instructed, the flavors interacted badly and made for a truly gross taste. I mean, it's freakin steak fajitas, shouldn't a Mexican restaurant be able to handle that simple dish? $12 wasted. Finally, we tried the pan-fried sweetbreads. I'm not normally a fan of sweetbreads, but our waiter literally spent 10 minutes singing their praises, saying they would change our life. Fine, I consider myself an adventurous eater and I'm willing to try anything once. They were really chewy (GROSS) and came with wasabi ice cream (yes, seriously). Really awful, and another $12 wasted on food that was literally inedible. We initially ordered those 3 dishes. About 10 minutes after our food came, our waiter appeared to ask if we would like to order more food. We said we weren't quite sure yet, had hardly finished the food we had. 10 seconds later, we had the bill at our table and were being repeatedly reminded to leave ASAP. At this point, it didn't matter, since we were dying to leave anyway and get a second, edible dinner. But seriously? Horrible food and bad service? $40 for six bites of disgusting food? I will never eat here again!
(1)Alissa B.
I went for a birthday dinner a few weeks ago and loved it! I love our diverse the menu is and we tried so many great things. The peanut butter empanadas were so delish! This place is always packed... not sure if they take resys but you should make one if they do. I will definitely be back!
(4)Alison T.
We went here because it is right by our apartment, and we saw the great reviews! And BYOB is always a fun option! SO disappointing! Our waiter was really nice and seemed knowledgeable, but the food was barely OK. For that price, I could think of 100 places I'd rather go.
(2)Elizabeth D.
A new seasonal menu monthly makes Chilam Balam a must-visit-frequently-restaurant. Every time I find a favorite, I'm forced to try something new, and while at first I feel a little slighted by the absence of the original favorite, I am immediately comforted by the warm flavors in the newest dishes. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is about this place. Simply go, ask the server what his/her favorite is, and order away. Oh, and bring a bottle of wine... or tequila
(4)Sierra I.
"this is a cash only restaurant, not a CURRENCY EXCHANGE"... is what our waiter said to us after we asked him to break 2 20's so that we could give HIM his TIP. REALLY? The restaurant is super small and very tight (to the point where we had to ask the table behind us if they could move over a little so that one of us (who happens to be a very petite girl) could squeeze in her seat. (The restaurant also smells a little bit like sewers being in the basement). Our waiter seemed very nice and accomodating and I must admit that the food was pretty good. However, I don't think that the portions fit the price.... BUT, I will not be going back to this restaurant because as we were paying, the waiter got extremely rude and made the comment I mentioned above.. I'll just re-mention it because it was so shocking. "this is a cash only restaurant, not a CURRENCY EXCHANGE"... In addition, we were talking, finishing our wine at 9:40 p.m. when one of the bus boys came up and told us that he was going to have to "take away our water glasses".. when one of our friends was clearly still drinking it. They were pushing us out of the restaurant at 9:40 p.m. AGAIN, REALLY? So, Chilam Balam get's 2 stars and I certainly won't be going back when there are so many restaurants in Chicago that deserve and earn my business.
(2)Mandy B.
im shocked to see poor reviews. the food was excellent, i would come back any time. the pricing seemed average for any "small plate" restaurant. the space is very small and the place was packed when i was there so it was a little too crowded for my preference. this is not Mexican food you should expect to find in pilsen (and pilsen is great) its different, and its delicious.
(4)Nicole H.
i had high expectations for this place. i love love love mexican food - it's my favorite. so when i read about this place upon the suggestion of a friend, i was so excited to try it - an organic mexican place that is a byob - sounds fantastic! so, three of my girlfriends and i decided to give it a try. i do have to say, the food is fantastic - thus my reason for giving 2 stars. however, the tasty food couldn't make up for the horrible service. our reservation was for 8:30 and by 9:30 they were turning of the fans (which had to be done by standing on a booth seat right next to our table - tacky), stacking chairs and trying to obviously push us out the door. the server asked if we wanted dessert - we declined, but i asked if i could have a cup of coffee. the server said, "no, sorry, the kitchen is closed." really? 'cause you just asked if we wanted dessert.... anyway, despite the food being delicious and despite the meal being relatively cheap - b/c it's a byob - i probably will not try it again. there are too many good restaurants in the city to have to deal with the poor service.
(2)maureen f.
we had a wonderful dining experience. if i lived in the neighborhood i would come here every day. we were visiting friends in the area and came here on their recommendation. omg!! we were not disappointed. with so many choices we left the ordering up to soraya the owner. every plate was a delicious surprise. small plates. guacamole,serviche, meats,fish,salads,all beautiful presentation and rocking with flavor.sooooo good. byob. check it out.you wont be disappointed.
(5)Samantha M.
So I am giving Chilam Balam one star but that is not based on the food. That is based on the fact that I NEVER got to eat their food. I arrived on Saturday night with 3 friends and the understanding that we would need to wait a bit and that was totally cool. It was 7:15 when we arrived and put our name in for a table. At that time we were told it would be about and hour wait. No biggie. We go to a bar down the street to wait it out. At 8:45 we still haven't gotten a call that our table is ready so we head back to Chilam. The hostess now tells us that there are still two 4 tops in front of us. I tell her that's fine but we will just wait here. She then tells me that we can't wait in the restaurant. The place is tiny but there is room in the back and other people were waiting there so that seemed outrageous so we went to the back to wait. There we talked to fellow diners who said that actually had been called that their table is ready but still had been waiting for 30 more minutes and not seated. We were standing against the wall out of the way but continued to get yelled at by staff that we were in the way and would have to leave the restaurant. The couple who had been called were also yelled at. Finally at 9:15 we decide to leave and eat down the street. I never did get that call that our table was ready. I understand that they were busy but that was totally ridiculous and the fact that I never did get a call is a horrible way to run a business. I won't be back.
(1)Sara B.
Food is decent but kind of pricey for the amount you get. The food comes out pretty quickly because they want you to eat and leave. So if you want a place to take your time and enjoy your food and wine this is not the place to be. They were more worried about those waiting then the ones actually ordering and eating.
(3)Sarah V.
My best friend was returning to Chicago for a visit after her move to Boulder. We were looking for a new tapas place to try and I turned to Yelp to make our selection. We chose this place for it's organic menu, location and the fact that it is BYOB. The food and ambiance are actually quite nice, but the staff's obvious obsession with turning over tables at record pace totally ruined our entire experience. This place doesn't take reservations after 6 p.m. (which is bizarre). We arrived at 7 p.m. and they offered to take my cell phone number once we arrived and told us we could go to the dive bar next door until our table was ready. This was fine with us. Chilam Balam called us within 45 minutes and I ushered my group of 9 girls next door to be seated. RED FLAG - there was no table ready. The staff was trying to rush another group out of their table so we could sit there, but the patrons weren't having it - understandable! So, we went back outside to wait on the street for an additional 15 minutes or so. When we were finally called back in, our group of nine was squeezed into a table for 6. We voiced some concern, but our words apparently fell upon deaf ears. This was not an overweight clan either - in fact, most of the group was rather waif-like. Regardless, we were bumping elbows throughout the entire meal. I have been to MANY tapas places and typically when you order a bunch of items they stagger the delivery, so that the experience is a leisurely one. Not here! With 9 people at our table we ordered probably 25 dishes to start and they all came out simultaneously making our table even more crowded. The second each of our mini portions were finished, the plates were swiped away by a waiter who must have been hiding underneath our table based on the speed with which he appeared. I must also note that we came armed with 4 bottles of wine, but were only able to drink the 2 that we had the staff open upon arrival. This place has a rule (that we were never advised of) that if you want to open another bottle of wine you have to order another dish per person. Considering we ordered everything at the beginning, we did not want to order anymore food. We were kind of annoyed by the fact that the waiter did not make us aware of this when we were ordering, so that we could order in waves. When we tried to explain our situation we were actually told rather rudely, "This is a restaurant, not a bar." It was absurd. We were never planning to sit there for hours boozing it up without ordering any food; We only wanted to have some wine with the food that we were still consuming. Not allowed here. It was very evident the entire time that they just wanted to turn over tables and get the next people in asap. To me there is nothing worse than feeling rushed and our group of 9 was in and out of this place in less than one hour - and not by our own doing! The only way this place might be okay is if you go as a party of two and your table isn't in high demand.
(2)Alex V.
Chilam Balam is a winner. Anywhere that serves huitlacoche and is BYOB wins top points in my book. The only reason I'm giving Chilam 4 stars are the nondescript appetizers, or small plates. We had the empanadas and the memelas, which tasted exactly the same. The only small plates we liked were the seasonal specials - grilled shrimp, and enchiladas with huitlacoche. Also, they didn't have hot chocolate when we visited. For the larger plates, we had the trout baked in a banana leaf, again a seasonal item. AMAZING. We had to get a second one! Dessert was also delicious. The hibiscus flan was a light, fruity take on the usual flan, whereas the chocolate chile mousse was decadent. The service was great and attentive, even though every table was full. I would go back in an instant!
(4)Katie C.
So here are the deets.. -Party of 4 on a Saturday night -Walked in at 7:45PM -2 hour wait, but took our phone number to call us when ready -We waited next door at Monsignor Murphys -Had 5 buckets of popcorn -Got seated at 10:15PM (ended up being a 2+ hr wait) -We were the last table seated for the night -Food was OK I loved the duck with mole sauce but hated the hangar steak (WAY too much char), liked the guac (chunky and limey) and blue marlin ceviche (lots of lime), but hated the scallops in the tomato sauce Peanut butter empanadas for dessert were pretty tasty. -My real beef was with the staff who rudely rushed us out of there. We waited 2+ hours for our table and when we asked them to open our second bottle of wine they said, "you're not going to be the table who keeps us here all night, are you?" And when we asked to order dessert they informed us "the kitchen closes at 11, but we MIGHT be able to make an exception." The hostess had her coat on and her purse in her lap right at 11 and kept giving us the hairy eyeball. Seriously people, then don't seat us at 10:30pm? Meh. I've experienced better.
(2)Ryan K.
Pretty tight quarters in East Lakeview. I was really excited to dine here. At the very least I knew it couldn't be worse than Cesar's. I'd been more liberal with the stars if there was something I absolutely had to go back for. But I live 3 blocks away. There are a dozen of equivalent to better options in that span. All the dishes (small plates) are decently inventive and delicious. Pretty small portions overall. Certainly not a pigout place. Half the menu is monthly/seasonal specials. They will really push this on you. Good business plan really....probably ensures that many regulars will visit 12 times a year to try the new stuff that won't be around soon. I bet if I studied the menu closer, the new stuff had a pretty similar ingredient list to the regular menu. They did have hibiscus flan. And we got some pina colada sorbet. Both were the shit. Tips: - It is BYOB. It seemed pretty kosher to bring a bottle to tequila. If that is your thing. - Not a lot of seats. And they don't take reservations on Friday and Saturday. Not a big deal because you can wait in Monsignor Murphy's next door. But they didn't do a very good job of estimating our wait. The 20 minutes turned into 70 minutes. - Cash only. Brutal. I could see if you were an establishment with high customer turnover. Or had menu choices that were cheaply priced. Or weren't situated in the middle of an aggressive yuppie neighborhood. But this place has none of these attributes. Why would I want to carry a few hundred dollars around? I'm eating empanadas, not buying an eightball.....
(3)Josh B.
Great spot. The menu constantly turns over but I've enjoyed almost everything I've tried here. There is always a wait and I wish they would take reservations, but going around the corner to grab a beer at a local bar while waiting isn't all that bad.
(5)Jill S.
Was very excited to try this place and so glad I finally made it. Went early on a Tuesday night and it filled up QUICKLY! So keep that in mind... Don't hate the small size either - it's comfortable. The menu changes with the seasons, so I'll just tell you that everything we tried was delicious. Honestly, just so good. And byob with a CVS next door, so that's convenient... GO!
(5)Cassie B.
great small plates, BYOB spot. Although the 2 of us were seated right away at 8:15 on a Thursday, the tiny place was crowded and we would have had a long wait if there were more of us. The service left a bit to be desired. We waited too long to get water, have our wine opened, get glasses, etc. - then while our menus were still in front of us, the hostess came over and said, "have you ordered yet?" - huh? However, the menu had so many great-looking items I had difficulty deciding. They recommended we get at least 2 items per person, so we got flank steak, tamal azteca, ceviche, and masa memalas. Each dish had nice complex flavors and was good-sized, as far as small plates go. Got the peanut butter empanadas for dessert, which came with a jelly and a chocolate sauce and were very tasty. Just had regular wine, but they'll make your wine into a sangria or your tequila into a margarita if you want. Spot is cozy - cute decor, pillows, etc. Four dishes and a dessert were $60. Love it, can't wait to go back and try more of the dishes.
(4)Jesse C.
First visit 4 stars. Second visit 3 stars. An noticeable increase in salt on all dishes pushed me away from wanting to wait 2 hours a third time. Highlight: sweetbreads
(3)Alysha P.
Bf and I have been DYING to try this place for about ever.....we finally got our wish....and we were not disappointed!!! First things first.....byob, cash only, no rezzies on Friday and Saturday past 6pm.....and the place is tiny so plan accordingly. We strolled in at about 10pm on a Saturday thinking we'd be able to snag a table that was just finishing up.....no such luck....we took 2 cramped seats at the bar, ordered and about 2 bites into our salad noticed a table that had opened up.....we asked to moved and our server/host/genie granted our wish....yay!! The food was everything that we had hoped for and more.....seriously, some of the bestest, freshest mexi eats around! We got: Young greens w/ roasted poblano dressing, avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, jicama, orange and red onion: Simple and light.....but with beautiful flavors....perf start for a meal. Corn Masa Memelas w/ smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens: The corn masa was fantastic....loved the smokiness and depth of the goat cheese with the freshness of the greens....yum-a-rific! Grilled Skatewing w/ pineapple jam and other things I can't remember :) : I was initially worried that this dish would be too sweet for me.....so they brought the pineapple business on the side.....I tried it all together.....there was a hit of heat in the jam which totally made it work for me.....skatewing was light and cooked perfectly....great dish!! Ribeye w/ blue cheese grits: OMG....this was by far my and my bf's fav dish of the night....meat was juicy and melt in your mouth fatty-tastic....coupled with the creamy cheesy goodness of the grits.....food-gasm!! At one point I tried to tell my bf how much I was loving this dish.....he told me he was sorry but he couldn't hear me over the meat :) Service was super friendly....they came and went at all the right times without interrupting the flow of our meal.....wine and waters always refilled.....love it! I also loved the charming little space.....colorful and comfy....and to top it all off....they were playing some great tunes...all the indie hits plus some great mexi Michael Jackson covers. Perf spot for a date or dinner with a group......we had such a fab meal I honestly can't wait to go back..... Overall....excellent....Mex-tastic meal!
(5)Lauren F.
Im surprised this place has gotten so many good reviews, I was totally underwhelmed. First of all, I did not like the crampness of the space. I really felt like I was in someones basement and the kitchen smells were very pungent due to lack of ventilation; it even got smoky at one point. Plus, cash only for a restaurant that has $22 entrees seems a little ridiculous to me. On a positive note we had a very nice waiter. Anywho, I could have overlooked all of that if the food was amazing but it was not at all. The guac was the best thing I ate, and really, how hard is it to mess that up? We sent back the marlin ceviche because it was too fishy. The pork belly carnitas tacos were ok, but I didnt like the fatty pieces. The queso fundido was pretty yummy and filling unlike the rest of the dishes. Portions were very small for 3 people, I think the place is optimal for 2. For dessert we got the peanut butter empanadas with the chocolate dipping sauce which were okay, not good/bad and the chili mousse with goat cheese. The chocolate mousse iteself was good, but the goat cheese additions was odd and the orange marshmallow sauce was gross. i wont be returning. Some cusines should not be messed with or tried to make trendy and I think Mexican is one of them. If you want a Mexican meal thats a bit out of the ordinary Id go to one of Rick Bayless' restaurants instead.
(2)Borracho G.
No reservations accepted, no credit cards, no big plates, no bar, and just no room. That's too many No's for me to go up to a 4 star review. Our party included 8 people, so we waited an hour and a half in's Monsieur Murphy's which at one point seem to turn into the Chilam Balam wait room. Everyone walking into Murphy's had their BYOB bags of wine and six packs. I will give Chilam Balam one thing, the owner assured us that they would seat us at a very specific time and they did, right down to the seconds. The food was good but I was hoping for amazing based on the reviews and how much of an effort it was to get a seat. I really wish this place was bigger and had a bar. Overall nothing stood out to make me want to deal with all the No's again. One more thing you need to know, avoid ordering the pork belly unless you enjoy a slab of fat gristle with a hint of pork.
(3)Patrick U.
Incredible food and fantastic staff. You might have to wait but you'll be rewarded for it.
(5)Erin B.
BYOB Amazingness!! All of their specials are great... the pork ribs were awesome. Be prepared to wait at least an hour (they dont take reservations on the weekends), but there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood to wait until they call you to tell you they are ready ot seat you. I'm already thinking about the next time I go there! You HAVE to get the peanut butter empanadas for dessert. LVOE this place.
(5)Jeff K.
I have been back multiple times and my experience has always been stellar. The food is amazing - fresh flavorful with interesting preparation. Explore the menu and sample a variety of dishes. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Tina M.
I came here around 9PM on a Friday and was surprised to see very few people there. Not that I'm complaining-the restaurant is pretty small and I'm sure when it gets crowded it gets loud. I love the quirky decor and the cute menus. Service was very friendly. The food is not your typical Mexican fare-you won't find any tacos or burritos here! What you will find are Tapas style dishes that taste healthy and delicious. Thinking about the black bean and corn memelas and the vegetarian tamales makes my mouth fill with saliva. The chunky guacamole with chips was also very tasty. However the prices did seem a bit high given how small the portions were. You def need to order at least 3 dishes per person to fill up. I loved it and can't wait to go back.
(4)Tricia M.
Don't believe the hype! Food is pretty good...by no means extraordinary. Not at all worth the 1.5 hr. wait with the snobby host. Then you finally get seated and the pretentious Danny might be you server. We asked for extra chips. Danny scoffed & dropped them on our table from a cocktail napkin in disgust. Another waitress - not our server, keep in mind - reminded us how many other people were waiting for a table. Our server ungraciously told us we could only hang on to 1 menu...totally fine but say it nicely, please. Plates will be cleared whether you're really done or not. The peanut butter empanadas are pretty gross. Put bread w peanut butter in your microwave & voila.... Our city has a plethora of delcious Mexican food. Don't waste your time trying to get a bite here. Saturday nights are too far & few between.
(1)Mary Jo M.
Went as a recent birthday celebration with a party of 6- they do not take reservations on the weekends, but the wait at 7 was about 40 min, which isn't too bad. We had a beer at the place next door and were called when our table was ready. We let the waiter order dishes for us, so we really got to try everything. The soft shell crab was to die for, and the fish tacos (which I couldn't even find on the menu) were my two favorites. My entire party said to pass on the flank steak but that the short ribs where to die for (I don't eat red meat). The ingredients are fresh and when at all possible local which I appluad. BYOB and peanut butter empanada for desert? Yes please, I'll be back!!
(4)Jennifer N.
Four of us went back on a Thursday night recently, and I was able to make a reservation! We ordered everything on the menu except maybe 2 dishes-- all of it great. All empanadas in every form (mushroom, and the dessert peanut butter!) are delicious!! I was in love with all of the desserts except the donut, which was really just a warm donut hole with sprinkles. At least it was chocolate :) Again, simply love this place.
(5)Rob L.
Just like Gregory L, I was there the first night with my girlfriend. We had a great time, not only was the dinner wonderful, the service was over the top friendly. This is where the sadness creeps in. Kids. This place will be busy. Not in a few months, like yesterday. Its small, its cozy, the place is wonderfully decorated, bright and festive with dark exposed brick, splashes of yellow and red. It is small though. I did try and make a reservation, when I tried last week, they weren't taking them, so be aware there may be some lines and waits the later you come. I came in here last night when there was no lines, when it was early on. 6pmish. I snagged a two top, the owner, who was the host, was smiling and friendly, happy to have us there and excited for their first night. They did have some problems, but they were minor in the end. Like so minor they were microscopic. The menus were adorable and unique. Done in small little books, wonderfully decorated, with their small menus in side. No pages of items, but every one we tried was great. Strike that. Jaw droppingly awesome. Like I will gently stab you with my fork if you try and go for that final piece good. We tried about seven different small plates, there was about twelve to fourteen in all and didn't get to try the dessert or the large plates.. well because we were stuffed. Let's go to the tale of the tape, shall we? By far, the best was the corn masa, (I have no idea what they are called, masalasas? first of the small plates). Soft, but slightly crunchy corn masa boats filled with refried black beans, micro greens, crumbly cheese, a delicious red sauce... my God I want four of them right now. The guacamole was good, but as I told the server, wasn't spicy like we asked for. However, the printer in the back was having issues and it being the first day, I am not complaining. Its not like I left a spot on the dish. The halibut ceviche grew on me. At first it was a strong fish that overwhelmed the other flavors of the dish, but as I ate it, the flavors balanced, melted in to each other and it just got better. The salad of spring mix, avocado and citrus dressing, toasted pumpkin seeds was refreshing, bright, light and certainly flavorful. Top three of the night. The hanger steak with potatoes, guarillo sauce, (oh my freakin' word, Rick would be proud of that one!), and fried crunchy onion on top with fresh tortillas on the side was a winner winner steak dinner. The steak was done to a perfect medium rare and was flavorful and savory deliciousness. The empanadas with their two cheeses was crispy with just a little flakey crust and cooked just right to secretly hide the epazote and corn in the middle. The quesadillas although a little difficult to eat with all the chiles, the epazote and roasted corn, was fine with a knife and fork. Expect some influence from Frontera, from creativity and a little help from angels, because many of these creative dishes were a little slice of heaven. Congratulations to the owners, to Chef Chuy and to the very friendly and warm staff. I foresee some very good and fortunate times ahead, hopefully I can still get squeezed in a spot for dinner some time in the future!
(4)Carolyn H.
This place is AWFUL!! Talk about RUDE and RIDICULOUS RULES!! I came there with about 8 girlfriends for my bday. First of all, this place is so tiny. They said it would be a little wait which is totally fine, however they made us wait outside. So we went to the bar upstairs, no big deal! When we came back down, 2 of my friends went to go get cash because it is a CASH only bar. When we got inside, the waiter was incredibly rude and told us they could not sit us because our entire party was not there. Unbelievable! Finally when we did sit down, they sat us in the corner practically sitting on top of each other. Each of us brought a bottle of wine. They had told us that we could only have 1 bottles per 2 people (totally fine). They then asked us if we had any extra wine we snuck in? REALLY? Its our wine! And who says how much we can and cant drink. The waiter explained that the only way they would open bottles was if we ordered food.. The more food we ordered, the more bottles they would open up and that if we did not like it then we could leave. They would not open the wine until we ordered food and kept ordering food. At this point, my friends and I were so pissed that we actually did get up and leave. I could not believe the audacity of the staff. NEVER GO HERE!!! We were prepared to spend alot of money and they unfortunately lost out on alot of money. So we went down the street to a yummy Thai restaurant that let us drink what we wanted, when we wanted, with no corkage fee! I can't believe this place is still in business.
(1)Darlene L.
This is my favorite casual Mexican restaurant. Bring a very good wine to enjoy with this sophisticated Mexican fare. I was able to make a reservation for 6:30 for three on a recent Thursday. We were seated immediately and began to enjoy Dumol syrah which was a most suitable pairing for creamy guacamole, tasty memalas, fresh green salad, enchilada, dayboat fish which was mahi (yum), and their fabulous tamales. Service was smooth as silk and everything was timed beautifully.Don't walk, run to this outstanding restaurant.
(5)R G.
This was by far the worst dining experience I have ever had. If i wasn't in GREAT company, I would have left the second our waiter sat us down and refused to give us more time to look over the menu. They advertise as BYOB, but don't be fooled because when I tried to ask for only my SECOND beer (the first beer I received while still waiting for our table, mind you) rather than explaining their "rules" our waiter opened up to a page of the menu and handed it to our friend before rudely walking away. The menu stated that you can only drink 750 ml per $25 ordered. Fine, that's very reasonable, but the manner in which it was explained was so awful. Oh and don't worry, we had already ordered 7 plates of food between the four of us. So clearly their math skills are about as good as the service. And speaking of the food, I was not impressed in the least. Don't plan to come here if you are actually hungry because those first 7 plates of food that we ordered, I could have eaten myself. But wait, aside from the bad services and less than par food, the icing on the cake was definitely after we left. After tipping our waiter way more than he deserved and leaving, i looked back into the restaurant through the window to actually see the waiter give us the middle finger!!! i apologize for going there with a group of 4 people who hadn't seen each other in months and for being excited to have dinner and drinks with one another. But we were not rude, and we were not causing a scene, so whatever warranted the middle finger is beyond me!!! Like I said, the worst dining experience i have ever had, and i will never recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Sean F.
Extremely fresh and tasty food! Went there and tried 4 different dishes...lamb tips (outstanding), pork ribs (2nd best), flank steak, and the cobia fish. The flank steak was rare so request your preference. I will definitely be returning and look forward to continuing to try new dishes as the menu changes every few months. Oh yeah byob too which is always awesome! Now get up and check this gem out.
(4)Rachel O.
I heard great things before I set foot in the place and I was absolutely not disappointed. The food was spectacular, the sangria amazing. You need a reservation for sure. Its a small tight space but totally worth the slightly uncomfortability that brings. Overall its a great atmosphere and ambience. The menu changes contsantly keeping you coming back to see what they have come up with this time.
(5)aileen b.
i don't think i can add much to the extensive reviews before me, but wanted to add in my five stars to this fantastic place. i highly enjoyed the roasted garlic soup (in fact i may come back and just have that for a light meal) and the blue marlin ceviche. also, i rarely order dessert but my dinner companion really wanted to try the peanut butter empanadas...and oh my, they are ridiculously good. it's like eating a warm reese's cup dusted in cinnamon and sugar.
(5)Crystal C.
I've been to chilam balam 4 times since they've opened and each time they drop one star. I've recommended this place and taken out of town guests, but I'm no longer impressed. 1. hostess skipped over us and once we waited 45 minutes i checked in to discover about 5 tables had been seated before us and we had to wait another 30 minutes. No apology, no acknowledgement. 2. the food was just okay. 3. BOTH of the two restrooms were trashed and unusable. one had a plastic bag over the toilet and the other had the a plastic bag halfway on the toilet and you don't even want to know what else. We had to go next door to a bar to use the restroom. Inexcusable for a place that charges $12 for two mushroom empanadas. It was worse than the worst dive bar restroom. 3. My group of four finished one bottle of wine were on our second bottle when our waiter tried to rush us out by offering to "cork our wine so we could leave." ummm, we just waited over an hour for this table. Sorry, I think your best days are behind you.
(2)S K.
When you open the door to Chilam Balam, you come face to face with a table that does not belong in the path of the front door - I felt like I was the waiter ready to take the tables order - the one room space is maybe 800 square feet of which 900 are tables. Once seated, the three of us were crammed in the corner with the servers constantly bumping into the back of my chair. I was surprised when the waiter explained that the menu items were Tapas style dishes. And I was more surprised to find Ravioli as one of the menu items - Ravioli in a Mexican Cocina? It was our best dish - the pumpkinseed cream sauce was very good. Our first choice was the Chunky Guac with tostados for $7.25. The chips (not tostados (I say that because I am from Arizona)) should have been warm, instead they were cold and was not enough for one person let alone three - the quac was good, very fresh and chunky. Amazingly, they only have one choice for a salsa - a very hot Habanero sauce that was pretty good (if you put the right amount on your chip or dish). The grilled flank steak was a little tough with very little flavor - the dish was in a tomato based sauce which was not very tasty as well. Again, a very small portion - $13.95. The smoked grilled loin with chorizo was so so - the Pork was ok - it was cut very thin which took a lot of the smoke flavor away - I never tasted the Chorizo - $14.75 for a very small portion. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant. We brought our own beer which they were happy to open and keep cold for us (no coolers allowed). Our bill for three with tip - $93.00??!! I was still hungry and had enough of the crowd - don't think I will be going back any time soon. SK
(2)Ruth G.
I thought the food here is definitely above average. I would return since I'm still thinking about the delicious pork loin, empanadas, and out-of-this-world cajeta cheesecake. I would need to return & try other items in order to give this a more solid review, since the duck in mole was good, but not a winner... the duck had no flavor, but the mole was outstanding.
(4)Elizabeth E.
I hate to write this review, because the waits can already be crazy long, but this restaurant always delivers a fabulous dining experience. A small, BYOB cash only basement restaurant. Sounds pretty perfect to me. Add to that the amazing pork ribs, chicken thigh flautas and guacamole, and the restaurant is perfection.
(5)Adrienne B.
What a little hidden gem I found! Everything on the menu was fabulous! They change their menu monthly I believe, which spices this place up! We brought a bottle of wine and turned it into sangria! It cost $11 to do so.. Which is a little pricey so that's why we brought a cheaper bottle of wine. To start we had the mahi mahi ceviche which was mouthwatering! I highly recommend this dish! My other dishes I recommend is the grilled duck breast with potato bravas. I also enjoyed the octopus but it was a little spicey! We also had the flank steak which was ok! It's a small little place, but very intimate! A big downfall is that it's cash only! Wish they took credit cards!
(4)Laura F.
The food doesn't warrant all the inconveniences to the customer. Mediocre service. One bottle of wine/2 people. Cash only. Cannot be seated until your whole party arrives.Rushed through the meal. Asked to clear the table before our plates and glasses were emptied. Well what if I have a party of 8 and a dinner reservation and 7 out of 8 had arrived? And the 8th got there 15 minutes late by which point our table had already been given away? So we stood around 30 minutes more and tried furiously to find another restaurant in the area to go to instead. You should have just seated us. What a mistake to come to this place for any significant occasion. They do not care much for diners who wish to socialize and occupy table space a moment longer than absolutely necessary. Sort of like fast food in that regard. Too bad they are about 70x more expensive than fast food but they still run the place like a McDonalds. Seriously, this restaurant just makes my blood pressure rise. Above average mexican food doesn't cancel out the horrific customer experience. You've got to imagine the owner of the Chilam Balam restaurants is an absolute control freak. PASS. So many other, more deserving restaurants to support with your wallet. Tastier, too. I roll with very sweet, gracious, polite ladies. If we come to your establishment and run up a 200+ dollar check, tip well. Aren't obnoxious. And don't monopolize your table for hours.... Its absolute BULL to treat us that way.
(1)Ilana O.
Is it true? Have I never written a review for one of my favorite places in the whole city of Chicago? How can that be? I've been here almost a dozen times. Which means, it's time. The place: It was on drives in, diners and dives years ago, but it's not really a dive. Sure, you have to go down a few stairs to get there. It's small. Seats maybe 25. Maybe 5 or 6 at the bar. BYOB. A solid sangria that you can add your own wine too. To me, something about it feels familiar, and not only because I've been there a dozen times. The taste: The menu changes monthly, but a few items remain the same. Still, it's exciting. Even though I haven't been in maybe a year, a few dishes still stick out in my mind as being awesome. Once, there was this white bean gazpacho with red grapes in it. And this other time there were these fried apple rice ball things....we ordered them again, because with the first order, came 3 balls, and we each needed more than one. Bite after bite has always been delightful. I look forward to going back and trying something new. Hopefully soon. My face: Cash only, but I come prepared. If you do it right/well/ when I've done it, I'm usually set back about $70 for a couple. And service has always been great, so we do our best to let them know in the tip. If only they took reservations, but I kind of understand why they don't. And it's been worth the hour wait when we've done it.
(4)Adam D.
I'd go five stars based on the taste of the food alone, but there are two other components that I'm not crazy about: price and quantity. As in big price and small quantity. And I get that it's a small plate theme. That's fine. But these portions are straight TINY. I was there with two female buds of mine so it's not like I brought in the Chicago Bears offensive line. We're not eating like we're trying to make weight for the state meet here. It's just a little small. The quality makes up for the size, though; and you can save money by bringing in beer. We went with bbq cauliflower tacos, grilled pork ribs, sopes and the guacamole. I first have to comment on the guac, since I think it's the best I've ever had. Absolutely creamy, tangy and delicious. And free tostadas to boot! I did not sample the sopes because my companions destroyed it before I got the chance, but the ribs and tacos were delicious. I'd highly recommend visiting this place, and I will be back.
(4)Sarah Y.
The biggest takeaway for me, after dining here one evening, was that the portioning and prices were off. We spent over $100 for two people (while bringing our own bottle of wine) and were met with small portions or mismatched portioning relative to the price. The tacos were good, but only 3 small tacos for over $10 is pretty steep. On the other hand, the rib dish was near $20 but came with 4 ribs. I don't know, I was particularly hesitant to part with my money after dining here, given how small the food was compared to how much it cost. Taste alone, while quite good, did not justify the price for me. I would take the price to portion to quality ratio at Avec anyday.
(3)Adi M.
Good atmosphere in a small, below street-level BYOB restaurant. Great food, with small plates, and small menu - not your "typical" Mexican cafe fare, and a little pricey. Good service. Will be back.
(5)Kate R.
UNBELIEVABLY RUDE service. The manager (? I was lead to believe..) Eduardo was possibly the most ill-mannered, unapologetic restaurant worker I have ever encountered. He rushed my mother and I through our meal, stomping up to us every 5 minutes or so mid-bite to ask when we would be done..he (or a bus boy he sent over) would continuously grab our plates with food still on them...he told us he "needs to sit other people" after we had been at our table for MAYBE 20 minutes, not to mention the fact that almost every other table in the restaurant had already been eating when we arrived and were still seated... I have been to small plate restaurants many times before, I understand that with few tables and quick turnaround on orders that meals are expected to be finished faster...but Eduardo chose the absolute wrong way to handle his job...by plain and simply being a JERK. After practically pulling my seat out from under me to allow another couple to take our table (once again...25 minutes after arriving...with food and wine still on our table...) he grabbed my wine glass and gestured to put it on the small bar behind him before I yanked it out of his hand and stood up myself to let him know how shocked I was by his behavior. Meanwhile, the couple taking our table just looked at us in utter confusion because (I assume), they too could not believe how he was treating paying customers.... Because we still had wine in our glasses to finish, my mom and I sat at the bar for another 5 minutes and told Eduardo how displeased we were with how he just handled the situation. I asked his name and told him I planned to write a review on Yelp (which I have never once been inclined to do before by the way..) Instead of apologizing and offering any type of explanation, he basically laughed us off and repeatedly shrugged his shoulders/ smirked, handed us a business card with the name of the chef and continued to fuss around with the register rather than engage and say ANYTHING. His brazen attitude during this exchange was actually what bothered me the most... Needless to say, I will not be returning to Chilam Balam (too bad, because I enjoyed the food!) and I will make sure to mention what happened here to anyone I know deciding on a spot for dinner in Lakeview. I read through several reviews on this page and it seems many people had very similar experiences at this place. Recommendation to owner/ upper management/ Eduardo: not the right way to handle customers in a "service" industry.
(1)Mary S.
I wouldn't recommend this place based solely on the crazy prices they're charging for the nibbles of food you get. I understand these are "small plates" but if you're in a group of 4, everybody pretty much gets one nibble and you're done. Arrived on a Wednesday evening and had to sit in the back on bar stools until my two friends arrived, even though there were easily 8 tables available. Once sat, we took a quick look over the menu and started with the chunky guacamole which was very good and a bit spicy, but didn't come with enough tostadas so had to keep asking for more (luckily you're not charged for more). Tried the shiitake mushroom empanadas which looked/tasted like something I would get out of the frozen section at the grocery store and popped into the oven. I was pleased with the fried Brussel sprouts salad because it had a great mix of flavors and was probably the largest dish, allowing for 5ish bites (in total, not per person). I believe my friends also tried a steak option which they said was "ok" but nothing stellar. After the semi- average dishes we tried (and seeing that we were still starving and facing a $75 bill, having ordered no alcohol) we didn't stick around for desserts. Still can't figure out why this place gets stellar reviews when it's so cramped, not exactly cleaning looking, and the "small plates" are meant for 2 year olds.
(2)Shawn C.
Dined on 4/26/2014: First we found out about this restaurant from Guy's DDD Food Network show and the DDD android app. We love trying restaurants from any Food Network show. We went looking for a non-tourist establishment that it's unique to Chicago, Chilam Balam did not disappoint. We've eaten at a similar small, cash only, BYOB eateries that are highly popular with the locals in Baltimore, only they specialized in Greek food. When coming here you need to expect to wait, an hour or more and our wait was about 1 hour. When a spot opened at the bar we opted to take those seats. This was probably the best choice we made as it gave us opportunity to converse with the owner's brother / our waiter and the very lovely hostess. We stopped and picked up a bottle of our favorite wine once we realized this was A BYOB. At first we thought maybe I should have gotten beer because this is a Mexican restaurant, but the wine paired beautifully with the food we ordered. We ordered 5 small plates (Mahi-Mahi ceviche, Shiitake mushroom empanadas, scallops in a pea puree & mango salsa, venison leg with & corn tortillas, and finally their signature dish Flank steak with potatoes and crispy onions with guajillo chilies. For desert we had the peanut butter empanadas...OMG the chocolate sauce was to die for. Sheri actually let me lick out the little dish.
(5)Cynthia T.
This place is fantastic. My favorite restaurant at the moment. Because of its small space, all parties must be present before you are seated. The service has always been great and the owner very hospitable. He even recommended a similar place to me in Brooklyn for my travels which turned out to be great. Don't miss the flan.
(5)Belle L.
Woo hoo! Brunch BYOB. Easy to get table in a cool comfortable and romantic setting. Ceviche ($11.50) -- whoa! I truly enjoyed this one to its last slice of red onion. Flavor combination is addictive. You get CHUNKS of Mahi Mahi. Freshly made chips was super hot (caution, *wink). Serves 2. Pork Belly Tacos ($12.95) -- my main motivator. Perfectly fried pork belly and chunks. The sauce puts the dish altogether. Pineapple and kiwi (my fave) are wonderful summery ingredients. Garlic Potatoes ($4) -- too dry for my taste. Plentiful as a side dish that you can feed a village. Plantanos Machos ($4) -- plentiful. Combination did not agree with me. It seems nanas are sliced too thick that it wasn't thoroughly cooked (slight tart?) Coffee -- Aroma coffee brand in regular and decaf. Taste like water. LOL. It means, clean taste. Say hello to Soraya friends!
(5)Angie K.
Trying to make mama happy with Latin food and BYOB for me to tolerate hours with her, I chose Chilam Balam. I had to wait 40 min which wasn't so bad because we went to the bar next door and I witnessed her chug a beer for the first and prob last time in my life. When our table was ready, they called me and escorted us in. Big booties beware, space is really tight and tables tiny but I promise once you pop your bottle, you'll get over it. Service was phenom and they spoke Spanish to my mom, so she was happy. We had the guac, blue fin ceviche, empanadas, potatoes, some kind of fish and they had steak. It was all really good, just tiny which I get is point of tapas style. Service got a little slower towards the end as it was getting more and more cray in the resto (with more and more bottles being popped, I presume) but it didn't spoil the dinner. It was a little pricey for 3 people but prices are adjusted to include the BYOB factor, so I understand. Since the menu changes regularly, I'd be down to go again (without mom) and check out what's new.
(4)Kyle D.
Overall: A fun an interesting tapas experience located in an East Lakeview Hideaway. Good food and good service calls for a good time. The good: Fun atmosphere in a basement. Seats probably 50 people or so. The food is great, from the ceviche to flank steak. All tapas. Decently sized tapas at that. Lots of options and proteins to choose from. Service, once seated, was friendly and quick. BYOB no corkage. The bad: Cash only. Can get very loud at times. The prices add up quickly. The music was too loud at times and could have been more festive. (They were playing modern electronic and/or hip-hop). Had to wait even though they said no wait when we called. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Sarah W.
I am so disappointed in myself. I've lived 2 blocks from Chilam Balam for over a year and stepped inside for the first time last night. I can't wait to go back. The food was amazing, the service was great, the atmosphere was perfect! We had to wait about an hour and a half for a table of five but had a great time playing darts at Murphy's upstairs. Once seated we were greeted by the owner who opened our wine and mixed it with their house sangria (SO GOOD). He let us look over the menu and we finally decided to let him choose 10 plates for us. We had ceviche, flank steak, octopus, pork belly, ribs, game hen, beef brisket, chorizo etc etc. The plates are small so it's essentially one decent bite for everyone but I was more than stuffed when we left. And I'm one of those people who wants one bite of everything so this was truly my dream. We also had the peanut butter and chocolate empanadas for desert and the owner bought flan for the table. We truly had a great time. The atmosphere gives way for intimate and fun conversation. No cell phone scrolling or TV watching. Everyone leaving negative comments about service and BYOB rules are complainers. This is a very small restaurant ran by an equally small staff. Wait your turn to be seated, be gracious to your servers and in return you'll have a worthwhile experience. If you wanna get drunk during dinner you'll have more than enough time to drink at Murphy's while you wait for your table. Cheers!
(5)Shradha A.
We had an amazing date night here - the food was all so flavorful, great quantities, superbly friendly service. It's a tight space but makes it quaint and cozy. We didn't realize it was BYOB - so next time. I can see how paying so much for tacos seems unnatural, but the creativity and flavors in the food served totally justify it, I think. Gluten free vegetarian friendly!
(5)Kate L.
Came here Saturday night as a group of 6 realizing we'd likely have a wait given the limited seating. We stopped in early (6:30) and gave the hostess our number so she could reach us when the table was ready. She estimated a 40 minute wait so we were happy to grab a drink upstairs at Murphy's. 2 hours and several check-ins later, we were finally seated. The hostess couldn't have been nicer and apologized profusely. We knew there wasn't much she could do but then... Once seated we were told we had to chose between tequila or wine. We knew the one bottle per 2 people policy - and were not put off by it. However, there were two people in our group who intended to share a bottle of wine, and the other 4 wanted to purchase the limeade pitchers ($10/each) to partake in a few Margaritas. Not possible said our waiter. Disappointing - but nothing was keeping us from sampling this food now that is was nearly 9pm. We ordered about 10 different small plate dishes - as well as a couple orders of chips & guacamole. The mahi mahi ceviche was really the lone standout. The least favorite was the flank steak (Were we the only ones not asked how we'd like them cooked?). Shrimp tacos and mushroom empanadas did not disappoint but weren't anything to write home about. All in all, the food would normally warrant at least one return visit, but I'm just not sure I'll be back.
(3)Andy P.
This place is very hip, so expect to wait a decent amount of time. There are enough good bars in the area that you can easily occupy yourself for the hour (or more) wait. The food is pretty good, based purely on that, I would probably give this place a 4 start rating. Unfortunately, I have to give it just 2. The waitstaff has a very strict (and tightly enforced) rule on the BYOB. It's a bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer for every 2 people. I can understand that, but when you're with a group and the food is served a little slow, you might want more. They will not budge. We left with a decent amount of alcohol that we were unable to drink at the restaurant. Also, the group unanimously felt rushed by the waitstaff. Additionally, the portions are pretty small. You can expect to get 4 per person, which makes the meal pretty expensive. When my wife and I dined here alone, we had a much better experience. Still pricy but more pleasant. My last bone to pick with this place is that it's cash only. How do you run a business in 2015 that doesn't take credit cards? Completely inexcusable in my opinion.
(2)Sean H.
This is as much a review of yelp reviewers as it is a review of chilam. (There is some irony in this review, although I may not be grasping its full potential) Chilam Bilam--fantastic food, even better name. I couldn't help annoying my friends by singing down the street variations of Chilam Bilam, Bilam Bilam, Chilam. Which is about as socially acceptable as whistling on a packed train, but I couldn't help myself and these were solid friends that could endure minor upheavals of my unregulated personality. But enough with the narcissism lets get to the point. I was shocked that Chilam's rating was so low on Yelp. There was so much to love about it: a small intimate setting that fosters conversation among your companions--along with neighbor tables, delicious food, and excellent service. The place made you feel as if you were being cooked for my a Mexican grandmother whose children and grandchildren enjoyed countless individualized meals, with envious friends prying to get just one more dinner invitation. So, I read some of these more scrupulous reviews to see what I was missing, or rather what I missed. I chalked it up to a lack of elegance and class on my behalf that led my unsophisticated palate and Neanderthal aesthetic tastes to mistakenly influence my favorable review. Then, I read these negative messages and just found that I thought most of the people were assholes. Most unfavorable reviewers focused their dissatisfaction on service. But I think many people don't think of service in the appropriate way. Service is like a bad relationship, one side holds more power than the other and therefore does more of the accommodating, but nonetheless it's a relationship. It requires mutual respect and engagement. I found myself thinking that many of the people who found the service lacking seemed to forget that service requires basic understanding and input from you, the patron, of the common humanity you share with your server, even though it is their job to satisfy. That means please and thank you apply, you may have to be understanding of a wait or complications. Please, don't misunderstand my intent. Service is important and the burden of good service falls on the part of the establishment. But, based on my experience at Chilam, I can only conclude that those upset with the service must reflect on themselves. Chilam had great service. That should have been my entire review. Excuse my waste of your time, and poor reviewing services.
(5)Heather I.
Despite the delicious food, the service was enough to keep me from ever going back. A group of 4 of us wanted to get a light bite before a comedy show so we grabbed a 6 pack and tried this place. The manager actually told us we had to order a minimum of 2 dishes per person, an he said "we don't make a living by watching you people sit and drink beer." We had ordered 4 tapas and apparently that wasn't enough... So rude. Then we asked if we could try a few tapas and order more as we ate, (as I've always done at Tapas places), but NO. You have to order everything up front and follow their rules. The food was good, but for our 8 small plates our bill was over $100. Never going here again..
(1)K N.
I'm torn, the food is worth 5 stars, the service is worth 5 stars, the interior is worth 5 stars, but I spilled sauce on my shirt and stained so I'm only giving 4 stars...for now. My friend took me here last weekend and it was absolutely delicious. I've been craving the ceviche ever since it touched my tongue for the first time. We also had their empanadas, very good. Make sure you put a little of their green sauce on the empanadas and save that sauce for the steak tacos, delicious! "What caused the stain?" you ask. Their ribs but that's what I get for trying to cut into a rib rather than just gnawing at it like I was supposed to... A few helpful tips: 1 - the wait was supposed to be about 30 minutes so we went upstairs and grabbed a beer. We didn't even get halfway through our beer and they called us to be seated. 2 - we brought two bottles of wine but they have a one bottle per two people limit. We gave them the Malbec and asked for sangria, boy was it tasty. 3 - they are cash only but there are ATMs all over the place due to the location I'm eager to go back and try more of their menu (their menu does have its staples, as well as new plates but i'm not certain how often they switch them out)
(4)M C.
