La Pena Restaurante
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
What 713 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Mi sitió favorito para bailar buena música 🎶 excelente comida y muy agradable el ambiente”

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

“El mejor restaurante de comida ecuatoriana que he provado”

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

“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.”

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

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

“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!”
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See the ranking →In the same lane · American, mid-range
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