LENOS COLOMBIAN RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Schaumburg Township

First of all- skip all the negative reviews and go check this place out. It’s AMAZING!

I was born and raised in the suburbs, but I’ve spent the last 15 years eating at all the Colombian restaurants in and around the Chicagoland area with my husband, whom you guessed it- is from Colombia. For a number of years, we had to drive into the city if we wanted Colombian food. I’ve even managed to master preparing some traditional dishes myself. Over the years a few places have popped up in the suburbs, some were better than others. We were super excited to see this one open as we now reside along the Wisconsin state line and it would be great to not have to drive into Chicago. We finally made it down today and let me just say- Lenos did not disappoint!

Everything was cooked appropriately, presentation was stellar, and every single thing was flavorful- so good we ordered more to go! Prices were cheaper than what we typically pay at other Colombian restaurants, so definitely no complaints there. Service was friendly and polite. Restaurant was clean and the atmosphere was welcoming.

To be perfectly honest, Lenos is now our go-to Colombian restaurant. Excellent job guys, keep up the good work. We were absolutely impressed and we will definitely be back!

For those complaining about random short comings, calm down. If you want a new place to be successful, share your concerns with them instead of bashing them online. Then give them another opportunity to win you over. For those complaining about a lack of flavor- do some research as far as what spices are used in authentic Colombian cooking cause this place actually knows their stuff. For those complaining about pricing, you’re clearly comparing Lenos to a Taco Tuesday Mexican place (many of which I also love so that’s not a dig!) and not a traditional Colombian restaurant so you’re just making yourself look silly with your...

We came to this restaurant expecting to be blown away because Colombian food is so bomb, but boy were we shook. We walked in to be greeted by a very lethargic man, no energy barley a smile, the decor was kinda cool. We sat down we were 1 of 4 or 5 tables. Pretty empty restaurant. We waited almost 45 minutes for our appetizers we got chicken and beef empanadas, they were good but the consistency of the filling made it hard to tell which one was which. Definitely not a good thing. We also got a papa rellena that was good minus the hard boiled egg in the middle being a little over cooked. For our dinner we got the Bandeja Paisa oh man where do I start. The piece of steak I got was super dry and let’s say flavorless. The chicharron was ok I think I was more fed up at this point because our food came out at different times I didn’t want to eat before my wife. But let’s get back to the food the pork belly was ok (only thing I packed up and brought home) the chorizo I thought would be good as well but was way overcooked and super dried out. I didn’t even touch the rice and egg on my plate I was definitely over it. The frijoles looked like it had potential but they missed yet again no flavor at all and very bland. The highlight of the night was my wife’s order the Sandwich de Patacon, this was the best thing we ordered. My wife ate about half but we were just at a point where our food took forever and when we did get our food we weren’t blown away. I wouldn’t recommend eating here, there are better options make the drive to the city or other suburbs cause this...

Lenos offers a warm, lively ambiance that captures the essence of Colombian culture. With vibrant décor and upbeat music, the restaurant immediately sets the mood for an enjoyable dining experience.

The menu features traditional Colombian staples, with a strong focus on grilled meats and hearty dishes. Their bandeja paisa is a standout, showcasing grilled beef, pork belly, chorizo, and a fried egg served with rice, beans, and sweet plantains. The flavors are balanced, and the meats are cooked to perfection, though slightly refined compared to the bold, rustic flavors of Colombia. The arepas are also a highlight—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served warm and fresh.

While the flavors are authentic and well-executed, there’s a slight refinement to the dishes, likely to suit a wider palate. For those who have visited Colombia, the experience is familiar but more polished than the street food vendors and local eateries of the country.

The service is friendly and attentive, with staff eager to offer suggestions and share insights into the menu. Whether you're new to Colombian food or a seasoned fan, the dining experience is welcoming and enjoyable.

Overall, Lenos offers a satisfying introduction to Colombian cuisine, with hearty dishes and a vibrant atmosphere that will leave you coming...