Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Come to Irazu for a genuine Costa Rican experience! I'm a big proponent on not getting to a restaurant within an hour of closing, but Irazu was lively around that time. We didn't wait long for a table for 2, had enough space for 2 parties of 8, which I'd recommend reserving for a party that size.

The staff was lively and everyone had a role. A host (which I peg as the owner?), 3 servers, 2 bussers, 1 on water refill, and you can see the cooks slinging orders as you pass by the kitchen to outside dining.

When I say you get the Costa Rican experience, it's not just about the food. The atmosphere fits a Costa Rican summer as the kitchen warms the dining area and fills your senses with spices and cooked meats. Complimentary tortilla chips and salsa verde, freshly made and so spicy that you know you should stop but you can't help taking another bite.

Did I mention this was my first time having Costa Rican? My partner ordered the beef tacos and I ordered the pork chop dinner. Sounds boring? The spices mingling with the meat juices were everything you could want from any dish. The dinner also came with rice, black beans, salad, sweet plantains, and cooked peppers/onions that when paired with the meat, made the flavor of the spices in the pork chop so distinctive. My partner wants to come back ASAP.

Just a heads up, cash is the better option here. I only say that because they allow one credit/debit card per table (have you seen card transaction fees?). Not a deterrent or rating drop for me. Definitely...

🌴 Irazú Costa Rican Dining: A Slice of Heaven 🌴 I finally visited Irazú Costa Rican Dining for the first time yesterday, and WOW what an unforgettable experience!

I ordered the CASADO, the national dish of Costa Rica, and let me tell you, it was life-changing. Perfectly seasoned Gallo Pinto, sweet plantains, a refreshing cabbage salad, and a over-easy egg all on one plate. Hands down, the BEST I’ve ever had in my life. No competition! To wash it down, I had the Beso Caliente cocktail. The organic tequila and fresh watermelon blend was perfection. It was light, refreshing, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

The warm and welcoming customer service made everything even better. I felt like I was on vacation without ever leaving town.

But wait it gets better! I loved it so much, I came back TODAY! This time, I tried the Beef & Potato Empanadas and the PEPITOS (Chicken) sandwich an absolute masterpiece served on pressed French bread with melted white cheese, sautéed onions, black bean spread, and that signature Lizano sauce. Pure magic! Chef’s kiss 💋. I paired it with the Tico Tropicana cocktail, and let’s just say it was tropical bliss in a glass.

To top it all off, I finished with the Caribbean Rum Cake for dessert. OMG! Moist, flavorful, with the perfect hint of rum.

Irazú isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and GO. Delicious food, incredible drinks, and a vibe that’s unmatched. They’ve officially stolen...

I recently had an unforgettable lunch experience at Irazu, and for just $60, we left with both our taste buds and our hearts thoroughly satisfied. Our server, Tino, was an absolute gem, guiding us through the menu with a warmth and enthusiasm that made the experience feel like a personal tour through the flavors of Costa Rica.

We started with two appetizers, and Tino's recommendations hit the mark perfectly. The patacones were a crispy, golden delight—plantains cooked to perfection, each bite accompanied by a tangy garlic sauce that danced on the palate. Then came the empanadas, stuffed with savory, seasoned goodness and served piping hot.

For the main courses, we enjoyed the Casado Con Pollo—a beautiful plate of grilled chicken with rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and a fresh salad on the side. Every bite was a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals. The other dish, Pepito sandwich, was equally amazing, packed with tender, flavorful beef and grilled veggies, all snugly tucked into fresh bread.

With every bite, it was clear why Tino was so passionate about his recommendations. Not only did the food offer a robust taste of Costa Rican cuisine, but the portions were generous, making that $60 go a long way. We felt like we were treated to an authentic culinary adventure, thanks to both the food and Tino’s impeccable service. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience vibrant flavors without...