Chicago Mama's Kitchen - Catering, Mixology & Culinary Experiences
Restaurant · West Town ·
Empanadas, cocktails, tropical vibe, homey dishes, cozy decor
Empanadas, cocktails, tropical vibe, homey dishes, cozy decor
"This is a new carryout and delivery-only spot operating out of The Hatchery - a restaurant incubator in Garfield Park. And Empanada Mama focuses on (you guessed it) empanadas, along with bites like shrimp ceviche and Puerto Rican rice." - adrian kane
"In West Town, Chicago Empanada Mama is a full-service Puerto Rican restaurant with an assortment of empanadas to pick from including guava with gruyere; and chicken, basil, and cheese. Wash them down with a cocktail." - Sam Nelson
"I'm told Chicago Empanada Mama should open soon at 1703 W. Chicago Avenue; the restaurant (not affiliated with a similarly named Lakeview shop) is going through inspections with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for mid-June." - Naomi Waxman
"After five years of growing from a food truck to a virtual restaurant, the owner opened a permanent West Town Puerto Rican spot following a year-long buildout timed just before the city's Puerto Rican Day Parade. The menu highlights homey Puerto Rican dishes and a roster of sweet and savory empanadas — including quesitos con guava (guava, gruyère), cochinita con queso (ham, cheese), and ropa vieja (beef, potatoes) — alongside sides like arroz con gandules, shrimp ceviche with plantain chips, and Puerto Rican potato salad made with apples. Beverages range from nostalgic bottles of malta and cups of Dark Matter coffee to rum-forward cocktails such as Esteban’s Smoked Rum-Fashioned (Ron Zacapa Centenario, chocolate bitters, pecan smoke) and the Titi-Martha-Rita (guava, lime, tequila, Grand Marnier), with beers sourced from nearby breweries. The compact, counter-service storefront is styled to feel cozy and inviting — teal and blush pink walls, hanging basket lamps, Edison bulbs, abundant greenery and floral tributes to Aibonito — and includes plush velvet chairs, stools, and upholstered couches to encourage guests to linger. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday." - Naomi Waxman
"A new empanada-focused restaurant has posted signage for a mid-April opening in a 77-seat space; the operation will be independent from a similarly named Lakeview spot and will offer a sit-down neighborhood dining option." - Naomi Waxman