Saw this place on TV while traveling so when came home to Chicago I had to go. Small intimate non-snooty setting (Lakeview snobs feel free to pass it by). BYOB & cash only... There's a CVS next door if you stumble in & forgot. We got our name on the list and I messed up saying my number apparently. When we called after waiting a while were immediately seated. The owner himself was super apologetic which was nice though it wasn't his fault at all. Now the food. Guacamole yum! Mushroom empanadas I hope I eat nothing but these when I die. Alligator sausage with slaw WOW! Flank steak tacos with fried onions and potatoes need I say more. Dessert hibiscus flan. All the food was brought out at appropriate intervals and clearly with some thought as to which was next. The service was top notch. Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Sneha P.
You have to get this tamales and the chocolate mousse! This place is adorable and the food is inventive and delicious. I think their seasonal dishes are more creative and my favorite were the tamales (sooo good!). Service was very great and you can BYOB. Sangria is decent and there was nothing really special about the drink. This place is pricey and only takes cash (which I find super annoying). I'd give this place a try if you're a Chicago local. I don't know if I'd go back to my next visit just because of the price and portion but def a great meal!
(3)Allison D.
Went as a group of 4. Got reprimanded for bringing more wine than allowed because we all liked different wines - they didn't care and told us we didn't follow the rules and that it can't happen again. Then right after we paid our bill the waiter told us we have to leave and go to the bar if we wanted to finish our last sip of wine because people were waiting. We had just finished eating and paying the bill and it was very rude. It's not like we were just hanging out there. It just doesn't make a lot of sense - you can bring a bottle of tequila but no more than 2 bottles of wine for 4 people? Waiter told us we should order 9+ tapas and order it all at once. Food was ok - guacamole was very good but everything else was mediocre. The service ruined it for us. We won't be back
(2)Kristi C.
Ceviche was delicious as well as the duck and chorizo empanadas. I would definitely return. Plus it's a byob whole in the wall which I loved. The tapas style food is totally up my alley. The service was great. Our waiter was very helpful in suggesting dishes he recommended.
(4)Shambavi K.
I came here for the 1st time over the weekend for brunch since I hear it can be a long wait for dinner. They are open both days for brunch. Our group of 3 shared the following: - chicken and blue corn waffles with chorizo gravy (mmmm...it's like a marriage between biscuits/gravy and chicken/waffle) - mahi mahi ceviche (which reminded me of how much i like ceviche and should eat something refreshing as this), - Guacamole - very creamy texture - Sweet empanadas with peanut butter - Just get it! Wish I had room to try other stuff. What brings people back is probably the inventive seasonal menus. I hope to try the dinner menu one day or I hope they expand their brunch menu to include more dinner plates so I can get past the dinner crowd. Tip: this is BYOB and cash only
(4)Stephanie F.
Really good food and the wait times for tables have definitely gone down over the past few years. I recommend the ceviche, the ribs and the mahi mahi tacos. They lose one star because the space is SUPER tight and because of their "one bottle of wine per two people" rule-- my girlfriends and I really wanted to spend some time eating and chatting but felt a little hurried to get out because we were only able to have two glasses each. :/
(4)Jaime L.
Great place to eat Mexican food!!! I saw this restaurant in a TV show on the food network and I decide to give it a try! I was happy to go! Great food! ppl were friendly and the food came fast! Just made sure you bring cash!
(4)Kaitlyn H.
One of my favorite places to eat in Chicago! Every dish I have had sends happiness through my taste buds. It is best to get there early so you avoid the wait. People start lining up before it opens. It's the perfect place for 3-4 people to share and leave plenty full. The BYOB Aspect is nice as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this place and still have yet to find a tapas place that compares.
(5)Andy W.
If I could rate the food alone, I would rate it as 4-5 stars. Unfortunately the service we recieved is the reason I will not be going back to Chilam Balam. We had made plans for a Friday night and we called on Wednesday to confirm we would be okay with a group of eight. The restaurant doesnt take reservations but when we called they said to get there before 6:30pm and we should be fine. We arrived a few minutes after six (we ended up being a party of 7) and the person seating us told us "well we dont usually do big groups" then went and discussed with other staff if we could get a table. The restaurant was barely half full at this point. They finally gave us a table big enough for four people to crowd around in the corner. There was a corner bench with pillows on it around the table and we asked the girl if we could take the pillows off to make more room since we had to squeeze people on the bench. She flat out said no. When it came time to order, the waiter mandated that we order two items per person all at once. We were a little shocked at this since the restaurant bills itself as a small plate restaurant and we wanted to take our time and order as we went. We also ordered sangria and the waiter would not let us pour our own wine (we had three different types -byob) and add the sangria. He made us pick one bottle and mixed it ina pitcher even though some of us were not a fan of that wine. Between the "ordering rules", the sangria, and the waiter telling us we only had 90 minutes for dinner, it seemed like a lot of rules for dinner and felt like we were very unwelcome. All in all, the food was delicious and if it werent for the service, I would be looking forward to going back to have more. However, I cant justify paying over $300 for dinner (which we did) for that kind of service again.
(2)Margaret H.
I had a few friends in town visiting me and wanted to take them somewhere new. Having heard about Chilam Balam from a friend, we decided to give it ago. What a fantastic meal! It was a meal for the books. Everything is made to share and we ordered 5 plates for 3 people. We ordered the kale, brussel sprouts and pomegranate salad, mahi mahi ceviche, a lobster chimichanga, and beef short ribs. The lobster chimichanga and the salad were my favorite! The best part about this menu is that it changes monthly; keeping even the regular diner on their toes! The restaurant is BYOB. We made the mistake of bringing wine and afterwards, our waiter informed us that we should bring some tequila next time to pair with their limeade. We will certainly be doing that! It's a small restaurant, nice and cozy. Arrive early to get a table and not wait. It's also cash only.
(5)Allison G.
Oh Chilam Balam- you have been right under my nose for the past year and a half and yet I first walked in the door this past weekend. I didn't know what I was missing! I was blown away by the food! I arrived in a group of 5 on Friday night just after 7, expecting there to be a wait for a table. We got lucky- a table for 5 was open and we eagerly took it. The guys ran down the street for wine because thankfully Chilam Balam in BYOB. The downside is there is a 750ml (or 6 pack of beer) limit per 2 people. The server politely stored our extra wine in the back until we were finished with our meal. The only reason I took one star off is because the sangria was $10.50/pitcher and wasn't special. It barely gave us each one glass with our red wine and didn't have a wow factor. Next time, I will either stick to wine or bring tequila and give your margarita mix a shot. The food was unbelievably delicious. 5 people was a great number- we ordered half the menu and I was full, but not stuffed, at the end of the meal. I will say that there were dishes I wish I could have had more than a bite or two of- they aren't kidding when they call it "small plates". The highlights for me were: 1. grilled swordfish- full of flavor and it came with plantains AND coconut. Two of my favorites. 2. Seared Scallops- omg I wanted 10 more orders of this dish. Too good to share. Keep in mind that when you order the delicious flank steak, cochinita, and venison- they each come with 4 small tortillas. This was unfortunate considering we had 5 people, so for each of these courses someone was minus a tortilla. For 8 dishes and a sangria pitcher it came out (with tip) to be $30/person. Not bad. I will be back, and hopefully very soon! Thank you for a fantastic meal.
(4)Ashley C.
We came here for a friend's birthday. We put our name in and went across the street to one of the bars while we waited. It may have been almost an hour wait, but it was worth it. It is a very small restaurant. It is not good for a big group but is more intimate. They also have a BYOB policy depending on the size of your group (general rule: don't be drunk or obnoxious, order food and you are good). The food here was excellent. I felt like we tasted a LOT of the menu. It is designed to be small plates to share. Some are more substantive than others. We started out with the ceviche and the guacamole. The ceviche was the standout. The lobster soup had a twist and was surprisingly delicious. The flank steak and the cochinita pibil were some of my favorite entrees. They had nice spice, but it wasn't overwhelming. Service was also very good. We also got to meet the owner who came to our table. Nice touch!
(4)Wayne H.
This place was very disappointing. I was expecting so much more based on all the good reviews. The most upsetting part of the night was thinking back to me waiting 2 hours to try this very average food. This place is also cash only, which was another inconvenience. We started with the guacamole, which was okay. The ratio of guacamole to chips is proportioned incorrectly. There were hardly any chips to eat most of the guacamole. This was true throughout the restaurant. So many tables experienced the same thing and were requesting more chips. We ordered based on the waiter's recommendation: The black bean huarache and grilled flank steak. We also tried the yelp favorite corn masa memelas. All dishes were average at best. Overall this place was a huge disappointment and I won't be returning. The only upside was that it was BYOB.
(2)Kristine C.
It's now been our second time here. We love the hidden feeling of the restaurant, tucked down below a bar and hot dog restaurant. Yet, it's not a secret. Get here early or expect to wait. It's BOYB, so we love that! They recommend 2- 4 plates per person. They are pretty small, but you can order how you feel as you go. Be careful, the price can add up quickly. We've had the Guacamole. Pretty good, with a small kick. Always more chips than 'mole. We've ordered the Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas both times. They are more filling than some other items on the menu. Warm, great to try. Ceviches, this is seasonal and rotating. We've had this before but depends on the fish they are serving. The last time we had Tune Ceviche. They were nice size chucks of tuna, and over all refreshing. Between this and the guac, we had more chips than we could handle on our table. Another seasonal offering we tried on our most recent visit (March, 8th) was the Smoked Trout Quesadilla. They were two small half quesadillas. The trout was a bit lost with the quesadilla and other ingredients. We actually thought for a moment we were eating chicken. It was good, but unassuming. This was enough for us this time around. We will wait a few months before heading back to see what's new on the menu. It's a warm, punk-goth take on Mexican food. The staff is welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. It's great that it's so close to us, BYOB, but remember cash (and it can get pricey)!
(3)J J.
I have been here several times before and most of the time had a great experience. However, the last visit left me really disappointed in customer service. The issue came with their limit and guidelines and the amount of alcohol you can bring (its byob). I had been before with a date (male) and they had no problem allowing us to open a second bottle of wine while we were still eating. We made sure to communicate that we would leave when dinner was complete. I came again with a girlfriend and they refused to open a second bottle. We had three more dishes still on the way and they refused to allow us to drink any more. Tables next to us had beer, wine, and a fifth of tequila for 2 people. I completely understand they need to have regulations and restrictions on the byob parameters. However, we were still eating and noted we would leave when the food was complete. They would not budge and then were incredibly rude about it. They cleared are table completely before we were done. Also, they could not explain how a fifth of tequila is equivalent to one bottle of wine. The customer service and their interaction with us ruined this location for me. I will not becoming back.
(1)Michael G.
Here's a short, sweet, and accurate review: 4 stars on account of food, though my cranky pants inner child wants to give it 3 stars for service. PRO: Super tasty dishes, not imaginative or "avant-garde", but damn well done, and only a sourpuss with no palate will leave there with a bad food experience. CON: Service is way too soup Nazi-ish. I know there's limited space, and I know they adhere to certain rules to meet the great demand their food inspires, but there's an undercurrent of nastiness that's unnecessary. Lots of rules for the customer: some sensible, some nonsense, all put forth with a touch of "F-U". BOTTOM LINE: I've worked in restaurants enough to shrug off the hostile vibe, I'm there for the food and dig it, provided I can get a table. POSTSCRIPT: F-U for your weirdo restrictive BYOB rules!
(4)Molly F.
So if I was basing my review on the food and the service, I could easily give this place 4 stars. But I just can't. Customer service and running a business to please their clients (which is what keeps them IN business), is not their strong suit. Food was good. Pork shoulder, flank steak and cauliflower were all amazing. But I will never come back for a simple reason. Their silly policies...more like ridiculous policies. I have eaten at a million BYOB places and I completely understand that you don't want people sitting at a table for 5 hours drinking a million bottles of wine when you have people waiting to sit down for dinner. I would never do that and I understand why many places have a policy or politely ask you to leave if you've finished your meal so others can sit. Instead, they have a policy of one bottle of wine per 2 people. We are drinkers (and can handle more than a glass or two at dinner) and they wouldn't budge on the policy. I asked if it was based on time and promised we would vacate when we finished our meal. It didn't matter. They won't budge. We were done with our bottle of wine and we still had two more dishes to come. In my opinion, the meal then became ruined because we couldn't enjoy it with the wine that we brought that had to remain unopened. And mind you, there was NO wait for a table...in fact, there were empty tables. Our friend was walking by and we told her to come and join us so we could open up the bottle of wine. She did and then when we asked the server if we could open it, he then made up some other rule (not listed anywhere) that they have a minimum of two plates per person!! Wtf? Are we in restaurant jail??? Who puts on rules on how I eat or how I drink if we are in control and not holding up seating tables?? He finally told us we could have half of the bottle only. Gee thanks. He then corked the bottle so hard that we were not able to open it without a cork screw. And let's not forget that apparently an entire bottle of tequila is okay to bring for 3 people as we saw a group had an entire bottle of tequila open and going on their table. Tequila is the first thing I think of as a 'low key' booze that will keep you customers under control. Simply ridiculous. Coming from working in the industry and a company who critics places like these in the media, it's an awful policy where they make their customers feel like children being scolded or held in detention. I was glad to find A LOT of other reviews complaining about the same policy. They really should consider changing their policy and consider restricting people on a case by case basis. Maybe a two hour time limit on a table or if you seem intoxicated, you're cut off. Most people are going to go through more than a half bottle of wine over the course of their two hour dinner. Think about it Chilam. Seems to me you are losing quite a bit a business because of this.
(2)Lori G.
Chilam Balam is a true gem. They have a creatively inspired rotating menu (with items like pheasant or alligator sausage) with some staples and take time and care rolling out yummy guac, flank steak and pork loin. It's great that they're BYOB and the staff is always friendly. The decor is cozy & distinctly Mexican. They also have several virgin drink mixes you can add to your own wine for Sangria or margaritas. Tasty. Friendly. Cool.
(5)Andrew H.
Have lived within a few blocks of here since it opened; have eaten here many times. The food is excellent. Menu rotates monthly and we've never been disappointed. Highlight of the last few visits was a fennel soup. The dessert empanadas are another favorite. My wife and I have always found the service warm, inviting and kind. They remember us visit to visit. We have never had an issue with any restaurant policy as others have outlined (plates per person, BYO limits). I can't remember these topics ever even coming up, and we've been with groups ranging from 2-8. That said, it's pretty clear why these policies exist. Of the less favorable reviews, some are upset about the wait and others are upset about the BYO policy. The latter is an attempt to address the former -- we have definitely seen tables staying well beyond their meal drinking, while others are waiting. In my experience, it and HB on Halsted are much different than other BYO spots in the neighborhood. The food is much higher quality, the price point higher, and the restaurants much more popular than the other BYOs nearby -- places like Joy's or Buena Vista. I think folks are sometimes confused as to why the alcohol policy at Chilam isn't more like those other BYO places, where you often see large tables essentially having a party for a couple of hours. That's simply not what this restaurant is trying to do, for better or worse. If you want to drink much more than the average patron, you're significantly extending the meal, usually while others are waiting for tables. In other words, a restaurant with only 10 tables and a long wait can't really have folks just sitting and drinking alcohol they brought. And I can understand why a restaurant this small tries to keep the same rules in place all the time, not just when it's crowded. I have often sat down as one of three occupied tables and within twenty minutes the other tables are all full; it's a small place. So, you can disagree about the strategy of implementing the policy, but I think it's a reasonable request. Regardless, I've never seen the staff be anything less than courteous. I recommend the restaurant to lots of people and it's loved by many. every professional review I've ever read is very complimentary of the food. I think it's year 3 or 4 with a Bib Gourmand. A couple of tips: it's less crowded Saturday than Friday. If you go late (after 830), there's often less of a wait. There is truly no room to wait inside; the bar area is not a true bar and you will still be pretty in the way. If you have a long wait and the weather is poor, many wait upstairs at Monsignor Murphy's, a dive. You may be able to get a cocktail at Ceres' Table, though it's also very popular. Wilde is also just up the street.
(5)Frank L.
The food was absolutely delicious. It's always a promising sign when the restaurant is bustling with activity as you enter the space. The staff clearly take pride in their menu. Multiple wait staff asked us which item was our favorite and seemed genuinely curious for our opinions, which I take as a sign that they actually listen and respond to feedback. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars was the seemingly arbitrary rule that no hard liquor is allowed in their BYOB restaurant EXCEPT for tequila. My husband brought a small bottle of rum which he had planned to mix with coca cola and while we happily respected the establishment's rule, it just seemed to not make a lot of sense. That small detail aside, I would enthusiastically recommend this place.
(4)Alex G.
This is my first one star experience. A friend and I were strolling through the neighborhood looking for a byob place. We had heard that chilam balam was a good one. We decided to check it out. We found ourselves seated in a dark basement and when the waiter, he suggested that we would need 5 to 6 plates for 2 people. We were a bit surprised because the plates were priced like entrees. We decided neither of us wanted to drop 40 bucks each for a quick dinner and we told the waiter we just wanted to get a plate of chips and guacomole. He got very angry at us. He said we would have to move to the bar immediately. *I actually understand this (if we aren't going to eat a full meal) we are taking away from someone who might be. The problem I have is that their were plenty of tables available.* Any way, we apologized and he kept going at us. He was extremely rude and I will never go back again. (we ended up going to buena vista down the street and had an amazing dinner!) p.s. The worst part is that the guac was actually really good. Its too bad that the service was so bad.
(1)Laura M.
I dragged my boyfriend and I to try out this place after everyone was raving about it. Well I was super disappointed. The food tasted fresh but barely any flavor. I ordered the carnitas and chipotles carnitas tasted better than this crap .These carnitas tacos tasted like nothing. So we ordered 3 more plates because the waiter suggested and I was still disappointed in all of them. Tasted amazingly fresh but literally no flavor. But this food is made for non-Latinos. So It taste great to them. I suggest going to pilsen to get better food and a better price.
(2)Margo A.
I have been to chilam balam about 4 times, and this past time made me never want to go back. We had a table of 5 people and ordered about ten dishes. We got guacamole and they give you about 7 chips with this, so obviously, we asked for more and got maybe 5 more. So, we asked for more, twice, and never got them. We received half of our dishes fairly quickly and then waited one hour for the rest of our dishes. We told our waiter to just cancel them because we were no longer hungry. He said the order was already in and he couldnt cancel them. We also asked for our 2nd bottle of wine to be opened 3 times before the waiter came over with an opener. In the past, I have recommended this restaurant to all of my friends. I will no longer come here, nor will I speak so highly of it. Their service was terrible.
(2)Nicki P.
Just wrapped a delicious dinner here, late on a Wednesday night but we were able to get in just before the kitchen closed, service and food was still amazing! We went for the guacamole to start, followed by the special salipcion *(sp?), then the chicken flautes, ribs and for dessert peanut butter empanadas. Honestly, I love this place, while small it's got a great atmosphere and homey feel. The food is cooked with love and such complex yet simple flavors if that makes sense. We will definitely be back! Also, byob, um yes!
(4)Talia G.
What a hidden gem this place is! By walking past, I would never have guessed that down in the basement lies a Mexican-inspired restaurant fit for foodies. The ingredients are fresh and local, the presentation is lovely, and the combination of flavors is both interesting and delicious. Plus, it's BYOB, which is always a plus! Size-wise, all the dishes are quite small, but my date and I split three small plates and one dessert and both walked away full. Although, I think that if I hadn't had three beers throughout dinner I wouldn't have been quite so contented. What we ate: -- Fried apple risotto with creamy tomatillo, pecans, and parsley ($12.95) -- Coconut milk braised pork shoulder with black bean rice, poblano rajas, and young coconut ($14.50) -- Swordfish special of the day -- Sweet empanadas with peanut butter filling, seasonal compote, and oaxacan chocolate ($8.00) Everything was SO good. I was particularly taken by the fried risotto and the swordfish special. The empanadas were delicious, but the peanut butter was quite intense. The pork shoulder was also yummy, and I enjoyed that it came with fresh corn tortillas, but I'd take swordfish over pork any day. Overall a delicious, albeit slightly pricy, meal. I would definitely recommend making a reservation. We came at 7:45 on a Thursday night and the wait was quite short without one, but I imagine that it becomes quite busy on a weekend night!
(5)Nancy P.
I was on vacation with the bf and a gf to Chicago. We were staying with a friend who recommended Chilam Balam to us. They don't take reservations so it was a bit crazy. Good thing for us, we lucked out and there was only about a 10 min wait. It's a BYOB so we brought some alcohol with us. Some of the food was hit or miss. The two winners of the table were the kale and brussel sprout salad and the lobster chimichanga. The chimichanga was a special of the night and we grabbed the last dish. With good reason for selling out, the lobster was perfectly cooked. I wasn't a fan of the quail dish (but I don't usually order quail in general). The beef short ribs was just okay. It was more like a thick stew that you put into tortillas. The mushroom empanadas were boring and not very flavorful. We also ordered the mahi mahi ceviche as the first appetizer but it was the last thing we received. In fact, we had to remind them we were waiting for it still. Pretty sure they forgot about it. It was a very busy night so service was flaky and all over the place. Cash only!
(3)Kelly V.
This place was recommended by a friend and I have to say the food and ambiance were on-point. Pricing was about what I would expect for tapas like this. You can tell they use high quality ingredients. Everything we ate was great! Despite the great food and relaxed atmosphere, I was very disappointed in the service. This place is BYOB and they tell you that you're restricted to a bottle of wine or six-pack per two people. We had a group of five people, so when we arrived the waiter told us we could drink our two bottles of wine and half the six-pack we'd brought. The server recommended two small plates per person. We ordered eight to share and all found ourselves very full. Having finished one bottle of wine, we asked if he could uncork the second bottle. We were then informed that we had not ordered enough food to be allowed a second bottle of wine. We were all pretty shocked. I've never heard of this anywhere before. The restaurant was not full and there was still food on the table, but since we hadn't ordered 10 plates, we were told we couldn't finish our drinks. Throughout the night he kept pestering us to order more food. You could tell he was annoyed. Our final bill came to $107, which I would consider reasonable for a table of five. It really is a shame that this place has forever lost my business over a bottle of wine. Everything else was fantastic, but this insistence that we order more food and the refusal to open our last bottle left a really bad taste in my mouth. If they really care so much about how much you order, they should just offer a prix fixe menu to ensure everyone spends a pre-set minimum.
(3)Linda N.
We came here for their newly started brunch service and all the food was great! There was no wait and the service was very attentive. They serve some of their dinner menu staples as lunch items (guacamole, ceviche) but have some interesting takes on classics such as chicken and waffles (which was very tasty!) Brunch is still BYOB, so feel free to bring along that tequila for a fantastic margarita or some wine for a morning sangria! :) Sure they have some rules regarding he amount of alcohol for BYOB, but they're understandable - no need to get sloppy during your meal, save it for the bar nearby afterwards! ;)
(5)Jo B.
The food here is just amazing! Not at all your typical boring, salty American Mexican. The dishes are more authentic according to my friend from Mexico City. To us, they simple are perfection. They are always packed and they don't take reservations so you put your name on the list, go across the street for a drink and they call you when the table is ready! It's really not that hard, but you do come here for the food.
(5)Jon F.
BYOB is great but it is limited to one bottle of wine or one six pack per couple! Our party of four was denied our third bottle of wine (maybe we drink too much, don't judge). We did the whole menu and everything was excellent but skip the shrimp and the chilis with mole. The ribs were OUTSTANDING! Expect to wait about an hour with a party of four @ 7 PM on a Friday.
(4)Michelle W.
I am so confused by all the good reviews on Yelp...it's what led us to try this restaurant but we found the food to be extremely disappointing. We've recently moved to Lakeview from South Africa, and have been enjoying trying out chicago's fantastic restaurant scene. We chose to have dinner at Chilum last week because it came so highly recommended. We ordered 4 small plates...the ceviche was nothing to write home about, asparagus tacos not great, and enchiladas were ok only because they were cheesy and anything with cheese is good. Then we got the ribs and after one bite pushed them away - they had NO flavor whatsoever. It was like eating rib textured air, not even the meat itself has any flavor which is quite surprising for pork!! We called the waiter over to send them back as $14 was steep to pay for the worst ribs we had ever had, and he promptly told us that was our problem if we didn't like them as it's their most popular dish and he's charging us for them regardless. Firstly, how is it possible that that is a popular dish? We know good food and that was not it. Secondly, we were shocked that the manager would refuse to take something we deemed inedible off the bill. We were sickened to pay $65 for 4 small and tasteless dishes, with no drinks! Millions of better places to eat than this place, steer clear!
(2)Chris T.
Called at 7:10 requesting an 8:00 reservation on a Thursday night. Was told we could "Walk in" if we wanted otherwise "8:00 was too late to take a reservation". They close at 10:00. Being kicked out of the restaurant and I hadn't even made a reservation. Business must be good.
(1)Danny L.
I just went for my first time after hearing from multiple friends how great the good is and I was not disappointed. The staff was extreme attentive and helpful when ordering. The menu also changes monthly so there's always something to try. I went on a Tuesday so there wasn't a wait but I understand there typically is so plan accordingly.
(4)Andrew G.
In a word: fantastic. If you expect to be disappointed by the service, you'll probably find something to complain about, but we were treated very nicely. We waited for 45 minutes for a table at 7:45PM on a Friday, so pretty reasonable for a place that small. The food was outstanding (especially the ribs) and they brought us margarita mix so we could mix our own drinks at the table. Some dishes were a bit pricey (we skipped a lot of the vegetarian plates because of this), but ended up paying a reasonable amount for a nice meal. This place is ideal for a fun and delicious date night.
(5)Mark S.
Literally a hidden gem. While the basement atmosphere is different than most restaurants, the food was incredible and imaginative!
(5)Nikki G.
I came here with my friend few weeks ago and I had the chicken waffle with gravy......sooo good! My friend was happy with her entree as well. The food is good, prices are reasonable
(4)Vicki L.
I have been here quite a few times (7 or 8) but just recently started reviewing places on Yelp - after promising to do so for years. And now that I am I absolutely have to review Chilam, Bilam - because I won't go anymore - and that is sad, but I am here to explain why. The food at Chilam Bilam is stellar, there isn't another place like this around doing these amazing Mexican (Oaxacan) small plates like they do and I have just about loved every single thing I have had there - their homemade sangria is delicious as well. Even writing about it now I want to go again...but here's why I most likely will not: Rudeness. Plain and simple. I am fine with them only taking cash that a lot of people complain about, I am ok with them being strict on the BYOB policy and also about everyone having to be there to get seated at your table, etc. For the quality of their food I think that is all a fair trade off. What I am not willing to put up with is how rude the servers have been - on the majority of my visits there. The last time my bf and I went we decided it was the last straw. Yes, the food is amazing but you can't be treated that way and keep wanting to return. I have always felt continually rushed there. There is never time to relax, enjoy the plates you have - it is what do you want next, do you want more - or even you SHOULD order more than that, are you done, etc. When you say you are done eating the bill arrives immediately. Let me say how lovely and nice the busboys are here however - SO nice, if only the servers could take a cue from them. There is no reason to be so rude to guests, yes the food is great - but people will stop coming when you treat them like they don't matter and like you just want to continually fill the restaurant up. Management is no better, two quick situations that happened: 1) a waiter knocked over one of my gf's glass of wine - all over her. It was an accident, ok. He hardly said he was sorry and we were all obviously shocked and talking about it. The manager came over and said here is a glass of wine to make up for it - a glass of some weird white when we drinking red. Not perhaps an I am sorry or let me buy you guys dessert or something. We would have much preferred sorry to a crappy glass of white wine. 2) I watched the same manager another time tell a group of 6 they were going to lose their table because their 7th guest was delayed by a late flight and not there yet - but was on the way from the airport. Even after they said they would sit down and order. How does that make sense? I swear they are just rude for the sake of being rude here. Like another reviewer said - way too Soup Nazi-ish. If you want to be treated like crap and be rushed through a meal (of albeit good food) come to Chilam Bilam, if you want to have a great meal with great service go to any of the 1,000 restaurants in Chicago that will value your patronage.
(2)Samantha K.
Perfect 5 stars. We waited no more than 10 mins for a table on a Friday night. This adorable and intimate restaurant was pleasantly crowded. The food came out quickly and hot! And the waitress was extremely knowledgable and efficient! A must return for brunch starting May 11th! Oh and p.s. Any creme brûlée dessert needs to be ordered! It was the BEST thing we had... Hands down!
(5)Dan G.
The food at Chilam Balam is excellent, though it's a bit pricey in my opinion for what you get. Everything is small plates and pretty much everything is designed to be eaten as a taco. Their BYOB policy is a little strange - you can split one bottle of wine or six pack of beer per between two people, no more. The problem is how they enforce this BYOB policy. Basically, you're not allowed to have more alcohol in your possession than what they allow you to consume. We were a group of four. The girls wanted to have wine, I had brought a growler of beer and my friend had a six pack of gluten free beer, since he can't drink regular beer. Well, our waiter was really, really upset with us for having this much alcohol with us. As soon as I took out the growler of beer he darted over and informed me that if I opened it, he was going to take away the girls' wine. When I asked why, he reiterated their BYOB policy. I tried to explain that I was perfectly capable of only drinking three glasses of beer from the growler (which held 60 ounces) and invited him to monitor how many drinks I had, but he was adamant that I not open the growler. He wound up grabbing the growler and my friend's six pack of gluten free beer, saying, "I'll keep these behind the bar for you." To his credit, the waiter did dole out three glasses of beer from the growler and three gluten free beers to my friend. But the bottom line is that I don't go out to eat to get needlessly hassled. We will not be back.
(2)Ben B.
A Mexican small-plates affair with wild hits and misses. Great: * grilled flank steak Good: * shiitake mushroom empanadas * requeson gnocchi * coconut raspberry semifreddo Bad: * corn masa memelas * duck carnitas tacos I was at a table for three and our final bill was $170 after tip. We each ordered three dishes and most were very small. Also note that Chilam Bilam is BYOB, so that bill doesn't even include drinks. I have no problem plunking down more than $50 for a great meal, but this was simply a good one. (The typical plate will set you back $13.) Service was very slow and we waited nearly an hour for a table. I mean, their chairs weren't even comfortable. C'mon, Chilam Bilam! *CASH ONLY*
(3)G A.
I feel played,I was totally misled by all the good reviews of this place:) My husband dragged me to this restaurant after seeing it on Diners, Drive In's & Dives. My experience overall was very underwhelming. I will ignore the hostess that was constantly rolling her eyes, at the end,its all about the food! Plates were exceptionally small and overpriced,nothing memorable. I liked the atmosphere but it was a bit claustrophobic.I don't think I would suggest it to any of my friends.
(2)Jaime G.
Super good Latin fusion place. Loved the the creativeness of the menu and the good service. Try the octopus tacos, meatballs, flank steak in a mole like sauce. Best is the pork ribs with a sweeter mole like sauce, cream, and cheese. Extremely good and unique. Place is small but fun.
(5)Kate B.
If service would have been better I would have given this a five star rating. I've been here a number of times - the food is always awesome. I was excited to see they were taking reservations for the summer too, that was a nice perk to the normal first-come first-serve routine. I love that their menu changes, the food is always really good, and it's nice that's it's BYOB. Sadly, I went with a couple friends last night and the woman working the host stand and a waitress was incredibly rude. We had a 6pm reservation and I arrived at 5:45, she was quick to let me know that they don't typically seat people before their whole party has arrived BUT she was making an exception for me. Gee thanks - the restaurant was totally open, there was only a table of two being occupied. Not a warm welcome. Then she asked what I brought to drink, I told her my friends were bringing wine but I have a health issue and I can't drink the wine because of the sugar, so I have vodka and pallegrino. This is when it got bad. She got really defensive and told me that she had specifically instructed me not bring vodka over the phone. She had confused me with another patron so I told her I wasn't aware that bringing vodka was a problem and let her know it's bc of the health issue. Her attitude towards me was REALLY bad, I almost got up and left. Then she says she'll make an exception but reminds me it can't happen again - so I guess as long as I deal with the health issue I can't go back. She wouldn't let me pour my own drinks so she refilled my drinks for me. No clue what that's about. She even gave me a hard time for bringing the pallegrino. The funny thing is, she mentioned she has ciliacs yet she had zero compassion for another person dealing with a health issue that limits what they can consume. When my friends showed up she made it VERY clear that our table was only allowed to drink 1 bottle of wine. Like wtf is that? It's a Tuesday night and your restaurant is dead - we weren't about to hog a table for hours on a busy night!!! Her attitude was cold and abrasive throughout our dinner. Not impressed. What happened to this amazing little gem?! There are too many awesome restaurants in this city to go to one where your business isn't appreciated.
(3)Karen S.
I really enjoyed dining here! The food was unique and flavorful. We couldn't pick a favorite dish because we liked everything we tried. I highly recommend the Flank Steak. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Fun, cozy atmosphere as well. This would be a great date spot. Extra cool points for being a BYOB that allows you to bring Tequila in addition to beer and wine!
(5)Cassie B.
This place is pretty magical. It seems so hidden, so mysterious, so wonderful. The food is always really good, the service is fantastic, and the ambiance is out of this world. I took off one star because the hostess was a little salty and they get a little pushy after you've finished eating, but I think that can easily be overlooked. Two things-BYOB and CASH only!
(4)John H.
Best service you can find for a tapas bar. Very small and intimate. Tapas are good and unique.
(4)Bernadette R.
So I heard about this restaurant after it was featured on a food show, can't remember which. I love small cozy places that seem authentic. On the show the owner/cook? made everything from scratch including the queso fresco which is impressive to me. This is definitely not your traditional Mexican food, but I enjoyed it. I'm glad I checked the website before I got there. It is cash only and there is a 1 bottle limit per 2 people. So my girl friend and I went and ordered the following: 1. Corn Masa Memelas- Absolutely delicious! 2. Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with oranges and pomegranate seeds- I was a little nervous for the combo of fish and fruit, but they actually complimented each other well. Without the organges and pomegranates the taco would have been bland despite the chipotle mayo dressing. 3. Flank Steak with corn tortillas- This was my favorite. The meat was cooked perfectly and it came with onion straws and potatoes. 4. Flautas- These I don't recommend. They were so so, definitely better things on the menu. 5. Sweet Empanadas- These were tasty as well. It was peanut butter filled and came with a caramel apple sauce and a chocolate dipping sauce. All in all I had a great experience. The service was excellent and very attentive and the food was timed perfectly. Each dish was thoughtfully brought out one at a time and right after each other and the ambiance was perfect. I will definitely be returning since the menu does rotate about once a month.
(4)Rachel B.
Good food, creative stuff. And byob, even for margaritas. We took a bottle of tequila and it was the cheapest night of margaritas in a while! I had a rabbit stew that was luxurious. (This is not a typical Americanized Mexican restaurant). Cash only, and small, does not take reservations.
(4)Robby S.
Ya know...I came here after hearing about all the hype. I thought it was good, but not phenomenal. It was super expensive and the portions were actually quite small. Yes, it's a small-plate type place, but I expected more! The place has an interesting atmosphere, but it's almost too small. We were seated at a table right by the door and people were all up in our grills coming in and out of the place. The peanut butter empanada was really fricken good, though. My friend and I each spent $40 (cash only) and proceeded to go to Subway afterwards for more food.
(3)KM R.
A real find among the many Mexican restaurants in Lakeview. The friendly staff serves creative apps and small plates, and just to note, the prices are higher than on our last visit. Start with Gual and Ceviche with excellent chips. The piece of Tuna was fantastic, but the fresh pea puree and blueberry fresh cream topping (tasted like yogurt) was a weird combo. The sauce on the Flank Steak was incredible, although the crispy onions could have been hot and crispier. It's BYO and cash only, so plan ahead.
(3)Kristine P.
Absolutely my favorite place in all of Chicago. No comparison... Everything rocks. We order half the menu every time & we never have been disappointed.
(5)Carol K.
I am not a patient person. Therefore, I have put off trying Chilam Balam as I hate waiting in line to get in anywhere (even if it is one of the hottest places in Chicago right now!) But on a recent Monday night- I gave it a try and to my amazement we were seated immediately. The planets were aligned! Now- granted- we did get the last table at 7pm on a Monday night so all those who came in after us had to wait until one of the only 12 tables freed up. This downstairs space is intimate (translated into small). And the music not your traditional mariachi band fare but a more modern take on Mexican rock which was a nice touch. We came prepared with our BYOB (in this case a jug of premade margaritas) but we could have just brought tequila or wine as they sell pitches of mixers for sangria, and margaritas. The menu is simple and changes regularly. On the night we were there- our server steered us toward a few of the small plates to share and one entree. For the small plates, we had the guac and chips, the halibut ceviche, the chicken flautas and the skirt steak with tortillas. The food was great- so much so when they went to clear the flautas away that were not finished- I thought my dining companion was going to chase the server down! (actually he did, and the flautas were brought back to the table) For our entree, we went with the braised short rib. This was delicious! The beef was presented off the bone and topped with corn salsa. Served with warm tortillas this was my favorite dish of the night. If I had a wish- it would have been that our server was a little more pleasant. He didn't answer the questions that we had and seemed to be in a hurry to turn our table. He was efficient- he just didn't go out of his way to take care of us. Know that this is not inexpensive food. Rather- great food served creatively in a small space. Our dinner with tip came to $75 even with the BYOB. Also know that it is CASH ONLY so be prepared. Street parking is pretty easy on this stretch of Broadway. And here's a hint- if you go and have to wait- they will take your cell phone number and direct you to Monsignor Murphy's next door to have a drink and wait it out. And while they do take reservations every night except Friday and Saturday- on the night we were there- the reservations were all booked up so we just gambled that they could take a few walk ins. I get what the hype is all about. The food is amazing and it's hard to believe it is coming out of such a small kitchen. Chilam Balam will definitely go on my "go back list". And in the very near future.
(4)Jacob T.
I can get pretty critical of Mexican food, but this place is absolutely incredible. They change up the menu frequently, but I had the most amazing pork shoulder. It's tapas-style, should you get the opportunity to sample a broad spectrum of flavors and really get the full experience. I only wish it wasn't so hidden from view. Regardless, I'm definitely going back.
(5)Andrea R.
This tiny restaurant is already way too crowded so I fear writing this 5 star review will keep me from ever getting to eat there again, but gotta give praise where it's due. And Chef Chuy definitely deserves praise for the meal I enjoyed here last weekend! It's BYOB, which makes me wonder if the young looking Chef Chuy is old enough to drink. My group of 6 came prepared for 4 bottles of wine- 2 reds and 2 whites. Can never have too much wine when dining at a byob spot! Unfortunately, Chilam Balam doesn't take reservations and getting seated right at 8 looked very unlikely. The very nice hostess took our name and sent us a few doors down to Monsignor Murphys for just what we needed- more drinks! 45 minutes later nice hostess called the bar (after unsuccessfully trying me on my cell) to let us know our table was ready. And while I usually am not one to wait 45 minutes for something this meal ended up being well worth it.... We were STARVING and asked our waiter to just bring out every small plate on the menu, which turned out to be a genius idea. Everything was beyond delish, but favorites included: * Empanadas filled with mushrooms and cheesy goodness * Halibut Ceviche * Chunky Guac * Grilled Serrano Marinated Gulf Shrimp * Peanut Butter Embanadas for dessert Oh, and an extra bonus was that they made sangria out of the red wine we brought with us. Uh-mazing! And I was also uh-mazingly drunk by the end of the meal. They've been open only 6 weeks, but it seems that Chuy & Co have things under control. My only suggestion would be a bigger restaurant!
(5)Brett F.
Hooray! Chilam Balam is finally taking reservations... now while it doesn't necessarily mean they'll be honoring them (or your credit card, yep, they're still cash ONLY), it's still a good plan to have a place on the ever long list of this new, popular Mexican BYOB hot spot. As you can tell I was a bit irked by the reservation system... had a res for a party of 5 celebrating a birthday on a Friday evening. Arrived on time to find our table wasn't ready - and likely wouldn't be for about 30-45 minutes. Yeeeeouch! I really hope my belly didn't hear that one. The wait was mighty treacherous as the restaurant is tiny with no foyer and relegates it's eager patrons outdoors in the cold. Burrr!! Once finally seated, we were placed at a small booth-type 4-top table. Grrr. Talk about claustrophobic... sitting in each others laps was not what we had in mind. Fortunately the BYO factor and our copious margaritas got us in the mood to be cozy with one another or this could have been detrimentally annoying. What's not annoying? The lovely accompaniment choices they have for your drinks... bring wine, get sangria mix... bring tequila, watch them transform into delicious margaritas served tall and frothy in adorable glasses with salted rims. What a nice and thoughtful touch!! The basement digs are colorful and warm... sort of reminiscent of Twisted Lizard on Sheffield but not nearly as dark. Light and bright, just like their staff... Mexican hospitality is at its optimal here. Loved our doll of a server, Juan, and his suggestions-a-plenty for our crew. I think we just about tried one of everything and boy-oh-boy was it tasty!! What phenomenal dishes are being cranked out of that little kitchen back there. Impressive! Fan favorites were tangy and comforting goat cheese and black bean topped corn memelas, the savory grilled pasilla pork ribs with crispy sweet plaintains and the adobo marinated pan-seared duck breast - holy sweet mole - inventive, tasty, smokey, spicy... it was a fiesta in my mouth!! Don't skip their yummy guacamole to whet your whistle while you whack a few maggies back - oh! - and save room for those Oaxaca chocolate empanadas with crunchy peanut butter and black fig.. Mi Amor, es perfectante!
(4)Lara T.
Why did this have to happen... to quote Morrissey, "We hate it when our friends become successful." Trust me, I was all-too excited to share this hidden gem with some local 'foodies'. After we were seated, we were IMMEDIATELY advised by the waiter that we were restricted to two bottles of wine for a table of four. The waiter forced us to order more than two appetizers right away or that we would have to give up our table. He proceeded to keep on top of us to order more things every ten minutes. What made it so difficult is that the food came out so rushed that we had plates on top of plates. When he came up to us and asked us if we wanted to order dessert, I gestured that we still had our dinners. I told him that we were still settling on our dinner plates and he replied, "Well, here's the menu." (rambles off the options.) He proceeded to add, "You need to make a decision. I have other people waiting." At this point, we were only there for an hour. To add insult to injury, he came back five minutes later and dropped the check on our table. I just don't know if I can deal with that again. It was a very jarring experience and I've never been treated so poorly at a restaurant. Never. I'm skeptical about returning any time soon. Very disappointed.
(1)Matthew J.
So NYC - small tables, tight spaces, and AMAZING food! Come with cash because this is a cash-ONLY place and dinner/sodas/dessert for the 4 of us was about $120.00 plus tip. The menu relies on local farms so check the website for the curent menu. Reservations are taken only on certain days so call them. Loved it and I will be back!! :)
(5)Luke S.
The food was good, but the experience on the whole was underwhelming. It was very expensive for very little food, and we were rushed through our entire meal. Less than two minutes after we finished dessert the hostess came to us and rudely told us to leave. I understand trying to get more people into the restaurant, but this was just wrong. Will not be going back.
(2)Jeff R.
My first review of a Chicago place in a while, since I've been traveling. I'll first say that I can see why it has 100% approval in Urbanspoon and high marks on Yelp. It also took over 30 minutes to get a table at 9pm on a Thursday night, so the locals are voting with their feet/checks too. Add the fact that it's BYOB, no reservations and cash only makes it all the more impressive. We had a relatively quick meal, only four small plates AND a bottle of wine. The place was packed as usual and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Since the space is small, conversation noise is high, especially when you pour your own drinks. The menu was surprisingly small, but it's also seasonal so maybe I should come back in the spring/summer. However, sometimes a smaller menu makes decisions easier, especially when dealing with small plates. We started with the guacamole ($6.50) and corn masa memelas ($8.50), with the idea of doing vegetarian starters. The memelas are topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens. Now everything was fine, which may have been the problem. Expectations were high, reasonable or not, but when I finished I realized that I did not really want to order those dishes again. The guacamole was fine, but nothing to write home about and the memelas tasted like black beans and feta cheese without additional flavors from the rest of the ingredients. Nothing was bad, just not meeting sky high expectations and not passing the "I want to order that again" test. We ordered two more dishes, also from the small dish selection, jumbo shrimp and pork belly. These were definitely more impressive and what I would guess more representative of the kinds of dishes receiving high acclaims. The pork belly dish was nice, full of flavor that you expect from pork and the butternut squash and sauce really made the flavors exciting. I'm not a huge fan of pork belly but this was very well prepared. In the end though, we saved the best for last with the shrimp. It was the only plate I would have ordered again. They served the shrimp with tortillas to make a taco, and it went down great. The light sauce was salty, but it in a good way that enhanced the flavors. There were also small potatoes served on the side. I know I only had four dishes, but only one was truly great. For all the praise and hype and waiting for 30 min at 9pm, I was let down slightly. I can see the talent and the creativity in the preparations. Maybe I wasted two selections on vegetarian starters that aren't quite necessary. The problem though is that I'm not enthusiastic to wait again for table to try and order right. I feel that most great restaurants shine through on a majority of the dishes, not the other way around. Again, I can see where everyone is coming from, and the experience is likely enhanced by the cult atmosphere surrounding the restaurant. I give it 3/5 this time around, but I recognize the high potential for future visits.
(3)Gareth D.
Note: Cash Only Despite what others have been saying, my experience with the service has been just fine. Our waiter was quick to offer up his opinions, which were solid selections. The restaurant is unique (at least for the neighborhood), intimate yet casual, and BYO. The cost of the small plates does add up quickly, but the flavors are reasonably bold, and I'm told that they use mostly organic ingredients. It's an overall worthwhile experience, but not everything has been so rosy for me here. There was definitely seating available on Monday, and we were seated right away at around 8-8:30pm. Just as we were seated, some well-proportioned and nicely presented food quickly skirted past our table. However, what would typically bring on serious hunger pangs resulted in my face scrunching up -- one of the dishes was acutely fishy smelling. Not pleasant, given that I had made the mistake of ordering the "cured salmon" on a previous visit. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I enjoy salmon, including NW coast native WA/BC-style smoked salmon, as well as lox and sashimi, but the salmon in this dish (which is undoubtedly no longer on the menu) was almost candied--tough, and texturally unappealing. They were kind enough to replace it with something else for us, as I think the server recognized that customers weren't picking up fully on the 'cured' bit. With respect to that fishy smelling dish, I told the waiter not to let me order that dish -- apparently it was the halibut, and he claims the flavors are amazing. Give it a shot, if you happen to have a clothespin on you. The other dish that I've had that was entirely not to my liking were the "Corn masa memelas topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens." Perhaps these things are so popular that they are pre-made and just shoved under the salamander broiler prior to serving, because I found them to be hard, dry little cups with little corn flavor. I am a fan of both black beans and goat cheese, but I couldn't be bothered to finish the second half of my small memela. On the other hand, the tortillas here were fantastic, particularly when filled with the highly recommended "Chanterelle mushroom cazuela, smoked pasilla cream ,epazote,grilled summer vegetables" -- I had to order more of those tortillas to enjoy the last mushrooms, which were as earthy as I had hoped they would be. Our scallops were seared beautifully, with a nice crust and succulent center. Finally, I also enjoyed the waiters recommendation of the "Formed Chocolate Chile mousse, spiced goat cheese center, orange toasted marshmallow sauce, candied plantains." The goat cheese is clearly visible in the dish, but plays a secondary role for me in terms of flavor, so don't let that dissuade you.
