Amaru
Latin American restaurant · Bucktown ·
Pan-Latin eats, tropical cocktails, art & greenery ambiance
Pan-Latin eats, tropical cocktails, art & greenery ambiance
"We like to go to this fun Latin American spot on a weeknight when it can help to break up the monotony of a boring week. All the dishes usually have some element that ends up surprising us, like the chicken skewers that come in a spicy huancaina sauce and have the unexpected addition of choclo (large chewy pieces of Peruvian corn), and ceviche that’s hiding sweet potato puree under the leche de tigre. As a bonus, almost everything on the menu is between $7-$16, making it a great option for a reasonably priced date night, too." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor
"When: Mon-Thurs 5-6pm, Sun 4-5pm The Deal: $7 Cocktails, $7 Wine, $5-$10 Small Bites Amaru is a small, casual Latin American spot in Wicker Park with upbeat energy that will keep you awake even though you had to get up at 6am this morning. And their happy hour deals will also motivate you to not just immediately head home after work to become one with your couch. They have dishes like ceviche, piononos with sweet plantains, and chorizo wrapped in bacon, all of which cost $10 or less. They also offer some cocktails and wines for $7. And, as our ex-roommate, who never paid rent on time, used to say: "There’s no shame in crafting a full meal out of happy hour bites." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"A Pan-Latin–inspired restaurant at 1904 W. North Avenue offering a three-course Mother's Day prix-fixe brunch for $40 with bottomless mimosas for mom, available by reservation on OpenTable." - Serena Maria Daniels
"This small Latin American restaurant in Wicker Park has a fun atmosphere and great food with complex flavors. For example, you’ll find chicken skewers served in a spicy huancaina or charred octopus with a tangy poblano sauce. Almost everything on the menu is between $7-$20, and perfect for sharing. Come here to catch up with your friends about their recent vacations—which might have something to do with the fact that they’re choosing to split a $7 order of fried plantains for dinner." - adrian kane, john ringor
"After falling off the stage during your birthday karaoke performance last year—at a place that technically wasn’t a karaoke bar—you want to show everyone how relaxed you can be. Invite some friends to meet you at Amaru in Wicker Park. This is a fun but low-key Latin American restaurant where you can share dishes like chicken skewers in a spicy huancaina sauce or the yuca gnocchi with a delicious rabbit bolognese. It’s also close to plenty of bars, just in case you decide that the good folks at The Violet Hour need to hear your rendition of “Black Velvet” after all." - adrian kane