Hoja Santa

Great vibes! Great staff! Great food! David attended to us at the bar; excellent service! I had the “Pescado”; Pan- seared black sea bass, sauteed shrimp, roasted red potato, kale, chili chilaca sauce. I also had a side of Chimichurri sauce; I love Chimichurri! I cleared the plate; every bit of it was delicious. My cousins enjoyed their pizzas and Molcajete Hoja Santa; Frijoles(beans) charros, sliced ribeye, shrimp, cheese, corn, tomato jalapeño relish. Their house made tortillas are perfect! I tried one of my cousin’s; I’d like to come back and try their tacos!

I had an incredible dinner at Hoja Santa in Oak Park. I ordered the medium-rare NY Strip Steak, and it was cooked to absolute perfection—tender, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The yuca fries with chimichurri were on a whole different level; truly out of this world. I paired everything with two glasses of cabernet, which made the whole meal even better. The ambiance is quiet and comfortable, making it a great spot to unwind, and the location is super convenient. What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were genuinely attentive and made me feel as if I had been there many times before—like a regular. That kind of warmth is rare and really elevated the experience. Highly recommend.

Holy moly the food here is beyond delicious. The flavor combinations are out of this world. The calabasa was recommended by one of the staff and it was outstanding. The tuna crudo was also outstanding. Looking forward to coming back.

On a busy Saturday afternoon of indecision about where to eat, my boyfriend and I ended up here. We couldn’t sit inside due to a party but there is a cute patio and the weather was decently mild. We started with the guac and I had a coconut mojito which was awesome. Unfortunately they were out of filet, which my boyfriend had his heart set on. He switched to the skirt steak and I got the jalepeno gnocchi with shrimp and a cilantro cream sauce. The portions were huge and we definitely had leftovers. They were very generous with the shrimp and all of the protein meals are served on thick charcuterie boards which adds to the overall esthetic. We will definitely be back to try more dishes! Our server David was very pleasant and attentive as well!

Came here on a recommendation and so glad I did. I was with a large group and the service was prompt and attentive. They have a large menu with something for everyone. Cocktails were great. Food was wonderful and good portion size. Not a ton of options if you’re strictly vegetarian. I would go back to try other items. Great for date night or just hanging with friends. Tip: You may want to get reservations if you go on a busy wknd eve.

Our third time here! I was really looking forward to have the sea bass tonight. But I’m super disappointed. It was way too greasy no flavor and just horrible. The other times we were here we had it and it was perfect. Fish didn’t even look or tasted like a sea bass more like a tilapia deep fried. Our waiter was amazing and we get sometimes things happen but the quality of this dish honestly ruined our dinner!

From the moment we walked into Hoja Santa, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming, and the staff immediately made us feel at home. We started with a few appetizers that weren’t even on the menu, each one was beautifully crafted and full of vibrant flavors. The standout dishes for us were the jalapeño gnocchi, birria pizza, carne tuétano, and arugula salad. Every dish was presented with care and had its own unique twist that showed real creativity in the kitchen. What made the experience even more memorable was the personalized touch from the staff. They offered us a few custom drinks not listed on the menu, just to see if we’d like them, and they were incredible! You can really tell that everyone there takes pride in what they do, from the chefs to the servers. Overall, Hoja Santa is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Every flavor, detail, and interaction made our visit unforgettable. We left already planning our next visit. Highly recommend for anyone who loves thoughtful food, great service, and a dining experience that goes above and beyond expectations.

I had the pleasure of dining at this gem of a restaurant, and it was an experience worth raving about. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm hospitality of the staff, particularly an older gentleman whose welcoming demeanor set the tone for the entire evening. Starting with the Guacamole as an appetizer, I was already impressed by the freshness and flavor. However, it was the Lamb Shank that truly stole the show. Tender, succulent meat, perfectly complemented by a well-balanced sauce, accompanied by greens and potatoes that were cooked to perfection. The culinary journey continued with the special flan and donuts for dessert, each artfully plated and bursting with flavor. The combination of flan, berry compote, and mint was a revelation, while the donuts were the epitome of sweetness without being overwhelming. To accompany the exquisite meal, we indulged in their cocktails, expertly crafted with a balance of flavors that perfectly complemented each dish. Beyond the culinary delights, the ambiance of the restaurant was inviting and charming, making it easy to linger for hours in good company. The staff's attentiveness only added to the overall experience, making our three-hour stay feel like a delightful escape. In conclusion, this restaurant offers not only great food but also a memorable dining experience. I am already looking forward to returning for more culinary delights and cherished moments.

