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312 Eats
Irving Park · American · $$

La Pena Restaurante

4.1713 reviews ·Opens at 4 tomorrow
The best times on the weekend is early evening because it can get crowed after 8pm and the cocktails are on point too
MD-skiMD-ski · 44 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

La Pena Restaurante — straightforward american in Irving Park. Come for the food, stay for the energy. Good cocktails round out an already strong menu. "My companion opted for the fritada" — Yian A Ronquillo [$$]

What 713 diners keep saying

LivelyCozyOld schoolGreat cocktailsGreat for groups
Plan your visit
4212-4214 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Irving Park
Today4-9:30PM
Sun11AM-1:30AM
MonClosed
Tue–Thu4-9:30PM
Fri4PM-1:30AM
Sat4PM-2:30AM
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What 713 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by oswaldo solis ochoa
Jul 2026

Mi sitió favorito para bailar buena música 🎶 excelente comida y muy agradable el ambiente

oswaldo solis ochoa

oswaldo solis ochoa

3 reviews on Google

Review photo by APOSTILLA CHICAGO NOTARIA - TRADUCCIONES Y PODERES
Jul 2026

La mejor experiencia, comida deliciosas, un ambiente increible y baile mas no se pido esperar, los cocteles únicos, 100% recomendado

APOSTILLA CHICAGO NOTARIA - TRADUCCIONES Y PODERES

APOSTILLA CHICAGO NOTARIA - TRADUCCIONES Y PODERES

47 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jorge Verdesoto
Jun 2026

El mejor restaurante de comida ecuatoriana que he provado

Jorge Verdesoto

Jorge Verdesoto

67 reviews on Google

Review photo by Fugu 3
Jan 2026

Everything was yummy including white rice🍚 the seafood fried rice thing was also yummy 😋

Fugu 3

Fugu 3

68 reviews on Google

Review photo by Oscar Vela
Dec 2025

I loved thier empanadas de carne encocado de mariscos! Wow!

Oscar Vela

Oscar Vela

65 reviews on Google

Review photo by Natividad Calleja
Dec 2025

Me encanta. Como yo soy Chicana (Mexico americana) y mi famila son Mexican@s y nos gustamos comidas Ecuatorian@s. La comidas esta perfectos y tambien plantanos dorados!! Lo que se esta bueno es Pulpo a la barria y plantano.

Natividad Calleja

Natividad Calleja

4 reviews on Google

Review photo by Antonini carrillo
Aug 2025

Food and service is one of the kind in the restaurant field, very highly recommended

Antonini carrillo

Antonini carrillo

20 reviews on Google

Review photo by Lydia Casio
Jul 2025

Bonito lugar con buen ambiente

Lydia Casio

Lydia Casio

30 reviews on Google

Review photo by Haley
Jun 2025

Delicious food and even better atmosphere! Loved it

Haley

Haley

11 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ayda Parra
Jun 2025

The food and music were perfect 👌

Ayda Parra

Ayda Parra

29 reviews on Google

Review photo by Mile Gonçalves
Feb 2025

Good service, food delicious , soup homemade, natural ingredients.

Mile Gonçalves

Mile Gonçalves

14 reviews on Google

Review photo by Yian A Ronquillo
Nov 2024

I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Pena, an exceptional Ecuadorian restaurant that left me thoroughly impressed. From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere made us feel right at home. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that our experience was top-notch from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious, showcasing the rich flavors and traditional ingredients of Ecuador. We started with empanadas, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and filled with a soft, cheesy center. For the main course, I had the ceviche de pulpo—a tangy, refreshing dish with plump octopus, citrusy marinated onions, and a hint of spice. My companion opted for the fritada, and it was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with crispy skin and a savory balance of flavors. The drink selection was equally impressive. I highly recommend trying the canelazo, a warm, spiced drink that pairs beautifully with the Ecuadorian dishes. The service was outstanding throughout the meal—attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the cuisine they were serving. My server Grace, she is a beutiful creature. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to experience authentic Ecuadorian flavors in a welcoming, comfortable setting. I’ll definitely be back for another unforgettable meal!

Yian A Ronquillo

Yian A Ronquillo

11 reviews on Google

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