(3)Joe S.
Well, I went here when the restaurant just opened and thought it to be great, but when I went a second time I was unpleasantly dis-delighted to find that (a) the food portions shrunk in size and (b) the food prices grew in size. Not exactly a great mix of changes for me, but I understand that restaurants need to rethink their business model after getting settled in an area for the first time, ect. Perhaps one would like this place better if he/she never had experienced it when it was cheaper, more plentiful in course size. This is my curse, regrettably. That being said the food is GOOD, and the BYOB is hard to beat. Cozy small place with great decor, atmosphere, & both times we had a good waiter. CASH ONLY. I'm tainted, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
(3)Sarah C.
The short version of this review is that the food is incredible and the staff is lovely. The place is small and you might have to wait, but it's worth it. It's BYO and if you forget your favorite beverage, the CVS next door has booze. Their ever-changing seasonal menu makes amazing dishes from local purveyors of meats and produce in combinations I would never dare to use in my own kitchen. For those with some more reading time on your hands . . . I've eaten here a few times (we don't live nearby) and have never been disappointed. I even attended a wedding shower brunch here recently and it was easily the best food at a shower I've ever had (and that includes my own shower). It is a tapas-style restaurant, so be prepared to share plates with the rest of your party. In my opinion, it's the best way to try many of the amazing dishes on the menu. Soraya has always been accommodating and I've never had an issue with rude staff. I can't speak for the experiences of other reviewers, but I find that if you're kind and respectful to others, they are usually kind and respectful to you. Since this is a small place that only takes limited reservations and is usually quite busy during peak hours, this is not the place to camp out for hours, subsisting on only chips and guac and whatever alcohol you've brought with. If that's what you're looking for, this place might not be the best option for you. However, if you're looking for a delicious, well-priced meal that will having you craving peanut butter filled empanadas for weeks on end, then Chilam is the place for you.
(5)Stephen L.
What happened here? New management or something? The food, which I regarded as one of THE BEST dishes in Chicago, were terrible!! I had ribs, skirt steak, and a fish dish, but all of them were mediocre at best. They were not seasoned enough and very over cooked. The service went downhill also. Our server was not attentive at all and it was not even very busy. I was just so disappointed because this was my girlfriend and my favorite restaurant since few years back. I really want to like this place because the food and the people were so amazing. But for now, meh....
(2)Jessica S.
Excellent food, smarmy waitstaff, not kid friendly (or customer friendly, for that matter). I guess getting some national attention makes them think they are no longer in the service industry.
(3)Cameron H.
My partner and I always walk by this place. Who would that though... From looking at it from the outside, it is in the basement (e.g. garden apt) of a building. After walking it, it was quite small and intimate. Usually, the type of restaurants we like going to for dinner. Initially, we thought the place was traditional Mexican food like burritos and carne asada. However, we were pleasantly surprised that what was served was tapas style. We ended up ordering 5 plates, even though we started off with just three. We ordered the: 1. Corn masa memelas topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens - very good 2. Empanadas filled with braised mushrooms in pipian verde, two cheeses, epazote and roasted green chiles - excellent 3. Crispy flautas stuffed with chicken and rajas; chipotle-mezcal sauce, pickled cabbage, fresh cheese and crema - very tasty 4. Tamal Azteca layered with housemade tortillas, roasted winter veggies, creamy ricotta, tangy chipotle sauce and garlicky white beans - decent 5. Grilled Gulf Shrimp tossed with roasted garlic mojo sauce (olive oil, thyme, guajillo chile) fried fingerling potatoes and sunflower shoots - not bad Overall, we would definitely go back!!!
(5)Jen B.
Absurdly great restaurant in Lincoln Park. My party of four came in on their two year anniversary, randomly. We wanted to go to Ba-Ba-Reeba but they were full. So glad they were, because now I'm all Ba-Ba-Reeba who? Chilam B is where it's at. Two turn tables and a microphone. Lots of veggie options for such a small menu. Empanadas, quesadillas, guac, ceviche and memelas were off the hook. Esp the memelas! They are like teeny tiny pizzas with a corn masa crust that makes me want to eat nothing but that forever. The chocolate mousse with goat cheese is pretty good, too, but I'd try the peanut butter dessert thing next time. Plates are small ergo your bill will be large. But not as large as you think since it's BYO. No corkage fee, I think? Cash only. Yeah, that's maybe the only knock against this place. That and they close at a 11pm and will blast Eye of the Tiger to get your ass out of there. Gross. I still think you're neat, though. Wander around the cute shops on Broadway after and maybe stop at Babcock for homemade ice cream. If you're a total fat kid like me.
(5)Jessica M.
I had super high hopes for Chilam Balam!! It is always packed, and I have heard several good things about it from TV. The food was not great! There were a few items that I would suggest, but nothing worth going back for. The flank steak (one of the most expensive items on the menu) was so tough it was not possible to eat it on the tortilla that they suggest you put it on. The empanadas just tasted like bread stuffed with veggies, when they were supposed to be shitake mushrooms. You could barely tell there were any kind of mushroom in them. The crowd in the restaurant was a clear indication of the restaurant's situation. Everyone was under 30.. and no one looked like regulars. It was obvious that everyone that was there was there based on the publication this place has managed to get. No one looked like foodies, they all looked like hip restaurant goers. I would not suggest this restaurant to anyone in Chicago. There are so many other great restaurants, especially in that area.
(2)Erika W.
Hmm, wish I could say better things about this place, but I guess my overall impression was don't believe the hype. Let's start with the things that bug a bit: cash only, no reservations on the weekend (why???), and absolutely NO where to wait if you have to wait (which you will). The place is TINY. Perhaps that's part of the appeal to some, but the small space in combination with it being in a garden unit just made me feel like I was eating in someone's colorful basement. Where we were seated was so tight that our waiter had to move out of the way when he was going over the menu with us every time someone went by. Seriously, guys, you seem to be doing well, maybe time to consider expanding? So despite these annoyances, i was excited to try the food. Small plates, our server suggested about 2 - 2.5 plates per person. So we ordered four - the ceviche, which was excellent, a salad with hearts of palm and goat cheese (pretty good), the chicken flautas, which were too vinegary and lacked the flavors promised in the menu, and finally the flank steak, which came with corn tortillas. The steak was recommended by our server and I love authentic corn tortillas, but both disappointed. Not a lot of flavor in either. For dessert we got the hibiscus flan which also lacked the flavor we expected and reminded me more of blueberry yogurt than anything else. Our bill with tip was about $70 (no alcohol), which to me was not justified. And remember, they're cash only. I expect that from a taqueria or take-out chicken joint, not a restaurant where one could easily rack up a bill of $100. Overall the service was attentive and helpful, and while the menu was promising, I just feel the actual food did not lived up to the descriptions or the prices. It was fine, just not great. Maybe the type of place I'd stop by on a random Tuesday night when I was out of food at at home, assuming it wasn't crowded and much cheaper. I would probably consider going there again to give it a second try, but not sure if it's worth the wait, cramped conditions, and prices to do so.
(3)Alison N.
Do NOT go here if you a bigger group (6+). We came here for a birthday dinner and were basically convinced to leave after the staff was nothing but rude to us. While it is BYOB, our server basically limited our amount of alcohol and told our group he would only open one bottle of wine and then would only open more depending on the amount of food we ordered. They also weren't going to let us sit until "all our party arrived" even though one of the persons in our group had literally stepped outside to use the ATM, as it is "cash only" I was incredibly embarrassed being the "party planner" and had people coming from all over to attend. At the end of our waiter's introduction, he stated "if you don't like this you can leave." Who actually says this to their customers? Aren't restaurants in the HOSPITALITY industry?? So we gave them what they wanted and left. I will NEVER go to this place again. The staff was incredibly rude. They just lost out on a great deal of $$ as my party was starving and would have ordered plenty of food. As having worked in the restaurant business you know how much money a 9 person party can bring in! Customer service is key, and this place failed miserably.
(1)Emily Z.
super small spot. They take reservations up to 6pm, after that it is redic crowded. Small and crowded unfortunately means stuffy on a warm humid summer night. They did have good service though This is definitely not your average Mexican restaurant, its more upscale Mexican tapas. Everything was very good. We saw the ribs go by and decided to get two because they were so pretty, yes they were very well presented but honestly the meat was not tender, definitely could pass up this one. We also had the Asparagus salad, which was about 6 asparagus stalks with a poached egg on top with hollandiase and some bacon, good but not fabulous. My favorite was the Flatus, nice and crispy with a little bit of spice. We loved the memesas and the tamale with goat cheese which was on special. For desert I tried the Hibiscus flan, it was pretty tart, and interesting but I wouldn't get it again. Though I will definitely be back to try the Chile chocolate dessert I see everyone loves on here ! So the plan, get there early, with a small party, make a reservation if its before 6pm, plan on sharing the small plates, and don't forget to bring your own bevie !!
(3)Pascal M.
This little piggy went to the market, this little piggy ate at home, and this little piggy ain't' no fool so he went to Chilam Balam. Fresh, fun, inspiring, and unconventional is what I think about when it comes to Chilam Balam. They have a colorful, inviting, and slightly intimate atmosphere. Plus I really like restaurants that you have to go down stairs to get to (see Flub a Dub Chub and Brick's review). It's hard to recommend any food, because they change their menu so frequently. However I can mention a few items and hopefully they're on the menu when you go. Guacamole is standard, just get it. The Blue Marlin Ceviche is everything I love about ceviche and more. Blue Marlin is such an interesting cut of fish to use (hence inspiring). Plus a nice subtle heat from delicately used habanero. Their grilled pork ribs are usually on the menu, preparation seems to variate with whatever ingredients their working with (from farm to plate mentality). Da ribs are always a satisfying choice. That's the tale of the tape here. They utilize their ingredients efficiently and in very creative ways. Portions are nice, you can try quite a few dishes when you visit (4-5 for 2 people is plenty). Again, that's to be expected when you have two owners who have nothing but a strong knowledge for food, paired with a rich and well experienced history around Mexican cuisine. Not to mention they are devoted and proud to using our regional farms. Chilam Balam rocked my world, let it rock yours.
(5)August B.
i was here almost a year ago. Great food then. Almost amazing. Really worth the wait...they just need a bigger joint.
(5)Adam M.
The only thing keeping this place from receiving 5 stars is the price. It's pretty pricey for such small amounts of food; however, the food itself was amazing. I was disappointed that they were out of the grilled pork ribs but that just gives me an excuse to go back. The grilled pork lion was out of this world, and I also really loved the Memelas, Wild Mushroom Sope, and the Skatewing. Chilam Balam is BYOB which is great and I would highly recommend giving it a try.
(4)Vaidehi T.
I had high expectations for this place - and it totally delivered!! It is a tiny, blink-and-you-will-miss-it kind of place. But inside it is a very cosy and cute restaurant. We made reservations for a Tuesday night and was still full, I can imagine the crowds on the weekend. The good news is they take reservations on week days, so the smart thing would be to go here on a week night and have a relaxed dinner. The food here is stellar. It is essentially Mexican cuisine but it is a totally modern and fresh take on the cuisine. It is tapas style small plates that are shareable. As a group of 5 we tasted the scallops, corn memales, endive salad, rabbit tamales, shitake mushroom empanadas, goat cheese enchiladas and 3 desserts. Each and every dish was good, but the corn memales, endive salad, scallops, empanadas and the cheesecake dessert were the favs. The corn memales are melt in your mouth delicious - perfectly salty and savory - yum!! There were 3 vegetarians at the table and there are plenty of choices on the menu for them. It is a BYOB restaurant which is great and adds to the casual vibe of the restaurant. The service also was very good and attentive. It is a great date night place or a place to hang out with a group. I would love to go back here. Also, be warned it is a cash only place.
(5)Brad O.
No real complaints about the food. It was executed very well. I'm just not a big fan of fussy mexican food. And the service was excellent. My main issue with this place is the cost. Normally the check at a BYOB restaurant is significantly less than at a place with a liquor license (assuming you order drinks, obviously). Even without booze, and ordering fewer dishes than the waiter recommended, the bill came to more than most restaurants with a liquor license. Just a bit surprising, thats all.
(3)Rebecca H.
Cozy place, byob, and really good tapas. Go during the week to avoid a long wait on the weekends.
(4)Sara B.
Our group of 4 adults and 2 infants arrived about 10 minutes after they opened. Let's just say "welcome" was not how we were received. The food was decent, but it was hard to be treated like our infants were an inconvienence. And they didn't even cry or make a sound the entire meal.
(2)Jeremy W.
Pretty good food, not the biggest portions, kind of pricey, cash only which is annoying. I like that they change their menu because you can find different things each time.
(4)Mindy W.
What better way to end my Yelp hiatus than by reviewing the wonderful sustenance provided by the Windy City? I am admittedly, unashamedly obsessed with Top Chef and any place BYOB. Clearly this was a match made in heaven. We walked the one minute to this cozy, underground restaurant and instantly felt somehow overwhelmed and welcomed at the same time. It's so tiny, but everyone was laughing, smiling and clearly enjoying themselves. The waitstaff was helpful, playful and really engaging. The four of us shared Chunky guacamole, Shiitake mushroom empanada, Rabbit barbacoa tamal, Grilled endive salad, Grilled pork ribs, tuna rusa, Grilled flank steak, Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and Corn masa memelas. The Rabbit, unfortunately, was the best dish. I didn't feel right eating it, but it was so tender and delicious that I told my conscience to can it. The ribs were also really good, but really spicy. The guacamole was some of the best I've ever had, and the Tuna Rusa only would have been better if it was never ending. My least favorite dishes were the Shiitake mushroom empanada and the endive salad. The veggies in the empanada were indistinguishable other than carrot. The pocket itself wasn't very flavorful, either. The salad was good other than the endive, so it felt a little lackluster. Maybe none of us really enjoy endive and we didn't know until that day. Chuy clearly has some wonderful flavors developing, and I would love it if this little tapas joint was down the street from mi casa here in Columbus. The prices were fine, and the portions were great for tapas. Final word: delicious, somehow high-energy and low-key restaurant that is great for tapas with friends.
(4)Mindy S.
Loved Chilam Balam. We scored a table for 2 with no wait on a Saturday night - a big surprise, seeing as the restuarant always has an extensive wait outside on the sidewalk. We shared 5 dishes and loved them all. The sizes were all larger than expected for a "small plates" place and the flavors were very strong. The current dishes (menu changes) we loved were: Chunky Guacamole - simply amazing Blue Marlin Ceviche - large pieces of fish, and wonderfully complimented by the citrus Short Rib Empanadas - omg. The meat was so tasty, and the side dish of the cold sweet potato salad was incredible. Cucumber Avocado Soup - this dish was the STAND OUT dish BY FAR. I have never tasted anything like this. Cucumbers and avocados were like PB&J in this soup. You must try this. Floutas - 6 small floutas, perfect for sharing between 2 people. Covered in a fantastic chipotle sauce. If you continue to walk by Chilam Balam and do not visit, you are truly missing out on a gem of a place in Lakeview. It is cash only, the noise level can be loud, it is BYOB, but well worth your time.
(5)Erin C.
Suggested this place for girls night on Saturday and after an encounter with an incompetent hostess and a petulant manager named Edwardo, I have to say I will not be returning (and encouraging others to do the same!). We waited over two hours when originally quoted 40 minutes (all while watching bigger parties further down the list get seated for some unknown reason...) but that was nothing compared to the nasty 'tude Edwardo copped w us! It seems to me that perhaps Chilam Balam has gotten a bit too big for its proverbial britches in recent months and now believes that openly insulting a few patrons every night won't matter since we are merely a drop in their super-sweet margarita anyway. Dine at your own risk!
(1)Tera D.
What an awesome place! I'm nearly certain it is a completely unique combination in this city - gourmet Mexican + tapas style + local ingredients + BYOB. And it lives up to all four of those expectations. The food was excellent, with a wide range of flavors, despite the some what small menu. The smallish menu means that with a party of 4 doing tapas style, you could probably order one of everything. But half the menu changes seasonally, so you still have a reason to go back! The service was great, and our server was able to tell us about all the dishes and even where the ingredients were from when asked. And then there's the BYOB bonus - they even have great limeade to mix your tequila with!
(5)Erin T.
Super cozy seating and a small space, so if you're right under a speaker (we were) or right next to an indefensibly loud talker (yep), it can get a little stressful up in here. We also waited like 20 minutes to be addressed after we sat down (they apologized and were fairly attentive thereafter, in keeping with the not-unfriendly "eat and get the hell out" philosophy). BUT DO YOU STILL SEE THE FOUR STAR RATING UP THERE? My friends, that is because of the food. The food was absolutely stellar. It is hard for me to remember everything we ate - that might seem like a bad sign, but all I remember is how much I loved it all - mostly because dessert put me on a higher plane of existence. We had the PBJ empanadas and the hot chocolate. The hot chocolate. The hot chocolate. I think of it every day, and will until I can have it again. Cash only, so - bring cash.
(4)Brittany H.
BYOB with an invite to mix with sangria? yes puuhleasseeee! Every food we tried was so delicious and the atmosphere was perfect for date or girls nights. The guac was amazinnnggg. A must try byob in the city!
(5)E R.
Really amazing food but less desirable service. The wait staff rushes your order and the bus boys are even faster to clear your plates. Don't plan for a long intimate dinner. Perhaps avoid the weekend.
(4)Nirav S.
yummmy!!! went there for the first time last weekend and was super impressed. Loved the goat cheese tamale! great maragarita mix!
(4)Alex F.
Chilam Balam was great. It's a very small restaurant, but it's cozy in a good way. The food is "Mexican" in essence, but totally goes along with the trendy-upscale American trend going on in Chicago right now. The plates are small and intended for sharing. This is a nice concept but leads to some pricey bills. It's BYOB which helps a lot. We just brought beer, but I noticed that the waiter made sangria for another table with their wine, so I'm guessing they do some special tricks for people in the know. The food is excellent. I had the scallops, duck, a beef thing, and for desert the empanadas and choco mouse. Everything was fresh and delicious. Presentation was perfect. The waitstaff was very kind and attentive. Also, the place was fairly empty when we arrived, but filled was packed in about 45 mins, so depending on when you go, you might want to try for a reservation.
(4)Joel H.
In short, if you are reading this deciding to go or not, GO. 100%, check it out. I was happy I did. Very few places have the small plate tapas style with this food theme and are byob. In long, we were lucky enough to have the owner, Soraya, as our waitress. This added a special bonus to really feel the owner's passion/vision. We got her recommendations and they were clearly the right ones. Each month has seasonal items, so they may/will be different by the time you read this. It is small, and a little noisy, and with this, you are semi-rushed, so do not go if you want to sit, sip your wine, and have a long relaxing meal. I will admit, two of the dishes we had missed a little, i.e. a little too much char and bitterness of overcooked on one item, and too much sour cream and cheese on another. But, those just made the highlights even better. We finished with the secret recipe hot chocolate with marshmallows. Authentic recipe, so not over sweet, and some of the best roasted marshmallows ever. I would go back, for sure. Great date spot if you do not mind skipping a long drawn out meal.
(4)andrea b.
I had been wanting to try this place for quite a while and finally got to go here last night. Luckily the weather was fantastic so my date and I got to sit outside, all of the tables inside were taken or said to be "reserved." This more upscale tapas version of a Mexican place is pretty unique as far as places I have tried. My date and I ordered 4 small plates, the waiter suggested 2-3 per person. Four seemed to be a good number for us, however bigger eaters may want more. We ordered the chunky guacomole with tortilla chips - not a special unique dish but it was really good. The guac was especially tasty, the chips were fresh and crispy. Awesome! Our second dish was the vegetable empanadas which had mushroom, sweet potato, and some other stuff. I took about 2 bites and declared it not worth the calories. I like mushrooms but this was extremely mushroomy and just seemed like a big fried blob with not a great taste. Third dish was the skatewing which is apparently a kind of white fish. It was a small amount of fish, covered in some kind of thick dark sauce, along with some unidentifiable things. When the plate was put down, the fish smell wafted very strongly. Pretty sure that shouldn't happen with quality fish. Fourth dish was the skirt steak that came with corn tortillas. This was tasty, no complaints. We didn't have dessert but they did have some great looking options including flan and a dessert empanada with peanut butter (and chocolate?). Yum. The waitstaff is friendly and pretty attentive. They were busy so we had to wait a couple more minutes than I would have liked between visits. This place is cash only so be prepared. All in all, it was decent but I don't think I'll head back any time too soon.
(3)Sherryl W.
I had high hopes for this place after reading the reviews. I was disappointed. This is a reaaaallly tiny place that serves more "upscale" mexican/south american tapas? I love that it's BYOB, but that's about it. Here's a summary: Pros: The scallops are what is saving this review. They were amazing. The ceviche was also pretty good....not great. BYOB Cons: The food is a little bland. We ordered a skirt steak, and a lamb shank., both were underseasoned The portions are also pretty small. They were small plates period. Not really sharing plates. To summarize, overpriced - underseasoned.
(2)Margaret O.
Definitely did not live up to the hype. The food was decent, but the hostess and possibly the manager (?) were terribly rude. Where do I start... Okay, so my friend made the reservation for five at 6:30 on a Thursday during a monsoon (or what seemed like it). The first friend that showed up had a bottle of wine with her (the place is byob) and had to wait until the rest of us to show up to be seated (typical of most places, so no big deal). She politely asked if she could have a glass of wine at the bar/waiting area while she waited. They said NO. Cool, whatever, everyone has their policies I guess... And by policies I mean rules, which they have conveniently listed on some menus and the website. Then as the rest of my friends arrived, one friend was asked--and by asked I mean TOLD-- by the hostess to get up from her waiting chair because she needed THAT CHAIR. THAT SPECIFIC CHAIR. I say that because there was a vacant chair next to the one she was sitting in. Then as my friends waited for me (yes, I was running late) they began to get berated from the hostess and the manager that we were going to lose our table to a different table of five that is arriving in an hour and a half. Yes. You read that correctly, an hour and a half. The manager even went out of his way to tell my friend, "I told you about our 15 minute policy when you made the reservation." When in fact he did not. Also, last time I checked I thought restaurants were in the hospitality business? Why are the manager and the hostess going out of their way to make their customers feel as uncomfortable as possible? And I'm the one that was running late, why should my friends be getting heat about it? I'm sorry Chilam Balam, it was raining and I was on my way from work which took me 40 minutes in the rain on a bus from hell. So yeah, sorry for being human. So when we were seated and my friends begin to tell me what has happened, the option of dining elsewhere had been brought up... Again, I don't work in the hospitality business, but I assure you, as a human being I respect others. Especially those that are about to give me money. Our waiter showed up to the table before we could make a break to leave, and turned out he was the one saving grace. Extremely nice man, extremely attentive, brought up the rules without sounding like a complete ass, made recommendations on what to order... Basically a dream waiter. Even the bus boy was great! I mean maybe these two kind people were the prize for my friends after surviving to hostess and the manager. And as we sat and ate we noticed people waiting at the bar/waiting area drinking wine, on top of which they waited longer than 15 minutes for their complete party. So I guess the manager and the hostess don't play the rude card with everyone. All in all, got treated poorly for decent and overpriced Mexican food.
(2)Janet J.
Seriously, Chilam Balam You can't open 2 different bottles of wine at once per your policy???? We had a party of 4......2 of which were allergic to red wine. We had to drain the one bottle for the white wine drinkers before we could open the red for the red wine drinkers. Not only are we not coming back but we will alert our other city dwellers to not come back either. The food was good, and our waiter was wonderful. He professionally and patiently explained the menu and the one wine bottle open at a time He should be hired in a heartbeat somewhere esle,,,,,
(2)Sean B.
Memorable, inventive, good contrasts in the food. I've been to some 50+ Mexican restaurants in Chicago and around the Aurora area and this is the best one I've found for creativity and flavor contrasts. If you want an enchilada, go somewhere else. If you are a foodie, come here. Yes, there was an hour wait on a Monday night, but they did take our cell, suggest we have a drink at the bar next door, and called us when our table was ready. 3 of the 4 small plates I had were exceptional: The chunky guacamole had enough lemon and not too much lime to give it bite without too much edge. Presentation on plate a plus. Ribs: came with candied plantains and in a beautiful stack. Messy but delicious. Duck Leg with Mole Sauce and peanuts: I would come to this restaurant just to order 2 or 3 plates of this for myself. The duck was tender, the mole sauce was complex and rich, the peanuts gave contrast to the dish, it was remarkable. Dessert: Extremely interesting Chocolate Mousse. It had goat cheese in the center of the mousse with a lightly toasted orange sherbet and banana. The flavors mixed together very well and the presentation was awesome. When a restaurant is this inventive, you have to forgive the basement location, cash only, tight aisles, galley-past-the-kitchen-simple bathrooms. This restaurant is for people who want to experience inventive food that has been carefully thought through and is interesting and 21st century Mexican.
(5)Kristin K.
Rude bus boys and offensively rude server. I was excited to try Chilam after hearing rave reviews from friends. Unfortunately after waiting an hour for a table we left after a few appetizers because of our server's attitude. My friends and I were excited to be out together but our exuberance seemed to annoy our server immediately. Instead of introducing himself he rudely explained how we would only be allowed to drink half our second bottle of wine as we were a party of 3 and they limit 1 bottle per 2 people. He then insisted on taking our second bottle to keep behind the bar while we drank the first. He would not return the second until we ordered additional food. At that point we left. I have heard the food is great but with so many restaurants in the city that welcome their guests I will not be returning to Chilam Balam.
(1)Lindsay A.
I know i'm going to receive a lot of flack for this review, but I have to do it anyway. When I think of good mexican/texmex food I think of an overflowing basket of home-made chips and out of this work salsa/quac, huge plates with delicately crafted and uniquely spiced torillas and vegetables and etc etc. If i wanted tapas I would go to a tapas restaurant? I know all you snobs will turn your noses up at me for my love of mole smothered mexican goodness but I'm not ever going to pay 15 dollars for a plate that barely feeds two. The food is quality, that goes without saying, but if your looking to pig out, this is not the place. best part: Ribs. worst: quac.
(3)Nicholas Y.
This place is as good as it gets and one of my favorites in the city. Cozy, BYOB, and delicious. Order the sweet empanadas for dessert.
(5)Glen W.
Near-Rick Bayless quality Mexican food you can actually get into.
(4)Kristin M.
Mmmmmmm, so yummy. We came as a group of four and tried about half the menu. Some general notes: the flavors were delicious, combinations intriguing and the textures were exciting. Almost everything came with something crunchy on top. Fan-tastic. Here they are in order of faves: -chicken thigh flautas - So. Freakin. Delicious. The flavors were so rich, I couldn't get enough. I could order several plates and finish them myself! -lamb shoulder chili - I am not typically a fan of lamb, however it was recommended by our waiter so we ordered it. The big chunks of lamb were so tender and not game-y at all. It wasn't chili so much as spicy sauce, and when heaped on a fresh tortilla, it was pretty amazing. -blue marlin ceviche - the big chunks of marlin are cooked (so why it's called ceviche, I'm not sure), but it was delicious. You get a generous serving of meat with fresh tortilla chips. -grilled dayboat catch - it was mahi mahi in chipotle-saffron cream sauce. Yum! -fennel and chard tamal - just plain good. If you're not a fan of fennel, rest assured the licorice taste is muted when cooked. -grilled pork ribs - these are served Jenga-style, which excited me for some reason. Ribs are not my favorite, but these were good. They were meaty and had a thick honey/dark (pasilla) pepper sauce. -grilled flank steak - this was the only miss for us. It was in a pretty non-descript tomato-based sauce. In comparison to everything else, this was boring. Save your appetite for something more exciting. Dessert was equally as good, if not better. -peanut butter empanadas - if you do not absolutely love PB, do not order, these are like sticking a spoon in the PB jar, warming it up and then wrapping in sugared, fried dough. Oh, and you can top with either Oaxacan chocolate or seasonal compote (ours was quince, akin to fig) -pumpkin french toast - yum, yum, yum. I didn't expect to like this, but it was delicious. Not so much french toast as it is perfectly moist warm pumpkin cake topped with quince ice cream and avocado cream. Sounds weird, tastes amazing. The space is tiny, but cozy. It's cash only and BYOB. They opened at 5pm on Saturday and we arrived at 5:45. We were seated right away, but within 15 minutes every table was full, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. There's a note on the menu about not allowing more than one bottle of wine/6 pack of beer per 2 diners, but I noticed a table that was well stocked with no issues. I think they just don't want you hanging around savoring three bottles of wine while people are clamoring for your table. They clearly want to keep it moving, but were not too pushy in my opinion. It's also reasonably priced, $35/pp with tip after all that food! I had a great experience and will be back!
(4)Sarah L.
Had an amazing first meal here with friends who love going to Chilam Balam. (And I love saying Chilam Balam.) We ordered about 8 plates for the 3 of us and it was the perfect amount of food. The server was really friendly and helpful when ordering. While a few dishes were definitely favorites, everything was really tasty. The scallops were the best I've ever had, and they were so perfectly done that I realized that any other scallops I've ever had must have been overdone. The only downside to Chilam Balam is that it's fairly tiny and very popular, so you either have to go to dinner at 5:30p or wait in line for a while. I'd prefer to go early, but it's worth a wait regardless..
(4)Jeff N.
I recently went to Chilam Balam for a friend's birthday dinner--there was a group of seven of us and, as they do not take reservations, we showed up around 7 PM and waited a short bit to be seated. As previous reviews have noted, the restaurant is in a basement space and in quite close quarters. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as it gives a more intimate feeling to the people dining, but it does make for quite a wait on the weekend evenings. The food itself was excellent--though, I will note that as the only vegetarian in the group, I was hoping for a few more selections on the menu. The small plates were a bit on the pricey side, but as the food started to roll out to the table, there were certainly no complaints about the quality. The reason for the 2-Star review is entirely service related. The restaurant is BYOB, and as we finished off with the plates it was made quite clear that the staff wanted us to leave promptly. We all still were finishing up glasses of wine around the table and figuring out the tab & tap (neither of which were on the small side--CASH ONLY, by the way) and as soon as our money was in hand they literally began hustling us out of the restaurant. The waitress came over and took all of our waters away, started snatching away unfinished wine glasses. We really got the picture when she came over and started blowing out the candles on our table. Don't get me wrong, I understand there's people waiting--but the fact that this all happened within about 5 minutes of receiving the bill and paying for it just left a bad taste in my mouth. The attitude of the staff really left me feeling as if our business wasn't at all appreciated. Sorry, Chilam Balam, but in spite of the good food--I'll be unlikely to come back anytime soon... let alone recommend your restaurant to others.
(2)Brenna M.
I'll break it down to the high points: - didn't have to wait for a table for 2 at 6:30 pm - BYOB - scallops were to die for low points: - asking us 3 times before we had even been sitting down for 5 minutes if we were ready to order - saying "you see, there are only four items to choose from on the dessert menu." when we say we need another minute to figure out what dessert we want - not opening our second bottle of wine I understand not wanting people to linger at their tables at a byob establishment, but rush me after we've been there an hour, but not after 10 minutes. It made the whole experience so uncomfortable it was palpable . Bottom line: There are other delicious byo's out there that don't treat you as though they're doing you a favor by allowing you 45 minutes of their time.
(2)S R.
This place is cool. When I lived in the area I probably walked past it a million time and never thought to go into it. Not until my friend took me the other night did I realize what it was like. We went on a Friday night around 8 and waited maybe 5/10 minutes to get seated, which wasn't bad at all. The staff was pleasant, friendly and attentive. It's BYOB so we brought a bottle or sparkling red wine and it went perfect with everything we had. We had the Salmon, pork belly, ribs and one more thing and it was all perfect. The food was tender, flavorful, and juicy. I would go back again.
(5)Sophia L.
I was a little reluctant to visit this restaurant after reading the reviews about harsh 'house rules' and bad service. Working in the industry, I expect the best from establishments and hardly ever get it. But tonight was the exception. After buying a bottle of wine from the liquor store across the street, we settled in for dinner. Our server Eduardo gave us a short explanation about the restaurant and the food concepts. Always a great way to start a meal. He was very accommodating when we were unsure of our order and guided us to the perfect picks. We first had the ceviche (amazing), the beef tongue (sounds scary, but very delicious), flautas, empenadas, corn mesa, and rabbit stew. Each dish was complex and took the second bite to really appreciate what was meant to be experienced. Overall, all the dishes I had were fantastic. I understand why others left poor reviews.... they don't understand food and the dining culture. I had a great experience and will be back to try their ever changing menu. And thank you for the exceptional service!!
(5)Stefanie P.
This was one of the several restaurants chosen for my 30th birthday weekend eat-a-palooza. I was not disappointed. Delicious small plates with a cast of regulars and a couple rotating items, awesome desserts, and a cozy atmosphere. My mom, who is a notorious bean-hater, even loved the memelas with black beans. That's saying something! And it's within walking distance from my house!
(4)Mandy P.
I can't write anything different from the other reviews really. During weekdays you can make reservations here, and I would definitely recommend you do. Also, bring a cheaper bottle of red to have them mix up as their sangria. We had an expensive one that we didn't want to use in a mixture. Oh and go with a big group so you can try everything!
(5)Dawn S.
Overall, I'd say this place just isn't for me. I prefer environments that are a little warm, welcoming and relaxing so that I can enjoy my company and food. That was not my experience here. I thought the food was good, but not a standout while the ambiance and service left me feeling harried and a little suspicious when my the change from my bill came back with $10 short. My friend and I went early on a Thursday evening. The place was not at all crowded. The place is in a "garden" space (out of towners that means it is in the basement). We settled in quickly and ordered guacamole. It tasted good, but nothing special and it was starting to oxidize with a little brownish tinge to it. Our waiter came to the table five times to check on us to see if we wanted to order. This, after telling him we would need a few minutes to catch up with one another and make our selections. Each time he came to the table, he lingered longer than comfortable after we told him we weren't ready. We ordered the empanadas, tamal and scallops. All were nicely executed, but not so great as to offset the rush that followed. The homemade tortillas were excellent. The scallops came with three on the plate.I wanted to enjoy every bite of it. I had a half a scallop on my plate that apparently wasn't eating fast enough. Our waiter came to the table SEVEN times to follow up with us and ask if he could take our plate or get something else. I am not exaggerating. I counted. That doesn't include the manager or bus staff visits. This was AFTER I told them that I really wanted to enjoy my last bite. In peace. Finally we ordered the pineapple upside down cake. This was a split vote. My friend loved it, I wanted to scrape it off my tongue. We asked for our check at the same time as we ordered the cake so that we could enjoy our dessert in peace without the frequent visits. When our change came back we were shorted $10 which required a trip to the register to sort out because all of a sudden there was no wait staff available to attend to us. Unfortunately, I cannot say I would go back here or recommend it to others.
(1)Shelly S.
When we arrived at 6 pm on a Friday evening and were told it would be an hour wait, we were not surprised and had planned on it. The restaurant is small and loud and so charming, inviting and fun. We loved our waiter and every dish was interesting and delicious. Great addition to the neighborhood!
(4)Ariana S.
Ummm looooove! Went here with my bf & another couple. We wanted somewhere casual (it was a Wednesday night) but tasty! And the BYOB is definitely a selling point! We got exactly what we hoped for! There was a bit of a wait when we showed up so the host had us wait in the bar next door where we grabbed a quick beverage. We actually were called within 10 minutes so we grabbed 'To Go' cups from the bar and took them next door back to Chilam. (Mad props to both establishments for being so accomodating on these drinks!!!) We decided to go the route of getting a TON of food and splitting it. I honestly can say that nothing disappointed but the clear winners were: PORK RIBS & EMPANADAS Also the dessert empanadas were AMAZING. Super cute atmosphere, great food, attentive service, BYOB. Where can you go wrong!?
(5)Sandy B.
Chilam has been on my list to try for years...I just seldom get back to the old neighborhood so it's taken awhile. Don't get me wrong, the food is excellent but I was SO embarrassed by the service. Friends and I met for dinner before the Timeline (Blood and Gifts, highly recommend). We came from different areas of the city and all brought wine (thus, we had more than we would drink before the theater). We went early enough to beat the dinner crowd and have a leisurely dinner. Got in, got seated and the place quickly filled up around us. I mentioned we weren't in a rush (we had a couple of hours) and was basically told that we needed to get in and out as they were going to get busy. I admit, he didn't know that my 'not in a rush' meant we had theater tickets and we did show up with several bottles of wine....perhaps he thought we were settling in for the evening. We are a fun-loving small group of adults of a certain age and we are not appreciative of 'rules'. Unfortunately they have them and they kept coming over and telling us about them. Tip - You should know that you are only allowed a certain amount of wine. You can share one bottle between 2 ppl over dinner and we were told we could have 2.5. It's not that that isn't a reasonable amount but when was the last time you were told how much you could drink at a restaurant?! I could see if we were young that might be a concern but most of us have gray hair (when its' not colored). There were more rules and by that time, no amount of FANTASTIC food could save the experience. By the end of the meal, a mere 1.25 hrs after being seated, we were told that no coffee was available. Really? Very disappointing as a cup of coffee would have gone so well with the peanut butter empanadas - that and another 15' would have saved them from this review. Don't you hate in when something you've been looking forward to for a long time disappoints for service?
(2)J F.
Cozy place, great service & great food. We had their season pumpkin soup and it was amazing. It's more of a tapas bar which the server did tell us and he recommended 4-5 dishes and we got 4 dishes & a dessert which was absolutely perfect. We will be back again. We left feeling great and not too full. And bill was only $55 a $10 wine from Binny's- amazing!
(5)Sree K.
Excellent food!!! Unique Mexican tapas - rich and delicious. Farm-to-table. Their menu changes regularly. BYOB or wine. Or rum for margaritas. Service once we were seated was great, but the hostess was not organized nor friendly. Waited once for 30 mins and next time for 60 mins. If not for the wait, I'd be there every week.
(4)Jen K.
I have to say, I had decent expectations and it didn't live up to it. We brought some Don Julio to mix with their margarita mix (limeade) which is way too sweet and sour and costs like $10. The marlin ceviche, and scallops were great. The other couple of plates we got, were not so great. We got some sort of black spice rubbed lamb ribs? Ok I don't really remember what it was, and it's not on their current menu. But there was actually zero meat on the ribs, it was basically the bone and spice. There was also something with an apple salad which was really sweet and gross.
(2)Claudia R.
We tried Chilam Balam for dinner the other night and it lived up to it's reputation. The ambience was cozy and inviting and we were seated in a corner booth where we could people watch. The food was excellent. We ordered 5 dishes (two orders of the Flautas) for three people and left full. Next time we'll get 4 small plates and save room for dessert. Our choices: - Chunky guacamole with classic garnishes, crispy tostadas - Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and rajas, chipotle sauce, pickled cabbage, carrots and crema - Shiitake mushroom empanadas with grilled veggies, wisconsin jack cheese, salsa verde - Grilled flank steak, roasted potato, crispy onion, guajillo chile and cilantro The service was a little spotty and we noticed that none of the waitstaff made way for guests moving about the joint - which was funnier than it was annoying. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Samuel M.
Maybe I should put my money where my mouth is and refuse to get Mexican outside of Pilsen. I'd been waiting to come here ever since I saw Chuy on Top Chef, and finally made the trip, only to be disappointed by the often pedestrian dining experience. We started with Guacamole ($7.50) which was actually very good, with a subtle but very present kick. Otherwise, not very remarkable. Mahi Mahi ($12.95), served with peanut butter mole and pomegranate seeds, was ever-so-slightly overcooked, and the sauce basically tasted like regular mole without the chocolate. Not so sure where this one was going... Beef tongue tacos ($12), served heartily with potatoes in and a barbacoa style sauce, were one of the better dishes - a well-executed take on the classic "lenguas" that you can get at any taquerÃa worth its salt. Of course, for this price elsewhere, you could feed 3 people on lenguas that are essentially this good. Pork Ribs ($14.50) are cooked well, but the sauce is woefully out of balance, erring towards the sweet side, which I generally find odious. Tamal (don't recall price, was a special), served with barbacoa and topped with classic mole poblano, is also a well-executed dish, though it doesn't succeed in varying the textures enough for my taste. I was waffling at giving Chilam Balam 4 stars after all the savory elements, as the ribs and tamal were pretty good, but then I had the hibiscus flan ($7) which was cloyingly sweet and had a flavor that can best be described as putrescent. It seemed like whoever made this dish was aiming a little too high in terms of complexity for his/her culinary acumen. Pricing is steep; even though this place is BYOB, we still paid around $35 each. Service is very attentive, but almost pathetic (at one point the server came over to lament the relative emptiness of the restaurant for a Thursday night). All in all, Chilam Balam operates best with relatively traditional Mexican fare, but if this is what you're going for, you can get the real McCoy 6 miles due south for way less dinero. I doubt I'll be compelled to return
(3)Ry O.
JAGUAR PRIEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was kind of apprehensive about going to this place because I knew I'd eventually have to tell my friends about it, which means eventually I'll have to let the words "Chilam Balam" spill from my mouth like some ridiculous drunken hiccup. But I get there, flip to the back page of the menu and discover that -- loosely translated -- chilam balam means 'jaguar' 'priest'. The name alone is gonna get 3.5 stars from me, and I kind of have this urge to start a whole bunch of restaurants with names like Skull Hole or Dick Maiden that are translated into other languages so I can tell my elderly co-workers I went to trou du crâne and I can tell my bar friends that I went to the skull hole for dinner. The restaurant itself is actually pretty nice, and I completely don't get the reference. My real-estate agent would have told me it's an intimate garden restaurant, but it's really a basement restaurant. That said, even though it's small and the tables are tightly packed together ... it does have a warm intimate vibe and it's easy to decide on what you want to order next because your neighbors food is so close to you that you can almost taste it. The food is good. Not quite great, but I'd definitely eat there again. The service however was seriously lacking. I was close enough to the table next to me that it was easy to see they were getting great service, but somehow our table was consistently overlooked. Also, what's up with the whole cash only thing? Apparently the Jaguar Priest Himself has a nasty drug habit and doesn't need a paper trail to implicate him. Our tab of two ran about $50, and I don't like carrying too much wadded up cash to that Jaguar Priest Restaurant.
(4)Bree M.
I just revisited Chilam Balam last Sunday with my buddy Sam. It was just as fantastic as my first visit. The pork belly was one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life, and the chocolate bread pudding was one of the best desserts I've ever had. I love this place and I'm super excited that it's in the East Lakeview neighborhood and only 6 blocks from my apartment - wahoo! Visit my blog for pics and a longer review: BreeEatsChicago.wordpres…
(5)Leon B.
The food is very good but the service was bad. I took my sister and her friends here for her birthday knowing the food is awesome and the environment is intimate and charming. We had a party of six reservation and upon arrival were told we had to wait until everyone in our party was there before being seated so we waited at the bar until 5 of our six had arrived. As soon as we sat our waiter (owner?) began to tell us if our last person did not arrive soon he would move us to another table which did not make since as our table was barely big enough as it was for us/our food/wine/glasses/our 3 year old etc. This all took place within a 10 minute span and we were on time to our reservation. From there on we were rushed to order food, and we all felt they were pushing more plates then we needed trying to get the tab bigger. It is our decision as a customer to take our time with smaller plates, try a variety of food during a longer period of time not have a buffet race and rush out for the next table to be seated. (and by the way our tab was over $150 with us bringing our own beverages) so they did make money on our table. It's too bad I had to apologize to my sister for the poor choice for her birthday dinner but at least she thought the food was good.
(3)Christopher A.
My girlfriend moved in down the street and I was really looking forward to trying this place. The ambiance looked very cool from the outside, and the inside did not disappoint in this regard. It's very cozy, but in a good way. I would recommend getting in before 7 - it seemed to get much busier around then. Like other people, I found the food to be pretty over priced for what you receive. The grilled flank state was sub-par, while the ceviche and mushroom empanadas were average. The flautas and sweet empanadas were very good. Overall, I was disappointed with Chilam Balam. I won't be coming back here - there are several other places that I would go to for "tapas" before this on both a budget and taste.
(2)Shaun S.
Lots of great reviews here, don't need to add too much, the food is great! We had a gathering of three couples, no reservations on a Friday night, but with a 45 minute wait, we stepped across the way to a bar and had a few drinks while waiting for our time to pass. Unfortunately the 45 double to 90 by the time we were seated, so be aware or beware the timing can be tough if you have some loiterers at a bigger table. It is a very cozy space, but we didn't really notice anyone else as we were too busy enjoying our conversation and food. The staff is great and food starts coming quickly when ordered. I compare the small plates to drinking from a pitcher, it's sometimes hard to figure out how much you've consumed. Even with a vegetarian guest with us and a second person being a picky eater, everyone left happy! The BYOB works well, they take your booze and put it in the fridge to keep it cool, so that's a nice touch! And like others have pointed out, bring cash, no plastic accepted here!
(4)Brent H.
We have been here 3 times now, it is very good. Love the ever changing menu. Don't like that it is cash only. :( My only other complaint would be the house drinks ( sangria, limeaid) which are good but overpriced. Peanut butter empanadas on the other hand, amazing! BYOB and get there early if you want a seat, or risk waiting a very long time as they don't take reservations.
(5)Seth G.
My girlfriend and I finally ate here last weekend. It has been a spot that we have wanted to try for a long time, but their menu changes monthly and it just has never worked out. Important note: CASH ONLY. It is also BYOB. We brought a bottle of white wine and the waiter suggested ordering the virgin sangria that we could pour our win into. I thought it was a great suggestion. It really dressed up our bottle of 3 Buck Chuck. Our server was great. Very attentive and funny. It is a very small place so we were kinda close to the kitchen. We got to see the executive chef expediting. She presented almost every plate to every table. We ordered 4 dishes - 2 items that are always on their menu and 2 that rotated. Each was better than the last. Definitely recommened, but because it is so small you might have to wait.
