Best of 19 BYOB restaurants in Chicago
"BYOB" refers to "Bring Your Own Bottle," and BYOB restaurants in Chicago allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy with their meal. These establishments provide a unique dining experience, where you can savor your favorite wine or beer while indulging in delicious cuisine. From Italian to Mexican, many diverse food options are available at BYOB restaurants throughout Chicago.
- 1. Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
- 2. Schwa Restaurant
- 3. Lucia's
- 4. Chilam Balam
- 5. Casa Yari
- 6. 5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria
- 7. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe
- 8. Tango Sur
- 9. Han 202 Restaurant
- 10. Alegrias Seafood
- 11. Herb
- 12. Nori Chicago | Neighborhood BYOB Sushi Bar and Restaurant | Bucktown
- 13. Shokran
- 14. Caro Mio Italian Restaurant
- 15. Folklore | Argentine Restaurant
- 16. Viaggio Restaurant Chicago
- 17. Elina's
- 18. Andy's Thai Kitchen
- 19. Komorebi Sushi
1. Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
Family-owned and serves authentic Costa Rican cuisine in a cozy environment

Irazu is a welcoming Costa Rican restaurant located in the Bucktown area. The establishment is known for its relaxed atmosphere, with large laminated menus, chalkboard specials, and patio furniture. The crowd is often lively and enthusiastic, thanks to the generous BYOB policy and large pitchers of alcohol-friendly mixers.
The food at Irazu is delicious and authentic to Costa Rican cuisine. The menu offers a variety of options, including empanadas as a starter and dinners or sandwiches for the main course. The restaurant is committed to providing great service, but it's important to note that they only accept cash payments. Overall, Irazu is a great spot for those seeking delicious Costa Rican food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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2. Schwa Restaurant
Schwa Restaurant is known for its intimate and cozy atmosphere, with just a handful of tables and a lively open kitchen.

Chef Carlson offers a remarkable dining experience with a unique menu that is sure to impress. The restaurant has a BYOB policy, allowing customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during their meal. For those who may not have time to purchase alcohol beforehand, the restaurant has partnered with 'drizzly' to deliver liquor to customers during their dinner.
The BYOB policy at Chef Carlson's restaurant adds to the overall dining experience. Customers can bring their favorite drinks and enjoy them with their meal, creating a more personalized and intimate atmosphere. The option for delivery through 'drizzly' is a convenient perk that can save customers time and hassle during their visit. Overall, Chef Carlson's restaurant offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience for all customers.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
3. Lucia's
Cozy neighborhood restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere, known for its delicious Italian-American cuisine.

The food at this establishment is excellent and sure to satisfy. The restaurant allows customers to bring their own wine, making it a great bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot. It's a good idea to save room for the delicious savory entrees, although it may be tempting to fill up on the complimentary warm bread with oil and parmesan cheese.
The warm bread, in particular, is a standout item that is worth mentioning. When it comes to the savory entrees, careful preparation and high-quality ingredients are evident in every dish. Wine aficionados will appreciate the opportunity to pair their favorite bottle with their meal, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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4. Chilam Balam
Offers a unique and authentic Yucatecan cuisine experience, utilizing fresh and locally sourced ingredients

Chilam Balam is a restaurant that offers a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) option, giving customers the flexibility to bring their preferred alcoholic beverage to enjoy with their meal. Upon arriving with a bottle of wine, the restaurant kindly opened it at no extra cost. Other customers also took advantage of this policy, bringing beer to accompany their dinner.
In addition to the BYOB option, Chilam Balam is a welcoming establishment where visitors can feel comfortable bringing their own drinks. Upon entering, guests can notify the staff of their bottle, which will then be opened and served for them. This policy extends to various types of alcoholic beverages, so customers can choose what they'd like to drink with their meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Casa Yari
Family-owned and operated, with a cozy and authentic ambiance.

