Chilam Balam

The story

Chilam Balam: Modern Mexican Shared Plates in Chicago's Lakeview – Michelin Bib Gourmand

A Dream on Broadway

Chilam Balam is the realized vision of owner Soraya Rendon, who came to the United States from Mexico City at 18 with a few hundred dollars and a drive to build the American Dream. On Chicago’s Broadway she created a small, cash-only BYOB that serves modern Mexican shared plates with a farm-fresh twist. The name comes from the Mayan “Book of the Jaguar Priest” – a nod to sustainability that runs through every dish.

The Kitchen

Executive Chef Natalie Oswald grew up baking in Ohio, earned her degree at the Culinary Institute of America, and honed her craft at Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill. There she learned the depth of traditional Mexican cuisine and the importance of locally sourced ingredients. At Chilam Balam she brings that knowledge to a menu that changes with the seasons. The restaurant has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2013, a recognition of good quality, good value cooking that the team wears with pride. In 2022, Chef Oswald was voted Best Chef in Lakeview East.

What to Eat

Meals are designed for sharing. You can build tacos with fresh tortillas or pile flavors onto handmade tostadas. Dishes range from a 1000 Layer Potato with chipotle cream and tobiko to Bacon Empanadas with hot honey. The Ono Ceviche brings habanero heat, while the Tacos de Canasta feature cochinita pibil with pineapple escabeche. For something hearty, the Skirt Steak arrives with guajillo and roasted potatoes, and the Plato Placero offers a spread of beef brisket, salsas, queso Oaxaca, and plantains. Most items are naturally gluten-free.

The Experience

The dining room is intimate, often packed, and the atmosphere is lively. Reservations are limited and best made by email. The restaurant is cash or Venmo only, and guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine, or tequila. Desserts include a Chocolate-Chile Mousse with spiced goat cheese and a Hibiscus Flan. The team aims to accommodate allergies, but note the kitchen is not allergen-free.

Chilam Balam is a place where passion and precision meet – a genuine neighborhood restaurant that has earned its place on Chicago’s Mexican food map.