From the moment we walked into Hoja Santa, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming, and the staff immediately made us feel at home. We started with a few appetizers that weren't even on the menu, each one was beautifully crafted and full of vibrant flavors. The standout dishes for us were the jalapeño gnocchi, birria pizza, carne tuétano, and arugula salad. Every dish was presented with care and had its own unique twist that showed real creativity in the kitchen. What made the experience even more memorable was the personalized touch from the staff. They offered us a few custom drinks not listed on the menu, just to see if we'd like them, and they were incredible! You can really tell that everyone there takes pride in what they do, from the chefs to the servers. Overall, Hoja Santa is not just a restaurant, it's an experience. Every flavor, detail, and interaction made our visit unforgettable. We left already planning our next visit. Highly recommend for anyone who loves thoughtful food, great service, and a dining experience that goes above and beyond expectations.

The Katrina cocktail with ghost pepper was delicious, the ghost pepper was inside a skull iced cube. All of the food was delicious and flavorful. However, my whole table said we were feeling stomach aches the next day and living on the toilet. I think it was due to the grease and beans. Also, there was definitely MSG used in the food because I always get a headache and extra dehydrated and thirsty. The fried ice cream was good. Basically, the food is delicious, but it comes with a price! The service was nice. It was slightly chilly inside.

Excellent cocktails & food. Casually met a group at the bar before a wedding. We all enjoyed our cocktails & shared some small plates. Service was friendly & accommodated staggered arrivals & milling around the bar area. Would most definitely return for the fresh food! I would say the food had fresh, light, flavorful California vibes. Had a hard time deciding what to order, as every dish coming out of the kitchen looked delectable. Tortilla chips were SO great, along with every dish we tried.

Delicious drinks and bites at Hoja Santa! We got the Calabaza, fajita pizza and queso for dessert and all were delicious. The queso was a unique flavor of burrata and ice cream. We sat at the bar and the bartender was quick, helpful and attentive. Their outdoor seating is closed for season but the inside is cozy too!

My son chose this fantastic restaurant we haven't been to before with elevated Mexican cuisine. The restaurant isn't very large, but it has a cool vibe. Our server Caesar and the rest of the staff were on top of everything. Service was very good. We started out with cocktails and they were amazing from the old-fashioned to the pretty Mezcal drinks. The three of us decided to share everything we ordered. We started out with the Birria pizza, a beef shank and short rib pizza, followed by the grilled octopus, raw steak and jalapeño gnocchi. Every dish was creative and flavorful. So delicious!! The only thing I would say is the octopus could be cut into larger pieces because it got lost within the other ingredients, and the raw steak could have less sauce. Sometimes less is more. We ended the mail with a dessert dessert, the Nieve frita, which was homemade fried churro ice cream. I do want to go back to experience more of the chef's culinary creations because it was a hard to make a decision on what to order. Everything on the menu sounded great. If you're in the Chicagoland area, I highly recommend trying Hoja Santa.

Our monthly brunch selection. 6 friends we have know each for 30 years! Amazing, attentive service! Love the music and relaxing vibe! Not to mention how the delicious, savory the food is! Our monthly brunch selection!

First time here....The food is sooo flavorful! Culturally different people agreed on the good flavor. They have tuétano which you really don't find anywhere. Looking forward to trying something else in the menu. We had a hard time choosing what to try.

