Leña Brava — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

I can't rave enough about this Mexican restaurant; it's a true gem in the culinary world. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for an exceptional dining experience.

First and foremost, the quality of the food here is beyond outstanding. Each dish is a burst of authentic Mexican flavors that transport your taste buds south of the border. Whether it's their sizzling fajitas, mouthwatering enchiladas, or their signature guacamole, every bite is a delightful journey of taste and texture.

What truly sets this restaurant apart is the commitment to authenticity. The recipes taste like they've been handed down through generations, and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish. It's a place where you can savor the real essence of Mexican cuisine.

The service is equally impressive. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They're more than happy to offer recommendations or customize dishes to your liking. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes every visit feel like a special occasion.

The restaurant's ambiance is a perfect blend of Mexican charm and modern comfort. The colorful decor, Mexican art, and lively music create an inviting and festive atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience.

Moreover, the drink menu is extensive, featuring a wide range of tequilas and margaritas that are expertly crafted. They complement the food beautifully and are perfect for those looking to unwind and relax.

Portion sizes are generous, ensuring you get great value for your money. Plus, the pricing is reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of food you receive. It's a place where you can indulge without breaking the bank.

The restaurant also caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options, which is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity.

In summary, this Mexican restaurant is a culinary delight and a testament to the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexico. It's a place where you can celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. They've earned every one of these five stars, and I can't wait to return for another culinary...

I went with friends for a birthday dinner, and with a lot of trepidation. I've not been a fan of Bayless restaurants and my family had told me that the food here was not very good. It was a warm night and upon entering the restaurant I was greeted by the hostess and the burning wood fire oven. Needless to say, I was warmer now. Thankfully we were seated on the second floor and the AC was very very nice here, almost too nice..... There were 9 of us seated so we all had the 5 course Baja Experience. First course: leña ceviche and ceviche maki roll. I thought both were very good, though I preferred the maki over the ceviche. Much more flavors in the maki. Second course: Fideos. This was an angel hair pasta in a green Chipotle sauce. I liked this as it reminded me of a dish my aunt in Mexico used to make me when I was missing American food. Third course: braised short rib and tamal. The ribs were so delicious. I was grabbing at it with my tortilla right off the bone. The tamal was interesting as it was polenta style and was topped with vegetables. Not like Mom used to make. It was ok. Fourth course: striped bass. This was the star of the night. Wow. I loved this and ate half of the dish. It was really great and I could have had my other friends portions on the other side of the table. Fifth: the wood oven tart. I'm not one for desserts but this was very good. See photo.

These were very good sized portions too. I did not leave hungry. But I did leave very very cold. I sat under an AC vent and it did not turn off all night. I probably could have asked to change it but I took one for the patrons. But I was freezing.

I would return and try their carnitas, to see just how similar and different it is from traditional carnitas.

Oh, and drinks were very good. Try a spicy margarita, with mezcal. I loved it. Thought margaritas are not on the menu, I ordered one, and the waitress chuckled when I did. Maybe it's just something they really don't want to do but hey, I'm the...

Absolutely amazing from start to finish thanks to our wonderfully attentive server!

LOVE the ambiance here. The wood burning smell permeates throughout the downstairs and upstairs parts of the restaurant. My friend and I dined upstairs at a small table by the bar overlooking West Randolph.

We enjoyed our dinner here in May 2016 a few weeks after they had opened. Our server greeted us with a big smile and thoroughly went over the menu, drinks, and methodology to the fire and ice theme. All foods that are "fire" is cooked in their wood burning oven. "Ice" items are cold, obviously. ;)

Ice: Lena Ice: Cool with a slow serrano burn. I loved it. Great, refreshing cocktail! Rock Crab Salad: OMG. Loved the combination of flavors! Perfect amount of crab and not too "wet". The giant tortillas they served with this were perfect for scooping up the salad.

Fire: Lena Fire: A smoky fruity cocktail. I preferred the Lena Ice. Black Cod al Pastor: Perfectly cooked black cod with sweet and spicy flavors. Besides dessert, this was my favorite!! Fingerling Potatoes: You can't go wrong with hot, crispy and creamy fingerling potatoes. Absolutely amazing!! Highly recommend these an addition to your dinner. Free form wood-oven tart: Saved the best for last!! This seasonal tart was filled with caramelized apples and topped with vanilla ice cream and a tamarind sauce. I loved the combination of flavors from the soft and sweet apples, smoky sauce, and cold ice cream....