Wonderful outdoor seating! We're always happy to support a family-owned restaurant with amazing food. Excellent food selection. We'll definitely be returning. Highly recommended!!
Overview
If you're on the lookout for an authentic Venezuelan dining experience in Chicago, Rica Arepa Armitage is the place you need to visit. Located at 4253 W Armitage Ave, this cozy restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Venezuela straight to the heart of the city. From savory arepas to mouthwatering tequeños, this spot is a must-try for food enthusiasts who crave something different.
Rica Arepa Armitage offers a diverse menu full of traditional Venezuelan dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to Latin America. Arepas, the heart and soul of Venezuelan cuisine, are the star of the show here. Whether you're a fan of tender shredded beef or crave the richness of melted cheese and sweet plantains, there's an arepa for everyone. The arepas are made to order, ensuring each bite is as fresh and delicious as the last. These tasty, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pockets are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
For those who are new to Venezuelan cuisine, the menu might feel like a world of flavors waiting to be explored. One dish that stands out is the Pabellón Arepa. This flavorful combination of shredded beef, black beans, and plantains inside a warm arepa gives you a true taste of Venezuela. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and salty is something you’ll find in many of the dishes on the menu, making each bite an adventure of its own.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Rica Arepa Armitage also offers fresh salads, soups, and empanadas that provide a lighter yet equally satisfying experience. And don't miss out on the tequeños-fried cheese sticks that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect as an appetizer or a snack.
The restaurant’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to dine with friends and family. Whether you're sitting down for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, you’ll feel at home with the friendly service and laid-back vibe of Rica Arepa Armitage. It's the kind of place where you can unwind and savor authentic Venezuelan food in a comfortable, inviting space.
Another highlight is the drink selection. Rica Arepa Armitage serves traditional Venezuelan beverages like "papelón con limón," a sweet and tangy sugarcane drink that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the food. If you're looking for something more refreshing, try their freshly squeezed juices, which are made from tropical fruits that are abundant in Venezuela, offering a burst of sweetness with every sip.
One thing that really stands out about Rica Arepa Armitage is the quality of the ingredients. Every dish is prepared using the freshest produce and meats, ensuring a high-quality, flavorful meal every time. The owners have put in a lot of effort to stay true to the authentic Venezuelan recipes while adding their personal touch to make the food even more special.
If you're wondering whether the place lives up to its reputation, just take a look at the reviews from satisfied customers. Many locals and tourists alike rave about the rich, authentic taste of the dishes, and the warm atmosphere makes it a place worth coming back to time and time again. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and great location makes Rica Arepa Armitage one of the best spots for Venezuelan cuisine in Chicago.
What makes this restaurant even more appealing is its location. Situated on Armitage Avenue in a lively neighborhood, it's a convenient place to stop by for a satisfying meal whether you’re exploring the area or live nearby. The atmosphere is casual yet vibrant, making it an ideal spot for both regular visits and special celebrations.
With so many amazing dishes to choose from, Rica Arepa Armitage has become a local favorite for good reason. Whether you're indulging in the classic arepas, enjoying an empanada, or sipping on a sweet Venezuelan beverage, you'll find that each dish is made with love and passion. It's a perfect example of how food can bring people together, telling the story of Venezuela through every bite.
If you're in the mood for something new and exciting, Rica Arepa Armitage offers the kind of experience that will have you craving Venezuelan food long after you leave. A visit here isn't just about eating; it’s about discovering a new culture through its flavors.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Latino-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1481 reviews
Stopped in during the week for lunch. Their menu has a lot of different options. The arepas were good (especially the punta trasera & queso de mano) but the meal was so expensive. The arepas do not come with a side. We tried the the tequenos and they were also good. Three arepas, tequenos and two soft drinks $80! Plus more with tip and parking. A very pricey meal for two.
We wanted some good food after enjoying some drinks at the nearby Right Bee Cidery. We know a good arepa, so we were eager to try and they did not disappoint! We got a vegan 2 arepa (yes, they have vegan and vegetarian ones) and a ham & cheese empanada and both were delicious! The music / vibe was great too, and the staff was very kind and helpful. We loved this place and would highly recommend!
¡Viva! I got here a little later than expected and somewhat close to closing time but they still served me and let me eat in! It was a very kind gesture and I’m thankful because I could give my compliments to the chef the arepa was so good! The empanada also melts in your mouth and is full of delicious flavor. The lemon aid drink helps wash it all down and settle in your stomach. All are fairly priced. I’d definitely go back and try some more of their expansive menu!
My husband and I recently moved to the area and heard great things about this restaurant. We decided to try it for brunch today. We ordered the sampler platter appetizer, beef patacon, beef arepa and the Venezuelan Lemonade. I can’t remember the name of the arepa, but it had black beans, maduros and cheese) We were not impressed by sampler appetizer. The plantains and little cachapas were almost burned; not worth the $17. The arepa was good. The patacon was just ok, again the plantain was almost burned. The meat flavor was ok, but I will not order patacon again. The lemonade was delicious
A fun contemporary happy atmosphere here. Super friendly and attentive service. Arepas were delicious , had with black beans, cheese, chicken , had a bunch of other appetizers and the criollo brunch. The heated patio is toasty warm and there's an outdoor patio as well which is extremely inviting. Tried a drink like horchata but much thicker and it was fantastic. I will be back.
Had the arepa parrillera and sancocho with a cafe con leche and flan - everything was on point! The sancocho was big enough for 2 people to share. The caldo was seasoned so well and the beef was super tender. The foam on the cafe con leche was firm and creamy. Flan which they call quesillo was also firm, creamy and full of flavor. Also theres this green sauce on the table that was super tasty. 10/10. Neighborhood gem.
I love this place. I always stop by when I am in the neighborhood! They have delicious food and the empanads and arepas. Excellent vegan options too!
This restuarant is really nice!! My boyfriend and I stopped in for lunch the other day. The food is SUPER tasty!! I had the dos perros calientes and felt like the amount of food for the price was good. They have lots of other options on the menu to choose from as well. The staff were kind and attentive to us. The restuarant has a nice outdoor patio that would be good for the summer weather, we're definitely planning on going back and eating outside.
The food at Rico Arepa was absolutely amazing! With all the items on the menu, I love the selection with everything being absorbed with delicious flavors. It truly exceeded my expectations. (The Rico Bowl..... Absolutely Delicious)
The atmosphere is relaxing. There is chill music that is not that loud there was a big wall of fake moss. There was also a cool wall of money. The hamburger mixta was the best burger I've ever had. For the meats, I got beef and chicken. The chicken was a bit dry but the rest of the burger made it up. The fries were small but good. The arepa is tasty and juicy. It was a bit moist but the cheese was scrumptious.
I got the rica bowl mixto, which I enjoyed. My wife said her meal had the best mushroom gravy she has ever had. My daughter got the la barbie arepa.
I went there with someone from Venezuela. They gave it a 10 out of 10 score for its authenticity and delicious food.
Great food, service, ambience. BYOB kept it reasonably priced. Clean. The owner came out to check on us. I've often passed and wanted to check it out. Truly, an excellent experience and I look forward to returning.
First time here & first time trying Venezuelan food in general. Was a little skeptical at first because I’m always skeptical trying new food & restaurants but this place beat my expectations. Food was fresh and tasty! A little pricey but all good. I’ll pay the extra dollar for quality food any day. I gotta add, the service was great!! Will be coming back & recommending to friends and family.