Not bad but no value for what it was. Limited vegan options and i selected this place based off of a gluten free and vegan need of someone in my party. They were able to get something but it was one of the lets make x off the menu. Their ability to do that did make the dining experince better. Also did not have a good setup for larger than groups of 4. It was busy, and they seemed under staffed. The people that were there were all working hard to make the best dining experience you could have. Tables were crowded and too close together. The food was all good but not much better than many mexican take out places and it was all 3 time the price of that. So charging for an elevated experince but failed to deliver on it. Don't see myself comming back.

Food is really good - love the menu and need to go back to try again. Our kids weren't big fans but the adults like it. Service was decent. Has a rustic look inside.

The drinks are amazing! I'm am always looking for a nice ambiance and chill experience. The guacamole was delicious. The margaritas, Old Fashion, and Manhattan were on point. I didn't have all those in one visit lol.

This is one of experiences in the neighborhood where after seeing the extraordinary presentation and following that up with taste that fits the visual, you immediately realize you must keep this treasure thriving! There are bites that are memorable for being in Oak Park, and then there are those rare bites that would be memorable anywhere. Oak park is blessed to have this spot but I worry that there are too any empty tables to keep it. I had the skirt steak with bone marrow on my first trip and it was superb. But after seeing a post asking about best steak places in Oak Park and trying to vouch for Hoja Santa, I knew that I had to try the ribeye to prove it was a steak destination. I'll say presentation was 3.5 stars but the taste was an easy 5 stars. I shouldn't have eaten the whole thing but I passed that mythical point of leftover and just kept going. This place is on another plane from other options in Oak Park, let's support them!

came here with family for a birthday meal! these pictures were just what we got, others got the ribeye and bone marrow, ceviche, and pasta. we shared guac, the molcajete, calabazas, and birria pizza for the table. I thought the food was good, but nothing that blew me away except for the calabazas which had an interesting nutty sauce and the molcajete. the pork dish I had was a bit dry, and the amount of pork you got felt small. the puree was a nice touch. for the cost, I think I'd try somewhere else next time. but it was an interesting place to go once. service was good and the servers were attentive (waters were filled!), and the restaurant itself was nicely decorated if not a bit loud to have conversations over.

Went here for lunch for my wife's birthday. It was nice to get sandwiches and try out their menu. We had great service and enjoyed the space. Next time I would definitely order the cocktails or come back for dinner to try more of their menu.

Meat was decent. Cold tortillas, stay away from the tik toks. Not all that glitters is gold. 50% of our taco orders were wrong.

Amazing dinner. We started our dinner with sangria and a trio of ceviche. All of them were unique and equally delicious. We ordered the pork with mole the chicken and octopus. Every bite was a delight. The servers were very attentive, the location comfortable, and inviting I was visiting Chicago and wished there was another Hoja Santa near me.

I had steak and mac & cheese oh my God it was so good. The steak was cooked so juicy. The mac & cheese was so cheesy. I love it all. Definitely will come back to 10 out of 10.

Inexcusably bad service. After messing up our order, which left two of our party of four without dinner, no attempt to rectify the situation was made. In fact we were ignored for the remainder of the evening. Too bad. The food is good. The atmosphere could be improved, especially the noise. It's very loud, even when there are only a few people in the restaurant.

Amazing food, fire drinks. Good service, cozy ambiance. Priced accordingly. Not too large of a restaurant so intimacy takes center stage. Most definitely would come back again.

Apps I would highly recommend are molcajete Hoja Santa and yuca fries. Incredibly delicious!!

