I can’t stop thinking about the Pork Milanese at Chilim Balam. Hands down one of the top 5 dishes I’ve ever had.
It was the perfect combo of savory, crunchy, and fresh. The pork was rich and flavorful, and then you get these bright hits of strawberry, cucumber, and herbs that just make the whole thing pop. Such a perfect summer dish!
Sarah Burke
Delicious food with a cool atmosphere and great customer service. Everything we tried was a hit but going to dream about the elote style brussel sprouts. Definitely a cute spot for a date night or a dinner out with friends. We walked in right at 5 with no reservation and were fine but if you’re going later, would consider calling first.
Adrian Martinez
Loved the memilas and the braised flank stake.
Cameron Dodd
I’m sharing my review here again because the restaurant’s initial response to my original post was aggressive, rude, and completely dismissed the concerns I raised — which sadly reflects the kind of customer experience you get at Chilam Balam.
While the restaurant has a cozy, homey vibe thanks to its small garden-level dining room, the staff’s consistently rude behavior has kept me from wanting to return. My biggest issue, though, is their enforced minimum dish policy. I’ve dined here several times, and each time, I’ve been pressured to order more food than I actually wanted — often leaving with excessive leftovers that ultimately go to waste. As someone who is mindful about food waste, I find this policy frustrating and irresponsible.
Most recently, I visited with two girlfriends, and the server told us we each needed to order two items — despite the fact that their dishes are quite large. When we politely declined, we were essentially forced to leave. This kind of inflexible and unwelcoming approach doesn’t sit right with me, and it’s why I can’t recommend this place.
Melba Mata
NEVER RETURNING. I found this place via Google Maps, read reviews and went. It was dine on Broadway so seating was outside. Upon being seat my husband was met with a sarcastic hostess but ok no biggie. Being our first visit we didn’t know the strict rules. We were told in order to drink our byob beverage we had to order first, I didn’t realize how stern they were going to be, but we were scolded for not adhering to rule, and again told “next time you come you need to buy our mixers!”, we were then told we had to order 7-8 items, we did and then we were allowed to drink. The food was pretty good, spaced out nicely, not getting all items at once. It was too much food for the four of us, and were full by the fifth item. We then had to scrambled to get cash as we do not use Venmo. Had we known this was a cash/venmo restaurant we would have brought cash. I ended up having to go to Mariano’s to get cash. Not a pleasant experience. Waiter was great, hostess had an attitude the entire time. Had I read their info on website we would have known these ridiculous rules. Grown adults here, we spend money but not here ever again.
Lilo Pomerleau
To be fair, our dinner was outside the restaurant when Broadway was closed to car traffic and all tables were full. (We had reservations.) It was cash/venmo only, but we were not told before ordering. It's BYOB but the rules are exact: only beer, wine, tequila (each with a limited amount). You must order a set amount of food before you can drink the alcohol. (We didn't understand this and were sharply scolded.) The amount of food required to order for BYOB (7 shareable dishes) for our 4-top was too much. Some dishes were too rich. Some were excellent.
Zachery Green
The best meal you can have in Lakeview East. Is it pricey? Think fine dining small plate tapas. is it delicious? Outrageously. Do they accommodate allergies? My wife has a sesame allergy and they were fantastic about it.
Perfect for a date night, celebration, or if you are a foodie looking for fresh produce. Lovely staff. Amazing food.
Please make a reservation, you need one. It’s too good.
Daniel Davis
It’s actually insane that people think this place is good. It’s almost as if you just need to be in a busy, upscale area and you can totally forget about the actual food itself. Totally disappointed from start to finish.
Brian Mansfield
Wonderful experience - I was initially skeptical because of the BYOB policy, but it ended up being a nothingburger - everything was great.
We tried everything on the menu. My personal favorites were the Brussels sprouts, short rib, and the potato - and the pistachio tres leches for dessert. The man running the tables was SO GOOD! Attentive, funny, helpful, just all around a joy and addition to the experience
Benjamin Schwartz
Honestly one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. Food was amazing - fresh, tasty and creative. We left it up to the chef to decide whatever shared dishes he recommended and they were all a hit. Eddie the owner is also a great guy. Definitely coming back.
Great, delicious fusion Mexican, you definitely have to make a reservation and you can bring your own alcoholic drinks! Important to know you can only pay in cash.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gustavo Villanueva
I can honestly say these dishes are delicious. The flavors and combinations are out of this world. Never a disappointment! The owner is very friendly and seems very passionate about delivering nothing but the best authentic Mexican flavors. Every time one of the waiters recommends a dish it ends up being my favorite of the night. I totally recommend this place all year round! Exceptional!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
April Crowley
Best spot in the area for ridiculously good Mexican food. Service is excellent, the ambiance is intimate and funky, and the food is killer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips, Brussels Sprouts, Corn Memelas, Chocolate-Chile Mousse Spiced Goat Cheese Center and Toasted Marshmallow Sauce, Empanadas
F K
Had a reservation for 8PM on Friday. We were sat down and told we had 3 minutes to place an order despite the restaurant closing at 10PM because the crowd was “not popping tonight” we were rushed out in 30 minutes and treated disrespectfully by the staff. The food was okay at best, certainly not worth the price. Do not come here!!