(5)Sarah G.
My boyfriend and I have since returned to Chilam Balam two additional times. Still, we are overly impressed and in awe of this hidden gem. We recommend this restaurant to just about everyone we talk to. We've since brought back several groups to the restaurant and they remember us everytime--total bonus!! We can't wait for our next trip to Chilam Balam, or to try the newly opened sister restaurant. Keep up the great work, Soraya, we'll be back!!!
(5)Alexander F.
I came here on date on a Wednesday evening, and ordered the following: * Chunky guacamole with classic garnishes, crispy tostadas This one was AWESOME--they had sun dried tomato and pickled red onions. * Blue marlin ceviche, habanero, tomato, cucumber and fresh lime They served it with chips. Another winner. The texture and flavor of the ceviche was perfect and the garnishes went very well. * Young greens, roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas I just loved this one---for me the flavors melded together in perfection. My date thought it was nothing special though. * Foie gras potosina, white and black bean sauces, crispy duck leg and radish I was most excited about this, but unfortunately this one was a miss for me. First of all the foie gras and the duck leg flavors didn't go together. Also, the duck leg meat was served in two mini tortillas--one had the foie gras on it, one didnt--which was kind of weird. And there were sauces and kumquats and all sorts of stuff. Too much going on in this dish, and the flavors kind of got mixed up. * Grilled lamb sausage, ancho-pecan sauce, warm purple sweet potato waffle and long beans OK-- the lamb sausage was just perfect. It was absolutely delicious. The sauce and the waffle and the long beans felt a little extraneous though. Didn't need any sauce at all, IMO. * Rhubarb short bread, soy-carmel, toasted pecan ice cream and honey mousse Perfect ending. Loved the way it was served: from left to right: mousse, short bread, rhubarb sauce, ice cream. The flavors built up as you went from left to right and the textures went really well with each other. So overall, not all dishes worked, but I'll give them a give them a big A+ for effort and boldness. It was definitely worth the $42/pp including tax and tip, and we were stuffed. Also, the wine that I brought, a 10-year old Rioja went perfectly with most of the dishes and helped lubricate the evening . Love that BYOB!
(4)Dana W.
It was a Tuesday night and I needed to 'spice' things up a bit. I was told that Chilam Balam was on the smaller side and without a reservation I was a bit nervous.... but come on it's a Tuesday night?! Who goes out on Tuesdays!? Well guess what?! A heck of a lot of people do! haha So I would totally recommend calling at least a day ahead of time for a reservation. We were told that you could not make a reservation on the day of... so keep that in mind for those large parties out there!! Since I was a party of two, the wait was very bearable at 15mins. We actually wondered next door to Monsignor Murphy's ( misspelled that for sure) where a rant raving game of trivia was going on! The wait flew by and soon enough we were sat down at our table. Our server was a gem, very informative and had great recommendations. We ordered a total of 4 dishes. I first just have to say that I am a very picker eater, I would never call myself a 'foodie' by any means. We started with the empanadas because I assumed they were 'safe' haha. Not too strange for me since I have had an empanada before. They were very good, but not my favorite out of the 4 dishes. The next dish that came out was this shrimp dish with an amazing green sauce and little corn tortillas to eat with. The shrimp were very fresh and cooked perfectly. They didn't smell fishy like they sometimes do when not fresh. This dish was probably my favorite! The next dish was the 'special' of the day and was a beef brisket tamale wrapped in plantains. AMAZING. There was actually a tie for 1st place because I cannot pick between this dish and the shrimp dish. And for some odd reason I cannot remember the 4th dish we got!!! I know that sounds horrible but this is also a BYOB place so I definitely had a bit to drink. All in all I look forward to returning to try some new dishes since their menu changes often. My last bit of information is that you must bring CASH! They do not accept credit cards people! So hit up the CVS at the corner a few stores down for the ATM :)
(4)Jessie N.
Why did I not listed to my brother sooner and go to Chilam Balam?! This place is AMAZING! My brother has been talking this place up. I was a little timid to try since I'm a very picky eater and the current menu looked a little intimidating to this non-foodie. Big warning - this place is SUPER crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. I was shocked by the number of people who kept coming in to complain to the hostess about their wait time even though she was clearly telling everyone it would be at least 90 minutes! Also, we had a group on five and I'm not sure if any of the tables could accommodate a larger group. We got there around 6 on a Saturday and were told the wait would be about 90 minutes. No problem, Monsignor Murphy's to the rescue with drinks and free popcorn! We were seated a little before our 90 minute wait time. We had brought red wine and tequila and our waiter got to work making sangria and margarita mix. Sangria mix was so-so. Margaritas were delicious! The waiter suggested that if we were adventurous, he could bring out the staff's favorites. We were all willing so away we went. Here's what stuck out - Ceviche - I didn't try since I'm not a huge seafood fan. My brother said it was a little bland but when he put some lime on, it was good. Guacamole - Super chunky and tasty Duck enchiladas - I couldn't even get a bite of these since all the guys at the table devoured them in two minutes. Chorizo Meatloaf - Very juicy. Mashed potatoes that accompanied these were perfect. Chickpea-queso anejo tortitas - Oh.My.God. YUM Mushroom Empanadas - Also delicious! Also, no matter how full you are, make sure to get dessert. Our table split the peanut butter empanadas and the chile mousse. Both were extremely flavorful and everyone at the table was knocking each others spoons out of the way to try to get more. Can't wait to try Chilam Balam again!
(4)Meghan H.
This is definitely one of my FAVORITE places to eat in Chicago. I have been here a few times, and every single dish has been amazing. It is a great place to catch up with a friend, bring a small group, go on a date, or especially show some out of towners a 'cool place to eat in chicago'. In terms of price, probably closer to $25-30 a person. They are also cash only FYI. Food is great, atmosphere is cool, and the staff is helpful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
(5)Gaby O.
We took my mother here for mother's day. My father was especially excited to go because my father comes from a long line of Balams. I was interested in trying it out because I'd heard good things about it and had read several positive reviews. My rating, by the way, is based purely on the food. I would have given them a lower rating but I fully acknowledge the fact that most people who read these reviews care mostly about the food. Food: The food was ok but not fantastic. The ingredients are fresh and local which was nice. The presentation was also very nice. We tried several things including the memelas, the grilled pork ribs, the empanadas, the tortilla soup the asparagus salad, the ceviche, the soft shell crab, the hot chocolate, the limonada, the chocolate chile mousse, and the sweet peanut butter empanandas. The three most memorable and best executed items were the alligator milanesa, the soft shell crab and the hot chocolate. While I do give the chef credit for trying to put together interesting flavors, I felt the attempts fell short and didn't really delivery. Let me be clear: I wasn't expecting the food to be traditional nor did I want it to but I did want it to taste good and a lot of it didn't taste very good or was merely passable at best. Ambiance: The decor is bright and cheerful and it's a cozy restaurant. Service: The service was good and my father seemed to enjoy chatting up with the owners at first who seemed very nice and seemed to enjoy talking about Mayan culture but it quickly became clear to us that they were exploiting the Mayan culture and mythology by using it to market themselves--which was bad enough (and to a certain degree, I get) but what was positively infuriating was the fact that their Mayan facts were completely inaccurate. Firstly, their translation of Chilam Balam is wrong. Chilam means priest and Balam means Jaguar. The got "book of the Jaguar Priest" from the fact that there is a book called "Los Libros de Chilam Balam" (Libros being Spanish for books not Mayan for books.) which is basically a collection of post-conquest writings that attempt to preserve some of the mythology and customs Secondly, that does not at any point mention the end of "the current cycle" nor does it mention the end of our natural resources. Secondly, they've been trying to learn Maya but I'm not sure who has been teaching them. One of the owners attempted to correct my father's pronunciation of Yucatec Maya words--given that my father is Maya and that he grew up speaking the language it seemed a bit...presumptuous especially since the owners are not Mayan and do not actually speak the language. That said, this place was worth trying out but I don't plan on going back. The food, though local and organic, is over priced given that it doesn't taste all that great. Chicago is full of really great restaurants that serve really good traditional or modern/experimental Mexican food and that do not make up random facts about other cultures in order to appeal to the public.
(2)Sarah K.
I had heard good things about Chilam Balam from friends and finally went for the first time this week. It is a small place, set back from the street and downstairs so it could easily be passed by. It's a great location if you live in the area, but not so great if you are like me and live further west. It's also cash only - good to remember. I was so pleasantly surprised by the food. I loved everything we got. I knew it was going to be good, but we could not stop raving about it. My two favorite things were the shitake mushroom empanadas and the huitlacoche quesadilla. The flavors were amazing, the mushrooms were in no way overpowering. I had huitlachoche tacos at Mercadito and HATED them - too overpowering and slimy for me - but this quesadilla was perfectly balanced. The scallops had my friends licking the bowl - they were more enamored with the sauce than the scallop I think but both were delicious. We ordered seven dishes for four people (guacamole, shitake empanadas, short rib empanadas, memlas, huitlacoche quesadilla, and two orders of the scallops) - right around what the server recommended (2-3 dishes per person). The only dish that got negative feedback was the short rib empanadas. I didn't eat, but were told they were a little on the dry side. It seems like most of the negative food reviews go back to the beef and pork dishes - save yourself the trouble and just go seafood and veg because what we tried were all awesome. It's BYOB with no corkage fee, which is great. Unless of course you dine in a group of four and bring four bottles of wine. And then the server tells you that he cannot open your fourth bottle because the maximum limit is three bottles for four people. We were so ashamed...
(4)Maria G.
A mixed review for Chilam Balam. There are four of us who regularly go out to dinner at least once a month. We pick a new place every time and try to go someplace that we have never been to before. I was happy that I was able to make a reservation for a Wednesday night. Yes we did have to wait at the "bar" (which is really a bunch of chairs again a wall. They don't have a liquor license...it's not a bar...so stop calling it that) until our whole party was there which was only a few minutes. They were nice enough to let us order a plate while we were waiting because I was starving. We were annoyed when the server wouldn't let us open our bottle of red wine and bottle of white wine. I thought the policy was one bottle for every two people, but apparently not for our table. This was a problem because two in our party break out in hives from red wine. Another dislikes white wine. The "why" really doesn't matter if you are a BYOB that charges the prices they do for food. The food was really good. I like everything that we ordered. I am thrilled that they purchase so much of their food locally. I am a huge supporter of this and I also buy as much as I can from local farmers. So this was a big plus for me. Our server was helpful and pleasant to us even after he was given a hard time about the wine. The next thing that annoyed us was when they started removing dishes and wiping up the table as we were finishing up our meal. Our server asked if we were finished but two other employees came over to pick up glasses, plates etc... I know there are people waiting, but don't lean over me with a wet cloth to wipe down the table. we were not lingering very long over our dessert. I also saw them move a couple from one table to another to accommodate a larger group. They better have comped them a dish for doing that, but I highly doubt they did. So I won't be back unless they move into a larger space that allows you to spend the time that a tapas style dining experience is supposed to be.
(2)Jessie M.
I went here last week on the recommendation of a friend: and I will never go back. First of all, I couldn't figure out what kind of a place it was supposed to be. I was told it was a tapas restaurant, but the small plate dishes were way too overpriced to order very many of them. We finally settled on three (there were two of us): the hangar steak (which was tough and grisly), the morell mushroom special (flavors didn't go together at all), and the guacamole (good, but not spectacular). But the thing that really bothered me about the experience was the fact that the waiter shadily tried to run up our check. I've worked in the service industry; I know when someone is doing this. He offered to make us sangria with the wine we had brought (it's BYO), then pressed us to order two more pitchers. Now, since we brought our OWN wine to mix, we were shocked when the bill came. Each pitcher was $11.50--and ONE bottle of wine was used to make the THREE pitchers. So basically we were paying almost 12 bucks a pop for ice and cut up apples. A 3 dollar bottle of Trader Joe's wine somehow ended up costing us 35 bucks. I'm not cheap at all--and I don't mind spending money on a great dinner. But I don't like being fleeced. We left our dinner STILL hungry, NOT tipsy, and we will NEVER be going back!
(1)Rose T.
Holy guacamole. I am an unber health conscious vegan. My boyfriend is a cooked cow carcass devotee. Chilam Balam is literally the only place in the world that satisfies our disparate tummies. We've been 4 times (although we try to go every weekend... darn you, Yelp!) and each time has been more mágico than the last. I always get the salad, which is vegan with no adjustments, and pretty much eat an entire guacamole order by myself... what? My boyfriend gets the chips. Plus, now that they know I'm vegan, they point out the V status of my dining compatriots' dishes so that I can nibble sides off of their plates, too! And needless to say, meat eaters will be blown away, as well. Go to Chilam Balam. Be complete... just don't take my table.
(5)Leigha I.
I saw this place while going to get some burgers and thought "that place is packed, it must be good"! My thought was right on the money because Chilam Balam is yummy! Chilam Balam is not a place you want to go all the time because it's not cheap at all, but the food is fresh, seasoned well, and cooked perfectly. I only went with one person, but I think this place is better for groups because of it's tapas theme. That way you can taste more of the menu items......it was VERY hard to choose what we wanted! We ended up getting the corn masa memelas that have goat cheese (my favorite cheese) on them and I STILL have the memory of the taste of these in my head. The Corn Masas were definitely the highlight for me. That's not to say the rest of the meal was not delicious! The flank steak and the scallops are also great. Cooked well and tasted great. I do wish the portions at this restaurant were a little bigger, but being a foodie, I care the MOST about the taste!
(4)Carla F.
oh em gee. Best restaurant I've been to in a while. We were smart (ahem...when do I dine with those that are not?) :) and made reservations. If you plan on going, do the same. This place is tiny and since opening has become quite popular it seems. And for good reason. All the employees were super friendly and fun. I like a server who will crack jokes. We tried quite a few of the small plates---the Blue Marlin ceviche, corn masa memesas, grilled pork ribs and flautas. All were superb. We also tried two of the larger plates; the pork tenderloin and mahi mahi. Both of which won all of us over. The pork tenderloin maybe a tad more than the mahi mahi, but it doesn't really matter they were both amazing. The fact that they use local produce and meat is just great. I support any establishment that does so. The freshness of all the ingredients is undeniable and evident in every bite you take. It's a BYOB which is a huge plus in my book and the price is very reasonable. There will be no twisting of my arms-I will be returning very soon.
(5)Mari K.
Geez, packed on a Monday night?! It's either a sign of a good restaurant or one with very limited seating. Actually, this place is both. We came at 7, were seated right away, but the place filled up within 30 minutes. Tables are small and close together- so close that my elbow was practically in the champagne bucket for the table next to us. Lovely, I know. :) My dinner companion and I shared 4 small plates- the empanadas, pork ribs, scallop ceviche, and the alligator tacos. They recommend 2 small plates/1 large plate per person. My favorite dish of the night? Probably have to say the empanadas. The cheese and mushroom filling was delish and the sauce rocked. We even saved it to dress the alligator tacos, which were a tad dry. Alligator meat is interesting.. probably not my fave, and I'm guessing probably not yours either. Oh, the pork ribs were super- it just takes some work to get at the meat, so I don't recommended it if you're dining to impress (you'll want to lick your fingers and pick at your teeth.) ;) The ceviche was good, had a nice kick to it, but was definitely overshadowed by empanadas and ribs. It is byob, but does not allow hard liquor. It is also cash only. Make reservations or be very lucky.
(4)Scott H.
Stupendous meal. Flank steak was the only slight miss, but that was because we requested it medium. Rhubarb shortbread was a great finish!
(4)S S.
Love, love love! We had a group of 9 (which was quite considerable given the size of this tiny, downstairs Mexican kitchen) but were still given incredible, fast service. We ordered lots of tiny plates (pretty much how everything is served here) and just loved the variety. There are a number of vegetarian dishes and different types of empanadas - all of which were amazing (especially the goat cheese). The desserts were also incredible... Chocolate mousse was ridiculous; beware of the peanut butter empanada - sooooo rich. Things to note: This is a tiny place and not very good for groups. If you do have a larger number, they ask that you keep them posted on ANY changes to numbers. Also, they won't seat you until everyone is there.... and this place is cash-only & BYO... not the best logistics but the food makes up for it!
(4)Ang R.
Look, the service is dodgy. I can't say it any other way. We waited a LONG time to order after the guacamole arrived at our table. Let me just say this: we DEMOLISHED the guacamole, (and it was THAT good, friends), and we were all forlornly looking at the plate, wishing for more food, for a long time. Long enough that I and another diner became rather testy. I hate to dock a restaurant a star for service. I HATE to do it. But I have to. I just have to. If you need to keep in mind that the service is iffy when walking in the door, a star is docked. (Order all your food at once! Keep in mind that your meal might be slow; don't go here on a night you have a deadline for the end of dinner.) All that aside, the food is pretty darn magical. We had the ceviche, which at first wasn't citrusy enough, but then...it just...I don't know. The more I ate it, the more I wanted. We also ordered the mushroom empanadas, and those were FANTASTIC. I could have eaten 5 more. And the flautas were also great; all the accompaniments to them were great. And lastly, the ribs. I loved them, but beware, you do have to gnaw the meat off the bone. Well worth it, in my opinion. Fellow diners had the peanut butter empanadas, and the chocolate sauce was enjoyed by both.
(4)Sarah B.
*Someone* has been getting on my case about not writing enough reviews and cited this outing of ours as an example. Sheesh, get off my case, man! After a failed attempt at going to another restaurant (closed!), we made our way to this cute little spot. It had been on both of our 'to try' lists so it worked out well. This space is tiny! With that comes a sort of comfortable hanging-out-in-my-friend's-dining-room-feel. It was cozy and I did not mind being crammed in with the other patrons. Everything on the menu looked delicious but we settled on just a few small plates. The duck tamals were a standout as was the fresh guacamole. Our desert was the chocolate chile mousse. It had an interesting texture and little kick from the chile. I enjoyed the experience, although even though there were not many folks waiting I still felt a bit of pressure not to linger. Also, our waiter seemed to have forgotten one of our dishes and obviously made up a story to cover his mistake--I hate that. Shit happens, just own up to it and its not a big deal. Overall, I liked this cute little spot and it is on my list of places to return.
(4)Morgan A.
I'd like to preface this review with the fact that I've had years of experience serving in restaurants, and for me to not be on the side of the restaurant and to be offended is a big deal. A group of six of us decided to try Chilam Balam on a Friday evening. They do not take reservations on the weekends so we came early to get a table, around 6:30. The night started out great until literally not 1 minute after we finished our main course of 14+ tapas, not even having a chance to look at dessert, our server got really uncomfortable and nervous when we asked to open another bottle of wine, telling us that they were going to need the table and that we'd have to move to the bar or outside. I understand they do not want people to sit around drinking their own booze all night, but before we've even had a chance to order dessert? I'd also like to mention there were plenty of tables around us that had arrived before we sat down, and were still pleasantly enjoying their meals, not being rushed out. It was like we were being punished for inhaling our food so quickly. We could've gotten over this except the entire staff of the restaurant decided to stand right behind us and complain and talk about us while pointing, which made us feel extremely comfortable while we tried to enjoy our dessert and last glasses of sangria (that we purchased.) It got to the point where we felt so uncomfortable that we called our server over to talk to him about it. The manager interrupted and started very condescendingly telling us that we can stay as long as we want, forever if we wanted. We mentioned that we were spending about $30 per person on our dinner and he said "Yeah I saw the bill it was like $200 so whatever." I'm sorry, since when is $30 a person for a little more than 2 small plates cheap? I said "ok, well we might never come back." His exact words were "that's fine!" and walked away. After the looks of shock wore off our faces, we paid our bill, tipped around 18%, which I personally do not think is unacceptable given how uncomfortable our server was making us. I heard him complain about it and then proceeded to tell us he doesn't like upsetting his customers but he was getting pressure from management. Fine, we understand this, and asked him to open our last bottle which we were going to take outside and gladly vacate the table (which they had asked us to do earlier). As he started, the manager came back again and stopped him saying "No, I don't care if they never come back, you are not opening that!" Again, I understand they are a busy restaurant and do not want people taking up their tables. However, to be told we are going to need to leave the table before even ordering dessert? And having the entire staff of the restaurant talk about us while we are 2 feet away and clearly within earshot? And being told that management doesn't care if we ever return? The food was NOT good enough to warrant this treatment. Don't waste your time; the food is overpriced and just OK. We'll take our $200 to a better tapas restaurant next time.
(1)Samantha R.
A complete surprise! First of all, you might not even realize this place is here, since it is pretty tucked away. Secondly, the food is outstanding and some of the most interesting pairings I've ever had. Incredibly delicious! The decor is really fun and it would be excellent for big groups. Only downsides are that it is somewhat pricey and cash only, so hit the ATM on the way.
(5)Annie G.
If this place really supports local produce like it claims, then I love it! I went here recently with some ladies to celebrate my currently chaste amiga's B-Day. Small, but good menu. The only problem of mine is I don't dine on swine or other red meat or mushrooms -- so options were pretty limited. But here's what I ate: - Corn masa memelas topped with smokey black bean puree, goat cheese, arbol chile salsa and dressed greens By the sound of this, I was ready for it to be my favorite dish; it wasn't. But it was pretty good. I just didn't care for the base of corn masa memelas. - Crispy flautas stuffed with chicken and rajas; chipotle-mezcal sauce, pickled cabbage, fresh cheese and crema Umm, YES PLEASE! Mamacita, this woke up places inside of me that had been sleeping for some time. I wish the ladies next to me wouldn't have been so greedy with their grabbing of these - Chunky Guacamole with traditional garnishes and crispy tostadas I know it's hard to screw up guacamole, but some people do. Not this place -- theirs was awesome with some kick. The pickled cabbage on top was amazing. My only gripe? They're pretty stingy with the chips they serve alongside. I had to ask twice for more, and they'd literally come out with a plate of 5 small chips. Needless to say, my finger went skinny-dipping in the guac to finish it off. So, yeah that was all I ate -- but it all was great. I was dying to try the beet salad but the b-day girl was ordering. next time I will. The service was a little lackluster. I definitely agree with a previous review that it seemed like they were mostly interested in flipping the table, but I think it backfired because we closed the place down. BYOB makes this place uber-affordable. Decor is great, but the place is tiny and I felt like a giant in a miniature house. Next time I have to head to that hood I will definitely seek out this place again.
(4)T I.
I have been back several times and the rushed feel along with the prices and portion size isn't really worth it anymore. I am so disppointed.
(3)Greg S.
Think of this as a Frontera Grill BYOB....not only can you bring your own beer or wine....they have the best margarita mixer you will ever have...bring your tequila/grand marnier mix in a flask and order a pitcher of the limeade...you will not be disappointed! The food and service rocks....
(5)Cheron L.
Great food. But hostess and some servers not very friendly.
(3)kris k.
Decided to check out this BYOB on a Friday night with a group of six. Based on the reviews, we figured we needed to get our name in around 7:15 to eat somewhere in the 8-9:00 ballpark. We did just that and went to the bar to wait it out. Within 15 minutes we got the call our table was ready, however, we were still waiting for two members of our group. The restaurant was very understanding, kept our name on the list and we ordered another round of cocktails while we waited for our two stragglers. Once we had our full party, we received a call within 10 minutes informing us a table was ready. The waiter was friendly, attentive and helpful. We took some of his suggestions on our food choices and were not disappointed. Dessert was a hit. The atmosphere is casual, cozy and friendly. Tables are close together so be open to talking with your neighbor.
(4)Stratton C.
Be prepared to wait. Period. This place is popular and *tiny*. They don't take reservations on the weekends after 6pm (who under the age of 65 goes to dinner on a Saturday night before 6pm?). So I'll reiterate: be prepared to wait. Put your name on the list and let them call you when a table opens up like an hour and a half later. There's no shortage of crappy bars nearby in which to kill some time. The food is phenomenal, as just about everyone has already stated. Would have given CB five stars were it not for slightly spotty service (our waiter was constantly distracted) and the air of impossibility regarding getting a table. The chocolate chili mousse may just be one of the best things I've ever eaten. And the $0 corkage policy is a major thumbs up.
(4)Erin D.
After having a fantastic time here two years ago for New Year's Eve, my friends and I decided to make a reservation again this year. We were so much looking forward to dinner, and so disappointed by our experience this year. Two years ago, it felt as if everyone in the restaurant was attending one big party. Chuy and Soraya both gave speeches, and you could tell that they were so grateful for their success and happy to be living their dream. Now, I am not sure if a little bit of fame has gone to their heads, but the entire experience was really impersonal and service was at times almost rude. We were rushed through our courses, the food in each of the courses was cold, the pork in the main course was dried out, and after my friend received a burned, un-appetizing chile relleno (while another person at our table received one that looked fine), the waiter said, "well, I guess yours got a little too well done. Oops," and walked away. I am not sure if the food was so mediocre because Chuy wasn't even there, and if he is going to now only part of the restaurant in name only, but I won't be going back to find out.
(1)Mandy M.
Don't go here. Very poor customer service. They wouldn't seat us until the 4th person arrived even though the table was ready and we had to wait out in the rain because there is no room to wait inside. This place is BYOB so we brought some wine with but once we were seated it took a long time for the waiter to come by with wine glasses and a cork. When he finally opened a bottle for us he asked to keep the remaining wine bottles back in the kitchen. We agreed but thought that was a bizarre request. We finished dinner which was good, but nothing to rave about, and asked him to open another bottle of wine for us to have with our dessert. He said no! There is a limit on the amount of wine you can drink. 1 bottle for 2 people. The table next to us had an entire bottle of tequilla on the table so obviously they are not taking into consideration the % alcohol. So if you finish your wine before you're done with dinner you're screwed. Overall not a good experience and I would not recommend it.
(1)Brian M.
Great BYOB mexican tapas. The owners are very present and assure you have a great experience. The menu changes regularly, but it is always good. Because it is small plates it is ideal for a group of 4. They also recently started taking reservations, which is nice.
(5)Elizabeth P.
I made a reservation here for a group of 11 (at 8:30 pm on a Wednesday) for my boyfriend's surprise birthday party. They generously accommodated us, even though I was told they normally reserve for a maximum of 10. When we showed up, I understood why; the place is tiny! This means it gets a bit noisy, but in a good "everyone's-having-a-great-time" sort of way. Our party was probably making our fair share of the noise, too. The waiter(s) brought us bottle openers and ice buckets for our copious amount of BYOB, which was a lovely touch. With a group of 11, and the small-plates style of the menu, it was impossible to get a timely consensus on any specific food order. We started to just order one of everything on the menu, but our waiter helpfully noted that many of the smallest plates would only feed 2 or 3, while the bigger plates would probably get a taste to everyone. After light deliberation, two friends and I made the executive decision to hand control of ordering over to our waiter, who promised to bring multiples of certain smaller plates, but only one of each of the larger plates. The result was a near-constant but impeccably-timed progression of food, and every bit of it masterfully cooked. These people may only have been in business here for a few months, but they know exactly what they're doing. Everyone in our group got to try a little of everything, nobody left hungry (my fear with bringing a large group to a small-plates place), and there were no plates of un-needed food sent out. I've been to much more expensive and vaunted restaurants that couldn't pull the same thing off if lives depended on it. And at the end, our bill came to an insanely cheap $20 per person. No joke. Standout dishes (though there wasn't one bad dish in the lot): the beef short ribs (too spicy for some, but exquisite to me), the smoky lamb shoulder stew, the tender and bright ceviche, the memelas, and the delightfully avocado-forward guacamole. For dessert, the spicy chocolate mousse with goat cheese center was unusual and well-done, but I remember the off-menu dessert special (which thoroughly eludes me!) was the winner. The whole staff was very considerate and accommodating to our group, which generally caroused and had an excellent time (and probably kept them from closing as early as they would've hoped). The food was well thought out, and prepared with careful hands. Chilam Balam helped put a perfect end on a special night for me and my friends, and we will definitely be back.
(5)R. M.
My opinion of this place just changed from positive to negative. Had a great meal here with friends this evening (the food was delicious) but the service was very poor. More specifically, the dishes were cleared way too quickly course after course and when the meal was complete and we were finishing our drinks (mind you, we had not been at our table a ridiculous amount of time AND just moments before we had spent a great deal on the bill and left a solid tip) we were rudely asked to vacate our table in a very disingenuous manner. Definitely left a sour taste in our mouths. Would make me think about returning.
(2)Mikie B.
I came with a small group, the first Friday it was open. Despite a little bit of a wait, it was well worth it. We ordered the ribs, the empenadas, hanger steak and ceviche. All fantastic, though the cod in the ceviche was better cold than room temperature. Save room for dessert - the flourless chocolate chili cake (filled with goat cheese) ranks as one of my 3 greatest desserts ever! Warning - this place only took cash when we went. Not sure if that will change and our bill was on the cheap since it's BYOB, but be prepared. We will definitely be back!
(4)meghan L.
If there was an option to give negative stars, that's what I would give this place. This was BY FAR the absolute worst service I have ever received in my life. The night started out okay. We stopped by the restaurant to put our name in (since they do not take reservations) and had an hour and a half wait time. We went to a bar nearby to wait and they called us back for our table within the allotted wait time. We sit down and they tell us we can't drink all the booze we have (3 bottles of wine, 1 six pack of beer for 6 people). Since when does a BYOB restaurant restrict how much you can drink?? But whatever...we got over it. We started ordering our food. We ordered two orders of guac and two of the flautas and said we'd order more once we decided what we wanted. Both items were pretty good..but the guac didn't include nearly as many chips as it should. So we asked for more. After having to ask 3 times we finally received more chips. We were give SIX CHIPS for our guacamole (1 chip per person). At this point, things are not going well, but we continued to order. We asked for the scallops..and they said they were sold out of them. Little did we know at the time, they clearly lied as we saw them making scallops in the kitchen later in the night. Anyways, we order a few more things and ask for our other bottle of wine. The wine never came..and the waiter came back to take our next order..so we asked again for our other bottle of wine. After another 15 minutes, he brings the wine and asks us what we wanted to order. We weren't sure yet and he responds with "I don't mean to kick you out..but we're really busy." Keep in mind we've only been sitting for 50 minutes and 25-30 minutes of that was waiting for our wine! AND we were still ordering! We could also see the waiters snickering and pointing at our table. Why? I have no idea. Well, that about did it so we decided we were done. They delivered our check within 1 minute (shocking, I know) and unfortunately tip was included because it was a party of 6 or more. I have never in my life stiffed a waiter, but if I could've, this would've been the time to do it. The service was 100% unacceptable. STAY AWAY FROM HERE!!!
(1)Eric S.
Mexican goodness for Nortenos. Who said there is no good Mexican food in the North Side! Newly opened, Chilam Balam, has quickly become Lakeview's best kept secret. The atmosphere is casual Mexico City chic. The dishes are right-sized (not the typical cheesy enchilada platter). The mamelas are a complete meal - goat cheese and beans over a warm cornmeal cup topped with greens (ask for the habanera sauce for the kick). That they feature ingredients from local farms adds to the charm. Love the name, Chilam Balam, literally translates as jaguar priest.
(5)Nora F.
This place has charm. The food is great and it's BYOB. I'll go on the record as saying this is the best Mexican food in all of Chicago, and nobody would expect it to be if they caught a glimpse of it from outside. Never judge a book by it's cover. Everything this restaurant serves is exquisitely prepared, reasonably priced, and delicious to the last bite. The decor is bright and cheerful and it's a cozy. Love this place!
(5)Heather K.
I've been reading about this place more and more and the suspense has been building....finally, I went to check it out. I'm not sure if I was disappointed because the reviews were so overwhelmingly positive or if, perhaps, they just had an off night. I went with one of my girlfriends and we shared 6 small plates -- the guac and hangar steak were outstanding! The guac was perfectly seasoned and the hangar steak was melt-in-your-mouth wonderfulness. The empanadas - that I was so excited to try! - were just okay. In fact, they really lacked a lot of flavor. The texture was good....but the taste fell flat. The ceviche had a good kick to it, but was a bit on the salty side. If they only could have seasoned it less and the empanadas more they would have nailed it. Our last two small plates were the memesas (sp? - small corn 'boats' filled with beans and cheese) which were also tasteless albeit beautifully plated, and the grilled shrimp, which was very good but nothing out -of-this-world-I've-never-tasted-anything-quite-Âlike-it. The atmosphere was enjoyable. The shop is small but not too loud. We ended up with a seat by the door so it was kind of distracting with people coming and going, but there were some nice cozy corners that looked comfortable. I was really surprised how busy the place was for a late (800p-ish) dinner on a Wednesday night. The service was very prompt and friendly but not overzealous, which I prefer. They did a good job of making sure you were satisfied and didn't need anything without trying to join your dinner conversation. Our meal was very reasonably priced - thank goodness for a 'cash only' restaurant. I actually double-checked the bill to make sure we were charged for everything we ordered. We were! For the price, the quality and value is really good. However, I keep coming back to how overwhelmingly positive previous reviews were and based on that alone I don't think Chilam lives up to the hype. If Chilam was in my 'hood, I'd go back. But I'm an Uptown girl and I wouldn't go out of my way to visit again....especially when Mixteco is in my neck of the woods!
(3)Fern I.
This is my new Mexican favorite in Chicago. I go only on Thursday nights so that I can leave the office early around 6:35pm, get in a quickie 40 minute workout, and arrive after a 4+ mile taxi ride up State/Division/Broadway, still a little steamy; you want to be able to eat away without guilt at a place like Chilam Balam. Before walking in I stop at a local package store for beer. Recently the number 1 dish was the huitlacoche raviolis in the pumpkin seed cream sauce. I appreciated the more textured huitlacoche which was in contrast to the usual pureed version whipped up in crepas de huitlacoche at, for example, the San Angel Inn in Mexico City or la Diferencia in Tijuana. Possibly it could have been even better with a different, hotter chile than the pickled jalapenos. In second place was the grilled lamb sausage wrapped in a purple sweet potato waffle. It disappeared faster than the water cooling the rods at Fukushima. The guacamole here beats the Rick Bayless version by a country kilometro. The blue marlin ceviche with a little zip of habanero is pretty good, reminiscent of the no-name open-air spot a few blocks from the Rosarito-Ensenada bike ride finish line. Chilam Balam closes early at 10pm on Thursdays, so I stumble out with the help and walk, or waddle, back to the Palmer. I am sure the original jaguar priest author of the famous books would have felt right at home eating here.
(5)Jake B.
A mindful philosophy of life is that "quality is better than quantity". Chilam Balam is a prime example of such a mindset. Located in the hip Lakeview neighborhood, this underground (literally) restaurant is cramped but cozy, simple yet complex. With the head chef of this establishment formerly cooking with/for Rick Bayless (i.e., Topolobompo, Frontera Grille), the food represents high quality local mexican cuisine in a non-pretentious environment. As you walk downstairs, you'll soon notice that the place is a quaint eatery with a warm and welcoming aura. It is not stuffy and instead elicits a festive attitude that is suitable for a romantic dinner for two or a group of eight. The menu is by no means extensive yet satisfies any appetite. There are small and large plates to choose from. I would suggest sharing multiple small plates (a la tapas-style) to ensure experiencing all of the creative yet traditional tastes that this place offers. The masa with smoky black beans and an habanero salsa garnished with watercress and goat cheese was an amazing starter. Continue with the braised wild mushrooms and turnips with a dark beer essence, served with a side of fresh corn tortillas, is a satisfying meaty dish for meat-eaters or vegetarians alike. The empanadas (with a side of garlickly salsa verde) are spectacular with a freshness of local ingredients that permeate the senses in a simplistic yet astonishingly satisfying way. Definitely save room for dessert. On the night my wife and I went, an off-menu serving of the tres-leches (that included a goat cheese ice cream) and the chocolate mouse (that included a delicious cheesecake-like filling of goat cheese) with an orange essence were a nice way to end an already elevating meal. Chilam Balam is BYO and the tab for two for a very satisfying meal will set you back about $60. Parking is a pain but the food is worth it. Also, they only accept cash (a 7-11 nearby has an ATM) and there is usually a wait, from 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, there are several nearby bars to have a pre-meal drink and the hostess will call you when a table is available. My wife gave the best complement I think this newby restauarant could receive, "It feels like I'm in Oaxaca all over again". Chilam Balam is definitely worth the trip and time and your taste buds will be happy with your effort.
(4)Bruce L.
Finally, Lakeview has a destination restaurant that will be the envy of every hipster from Chicago Ave north to Howard St. Chilam Balam tops a growing list of memorable casual dining spots to be found on Broadway between Diversey and Belmont. Hidden below grade in a space formerly occupied by an unremarkable Italian restaurant, Chilam brings some serious Mexican food to a deserving neighborhood. I was seated immediately when dining alone at 6:30PM on a mid-week evening. The cheerful waitstaff promptly filled my water glass and walked me through the small plate and large plate items to be found on the well edited menu. I selected the Halibut ceviche and the roasted lamb in mole with mashed potatoes. Yum! What more can I say? The ceviche had the right amount of acid and accompanied with avocado and chips created a perfect small plate. The lamb was well seasoned and served with a very well constructed mole. Deep, rich flavors were released on that plate! The accompanying tortillas allowed me to sop up every bit of that mole. My only issue with the restaurant is concerning the cost. At $9.95 for the ceviche and $20.00 for the lamb, I ended up with a $34 meal without coffee, desert or drinks (BYOB). Clearly only top ingredients are being used, but in these economic times I wonder if the chef/owner would be better served by reducing the price point. After all, the quaint restaurant is in a postage-stamp sized, below-grade space. Ordering desert and coffee (don't forget Todd Stroger's sales tax) would easily push the meal cost to $45-$50. Cheap eats this place isn't, but if quality is what you seek, you'll definitely find it here!
(4)Karen C.
We ordered 4 small plates, 1 large plate, and 2 desserts for 4 people and it was plenty of food. The savory dishes were very unique and delish. My favorites were the fried softshelled crab and the barramundi over grits. I'm only giving this place 4 stars because the 2 desserts were only so-so. The hibiscus flan wasn't really a flan and the cheese crepe had a "stinky cheese" taste that was off-putting as a dessert.
(4)Jason C.
Ov-er Rat-ed! Come on everyone, Ov-er Rat-ed! I had such high hopes but my experience last Friday did not cut it. The space is small and cozy and BYOB is always great. However the food and service were average at best. We sat down and wanted to catch up with another couple over some wine before ordering - the server was pestering us to order to a point where he suggested that he just put in some small plates for us. Mind you, this was at 9pm and there were tables open so it wasn't because people were waiting. Finally we ordered to keep him from bugging us. He suggested 2.5 plates per person - not sure who they usually serve. For four of us, 6 plates plus dessert was plenty. The food was not unique and bland. I have had better mexican at so many other places in the city. The mahi-mahi was consumed in veggies, the ravoli was just plain bad and the corn masa was as bland as could be. The lamb sausage and desserts were the only items that saved the meal. Also, as other reviewers have commented, way over priced. $15.50 for 3 ravolis that were terrible - come on! I will not be going back. Sorry Chilam Balam, you are Ov-er Rat-ed!
(2)Tracey S.
Three other friends and I were looking for a BYOB with little to no wait on Saturday night at 7PM. (I know we were asking for a lot, right!) We happened to stumble upon Chilam Balam on Broadway. It is down a set of stairs in a basement like space, but do not let that deter your! The decor is bright and welcoming and very chic. The menu is 75% small plates (meaning order a few and share family style with the group you are with). There are about 4 large plate options, but I say get one of those to share as a group too! The flautas and empanadas were delicious! The ceveche was good too. Definitely try the pork ribs, and steak with mole sauce. The dessert that stood out in mind was the peanut butter chocolate empanadas! YUM! Order a dish just for yourself....if you don't you will be sorry that you had to share. The only downside of this place is that it is cash only. I presume that is because the opened not too long ago and will eventually accept debit/credit cards.
(5)Philip R.
Not bad for an unsuspecting little spot in a garden unit. My party and I, consisting of three others, arrived around 6pm on Friday and had no issues getting a table. We took two bottles of cheap wine to mix with their house blend of virgin sangria which was tasty. However, they said they would mix it for us and they did not. One thing I found annoying is they need not give us fresh plats until the last plat was on it way out which was a little late in my opinion. Below is a list of what we had and my thoughts. Shiitake mushroom empanadas- These were good empanadas but I would rather go to Litto's on Clark. Thumbs up Young greens- Very good and a nice complement to many of the heavier dishes on the menu. Indifferent Brussels sprouts- Stole the show. I'm not a Brussels sprouts lover but I would go back for these alone. Two thumbs up Lamb tenderloin tips- Very tender, I thought they would be grilled but turned out to be braised and flavorful. Thumbs up Sauteed shrimp- Shrimp we cooked well. However, the sauce was on the salty side and the pasta was just bad. Thumbs down Crispy pork belly- I've had pork belly from a bunch of places and always like it. They took it to another level with the corn tortilla, fried spinach, and spicy michelada suds. Two thumbs up Rib eye (Special- not on menu)- The meat was OK, the bean and veritable stew (I think it was a stew) was bland a tasteless. Bad way to end the meal. Two thumbs down! Overall, the experience was a 3.75 not a 4 but there were a few really great dishes.
(4)terry h.
so incredible! i love underground places so i might be biased but this place was incredible! the space is amazing and the food completely exceeded all expectations. we got loads of food (and i mean loads) and split four ways the total was about $20 each. with dessert. the food was incredible and their specials surpassed all my dreams. and the dessert... we got the empanadas and i never want to eat anything else again. the service was amazing and the food was to die for. everything you could ever want from a restaurant and more. definitely worth checking out- ask to meet the owners too- they're amazing!
(5)Mary F.
We were lucky to get to the restaurant on a Friday night at 5:30 and had great service and food. We wanted a light meal and the ribs and then the mahi dish. That was the perfect amount for us. The dishes were both very tasty and spiced. No complaints. Well, it is weird paying cash.
(4)Hallie B.
just a couple of hours ago i finished a lovely meal at chilam balam. good food, good service, until the end of the meal. less than a minute after we paid the bill, a woman came up to us and said, "i don't mean to be rude, but we have people waiting, so please keep that in mind." okay, that's fine. bad timing, but she was nice enough. then we started to put on our coats, maybe 30 seconds later, and the manager/our waiter came over and said, "Go home and watch TV." Our party of 7 left. I stayed behind, and pulled him aside. I said, "Sir, we had a great dinner tonight. I felt like we were rushed out." He replied, "Well, you didn't tip enough." (I found out later we tipped about 17%. Okay, maybe slightly low, but nothing to complain about.) I argued with him a bit, said I was a repeat customer, and he said, "Well I don't recognize you. I'll take care of you when you come back." I said, "Well this left a bad taste in my mouth. I don't think I'll be back." He said, "PERFECT!" I left the restaurant and an impassioned friend in my party went back in to talk to him. I accompanied her. She started talking to him calmly, and he said, "Let's take this outside." I spoke to the hostess for a moment, who was very nice, and then walked outside. He was telling my friend how he's the manager and he doesn't need our tip because he makes so much money, and has been a restaurant manager for 10 years. He tried denying everything he'd said to me, but then admitted it all a minute later. The argument lasted for 10 minutes before he gave a sarcastic apology and shewed us out of the restaurant. STAY AWAY from Chilam Balam. I've never been so offended at a restaurant. The food is not good enough to make up for the owner's awful behavior.
(1)Jill W.
Absolutely no street frontage -- you have to look hard for the location on a very busy street. Took my parents here -- they have long been apprehensive of Mexican (perceived: spicy) food. Now they are converts. We had a number of small dishes. Outstanding were the ceviche, flank steak and ribs. We also had the memelas (sorry but the masa at Maiz overshadows these) and the flan (which I personally prefer more carmelized). But overall, the experience was outstanding -- very fresh, simple but elegant and the waitstaff was helpful and the owners absolutely adorable. Felicidades to Chuy and Soraya. A welcome addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back as often as we can.
(5)Sam G.
Overall amazing, this small restaurant packs a big punch, giving an awesome twist to mexcian food and the Beef Short Rib braised in red wine is excellent. Also the service is amazing and they make you feel right at home.. The one problem is its sooo good its often hard to find seats so make reservations in advance..highly recommended
(4)Brendan F.
An extra star for local produce and esprit de corps. I couldn't help but feel every plate needed more salt and a slightly more deft hand to bring out deeper flavor. The one exception was the duck, a very nice plate. I appreciate the extra expense of local food, but eighty bucks for two without drinks hurt a bit, and it's not like we pigged out. Give it time, it will get better.
(4)Sharif H.
This restaurant is a welcome addition to a very vibrant neighborhood with a dirth of top quality restaurants. In the former below-street level location of a Chi-Chi's, Chilam Balam is a definite upgrade. The vibrantly painted walls and interesting original art on the walls transport you to another place. But on to the important topic: the food. The menu frequently changes with the farm to table concept and the freshness of the produce and ingredients from local producers is noticeable. The empanadas were light and flaky and the halibut ceviche was one of the best ceviches I've had in town. But it is the grilled Gulf shrimp in Mole Verde that will compel me to return before the menu changes. It is a perfect blend of flavors that you can fill into a tortilla or eat alone. My one grievance is that they pack in the patrons a little bit too tightly. I had to shuffle my chair a couple of times to make room for others in the dining room. That being said, this is the best restaurant on this top-quality cuisine starved stretch of Broadway.
(4)a s.
There are many things to like about Chilam Balam. First of all, i love that it is below street level, giving it a certain "hidden gem" charm. The decor is earthy and vibrant and the colors are warm and cozy. It feels like a place that the owners have poured their hearts into. And the food tastes like it too. Using locally sourced seasonal ingredients seems to be catching on like wildfire (finally) in Chicago, and Chilam Balam, even though their type of cuisine is Mexican, has adapted local ingredients to their non-local cuisine. We started with empanadas, guacamole, and Ahi tuna. The tuna stood out--amazing chileagua with fresh greens and carrots. So beautiful and fresh. The scallop dish was a complex mix of textures and savory flavors with just a hint of sweetness. The steak dish with potato and fried onions was also a winner, as the meat was perfectly medium rare and very juicy. My favorite of the night was the pork rib dish. The Oaxacan pasilla glaze was intoxicatingly sweet and smokey with just the right amount of crumbled creamy goat cheese and tangy pickled onions. The one complaint I had was concerning the way the corn memelas were served. They came on a small piece of blue paper napkin on a plate. As the four of us attacked this dish, we noticed the napkin disintagrating, sticking to the bottom of the memelas. Some of us found this too late--picking out blue napkin from our teeth was not a fun moment. But this glitch in plating design is forgivable in such a new place and will hopefully be fixed. The service was very fast, as dishes came out to the table way before we expected them. Our server was knowledgeable, real, and on-point. The rest of the staff kept water glasses full and cleared away empty plates (as there were many) quickly and efficiently, yet without making us feel rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here and will be back very soon to try more.
