La Cocinita Restaurant Evanston

“¡Madre de Dios! An unbelievable experience. Everything about the meal was aces. Cool vibe inside. A...”

¡Madre de Dios! An unbelievable experience. Everything about the meal was aces. Cool vibe inside. A perfect menu -- the right number of dishes. Prices were more than reasonable. Food was fresh and delicious. Every single bite was warmth and joy. The Venezuelan Flan (not pictured, because I couldn't stop myself from eating it) was fireworks. I am so happy. Thank you! 🎆 🇻🇪 🎇

Janson Michael Steffan

Jan 2026

“The waitresses were so nice and sweet and the food was absolutely great.”

The waitresses were so nice and sweet and the food was absolutely great. I didn’t even save my leftovers for home I at them there. Most definitely coming back for more tacos and empanadas!!!

Kayla

Jan 2026

“The best Arepa I've had in Evanston, and better than any one I've had in Chicago.”

The best Arepa I've had in Evanston, and better than any one I've had in Chicago. We will definitely be back. So flavorful and affordable, I almost want to gatekeep this spot. Las mejores arepas de Chicago.

Edward Vizcaino

Oct 2025

“Got the empanadas, they were super good and crispy.”

Got the empanadas, they were super good and crispy. Great service, great prices. Tasty food. Empanadas has perfect crisp. Lots of sauce options including a garlic one which I loved

Daniel Cavato

Aug 2025

“I ordered the El Pabellon arepas, "the Venezuelan national dish", and enjoyed it.”

I ordered the El Pabellon arepas, "the Venezuelan national dish", and enjoyed it. They have red and green salsa in bottles on the table. The arepas are served on a metal tray covered in paper, and the cornmeal patties are a little hard to cut through, so you end up cutting the paper below; be careful not to eat it if you don't consider paper an ingredient that goes well with the brisket, black beans, sweet plantains, queso fresco and cremita. They have vegetarian options too, like the brisketless el pabellon for a dollar less, or the one with seared tofu and avocado.

Steven

Jul 2025

“Amazing brisket tacos.”

Amazing brisket tacos! If you need a drink get the RumChata… I can’t say enough about this drink!

Hannah Devaney

Jul 2025

“Super friendly service and top notch food.”

Super friendly service and top notch food! The La Safrina and La Reina Pepiada Arepas were fantastic, as was the bread pudding dessert. Highly recommend!

Jack Keenan

May 2025

“This place is great.”

This place is great! I can't wait to go back and try more things. Awesome spot for vegetarians too.

Jonny Porter

May 2025

“Stopped in here the first night my colleague and I arrived in Evanston for work.”

Stopped in here the first night my colleague and I arrived in Evanston for work. Service was fantastic and the food was even better! Fresh and delicious ingredients. A few days later, we grabbed lunch here before catching our evening flight out of O’Hare, and managed to bring an additional colleague who also loved it. I’m sure everything on the menu is great, but we tried the El Pabellon, La Llanera, and La Safrina arepas — all fantastic! Also with some chips, salsa, and margaritas. I think about these arepas at least once a week. Can’t wait to return the next time I’m in Evanston. 🙌

Annie Hesse

Apr 2025

“Friendly staff, modern environment, affordable, plenty of vegetarian options, and a lovely drink menu.”

Friendly staff, modern environment, affordable, plenty of vegetarian options, and a lovely drink menu! Our empanadas were hearty and filling, my husband's margarita was perfection, and I was in heaven with my Passion Fruit Agua Fresca!

Diana M

Mar 2025

“The best Arepas I've ever had.”

The best Arepas I've ever had! Great service and delicious flavor!!! You'll be licking your fingers for sure!

jcrhoz

Apr 2024

“Super delicious food.”

Super delicious food. I love how fluffy the empanadas are. Very fast service, a wonderful spot for a quick bite.

Alese Taylor

Aug 2023