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ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, Chicago, IL

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.7 (138)
$30 and under
Mexican
3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL 60657-2172

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
We celebrate the culinary connections between the Oaxacan region in Mexico and a neighboring international cuisine. It highlights the vibrant flavors, traditional techniques, and unique ingredients of Oaxaca, while also incorporating elements and influences from a neighboring culinary tradition.

Meet Carlos Lopez Muñoz, a culinary virtuoso hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Oaxaca, Mexico. His gastronomic odyssey began in the heart of his family's kitchen, weaving a narrative steeped in the rich culinary tradition of "El Istmo."

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Lopez Muñoz
  • Catering
    contact@istmochicago.com
  • Private party facilities
    Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca! Immerse yourself in an exquisite culinary experience featuring authentic Oaxacan cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavors. Our skilled chef will delight your palate with traditional dishes, crafted with the freshest local ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Experiences

  • ISTMO´S ANNIVERSARY

    $495.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Hello! This is Chef Carlos Lopez Muñoz and We are thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating Istmo's first anniversary with a special dinner that promises to immerse you in the rich culinary and artistic heritage of Oaxaca. This unique event will feature renowned artist Rufina Ruiz, who will not only showcase her exquisite clay plates but will also be cooking alongside us, bringing her artistic vision to life through her culinary creations. Additionally, we are honored to have top Oaxacan chef Rodolfo Castellano joining us, as well as a special dish prepared by my parents, adding a personal touch to this memorable evening. Juan Carlos Covarrubias, our esteemed business partner and head of the beverage program, will be curating a special drink that perfectly complements the evening's flavors. As a highlight, guests will have the opportunity to take home a beautifully crafted plate and cup, made by Rufina Ruiz, as a lasting memento of this extraordinary experience. Together with Taller Lopez, we aim to create a night that celebrates the vibrant culture of Oaxaca, where art and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you!

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What 138 people are saying

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine offers "authentic Mexican cuisine" with an "amazing home feel experience" that transports diners back to Mexico. Guests rave about the "delicious food" and "wonderful cocktails," while the "friendly and attentive staff" contribute to a "vibrant and inviting" ambiance. Highlights include exquisite mole dishes, seafood options, and creative twists on Oaxacan classics.
138 Reviews
  1. Joe

    Greater Boston1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    truly enjoyed our meal, wonderful service. exceptional dishes, great flavors. drinks were strong and delicious

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  2. Isaac

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The polo con mole was excellent. The papa vedas was cooked just right.

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  3. PKaye VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area37 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time dining here and it did not disappoint. Our server, Angelique was fantastic, as were all the staff. The food is delicious, as were the cocktails and Mexican wines. Will definitely go back.

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  4. Rick VIP

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We dine frequently in many different states. This gem was not to be believed. The staff was genuinely nice which created a super comfortable atmosphere. The drinks were really good. We were blown away by the level of taste and presentation in this small space on Clark. WE WILL GO AGAIN!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Greg VIP

    New York City52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    These folks are THE BEST! Everything A+++ Food is beyond elevated. Oaxacan Perfection!

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  6. Carl and Rosy VIP

    Chicago / Illinois42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is my first visit since they received their alcohol license. As always, the food was extraordinary. It's great to have a high-quality Mexican restaurant in Lakeview. I visited Oaxaca for the holidays, and the quality of the food here is as good as any Michelin-starred restaurant there.Must try the chocolate drink. Green chorizo is a must too. They have good wines too.

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  7. susan VIP

    Chicago / Illinois42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve been here several times for both breakfast and dinner. Always a great choice.

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  8. Amy VIP

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing and the margaritas were also delicious. The service was great.

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  9. Kristin VIP

    Portland / Oregon2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dinner was perfect. Every dish was perfect. The staff were all very kind and attentive. They even made our child an off menu small steak, rice & beans. My husband’s cilantro jalapeño margarita was amazing —savory rather than sweet.

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  10. Andrew VIP

    Chicago / Illinois12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very impressed by everything we ordered. We’ll definitely be back. It’s the first Oaxacan restaurant in Chicago I’ve been to that was as good as in Oaxaca. So far exceeded the typical boring Mid-Western brunch.

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FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.7 stars by 138 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Lakeview / East Lakeview

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL 60657-2172

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Lakeview / East Lakeview
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Lopez Muñoz
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    contact@istmochicago.com
  • Private party facilities
    Join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca! Immerse yourself in an exquisite culinary experience featuring authentic Oaxacan cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavors. Our skilled chef will delight your palate with traditional dishes, crafted with the freshest local ingredients and time-honored recipes.
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