Oak Park has long lacked a high-end Mexican restaurant. That wait is over. Hoja Santa clicks all the boxes. I have been there twice so far and expect to go back as often as possible. From the first part of the menu, smaller plates (labeled "Bocadillos Y Ensalatas") include the usual guacamole but consider stepping out of your comfort zone for their Calabaza (roasted butternut squash, salsa macha, skinny fries and roasted cashews) or Brusellas (crispy Brussel sprouts with tamarind star anise reduction, almonds, serrano pepper, cilantro, mint and roasted cashews.) Also there is usually a special soup of the day which on my two visits was very good. For main course: I've so far sampled, and enjoyed, the grilled pork tenderloin with mole rojo, butternut squash puree, sauteed arugula, saffron pickled onions, and also the fried chicken breast, black bean, corn and avocado medley, cucumber relish, chilaca pepper aioli, frijoles charros. But the real revelation for me was the Mexican wines they serve. I'm too old a dog to be learning new tricks but I had long ago consigned our south-of-the border neighbor country to the ranks of beer-and-tequila land. No more. A number of whites, roses, and reds from producers in Baja California, Mexico, will please any lover of good wine. I have not yet sampled any of the restaurant's pizzas or desserts. Service is good, and as a bonus certain servers can also be very informative about aspects of Mexican cuisine and viniculture. The ambience is fine. (You don't have to worry about roving mariachi trios playing for tips.) While obviously priced higher than a taco joint, it is no more expensive than any other high-end Oak Park restaurant. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience! Our son ran in the Chicago Triathlon and we wanted to get brunch.....finding one restaurant crowded and over 30 minute wait we moved down the street. We sat outside since we had our 2 toddler grandchildren with us. David our waiter was very pleasant, helpful, congenial and fulfilled all our wishes quickly. We had guacamole and chips for an appetizer and it was excellent; we each had a mixed drink. My coconut mojito was delicious-the right amount of sweetness, and refreshing. My son enjoyed both his mezcal drinks. I had the pescado (fish) tacos and they were delicious and were enough to share with another person. All the food was delicious with left overs for taking home! David, our server was really exceptional in his service and also being kind to the toddlers and us. He was very sweet and brought us Mimosas on the house to celebrate my son finishing his race. Definitely will return to Hoja Santa when we're in Oak Park again!

This is a very inviting spot. Had the yuca fries that comes with a garlicky chimichurri sauce. It was outstanding and I will be heading back for this. My entree was the steak with roasted (or grilled?) sweet potatoes, which was also good. Definitely returning to explore more of the menu and drinks.

We used to love this place but yesterdays visit was a huge disappointment. The food was mediocre at best (pulpo appetizer you had to search for the pulpo) and the lackluster service was off putting. After ordering appetizers (table of 4) the server never came back and we went somewhere else for our mains. Guy at the bar was constantly yawning, front of the house and servers busy chatting w each other, from 5 white wines on the menu 3 were not available. amazing how you can ruin a restaurant

PHENOMENAL!!! I ordered the old fashioned with mezcal and pescado. Absolutely fabulous. Service fantastic. Loved it and will definitely be back.

Unusual menu. Terrific. Experience. High quality fish. Try the bone marrow for unique dish.

Fun evening with friends. Hoja Santa is part of the Rustico family and is even located in the original Rustico space on Lake St. Our server Cesar was awesome. We all started with fun adult cocktails which were made to perfection. The guacamole appetizer is not to miss. I enjoyed the chicken special entree. My good friend had the brisket which he said was spot on. The ladies split a gluten free pizza which they loved. Expresso martinis were the dessert selections. Great local restaurant with a wonderful Mexican flavor. We'll be back.

Incredible food! Everything was flavorful and super pretty to look at. We'll be back for more

Tried this Rustico sibling this weekend to mixed reviews. The menu is fairly varied, but not too large so that it gets overwhelming. Portions are really large, so keep that in mind when ordering that if you get an app or two, you will likely not be able to finish an entree. The fish tacos are huge. As an app it's too much unless you split the portions and make six tacos instead of the giant 3. The guacamole is also like 2 cups! And oddly, it comes with so few chips to eat it! The yuca fries with chimichurri were the stars of the meal. The chicken Milanese was okay and the seafood entree with shrimp and black bass was a miss (overcooked and dry). Service was good - it was odd that when we first got to the table there was a dead fly on it and we weren't moved (kid pointed it out, so they knew) even though the place only had maybe three other tables filled.

Went here on a whim, and thoroughly enjoyed this establishment. We ordered the birria pizza, along with a strawberry mojitos. Drinks were and not watered down. The staff were very attentive. Wonderful experience.

Nice ambiance, friendly staff, and great presentation, but a tad too slaty and overpriced. The guac and roasted butternut squash are solid. The pescado entree was way too salty that I couldn't even get through half of it. Prices are a bit high, but consistent with what is available on that stretch of Lake Street.

