Skip to content
312 Eats
Evanston · American · $

La Cocinita Restaurant Evanston

4.5508 reviews ·Opentil 9 tonight
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
StevenSteven · 554 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

La Cocinita Restaurant Evanston — honest american in Evanston. Order the Arepas. The cooking is rooted in real tradition. Easy on the wallet, solid veggie options. "The best Arepa I've had in Evanston, and better than any one I've had in Chicago" — Edward Vizcaino [$]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.

What 508 diners keep saying

Great valueCozyFamily friendlyQuick bite
Plan your visit
521 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston
Today11AM-9PM
Sun–Thu11AM-9PM
Fri–Sat11AM-12AM
Own La Cocinita Restaurant Evanston? Claim this page · Spot an error? Suggest an edit

What 508 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Jennifer L. Tackett
Jul 2026

Amazing happy hour - lots of $3 bites, we tried tacos and arepitas and everything was delicious. The pork and chicken were great but the veggie arepita was our favorite bite. Definitely try the salsas, I loved pairing the creamy chipotle and habanero in each bite. They also have drink specials and the service can’t be beat! HH is 3-6 pm every day.

Jennifer L. Tackett

Jennifer L. Tackett

7 reviews on Google

Review photo by Hamza Bounouader
Jun 2026

Very yummy

Hamza Bounouader

Hamza Bounouader

64 reviews on Google

Review photo by Brittany Vankirk
Jun 2026

I got the la sifrina arepas and they were divine! They were jam packed with a delicious chicken, carrot, and chipotle crema filling and they were very generous with the cheese so I definitely did not leave hungry!

Brittany Vankirk

Brittany Vankirk

12 reviews on Google

Review photo by Marsann McCants
Feb 2026

So I had a quick bite to eat here and what the locals say about the Arepas was factual, the best I’ve ever had, served hot & fresh. The aroma alone, when I entered the restaurant, made me want one of everything on the menu! If that doesn’t sell you on this place, let me tell you, the kitchen is open and very visible, when I tell you the work and prep stations were clean and orderly. I mean spotless. This team impressed me so much. Ordering was a breeze, the have a QR Code on each table. Just scan the code, place your order, and pay all within their web browser and your meal is delivered to your table right from the kitchen, seamlessly. Customized orders are easy too. I had a margarita on the rocks which was pretty good too. McTwindom highly recommends LaCocinita Restaurant in Evanston, IL. I will be back again!

Marsann McCants

Marsann McCants

40 reviews on Google

Review photo by Janson Steffan
Jan 2026

¡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 Steffan

Janson Steffan

76 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kayla
Jan 2026

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

Kayla

10 reviews on Google

Review photo by Edward Vizcaino
Oct 2025

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

Edward Vizcaino

99 reviews on Google

Review photo by Endi Cariel
Oct 2025

Las arepas de pabellón definitivamente las volvería a pedir y la atención fue de primera

Endi Cariel

Endi Cariel

205 reviews on Google

Review photo by Daniel Cavato
Aug 2025

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

Daniel Cavato

50 reviews on Google

Review photo by Review Mirror
Jul 2025

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.

Review Mirror

Review Mirror

568 reviews on Google

Review photo by Hannah Devaney
Jul 2025

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

Hannah Devaney

Hannah Devaney

6 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

The service was great, staff was very friendly helpful. The food and environment was great. A+

Kevin

Kevin

13 reviews on Google

Sounds like your kind of place?

Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.

First Bite

One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.

More American in Chicago

See the ranking →

In the same lane · American, budget

If it's packed, walk to…

More good rooms in Evanston, minutes away.

Keep exploring