(4)Kelly A.
Finally, a great restaurant in this space. The decor is darling, and everyone is SO friendly and helpful. I have several food allergies, and they were extremely patient and accommodating. Everything we had was amazing, each flavor better than the next. Loved it! I can't wait to go back!
(5)LVgirl H.
going to try to be simple and to the point about this rating.... wonderful, simplistic, supurb tasting authentic mexican cuisine. -Halibut Ceviche... smooth and fresh -Beet Salad... amazing mix of flavors with perfect amount of morita-balsamic vinagerette dressing (added a tad bit more of taste but oh so not overwhelming... spice was right on) -Hanger Stake... perfectly cooked, tender and outstandingly tasty Guajillo sauce. +++ can't wait to go back to try more! All staff was truely hospitable... always genuinely asking what we thought/if we needed anything and comfortably conversating with us. They all seemed like a family and the place is small so we felt like we were in their home as they cooked for us. The space is quaint and cute, great date place (maybe a little less lighting would make that even more romantic). And big plus to the fact they are about local and green farmage. Point- Wonderful and Fresh Tastey Food!
(5)Jayne W.
This is a BYOB place and reservations are absolutely required unless its a Fri/Sat nite, when they do not take them. I have dined in many 5 star rest and I have to say that the food quality here surpassed any R. Bayless meal I have dined at both Frontera and Topolabambo. We shared 6 small plates = 2 deserts and brought a lovely Turley zin to compliment the spices. Only one dish slightly disappointed and that was the special Ono ceviche...a bit too much vinegar, but everything else was amazing. The fried Kale salad with an egg on top was incredible. The sweetbreads...yes , I ventured out and tried them, were succulent and delicate and were complimented by a smokey wood roasted green bean. We had rabbit, we had seared Hawaiian tuna, and a corn fungus that was my favorite dish! The deserts included a dark choc. mouse with goat cheese in the center and a chli sauce . and cinnamon-sugar covered empanadas with chocolate sauce and banana! YUMMMM! The thing that saves this place from getting too crowded is the recession and cash only deal! Do not go there...I want it all for myself!
(4)Katrina C.
i called for a reservation after reading about the opening in dailycandy, and was impressed by how friendly and helpful the person was that i spoke to on the phone. he explained that they were currently in a soft opening phase and weren't yet serving a full menu, but we would receive a discount and would be asked to provide honest feedback about how everything was. sounded good to me! so we went ahead and made a reservation for 8pm that friday. when we showed up, they were packed and there was a line out the door. understandably, with it being a soft opening, there were some kinks to work out, but they didn't seem to know about our reservation and we didn't get seated until close to 9pm. which was fine, we had our beer and they were kind enough to give us complimentary memelas while we waited at the bar. i'm actually kind of glad they couldn't seat us, cause i don't think i would have ordered the memelas on my own and they were delicious - my favorite out of everything we ate! we ordered the guacamole, sliced ahi tuna in chileagua, hanger steak with guajillo sauce, and roasted leg of lamb. the dishes we ordered were decent, but not spectacular...there just wasn't a whole lot of flavor. i did see a couple of orders of the grilled pork ribs and seared scallops coming out of the kitchen, and would go back to try those, they looked delicious. overall, it was a good experience, reasonably priced and i love a byob. but i have to wonder if the guy i talked to when i called actually worked there - in addition to not seeming to know about our reservation, we didn't get a discount. i'm sure things will only get better though, and i applaud their support of local farmers. plus, "chilam balam" is just really fun to say.
(3)mike g.
Dios mio! The reviews are all so giddy and glowing. I REALLY wanted to like Chilam Balam. I did! I wanted to find a little place in my girlfriend's neighborhood that would remind us of the food we had in the D.F. They came close but no cigar. I am writing this review in frustration. We were so excited when they opened ... we went last week and were disappointed by the high prices and the tiny portions. If they continue this way, I see them being the flavor of the week and then folding. People in Chicago like to eat! Chilam Balam needs to actually feed people without robbing them. Seriously guys ... you're at Broadway and Barry, not Clark and Hubbard. I wasn't expecting this place to be cheap, especially given the farm-to-table approach, but three of us ordered five small plates and an entree, dropped $100 (with tip) and left joking that we should head up to El Mariachi for a snack. When they get a liquor license, watch out! The check will reach astronomical levels! I don't expect to be stuffed when I eat out, but it's very disappointing to be teased with such good food. The scallops were the best I think I've ever had, seared perfectly, but at $19 for five, I doubt I'll ever have them again. The memelas and hanger steak were also delicious -- the sauce on the steak was lovely. The guacamole and empanadas were very, very disappointing and a rip-off. Our favorite part of the evening was when Soraya (one of the owners) came back with our cash and told us she couldn't make change for a twenty. They're cash-only right now, but she told me she asked the staff and no one had any small bills to make change. I laughed out loud. If you want to go here for an expensive but delicious snack before you go to another place for your actual dinner, you'll like Chilam Balam. No complaints about the service -- it was stellar, The owners should post the menu in the window so passersby can check it out.
(3)Tony T.
Yes, five stars for a BYOB in a basement on Broadway. This place exceeded all expectations and hype. Great Mexican share plates presented in a way that you might not expect. We tried lamb chorizo, pork shoulder, escolar, and peanut butter empenadas. Each dish was better than the next. The service was attentive, informative, and overall outstanding. Do not miss this place. The place is small and tight. I would not recommend for a large group but perfect for a deuce and a huge score for a foodie date.
(5)Kate H.
Oh, hype. I'm giving Chilam Balam three stars, because I believe this restaurant could be better than the two stars I'm inclined to give it, and I'm also willing to try it again. That alone is worth the extra star. That said, I was excited to eat here and extremely let down. We went on a Saturday night and were a group of three, including a friend from out of town. We had tickets for a 10:00pm show nearby (The Blue Man Group -- yes, very touristy!). We knew Chilam Balam didn't take reservations, but the restaurant's close proximity to the theater meant that we hoped 2.5 hours would be enough time to wait for a table, eat and make the show. Much of my disappoint is in this -- it was simply not enough time. So, at 7:30pm, we put in our name and were told we had an hour wait. This seemed reasonable, so we grabbed a drink at a bar upstairs. But we kept noticing people who were clearly going to Chilam Balam coming into the bar, having a drink, and then heading downstairs to eat their dinner. So when we finally hit the one-hour mark, I ventured downstairs to ask how much longer it would be. The hostess rolled her eyes at me and said it'd be soon. She even pointed to the table we were waiting on to leave. I returned to my party upstairs. At 8:45, I decided to inquire again. I was told that the table still hadn't left, but we could wait by the bar, so we did. Of course, the reason we were waiting upstairs in another establishment in the first place is because there just isn't enough room to wait inside Chilam Balam, so this added an extra annoyance to the mix -- we were in the way of every server passing by. By 9:00, the manager came and spoke with us. If my friend from out of town hadn't been with us, I would've left at this point, but I had wanted to treat him to a nice dinner and knew that by this point, we were out of nearby options that would be available at that late hour. I left the restaurant at this time and picked up our tickets at the theater, hoping to save a few minutes. When I returned, they had seated my party, who quickly ordered appetizers and I felt rushed to order my entree so I randomly picked one. The appetizers were the empanadas everyone raves about, but they came with guacamole on them. This was not listed on the menu, and I am allergic, so it was, needless to say, disappointing. We were also told these were the last in the restaurant. Our entrees were good but small and we ate them as quickly as we could. My out-of-town guest wanted dessert but was told that was also gone (which was good, in a sense, because we just didn't have time for that either). We basically scarfed down a meal that cost about $40 per person (and this does not include drinks, because Chilam Balam is a BYOB). The waiters were much more polite than the hostess, so I don't even think Chilam Balam has a problem with service. The food was also good, if small. But I would never try to eat here again when I have somewhere else to be within four hours of arriving. There's just no telling how long it'll take, and if you aren't prepared to have a leisurely meal, don't come. I honestly thought 2.5 hours was enough time to accommodate for the wait and eating, but the wait was nearly two hours, leaving somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes to eat. What an utter disappointment.
(3)stan j.
It's like kids opened a restaurant to mess with yuppies. Totally fake, a little insulting, but ok if you drink a lot because they played jamiroquai.
(2)Indigo C.
Great food - super fresh and yummy! The menu changes seasonally - which my boyfriend and I love. I have eaten at super fancy places and 9 times out of 10, would rather eat here. Great date spot, byob and cash only.
(5)Clay K.
I've been wanting to try this place since seeing it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. As others have noted, cash only and BYOB. We brought in a small bottle of Patron and the waiter quickly transformed it into a pitcher of margaritas. The menu is color coded. Items in black are regular dishes and items in red (which outnumber black items) are variable items. We had three dishes here. The first was a Mahi Mahi ceviche. It was delicious, bright, spicy with a citrus punch. A really delicious way to start off. We also had the guacamole. It was good, but about what you've had other places. We then had short ribs in a sauce that our waiter insisted was not a mole but it had the flavor and texture of a mole. It was delicious. This place is out of the way, a good 15 minute cab ride from downtown and it is tiny. We came in rather late (they had to ask us to leave) and we encountered no wait. If you like small dives with outstanding, adventurous, flavorful food you'll love Chilam. We had a great time and will definitely try to return.
(4)Elise K.
Despite being hard to get a table outside in the summer (they come in high demand), I am willing to wait to sit outside as that is part of the experience. If you bring wine (yes, its BYOB), they'll offer to make it into a Sangria for you - so yes, if you want to partake in the Sangria, no need to buy that expensive wine :) The most memorable part of the meal for me was the beet and goat cheese salad. I normally hate beets and have been training myself to like them, but something about this was amazing. It had a citrus pop like the beets were coming alive with carbonation... fantastic. We also had a very well prepare Ceviche. We enjoyed a cherry-pie like desert that was served with an amazing type of chocolate (started with an X) ice cream. Service was good and our water was never empty. Will I be going back? ABSOLUTELY!!!
(4)Adam K.
I totes forgot to rate this place on here, so I'm long overdue! I frequent this neighborhood gem in my area frequently, like once a month. I love the tapas style Mexican dishes here. I always walk away full. It's a triple D place (featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) and I always love Chef Guy Fieri's recommendations, since he definitely has some skin in the game to prove it. I love this place because it's BYOB and they have yummy dishes like chunky guacamole, mahi mahi ceviche, shiitake mushroom empanadas, grilled flank steak and the scrumptious pork milanesa. Since it's a BYOB, bring your own cheap red wine and mix it with a pitcher of their virgin sangria. Get there early though, this place fills up quick and they don't take resos. CASH ONLY -- I hate that, but it is what it is...
(4)Dan K.
Second visit highly disappointing. Food was decent, service was terrible. Don't count on a reservation meaning anything, as we ended up waiting a half hour and instructed to stand awkwardly in the tight space between the bar and the bathrooms/kitchen door.
(2)E J.
I have been to Chilam Balam probably five or six times over the last couple of years, and every single time it has been delicious and special. The space is cozy and intimate feeling, the staff is always super-sweet, and the food is always very well-thought-out and tasty. Plus of course BYOB! This is a place that I just keep coming back to; there are so many wonderful restaurants in Chicago, but this one just keeps pulling me back in. One of the thing I especially love about Chilam Balam is the effort they put into keeping the menu dynamic and fresh; every time I go there are several new specials on the menu. The dishes that stay constant like the ribs, the corn masa memelas, and the chicken flautas tempt me back time and again. But last night I tasted some amazing new dishes too: the chile en nogada (a stuffed pepper with walnut sauce) and the beef brisket cazuela were both insanely good and wonderfully conceived. On another note, I was really taken aback by all the negative reviews, which I can only assume come from the sudden fame of such a small place struggling to cope with crowds. I have only ever had a lovely experience with the service at Chilam Balam, and never, ever had a problem with the BYOB policy. I've also never had to wait more than a few minutes for a table... but maybe with that I have just been luck! ;-) In any case, food like this is worth the wait!
(5)Anna M.
Chilam Balam was an AMAZING experience! Key points: it is cash only, and it is BYOB. A friend and I went on a Saturday night. Because it was crowded, we sat at the bar and had an amazing server! The papaya salad with mint, cilantro, grilled onions, and caramelized vinaigrette was the hit of the night with the mahi mahi ceviche taking second! Every item we ordered was delicious- the menu changes often. Overall, highly recommend! It was an amazing experience and the food was amazing. ***UPDATE 03/02/15*** I have now been several times and each time a server recognizes me. The food is simply outstanding and I have not had better! You simply must try it. Even if you don't like Mexican (I don't), you will find yourself drooling at the thought of their seasonally changing menu!
(5)Shazeena T.
I had an amazing birthday experience at Chilam Bilam! We decided to let the waitress select what to bring to the table. I did however order the pork shoulder with coconut and it was amazing. My aunt and our friend loved every morsel. I loved the food and the presentation. Everything that came to the table had a detailed explanation. My malbec from Argentina enhanced the flavor of every dish. So bring cash, a great bottle of wine, and be prepared for a wonderful meal.
(4)Colin Z.
I've never had a bad experience here. The mole ribs are one of the best things I've ever tasted--When I eat them my pupils dilate and I feel every synapse in my head fire. Service has always been great and laid back, wonderful atmosphere. BYOB with lots of good options around. And the flan is fantastic, even if you're not a flan person. Can't recommend highly enough. This is my go to recommendation for visitors.
(5)Sarah V.
Dinner here on a chilly, rainy Tuesday night was perfection. And I do mean perfection in every sense of the word. Chilam Balam is that cozy, snuggly, comforting, slightly ratty blanket you have had since college. It comforted you during finals, it soothed you during hangovers, and it warmed you when you forgot to pay the electric bill. That's how CB feels to me. Tucked into a corner table on a bench with mounds of pillows and low lighting with the rain pattering outside, dinner here was the absolute perfect way to celebrate my autumnal birthday. Besides the teensy weensy restaurant being perfect, so were the small plates we noshed on in between our one alotted bottle of wine. From best to slightly less best: -Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and rajas, chipotle sauce, pickled cabbage, carrots and crema -Blue marlin ceviche, habanero, tomato, cucumber and fresh lime -Grilled pork loin, fire roasted onion, swiss chard, tomato habenero, avocado, queso fresco, watercress -Wild mushroom sope, goat cheese, green chile cream sauce, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage and queso añejo The grand total for my birthday dinner? Just $60, including tip. And now that one of the chefs at this little gem will be on Top Chef, that's an even better deal. Believe the hype in every sense. The food is phenomenal, the restaurant is tiny, and you definitely need a reservation.
(5)Hannah S.
Wonderful food with exciting flavors but I was beyond disappointed in the service. We were told the wait would be 45 mins-1 hour on a Saturday night for a party of 3, which we expected, so we went to a bar next door and ordered a round. Got a call in 10 mins that our table was ready! She wouldn't seat us until we were all there (I slammed my beer to go grab our table) but then seated a group next to us with just 1 member of their party present! Gave the waiter a stack of cash, said we needed change and waited forever for him to come back. Pretty sure the only reason he stopped at our table again was because he overheard me say we were still waiting for change. No dude, we weren't leaving you a 30% tip, considering the guy refilling our water was the friendliest in the place. Don't think I'll return, regardless of the food quality.
(2)michael m.
Cash Only, I wish they would change this as both times I've come I forgot and had to leave and get some cash. They should have a huge sign on the door reminding people. BYOB, and they also have the option of making a sangria with your wine, which I would recommend on summer days. The food is delicious, but it seems a bit overpriced. The interior is small and intimate. Overall, good tapas + BYOB is hard to pass up.
(4)scott y.
No credit cards no business from me. next they will have a atm machine outside the entrance... Please
(2)Leslie B.
Had an extremely memorable meal at Chilam Balam. Having read reviews, I understood there would be a wait at 7:30 PM on a Friday. Sure enough, the hostess quoted us an hour. After we put our name in, we went to get cash, picked up a bottle of tequila (we were ready to get rowdy), had a beer at Wilde's (across the street), and were just finishing our beer when my phone rang to let us know our table was ready! I love perfect timing. Our waiter, Luis, came over and asked if we were adventurous eaters and when we responded yes, asked if he could order for us. Before I could even think what to say, my boyfriend blurted out "yeah! Go for it!" I was skeptical. I never should have doubted Luis. Within minutes, we had fresh, flavorful blue marlin ceviche and a pitcher of margarita mix to go with our tequila. Shortly after, we were brought out the potato/chorizo filled empanadas which were aaaamazing. I believe these are a seasonal special, this spicy, savory dish was the perfect continuation of our meal. After that, we had the beef short rib which was the only dish I wasn't crazy about. The meat and tortillas were pleasant, but the root vegetables gave it a very strong taste that wasn't my favorite. Our most exciting dish of the night was the octopus of which I was beyond skeptical of before taking my first bite...I shouldn't have been.The fingerling potatoes, sun dried tomatoes, and green sauce that accompanied the octopus made the dish so fantastic that I forgot I was picking up tentacles with my fork. Somehow, my boyfriend was still hungry so Luis brought us the grilled pork ribs. Nom. SO GOOD. Flavorful, rich mole/bbq/I don't even know sauce, these were a highlight. Incredibly messy, but at this point we literally did not care. Torn between the desserts, we asked Luis to bring the best one and were given the chocolate chile mousse. Obsessed. Light and satisfying, this brought a perfect end to the meal. Go to Chilam Balam. Go now and enjoy.
(5)Justine H.
Absolutely a neighborhood gem - go with a group of 4 so you can share a bunch of plates!
(5)Partha A.
The menu has changed. But try the pork shoulder - comes with a green mole with a tinge of coconut. Awfully flavorful. The ceviche is always great (albeit I could use a bigger portion - but I don't cry about it). Turkey corundas were great. Lovely were the chicken flautas. Don't now why I never ordered them before - they have been on the menu for ages. And the service is great as always. The staff is always kind and attentive. Talk to them and they will recommend the right dish if you don't know what you want.
(5)Nina R.
This was the WORST meal I've ever had.
(1)Drew M.
Hands down worst restaurant in the city. The wait stuff is unbelievably rude, they kick you out after about 30 mins of dinning because there is a wait. Its BYOB but dont let that fool you. We had a group of 8 and they only allowed us 2 bottles for the whole time we where there. Not that it even mattered because our waiter came up to us after 30 mins of eating and said "not to be rude, but we have a long wait and you have to leave". Our group was discussed and none of us will ever go back again. I REPEAT, HANDS DOWN WORST RESTAURANT IN CHICAGO!!!!
(1)Lindsey A.
Rules!! So many stupid rules!! I walk in at 7:55pm for our 8pm reservation and am told I can't be seated until my entire party is there (Rule #1) and to go stand in the corner, not by the door (2). The others in my party arrive and now we're told to "move out of the way" and are essentially made to stand in the kitchen. When we were finally seated and pulled out our 6-pack of beer and bottle of wine (it was my friend's 30th birthday) our rude waiter informed us of their idiotic alcohol policy (3) and that it's cash only (4). We start to order and again Mr. Angry tells us we haven't ordered enough and we have to order more (5). At this point I wanted to tell the guy to go screw himself. So! The overpriced and exceptionally small small plates arrive and... really? What is the goddamn fuss over this place? That it's seasonal and sustainable? Because I'd like to personally invite anyone (chefs included) over to my pad where I can ensure my guac blows Chilam's out of the water. We had two standout dishes - the shitake empanadas and the sope. But would I come back here for $12 bites of food paired with (5 now?) rules and rude service? Hell no.
(1)Nancy G.
If I had to rate this on the scale of 1 to 10, it would be a 20! This is one of the best meals I've ever had! I have been to some pretty nice places! One thing was better than the next and the service was outstanding.
(5)Alex L.
Rich flavored trendy Mexican restaurant that manages to be pretty casual. Very cosy (lower level), a little pricey, and A lot delicious. Bring a bottle of your favorite drink and sample away. This place is made for sharing. Small tapas plates that also manage to be pretty filling. We ordered 4 plates and were pretty full (2 of us). Get the ceviche and the flank steak. The steak has a smokey, slightly sweet mole like sauce that is medium to spicy. Staff is pretty awesome as well; they were Very welcoming
(4)Kevin F.
My review on the restaurant is two thumbs down! The food was really good- but the service sucked! I will never go back again! They rushed us and were shitty. They put stuff on the bill we didn't order that never came to the table and even bought stuff out that we didn't order. They said we recommend each person order two dishes - but it was more like a policy than a recommendation. We had stuff no one ordered to make sure there were two dishes for each person and they charged us. They have a strict and inflexible BYOB policy but its to keep you from lingering and turn tables over faster! We had a large group and the bill was upwards of $350 you would think they would roll out the red carpet and really go to great lengths for a bill that high. We seemed to be more of a nuisance to them than anything. As I said the food was really good- but not great enough to overcome poor service. If service is not important to you, I would highly recommend Chilam Balam- but if you are like me and that is a critical element in the dinning experience, I would say go elsewhere.
(1)Colin E.
Our last time going was in 9/2013. We went last night and I wanted to update because we liked it even more this time. Mahi mahi ceviche was a standout as well as the escolar and the pork ribs.
(5)Adoley J.
Holy smokes this place is good! Finally went here last night with a group of friends and basically it went down. Because there were 5 of us and since this place is tapas style with a small menu, we decided to go for it and order most of the things on the menu. Everything we tried and I mean everything was delicious. Some of the things that stood out include: Guacamole- perfectly done and seasoned Grilled rib eye in black bean sauce- the dish of the night Grilled pork ribs- sauce and basically fell off the bone Flautas stuffed with chicken- basically heaven on a plate Grilled swordfish- well seasoned and paired with awesome couscous I'm going to stop before I type out the whole menu but like I said we basically sampled everything including the two specials. Also this place is BYOB which is even better in my books. All this for $50. What a great place.
(5)Emily O.
This restaurant deserves more than the 3 1/2 stars it has on yelp. It actually almost pains me to see this because the meal we had was arguably the best ive experienced since I moved to Chicago a year ago. Every dish we had was on-point perfection. My favorite was the tuna tartar with strawberry, my boyfriend's was the ribs with the mole sauce. The service was casual without being sloppy. I look forward to returning.
(5)Ivana J.
Wow was I disappointed in this restaurant, especially after reading the great reviews. It wasn't even that the food wasn't good- although it was definitely overpriced for the quantity/quality- but rather that the "sharing" set-up was not executed well, which ended up rather ruining the meal. I came in a group of five, many of whom were meeting for the first time. Perhaps because we barely knew each other, no one was willing to take more than a tiny piece of each dish or to finish a dish, so we all sat staring at the food and salivating. The presentation exacerbated the situation. For example, instead of splitting the white gazpacho into 5 shot glasses or something similar, as I was expecting, we were served a bowl with 5 spoons. Awkward! Or when we got the queso fundido, we were only served 4 tortillas so for the rest of the night everyone was tearing the tortillas in half with each course in case we wouldn't get more. If you're going to insist that we share the expensive little plates, please make the plates more shareable! As for the taste, the only dishes that really stood out to me taste-wise were the white gazpacho and the pork belly, although they were both difficult to share. The other dishes were fine as far as I could tell from the tiny nibbles I was taking trying to make sure everyone got an even amount. I wish everyone had gotten two dishes to themselves and let others try it; I would have had a much more enjoyable time. Other things to keep in mind: 1) The restaurant is BYOB and they offer to mix your wine into a sangria 2) The place is tiny - I'd recommend coming in a group of 4 or less 3) Cash only
(3)Lauren G.
Definitely a fan of this cute 'n cozy date night spot. Servers were very nice and attentive. Food was interesting and tasty! I don't think "Mexican" is the right description here - maybe Mexican American comfort food. Two of us filled up on their seasonal shared plates... *Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad - I'd like to make this at home, very tasty *Fish Tacos - not as good as Big Star, but similar style w/ big fried fish, remoulade and crunchy slaw *Cauliflower Tortitas - basically mashed/creamed caulifower in fried balls, yummy! with tomato sauce, but didn't need all the extra frisee salad *Beef Short Ribs - good, but kind of soupy serving style with potatoes, pineapple and pearl onions swimming in sauce, would have preferred a more solid filling for the unbelievably good house-made corn tortillas. *Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake - can't decide if I liked the crunchy pumpkin and pomegranate seeds on top as they kind of ruined the textural qualities of the tasty cake. Could have skipped this but I'm not the biggest dessert person. BYOB is nice. Total bill was $75 including tax and tip. Give this little restaurant gem a try (just make a reservation first, Wednesday night was full)!
(4)Brianna M.
Byob bring a bottle of tequila and they have pitchers of "limeade". Great food every time. Cash only, so be aware. As many others have said they don't take reservations and is small, but I've only had the fortunate luck to walk in and get seated immediately. I love the ribs, scallops, and ceviche.
(4)Rits T.
This place feel like restaurant in NYC. Located on the lower level. Cute a little place. Friendly owner and staff. All food taste like they were send from heaven. Great experience!
(5)Alison D.
Food was okay. They say BYOB- but they only let us open one bottle of wine between four of us... Ridiculous. Mean servers.
(1)Gena K.
Just awful. The food was actually fine. Passable, at best. But the service was just deplorable! We walked in at 8:15 on Thursday and the place was packed. The hostess was rude and ushered us to the back, not really a major problem in a packed restaurant, but a please would have been nice. The waiter was hostile and snippy when my friend told him that she was gluten free and we had to flag him down to clear our table. The highlight of the night was when he asked us to please pay so that he could leave. Never mind that we were't finished...he clearly was.
(1)Michael P.
Underfriggin'whelming. That's the best word I can think of. The service was o.k. The food was o.k. The ambiance was o.k. And for all the hype I'd heard, for all the buzz, o.k. doesn't cut it. Being a small plates place, my date and I tried 6 different things, and, while I could find someting good about eack of them, none of them were good on their own. One had a nice sauce but the meat was over-cooked and the presentation was poor. Another had great textures and prefectly-cook meat but no flavor. And on and on. Each dish found a new way to be underfriggin'whelming. There are too many other better Latin/Mexican restaurants out there for me to go back.
(3)Cassie S.
What a fantastic place for dinner with a few girlfriends on a Friday night! Yes it's small and you'll probably have to wait if you come at a "prime time" - but if you're reading this review, you probably already know that. Which somehow makes it not nearly as objectionable. There were 5 of us and we were certainly cramped but, again, we knew we would be so it's tough to complain about that. As for everything else: amazing. We brought tequila and wine and drank margaritas and sangria. They'll only open one bottle at a time for every 2 people, but that's fine. Why did we need more? The food: wow. I'd tell you all about what I ate, except that I don't know. We had the owner/chef's (not sure which) wife just bring us food until we told her to stop. This worked well for a group of indecisive girls. It also ensured that we tasted the best of what they had to offer. We did select our own desserts and the peanut butter empanada is as amazing as everyone says and the hibiscus flan was also incredible. In the end, each of us contributed $50, and that was with a generous (more than 20%) tip. More expensive than my normal Friday night dinner, sure, but but for the experience and the food, well worth it.
(5)Victor D.
the food is out of this world. Not your traditional presentation but the flavor are very familiar. The atmosphere is cozy and over all service is good.
(5)Zeke D.
There were many things about this place that were solid, but overall I feel like there are much better restaurants in the city worth going to over this place. For a table on a weekend night, you're going to have to wait (no reservations). I'm completely okay with this as its not that uncommon and they took my number and called me when my table was ready which I appreciate. This place is small and the tables are pretty close together, which I'm okay with but when someone BYOs a little too much it can be a little annoying but can't really fault the restaurant for that. All the food was delicious but as many others have commented the portions are a little small. One other point that kind of bothered me was that they sell a virgin sangria (basically to mix wine that you bring with) but the price was similar to other places where I'm buying sangria with alcohol in it and it wasn't even that good. Pro Tip: After putting your name down, check out Monsignor Murphy's (next door) for a few beers while you wait. They have free darts and popcorn along with a great vibe and outdoor beer garden in the back.
(3)Carolyn L.
I had a delicious dinner with a friend here on a Wednesday night. There was no wait and we had some great sangria with our cheap BYOB red wine. My friend is a vegetarian so we stuck to veggie/fish dishes. They were all great and the service was quick! We started with the ceviche which was really flavorful with nice big pieces of fish. Next, we ordered the salad of young greens, roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas. All of the flavors came together really nicely for a refreshing light summer salad. We also had a tuna steak and, of course for dessert, we ordered the sweet empanadas, peanut butter filling, seasonal compote, oaxacan chocolate. That might have been my favorite part! I would definitely go back. It's a really sweet intimate setting with friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Cash only.
(5)J D.
I so wanted to love this restaurant. Aside from BYOB, which is always a plus, the menu looked adventurous and inspired, if somewhat pricey for small plates. But if it's fantastic, it's well worth it. Well, it wasn't. We had very tasty, spicy basic guacamole. Good, not astounding, but good. Then the corn masa (sp?) which had something that had gone moldy in my last bite. The pork dish had a piece that was entirely fat and the sauce had no mole inspiration at all. My friend ordered the fish and she said it was good. Not out of this world, but fine. I could not eat it after the moldy moment. To appease the waiter, who when we sat told us we should order 4 dishes (which also put me off a bit), we ordered the mousse. That would be five dishes. Well, the marshmallow sauce surrounding it was so off putting, it was difficult to eat. I loved the idea of the inspired dishes, but they were awkward in flavor combos and execution was iffy. I'm so sorry because we needed a decent, interesting BYOB in our neighborhood and although I applaud the adventurous spirit of the kitchen, I won't be back.
(2)James K.
Gem in the neighborhood. The menu changes constantly and with the exception of the chips and guac I'd recommend staying with the new items. Not that the static ones are bad but we just seem to like the items that change. Please keep in mind the place it cash only and it gets busy on the weekends so plan accordingly. Also, no one has ever stopped me from over ordering which can be an issue with small plates at times.
(4)Comensal A.
Chilam Balam was generally a pleasure on our recent first visit. The food was good, the staff was friendly & helpful, and the tiny room homey (if a little crowded and noisy). It's a but quirky (reservations accepted Tue-Thu only, cash only), but we had a good time. And it's BYOB, which helps keep the cost down. We started with young greens, and loved the variety added by avocado, oranges, candied pepitas (the greens were a little beat-up, but no big deal). Stuffed guero chiles were pleasant, though a little bland. Wild boar meatballs were scrumptious in a zesty tomato/chipotle sauce, and were served with very nice fresh tortillas. Pork ribs were slathered in a sweetish chile sauce and cleverly plated in a stack. For dessert, we liked a chocolate-chile mousse in a lovely marshmallow sauce (though the chile could have been a little "hotter" for my taste). Chilam Balam is not really a cheap date, but the food delivers good value and the vibe is nice. I'm sure we'll be back for more. Now, if only it would accept credit cards...
(3)nan B.
I really enjoyed the food at Chilam Balam. I like that they work with local farmers and that they change their menu. It keeps things interesting. I went with some friends and we had a wonderful time. The guacamole was very good. The duck tacos were excellent, and the ribs were outstanding. The empanadas and flan were awesome! Both desserts were big on flavor and not excessively sweet.
(5)Dave N.
One of the first restaurants I tried after moving to Chicago because the reputation was grand. My girlfriend and I had the flank steak and I wish we would have had another helping. The staff was very accommodating and if I were to add anything to a first time try...order multiple plates, change it up and branch out. Great Mexican joint for sure! Be sure to bring cash though, leave the plastic at home
(4)S P.
BYOB-ers Beware!! The food here is decent, but honestly my party was so distracted by the BYOB policy that no one appreciated it all that much. We brought a couple beers and half a bottle of pre-mixed margaritas for four people. The server was quick to spark a heated argument about the policy here. He says we can't have all the alcohol we brought. I point out the stupid policy says "one six pack or 750ml bottle per two people". I've been BYOBing across the city for years and have never see any actual restrictions on how much you may drink when you're paying for overpriced small plates. Maybe I was lucky until more, who knows. Anyway, back to the asinine argument with the server: we can't have the alcohol we brought but he can store it for us. No thank you! Like I said, four people, so we should get double the alcohol allowance two would get, right?? Right? No. Not until we pointed out another table looked like they were doing case races were we able to continue on with our evening. After a heated discussion, lucky for this place, remarkably we decided to stay. Sure wouldn't go back. Not with the headache of arguing with the waiter.
(3)Sarah P.
The quality of food has gone down over the years, I've found. It's getting harder and harder to justify putting up with the fascistic byob policies, the long waits, and rushed service. Probably will look for tapas elsewhere until they clean their act up a bit.
(3)Andy M.
My wife tricks me again. She tells me this is a Mexican restaurant. When I think of a Mexican restaurant, I think of Chorizo Nachos and Steak Burrito's the size of Wyoming. I don't think of a restaurant the size of a closet that serves these little Foo Foo plates of food to be a real Mexican restaurant. Like I said, my wife tricked me. And every time she tricks me I end up enjoying myself. Damn you Chilam Balam (shakes fist). Tapas really pisses me off. I hate communal food. I want my own plate of food that I can bury my face into. I really hate to say it, but the food at this place slowly put a smile on my face. My wife and I both ordered two dishes each. Our server did a great job getting everything out to us. We weren't overwhelmed by everything coming out at once. They brought the dishes out to us one plate at a time. We started out with the Corn Masa Memalas. Translated to English, it means Mexican Hockey pucks. I have no idea what was on these things, but it was a hearty little orb that was delicious. The next dish to come out was the Grilled Pork Ribs. Dare I say it? They were some of the best Ribs I've ever had. The sauce was thick and delicious. It almost tasted like they were topped with a spicy mole sauce. The meat was tender and juicy. I could have eaten five orders of these and walked away a happy fat man. Next on the Mexican hit parade was the Grilled flank steak. It was served with little onion rings and cilantro. Pretty fricking awesome!! The hit of the night had to be the Goat Birria. It was spicy, delicious and flat out amazing. It took all my will power not to lick the plate clean. Everything was so good that I didn't dare turn down desert. We went with the Hibiscus Flan. It was a Vanilla orgasm on a plate. It came topped with Ice cream and candy on top. It was the perfect ending to a awesome meal. Here's the bottom line: If you plan on making a trip to Chilam Balam, get there early. The place was half full when we arrived at 6 p.m. By the time we left at 7:30 the would be diners were lined up outside the door. Yes! Once again my wife tricks me into a awesome meal. Trust me, I'm not complaining. Chilam Balam was an amazing dining experience.
(5)Rita W.
Had an awesome girls night dinner here. We had a 45 minute wait, but it's definitely worth the wait. Plus there is a bar right upstairs from this place where you can get a pre-dinner drink which lessens the pain of waiting. If you have to wait, why not have a place to sit and a drink while you are waiting! Every dish was yummy! My girlfriends and I agreed that there was not a dish that we didn't like..which is pretty amazing considered we ordered about six dishes and dessert! This place is BYOB, which of course, are my fav types of restaurants. So Chiliam Balam is bascially Mexican tapas and here is what we ordered: Arugula salad - awesome mix of argula and beets - suprisingly refreshing and delicious! Scallops - YUM, cooked perfectly and very large and tender. Sea bass - I love fish and I thought this dish was delightful! Ribs - yummy sweet and savory sauce, I am a huge fan of ribs and this dish did not disappoint! Briskets - the sauce was heavenly, they came in small pieces and was differently prepared as it seemed more like short rib style but this dish was also very yummy. Flank steak - cames with little potatoes and a spicy red sauce, cooked medium rare Chocolate mousse - it was not your regular chocolate mousse and was absolutely delicous. oh the best part is, with each round of tapas, they also brought out a little basket of warm corn tortillas. I don't usually prefer corn tortillas but there were amazing! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! Just remember that if you do, be prepared for a wait since this place is pretty tiny.
(4)Christie J.
I came to Chicago for a recent visit and a friend had recommended this place. Amazing. The only things you need to remember are to bring cash and come earlier than the usual dinner rush (it's a small place). OH and bring your own beer!! Since my friends and I were coming from the other side of town and it was pouring outside, we didn't stop on the way to buy beer or wine BUT the great news is: there is a liquor store right next to this little hole in the wall. Perfect! My friend went over and bought some red wine. Chilam Balam had a sangria mix already on hand so once we had the wine, they mixed it together for us! Now, the food. It changes on the regular, although they do have their staple items. Let me just say... WOW. This food was sooooo good. They do it tapas style so you can pick 2-3 small dishes per person. My friends and I devoured every plate. Everything was fabulous. And as a vegetarian, I will note that they had some vegetarian options as well! Although we were stuffed from dinner, we didn't even think twice about if we should get dessert or not. Bring it on. We each got a different one so we could share. Again, fabulous. The place is small but intimate and has a nice ambiance. I think it would be a nice date place. If you have a group larger than 4, I would call to see if they can accommodate you depending on the day. I would definitely recommend this place 100%!!
(5)Sarah L.
All of the food was good. I went with a group so we ended up tasting everything on the menu and there weren't any I disliked. I wouldn't say it is one of the best I've ever had though. I thought the prices were a little high to not be amazing food. All of the dishes are tiny as well.
(3)Sarah B.
We liked everything we ordered and the service was exceptional. Just don't forget your cash... We had to make a run to an ATM nearby.
(5)Dhruv P.
Yes! Rick Bayless sous chef. Check His own restaruant. Check Lo-Fi. Check Cozy. Check Basement. Check Hidden. Check. Serendipitous choice. Check Impromptu Menu. Check Perfect. It helped that the food was delicious and while I'm not to crazy about the Tapas invasion afflicting most cities, the sizes were appropriate and I left satisfied with my choices. I appreciated that the menu seemed like it was homemade and gave only enough choices so not to annoy me with endless pondering over the dishes I should get. There was enough choices for the vegetarian in me and I knew that the dishes weren't an afterthought to the meat dishes. I'll be back there again. Maybe when its snowing out... actually, today would have been a great day to go, being in the basement as the snow blows outside.
(5)Jared B.
This is a great place to eat. All their food is great. My gf and I have been here 3 times and each time the food was delicious. They do have a rotating menu so it won't always be the same. With the regulars items they have we have gotten the guacamole, flank steak, and the dessert empanada and they are all good. We get the desert empanada every time, literally. It's great! I recommend you order anything from the menu. You will not be disappointed. Now I know some people complain about the wait, but it's a no reservations so I don't know what they expect. Obviously if you go on a Saturday night it will be a long wait. The last time we went it was a Saturday and it did take about 1.5 hours. What most people don't realize is you can go to the bar the next door over and drink until your table is ready. The bar lets you take your drink to Chilam, they get the glasses back. So i=I have no problem waiting that long. It is BYOB but you are only allowed 1 bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer per couple. They do allow tequila bottles but no other hard alcohol. They will make margaritas for you if you want. For ordering i recommend ordering 3 entree dishes and a dessert or appetizer. 4 entrees is really filling for 2 people. And the last note is it is CASH ONLY. No biggie for me but some people care.
(5)Michelle G.
MUST LIKE SPICE! I'd actually give this place 3 1/2 stars. The food was actually good but they tried to cover a lot of the flavor with spicy sauces. We started with the guacamole. Great salty chips. Moved onto the scallop in pumpkin seed sauce. Great dish but the scallops were undercooked! Pork belly sopes were good. Flank steak seemed to have lots of chipotle sauce. The ribs were coated with a gloppy chipotle sauce as well. I LOVE spicy but it really got to be a bit overpowering. Libertad in Skokie has similar fare but with much more flavor and finesse. Can't say I'd go out of my way to come back.
(3)Robert A.
Had dinner here last night. Very happy with the place. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars its that it can get a little pricey. pros: unique place with a great menu lots of veriety for "mexican" tapas type food BYOB friendly staff Cons: A little pricey small dining area means you may have a bit of a wait for a table Cash only
(4)Rhoda G.
I live around the corner from here and always see this place jammed pack. Even more so lately because Chef Chuy was on Top Chef Texas. I came here on a Friday night with a friend when it opened and got seated right away. The wait can be long since they don't take reservations and the space is quite small. We decided to share 4 plates - goat birria, rabbit tamales, pork loin, and the tuna ceviche. My favorites were the goat birria and the tuna ceviche.Very tasty and fresh. I was disappointed with the pork loin. The pork was very dry despite the mole. The sweet potatoes that came with it were very good. I thought the rabbit tamales were all right. Nothing earth shattering. The best part of the meal - the flan. OMG. I almost didn't want to share and was tempted to get my own. I was somewhat disappointed with our meal here. Some hits and misses. I definitely wouldn't mind trying this place out again.
(3)Mike K.
After nearly a year of wanting to come here since we moved to Chicago, we finally made it out 2 weeks ago. Usually, 11 months of anticipation can lead to a let down, but that was definitely not the case! Since we have a 6 month old (the main reason for the delay) we stopped in on the early side one Saturday night - able to be seated right away, but still a good crowd. They were very welcoming and moved some stuff around so we could put our gigantic stroller somewhere away since it is a smaller spot. We ordered the Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas, Young Greens salad, Flautas, Corn Masa Memelas and one more plate that I am forgetting. It was hard to pick a favorite one as they were all fantastic. I had the flan for desert which was also great. Forgot it was BYOB, so settled with water and coke, but saw that the table next to us brought a bottle of red that the waiter turned into a nice little pitcher of sangria which looked awesome - will be doing that next time. Only down point is that it is a bit pricey. We were splitting every plate between the two of us and I was still a bit hungry when we got home, but it was a $100 outing. This could be because of our selections of plates, so next time may go for the heartier plates. Service throughout the meal was fantastic. Looking forward to returning!
(4)Melissa B.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time! Wonderful personal service and the food is superb! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Carol K.
I really enjoyed my meal at Chilam Balam. I think the chef(s) put together a creative, fresh, seasonal menu that isn't trying too hard, yet is still unique. Everything we had was prepared with care and attention to detail. Be prepared: this place is tiny, it's cash only, and there's generally a wait. I try not to get hung up on the logistics and just get excited for the food. Hopefully you will too. And it's BYOB, we brought beer and a bottle of tequila, they'll provide you with fresh made lime ade to make awesome margaritas! Try going at off hours. Make sure you try this place, you won't regret it!
(4)Lissie B.
I've been to Chilam Balam twice. The first time was a little over two years ago. Based on that visit, I would have rated the restaurant 5+++ stars. Unfortunately, my recent visit didn't live up to my past experience. The waiter was friendly, food was good, but service was SLOOOOW. I understand dishes go out as they are ready, but the 6 or so dishes that we ordered were spread out over an hour. The time between dishes didn't make for a streamlined or satisfying meal, and I eventually canceled our last dish since it took so friggin' long and by that point my appetite was spoiled. I'm sad to say that the slow service really ruined our dining experience. The rating for my recent visit would be 2 stars. Overall, the food is very good (if I was rating food alone I would say 4 stars), but there are too many restaurants in this city to try before going back to Chilam Balam. Still, it's worth a try...maybe I just went on an off-night.
(2)Daniel M.
We went to this place recently and I was really blown away. One of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. It's BYOB and cash only, so be prepared. It's a small restaurant and has a nice feel to it. Started with the guacamole with pickled red onions. Very good,pickled red onions added a little flavor. We also had the octopus tacos, wild boar meatballs and flautas. Octopus tacos were great, octopus was very tender and the corn tortillas very freshly made and very good as well. Wild boar meatballs were served with a chipotle sauce with cotija cheese. Amazing flavor. The chicken flautas were very good as well. They were topped off with some pickled red onions as well. If you can't tell I love me some picked red onions. We also got 2 desserts, the peanut butter empanadas and plantain and ice cream dish. Both were absolutely amazing. The empanadas were coated in what appeared to be a cinnamon and sugar mixture with the Oaxacan chocolate and compote on the side. When you combined them all it tasted as if you were eating a churro with reese's peanut butter cup. Amazing! The fried plantain with the ice cream and toppings were absolutely amazing. Not sure which dessert was better because both were so good. Will definitely be going back!
(5)Carmen G.
I had been wanting to come to place ever since I saw it on Diners, Drive In's & Dives. I always get excited when i see a Chicago restaurant on the show. Then when i saw the Chef was a contestant on Top Chef I was intrigued even more. Well, I finally got my chance last night and i was sadly disappointed. The Scene: Size: Small spot located in bsmt/garden location Day: Saturday afternoon 6:30pm Wait: No wait. Altho we had to wait for bf to arrive before we got seated (He was parking the car) Party Size: 3 (2 Females, 1 Male) A) Not happy with all the house rules: Cash Only, Only one bottle of wine allowed to be open at a given time. Wont seat your party until everyone is present. No sipping while you wait. (While waited for my bf to park we asked if we could open our bottle of wine to enjoy a glass. We were told NO. Ugh!) B) Our Order: Guacamole - Ok. Nothing mind blowing. Not spicy. Not lime-y. Just guac. Young Greens Salad (w roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas) - Again, just ok. Nothing outstanding. But decent. Corn Masa Memelas - Now were talking. The masa was yummy. The beans were tasty but there's a sweet tangy taste that i can't get over. Hmm... Red Chile Sope - Was really looking forward to this dish. Poached egg on a sope? Umm.. ok.. I'll try it. Meh. Just ok. Too much sauce. And again, a slight tangy/sweet taste that i can't figure out. Flautas - Mmm.. i love crispy fried tacos... but these were just Ok. So far nothing is really standing out. Oh.. and again that tangy taste i can't explain... Eureka: Pickled Onions & Cabbage. Ugh! That taste just ruined all the dishes for me. Grilled Flank Steak - Another dish that was underwhelming. The guajillo sauce could've used a little spice. The dish was a bit bland. Altho i was excited to see some tortillas. The Special of the evening, which was a Tamal Oaxaqueño: YU-MMY!! First off, i love masa. Im a carb freak. But this was tasty. The pork was well seasoned. And the sauce.. yummy nutty creamy finger licking worthy. And guess what, no pickled anything!! Finally! Chiles en Nogada: I didnt try this but my companions really liked it. I've never been a fan of chiles rellenos and i was getting a bit full (of the vino not the comida). I did dip my finger in the sauce; creamy and walnut based. Dessert: Empanadas & Crepes - Empanadas were filled w peanut butter and covered in sugar. Then served w a chocolate sauce & a berry compote. Now believe me when i tell you I LOVE dessert but this was just ok. And do you really need all this sugar on top of sugar on top of sweet? I wouldve preferred a home made mexican sweet bread over this. Meh... waste of calories. And the crepes? Blah. There was a distinct taste to the caramel sauce that just didnt jive. Verdict: I'm Mexican. I love Mexican Food, but this place just didn't do it for me. Nothing memorable. And unfortunately I would not come back. Sorry Chuy
(2)M E.
