ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

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

Review summary

1. J

   John

   Chicago8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   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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2. S

   Sarah

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   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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3. V

   Victoria VIP

   Chicago33 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   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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4. D

   Don VIP

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   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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5. s

   susan VIP

   Chicago41 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   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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6. OT

   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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7. R

   Ruben

   Chicago7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 9 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lovely place, great service, excellent food, awesome drinks. Love the bacalao, if you like fish a most try! All the plates at great, you can either share or have one just for yourself. Great attention to detail. Lovely place will go back again.
   

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8. L

   Laly VIP

   Chicago6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 9 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was my second time dining there. The food is amazing, and the service is great as well. The chicken and pork dishes are fantastic. Now they have their liquor license, and the drinks are on par with the food!
   

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9. J

   Jeffrey VIP

   Chicago84 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 3 March 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The cocktails were good. Hamachi appetizer was refreshing with a little kick. Pollo con Mole was very good with the arroz toasted sesame seed blended well. Lubina Rayada seared wild striped bass was good. Nicoatole corn and coconut custard had a good crunch. The custard was to soft.
   

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10. R

    Rob VIP

    Chicago30 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3

    How can you run out of a beer and Queso Fundido at 8:15 on a Saturday Night?
    

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