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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
MD-ski
44 reviews
“The best times on the weekend is early evening because it can get crowed after 8pm and the cocktails are on point too”
The vibes are great, and the karaoke guy is excellent.
I've been there several occassions for dinner and live music.
I advise if you go for drinks and dancing to ask the bartender for receipts.
4212-4214 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
“Everything was yummy including white rice🍚 the seafood fried rice thing was also yummy 😋.”
Fugu 3
Jan 2026
“Food and service is one of the kind in the restaurant field, very highly recommended.”
Antonini carrillo
Aug 2025
“Delicious food and even better atmosphere.”
Haley
Jun 2025
“The food and music were perfect 👌.”
Ayda Parra
Jun 2025
“Good service, food delicious , soup homemade, natural ingredients.”
Mile Gonçalves
Feb 2025
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Pena, an exceptional Ecuadorian restaurant that left me...”
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
Nov 2024
“Very good food, music and cocktails on this Wednesday evening.”
marek kurowski
Jul 2024
“Love their empanadas and ceviche , probably the only thing I can complain about they forget to put...”
Love their empanadas and ceviche , probably the only thing I can complain about they forget to put the fish and I only got shrimp. But the flavor are so good.Il come back here again. 🤗
A F (Blanca)
Feb 2024
“THE BEST PISCO SOUR IN THE MIDWEST!”
THE BEST PISCO SOUR IN THE MIDWEST!! If you haven’t tried this extraordinary drink, sorry but you just haven’t lived your life to it’s full potential .... yet! Easy fix though. Their “Encocado de Camarón” (shrimp with coconut rice) is arguably among the top 5 dishes you can taste in Chicago. Fidel and his family own the place and will make sure you’re happy and well served. Dancing? YES, Fridays and Saturdays. Just a very inspiring restaurant!
Glen Trebilcock
May 2023
“Love Love Love this Restaurant.”
Love Love Love this Restaurant! Their food takes me back to my Abuelita's Traditional South American Food seasonings taste and Flavors!
Laura Perez
May 2021
“Great food!!! Delicious drinks!!! Pleasant service!!! What more can you ask for🤩(that was in 2020)...”
Great food!!! Delicious drinks!!! Pleasant service!!! What more can you ask for🤩(that was in 2020) A year later (2021) I still would say this same stuff about La Pena. Great consistency..food and drinks are still fantastic. Service with a smile(behind the mask) is swift. Quality of the food superb...sea food and meats grilled to perfection.
I D
Mar 2021
“Love this place! Excellent food and drinks!! And kareoke nights sunday ... canciones en español!!!”
Liliana Carranza
Jan 2020
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