Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Lake View
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, Chicago, IL

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.6
4.6
54 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Innovative
  • Vegetarian-friendly
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 Fri–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.

Experiences

  • ISTMO NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER

    US$95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Join Istmo for an enchanting New Year's Eve celebration! This experience is $95 per person and includes a 5-course tasting menu and a bubbly toast of Monte Xanic Rose with an option to enhance your experience with a wine pairing or cocktails for $45. We look forward to toasting to 2025 with you as we reflect on the past year. We can't wait to share this special evening with you!
    ISTMO NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 54 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Chicago

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine brings authentic flavors with "extraordinary food" and exceptional service. Guests rave about the "amazing chef" and flavorful dishes like enchiladas and tlayuda. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make it a neighborhood gem. While some aspects can improve, the anticipation for dinner service is high.

54 Reviews

  1. David

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Still some kinks to work out but foid is great. Only one beer selection? Need to install cold weather entryway to keep diners near doir from freezing.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Chicagofireball

    VIP

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our dinner at Istmo was such a pleasant surprise. The staff was kind and knowledgeable. We received a history about the dishes from the owner. The restaurant was beautiful and the food was superb. A complete gem!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Valentina

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our dinner was absolutely amazing! We had the best experience. Food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jay

    VIP

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every time we dine here, we have an amazing time. The food is excellent, the service is friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend this place for authentic Oaxacan food!

    Is this helpful?

  5. sam

    VIP

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    ImFun and Delicious! I’ve had Sunday brunch and more recently my special birthday meal. The service and food have been great both times. Glad they’ve been able to extend their hours for an evening meal. The beverage program is on point and even better ( for me) they now have their liquor license. The chef really brings the flavors of the isthmus region of Oaxaca to the table in an inventive manner. Very thoughtful.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tomasa

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Every thing was delicious , definitely going back!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Karen

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, chef came out, great staff. Will have to come back to try their breakfast menu.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Seth

    VIP

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 28 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a serious restaurant serving serious food. Incredible dinner that exceeded my expectations and then some.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Thomas

    Cincinnati

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 27 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Very good and innovative food! Save room for dessert and a drink or two! Very loud in the narrow back half of the restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Ashley

    VIP

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 22 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Overall good experience, strong drinks, and solid service. Each dish overpriced by like $5 for what we got. Would go back but wouldn’t rush with the price point
    ISTMO Oaxacan CuisineResponded on 26 December 2024
    Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the experience, drinks, and service. We appreciate your input on our pricing, as it helps us continually assess and improve our offerings. We hope to strike a balance that represents good value while maintaining the quality you expect. We look forward to welcoming you back at your own pace. If there's anything else you'd like to share or discuss, please feel free to reach out.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine is rated 4.6 stars by 54 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 35 times today
Experiences are available.
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 Fri–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, Vegan
  • 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.
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo