"If you need somewhere upbeat to hang out with a group, Chicago has more than a few options. But the ones on the sexy, darker side of the spectrum usually hit too heavy on the untz-untz’s and have a thing for setting tableside dishes aflame. Brasero in West Town falls more in the category of clubstaurant for people who don’t want to go clubbing. The lighting is so low that someone will inevitably bring out their phone to read the menu, but no one will have to shout, "Is this Bossa nova?" while splitting a pork shank. And the often-good Latin dishes feel like the centerpieces of Brasero’s fun scene. The best of the menu nails the balance between sweet and spicy, like the coconutty moqueca-style bowl with ramen noodles from Akahoshi. Get that, plus the grilled oysters with cashews, which have a great crunch to go with the heat. There are a few misses at Brasero, to be sure—like an underwhelming wagyu picanha that relies too much on chimichurri for impact. But we’ve tried enough food here that works to wholeheartedly recommend a visit with your friends. Once you have a few creamy caipirinhas in your system, you’ll just be happy to be in a room that always seems like it's in party mode, without the threat of getting a drink spilled on you. photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik Food Rundown photo credit: Kim Kovacik Pāo de Queijo Before you really dig into the meat of the menu, get these chewy, cheesy biscuits. They come out quickly, so everyone can have a clear head while debating which South American wine bottle they want from the sub-$100 list. If you're extra hungry, there's the option to add some jamón ibérico for $30. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Grilled Oysters The rare oyster that catches you off guard, thanks to the hot sauce and the bivalve's creaminess. And the plantain-cashew crumbles give it a nice crunch. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Brazilian Fried Quail These are decent, and a lot like shrunken, extra crispy chicken wings with a little heat. But at $26, it’s a pricey starter—especially for a portion size that's not as group-friendly as Brasero’s other dishes. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Noodles Logan Square’s Akahoshi Ramen shares their homemade noodles with Brasero for this big, moqueca-style bowl of nicely cooked shrimp, mussels, and mahi mahi. A thick peanut sauce pulls it all together. photo credit: Garrett Baumer Wagyu Picanha If someone in your group insists on getting steak, this one is fine (and the chimichurri on the side makes for a more exciting chew). Otherwise, skip it. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Pork Shank The big pieces of pork from this shank taste even better when mixed with the feijoada risotto underneath. Don’t neglect the citrusy salad in the large bowl: it's a great refresher between each porky bite. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Chocolate Banana Budino More dessert menus should feature an image of a punching nun like Brasero’s does. That same fun spirit lives on in this excellent banana dessert, with whipped (but not-too-rich) chocolate and cookie crumbles on top." - Nick Allen
