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ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, Chicago, IL

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.6
4.6
105 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

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2 people
19:00
Booked 15 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
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."

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 09:00–14:00 Dinner Thu–Sun 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (872) 315-2034
  • Website
    https://www.istmochicago.com/
  • 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.

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 105 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine delights with "simply amazing service," a "warm and inviting" ambiance, and "absolutely phenomenal" dishes. The food is celebrated for its authentic flavors, particularly the Mole con Pollo and creative cocktails. The staff's attentiveness and welcoming nature enhance the experience, making it a "must-visit" for Oaxacan culinary enthusiasts.
105 Reviews

  1. rebecca VIP

    Milwaukee66 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Simply amazing service, ambience and food! Loved every minute.

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  2. mario

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We had a good brunch. The chorizo verde and blue corn pancake are definitely worth trying. I had the enfrijoladas — they were tasty. The carne asada as an add-on-delicious. Coffee was solid, and the service was friendly and attentive. Cocktails are well though out. Great addition to the neighborhood.

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  3. Anthony VIP

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I can’t say enough good things about Istmo! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting. The staff were incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, making the experience that much better. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. We especially loved the Mole con pollo, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The drinks were equally impressive, was a standout! It’s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into every detail here, from the menu to the service. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want an amazing meal, Istmo is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back soon!

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  4. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Phoenix1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So happy I discovered this fabulous new restaurant in the neighborhood. The flavors transported me to Oaxaca! The service was great and the place was very cozy. Even thou the restaurant was very busy food came out quick and absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to come back with friends soon!

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  5. John

    Chicago8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super friendly staff. Excellent recommendations and everything was delicious. Definitely going back to try their evening menu.

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  6. Sarah

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was absolutely delicious, ambiance was vibrant and inviting, and service was friendly and helpful!

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  7. Victoria VIP

    Chicago33 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place. Can’t wait to go back and try more!!

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  8. Don VIP

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely incredible food and drinks at Istmo! We started with the Pepino Margarita and Jalapeño Cilantro Margarita which were well made. We chose the Queso Fresco. Delicious! For our mains we had the Bacalao (Achiote marinated black cod) which was perfectly prepared and the Pollo con Mole (we had to try the Oaxacan style mole and were not disappointed!) We finished our meal with the Mole Carajillo (espresso martini) which was a nice way to finish. Overall, we enjoyed our first visit and will come back again!

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  9. susan VIP

    Chicago41 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 13 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Staff was warm and welcoming and food was delicious.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The service is very nice, the drinks and tortillas were the best. We had agua chile as an entre the surprise was there was nothing but cheese wuth sauce and 1 tostada, it was good but is not aguachile at all. The mole was okay. The chicken had no flavor, and the rice is definitely from instant rice. The Chamorro was a beautiful presentation, a great idea, but it definitely needs flavor. The mash potato was so waterrly. So, for the $190 that we spend is definitely not worth.

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FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.6 stars by 105 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 15 times today
Google Map for ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

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

Additional information

  • Area
    Lake View
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 09:00–14:00 Dinner Thu–Sun 17:00–22:00
  • 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
  • Website
    https://www.istmochicago.com/
  • Phone number
    (872) 315-2034
  • 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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