Chilam Balam

“Wonderful food, great for a group of 5-6 to do the chef’s selection where they select dishes for the table.”

Wonderful food, great for a group of 5-6 to do the chef’s selection where they select dishes for the table. They were able to accommodate vegetarian dishes and the service was great. I’ve walked past this restaurant so many times and I wish I had gone sooner!

Frankie Campo

Nov 2025

“Delicious! Amazing! No notes. Had the best Friday. BYOB and definitely make a reservation in...”

Molly Pooler

Oct 2025

“This restaurant is truly exceptional.”

This restaurant is truly exceptional. The food was unique and delicious and authentic. And the service was excellent. Our server told us a story of his childhood, and the owner stopped by our table and chatted with us about the food and our experience. We had the ceviche, guacamole, Brussel sprouts, potatoes, pork, and chicken flautus. Everything was amazing but the potatoes and the pork in a poblano pepper were particularly special. The menu changes often and they only serve the pork on a year — it requires 32 ingredients.

Elizabeth

Oct 2025

“We decided to try Chilam Balam after encountering them at a food festival.”

We decided to try Chilam Balam after encountering them at a food festival! And so glad we went because the experience was amazing. We were greeted by the owner herself and her brother ended up being our server. Loved the family vibe. We told them we would eat wherever they served us! So they brought out 2 plates per person and dessert for us. There was not one plate we didn’t throughly love! The ceviche and watermelon salad were a nice light and refreshing way to start the meal. I would order both again especially the ceviche is a must. So fresh and flavorful! Next we tried the seared wahoo fish which was so fresh and juicy and covered in amazing sauce and greens with olives which added a lovely flavor profile. The Plato placero we made ourselves little tostadas or lettuce wraps with perfectly cooked beef and I can’t resist oaxacan cheese. So good! The beef short rib was the standout of the night and completely fell off the bone. The sauce was so unique unlike anything I’ve tried on beef short rib before, don’t skip this! The duck carnitas were so fatty and delicious way to end the savory part of the meal! With fresh tortillas on the side. Most fun part of the meal were the sweet empanadas which were full of peanut butter. We split them in half and poured the sauces inside to enjoy! Lovely experience, great, friendly owner, her brother really took care of us too! This would be a great spot for friends to go out or to bring your parents but I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time as they were packed!!

Maggie Delaney

Sep 2025

“Incredible food made from scratch.”

Incredible food made from scratch. Kind and welcoming service, and BYOB is fun too! Highly recommend.

Parker Beladino

Sep 2025

“Had a wonderful dinner.”

Had a wonderful dinner. The food was incredible we did the chefs choice! In addition the service and atmosphere was amazing! Would totally recommend!

Victoria Bell

Sep 2025

“We dine out 1X per week.”

We dine out 1X per week. We live in the neighborhood and prefer to "shop local". Chilam Bilam is a part of our "regular" rotation and enjoy the food, service and atmosphere every 6-7 weeks!

Anne Rosen

Aug 2025

“This is the best restaurant in Lakeview hands down.”

This is the best restaurant in Lakeview hands down. The food is a totally unique experience and every dish is delicious. I’ve been here 4 times now, and I will always recommend it number one to anyone coming to town. The owner is so nice and always talks to guests as well, and is so personable.

Jacob Miller

Jul 2025

“Delicious food with a cool atmosphere and great customer service.”

Delicious food with a cool atmosphere and great customer service. Everything we tried was a hit but going to dream about the elote style brussel sprouts. Definitely a cute spot for a date night or a dinner out with friends. We walked in right at 5 with no reservation and were fine but if you’re going later, would consider calling first.

Sarah Burke

Jul 2025

“Wonderful experience - I was initially skeptical because of the BYOB policy, but it ended up being...”

Wonderful experience - I was initially skeptical because of the BYOB policy, but it ended up being a nothingburger - everything was great. We tried everything on the menu. My personal favorites were the Brussels sprouts, short rib, and the potato - and the pistachio tres leches for dessert. The man running the tables was SO GOOD! Attentive, funny, helpful, just all around a joy and addition to the experience

Brian Mansfield

Jul 2025

“We had a great experience.”

We had a great experience! The staff was very friendly and the food was delicious. The watermelon salad was amazing and I highly highly recommend it.

Jessica Hajny

Jun 2025

“This restaurant is such a cozy and unique place to go and enjoy a meal.”

This restaurant is such a cozy and unique place to go and enjoy a meal. I ordered the Skirt Steak and it was delicious, the meat was well cooked and the sauce combined complimented both flavors perfectly. It comes with a great seasoned potato that goes well altogether. I also enjoyed very much the Sangria drink that has become my favorite beverage of all time and it’s authentically made too. Then got a Beef short rib that was a juicy and soft meat that comes with good mole with toppings. I also ordered with my family desserts called, Sweet Empanadas, that really goes well with the oaxacan chocolate. And had this chocolate cake with pistachio that was sweet and good. The chocolate flavor is a delight that has milk in it to make the bread soft. The pistachio flavor is enriched with such flavor. I had such a great service and meal to enjoy my day, Natalie and Soraya the owner attended me with such respect and were professional cooks. They were friendly and helpful with what dish to order next. I personally love their personalities and kindness to work as best as they can with the pressure they are under to serve everyone with efficient time. Such a nice vibe from the restaurant and staffs. Overall I would recommend this restaurant to have an experience to enjoy with your family or friends to have a great meal with. Me and my family were enjoying a dinner to celebrate 2 birthdays so we got a little disco ball that lights up that I thought was a nice small touch. The food is exceptional and well cooked by every cook who makes it working hard.

crystal Martinez

Mar 2025