I love this restaurant. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The drinks are the best in town. Food is phenomenal and definitely worth the price. This restaurant reminds me a lot of their sister restaurant Rustico vibes. I highly recommend going here as it rivals a lot city restaurants.

Visited with family for a birthday party! Was immediately greeted by the host. Had such an amazing time. Great Food!!!! We did try a couple of appetizers not pictured but must try guacamole, queso asado and tostada de pulpo (for the octopus fans)

Oak Park has long lacked a high-end Mexican restaurant. That wait is over. Hoja Santa clicks all the boxes. I have been there twice so far and expect to go back as often as possible. From the first part of the menu, smaller plates (labeled "Bocadillos Y Ensalatas") include the usual guacamole but consider stepping out of your comfort zone for their Calabaza (roasted butternut squash, salsa macha, skinny fries and roasted cashews) or Brusellas (crispy Brussel sprouts with tamarind star anise reduction, almonds, serrano pepper, cilantro, mint and roasted cashews. Also there is usually a special soup of the day which on my two visits was very good. For main course: I've so far sampled, and enjoyed, the grilled pork tenderloin with mole rojo, butternut squash puree, sauteed arugula, saffron pickled onions, and also the fried chicken breast, black bean, corn and avocado medley, cucumber relish, chilaca pepper aioli, frijoles charros. But the real epiphany for me was the Mexican wine they serve. I'm too old a dog to be learning new tricks but I had long ago consigned our south-of-the border neighbor country to the ranks of beer-and-tequila land. No more. A number of whites, roses, and reds from producers in Baja California, Mexico, will please any lover of good wine. I have not yet sampled any of the restaurant's pizzas or desserts. Service is good, and as a bonus certain servers can also be very informative about aspects of Mexican cuisine and viniculture. The ambience is fine. (You don't have to worry about roving mariachi trios playing for tips.) While obviously priced higher than a taco joint, it is no more expensive than any other high-end Oak Park restaurant. Highly recommend.

My husband and I had lunch on the patio and this is pretty much as good as it gets in the suburbs! Tuna Crudo (diced raw tuna, cilantro-lime soy sauce, avocado, Mexican crispy rice, tomatilla avocado salsa). The tuna was super fresh and a much larger portion than I expected. I'd eat it every day. Birria Pizza (beef shank and short rib, scallions, cilantro, cheese, jalapeño aioli, radish). This pizza has been on my mind since the first time I saw the menu a few months ago, and it lived up to everything I'd built it up to in my head. The birria itself was great, lots of flavor, and the crust had a great texture. It's very rich - we squeezed the lime from my drink on it, which I'd recommend doing. Pescado (pan-seared black sea bass, sauteed shrimp, roasted red potato, spinach, chile chilaca sauce). Again, a bigger portion than I was expected - a nice big piece of fish. Everything was super flavorful, both the fish & shrimp were perfectly cooked. Our only criticism is that everything was on the salty side, but delicious enough that we could get past it. We were on a time crunch during my husband's lunch hour and they were easily able to get us in and out in 45 minutes without sacrificing the quaitly of food or service. We'll definitely be back soon to explore the menu more - we have a long list!

Took three friends for a celebration. We all shared the molcajete to start and a couple of drinks. I ordered the fish tacos for my entree. The rest of the group ordered the pasta, the sea bass entree and the pork with mole. I took a bite from both the pork and the pasta. Within an hour of the meal, I started to experience fierce abdominal pains. Was up literally all night with the effects of the worse food poisoning of my life. My friend that had the pork/mole had a similar reaction just not as severe. I called the restaurant the next day to alert them. Was told a manager was not available and that they never really knew when she was in. I left my information. The chef called me back and was very apologetic. Did appreciate that. He said he would get together with his partners to see what they could do to make up for us getting so sick. Never heard from him. Instead the manager called me a day later offering to have us come back and have a better experience. There was no way I would ever eat there again. She then offered to check with another partner to see if they would refund the almost $300 we spent. More than a week later have not heard back from anyone even though I called again to follow up. Getting so sick was bad enough, with the effects lasting more than two days. But the fact that they really didn't even care was even more disappointing. Really wanted to like this restaurant unfortunately something went horribly wrong with the food safety.