I'd rate it between 3.5 and 4 if I could. I came here 3 years ago and was blown away by the cool, creative combos of ingredients and flavors. Under the new chef, the food is still really good, but the menu seems to be a lot more standard Mexican American fare now. Our favorite part of the meal was our dessert, the chocolate-chile mousse with goat cheese center. So so good. I'd say, go for solid, yummy, higher quality Mexican food, but don't expect innovative, unexpected dishes anymore.
(4)Timo R.
It's worth the price. Shiitake Mushroom Empanadas... Corn Masa Memelas... Formed Chocolate Chile Mousse. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Peter B.
My wife and I are big fans of this Lakeview Eatery. Chilam Balam is located in the basement of an old Lincoln Park row house. The space is very tight, but everyone there seems to have a great time. Make sure to bring cash as credit is not welcome! The food is authentic upscale Mexican. The next best thing in Chicago is Rick Bayless, but at 3 times the price. Chilam is BYOB, so remember to bring a 6 pack or bottle of wine. They have freshly-made sangria and margarita mixes for you to add your tequila and wine, respectively. The menu rotates every 4-6 weeks, but there are a number of mainstays that will always please you. Queso fresco is made daily in the kitchen. The tower of pork ribs is a particular favorite of the patrons. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful and the chips freshly fried. Owner/chef Chuy also pays homage to America when he services a chorizo meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes and grilled mushrooms served in corn tortillas is a perfect blend of 2 worlds. We particularly enjoyed the Suiza-style duck leg enchilada dish. The service at Chilam Balam is nothing short of extraordinary. The waiters are fast, friendly and always willing to recommend dishes. The glue holding the front of the house together is Chuy's co-owner, Soraya. She makes the rounds of the restaurant, speaking with the guests and ensuring that everyone is satisfied with their experience. Soraya noticed me taking photos of the food and came over to speak with us for a few minutes. She is very lovely and quite enthusiastic! If you don't get to the restaurant by 7 pm, there is a chance you will have to wait. Don't wory, they take you cell phone and call you when your table is ready, so you can go to the bar upstairs and enjoy a libation! The place is really popping these days, aided by the restaurant being featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives" and Chuy's appearance in the current season of Top Chef: Texas. The wait is worth it, give Chilam Balam a try!
(4)Pat S.
I've been to Chilam Balam twice. The first time, our food was amazing, but our waitress (who turns out, is actually the owner) was initially quite rude, but she became nicer when she realized we were ordering pretty much the whole menu. They have a lot of rules which they are strict about: only one bottle of wine/6 pack per table, cash only, everyone has to be there before they seat you. The second time around, I had the opposite experience: great service, and mediocre food. It was about a year and a half between my first time eating here and second, and it seems like the food has gone downhill a little. Plus, it seems like they raised the prices a bit. So, maybe it is a hit or miss place? Also, it is a VERY small restaurant. We were seated at a table smack-dab in the middle of everything. I was ok with it, but if you don't like small spaces or need a lot of room, I would avoid Chilam Balam.
(3)Joel B.
Get ready to drop some dollas! But not too many .... Look, Chilam Balam is EXCELLENT. The food is fantastic and ever-changing and the service is outstanding! On my most recent adventure, I had: Pork shoulder panuchos - FANTASTIC! The pork was tender and the slaw was complimentary to a T! Fried Soft Shell Crab Pan Seared Pheasant Grilled Beef Short Ribs - Tough and chewy. My least favorite dish of the night. Flautas with Chicken Thighs - My favorite of the night. I am a dark-meat chicken enthusiast and this was ON POINT. Corn Mesa Memelas - My second favorite and only non-meat dish for the night. Once again, the food and service were great. The place was cozy and the owners and hostess were beyond welcoming. I will be back several times. Just found it a bit on the pricey side.
(4)Anil S.
The food is excellent and the service is better. It is outstanding, interesting and always delicious take on Mexican food. Chilam is a small place that has a homey feel. They are one of the best, unique restaurants around. It is cash only. So don't forget to bring extra. Make sure you are hungry and leave room for desert. I always recommend it. In fact, when we have guests come in from out of town we always bring them to Chilam Balam. My wife and I love it. We at least 2-3 times per month to try the ever changing menu. If you haven't tried it, you need to go. You won't regret it. I've read a few of the bad reviews and wonder what restaurant they went to. If you are looking for burritos as big as your head or chorizo & cheese. This is not your place. Sure, there are rules, but that is what makes it kind of cool. Oh, and it is NOT kid friendly. So, if you are looking for a place to bring the little one. This isn't it.
(5)Chet M.
They should call this place Sham Bam Thank You Maam. When the other table is 2 inches from your table, that's not quaint and intimate, that's too damn tight. And when Mexican style dishes are 2 bites for $12, that's not fine dining but a hold-up. We cut our losses with a $50 tab and went for Pho at Tank Noodle! Pretty sad when you have to complete your dinner at another restaurant.
(1)Debbie E.
Cash Only alert. No credit cards accepted. We knew it was BYOB but were a little caught off guard when they said it was only 1 bottle of wine per table. We had never encountered that before. We started off with guacamole (which must have been premade since it came out in less than a minute-no exaggeration) and the blue marlin cerviche, which was excellent. After a bit we tried the goat tacos (you get two and we loved them. They were decent sized) and the flank steak - we did not love. First they tell us it will be medium rare and it comes out medium well. The sauce tasted like it was out of a bottle. The ambiance is good. Note that it is downstairs. It is very small but even at its most crowded it wasn't too loud. For the four entrees and waters only (and 1 out of 2 bottles of wine we brought), it was $51.75 before gratuity. Dress was pretty casual. Some of the earlier couples had kids with them even though there is not a kids menu.
(3)Robert Y.
The food was terrific here. The flavors were perfect in every dish. I'd highly reccomend their Salmon Tostaditas if you can get in there before they change their menu on February 6th. It took a bit of time for the food to come out, however, the atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and a great place to share a bottle of wine. If you do come here, be prepared to WAIT. We showed up at 830 for a party of 4, and didn't get seated until almost 11pm. They had to keep the kitchen open late for the few they let sit towards closing time!!!
(4)Richie D.
Chil-chila-chilaquiles? Chinchilla? Let's just agree on CB, ok? I recall similar phrases from my undergraduate Latin American Art & History class regarding a Mayan temple or book... [Thanks to Google, Chilam Balam are actually Tucatec Mayan manuscripts/indexes. Guess those prerequisites did me some good after all!] Whether or not you're into Latin American history, cultures or languages, I know we'll have one like in common: COMIDA! (Food!) And I'm not necessarily talking about traditional Mexican food as in average tacos or enchiladas. I'm talking Mexican spices and flavors with some intelligent fusion involved. Young Chef Chuy and his wife opened up this quaint (and I mean QUAINT) restaurant to give a taste of Mexican culture and cuisine. When you bring together small dishes to be shared and close quarters, you've got the right idea! After having CB on my "To Try" bookmarks list for a year, I knew that the dreadfully mysterious year of 2012 was only getting closer and closer. I arrived to CB at 6:30 pm to luckily no wait, however, by the time we were given a spot, all the tables were full and the looong wait had begun. With that said, no reservations are taken Friday or Saturday, plus they're closed Sunday and Monday (share your cell number since there's no where to wait and hang out). The only thing I could gripe about, other than not taking reservations or begin on OpenTable, is the lack of a hostess stand. You need to squeeze across the entire restaurant to get to her before making your way back. Yet, I ended up content being sat at the cutest table in the restaurant (the one in the northwest corner of the basement restaurant with plenty of pillows to eat a few tapas, take a siesta, and eat more tapas before dessert). It was then that I realized that they are BYOB, so I had a glass of virgin Sangria which was outrageously sweet and syrupy. Skip the Sangria and go for a glass bottle of REAL Coka [Cola] from Mexico without high fructose corn syrup, or do a TopoChico Perrier or Oxacan hot chocolate. Chef Chuy creates all his concoctions himself with local farmers' ingredients which requires the menu to change monthly with the produce. Talk about dedication! The monthly dish I couldn't pass up was the Roasted Duck Breast in a hazelnut sauce with toasted ancho marshmallow, cookie crumbs and smoked cocoa nibs. If you're one to skip dinner and go for the dessert first, you'll be a fan of this dish (it still somehow remains savory)! My second tapa were the Flautas stuffed with chicken thigh and rajas (for those of you who are like "huh?" they're roasted chile strips with seasoning), a chipotle salsa, pickled cabbage, carrots and crema on top. They are the BEST Flautas I have ever bit into. Not greasy or over-cooked, with tons of flavor involving with the smokey chiptole salsa. I also ordered the guacamole which was tasty with bits of jicama to give it some texture, yet not outstanding. Two tapas per person in the party is a good place to start. Lastly, dessert is not to be skipped here! I loved the Chocolate Chile Mousse formed in a pyramid, stuffed with a large chunk of creamy spiced goat cheese and accompanied by an orange marshmallow sauce. Perfection! Shouldn't it be though since the ancient Mexicans invented chocolate?! Hurry over to Chilam Balam since Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives just stopped in this past month. Once his show hits TVs nation-wide, it'll be una locura! Andale with your cash in hand! Even better, CB's own chef/owner is on Season 9's Top Chef! Awarded Review of the Day in Chicago, Illinois on 12/10//2011!
(5)David J.
This review is about the SERVICE not the food. I had eaten at CB years ago when it first opened and it was good. I wanted to go back last night. They didn't take reservations (that's fine -- many places dont) but they said "it shouldn't be a problem. When I got there at 7, I was told it was a 45 min wait. Again, no problem BUT the woman at the front was so incredibly rude it was unreal. She said "give me your number and we'll call you but we're only calling you twice and that's it" Again, that is fine, but her tone and attitude were so unkind that I was honestly taken aback. My friend and I were each holding a bottle of wine and she said "Oh, you can only have one bottle between the two of you" -- again, no problem but WHY SO RUDE?? (and where does that rule come from? That's ridiculous). Then I didn't even finish my question when I was about to ask her if they would hold the bottles for us so we didn't have to carry them around and she interrupted me and said "we won't hold your bottles for you" Guess what? I won't be returning. The food as I recall was good, but this service was so embarrassingly bad, I would never recommend that anyone go there. Sorry but there are only about 1000 restaurants in a 2 mile radius of that place... there's no reason to be so unkind and unfriendly. You have permanently lost my business and I'll make sure to pass along this terrible service story to all of my friends.
(1)Amy L.
A nice spot to go with friends for tapas style dishes. The place is small and doesn't take reservations so I do not recommend large parties. The service was great. The food was tasty and best of all it's a BYO! The prices aren't bad but remember it's cash only.
(4)Paul K.
As close to perfection as it gets. A great bar above it to have a drink while you wait for a table. We started out with the guacamole which was very good. I am not sure about the chips though. They had a just out of the bag quality to them. We then tried the ceviche which had just the right amount of heat and was full of flavor. Again it was the chips that were holding this dish back. Then it was on to the grilled prawns which were a nice size and were accompanied by a wonderful chipotle sauce. My wife had the corn masa memelas which she thought was excellent, while I had the pork shoulder which was served in a salsa verde and pineapple. This dish was the highlight of the evening. Served with soft tortilla shells the pork shoulder fell apart and seemingly melted into the salsa verde. For desert we had the pumpkin trifle which was simply put amazing. Well worth the trip to Broadwaw, it is cash only and they allow you to bring one bottle of wine per couple. This would have been a five star review but they need to do something about the tortilla chips.
(4)Ted C.
Highly recommended! I'm a big fan of BYOB, so this place definitely checked that box. Although, you are only allowed 1 bottle of wine per couple (basically 2 glasses). I'm not a fan of this, as most people will have 3-4 glasses w a meal w many courses (like Chilam Balam). You ARE allowed to bring a bottle of tequila, which is a little ridiculous. Still trying to figure out the policy on that. My fiancé and I were big fans of the following dishes: crunchy pork belly tacos, duck breast in Chipotle sauce, flautas, and peanut butter empanadas for dessert. Not big fans of: the wait, the 1 bottle wine rule, ribs (a little dry), and the lobster (small portion for 17 bones). We are looking forward to our next trip back!
(4)Emily C.
This is what I wish all modern Mexican restaurants were like. They serve tasting plates, and the dishes attempt to combine a variety of complex and creative flavors while still maintaining a Mexican essence. Pork belly with cilantro and grapefruit: Excellent. The fatty meat pieces melted in my mouth, and the tangy grapefruit was an excellent touch to balance out the smoky, chocolatey mole sauce. Seared scallops: devine. The scallops were cooked to perfection - crisp on the outside but soft and flaky on the inside. The sauce was sour and creamy, topped with endives and pickled cabbage. Flank steak: TERRIBLE. Stay away. The waiter told us that the steak comes medium rare, but what we got was well done. It was chewy, tough, and tasted like it was made with low quality meat. The sauce was spicy at the expense of dynamic flavor. At the end of our meal, we told the waiter that the flank steak was truly awful. He did nothing to try to remedy the problem. I know that everything else was good, but the flank steak was simply unacceptable. Steak is a very standard dish that most restaurants create competently, so I am surprised that such a highly regarded restaurant would botch it so completely. Plus, I do not like making $15 mistakes, especially when I bring it to the restaurant's attention and they don't remedy it.
(3)Becky N.
Nice evening at Chilam Bilam. Our servers were all adorable, very helpful with menu. Things I loved in order of loving them: Pork ribs, grilled flank steak, corn masa memelas, steamed barramundi and young greens salad. I will be back. This place is super cute and the food was really good. Thanks Chilam Balam for a great experience. Becky PS: This place is great during the weekday. 6:00 pm reservation confirmed and honored. Not too loud or too crowded. Perfect for my pal and I.
(4)Jackie R.
I came here a few years ago when I lived in Lakeview. After trying to get a table on several occasions with no luck, my boyfriend and I decided to go to the restaurant when they opened (around 5PM). Well, we arrived at around 5:10 and a string of 4-5 men (servers, runners, possibly a chef or two?) were standing in a line smoking on the stairs outside the restaurant. It was really weird when none of them moved out of our way when we were just trying to get into the restaurant, and on top of it, someone commented, "I guess we're open now" followed by a bunch of snickering. So, that was the first thing. The next thing - we were the first people in the restaurant and we were seated under the speaker system which they proceeded to blast. Then, we ordered 4 small plates of food and the total (tip not included) was around $50. We stopped ourselves from ordering more food. We could have easily bought 4 more plates of food to be fully satisfied but didn't want to waste the money. The food was just really underwhelming. My boyfriend and I then proceeded to the CVS across the street to buy some cheap snack food because we were both still hungry. A basic equation sums up my experience here: Horribly rude staff + underwhelming food = I will not go back to this restaurant
(2)Chad V.
Inventive, interesting and exciting. However, this place didn't live up to the hype for me. The first time I went I was satisfied (not blown away), and the second time I left wanting more. The shiitake empanadas are good, and so are a lot of their other dishes. However, to my taste buds, some of the flavors seem to clash OR there is no flavor at all. Give it a try, it seems as though many people love this place...
(3)Austin H.
After walking by this place for months we finally decided to give it a shot. I'll start with the good things: -Small, bustling setting but quite cozy and comfortable. -We made a reservation the night before, showed up on time and were seated immediately. -We also brought along our own bottle of red wine and the server created a delicious sangria with it ($12) -The pork belly was great. Crispy on the outside and it just melts when touched with a fork. It was perfectly paired with a savory strawberry and black vinegar sauce. -BYO. Bad things: -We ordered 3 dishes to start, one per person, and the waiter replied with: "that's not enough" and that we had to "order at least one more or we would still be hungry." -The waiter was visibly perturbed when we said we'd wait to see if we wanted to order more. At that point the service dropped off steeply and so did our interest. -The quality of food did not stand up to the price ($10-15 per plate) FYI: We ordered the duck albondigas, pork belly, and chicken flautas. -Service was very rushed. I understand the restaurant is small and always on a wait but within minutes after the meal the hostess told us to move to the bar to finish our sangria. As a former host and server at a busy restaurant, this is unacceptable. If it absolutely has to be done, at least be polite about it. -Cash ONLY is truly inconvenient. What year is it again? Conclusion: After dropping $60 pre-tip we expected MUCH, much more. I'm almost positive that if we had tried 3 or 4 more dishes the experience would have been different, but the rushed service and pressure from the waitstaff ruined our mood and turned us off from ordering more. There are better restaurants in the area to spend your money on.
(2)Chuck K.
Really 3.5 Stars for this BYOB tapas restaurant! CASH ONLY - does not accept credit cards. Went here last night for dinner and was quite impressed with the food. The service was great. The only problem was getting seated! Despite what Yelp says, they do not take reservations on Fridays or Saturdays. We put our name in and were told 30 minutes. They were nice enough to offer to call us so we could go and enjoy a drink at a nearby bar. An hour later we headed back and were told it would be another twenty minutes. Unacceptable! They clearly need to get their system for seating people down and do a better job of setting expected wait times. The restaurant has a really cool set up and is quite small and cozy. Our waiter was great and made several recommendations that were a hit! Here's what we had that are a must: The Pork Ribs (Looks like Meat Jenga!) The Lamb Ribs have an amazing dry rub spice on them that is AMAZING The Scallops were prepared perfectly and have a unique sauce. The Flank Steak was prepared perfectly medium rare and served with a spicy red sauce. The one item we had that we did not really enjoyed was the quail. This was pretty gamy. Peanut Butter Empanadas were awesome!!! An absolute must if you go. As I said this place is BYOB! If you bring wine they'll make you sangria. Bring your own tequila and they'll make you margaritas or just join you in some shots! I really enjoyed the meal here, even though it was a three hour experience. I would suggest trying it out on a weeknight and avoiding on the weekends.
(3)Katy S.
I finally tried Chilam Balam on a Saturday night with 4 friends. I planned for a wait- arrived at 7:30 to put my name in for a table of 5. The restaurant is teeny-tiny and we were prepared for a wait. They said the wait would be 1 hour to 1.5 hours. We were hardly half way through a beer at the bar upstairs and our table was ready (people had taken themselves off the list). Score! For a little less than $50 we sampled almost every item on the menu and dined for almost 2 hours and left stuffed. I have never found myself so full from eating tapas. Before I get in to the food, let me say our server was awesome. He cracked a couple jokes, offered honest advice, and kept our glasses full. You bring your own tequila or wine and your server mixes tequila or sangria tableside. The menu changes regularly but here are my notes from our meal: Memelas- simple ingredients and awesome flavor Hibiscus flan- we almost didn't get dessert and this flan was out of this world Herichaes Ceviche- two different kinds, light and flavorful Empanadas- good but not a must have Flank steak- tasty Ribs- hearty portion Crab- expensive, not the best Guac- simple, small serving I can't believe such unique and delicious food came out of the world's smallest kitchen. Chilam Balam is an dining experience worthy of all the hype.
(4)Charlie B.
I finally got to try this spot on Friday. I had been meaning to go for a while. Everything was really great, unique spins on Mexican food. I love that the menu changes and gives me reason to keep coming back. The highlight of the night: peanut butter empanadas for dessert. A couple cons - For the price, the portions are not great. And I know there is no standard table size, but for tapas-style lots of dishes were 3 pieces of this or that or odd numbers to share with a table of four. Also, prices are pretty high for what you get. It's some great high-end Mexican food, so I am sure I will be back. More like 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.
(4)Jason M.
Everything we ordered was bursting with flavor and it appeared made from the freshest of ingredients. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes!
(5)James W.
Amazing. Probably the best Mexican I've ever had. The waiter suggested we let him bring out his favorite dishes and we were happy to let him. After multiple rounds he told us that was all he had ordered for us. The food was so good we had him put in another 4 dishes. The sauces they used were so delicious and you can tell they put a lot of time into them to create unique flavors, even with the more common sauces. The chorizo meatloaf and the duck enchiladas were unreal.
(5)Laura L.
Wonderful food BYO Small, expensive portions No reservations on weekends after 6pm. No waiting area, so you end up going next door to Monsignor Murphy's but that's ok bc they let you walk your drinks over to Chilam. Seriously. They trade glasses every week. Go. Try it. But not a place you will be up for regularly.
(3)Robert W.
Wow, probably the worst food experience I've had in Chicago. We initially arrived in this basement restaurant and were told they did not seat anyone until the whole party had arrived, and were ushered back to the dirty bar in the back of the completely empty dining area (maybe 3 out of 15 tables were occupied). After waiting around 5 minutes, the hostess impatiently asked us "soooo...when is the rest of your party arriving?" while literally tapping her foot as if we were ripping off this establishment by taking up space in the filthy bar area. When the rest of our party arrived (relief!) we waited around 5-7 minutes for them to clear one of myriad empty tables. Irritatingly, we then watched as 2 patrons walked in and said "oh, my party is right around the corner" and were seated, then waited 20 minutes for the remainder of their parties to arrive. Main event: the food was somewhere between mediocre and unacceptable. It arrived very slowly, cold, and in tiny portions. While the per-dish price isn't exorbitant, it's usually in tiny portions which do not share well--for example, things are often in threes, so if you're two couples, forget it. Bill came to $98 for 5 small dishes that did not fill up the small group. To top off the pathetic and rude performance of the waitstaff, when I gave him $120 (note that it all has to be in CASH, so don't even think about bringing your credit card, and unlike every other cash-only restaurant I've ever been to, they don't even have an ATM) the waiter brought it back and I told him to keep the change to which he proceeded to argue that the balance was 98 and I had given him 100. So on top of receiving the worst service I've had in Chicago, I was embarrassed in front of my entire party and essentially accused of giving an insufficient tip after giving over 20%. I can not say more bad things about this place. The food alone would have earned it a 2.5/5, but the rock-bottom service pretty much made this my worst Chicago restaurant experience. Also, miscellaneous failures: their rules. They allow one bottle of wine per two people or a 6 pack of beer. Also, they allow beer wine and tequila. Not rum. Not vodka. Not hard cider. Do they think they're the only BYOB mexican place in Lakeview? No. They're not. And they're not even in the top half. FAIL, STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS.
(1)John E.
Simply amazing. Best food I have had to date in Chicago. Best, most flavorful and unique Mexican food I've ever found. If I can suggest one thing, something that I seriously recommend, it would be to try the hibiscus flan. Seriously. I have never been a fan of flan, honestly, but this was an experience in and of itself. A friend and I split four dishes, each one more impressive than the previous, and were sufficiently full. Then the waiter recommended we try the flan. Had we thought better of it I think my life would be slightly less awesome (no hyperbole). The flan really put the entire experience over the top and would guarantee a 6th star from me if possible. Chilam Bilam is BYOB AND cash only; a little note, however: they only allow one (1) six-pack per two people. Not that it matters, but just a heads up.
(5)Kim E.
This place is a hidden gem in the Lakeview area. Their owner has worked in Rick Bayless' restaurants and really brings a lot of Rick's style of fresh / local ingredient cooking to their menu. Their menu continually changes but there are some constants that have stuck around on the menu since our first visit. Definitely go for the ribs - they are well worth the mess. Their guac and ceviche are also delicious starters. For a party of two, we're usually good with four plates total plus a dessert if we're not quite stuffed (the empanadas are rich but very tasty). We've not found a dish we didn't like and feel free to let the waiter/wattress take control (for a party of 6, we once ordered every dish on the menu). This place is cash only and they do not take reservations. They are BYOB, so that helps keep the cost down. For a large party, plan to come early or to hang out upstairs until space opens up. For a small party, you can usually get seated pretty quickly but if you come in prime time, be prepared to wait.
(5)Kori E.
I was pleasantly surprised by this cute little place! I had actually never heard of it before and wasn't quite sure what to expect! Love that it is BYOB and we had no wait at 7:45 on a Thursday night! We started off with the Escolar Crudo and it was delicious! The astronaut corn was a nice touch and the fish melted in your mouth! Yummy! We then ordered the Empanada's, the brisket and the tomato salad. The tomato salad was by far my favorite out of the three. The tomatoes were huge and meaty, the seasoning was delicious and the cheese was a great accompaniment. The Empanada's were good, but the ones I've had at 90 miles were far better! The brisket we both agreed was kind of weird. The meat was crispy, almost like it had been deep fried. We weren't really fans. The sauce it was smothered in was delicious as was the potato salad on the side. They served tortillas with it, but I ended up just eating the meat by itself. All in all the food was very fresh, tasty and I would love to come back and try what other options on the menu. I love they change up their menu seasonally and they use sustainable fresh ingredients! I thought our waiter was excellent and he even recommended our starter due to the fact we had white wine. He was very helpful throughout the night and was attentive, but not overly so. This place is super cute and I would recommend it for a date, girls night out or just a go to dinner spot!
(4)Arpana U.
Tried this place for the first time couple weeks ago, my husband and I really enjoyed it. BYOB with no cork fee is a huge plus, as all have said. The place itself is quaint and cute, limited seating, but not tiny. On a weeknight around 9ish, we had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Definitely small plates style, but with Mexican flair, not Spanish. There were two of us and 5 dishes worked out well. In that sense, it does get a bit pricey at $25-35 per person. Had the guac, very fresh, very enjoyable. Liked the empanadas, also fresh and not greasy. I got the grilled flank steak and thought it was good, it was not tough nor fatty, and the sauce underneath was quite tasty, especially if you like tomato based sauces. Corn masa memlas were also delightful. The service was nice, helpful and accommodating. They made sure our wine glasses were full. Only downside is that the menu is small, and although it's changing, 80% of the items stay the same, with a just a few new ones. I can definitely see myself coming back, but not too many times at once, as the menu may get a bit monotonous.
(4)Nicki W.
Oh my good lord do I love the pants off this place. Do yourself a favor and go there soon....even tonight! Chilam Balam has gotten a lot of recent hype so its tiny little space is busting at the seams filled with salivating people. Here are some things you need to know. If you're coming with a bigger group, you may want to re-think your location because I can't see more than 6 people fitting at any table. The place is TEENY TINY and I love it that way but they pack em in. Adorable decor on the inside and I love the fact that it's located in a basement. It's very homey. The service is great and I've always gotten spot-on suggestions. Yes, you heard it here...BYOB.....bring it on. If you bring Tequila, they will make margaritas for you. With a CVS right down the street it's the perfect combo. Their menu changes all the time, but some menu items will stay on there. On my most recent visit I had the Blue Marlin Ceviche which I feel is so wonderful they keep that one on the menu. You can never go wrong with their Guac....amazing...BOOM. I tried the Grilled Flank Steak and they totally overcooked it, but it still tasted great. The Pork Tenderloin was bliss too. You HAVE to try the desserts. Even if your pants are bursting open and you can no longer breathe. Do it! The Sweet empanadas with peanut butter filling, seasonal compote and Oaxacan chocolate are TO DIE FOR! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it...omg. Last time I tried the Hibiscus Flan which was interesting and just what I needed. Go. DO IT. That is all.
(5)Diane H.
There are a lot of rules here. No credit cards, only one bottle of wine per two people, no reservations on Fri-Sun, and tables are not seated until entire party has arrived. I expected there to be a wait, so I arrived a few minutes early to get our names on the list while my friend picks up wine. The host continued to stress to me that I couldn't be seated until both of us were there. Ok, yep, I got it. Another couple comes in, who apparently is smarter than us and knows how to beat the system because she seats them, and then the guy runs out for the next 10 minutes to get wine. When my friend arrives, we are seated so close to the front door on a chilly evening that we were practically directing guests walking in where to find the host stand while wearing our coats to stay warm. There is a cozy small table available in the corner that we asked for but we are told it is being held for someone else (but I thought they didn't accept reservations for small parties?!). Then we notice a girl arrive by herself and the host quickly seats her at a table while she waits for the rest of her four-person party...apparently all of the 'strict' rules are negotiable depending on who you are. So be someone special. Oh, yeah, and they have food, too. Maybe the bad experience influenced my opinion, but although I wanted to love it based on all the great reviews, 'fine-but-unmemorable' would probably be the best description. I'm glad I tried it, but I wouldn't go back even if the service was better.
(2)Jack P.
Forget the fact that I can never remember it's name; when you say it, it sounds Middle Eastern, not Mexican. But I am happy to say I had the opportunity to try the place on a Saturday evening post Landmark Cinema. Certainly is convenient for dinner and a movie. What impressed me the most was how they converted a basement into such a warm.colorful, and charming space. Tables all smooshed together as if you were in New York City. You have to at least acknowledge your neighbors when they are almost in your lap. The proximity is also good for checking out other people's food choices. That influenced two of our choices. We walked in with some Mexican beer, had a short wait at the bar, and were seated in about 10 minutes. Not bad for a Saturday evening. I was also impressed (but not surprised) that the warmth of the place was also reflected in the staff. Or perhaps it was vice-versa. They were all gracious, hospitable and eager to please. No swelling of the attitudinal glands here. Just genuine and friendly. Love the little artsy handmade menus. It's the kind that has a lot of fiber in it, in case you choose to just munch on it. The choices reportedly change frequently. Our waiter suggested five tapas for two. We ended up with four: guacamole and chips, seared scallops (3) and corn/veggies in a sauce, a nice frisee salad with pumpkin seeds and grilled jicama, and finally two empanadas with a salsa verde. Flavor and texture-wise, I think my favorite was the salad. The other items were good, but not great. And while the total meal was only $42.00, it was light, and, at least to me, some items are over-priced. For $13.95, I want an entree, not a tapas. Or it better be a really big tapas. Prices vary from $6.00 - 14.00. There are also a couple of larger plate choices. The good news is lot's of choice to control the price. I will look forward to coming here again, especially for winter's coziness, and a very warm and friendly BYOB spot before or after the movie. Chilam Balam is a real original find in a town with a lot of culinary clones. And if you write their name on your palm, Like Sarah does, you won't forget it, and you can remember to tell your friends where to meet you. (P.S. Note to self: work on that restaurant-with-edible-menu idea)
(4)Jessica S.
For the past year I have been walking past Chilam Balam almost daily and waited to venture in. Ive read about it in tons of foodie mags and seen it on triple D and finally on my last night living in Lakeview we finally made it through the front doors! This tiny little mexican tapas spot was packed full with color and people. Luckily, we got a table right away and made our selection of guac, blue fin ceviche, mushroom empanadas, and the seared scallops in a black bean puree. Overall the food was presented beautifully and I thought the menu was really unique, but all in all lacked flavor; we both thought that every dish was a little bland. I love that this place has a weekly menu and that seasonal items are being used. It was a nice place and memory to spend my last night on the North side of town :)
(3)Gabriela R.
Not a typical Mexican restaurant. This is more contemporary and labored food :) really enjoy it .
(4)Elizabeth N.
BYOB Mexican - I am in!!!! So we went on Saturday at 7:30 - with 4 people. The wait was an hour - but we waited at Friar Tuck (a bar across the street) until they called us. We brought homemade margaritas and wine (we had heard they supplied fruit for Sangria). We ordered 7 small plates for 4 of us...All of them were very good. However, the beat salad and scallops (which the server said was the best) were underwhelming. The scallops had some grit and little flavor. But neither were bad - just not that exciting. All the other food was absolutely fantastic. We ordered the sangria mix (which cost 11.95) to go with the wine. We thought it was just going to be fruit but it was like grape juice with fruit added. They poured our wine into the mixture and it was practically undrinkable. Definitely skip in the future or bring multiple bottles of wine to dilute the mixture.
(4)Scott S.
Incredible food at a reasonable price. Very creative and well deserving of the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. I loved the swordfish.
(5)Jerry S.
Good food rude service. Did not feel welcomed by the staff and the owner didn't seem to care. Will never go there again.
(1)Sasha L.
I visited Chilam Balam tonight for the first time and loved it! My friend had heard great things about the restaurant, and we decided to check it out. The wait was 45 minutes when we arrived, but was well worth it. They even took down our cell number, which gave us time to go to the ATM - the restaurant is CASH ONLY - and allowed us to walk around. The ingredients are fresh and most are from local farms, so the menu changes each month. They recommended 2 plates per person. We ordered: Roasted cauliflower (with chimichurri, jicama, pineapple, cucumber, mango) - it was good, but nothing amazing. I was happy to eat it, but would probably order something else next time. Grilled salmon (with salsa veracruzana, wild rice) - very good, nothing extraordinary though. Corn masa memelas ( with black beans, aged goat cheese, arbol salsa and dressed shoots) - DELICIOUS! You could taste each ingredient, and the flavors complemented one another really well. Grilled vegetable succotash gorditas (with melting cheese, pasilla cream, pea shoots salad) - also delicious. I would happily make a meal of the corn memelas and these vegetable gorditas.
(5)Jeff G.
Liked it a lot. actually went a couple of weeks ago so don't really remember all the dishes. we went on a fri night when it was cold and raining hard. 4 of us got there ~7:30 and they told us would be over an hr wait. we had a six pack and stood in between the 2 doors and our table was up in about 20 min. had the ceviche which was good. taquitos were nothing too special. i did like that all their sauces (de arbol, guajillo) were fresh and homemade. server told us to order 2-2.5 tapas per person (would have been 8-10 for the table). we ended up ordering about 6 and we were full. also, each dish was pretty pricey. The total for the 4 of us was $100 + tip and it was BYO so no liquor included in that. i would go back in the spring / summer when veggies are in season.
(4)Eloise G.
It was my birthday tonight, Wednesday. I have wanted to try Chilam Balam for months. There were about 15 empty tables and 10 occupied tables, give or take. We had a reservation for 7:30.......it was a Wednesday night. My husband was parking the car but the women said they could not seat us until our entire party was there because they get so busy. My 3 sons and I waited for 15 minutes but they still would not seat us, nobody came in the entire time we waited. I told her I would buy $30 worth of small plates while we waited for my husband. She was not very nice and said no she couldn't seat us, so I decided to leave with my kids, because we were hungry and ready to eat...it was my birthday. We went and spent $250 next door at the restaurant Pastoral who were very accommodating and quite the sophisticated restaurant. Sorry Chilam Balam, I tried and wanted to like my experience but you ruined it from the get go. I imagine the food is good from all your reviews but maybe you should try and employ and train a more customer based employee. I live in the neighborhood and I am sorry I will never be able to recommend your restaurant. By the way when I walked by at 9:30 p.m. there were still empty tables on a Wednesday night! My recommendation is to remember the customer comes first, not your employees. Friday or Saturday night, I would completely understand but not on a Wednesday. Good luck in your success. My stars are based solely on our employee encounter.
(1)Kelley D.
After seeing Chilam Balam on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives I couldn't wait to come and try it. And it was worth the wait!! The mushroom empanadas were to die for!! And just when I thought it couldn't get any better I got the grilled pork ribs! That was divine and got better with every bite!! I definitely recommend getting the strawberry tres leches cake for dessert! I will definitely recommend coming here when your in town! I will absolutely be back every time I come to Chicago!
(5)Megan K.
Chilam Balam, at last, we have finally met. Now, while you were quite tasty you had a rude and abrasive edge that made me like you, but only from afar. Let me explain. We arrived around 7pm to a bustling restaurant that was packed, and we were told it would be an hour wait. I was fine with this, as it's a tiny establishment and it is a well known fact that you'll have to wait awhile. That being said, we decided to partake in the BYOB policy and walked over to Binny's to pick up some beer. We made our way back to the restaurant and met our dinner dates at the bar above the restaurant to have a drink while we waited. Right around 8pm we received a call from the hostess telling us that our table was ready, so we headed downstairs and we were promptly seated at a table in the middle of the dining room. I realize that the restaurant is cramped, but while I was pulling out my chair a waiter ran into me and literally almost knocked me over. I brushed this off, given the parameters of the restaurant, but I continued to bumped into the entire night. This was just a minor nuisance, but I felt that it should be addressed. After we were seated, our waiter promptly greeted us and gave us menus to look over while he went through the specials. For our party of four he recommending getting eight plates to share since the restaurant is tapas style (family style small plates). We decided to get less and to order more if we were still hungry, which we ended up being stuffed after five plates. They definitely try to up-sell you here, so keep this in mind. Here's the dishes that we put in: 1) Chunky guacamole with classic garnishes, crispy tostadas: This dish was exactly what you would expect, and it was a well executed staple for a Mexican restaurant. The garnishes were the only unique aspect of the dish--it was either pickled radishes or beets. The crispy tostadas were just chips, which made it very easy to share between the four of us. 2) Grilled Pork Lion, criollo, pineapple, forbidden rice, grilled broccoli, mandarin: There were about four strips of incredibly tender and juicy pork that had a nice smoky grill flavor to it. I particularly enjoyed the flavor combination of the pieces of pineapple and mandarin that we rolled up into a freshly prepared corn tortilla alongside the pork. The "grilled" broccoli was raw, but no one paid much attention to that as the main focus was on the pork. 3) Tamale Special: Shredded Beef: I'm a huge fan of tamales, and these tamales were incredible and met my standards. The corn meal wasn't overbearing or too much, the ratio of meat to corn was perfect. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the mole sauce accompanied it well without washing out all the flavors of the dish. 4) Grilled pork ribs, honey-pasilla sauce, radishes, crema and queso fresco: Ahhh, these were perhaps one of my favorites of the evening. You get six succulent ribs that are doused in a fair amount of sauce. These are ribs that you want to clean every bit of meat from the bones. 5) Veal sweetbread tinga, chorizo, tomatoes, fingerling potatoes: The more and more I eat sweetbreads, the more I find that I enjoy them. These were slightly breaded and fried, packing a lot of flavor. I liked how you could wrap them in a tortilla or eat them as a standalone item. Dessert 1) Chocolate waffle, rice ice cream, almond butter, honey whipped cream, oaxacan chocolate: Even though we were full, we decided to try one of their desserts. The waffle is small, but it was great to have a few sweet bites each to finish out the meal. The waffle itself was pretty bland, but the focus of the dessert is obviously on the almond butter, whipped cream, and oaxacan chocolate. It wasn't overly sweet, which was nice, but nothing about the dessert really stood out so I probably wouldn't recommend this or get it again. Now, going back to the service issues, after we finished off our plates of food, the waiter asked us if we wanted dessert. We said that it was a possibility, so he brought a menu for us to look over. A few minutes later he came by and asked us what we wanted, and we hadn't reviewed the menu yet. He just walked away and brought us the check, which was confusing to all of us as we had indicated that we were interested in dessert. We placed the order for the waffle to which he seemed annoyed by and brought us a new check. I could understand the frustration if there was a line out the door, but it was after 9pm at this point and there were empty tables. I probably would give Chilam five stars if they kicked up their service, but I won't let these minor issues keep me away. Chilam is a keeper.
(4)Nancy C.
I loved this place! It's BYOB. If you bring a red wine, they'll make sangria for you. The ceviche and pretty much every dish we've had was delicious. I also love how it's casual and unpretenious. Great for friends and dates alike!
(4)Carolynne M.
I have a ton of reviews to write. As we speak, I have six including this one. Normally I don't keep a backlog like that, but I realized this would be review 1000, and I wanted to save it for something special (and also since #500 had been a tragic 1 star). Enter Chilam Balam. OK, first off, it is a Mexican restaurant, but unlike any you have been to before. It is tapas (small plate) style, and co-owned by Chuy Valencia, who is a Top Chef contestant. It is also a tiny place, in the basement of a nondescript building. It almost has a beatnik feel to it too, like if you walked in and everyone was wearing berets and black turtlenecks you wouldn't think twice about it. It's energetic, eclectic and has a young vibe (although when we were there it was a mix of all ages). And then the food comes out. First dish to arrive was the Corn masa memelas. These were little cups filled with black beans, aged goat cheese, arbol salsa and dressed shoots. These were good, but I wanted more. Something a few more notches closer to awesome. Then we got the Grilled flank steak. With roasted potato, crispy onion, guajillo chile and cilantro, the meat was tender, the flavour combination excellent. Now we were getting somewhere! Next dish was the Grilled pork ribs. Topped with honey-pasilla sauce, radishes, crema and queso fresco, this may be one of the finest sampling of ribs I have ever had. Phenomenal. But the winner was yet to come. The Young goat birria was simply a masterpiece. Slightly spicy pan juices, crispy arbol, fresh tortillas - it was one of those dishes that when someone says "What's the best thing you ever ate?" this immediately pops into your head. We normally don't go in for dessert, but we had to sample the Hibiscus flan. Paired with vanilla-lime swirl ice cream and candied pepitas, it was a crunchy, sweet, sour divine end to the meal. I guess if I had any complaint, it would be that the prices here are a bit on the steep side, especially for the sort of dive-y, casual feel the place is going for. And then I remember the birria, and yeah, I can forgive anything after that. BYOB Cash only No reservations
(5)Sara T.
I've been wanting to try this place for a while and I finally had the opportunity to try it last night when I met 4 of my girlfriends for dinner to celebrate a couple birthdays. We had a good time and I overall I enjoyed the expeience but it wasn't anything spectacular. We knew what to expect going in... cash only, byob (limited to 1 bottle per 2 people), and its very small and your whole group needs to be there to be seated... Lots of rules! Unfortunately two of us were running late so the other girls had to huddle by the kitchen before being allowed to sit at our table, which seems so silly since there were multiple tables open. We were seated at a tiny table for 5 in the center of the room and I was almost sitting on the lap of the guy behind me. There was less than 20 inches between our table and his chair, my chair with me scooted in all the way was touching his arm. If I had not been a petite women I never would have fit, I couldn't see a grown man being able to sit there so needless to say not the best ambiance crashing someone's date, but I went there for the food so I didn't let that bother me. As for the food, I have to say some of it was good, but nothing blew me away and overall I was a little disappointed. I have a gluten allergy and the restaurant was accomodating, leaving sauces on the side and advising dishes to avoid. We ordered 7 dishes for the 5 of us since it was a late dinner and my friend had Molly's cupcakes for us (which we did not dare ask if we could eat there with all the rules, but they offered store them in the fridge for us). The food - The menu changes almost monthly but some dishes are staples: Guacomole - Very good, but not spectacular. Portion size was reasonable for the price, but not nearly enough chips to eat it with (would have loved some veggies like jicima, cucumber, or carrots with it or soft tortillas). Asparagus Salad - I really enjoyed this and it seems like a healthier/lighter option. It's very small, maybe 2 or 3 aspargus spears cut in long thin pieces with leafy greens, and manchego cheese (yumm!). Shitake Mushroom Empanadas - Delicious! Two normal sized empanadas, deep fried of course so not the healthiest dish, but the filling was wonderful and they paired well with leftover guacamole. The server said they were gluten free and made with corn but the sauce seemed a little thick (possibly contained flour) and I'm questioning it after how I felt this morning. Pan Seared Shrimp - The shirmp were very good but I can't have couscous so I didn't try the rest of the dish but my friends enjoyed it. It would be great if they used quinoa instead. Grilled Flank Steak - This was really good and cooked perfectly, med rare. Very flavorful and tender but not a lot on the plate except the mountain of fried onion rings. They serve this with corn tortillas and if it wasn't for the leftover guac I added to my wrap it would have been really dry. Grilled Chicken Kabobs - I think there was one Kabob, so they should leave off the (s). I didn't get to taste this one but it looked good. Baramundi - This came out last and soured our experience. The fish was so incredibly fatty, most of it was dark meat and the skin was overwhelming. Maybe this is typical of Baramundi but if that's the case they should consider serving another white fish. The accompaniments and sauce were not great either. All in all some good dishes and I'd consider going back if I'm in the area on a weeknight, but I would never wait an hour or two on the weekend when there's so many other good options in the city. I would not recommend going with a large group but if you do and you can get one of the corner booths it will be much more enjoyable.
(3)Jessica C.
I have eaten at Chilam Balam probably 5 or 6 times since its opened. The first 4 times were all delicious and everyone in my party agreed that it was some of the best Mexican food we had ever eaten. After the 3rd time however, we did notice that there was a distinct change in the customer service. Chilam Balam is constantly telling their patrons about their alcohol limits (which I can understand bc they are a BYO restaurant and don't want ppl hanging out in the restaurant long after they finish their meals), but I find it to be aggressive and alot of time without justification. I feel bagered when I go in there now to order as quickly as possible and all at once, despite the fact that they push all the food out rapidly and attempt to get you out of there in 45 minutes time. I also found that the last two times a visited, the food did go down in quality. I dont know if this has something to do with the fact that the original owner/chef recently sold his stake in the company and is no longer affliated or if Chilam believes that they have a strong enough reputation that they no longer have to try as hard with the food. Regardlless, if you had asked me 2 months ago would I be back to Chilam Balam, I would have enthusiasticaly said "Yes!" Now after my last two experiences, I am not sure I would say the same. If you want any more information about Chilam, please read my blog post: youngfoodies.com/dinner-…
(3)Omar F.
Great food, great service, the mahi mahi ceviche is very good and the sword fish was good also the only complaint i have was the steak dish, it was too pricy for the portion we got but over all the experience was decent.
(3)Carolyn O.
We live in the Burbs and rely on apps or referrals for City eats. Found this one on DDD, but had to read carefully why reviews were lower on Yelp. Service appeared to be the main issue. Our experience was positive in every way. From the hostess to the owner, service was extraordinary. Everyone was so friendly, bus boys so efficient about exchanging clean plates and filling water. Food was unique and tasty. Since the menu changes, go with their recommendations. Our favorites were the suggested jalapeño peppers stuffed with sausage and some other tasty morsels then wrapped in bacon. Loved the Cobia with Brussels sprouts, pepitas - so different. Worth the drive to come back.
(5)Tina W.
I've been to Chilam Balam three times now and I've always had a good experience. With one exception (a plate of terrible and burnt fiddleheads) every dish has been good or delicious. I especially like their meats (ribs, hangar steak, duck). Everything is organic, local, and tastes fresh. Their spicy chocolate mousse is to die for. Plus the atmosphere is intimate, colorful, and festive. The few minuses? It's a little expensive for the size of the dishes (but if you're taking your time. you should feel full on 30$ worth, which isn't bad). The wait is too long and they are weird about reservations. That means, you can't make them, but you can come in and put your name on a list and they will "see what they can do". It'd be better if they were just consistent. Finally it's cash only and I NEVER have cash.
(4)Neil G.
Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Value: 3 First off, I feel like I need to explain my absence of reviews over these past few months. My wife (aka my life and eating partner) was out of the country, so that cut down on my restaurant visits. After that, the two of us spent 3 weeks in Italy/Israel eating some of the most delicious food on the planet. Unfortunately, Yelp hasn't really gone international so no chance for reviews. (However, I kept a log of everywhere we ate so if you want recommendations, just ask) After so much carbs and meat, I was actually excited to get back to my kosher/vegetarian Chi-town routine at Chilam Balam. I've heard about this great little basement spot on Broadway for a while now, and given the close proximity to my apartment, frankly I'm surprised I didn't get there sooner. I was meeting a friend for dinner who also lives in the neighborhood so I knew this place would be perfect. We snagged the last available table around 6:45 on a Thursday night, and thus began our man-date. The menu changes every month or so and we got there on the first day of a new rotation. Unfortunately this meant I couldn't menu-stalk ahead of time like I usually do. So, like a (gasp) regular diner, I sat down and studied the menu for the first time at the restaurant. My friend isn't kosher but his girlfriend is so he was happy to oblige my dietary needs. We settled on the Guacamole, Grilled Salmon (tomato sauce, panucho, watercress and pineapple), Young Greens Salad (roasted poblano dressing, jicama, oranges, avocado and candied pepitas), and Embanadas (Shiitake mushrooms, grilled veggies, wisconsin jack cheese, salsa verde) The guacamole was a nice start. Despite it's name ("Chunky Guacamole") It was actually creamier than most other Mexican places. However, I prefer it that way so no complaints here. The Chip:Guacamole ratio was spot-on which I appreciated; I always hate asking for more chips to finish the guac. The large cilantro stalk was a nice visual touch, but just got in the way of my eating. Thankfully it was not overloaded with lime like at Zapatista (see my review). The salad was just what I expected, which was a good thing. Fresh ingredients, a decent-sized portion, and a combination of flavors that really worked. I got sweet (orange), savory (poblano dressing), smooth (avocado), bitter (greens), and crunchy (jicama, pepitas) all on one plate. As one of the cheaper dishes on the menu at $9, I was happy to see it treated with as much respect as the others. The salmon was definitely the star of the meal. It was visually stunning and palate-pleasing as well. The scene of the deep grill marks set against the light pink flesh was awe-inspiring, and the accompaniments were top-notch. While we ate, my friend admitted that he doesn't even like salmon, but that this was absolutely delicious. The spice in the tomato sauce was perfectly cut by the sweetness of the pineapple, and the panucho added a great starchy crunch. The empanadas were a little underwhelming for $5 a pop, but not completely undesirable. My main gripe is that there wasn't enough cheese. If you're going to serve a vegetarian empanada, you've got to bind everything together with a nice, smooth, melty cheese, and there just wasn't enough to go around. The veggies were cooked nicely and the empanada was well-executed, but the dish didn't "pop" for me. Overall, I would recommend this place for kosherites and regular folk, but definitely not vegans or vegetarians. There are just enough options to get by, but it was a struggle. I'd also recommend this place for a date night, whether man-date, friend-date, or real-date. It's a little pricey, but the BYOB (thank you next-door CVS) helps. Just don't tell your date the name of the restaurant-it kinda sounds like a dirty Indian buffet. If you do, though, I'm sure s/he will be pleasantly surprised. Like my good friend Mike always says, "Under promise, over perform." [Thanks for reading my review and be sure to check out my other reviews on Yelp. My mission is to find restaurants that have great vegetarian, kosher, and vegan fare. On every review, I rate food, service, atmosphere, and value on a 1-5 scale to give you quick and easy overview of the restaurant. I love cooking, eating, and doing both with my friends and family. I always welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions so contact me on Yelp or Facebook if you want to share ideas.]
(4)Arlene D.
This restaurant is amazing. We ordered about 6 different small plates, and each time a new plate came, my friends and I were convinced it was the most delicious thing we have ever eaten. The service was excellent and the price is reasonable. The fact that it is BYOB makes the restaurant even better!
(5)Ryan S.
This is my first Yelp. I've read many reviews on this site and find most of them beneficial. With the advent of blogging food "experts" spreading like a bad rash, I feel some of the reviewers are extremely itchy. With that being said, I promise you that I'm not going to be the typical tool who get's nasty because they had a miserable experience. But I did have just that. I'm only writing this because I believe that if I was the owner(s) or chef of this restaurant, I would desperately want to read this review to further catalyst (what I'm told is) a promising future for my restaurant. Having spent a decade in the service industry as a bar manager and a bartender, I understand that restuarants and the staff sometimes have off-nights. I'm also very forgiving when unfortunate situations go astray. Without giving you my resume and list of credential, I hope you take my word for what I am and have been, and I'll get to the point of why I had a miserable experience. My girlfriend and I started our trip via the Metra from the suburbs early on a Saturday night because I knew going in that Chilam Balam did not take reservations. We anticipated a wait. We were fine with that and the BYOB. Chilam Balam came highly recommended from a friend of mine who shares similiar tastes in food, decor and ambiance that I do. Having been to Frontara Grill and Topolobampo on several occasions and enjoying my experiences immensely, being excited to see Chuy Valencia branch-out from under Rick Bayless' wings would be an understatement. I did my homework. I saw Chuy on "Top Chef". I had a feeling Chilam Balam would be rocking. And it was. We arrived at around 8:00 pm and were greeted by a small group of diners waiting in the entryway.We enterd, expecting to see a hostess but there was none. The place, which is about the size of most people's living room, was jam-packed. We steered our coats out of peoples guacamole, slaloming around tables and busboys, until we reached the bar area and found a waitress. She was the only waitress. She was also the hostess. She advised that the wait would be one hour for the bar area and two hours for a table. We told her that we understood that it was busy, we were pleasant, and acknowledged that we would take whichever was first available. The waitress/hostess jotted down my name and number on a small, wire rimmed notepad and told us she would call when space was available. My girlfriend and I walked next door to Monsignor Murphy's and planned on enjoying a Guinness while we waited. Two hours and four Gunniess' apiece later, I still hadn't recieved a call. We ellected to walk back to Chilam Balam. Again we dodged the masses and found our way to the server/hostess. She flipped back one page in her notepad, rubbed her runny nose with her wrist, and searched for my name and cell number. It wasn't hard to locate. It was the only one on the page, in the middle of around 30 names and numbers, that didn't have a line drawn through it. She must have intentionally skipped us. Why? I haven't the foggiest idea, except maybe it was because I didn't tip her. I had no clue that I should have tipped her there--if I should've at all. Again, we were cool with the two hour wait and I didn't see anyone else do it as they waited, so it never crossed my mind. Shocked and possibly slack jawed, she looked us right in the eyes and told us it would be another hour. She didn't appologize or make an effort to seat us next. I couldn't beleive it. We told her, "sure, call us", and bounced. Not having any backup plan, we found this really dynamite sushi place on Broadway named Wakamono. Two bites into a dragon roll, I get the phone call from Chilam Balam. I didn't even give her the courtesy "F You" and never answered the phone.
(1)Shirese L.
I was not impressed at all. I went with a group of twelve and six of the twelve had been there before and loved it. Firstly, I did taste the quality in the ingredients but the ingredients were not seasoned to impress. I had the memesas, pork ribs, and sweet empanadas. The memesas were good, not curl your toes delicious, but good. The corn cake was a bit tough honestly. The pork ribs were a very bad rendition of Memphis style ribs. The sauce was very sweet. They tried dressing it up with a cream glaze. I was extremely let down by the ribs. The sweet empanadas was the best thing I had all night. They were stuffed with peanut butter and on the side was a strawberry jam and chocolate sauce. The jam was not all that good but the chocolate sauce with the empanadas was delectable. I will admit that the sweet empanadas will not be enough to pull me back.
(2)Nicole B.
I'm still a fan after my 2nd visit, since the food is pretty tasty, homemade, and interesting. While I thought each dish was great in isolation, tasting multiple small plates made me realize that a lot of them rely on the same few ingredients, arranged in different ways. The green sauce (can't remember what's in it), field greens, and goat cheese show up on pretty much everything. There's also a common aftertaste to all of their dishes, even the desserts. Hmm... If you're willing to venture to Canaryville, Amelia's is better.
(4)Jess E.
We couldn't get through on the phone to make a reservation on a Thursday night, so we risked it and showed up early at 6:15. We were told they were fully booked for the night, but since we had attempted to make a reservation and failed miserably, they agreed to seat us at a two top right away. Our server was great. He immediately opened our bottle of red wine and poured our glasses and recommended his favorite dishes on their rotating menu (all with a quick wit, I might add). We took a few minutes to decide on our main dishes while we noshed on their mild but tasty guacamole app. After deciding on a fish dish covered in chorizo sauce and the oxtail empanadas we couldn't have been more satisfied with the tase bud experience. After cracking our second bottle of wine, we decided to ask for a dessert recommendation. We chose the chocolate, goat cheese, chile sauce concoction and it was a most delightful mouth explosion. Highly advise you order this. Our waiter was great, the ambience was cozy and the food exceeded expectations. Come here for a great date night or a fun time with a small group. You will not be disappointed!
(4)Erin T.
I ate here last Saturday night with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and husband. First, I would definitely say that 4 is the MAXIMUM number of people I would come here with. I arrived at 7 on Saturday and was told that the wait was 2-2.5 hours. Whoa. We didn't have anything else going on, and I wasn't starving, so we all agreed to wait it out. The hard thing about Chilam Balam is that there is no where to wait in the actual restaurant. Given that it was pretty cold on Saturday, we definitely didn't want to wait outside. Thankfully my bro& sis-in-law live nearby, so we just walked back to their place. I think the lack of space would annoy me though if they didn't live close. I did overhear a few other groups say that they were going to go to a nearby bar to wait. The really nice thing is that they will call you (on your phone) and wait up to 10 minutes for you to come grab your table. So you aren't forced to stand outside. I was totally shocked when they actually called us after 45 minutes. Not a bad wait at all! This place is TINY! I think I legit counted about 14 tables. The atmosphere is very cozy and cute, but some mind find it cramped. I like it, but I'm also 5'2". We ordered 8 small plates. From memory we had the guacamole, skirt steak, swordfish (I believe this was a special in place of the blue marlin), ribs, turkey meatballs (also a special), mushroom empanadas, flautas, grilled duck breast. I thought the ribs, flautas and empanadas were AMAZING! So much flavor and incredibly delicious. I found the skirt steak to be the most disappointing dish. The steak was very tough (I know skirt steak is a cheap cut, but it can be delicious and tender if prepared right), and the sauce didn't do anything for me. I also was disappointed in the duck. It didn't have as much flavor as I thought it could have. For dessert we ordered the peanut butter empanadas, the chocolate chile mousse and the strudel. I wasn't wild about the strudel, but everyone else was. And everyone else wasn't wild about the mousse, but I was. Everyone loved the empanadas though. Overall the meal was great, and the margarita mix was delicious. However, I'm not sure it was worth $10/ pitcher. I think it's pretty awesome that this place is BYOB; however, our dinner still wasn't cheap. I am never a fan of cash only, so that's another gripe I have. It's one thing to have cash only for a $5 sandwich shop, it's another when it's a dinner restaurant. I would definitely come back to Chilam Balam because of the unique eats. However, I wouldn't order the skirt steak or duck again.
(4)Susan F.
Ahhh! This place rocks! So glad it took place of the italian restaurant that used to be there...is that bad? NOPE. The rumors are true, this place gets packed! It's tiny, don't be fooled into thinking you might get lucky and sit in a spacious spot. BYOB, of course, with mexican tapas. What more could you want? THe music in this place is amazing, they mix mexican music(i think) with current tunes, and it just sounds awesome and makes the experience that more amazing. I will say that I too was saddened by the small portion of tortilla chips served with guac. The guac is so good you want more chips to scoop with! Empanadas, ceviche, duck...allll very good. Anything you try will be great, I promise. Our bill for 4 people came to like $40 or something crazy cheap. Will come here again, over and over again fo sho!
(5)Michelle Z.
I've been here twice and really enjoyed the food both times. We had a reservation and were seated within 10 minutes of arrival. Ordered probably half of the menu items and had zero complaints. Every single dish was great. Point at the menu and order, you cannot go wrong. On my last visit, we had to sit right next to the door which sucked but the hostess was really sweet about it. She told us she would try to keep the door shut as it was freezing outside. Most people were polite and didn't stand there with the door open but the few that did were asked nicely to close it. It was just a nice touch that the hostess kept an eye out for us throughout the night. The place is tiny and she definitely has a stressful job. Love that its BYOB. They service is not that great. I felt like the waiters had an attitude or something. Maybe too cool to be doing that job? But since the food is so amazing, I can overlook that and still rate it 5 stars. Make a reservation. Don't show up with more that 4 people. Its too tiny. Bring cash.
(5)James J.
The best thing to do for this tiny place with the odd name is come prepared to wait. After they take your name go to a local bar and have a drink or two and think about the deliciousness that lays ahead of you. But don't gripe when they say its going to be an hour. We had almost every item that was non-meat - the guacamole - delicious creamy with the right amount of spice, the empanadas, the blue fin ceviche and the masa with black beans and goat cheese - was amazing. For dessert, the peanut butter empanada with chocolate and fig dipping sauces were delicious. The servers were attentive and polite without being overbearing. And the hostess could tell we didnt like our table stuck in the back so once one opened she asked if we wanted to move and we did. Well done!
(4)Josh S.
Chilam Balam is flashy without being pretentious; a B.Y.O.B. tapas-style Mexican restaurant whose dishes consistently meet or exceed expectations. The ingredients are fresh, sustainably grown, and local. The menu rotates seasonally and has a lot of options for vegetarians. It's a laid back restaurant, located in a lower garden level storefront in Lakeview. If you aren't looking for it, it is easy to miss. The last time i was here, I ordered the seared sea scallops. They were beautifully tender and had a rich, meaty flavor. The searing provided an excellent texture contrast, pairing the soft interior with the crispy sides. The empanadas are always fresh and work with the natural flavor of the ingredients, as opposed to by forcing them together by smothering them in seasoning or sauce. I could go on. They don't take reservations and there isn't anywhere to wait inside. The host will take your phone number and call you when a table is ready. There are a few bars in the area, so killing time isn't too big of an issue. I have gone there for a late dinner and still had to wait, so I am not entirely sure if their rush ever dies down. Regardless of the wait, Chilam Balam is worth it.
(5)Katie H.
Chilam Balam was a bit hit and miss for me. Yeah, the space is small and cozy, yeah it was packed, yeah the staff was spot on, but I came for the food. And the food let me down. We started with the queso fundido and the hangar steak and decided to go from there. After we got the food we did "go from there". We decided we'd had enough and didn't order any more. The queso fundido was basically all peppers and a little sausage topped with a layer of cheese that looked and tasted like mozzarella. Boring and bland. It was the first time I ever left a portion of queso fundido unfinished. And this potion was pretty small. The hangar steak was good, but the sauce it was in was pretty uninspired. At first, after the bland queso, it tasted too spicy. Then that quieted and it was just a nondescript sauce. I expected much better and for $22 for two mediocre small plates, I felt it wasn't a good value for the money.
(3)Andrea C.
there are several great things about chilam balam...and in my opinion, several not as great things. like many have stated, due to chilam's miniature dollhouse-esque size dining room, they do not take reservations. a group of five of us arrived on a balmy october saturday night, around 7:30pm... to a 2.5 hour wait. yikes. we decided to wait it out because the person that had recommended this place promised a ridiculously amazing dining experience. we returned after a few bevvies, tummies grumbling, at 10 on the nose and were seated as promised. the tales about this place being teeny tiny are no joke. we sat at a table for 4 with a chair on the end and i was practically rubbing elbows with my neighbors. started w/the guac, which was an excellent choice. slightly spicy, but very fresh. shared both types of empanadas on the menu (goat cheese one...yum) , and the flank steak (very well cooked and definitely enjoyable). the best part of our meal, however, was the dessert empanada. holy moly- amazing. a must! as many have mentioned, this place is also BYOB, which in my book is always a plus. overall, chilam balam left me wanting. the food was fine and enjoyable, but the highlight was definitely dessert...and the crowd and studio sized dining room are things i could have dealt without. id definitely return, but probably on a weeknight and with only one other person.
(3)Amber C.
I live near this place and was excited when it opened. We tried to go a few times, but it was always soooo busy! The wait was usually an hour or more. I figured it had to be good if people were willing to wait like that. I was dissappointed. I'm not sure if it's because I don't eat meat, so my options were limited, but I really don't see what the buzz was all about. My meal, the memelas, were a let down. I really wanted the flavors to be stronger. On the other hand my friend who I was with loved her meal. Overall the service was good, the food was ok, and the waits (in my opinion) are not worth it.
(3)San T.
Meet with three Friends on Thursday evening, we had to make reservation which was at 5:30. As we arrived we were the only ones in this very tiny restaurant. But oh boy did it get packed by 6:30ish. This the only reason why this place doesn't get five stars. Let's go to the fabulous part of Chilam Balam the food is FANTASTIC! Our waiter was very polite and informative. He explain to us each plate and was always making sure we were having a good experience. He was also very attemptive to our Bottles. Since this place is BYOB he was always making sure our bottles were open :) I will definitely return to this place. We will do the 5:30 thing again before it gets packed. Hopefully, they will invest in a much bigger place and this place will do great.
(4)Grace P.
BYOB and mexican small plates. How can you go wrong?!?! The ambiance was so cute. Its very unassuming from the outside. It was packed for a snowy Monday night. Thank god we got there early and made rezzies. It was standing room only! The blue marlin ceviche were amazing - so fresh. The flavors in the Beef cheek alambre....to die for. the service was impeccable! The server was very knowledgeable and gave great suggestions. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Blake L.
Mexican food is not always my first choice, but Wow!!! Chilam Balam, Natalie, Soraya, and Staff have changed my views forever. I was visiting from California and because of Chilam Balam it was a wonderful weekend. This quaint, charming little restaurant is incredible! When asked what we would be having we asked if they could just bring out whatever they suggested and to our surprise one dish was better than the next. Words cannot describe how delicious the food was. The following day was Chilam Balam's 3rd year anniversary and I was graciously invited to sit at the bar. This was a prefixed 5 course meal; again the food was phenomenal, indescribable. This was such a wonderful experience! From Huntington Beach California, with Love.
(5)Raul B.
Yet another upscale Mexican restaurant that didn't fullfill. I was excited to try this place out ever since I walked by it every time I went to meet a friend who lives around the corner. We finally decided to try this place out Friday and went right after they opened to avoid the wait and it paid off as we got a table right away. A good thing too because when we finally left there It was like a 40 minute wait. The space is quite small and there is a bar at the back of the restaurant but it didn't seem to hold many. The decor reminded me more of the American southwest than Mexican. Now I didn't know that the co owner and chef is on top chef this season until like two weeks ago,I don't watch the show, so that makes this one of Chicago's more sought out places to eat. Since its small plate servings we decided to get two plates each. I got the goat birria and the blue marlin ceviche and my dining partner got the rabbit meat tamale and the pork loin with a red sauce. We also got a Hibiscus flavored flan for desert. Let me start of with the good. The flan was amazing, it was very flavorful and hearty and you could taste all it's flavors with each bite. Now the goat birria was very good and tasty and you could really taste the smokiness of the chilies and it had a decent hot kick to it. The unfortunate thing was they only gave you three small tortillas with it. The rabbit tamale I was very interested in as it was an unusual filling and I've had various tamales with various types of fillings but this was a first for me. Unfortunately it was disappointing. The meat wasn't very tasty and the sauce that they put over it was bland. The masa of the tamale was good but nothing spectacular. The pork loin dish was sliced pork loin over a bed of sweet potatoes and this dark nutty mole. The pork loin was very dry and the mole had no taste at all in my opinion though you could taste a little bit of the nuttiness of the mole. The best thing about that plate was the sweet potatoes which were very buttery ans sweet. The tuna ceviche was good, tasty, and fresh but not really outstanding Overall I have to give them two stars as they were just OK and middle of the road. I have had better Mexican especially for the price we paid.
(2)Morgan C.
More like a 4.5 but I will round up. I have been here three times, with the most recent being last weekend. The prices are on the steeper side for the size of the portions, but this doesn't really bother me since I typically don't go to BYOBs so for me this place is great way to get a delicious meal without suffering the cost of buying drinks at a restaurant. On our last visit, we had 5 plates between the two of us (and then they gave us dessert on the house) and the bill came to about $70 pre-tip. What we ate, in descending order of greatness: 1. Pork belly with fried oysters -- this was my favorite dish, the flavors were so surprising, in a great way. Absolutely loved it. The pork belly itself was not the most tender, but the sauce was so good that it really didn't matter. Definitely recommend this. 2. Mushroom empanadas -- very good, nice and light but very flavorful, kinda small for the price. 3. Ribeye -- cooked perfect, with a nice black bean sauce and sweet plantains. 4. Bluefin ceviche -- nice way to start the meal, very refreshing. I am pretty sure this has always been on the menu. Wouldn't mind trying some other fish/preparation. 5. Octopus -- this was the only dish I didn't love because I am not a fan of the preparation: over pasta with a tomato based sauce. The octopus gets a bit lost, and the flavors not as memorable. For dessert, we got a chocolate chile mousse on the house (since we switched tables with another couple during our meal so that their friends could join them). This is good (since its chocolate), but nothing special. Service is perfect. Atmosphere is cramped but fun, and you don't even notice how tight it is in there once you sit down and start your meal.
(5)Lady D.
Everything on this menu is tasty. I love the corn memalas. They are covered with these delectable greens. So refreshing. Also, I indulged in the lobster. Not to be missed when its offered. I could bottle that sauce and sell for it gold. Sooo delicious!
(5)Ali H.
This place is THE perfect little basement restaurant. Places like this are what makes me love eating out in chicago or new york. The ambiance is charming and incredibly cozy. We stopped in here for a late dinner on a friday night and were seated in little time without a reservation. They were packed, however, so I think we were just lucky. First of all, we didn't know it was BYOB. On a whim, I decided to get a glass of their homemade lime-aid instead.... SO GOOD. SO GOOD. SO GOOD. Yum! It was the perfect balance of tart fresh limes with sweetness...it was a great pairing for their menu items. We ordered the meatless chili, the enchiladas potosinas, and the requeson tamale. Though they were "small plates," they were larger than what I expect at a tapas restaurant and we were easily filled with just 3 plates between the two of us (and another glass of lime-aid or two). The food was all really well prepared and seasoned, and I was nothing but pleased with the entire meal. For dessert we ordered the hibiscus flan. The people next to us who had ordered the same got an actual hibiscus flower as a garnish, whereas we got some mint sprigs.... hmmmm. I was so excited when I saw theirs come out and then a tear came to my eye as I saw ours approach sans flower.... but anyway, it tasted really outstanding. The hibiscus flavor came through and the entire dish was really exquisitely executed. Excellent flavor and texture. Now...about that flower....
(4)Lauren G.
ok. where should i begin.. this place is byob, but limits 1 bottle/2 people. just an fyi. not necessarily a deal breaker. so we ordered the following: chunky guacamole - pretty tasty. seemed like they were rationing off the chips. every 10 minutes they'd bring us 5 more. thanks..you shouldn't have. grilled pork ribs with honey pasilla sauce: they must've gotten these ribs from some sort of free range farm where they ran 10 miles a day. the toughest meat and there was hardly anything on the bone. pretty disappointing. chickpea queso anejo tortitas: meh corn masa memelas: probably my favorite out of everything. masa gets me everytime and the goat cheese in it really compliments. chorizo meatloaf: also pretty good- the potatoes were a nice touch at the bottom anyways- i think the food was subpar (although they did hit some high points with me) and the service wasn't that great - we got sat with a "take your time, we won't rush you out" and were given the bill with a "we have people waiting". that's fine. last time i'll be there.
(2)Stephanie s.
Great food. We loved everything we ordered. Guac, Empanadas, Pork Belly, Flank Steak, Corn Masa and PB Empanadas for desert. They were all very good. Great BYOB and they will make you Sangria if you bring red wine. Only down fall is that its cash only and its small inside. Wait staff is VERY friendly and made the experience that much better.
(4)Jennifer M.
Love this place! I don't live in the neighborhood but for this I will travel! Loved: queso, homemade tortillas, pork belly, ceviche, and the peanut butter empanadas (of course). Can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)sally w.
What a great cozy little gem in Lakeview. The small bites are tasty and just filling enough. It's a fantastic place to meet an old friend or go for a date. I'd recommend the ceviche above all else!
(5)Ellen O.
Waited for two hours on a friday night. put our name in at 7pm, got a table around 9. i expected the wait so i wasn't too bummed, exepct fpr the fact that they told us it would only be a 90 minute wait. the place is small, but not unbearable. we ordered a few things to share, and instead of actually bringing our food, between dishes the waiter kept coming back and asking us if we wanted to order more. not only did he forget what we had ordered, he forgot what he had already brought us. the food was ok, but nothing i hadn't had before. they apologized about our experience and brought us a free dessert (peanut butter empanadas), which was nice. all in all....long wait, bad service, just ok food....i won't be going back.
(2)Mary C.
Excellent Meal! No rush. No wait. We were not rushed in any way, as many other reviewers mentioned. Granted, we were not here on a weekend and the restaurant was only moderately busy. We were fortunate enough to be seated in the corner booth away from the draft and most of the other tables. We had 4 small plates and a dessert between two people - we left stuffed. Everything was excellent. Especially the empanadas - both the savory and the sweet were highlights of the meal. Our waiter was helpful and recommended several excellent dishes. I highly recommend Chilam Balam to anyone who likes Mexican food.
(5)Kairo C.
I wanted to like this place more, but I couldn't feign any better interest. First, I thought being in a garden unit of the building, it had a romantic charm to it... but not really greatly emphasized by the decor inside. The lighting was just a bit off, the paintings a tad unlikable (well considering one, a frida kahlo impersonation portrait...so original... fell on top of me in the middle of dinner), and the details slightly incoherent. But so much potential! And potential is the best word for this place in my dictionary. The dinner had potential, but it didn't set any standards or meet any impressionable expectations. The chops were kinda fun gnawing on by hand, abandoning any flatware etiquette a charming place would typically suggest, except for the fact there was not much meat to gnaw on and they were slathered in a sticky sauce not inviting to fingers (not fun)! The other plates were better, except for the fact in between each plate it took our servor a good millenia to forget and then remember us. By dessert, no matter what its greatness, the service put a damper on my experience. This gets a 2.9 from me to be exact, and has the potential to be 3.9 or better. I definitely want to see this place reach its potential. I'm certainly down to give it another go. I'll give you an update when that happens.
(3)Luna R.
The food here is really good. I just feel that everything is quit overpriced. You should definitely try the ribs.
(4)Rosie S.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!! I am a huge fan of small plates because I love to try everything on the menu. Of course, I did not order everything on the menu but came pretty close. I have to admit that this place had the best pork belly that I have ever had. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water. Everything we ordered was delicious and the food came out pretty fast and in stages...so we didn't have 20 plates on the table at once. The atmosphere is very cozy and dark and the tables are very close together. We ended up chatting with the next table which was really fun. And it's BYOB!!!! Just get out and try it...you will not regret it
(5)Tony M.
I was really surprised by this restaurant. Each of the dishes we ordered was creative and well balanced. The chef is very gifted. It was pricey, but worth it.
(5)Char Y.
After reading the exciting reviews we finally headed over to this tiny restaurant in the basement. It was pleasantly decorated and had an warm atmosphere. I thought the food was good. We had grilled pork rib, empanadas, flautas, roasted garlic soup, tetela, duck leg tamal, airline chicken breast, braised lamb shank, hibiscus flan, and sweet empanadas. Everything was good, of course the fried items were especially yummy, but over all, it is just good Mexican food. Our bill came out to be $100+ though, so it is a bit pricey. I think it is a good addition to the north side, but I think for that price we can get more.
(3)David C.
Maybe my expectation of Chilam Balam was way too high as I went with a friend who has sent me to some great dining establishments. Maybe its also because I had read it was one of the best new restaurants in Chicago. After I left Chilam Balam I kept thinking to myself... the dining scene in Chicago can not be in such a sorry state that this place is one of the top ten in the city. REALLY? Seriously? Do not get me wrong... the food was decent but among the top ten new establishments in the whole city of Chicago? No way! I agree with others that the prices are way too high to truly enjoy a tapas style dinner without running up a huge tab. I tired the flautas and while they were crispy and had nice flavor, they were way too spicy to enjoy. The flavor of the gorditas were good. I grew up eating them back in Texas but I found the whole concept of these items being gorditas funny. Gordita means chubby little girl... and the one I was served was quite petite. They should have called them flacas.... skinny girl. No one could get fat by eating two of those tiny things! The masa of the gordita was very good and I would have loved to have been served a regular sized gordita.... served traditionally.... with chicken, beef, steak, or beans. They were stuffed with mushrooms... a nice veggie option. The gorditas were much better than the flautas. I am not sure I would go back. Not that I found the food horrible. I just did not see value in the food served. It was good but not good enough for the prices they are asking.
(3)Kathryn M.
I'm giving this place 5 stars, because I am a cheerleader for any small, family owned and operated business. Support the little guy!!! And let's face it, eating out a lot does not make me a food critic, so while I can offer my opinion, who am I to judge?! Plus, I feel like this is a huge risk of a location because not only is it in a basement, it really has no street visibility at all - so I automatically want it to do well. But I did have my likes and dislikes, so here they are. Likes: -They support locally sustainable farmers. Hoorah! - Very friendly staff, from the chef/owner(s) to the servers - Bravo. - Original menu design, cool "hidden gem" feel inside - Pork ribs. If you get a taste of the ribs with the glaze, plantain, radish, and cream all in one bite it is delicious. -Hanger steak - great sauce! Left me wanting more: - I really didn't like the little tissue paper stuff they served some of the food on. It looks nice, but I don't want sauce oozing into paper, I want it oozing onto the plate so I can lick it off later. :) -Empanadas - as others have said, good crust, but the crust is really all we could taste. Too much dough! -Peanut butter chocolate empanadas - might be a personal preference, but I wanted more bite to that chile spiced chocolate sauce. Just kind of okay. The memelas too, were just, well, good. I felt like there were great flavors there, but sometimes they were too subtle to really have an impact. Overall I think this chef knows what he's doing, and his wife(?) was the hostess with the mostess. We got there at 5pm on the dot, and the place was full by the time we left. Bring cash. And booze, if ya like. Then just enjoy the food and ambience of a neighborhood restaurant you can be proud of.
(5)Jennifer J.
I think this is a solid restaurant to go to. I went for one of my monthly girls byob dinner. We went here during this past summer, sat outside and still had decent service. I think that's always my fear, that I sit out of the normal boundaries and then the waiter forgets about me. Loved the food, especially the guac! That's a definite. I think the only thing I will avoid next time would be the pork belly. I really enjoy pork belly and get it at more restaurants than I should admit, but I felt like this portion was a little fattier than what I'm use to. Other than that, I say YES! It's a pretty small place and with the lack of reservations at any normal time, it's probably better to come smaller and earlier.
(4)Afton A.
Absolutely delicious menu that changes seasonally so I cannot wait to go back and see what is new! The menu is very small, but really delicious. It's best to order tapas style and share because the portions are really small, as is the venue. The service is also extremely friendly and helpful with suggestions on the menu. The great thing about this place (besides the food) is it's BYOB, no corking fee, and you can also bring in tequila and they will supply the sour mix and mix your margaritas for a small fee. PS - the guac is delish!
(5)Chelsea M.
This was my second visit to the 'lam. Its just not THAT great. Yes the menu is unique, they use ingredients from local farms, blah blah whatever, but all this about "the best meal of my life" - I don't know about that. For the money, there are just better places to go - period. Sixteen bucks for 3 pieces of rope-like consistency pig doesn't have me longing for a future visit.
(2)Nick S.
I have been here a few times and each and every experience has been great. The restaurant itself is very small but cozy and inviting. They support local organic producers which i love, the food changes frequently based on the season and what it fresh. The preparation is solid and dishes very inventive. When you go you have to try the dessert empanadas, AMAZING! FYI: It's BYOB which is great and helps keep the costs down. I just wish they weren't cash only.
(4)Joscelyn M.
The wait is worth it - and I HATE waiting! First, the outstanding: Ceviche - might be the best I've ever had. It had the perfect level of spice. Empanadas - thin, flaky crust that allowed the wonderful flavors to come out. Chocolate bread pudding - I put my one bite dessert rule away for this one! Wow! The rhubarb topping somehow made incredible even better! Next - BYO! YAY! One thing I wish I caught in these reviews was the existence of virgin sangria pitchers: you can bring your own wine and they'll mix it up for you! And of course, the service - I would have never thought that in a small yet packed restaurant, the wait staff - and I mean the ENTIRE wait staff could make us feel like we were the only table in the place. I would go back just because of that. The just OK: I really wish I loved everything, but the hangar steak and duck didn't do it for me. Disclaimer: I really don't love hangar steak, but with all the reviews, I felt compelled to get it. The duck had an amazing pecan sauce with it, but the duck itself and the tamale were just ok. Also, the guac was very good, but nothing outstanding. That said, solid A- and I look forward to returning!
(4)Liz P.
I had heard amazing things about this place, so naturally I was both excited and skeptical. Half the time great reviews that get passed along to me make me so excited that its impossible to live up to it. This place, however, was worth all the hype and more. First of all, the place plays pop-mariachi music [that is the fantastic description I got from a friend that I dined with - in her words "what else do you say when natalie merchant suddenly has a 12 string guitar behind her?"]. So I ask you, how can you not have fun at a restaurant that plays pop-mariachi music? Secondly, its BYOB - and they will turn your cheap wine into delish sangria. It costs a little extra, but I promise its worth it. Grab a cheap bottle and they will transform it into a fabulous pitcher of fruity, wine-y goodness. We got there, took one look at the menu and knew that there was no way we could choose what to eat. Instead we opted to trust out waiter and asked him to bring us what he thought we should eat. Must try: empanadas [especially the peanut butter ones], anything with pork belly, the ribs [OH MY GOD THE RIBS, THEY FELL OFF THE BONE...currently salivating thinking about them], ceviche For the five of us we had: 4 pitchers of sangria, 3 apps, 4-5 main dishes, and 2 deserts. Every single thing we ate was perfection. The menu is seasonal but I think they carry a few things over and try to have them all the time. Cost was insanely reasonable - with a 30% tip to our new best friend waiter it still cost us each under $40. The place is small so I would recommend a reservation if you want to get in at a certain time. If you don't mind waiting [I am honestly not sure about the wait time on the weekends], its right on Broadway so there are a few bars you can pop into to wait [definitely not room to wait it out inside the restaurant]. As far as if its worth waiting for - I would easily agree to wait an hour for an impromptu dinner at this place on a weekend night.
(5)Aurore L.
After being sick for almost two weeks I was super excited to go out for dinner on Saturday night. Two weeks without going out is a little personal hell. Doing my hair, choosing an outfit and jumping in my high heels was only the first, easiest part. Then came the agonizing moment of the night: deciding on a place to go. Damn...sometimes I wish I were still lost in the woods of Central Connecticut where my only options for dinner consisted of Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday and the local Chinese joint. Life was much easier back then. And dull, awful, isolated and unsavory. Who am I kidding??!?!? I love being tormented by Chicago's bounty!! Quick trip on Yelp. Rob seals the deal with his praising of the corn memelas. We hop in the car and off we go. It's their third night. There is a line at the door. I am amazed......and in awe of what must have been a wonderfully orchestrated marketing operation! BYOB - 7/11 just next door. We grab a pack of Modela and wait patiently our turn, while taking in the lovely Mexican decor mixed in the oh-so-Chicago brick walls. Yellow, reds, Dia de los muertos masks, bright pillows. It screams sunshine and fiesta. On our arrival Soraya, co-owner of this little underground (quite literally!) gem, gives us a menu to browse. Adorable little things, hand-made with corn husks. I just wanted to put one in my purse... The real beauty hides inside of its thick pages where all the dishes sing the most inviting of songs... The selection is limited but straight to the point. Chef Chuy believes in fresh products and the "farm to table" concept - and it shows. The food is good, sometimes stellar, seasonal and solidly executed (he worked with and for the master Rick). Go get the memelas - they are to die for good. The masa is sumptuous and the marriage of smokey black bean and fresh goat cheese is perfect. We got two orders. They are that good. The grilled pork ribs were wonderful too, with a wonderful Oaxacan pasilla glaze. And a sprinkle of cheese...to keep things interesting. And creamy. And delicious. The hanger steak was good, but didn't rock my socks off. Nicely cooked though and tender. The special tuna was disappointing to me. Not the best quality cut probably, and even the dressing was quite tasty - it didn't do it for me. Stick to the ceviche which I heard is outstanding. Dessert: being addicted to chocolate like it's not allowed in this world I had to taste their chocolate mousse spiked with hot peppers and mellowed down by a fresh and tart goat cheese center.....as mouth-watering as it sounds. The empanadas filled with peanut butter and dipped into a rich dark chocolate sauce were quite a treat too. Pay them a visit before the Jaguar God comes to kill us all!! (no - I am not losing my mind.....check your Mayan mythology books!)
(4)Megan S.
We all know Friday nights are busy at any restaurant in Chicago, but definitely prepare to wait for a table in this tiny little hotspot. I personally don't think it is an issue to wait for 45 minutes because they take your number and you can hop across the street to Friar Tuck to grab a drink or two and then they will call you when there is a table ready. It is a byob and cash only little place. I love the decor, the staff, and the food. My bf and I had are first date and we stayed for about 3 hours...and 3 bottles of wine later...they finally "kicked" us out. They have changed the menu up a little bit from the first time I went there, but it is still just as tasty as ever. I had the sevichey...or however you spell it...and it is fabosh! I highly recommend it. Guacamole is amazing and we drunkingly ordered the Lobster. Thank goodness....cause it was amazeballs. You won't regret going to this fantastic little restaurant!
(5)Kelly Joy P.
I can see how some would be turned away by a minimum hour wait, but if you know it's part of the deal and you have patience to pop next door for a drink or two Chilam Balam is WELL worth it! The food is fresh and innovative and comes out QUICK! We ordered the empanadas, ceviche, tamal, pork belly and the mousse for dessert. Service was amazing (our waiter cut one of our dishes for us since all they had was butter knives and I didn't want to sent my delectable pork belly course flying across the room). A great variety of meaty and vegetarian friendly dishes, gorgeous handmade menus and all of the waitstaff wear Threadless Tshirts! A great evening and I will definitely be back. Especially since they change the menu regularly. Oh yeah, keep in mind that it is CASH ONLY.
(4)Laura C.
I went last week with some friends, and I have wanted to go back every night since! There were three of us, so we decided to order a handful of small plates. The handful turned out to be about the whole menu, but it looked too delicious to pass up! We had the halibut ceviche, the memelas, the flautas, the two salads and the empanadas. It was all delicious, but I have to say -- I am usually not a huge fan of ceviche, but I wanted to eat the whole plate! And then we moved on to dessert, we ordered the chocolate chili mousse with a spiced goat cheese center and empanadas filled with peanut butter, served with fig and chocolate sauces. I have dreams about these peanut butter empanadas...they were amazing! The staff was friendly, the atmosphere was great (though loud at times) and it was an outstanding meal -- with good friends and a bottle of wine, it made for a great night. I can't wait to go back for more!
(5)Anne F.
I ate here last year and never wrote a review (the food was just "OK"). However, I am getting peeved after reading all these reviews about people putting their name in with the hostess, being told to wait it out at a local bar, and then they would get a call or text when the table was ready. The same thing happened to my friends and me. We arrived at about 6:45 on a Saturday night. We fully expected to wait...and wait we did. We went upstairs to Monsignor Murphy's and about 4 drinks later, we still had not received a call. We went downstairs and the hostess said, "Oh, I was looking for you!" Yeah, right. We were finally seated at about 8:30. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but it is quite apparent that this rude, ditzy behavior continues. Get over yourself Chuy. Your food is not all that and to treat paying customers like this (and to boot, CASH only), is just not cool.
(2)Blanca R.
chee-LAHM-bah-LAHM! The owner taught me how to say it...it's a mayan word. I have eaten at this quaint little BYOB Mexican restaurant twice now, and I have twice been delightfully pleased. Yes it's small, and yes the tables are small, but I have twice been seated right away. The first time I went with my sister very early around 530pm, and the second we went again around 830pm. The food was exquisite. Both times we ordered 4 small plates and dessert, and let me tell you that each dish just gets better and better as they are served. My favorite are the memelas. So the only draw back would be that it's cash only....but I am willing to stop at a cash machine any time for this place.
(5)Patrick G.
CHILAM BALAM! This is a solid four star Mexican restaurant. It is a gourmet , shared plate eatery. All the plates I had were excellent. The guac is on par with some of the best I have ever had. All the dishes are appropriately sized and are probably best shared with no more than 4 people and even that might be pushing it. I really enjoyed the Hibiscus Flan that I had for dessert. Also the BYOB doesn't hurt. The atmosphere is cozy and unique and definitely fun. We did have to wait an hour to get a seat but they take your phone number so you can go wander the neighborhood or grab a coffee somewhere close while you wait. The bathroom is hidden behind the kitchen which can be slightly odd when you practically walk through the kitchen to get there. We did feel pressured to order all at once and weren't given the best guidance on how much to order. But overall I really enjoyed my experience and I am very happy that Chicago seems to be the center of the Gourmet Mexican Revolution.
(4)Edwina B.
We went just after Thanksgiving to celebrate a friend's birthday and had a great time. The food was very flavorful and the waitstaff were extremely fun and friendly. Since it was BYOB, we brought a couple bottles of wine and some beer since one of our diners didn't drink wine. Here is what we ordered, don't think we had anything to complain about - all the food was so complex and flavorful. - Hangar Steak - Empanadas - Ceviche - Cornish Hen - Braised short rib - Chocolate peanut butter empanadas - Cake (forget which type) In fact, the NEXT day we went to Cabo San Lucas and none of the restaurants we went to in MEXICO could compare! HIghly recommend - though if it's cold, put your name on the list and go to a neighboring bar to wait.
(5)Bradley J.
I'm really torn about Chilam Balam. Our party of three waited for 20ish minutes at 7:15 on a Friday night, and felt in the way at the back bar - definitely go somewhere else and let them call you. We were seated in the front corner, where I had to dodge the window sill with my head (I'm 6'1") and the girls had to maneuver around pillows nailed to the backrest (they decided that was to prevent pillow fights). We decided to let our waiter (one of the owners) order for us, with mixed results - the ahi tuna was more like tartare than ceviche, and the flank steak was just OK. I could have eaten the corn masa memelas and guacamole all night... When it was time to open a second bottle of wine, he told us we'd need to order more food since they didn't charge corkage. So we got the queso fundido - tasted good but a bit difficult to cut the semi-melted cheese on top in our tight quarters. In hindsight, I wish we had chosen a few of our own small plates one of the large plates (based on the raves from other Yelpers). A nice touch, all of the servers were wearing Threadless t-shirts (as was I) - sounds like they get a nice discount!
(3)Cinsou E.
A lot of people told me it is great place, so I decided to go even if i am not a big fan of Mexican food. First of all it's tight. There are some beautiful paints on the walls. The plates are small but it is very tasty. The advantage is that you can order several different plates and then taste different flavors. The plates layout is beautiful with some salad and cilantro. On a top of that, dessert are awesome, especially the Chocolate mousse creamed with goat cheese !
(4)Elizabeth C.
I had been DYING to try this place, and finally, with the boyfriend's mom in town, my dreams came true. And boy, were those dreams delicious. First of all, most of their dishes are small plates. For four of us, we got 2 soups, a guacamole, a pitcher of sangria (they provide the mix, the wine is BYOB), some amazing corn and bean thing, the shrimp, the mushroom empanadas, the ribeye (a large plate), the beet salad, and two desserts. It sounds like a ton of food, but the small plates are definitely small - the empanadas, for instance, are pretty small, and the plate comes with 2. Everything was super-flavorful. The highlights were the corn and bean things (I think they're called meselas - ?) and the squash soup. Luis, our server, was an absolute delight, and I will definitely be asking for him again when we return. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, intimate, and festive. The bill, even after all those plates, for four of us came to right at $100. And we didn't even have to wait that long! One important note: they are cash only, so bring those dolla-dolla billz, y'all.
(4)Heather K.
Interesting experience at Chilam Balam last night... this was my second attempt trying to go here for dinner (after not wanting to wait 1.5 hrs a few weeks back!) and so I was very pleased that we were seated immediately. Now, the concept of CB is shared, small plates. And let me tell you - between 3 gals, we tried 5 dishes and 2 desserts and loved pretty much everything. We each spent $25 including tax/tip and left feeling satisfied but not overly full. (Which is a good thing!) Here are my thoughts on the dishes... 1. Halibut ceviche was my absolute favorite - this is a "must try" 2. Chicken flautas were a close second...great textures and a killer sauce 3. Mushroom and corn empanadas - delicious and well-balanced on their own, I didn't even use the salsa accompaniment 4. Lamb huaraches - I'd never had lamb in the context of Mexican cuisine before, so this was a nice surprise for me. Nice smoky flavors. 5. Shrimp in Mole Verde - really complex sauce, and I don't think I appreciated it as much as I should have... 6. Peanut butter empanadas - sinful! 7. Chile-chocolate mousse - goat cheese in the center, great accompaniments, had a nice spicy kick...yum. So here's what stuck out for me about the experience. All of the dishes were so complex in terms of flavors and sauces, that I really didn't feel like I got to fully enjoy any of them because of the shared plates concept. Some dishes, like the flautas and mushroom empanadas, I could have eaten the entire order by myself because I didn't feel satisfied after just a few bites. I'm definitely coming back here, but next time I don't think I'm going to buy into the whole sharing idea :) I'd rather get a few small plates for myself and really savor them. It's very clear how much thought and effort goes into these dishes, and I want to be able to experience that instead of just nibbling off shared plates. Delicious, unique cuisine and a great addition to the neighborhood. Enjoy!
(4)Tammy L.
I have been here twice now and have really enjoyed both times. Plates are rather small and it's not exactly cheap, but there's a lot of care and effort that goes into this food. It's amazing what they accomplish in such a miniscule kitchen. I am thoroughly impressed. Last time we went, the standout dish was morel empanadas. They were so good that we had 2 rounds of them (small portions!). The napa cabbage-chipotle slaw that came with them was positively addictive. The hibiscus flan is terrific, though it was slightly better the first time we had it. Soft shell crabs were delicious too. Definitely need to either come really early (with a reservation) or just be prepared to wait, but in my opinion, the food is worth it!
(4)Stephen R.
Oh, reputation. Why must you bolster my expectations? Cute and cozy place with decent food. BFF and I came here (per my rec, from others) for a post Christmas dinner. We had 4 "small plates" and a dessert. ~ Guac was great, but it's guac. ~ Flautas were exceptional. ~ Steak. I liked it; she didn't. ~ Epanadas -- boring, bland, and I recommend you avoid. So for her it was on a downward spiral starting with the steak. For me, it was with the very bland empanadas. We ordered the mousse (with goat cheese) for dessert, but the goat cheese was absolutely FROZEN in the center making the mixture of the mousse and cheese pointless. So it didn't end on a positive note. I guess I would try again, maybe actually bringing some booze. We didn't (just wanted to eat) so who knows? Service was definitely prompt, and the bill was $45 between us, which isn't bad -- but isn't stellar. Just A-OK. But give it a whirl if you're in the hood.
