Kie-Gol-Lanee Uptown
Bill · 849 Google reviewsKie-Gol-Lanee Uptown — top-tier mexican in Uptown. The room fills up fast and stays lively. The drinks match the food in quality. I M: "The tortilla was nice and crispy and the beef was tender" [$$, patio]
What 990 diners keep saying
What 990 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Food was authentic, fresh and delicious!! Waitress was super sweet and very attentive.”
“Fantastic food, wow! The stuffed squash flowers with chicatanas was like an edible garden and could have been served at the highest level restaurant and fit right in. Can’t wait to come back!”
“Really nice place. If you like Mexican this place is a big step up. Atmosphere is incredible. So beautiful. Bright colors. I got the tamale flight. I didn't really like the mushroom one but other 2 were amazing.”
“Easily my new favorite Mexican place in Chicago. House made tortillas and the butteriest lamb, just super tender and flavorful”
“I tried the rainbow trout and the short ribs on the dinner specials and they did not disappoint. Normally I try the mole dishes but the specials sounded too enticing. The margaritas are so good and the food amazing like always. Thank you Kie-Gol-Lanee!!”
“Not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! Truly outstanding, service and atmosphere are great as well!”
“Gosh the chicken tinga was sooo good!! Oh my goodness it was cooked to perfection and the flavor had spice but nothing overpowering. They have a nicely crafted menu and I would actually trust this place with fish! They were super busy though so a little tricky to get a spot and get service but still very nice.”
“Absolutely delicious foodie experience here! I can see why the Michelin accolades are so well deserved. 🏆 Greeted by colorful decorations, we walked in with empty tummies and bright, excited eyes in anticipation of a meal we had heard so many good things about. After battling the unpredictable delays of the bus route to get here, we arrived a little frustrated, but the food quickly turned our moods around. Service was friendly and attentive. While the food took a little longer because the restaurant was busy, everything was worth the wait. Now for the part we’re all waiting for (myself included)… the fooood!! 🤩 The server started us off with complimentary chips and a delicious bean salsa that had a light kick at the end. For drinks, we ordered a fruity nonalcoholic mocktail and tamarindo juice. Kie-Gol-Lanee specializes in cuisine from Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s most celebrated culinary regions. Oaxaca is often called the “land of seven moles!” It is known for its rich sauces, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and iconic tlayudas that I was absolutely excited to try! For food, we ordered the cornbread with mole, the green chile pork tamale, and the chorizo tlayuda. The cornbread dish was absolutely delicious. The mole had a depth of flavor that was hard to forget, lingering in my memory like a first love. 🤣 Rich and flavorful with its pairing of perfectly cooked cornbread underneath. I would absolutely recommend this dish. My favorite item of the meal, however, was the green chile pork tamale. Wrapped in banana leaves, it stayed incredibly moist while absorbing additional flavor and aroma from the wrapping. Every bite was comforting and flavorful! The chorizo tlayuda was another standout. Often called the “pizza of Oaxaca,” a traditional tlayuda includes a large toasted tortilla topped with ingredients such as cheese, avocado, meat, and salsa. This one was served with cheese, tomato, avocado, and flavorful Oaxacan chorizo, alongside both red and green salsas. The combination of textures and flavors made it a fun dish to share and experience. Overall, I absolutely recommend giving this place a try. Be sure to make reservations in advance, and keep in mind that they have two locations! If you’re looking to explore authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Chicago, this is a fantastic place to start. 😃”
“Kie Gol Lanee is a unique, approachable and intimate gem of a restaurant. Refreshing change of pace from your everyday Mexican restaurant. Food was some of the best I’ve tried in a long time! Outstanding flavor in both the tamales and camarón al pastor. The camarón was maybe the best Al pastor dish I’ve tried anywhere. Even the bean dip in place of chips and salsa was a welcomed change of pace. It’s small both inside and on the patio so I’d reserve ahead. Perfect spot for an elevated, but not fancy meal out.”
“This place is delicious and worth every penny! Came back for the second time with my mama for Mother’s Day, and she was amazed by how delicious everything was. My mom was reminded of her childhood by the beautiful bolleros playing in the background. The service is fantastic! Thank you to alex and all the staff who were so attentive. Comer aquí me hace extrañar mi querido Oaxaca ❤️”
“This is hands down one of the best restaurants I have ever been at. The service is exceptional and the food is very unique and tasty. Loved everything here, specifically the Oaxaqueno Rojo, Enchiladas de Pollo and Tres Leches”
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