ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

Name: ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine
Address: 3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL, United States, 60657-2172
Telephone: (872) 315-2034
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

120 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 28, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood 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."

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
(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.

Location
3231 N Clark St ste 4, Chicago, IL 60657-2172
Neighborhood
Lakeview / East Lakeview
Parking details
None
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch

What 120 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
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine offers an authentic culinary journey with "absolutely incredible food and drinks," creating a "truly magnificent experience." The vibrant and inviting atmosphere, paired with friendly and attentive staff, makes it a standout choice. "Amazing food" and "great service" are consistently praised, promising a memorable dining adventure.

120 Reviews

L
Liz VIP
Chicago14 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food and wonderful cocktails. Everything was prepared with detail. We loved the food choices we made. We will definitely be back.
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N
Natascia
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on April 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We absolutely loved it, wonderful food great staff.
Is this helpful?
L
Loni
Chicago4 reviews
2.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The food lacked flavor. More servers were needed as my server seemed like she didn’t have much time for us. Had two drinks and only enjoyed the second one.
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T
Todd VIP
San Francisco9 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious food and great service from our server, Mesly. All of the food was great. The most memorable was the Chamorro Enguajillado, which was served flaming. My cocktail was the Raizes Sour, unique and excellent.
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E
Elizabeth
Chicago3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing staff. Delicious food. Overall great experience
Is this helpful?
O
Osvaldo
Minneapolis8 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Istmo was truly a magnificent experience, the food and flavor transported me immediately back to Mexico to my mother’s or grandmother’s cooking. It all comes from the soul and love for Mexico, there are no words to describe how wonderful the experience was. Istmo is a one of a kind spot and brings the roots of Oaxaca to the table. Thank you for such and an amazing home feel experience.
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E
Eduardo h
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Un excelente restaurant todo muy rico la comida muy rica las bebidas Exelentes el personal los meseros muy atentos el shef muy buena honda siemprz atento 100% recomendado
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N
Ned
Chicago57 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great new place . Exciting menu. Glad they now have alcohol . Good drinks and a few Mexican wines . I tried the red blend and it was delicious.
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K
Kayne VIP
Naples3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So blown away by this seemingly unsuspecting restaurant. Inside was bright and welcoming with fun, aesthetic decor. Fantastic menu with plates perfect for sharing and good cocktails. I can’t wait to eat here again.
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P
Patrick
Raleigh2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great vibe, high quality ingredients and authentic menu, great cocktails, pricey but what isn’t
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FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.7 stars by 120 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 28, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

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

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.

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 120 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine restaurant rated?

Is ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information