Bolivar & Lincoln
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About
Bolivar & Lincoln — top-tier food in Lakeview. Order the Arepas. The cooking is rooted in real tradition. Sofia Irigoyen: "Juicy, tender meat, loads of cheese, fresh sauce"
Experience Breakdown
Marissa Gomez
116 reviews
“The filling was delicious and the arepas themselves were soft yet held up well against the mountain of filling”
Highlights
Must Try
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
We became regulars over the summer, the service was always amazing every time we would come even the owner would be so sweet and attentive along with his son… Unfortunately last two times we have been here the service has been really bad.
The cheese inside the tequeños was unfortunately cold rather than melted.
This is not old avocado. This is rotten avocado. And it’s the second time this happened to me.
Specialties
- Arepas
Location
Store front 1, 3349 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
What 808+ diners say about Bolivar & Lincoln
“WOW! Don’t sleep on this spot. The arepas are amazing! I got the Blondie and a side of black beans....”
WOW! Don’t sleep on this spot. The arepas are amazing! I got the Blondie and a side of black beans. They really don’t skimp on meat or cheese here. It was fantastic!
Johnnalee Cady
Dec 2025
“Yummy hearty food.”
Yummy hearty food. I got the Pabellon Criollo which satisfied my craving for rice and beans. The shredded beef was a tad bit chewy but I would still re-order. We also tried their chocolate cake and Tres Leches and highly recommend both. The chocolate cake has a hint of another flavor that makes it stand out it from a standard chocolate cake and I really enjoyed it.
Gianni Bastien
Dec 2025
“Such a good spot for Venezuelan food.”
Such a good spot for Venezuelan food! I tried the beef arepa and the tequeños, and both were absolutely delicious; full of flavor and made with care. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and they were happy to speak Spanish with me and let me practice. I’ll definitely be back here!
Eleanor Gatewood
Dec 2025
“This was honestly one of my best bites of all time.”
This was honestly one of my best bites of all time. The flavor was incredible and one arepa was enough food to make me feel stuffed. The owner was so friendly and gave us great recommendations. Fast, friendly, service, clean restaurant, and amazing food for a great price-Bolivar and Lincoln checks all the boxes!
Ally
Nov 2025
“Best reina pepiada arepa I’ve ever had.”
Best reina pepiada arepa I’ve ever had. Juicy, tender meat, loads of cheese, fresh sauce, fluffy yet crispy dough…my mouth waters every time I think about it. 🇻🇪💛 Love from a Bolivian-American
Sofia Irigoyen
Nov 2025
“Pollo cachapa was absolutely phenomenal.”
Pollo cachapa was absolutely phenomenal. Pabellon arepa was also excellent. Papelon con limon and passion fruit juice were delicious. Great nice service, food came pretty quickly. Will totally be back here!
Julie J
Nov 2025
“I came in here after a Cubs game looking for a place to charge my phone.”
I came in here after a Cubs game looking for a place to charge my phone. Naturally I got some food. This place is amazing! Ambience, environment, and the food is amazing. I let the waiter pick what I ate. I'm not sorry I did!
Fally Falconwind
Oct 2025
“Amazing little neighborhood gem.”
Amazing little neighborhood gem. I was in the area and in the mood for an arepa - saw this on the map - and decided to come in. I ended up getting a passion fruit juice and the pabellon criollo. Absolutely delicious and easily a meal for 2/enough to take leftovers home. This was so tasty and comforting. Service was incredibly quick and friendly. 10/10 recommend, I can't wait to come back and try the different arepas.
Chelsea DiCaprio
Sep 2025
“We had such a tasty dinner here before a show at The Vic.”
We had such a tasty dinner here before a show at The Vic! The food was incredible! We started with the papelón con limón to drink, which was the perfect mix of tart and sweet. For an appetizer, we had the tequeños, which are always a must. Both sauces that came with them were delicious. Finally, we enjoyed the Party Animal and the Veggie (add white cheese) arepas, which were so flavorful and filling. It was also nice getting to sit outside in the little patio area. Can't wait to come back!
Kasey Kaisershot
Sep 2025
“BEST AREPAS I’VE EVER HAD.”
BEST AREPAS I’VE EVER HAD. First of all, the employees are so sweet & provide excellent service. Secondly, I love the cute nook in the back right under the train. It’s so “Chicago” & I loved it. I came by myself but would be a cute date spot. I got the Pabillon arepa, which had shredded beef, cheese, plantain, and black beans. It came with a delicious cream sauce. So out of this world good- flavorful, juicy, and a HUGE portion. Trust me, you get what you pay for. I had to take half to go. Trust me, check this place out!
Marti Rosen
Aug 2025
“Bolivar & Lincoln was a first for me.”
Bolivar & Lincoln was a first for me! I've never tried Venezuelan food, but my goodness was the food amazing 🧡 The manager was incredibly welcoming and communicative with his employees. Tequenos were great! And I loved the sauce that came with them as well! My partner and I both tried different Arepas. They were both so wonderful! I definitely recommend this little hidden-away spot!
David H
Jul 2025
“Bolivar & Lincoln is a neighborhood gem.”
Bolivar & Lincoln is a neighborhood gem! The food is amazing the staff is lovely. There are lots of gluten-free options. Do not miss the Cowboy and Pabellón arepas. For anyone who can enjoy gluten, the tequeños are also delicious! Thank you for all of the great visits!
Cherie Frémine
Jul 2025
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