A fabulous addition to Oak Park dining! We stopped in for a drink and apps. Once we learned of the special we dove in - whole red snapper which was excellent. Top notch service. Will definitely be back soon.

Been wanting to try this place, and I finally went tonight! I had the tuna appetizer, cod, and my husband and scallops. They were very accommodating regarding his gluten allergy, and checked with the kitchen to make sure nothing he got had gluten in it. I also had the churro ice cream. Excellent food and wonderful service!

Innovative menu in a comfortable environment. Try the cocktails! Service was helpful and friendly. Next time I want to sit at the bar to watch the kitchen staff at work.

Loved the food here. Delicious with lots of herbs and spices and beautiful presentation. I am vegan and found plenty of delicious options. The wait staff was very nice and the outdoor patio was very pretty with lots of plants. I recommend it!

I went to dinner here for the first time a few days ago. It was amazing! We were able to sit outside and the service, cocktails, food and ambiance were all excellent. Can't wait to go back, it was one of the best meals I've had out in a very long time! I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Met friends at this restaurant for Friday evening dinner in downtown Oak Park. Impeccable and speedy service, excellent & delicious food + presentation, and overall great ambiance. I'd definitely recommend dining there.

Our experience was a bit of a 'Tale of Two Cities'. The quality of food, drinks and atmosphere was a solid 4. We had the pulpo and guacamole appetizer and the chimichurri skirt steak and callo & nopales for dinner plus a few cocktails. The quality was good albeit the portions were rather skimpy for the prices (total bill was $171 before tip). Where our experience went south and what I believe will ultimately be the downfall of this place is the service. It is obvious that the women there (the waitresses and hostess) are all friends and are more focused on socializing with each other at the hostess stand rather than providing attentive service. Everything from placing our drink orders to placing our appetizers & dinner orders required us to sit for long stretches and try to make eye contact with one of the girls socializing at the hostess stand. When one of the girls finally noticed how annoyed my wife and I were, they would tap our waitress on the shoulder so she knew to 'get back to work.' I felt like rather than customers paying a lot of money for small portions, we were more of an annoyance who kept interrupting the crowd of 20-something girls during the Saturday evening at the club. So on the basis of food quality, menu selection, and atmosphere I give it 4 but price per portions and service is 1-2.

We were impressed from the moment we walked in. The decor is fantastic. Very rustic, warm and inviting. I had the Carne y tuetano which I ordered medium rare and was presented perfectly. It' was an amazingly prepared skirt steak with fantastic presentation. So good. My wife had the "Pork" on the menu which was actually a grilled pork tenderloin with a mole rojo and butternut squash puree. She went on and on about it. Loved it. She would not share but from what I could see it was absolutely perfectly prepared with a slight pink to the center. At one point I joked with the servers because we had 3 people around us. One was pouring water, another was removing plates and another was presenting the desert menu (which btw try the guava sorbet). Service was obviously a team effort here and it showed. Thank you for a fantastic time out. So great to have yet another great place to come back to in Oak Park.

Food was very good. Love the large portions. Solid cocktail menu. My wife got the scallops, though they were very tasty, the grey color of the sauce was a little bit of a visual turn off.

Really good food! Scallops good, fish tacos and charred lettuce salad both exceptional. Service good too. Will go back!

Hope the menu evolves a bit as time goes on.....nothing that just grabbed me. My husband had the octopus tostada which for the price could use more octopus or maybe there should be two? Will give it another try though as love it's Rustico roots

Food was 5 stars and the service was put standing. we took their recommendation and nothing disappointe.

Food was overpriced and mediocre. The Sangria was too sweet and the baked cheese dish was downright awful.

This place has an underwhelming menu for the prices. We really wanted to like it, but we had overly salted food, slow service, and nothing that grabbed us to want to go back. Just meh.