I can’t stop thinking about the Pork Milanese at Chilim Balam. Hands down one of the top 5 dishes I’ve ever had.
It was the perfect combo of savory, crunchy, and fresh. The pork was rich and flavorful, and then you get these bright hits of strawberry, cucumber, and herbs that just make the whole thing pop. Such a perfect summer dish!
Delicious food with a cool atmosphere and great customer service. Everything we tried was a hit but going to dream about the elote style brussel sprouts. Definitely a cute spot for a date night or a dinner out with friends. We walked in right at 5 with no reservation and were fine but if you’re going later, would consider calling first.
Loved the memilas and the braised flank stake.
I’m sharing my review here again because the restaurant’s initial response to my original post was aggressive, rude, and completely dismissed the concerns I raised — which sadly reflects the kind of customer experience you get at Chilam Balam.
While the restaurant has a cozy, homey vibe thanks to its small garden-level dining room, the staff’s consistently rude behavior has kept me from wanting to return. My biggest issue, though, is their enforced minimum dish policy. I’ve dined here several times, and each time, I’ve been pressured to order more food than I actually wanted — often leaving with excessive leftovers that ultimately go to waste. As someone who is mindful about food waste, I find this policy frustrating and irresponsible.
Most recently, I visited with two girlfriends, and the server told us we each needed to order two items — despite the fact that their dishes are quite large. When we politely declined, we were essentially forced to leave. This kind of inflexible and unwelcoming approach doesn’t sit right with me, and it’s why I can’t recommend this place.
NEVER RETURNING. I found this place via Google Maps, read reviews and went. It was dine on Broadway so seating was outside. Upon being seat my husband was met with a sarcastic hostess but ok no biggie. Being our first visit we didn’t know the strict rules. We were told in order to drink our byob beverage we had to order first, I didn’t realize how stern they were going to be, but we were scolded for not adhering to rule, and again told “next time you come you need to buy our mixers!”, we were then told we had to order 7-8 items, we did and then we were allowed to drink. The food was pretty good, spaced out nicely, not getting all items at once. It was too much food for the four of us, and were full by the fifth item. We then had to scrambled to get cash as we do not use Venmo. Had we known this was a cash/venmo restaurant we would have brought cash. I ended up having to go to Mariano’s to get cash. Not a pleasant experience. Waiter was great, hostess had an attitude the entire time. Had I read their info on website we would have known these ridiculous rules. Grown adults here, we spend money but not here ever again.
To be fair, our dinner was outside the restaurant when Broadway was closed to car traffic and all tables were full. (We had reservations.) It was cash/venmo only, but we were not told before ordering. It's BYOB but the rules are exact: only beer, wine, tequila (each with a limited amount). You must order a set amount of food before you can drink the alcohol. (We didn't understand this and were sharply scolded.) The amount of food required to order for BYOB (7 shareable dishes) for our 4-top was too much. Some dishes were too rich. Some were excellent.
The best meal you can have in Lakeview East. Is it pricey? Think fine dining small plate tapas. is it delicious? Outrageously. Do they accommodate allergies? My wife has a sesame allergy and they were fantastic about it.
Perfect for a date night, celebration, or if you are a foodie looking for fresh produce. Lovely staff. Amazing food.
Please make a reservation, you need one. It’s too good.
It’s actually insane that people think this place is good. It’s almost as if you just need to be in a busy, upscale area and you can totally forget about the actual food itself. Totally disappointed from start to finish.
Wonderful experience - I was initially skeptical because of the BYOB policy, but it ended up being a nothingburger - everything was great.
We tried everything on the menu. My personal favorites were the Brussels sprouts, short rib, and the potato - and the pistachio tres leches for dessert. The man running the tables was SO GOOD! Attentive, funny, helpful, just all around a joy and addition to the experience
Honestly one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. Food was amazing - fresh, tasty and creative. We left it up to the chef to decide whatever shared dishes he recommended and they were all a hit. Eddie the owner is also a great guy. Definitely coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Memelas, Burrata, Sweet Empanadas, Empanadas, Chicken Flautas, Plato Placero with Beef Brisket Salsa Queso Oaxaca Roasted Plantains Tostadas and Lettuce Cups, Pulled Pork
Restaurantji Recommends
Great, delicious fusion Mexican, you definitely have to make a reservation and you can bring your own alcoholic drinks! Important to know you can only pay in cash.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I can honestly say these dishes are delicious. The flavors and combinations are out of this world. Never a disappointment! The owner is very friendly and seems very passionate about delivering nothing but the best authentic Mexican flavors. Every time one of the waiters recommends a dish it ends up being my favorite of the night. I totally recommend this place all year round! Exceptional!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best spot in the area for ridiculously good Mexican food. Service is excellent, the ambiance is intimate and funky, and the food is killer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips, Brussels Sprouts, Corn Memelas, Chocolate-Chile Mousse Spiced Goat Cheese Center and Toasted Marshmallow Sauce, Empanadas
Had a reservation for 8PM on Friday. We were sat down and told we had 3 minutes to place an order despite the restaurant closing at 10PM because the crowd was “not popping tonight” we were rushed out in 30 minutes and treated disrespectfully by the staff. The food was okay at best, certainly not worth the price. Do not come here!!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Amazing food! A must try for anyone in Chicago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Empanadas
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