(3)Johnny B.
A Rick Bayless protege opening a reasonably priced, small plates, sustainable/localvore BYOB? Where do I sign up? Apparently underground! I walked past this place twice before spotting it. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere lovely, the service pleasant. I have an issue with some of these small/shared plate places though. They encourage you to order everything at once (Publican, Bristol). Then you order 12 things for a table of 4 and the next hour is a flurry of dishes stacking up, too much on your table at once, awkward spacing between items, and oftentimes a progression that I would have preferred completely differently. At all of these locations, Chilam Balam included, I feel too rushed when everything is ordered at once. I recommend ordering a few items at a time to have more control over your dining experience. That, and the fact that the guac is wildly overpriced (way too few chips, double the price of the awesome Xoco version) are my only complaints. One final recommendation: if it's on the menu, get the grilled serrano marinated gulf shrimp in mole verde with roasted fingerling potatoes, queso fresco and poblano rajas. It's served with a side of corn tortillas for wrapping - exquisite. One of the best things I've eaten in months!
(4)William S.
3023 N. Broadway, that is Pepe's Tacos.
(2)Jessica B.
I've walked by this place a million times in Lakeview and never once connected it to the place all of my friends raved about. Finally, I decided with a friend to go check it out and I'm so glad I did. Two big notes: It's CASH ONLY and BYOB. The latter I wasn't aware of, so if you forget wine, grab it from CVS next door, phew! Bonus: no corkage! The place is a garden unit restaurant but it adds to the charm. Most people stare in the window because they're not sure what it is so that's normal. The restaurant takes reservations and on a weekend, I highly recommend them. We came at a good time and were seated right away but since it only seats about 40, it got busy fast and soon, it was a 30 minute wait. Food wise, I was very happy with my meal. The waiter recommended 2 small plates each and that was more than enough for me. We got the guacamole and empanadas, both of which were great and light to start. For our next wave of small plates, we got bone marrow and pork belly, both of which were really tasty. The pork belly was a great mix with a little guac as well and the lightest potato chips I've ever had. Really, awesome. Although it can be a tight fit in there, it's fun because you can talk with your neighbors without feeling like it's communal seating and you're forced to acknowledge each other. The decor is really bright and colorful and festive. I would absolutely go back and try new things on the menu. Large plates are available but really, with a smattering of small plates, you don't need it.
(4)Kelly C.
Shhhh..... don't tell anyone. This matchbox sized restaurant is a neighborhood gem with great gourmet Mexican tapas and is BYOB. We went on a rainy Sunday night and the place was still packed. The mushroom gorditas were delicately crispy on the outside with melt in your mouth mushroom filling. The pork ribs and alligator tacos were also yummy. We'll definitely go back again, but hope that we can still get a table!
(4)Jill B.
I went to Chilam Balam last night with a friend for dinner. It was delicious! We had the taquitos, halibut ceviche, ribs, corn & mushroom emapanadas and the peanut butter empanadas with chocolate sauce. All amazing. Can't wait to go back!
(5)K M.
The one star is for how the owner treats her customers. The food was five-star amazing for its price, but I hope the chef breaks off and starts her own restaurant. We were so excited to try this place. We came in on a 105 degree day with our young daughter. We had reservations for a large party. My husband, daughter and I arrived about 10 minutes early for the reservation and asked if we could sit down because we would stay even if the rest of the party did not. (Only two other tables were taken at this time.) The owner would not let us sit down. My daughter kept asking, "Why are they being so mean?" I don't know. I don't think they understand restaurants come and go. (We weren't asking to sit at a 9-top; but at a 3-top.) If had just been this one incident, I wouldn't yelp. But, later, a couple came in who were obviously excited to try the restaurant. The owner was so rude to the wife that the couple left. The husband came back and yelled at the owner for being so rude to his wife (who was brought to tears). The owner's response? She laughed in his face, then talked about him when they left. The waiter was also really rude to my friend who brought in a bottle of vodka. The waiter informed her she couldn't have it. No problem. We understand liquor laws. She immediately put it away then said, "I have a question." She is gluten intolerant and wanted to know if there was anything to avoid on the menu. His response? "This better not be about the vodka." I will not be returning to this restaurant unless the chef takes over ownership or the owners become silent owners and hire a manager who knows how to treat customers.
(1)Andrea M.
The tapas here are delicious. Of course there was a wait when we arrived on a saturday but they took a cell phone number and we went to the bar a few doors down. We brought a bottle of tequila and they brought out the margarita mix. We ordered more then enough dishes and each one seemed to taste better then the next. Our waitress was sweet and was able to recommend a few of her favorites which were very well received by our group. Apparently their menu changes which is exciting. Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely be returning.
(4)Melissa D.
WOW! I am a huge fan of Chilam Balam. Mind you, we had to wait about 45 minutes for a table,(go next door and grab a few drinks while you are waiting), but it is well worth the wait. :) It's BYOB and no corking charge. We brought beer, so that didn't even matter. Our server was the best. Really provided us with honest suggestions. Everything we had was amazing! The ribs were great, a bit messy, but they're ribs, cmon now, its supposed to be messy! The steak was so freakin' amazing! I can't wait to go back and this time we'll sit at the bar and eat! :)
(5)Matthew U.
This is really as good as it gets in Chicago. Amazing food, excellent prices, and a great staff. just get their early. Once this place fills up, it can be awhile to get a table. BYOB place. This IS my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
(5)John H.
We went to Chilam Balam on a whim after the four fork review in the Chicago Tribune. We were not disappointed. It is a tight, but festive downstairs space that is certainly intimate. It's BYOB and we continued our tradition of pairing Mexican BYOB with slightly sweet German rieslings. We started with the corn masa memelas and the empanadas. Both were complex if a little bland for my palate. The empanadas seemed to be missing a little salt, the memelas a little spice. The guacamole was very good--assisted greatly by the pickled cabbage. The beet salad was exceptional. The warm beets were paired with tart greens and jicama, harder goat cheese, toasted sesame and a pleasantly spicy balsamic vinaigrette. The highlight of this exceptional dish was the dressing--there were several layers of flavor that finished with a very satisfying hot-pepper heat. Our entree was the Cornish Game Hen, which was good. It was accompanied by a mole that was subtle, complex and tasty--Rick Bayless should be proud of his former sous chef--but missing some of the oomph of similar moles at Mixteco or Topolo/Frontera. The dish of the evening was the dessert: A pumpkin tres leches cake with toasted pumpkin seed ice cream. It tasted like creamy pumpkin pie and was topped by a generous dollop of crème fraîche and a dainty scoop of ice cream. It was beautiful, and the toasted pumpkin seed ice cream was whimsical and tasty at the same time. It had all of the toastiness and saltiness of for-real pumpkin seeds, and balanced absolutely perfectly against the sweet cake. Yum. I'm not sure that Chilam Balam deserved the hype and the praise of the Tribune review. That being said, however, our dinner was a very solid effort, our check was very reasonable, and we will be adding Chilam Balam to our regular rotation.
(4)Alex D.
This is one of those places that you walk past thinking "I'd really like to eat there, but it's so damn crowded." I made up my mind to actually eat there even if it meant joining the old folks for an early bird special. So that's exactly what I did. Overall, this place was not as good as the constant crowds would have led me to believe. Lots of good flavors, but looking back, I have no pressing need to go back. That, paired with the fact that it's cash only, means that I won't be terribly pressed to fight my way back in.
(3)jenny m.
Don't go here. Why? Because if YOU go here, then it'll make it all that much harder for ME to get a table when I want to go here. Is that selfish of me? Yes, but I can deal with being selfish because me and Chilam Balam have a little bit of a love-at-first-site thing going on. I've only been once, but I am definitely in love. From the moment I walked in, I just loved the feel of the place. It's in a little bit of a hidden spot (it's underneath another business, so not at street level) so immediately by finding it I felt special. Its all dark & cozy with low lighting and tables pushed close together to maximize the space. It's small and all the tables were all full when I was there, but it didn't feel crowded or too noisy. The service was great. Our server immediately came over with wine glasses and got us to drinkin quick. Hey, that's important! Nothing more annoying then staring longingly at that yummy bottle of wine you brought and having to wait 20 minutes to dive in to it. Our server was also really helpful without being pushy. There were four of us dining and none of us had been there. He took a few moments to explain the menu (mostly small plates to share, kind of like tapas) but then walked away to give us time to explore the menu before ordering. But I've saved the best for last. Oh the food. I think we tried just about everything on the menu with the exception of a couple of the large plate dishes and it was all fantastic. In fact, instead of doing the 'oh, you take the last bite' thing to each other, we were all diving in to take it before someone else could! Each dish was just unique and flavorful and so delicious. A few of our favorites were the ceviche, empanadas (to die for, we got seconds!), scallops, and the tetelas. But really, I think it'd be hard to go wrong with whatever you order. There was not a complaint amongst the four of us on one of the dishes. And believe me, we all eat out alot and can be a very opinionated bunch! When I got home I went back and looked at their website and realized something that made me fall even deeper in love. On the front page of the website is the statement "supporting locally sustainable farmers, ranchers, and purveyors". So the fact that not only was the food amazing, but that the restaurant buys ingredients locally which is good for the environment, is just a win all around. My only complaint is that I don't live closer and won't be able to frequent as often as I like. But, I'll see you in my dreams Chilam Balam and that will have to do for now.
(5)Michael S.
4.5 stars actually - SUPER good! This place is really excellent, and the reason not a full 5 is that one dish (shrimp) was slightly overcooked, and the bar seats pretty much don't take comfort into account (but I guess they had to work with their super limited space). We will certainly sit at a table the next visit (or which there definitely will be). Nonetheless, this is by NO means your greeeezy, cheese dominated local Mexican place. Instead, expect refined Mexican food, beautifully prepared with super ingredients, and sauce accompaniments -nothing less than superb! Started with the ceviche, which was marinated Halibut, and perfectly cooked / marinated, along with the guac -- they aren't huge portions, but adequate for small starters. The shrimp mole dish is served char grilled, and with a fantastic mole (definitely Rick Bayless influences in the mole, which is an obvious compliment) -- it was a bit overcooked, but super good. Then, the sliced chili rubbed ribeye, served perfectly cooked, and flavored wonderfully. I loved this dish, and can't wait to get it again. Cash only, and BYO -- so happy to have it in the area.
(4)John E.
I have already been a fan of Chilam Balam, one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood! A few weekends ago, my family and I held a private party there for 30 of my family and friends. We closed down the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. It was fantastic. We chose a great menu before hand and the food just kept coming. We brought our owe alcohol and the staff made sure that all my guest had a full glass of sangria, margarita, wine, or tequilla, whatever they wanted. The food was amazing as always and the service could not have been better. I would hold a special event like this again in a heartbeat. One of the owners, Soraya is a total sweetheart to work with and did a fantastic job making sure everything was taken care of.
(5)Nancy M.
This place is fantastic. Three of us ordered six small plates and an order of the soup, which was corn with cream topped with Shitake mushrooms. Every single dish was delicious: the halibut ceviche, the memelas, the flautas, the two salads (one greens with poblano dressing, the other heirloom tomato), the empanadas. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate chili mousse with a spiced goat cheese center and empanadas filled with peanut butter and served with black mission fig and chocolate sauces. The empanadas were the shining star -- outstanding -- but the chocolate chili mousse was tasty as well. The only downside? The small space gets LOUD when crowded. Like bar loud. Still, I'd highly recommend Chilam Balam: a restaurant on a mission to preserve the planet with delicious food for reasonable prices.
(4)Sarah B.
Fantastic food--it even overpowers the cramped feel of the restaurant, the uber busy servers and the somewhat scary bathroom. Try everything--even if you're not sure you'll like it. I was pleasantly surprised by the scallops and a dish with duck and mole. For a party of 5, we ordered almost everything of the menu (two of some items) plus dessert--we each spent about $30. For a casual, non-gluttonous evening, I would expect to spend less than $20 per person. Three additional notes: BYOB, cash only, and doesn't take reservations on weekends.
(5)Christopher D.
Chilam Balam left me with mixed emotions. One one hand, the tiny space is cozy and warm. The owner and staff are very welcoming. And the large plate my dining partner and I shared--the grilled hen--was well-cooked, very flavorful and moist. I also had a pleasant mixed salad. The homemade tortillas were among the best I ever had. There probably isn't a grandma in the back making them, but I would believe it if someone told me that were the case. However, there were some misses. The mushroom-stuffed empanadas had a fine crust but the filling was bland. And the tortilla soup was so thick and heavy that it resembled a sauce than a brothy soup. Its bitter flavor was another turn-off. Overall, Chalam Balam is a good addition to the neighborhood. It's not perfect, but its more ambitious, seasonal menu is a nice break from the taco/enchilada/burrito fare you'll get elsewhere.
(3)Lauren R.
My review is probably better expressed as 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed my experience here. Three of us came at about 6:45 on a Friday night, and had about a 30 minute wait. We decided to go to the bar next door to wait since there is seriously no room to wait at the teeny-tiny restaurant. But no complaints about that, it was nice to grab a drink while we waited. When we sat down, we pretty much immediately ordered the guacamole and empanadas. I thought the guacamole was excellent, with a tasty kick to it. The empanadas didn't blow me away, but they were very light and fairly tasty. Next round of food was flautas and pork ribs. The flautas were excellent, extremely tasty with a delicious sauce and a healthy portion for small plates. The pork ribs, however, did not do it for me. They lacked flavor and were too dry. I LOVE ribs though, so I'm picky I guess. Full disclosure: the other two at my table loved them. The small plate did come with a bunch of ribs which was nice, and it was a very beautiful presentation. Third round was hanger steak and the special walleyed pike. Both of these dishes were fantastic. The walleyed pike was my favorite of the night, and came with the most delicious lick your plate sauce. The steak was also super flavorful. I thought it was weird though that with each of these, they only brought us exactly three tortillas. We got more than three portions out of each of the dishes, so one or two extra tortillas would have been nice. I dream about corn tortillas though, so I can always enjoy more. We splurged and got both the flan and the peanut butter empanadas for dessert. The flan was fabulous, my second favorite dish of the night. The peanut butter empanadas, I am sad to report, were actually pretty gross. And I don't use that word lightly. They didn't taste like anything. But, the flan, was amazing, and maybe one of the best flans I've ever had. To sum up: Skip both the empanadas and the pork ribs. Get the guacamole, flautas, walleyed pike, and save room for the flan. I enjoyed a bunch of the things we ordered, but I felt like the price was too high for the amount that we got. But, it was definitely a solid 3.5.
(3)Colleen R.
+: - Cozy atmosphere. - BYOB! - Waiters in Threadless t-shirts. - Chunky guacamole. - Music selections included "She Wolf" and "Bailamos." -: - Loud, loud, loud. - Jostling other diners on the way to the ladies' room. - The ladies' room. The single roll o
(3)Tiffany D.
While the food here is tasty but way overpriced I can't even begin to describe how annoying it is to eat here. Starting with the host who threatened to take me off her list if she called me and my friends weren't yet there to take the table instead if just skipping us until our party was there and being very rude when I checked in to the fact that I can't have chips so asked for a side of tortillas for the guac at which point we were told they can't bring sides (then later half our dishes came with tortillas which he could've mentioned at that point) to asking them to open another bottle of wine and them telling us no because it is one bottle per two people. We still had five tapas not out yet! Then when we asked for coffee they said no because they were trying to close so wouldn't bring us any. Skip this place totally not worth the hassle. Completely unimpressed.
(1)Debbie H.
Chilam Balam, means "books of Yucatan towns" that highlight history and traditions, and the restaurant's bound bookish-menus produce just that through its rich ingredients, flavorful accompaniments and bold, fresh taste. Bueno! Yes, this place is tiny and I'm sure Mgr. Murphy's upstairs is having a ball with all the diners waiting for a table in its bar. But the atmosphere is fun and vibrant and the service is super friendly and attentive. The BYOB aspect is also great, we brought wine and beer but next time will carry in the hard stuff for some on the spot margarita making! We started with the empanadas, which were extremely good and sampled the scallops and swordfish as well. The chocolate flan is a great way to end the meal with something a little sweet. I went there at 6pm on a Friday and by 6:20, there were no more seats in the house! It could get a bit more problematic as the winter months close in, but the yummy food will keep me coming back for more. Delish.
(5)Scott A.
We didn't find the food that great. The portions were very small and overpriced... (the $8 nachos was simply nacho chips with a scoop of guacamole which didn't set the evening off very well) It has a very nice ambience...but that was about it. BYOB is nice too. That being said, we only ordered 3 items (Nachos included) so, by chance, we may not have ordered the best the menu had to offer...
(2)Jamie O.
Creative, organic and flavorful, I thoroughly enjoyed my small bites at Chilam Balam. I believe the chef formerly worked in Rick Bayless kitchens and he/she brings the authentic Mexican cuisine with inventive twists, like beet salad with queso ice cream. Smoked rabbit stew, chipotles, chorizo, roasted fingerlings and turnips; Crispy kale - the elusive crispy kale, fun!! And the fresh corn tortilla was a perfect bread companion to the dish. While the flavors of the stew were earthy and complex, the turnips were very bitter (almost inedible) and it needed more spice for my palate. Sweet corn tamal filled with housemade ricotta and braised greens; Poblano chile cream and Wisconsin Jack cheese - This recipe reminded me of Frontera's veggie tamale but with a stronger corn bread taste. Delicious. Hibiscus flan, vanilla-lime swirl ice cream and candied pepitas - This dessert was intricately designed and so yummy! I am so impressed when both the savory and sweet dishes at a restaurant are equally good. I'll be back. :)
(4)Ryan C.
wife and I ate there tonight and we'll definitely go back to try everything else on the menu we did not get a chance to try tonight. Generally, the food was fantastic, though there are still a few things that could use some tweaking. The rundown: Ceviche was fantastic, though could have been a bit better with a few more chips (our waiter did bring some more chips immediately). The masa with lamb was outstanding. By far the best of the four dishes we had, at least in my opinion. Definitely will order again next time. mushroom empanada was very good as well (though my wife is not a mushroom fan, so it wasn't her favorite) Finally, the hanger steak... flavor was fantastic, but texture was not the best -- perhaps this is b/c I'm not the biggest fan of hanger steak (my wife really enjoyed it). Overally, a pretty good crowd for a Monday night. The only additional suggestion/concern is with the music, which doesn't really fit the place and detracts somewhat from the ambience. Also, the cash only thing is somewhat quirky -- maybe this will get fixed sometime soon. Overall, a great evening out -- we will definitely visit again!
(4)Tiff D.
I heard GREAT things about this restaurant, all word of mouth! My friends are extreme foodies, and love to try new things. Myself, I am new to this whole game, and I still prefer a mix of quality and value. Chilam Balam has exceptional quality with no value. The Guacamole- Homemade, yes. Chips- I recognize these as the ones that are always on sale at Whole Foods. Portion- ridiculously tiny. Even if it was for one person. Sigh. Empanadas- I read a previous review- underwhelming is right. There is nothing special about these, and they are $5 bucks each! One thing I love about asian restaurants is they always tell you the amount of food you are ordering. We came with three people, so when two empanadas, well two of everything, comes out, it becomes a game to see who isn't going to try the new dish. Shredded Steak dish- Wow. Now, this is the dish that got the one star review. Again, super-tiny portion and the beef was shredded and deep fried? Yuck.... I didn't understand this dish at all. It was just a heap of gross textures. All these under-developed dishes, with a hefty price tag. To all those yelpers that loved this place, I hope it was because you were drunk.
(1)Jennifer J.
Had date night here a few weeks ago, and it was amazing! Brought a cheap bottle of red wine and they offered to mix it with their homemade Sangria. The food was awesome, we had flautas, cheviche, empanadas, and guacamole. I have to say the place is small but my 6'5 boyfriend didn't mind. We only waited for about 30 minutes before getting seated at the bar... the servers we're super nice and friendly. I left satisfied and drunk! Win!
(5)Jason M.
I don't think it's necessary to use hundreds of words to extoll the virtues of Chilam Balam. Almost every review shares the same sentiment...this is truly good food. Unless there was an off night, I have to believe that those giving this 1 or 2 stars have no idea what good food is. Realistically, this is probably a 4-star review. It is cramped, and in a garden level storefront, and there's always a really long wait that forces you to spend time inside Monsignor Murphy's having a bad cocktail. At the end of the meal, we were rushed a bit to make room for other diners. While it's totally understandable, it's still a little uncomfortable. The pork belly we had, however, makes it five stars. That was seriously the most amazing slow cooked pork I've ever had. I still have dreams about it 3 days later. If you like Mexican cooking, and especially small plates, I implore you to find someone you want to talk to for hours, go there, wait whatever amount of time it takes, and enjoy. You won't regret it.
(5)Lori M.
We're new to the neighborhood and had our first meal here tonight - fantastic! This cozy restaurant is delightful. The food is fabulous - we had the blue marlin ceviche, roasted garlic soup and the pork ribs, all prepared to perfection. Our server was very helpful and friendly and we enjoyed chatting with the couple at the next table, sharing reviews of all the different dishes. We look forward to becoming regulars!
(5)Donisha L.
I typically try to stay far away from the lake view area...the lack of parking or the $25 cab ride home just isn't appealing to me. So glad I ventured outside my comfort zone west of the 90/94 with Chilam Bilam. The words "tapas" and "BYOB" made it an easy sell for me. Not the easiest place to find driving along Broadway. The makeshift sign atop what appeared to be a garden apartment had me second guessing if this place was actually a restaurant. However, when we stepped inside the quaint, little 15 table establishment, the size and obscure location added to it's charm. I was nervous about the seating arrangement because we had 5 people and I didn't see a single table open that could accommodate our group, but luckily we had someone cancel last minute. Not recommended, and maybe not even possible for large groups FYI, keep it under 5! I checked out the menu the day before but the menu changed that afternoon, so my prepared palate had to start from scratch. We had the flank steak, pork tenderloin, scallops, empanadas, and flautas. It was a party in my tummy and every Latin flavor was invited! Everything I tried was ridiculously delicious! My friends also had the guacamole and enchiladas, which I had to skip since I'm allergic to avocado, but a fan favorite at the table nonetheless. We ended with the hibiscus flan dessert with vanilla ice cream, followed by a food coma by the time the check came. Not a place to sit and chit chat until the wee hours of the night...eat and leave seems to be the theme after payment. With the size of the joint, that's understandable. Moderately priced eats, cozy atmosphere, awesomeness in my tummy...I can dig it!
(4)Gregory L.
First of all, I have to say, that not only am I the first person to review Chilam Balam, but I am a also a part of the first table to eat at Chilam Balam. We ordered Everything, literally. Except for the ahi tuna, ribs and the salad. Don't worry, I also took pictures of it all as well. Chef Chuy Valencia shares his family traditions and roots with all of the dishes served. My brother and I got there first out of our party of four. We ordered the corn masa memelas and the halibut ceviche. The memelas were like sopes, and served with a very fresh, thick but not too sweet wisconsin goat cheese. I didn't even realize that it didn't have meat in them. The ceviche was up there on my ceviche list. Not only was it very fresh, but it was full of halibut, very little onion, cucumber and jicama. Just the way I like it. Once one of our friends got there, we ordered a couple more small plates; the guac, hanger steak, green chile soup and quesadillas. The guacamole was what it was. I've had good guacs before, and this one was as well. The hanger steak was nice and buttery, melt in your mouth skirt, with potatoes in a guajillo sauce. Roll this in Chuy's handmade fresh tortillas, and you're set. I didn't think it would get much better than that. The soup was very good as well. It was a green chile and cream soup, served at room temperature, with sour cream on top. The green chile was very deep and spicy, but subtle. We all enjoyed it. The quesadillas could've been better. I remembered a few days ago, before the menu was updatesd, there were supposed to be squash blossoms in them. To my disappointed finding, they were taken away. Now onto the main dishes. We took two orders of the scallops, the leg of lamb and the hen. I wish we had ordered two of the lamb dishes instead. The scallops were big and supple, but I just don't believe that quality scallops can be properly cooked on a grill. They need to be pan seared. Mixteco tried doing this yesterday. Didn't care for it one bit. The lamb was cooked at a nice tender medium rare, and served with this smokey mulato chile sauce. The smokiness hits at the end. It was a perfect end note to each bite. A sort of gift if you will. The hen was okay. I was hoping for a little bit more flavor, but oh well. It'll give chuy something to work on, considering most of his dishes are already stellar in my book. We had to save room for dessert. After a recommendation from our server, David, we decided to try the lemon infused flan with homemade ice cream. This flan was HEAVEN. It is not your ordinary flan. I couldn't pin point it, but I believe they used some sort of condensed milk and cream cheese in the recipe. I have never had anything like it. The ice cream was homemade, and amazing as well. wish I could remember what kind it was. Friends at the table were describing how much they loved it. One said "I could just have this served in a bucket" the other said "I could just sit down at the tv, and eat 10-15 of these easily." I would come here just to experience that alone once again. Chilam Balam is very tiny, and will fill up fast. Expect for it to be full on a regular basis. There are no reservations, and they only accept cash, and it is BYOB. There will be a table for 3 at the bar opening shortly.
(4)Julia L.
Overhyped and overrated but good. Be aware that this place has rules. You can only stay for an hour to an hour, 15 mins, tops. It's BYOB but wine and beer and tequila only. And only certain amounts per person, unless you order more to eat. I get it: it's a small place and it's blowing up since Chuy was on Top Chef. But sometimes it's tough to swallow rules at a restaurant. The service was good; I appreciated that we were told the rules up front. And the food runners were fantastic. The food is definitely good, but not as mind blowing as some would expect from a Cheftestant. I went with 8 people and we tried everything on the menu. The meat dishes were better than the salads. The sauces were fantastic. A lot of the dishes were better with sauces and lime wedges for additional flavor. Be prepared to wait. Go next door for a drink and chill out.
(3)D F.
My wife and I stumbled on this place at around 9:00 on Thursday night, after we realized it was too late to eat at Crisp. Wow were we pleasantly surprised! I'm only knocking a star off because of price. We got 4 tapas and a dessert, and it came out to $54 plus tip. To call Chilam Balam a Mexican restaurant is a bit of a misnomer. Most of the dishes really weren't Mexican per se, but had Mexican ingredients. For example, we got pork ribs (not really Mexican), but it had a mole sauce instead of a barbecue sauce. They were awesome. We also got the scallops, which were probably our favorite dish. We also got a green salad to be healthy, which was quite good, and one other dish that I can't remember, but which was good. We got a mousse dessert that had goat cheese inside. We wouldn't have ordered it, except the waiter recommended it. He was right. It was pretty phenomenal. The atmosphere is pretty cool - very tiny. I thought they could have dimmed the lights a little more to make it feel even more intimate, but whatever. Long story short, Chilam Balam is awesome, but expect to pay about $30-$40/person.
(4)Suzanne S.
The food was amazing. I think we ate everything on the menu. Our waiter was fantastic and offered to create our meal for us--which we loved. He brought out the perfect amount of delicious small plates. BYOB is always a plus. We spent our money on the food and brought great wine from home.
(5)Sara D.
I'm glad that this space is occupied again, in a previous life this was a quaint Italian joint. I stopped in here late-night a few Saturdays ago. The place was packed, and the hostess informed us that we could wait next door at Murphy's and the staff would call the bar when our table was ready. After about 45 minutes we were seated and ordered 3 small plates. We tried the hanger steak, tortilla soup, and empanadas. All were tasty, but the best was the hanger steak. It was a generous serving of meat, cooked just right (pink in the middle), with a side of homemade tortillas. For dessert we tried the flan, as recommended by the waiter....for flan fans, it was probably delicious, but I wish we would've gotten the peanut butter dessert. Although the flan was a generous serving and plated attractively with crunchy pistachios sprinkled on top, I'm not a big flan/custard person and this did not convert me. Lessons learned....pb/chocolate fans, when it is offered, take it! Overall, this is a great little byob with tasty small plates and I hope to come back soon to try some of the other dishes.
(4)Leah C.
this is vegi-me's first tapas dining experience where i've felt both full and satisfied... and i didn't have to stuff myself silly with bread and sangria to do so! our 6-top let our server do the driving. we let him know about some of our dietary [vegi] restrictions and he did an excellent job of balancing out the meat and sans meat dishes. stick with the small plates as the entree dishes are drastically more in price. plus, you don't want to fill up on one thing. pass on the guac (although the chips themselves were really good!) but double/triple up on the corn masa with garbanzo beans/mushrooms - delicious! carni's and vegi's BOTH loved them. the mole ribs were also a hit along with the tuna ceviche. hopefully my reco's are on the menu when you visit because as stated in other reviews, the menu changes. it was really nice to see the servers all interacting with each other and they seemed like they really enjoyed their jobs. they sang some pretty funny renditions of "happy bday" too! warning: the whole idea of byob goes out the window if you allow the kitchen to turn your byob wine into sangria - it's $11.50 per pitcher. so $10 wine + ($11.50 x 3 pitchers) = :( i guess we should've read the fine print. what sucks is that wine was good on its own :( reiterating: yes, it's cozy (anyone else remember this venue as pepe's?) and yes the wait (ours was ~2 hours) is toeing the line of "not worth it" but if you are in good company and willing to have a few beers at the bar next door (hey, you are saving $ by it being byob) then this is a great spot for latin (vs. spanish) tapas.
(5)Emily U.
LOVED Chilam balam. Went there for dinner a few weeks ago with a couple of friends and had a great time. We had to wait 2 hours for a table but we anticipated that from previous Yelp reviews, so we put our names in and drank across the street. We had a group of 3 and I agree with others that small groups are best here. The tapas were all delicious. The waiter was super nice and gave us excellent guidance. We didn't have anything we didn't like, in fact, we loved everything. The portions were also great. There are so many tapas places where you only get a couple of bites, but the three of us were barely able to finish our 5th plate because we were so full. The only downside was that it was really loud in there, so it would be somewhat difficult to have conversations. As a young person I don't really care but older couples or people who are more "professional" than me might not like it. Can't wait to go back and try their new menu!
(4)Jill R.
If this was only a food review I would give 4.5 stars but our server was rude and not helpful at all so they are only getting 3. We had my youngest with us (she's 8) and she was very excited to visit a restaurant that had been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. However, we weren't sure she would like the food. We asked the server a couple of questions about the flautas and other items on the menu and he immediately answered with "there are better choices than that", OK, but that is what we thought my 8 y/o would like so we were going to order that. He never answered our original questions. In addition to the flautas, we ordered the skirt steak and the quac with chips. The server was short with us and disapproving with our order; he thought we needed more food since the plates were small - um, that's ok. I told him if we wanted more, we'd order more as we ate (you are allowed to do that in restaurants, right?) After the food came, we ate it - it was wonderful and very tasty. Our server never returned to the table to check on us or see if we wanted to order more. Our water was also never refilled. My 8 y./o liked guacamole and chips and tried the other items but wasn't real super excited with them - which is fine, she's 8, she knows what she likes - i'm just glad she tried it all. Anyway, we didn't need more food, we were satisfied without being overstuffed... His tip reflected his service. I don't plan to eat in there again if I am in the neighborhood, but carry out is a possibility.
(3)Tish V.
Chilam Balam is a super cute & teeny tiny place that offers a level of coziness that is unlike others. It was almost like walking into someone's basement party equipped with hostess & servers. We got the best seats in the house so it made things even better! The service was great (never was left without anything needed) and the food was pretty darn good. We had to do a double order of the scallops and the guacamole - they were oh'so good! Pretty much everything we ate had great flavor and was authentico. BYOB makes this place even a better joint to visit. If you're claustrophobic then I'd say you'll probably want to do take-out because the space is small; make sure you have reservations and be on time. I'd definitely revisit this place if I was going to pay Lake View a visit.
(4)Betsy P.
While the food was good here we will never go back because of the way we were treated by the manager. After fininshing our meal (4 of us) in under an hour and when we said no to desert we were told that we had to leave because others were waiting for a table. We then said we'd order dessert and were told no, if wanted that we'd have to move to the bar (which really isn't a bar and there was no room). In under an hour we rang up a $80+ tab and was told to leave. Funny thing was by the time we settled the bill no one was waiting for a table.
(1)Cathy M.
Chilam Balam is a wonderful, warm, charming place near our son's apartment which is a plus and BYOB which we have been exploring more and more lately. Our waiter David was so friendly and attentive and gave us great suggestions. Everything we had, almost every small plate was flavorful, delicious and well prepared. We loved the corn masa memelas and the mushroom empanadas. The hanger steak had great flavors and the tortillas that came with the dish were amazing. We will definitely return as we understand that the menu changes often. Do note that it is cash only which was fine with us.
(4)Aztlan S.
FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS EAT AT DUMPS LIKE CHILAM BALAM! First of all, I would encourage you to look at the rating history provided by Yelp. It should come as no surpise that this place's ratings are falling precipitously. The FOOD: if your idea of a good time is eating overpriced-yet-mediocre "upscale" regional Mexican fare, this place is for you. The AMBIANCE: if you like dimly-lit (not in a sexy way!), overcrowded dungeons with patrons' chairs continuously bumping into yours while tired music from 1988 pollutes the air, this place should be your headquarters. THE SERVICE: if you like being treated like a herd animal by obnoxious waitstaff, RUN, DON'T WALK to Chilam Balam! My friends and I made the unforgiveable mistake of going to Chilam Balam last night. I had been interested in this place because of its name: it conjured up images of the Yucatan and its wonderful food. I was expecting great regional Mexican food. To add to the anticipation, I had recently seen a camera crew there filming for Guy Fietti's Food Network show. My disillusionment in Chilam Balam: The disappointment with this place began with the climb down the stairs because it is in the basement of the same building which houses Flub A Dub Chub's [way better food, btw!]. We were met by the hostess at the door/ wind tunnel who promptly took down my friend's cell number and said she would call us when a table was ready --in about 45 minutes, she thought. Some patrons' light bulbs must have gone off because they high-tailed it out of there and we only ended up waiting 25 minutes. We ordered over-priced guacamole and (stale) chips. Then we ate over-priced ceviche, pork ribs, ravioli, a soup, and memelas. The food was OK for the most part, except for the ribs and the soup which were nothing to write home about. Then we ordered two types of dessert: the peanut butter empanadas and the chile mousse. The desserts were actually good but, in retrospect, we should have just requested our check and ran out of that hell-hole! What really ruined it for me, besides the exhorbitant prices, mediocre fare, dungeon-like atmosphere, and depressing music was the intolerably annoying waitstaff. I was so insulted by the way they herded their patrons like cattle. The people at the next table kept complaining about the crowded conditions and how other people's chairs kept bumping into theirs. Another group was annoyed because they had requested a birthday song --they had even been promised a candle for their dessert-- and it never materialized, despite multiple attempts. (Yes, the staff does sing birthday songs but they must only do it when they feel like it!) One table had to keep asking every staff member that passed by for a wine glass because all the other staff members ignored their requests. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you want to have a good time or not? Do you want good food or not? Do you want to be treated as a paying customer or as a herd animal? Decisions, decisions... PS: If you decide to go, don't forget to bring cash. Tell all your credit card holding friends to make a DETOUR TO THE ATM or you'll end up paying the HUGE bill if you are the only one holding CASH. THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY. PERIOD!
(1)PJ T.
Went here for dinner with a large group of friends. It's a crammed place for a large group. The food is decent, nothing super exceptional. But we ended up having a good time. the chef came out to greet us which is a plus. Also, it's hard to spot, since it's below street level.
(3)Mateo S.
Chilam Balam. Learn it, live it, love it. Hands down, proof that Chicago currently reigns as the most exciting and innovative city in the country for Mexican dining. Despite getting lumped in with a crowd of other recent upscale-Mexican openings, alta cocina with a snootily upturned nose isn't the idea here. Even after being bathed in adulatory praise from nearly every critic in town, chef Chuy Valencia is turning out honest, approachable and downright delicious fare that tastes every bit as good as it reads on the menu; serious, authentic and adventurous. Chilam Balam is that rare restaurant that is a perfect equation of elements: Farm-to-table, BYOB, friendly and informed service... Yes it is loud, yes it is crowded, but that is the fun part: the convivial basement setting feels more like a raucous private dinner party than another staid night out.
(5)Gino P.
We went to Chilam Balam on a recommendation from a friend. There was no wait on a Monday night at 7pm, though they did have reservations, but fit us in. First, I was pleasantly surprised by the interior upgrade they completed relative to the Italian restaurant that was there before Chilam. While the dining room is small it was a very comfortable and cozy setting with a wrap around bench covered with colorful pillows. Second, the waiter was extremely helpful and charismatic. He kindly welcomed us and offered recommendations, however he did not except the discount card for Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce members, but he said he'd consider it for the future. Finally, the all-organic food was excellent, including non-alcoholic sangria and several small plates. We enjoyed Acorn Squash soup, which was the best dish and as well as Beet Salad (the beets could have been cut a bit smaller, but it was still quite good and tasty). We also had Chicken Flautas, which were delightfully crispy and with just the right amount of cheese and sauce. Last, we had the short ribs, which were not as meaty as I would have liked, however the wonderfully tangy sauce made up for it. Great experience, wonderful staff, and a definite recommend for others!
(5)Joel S.
The food here was excellent. Guacamole - super fresh and tasty. They brought more (also fresh) chips for us without our even asking. We had a couple of other small plates, whose names unfortunately escape me - also great. I tried the braised short rib and it was prepared perfectly and was really fresh. My only complains are that there was a super fat guy who appeared to be friends with some of the staff hovering about 6 to 12 inches from our table about half of the meal. I am not a big complainer and it didn't seem like there was anywhere else for him to go, so I didn't complain. But it really sucked, and almost ruined the meal. The space is just too small, I guess. Good luck if you plan on going here in the winter! I don't know what you would do, or where you'd wait. Another small issue... we ordered a lot of food, and were in and out of there in about 30 minutes! I was hoping there would be a little more time between courses to relax, but there wasn't. Food was great though! I'll be back if I'm looking for a really quick meal at an off time where I know there won't be a wait.
(3)Leslie F.
Came here with my boyfriend's parents for dinner while they were in town. First - service - the waiter took excellent care of us. We ordered small plates haphazardly and he was kind enough to organize our order into a set of courses. Everything was great and all the plates seem reasonably sized. (We had just about two per person, for 7 people and including 4 guys who are typically pretty big eaters.) The highlights were the corn and black bean memelas, the chicken flautas, the quail, and the peanut butter empanadas for dessert. We also tried the octopus, the blue fin ceviche, and the ribs, and those were all very tasty as well. The flank steak was tough but still pretty good. He also recommended their home made limeade BYO-tequila margaritas, which were absolutely amazing. They were tart and very fresh tasting. We may have added a little extra tequila to the mix at the table. The only thing that makes me wish I could give 4 and a half stars was that the restaurant did not have particularly good air conditioning, so by the end of the meal, our whole group was looking and feeling a little uncomfortable in the heat. But then again maybe that was only the 'ritas.
(5)k h.
Had dinner there Saturday night with a friend and was blown away by the food! What an interesting take on Mexican food! 4 small plates for the two of us was the perfect amount of food. I highly recommend the shortribs and blue marlin ceviche small plates, as well as the chocolate chili mousse. I can't wait to return and try even more dishes. I disagree with anyone who says the prices are too expensive. Given the quality of our food, I thought our bill was very reasonable. Plus it's BYOB and there's no corkage fee. The only drawback is the crowded space ... we at the bar (due to the 90 minute wait for a table) and felt we were a bit in the way of the servers bringing dishes out from the kitchen. But the benefit of eating at the bar is that we were able to chat with one of the owners and got great suggestions on the menu!
(5)Rob H.
Just went to Chilam Balam for the first time. Pretty much can be summed up as a Mexican take on tapas. My girlfriend and I had the chicken flautas, roasted pork belly, blue marlin ceviche, grilled pork ribs, and chocolate mousse (really more of a terrine). All except the ceviche were delicious and had a very nice presentation -- though they do use a very similar garnish for many of the dishes. In particular we really liked the roasted pork belly, which had a great roasted and savory taste but wasn't too fatty and was paired with a spicy orange salsa. The chocolate terrine was also great with the goat cheese center (and I don't even like goat cheese). Some of the other reviews complained about the amount of food, but I think if you get 2 small plates per person and 1 dessert per 2 people you'll be fine -- we didn't finish the ceviche and felt satisfied. All in all, the food was great, except for the aforementioned ceviche which was pretty mediocre both in taste and presentation. Contrary to some other reviews, Chilam Balam did take reservations -- I made them at about 6:00 PM on Monday night for 8:00 PM. We showed up at 8:10 PM and were seated immediately at a table with a "RESERVED" placard on it. The service was solid and I have no complaints there. The restaurant is a bit cramped, but the ambiance was nice -- the open kitchen (not that we could see the prep going on) filled the place with good smells and the music was at a good volume where we could hear it but hold a conversation (also, was a great CD of Mexican covers of rock classics.) Since it was BYOB, we brought a bottle of chardonnay and paid $60 including tip. Since four of the five dishes we had were great, I'll give it four out of five stars.
(4)Padraig J.
Overpriced, unmemorable Mexican small plates in a tiny underground restaurant. Felt like a rip off while we were eating. Flavors were fresh I suppose, but honestly I can't remember anything I had to run back for. Adequate for all its hip upscale pretension. And WORST OF ALL: after spending 100 dollars trying to get enough food to fill us up- we were two couples out for the night- our previously jazzy enthused server RUSHED is off of our table. They literally asked us to leave when we had barely finished and were still drinking our wine. Im sorry- that's unforgiveable. We'd never go back. It was a total hustle, you drop a lot of money and the food is good, but you don't go out just to eat. You go out, and you pay that big money for the theater of the restaurant. The place is too small, and instead of enjoying the party like atmosphere, you just feel like you're getting the run around and losing 50 bucks to boot. Get over yourselves, or get a bigger place. By the end of the evening we were eating hot dogs.
(2)Dawn A.
I'm not sure what this restaurant strives to be...tapas BYOB or destination restaurant. Our group shared several small plates...about $10 a small plate. They offered only 3 large plates (dinner I suppose) and desserts. This is not an inexpensive evening out but BYOB softens the $$$ impact on your wallet. It does though promote that social vibe of a great friends with family tapas happy hour. The flavors were is certainly outstanding for the hangar steak, ceviche, and those "bean boats". Guac was meh...nothing new and the empanadas were boringly bland. but yes, nice crust. Service is friendly, the bus boys really hustle, and our waiter got lost for some time but the bus boys picked up the slack. Tip: it's a small space and people were hanging on enjoying their BYOB. Get there early or bring your patience.
(3)Karen Anne B.
3.5 stars would be my choice for this place. I found their reservation system a bit frustrating. I wanted to go here with a group of 12 people, but they only take reservations during the week and not after 6 on Fridays. The place is tiny and there is nowhere for 12 people to wait. So we decided to suck it up and go at 6. Anyway, the food was really good. A couple more veg options would be nice. The desert was excellent. The cappuccino...barely warm. I like that they use small local farms/farmers. However, it's tapas style and they were constantly taking my plate and replacing it. I guess they aren't worried about water conservation. The staff also kept reaching right across my face to take plates and refill glasses. A big pet peeve. They are BYO and do not charge a corkage fee, which is great. Due to the small size and the lack of space in of the restaurant we were asked to leave after we were done and had to go elsewhere to visit. Would I go back? Maybe, but not on a Friday or Saturday.
(4)Sarah J.
Went here with 5 others on a busy Friday night - we knew it would be packed, so we came prepared. Brought our own drinks, which we saved for our meal, and hit the bar next door to have a few while we waited. WORTH IT. We went back after they called to let us know our table was ready (2 hours!, but just as promised on a Friday night!) and had a blast. With such a large group, including a vegetarian, we weren't sure where to start. The waiter took complete care of us, ordering a little of this and a little of that from the small plate menu. The empanadas were delicious, the flautas were crispy and tasty. Favorite? The chocolate chile mousse - SO good. We were tightly squeezed into their largest table, so might be better to go with a group of 4 or less, but we didn't mind bumping elbows to get after the food!
(4)Joe C.
I went here on a Saturday night with a group of 7. We got there around 6:15 and had to wait about 30 minutes to get a table. The nice thing was that they took our number and called us so we could go to a nearby bar to wait. When we were seated we just started ordering...we got almost everything on the menu. The food was all very tasty. My personal favorites were the grilled hangar steak, the banana leaf-roasted pork belly, the grilled skatewing, and the ribeye. We also got a few desserts. The sweet empanadas were excellent. The only reason I did not give this place five stars was because our server led us to believe that we would be getting a few items on the house. It was my nieces birthday. She was asking if the hangar steak was good and he said something along the lines of "it is fantastic; I will bring you one since it is your birthday." Later in the dinner, we were ordering dessert and the birthday girl ordered 2 items, and the server said "I will bring you those and another one for your birthday" Well, we just assumed that the hangar steak and the third dessert would be comped because we never actually ordered them. We were charged for both. Normally, I would be more upset and say something, but they were so good that I was glad we got to try them.
(4)Anisha A.
Revisited Chilam, and found it has definitely hit its stride. Everything we tried before was better executed. Also enjoyed the pike- the highlight of the November specials.
(4)R E.
Unbelievably delicious! Rick Bayless who? I am kidding! No credit taken away from Chef Bayless...I have much respect for Rick Bayless and the knowledge he has of our culture and the TRUE traditions and recipes of our food. However the food here is definitely as good as what I have tried at one of his restaurants if not better. It's Mexican Food with a tasty twist at inexpensive prices. My hope is that they continue to grow and open other locations. For now, I will gladly make the long drive from the western suburbs....a 2 hour drive in Friday night traffic, in order to beat the mad dinner rush, is definitely worth it! In all honesty, it's been a very long time since I've been impressed with a Mexican Restaurant and I'm Mexican....so I think I know the food, lol. Good Luck on Top Chef!
(5)Paloma N.
My review was erased for some reason so I will write it again. I had a terrible experience at this establishment. I went with a party of five and as soon as we arrived we were greeted by a rude hostess who yelled us to shut the door as we we trying to come inside the tiny establishment. After getting yelled at more we waited for 45 minutes to be seated at a table for two so we had to squeeze five of us in a tiny space with no room for our coats or purses leaving us feeling quite uncomfortable the rest of the night, bumping onto our neighbors and any passersby. The rudeness of the staff is unbelievable to me coupled with overpriced unauthentic Mexican food (I was born and raised in Mexico) and the inconvenience of no credit cards and BYOB with all kinds of rules attached. Just not a good dining experience at all!!!! Will never return and will recommend all my friends and family to avoid this place. Biggest turnoff: rudeness by the hostess and general pretentious atmosphere for semi-ok over-priced food.
(1)