Description: This Peruvian eatery is located in a modest storefront in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Potted plants, photos of Chicago and native artifacts adorn the dining room, providing a casual, yet festive atmosphere. The extensive menu and reasonable prices make this the best known Peruvian place in town. Most entrées are under $15 dollars, and specialties include lobster in garlic sauce and arroz con pato (duck with spices). Many offerings are cooked in either a white or red wine sauce. Everything I’ve tried here has been delicious, but the dish I return to again and again is the spaghetti with beef cooked with Peruvian spices. I don’t know what constitutes Peruvian spices, but the dish melts in my mouth! For those more adventurous than me, there are plenty of unique dishes to try (rabbit with peanut sauce, anyone?) The portions are huge, and I always leave with leftovers.
At peak times, the wait for a table can be long. I suggest heading to the bar to check out the wine list, which features several South American wines at affordable prices. Service is leisurely like in South America, so that could pose a problem for those in a hurry. Strict vegetarians will have a hard time here, as the menu focuses largely on meat and seafood.
Street parking is generally available with a little effort. The restaurant is four blocks north of the CTA Blue Line Damen stop (walk North on Damen to Armitage).
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