Casa Yari is a small, Latin American BYOB restaurant located in Logan Square. It is known for its friendly service and delicious entrees, many of which can be made vegan or vegetarian by using seitan or jackfruit as a meat substitute. The menu features an exciting mix of Puerto Rican and Latin American dishes, including pastelón and mofongos.
Vegan options are a standout feature at Casa Yari. The staff is kind and helpful, although the service can be slow at times, especially without a reservation. Despite this, Casa Yari remains a popular spot for those seeking delicious and creative vegan and Latin American cuisine. Its cozy atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it a great choice for a meal with friends or family.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
6. 5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria
Authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria is a Mexican and Latin restaurant located in the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. They offer a variety of meal options including lunch, dinner, and brunch, and are known for their vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The restaurant offers takeout and table service, and also allows guests to bring their own alcohol.
With a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #271 out of 4,216 restaurants in Chicago, 5 Rabanitos is a popular choice for those looking for Mexican and Latin cuisine in the city. They offer a range of dishes, from traditional tacos and burritos to more unique options. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its food, service, and value. They are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and also offer online food delivery.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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7. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe
Offers a unique and authentic Cuban dining experience

90 Miles Cuban Cafe is a restaurant that provides a wide range of healthy and vegetarian options, with a cuisine based on Latin and Cuban dishes. The restaurant falls in the moderate price range of $29.00 - $31.00 and offers services such as delivery, takeout, reservations, outdoor seating, and table service. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, accepts various credit cards and digital payments, and offers a unique BYOB feature that adds to its lively atmosphere.
The restaurant's outdoor seating is particularly noteworthy, providing a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that transports patrons to another part of the world. The art, service, and food are all impeccable, with a friendly and welcoming vibe that is evident in their motto, "Mi casa es tu casa." The restaurant offers a range of meal options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. Special dietary options such as vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free meals are also available. The restaurant offers live music, adding to its cultural and festive ambiance.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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8. Tango Sur
Authentic Argentine dishes, warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly and attentive service

The steakhouse is known for its affordably priced steaks and BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy, making it a popular choice for many. However, the dining room can be quite dark, crowded, and noisy, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet and intimate meal.
In the past, this establishment was a go-to spot for a reasonably priced and delicious steak, having been a favorite for at least a decade. But, some patrons have noticed a decrease in portion sizes while prices have gone up, which may affect the overall value and dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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9. Han 202 Restaurant
Han 202 offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.

Han 202 is a popular restaurant known for its high-quality and affordably priced four-course prix-fixe menu. The restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine and offers a variety of delicious dishes. Standout menu items include the fried prawns, lobster salads, and shrimp dumplings, all of which are expertly prepared and well-received by customers.
In addition to its excellent food, Han 202 also offers a BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy with no corkage fee, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy a night out. The restaurant is also known for its accommodating staff and welcoming atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Alegrias Seafood
Bustling environment, fresh seafood, Spanish-influenced cuisine

Snuggle into the cozy, bustling atmosphere of a Mexican-style seafood restaurant that boasts a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) policy. The modest setting is perfect for a casual dining experience where the focus is on the delicious food. This restaurant takes pride in its recipes hailing from the Mexican state of Nayarit, a region renowned for its mouthwatering seafood dishes.
If you're looking for a refreshing pick-me-up, consider ordering a cerveza preparada - a delightful concoction that resembles a beer-based bloody mary. It's a fantastic way to rehydrate and recover from a long night of overindulgence. The staff is more than happy to oblige your request, so don't hesitate to ask for this unique and thirst-quenching beverage.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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11. Herb
Cozy atmosphere, Knowledgeable and friendly staff, Extensive herbal tea selection, Delicious homemade desserts.

Herb is a BYOB restaurant that offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious Thai cuisine, making it a great spot for a night out with friends. The friendly staff and excellent service only add to the overall positive experience.
During my visit to Herb, I enjoyed their BYOB option and was particularly impressed with their coconut curry dish. The food was incredibly tasty, and the service was top-notch. The inviting ambiance of the restaurant made for an enjoyable evening.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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12. Nori Chicago | Neighborhood BYOB Sushi Bar and Restaurant | Bucktown
Intimate neighborhood spot with reasonable prices and a wide variety of sushi rolls

The service at this establishment is a matter of mixed reviews. Some customers have reported experiencing fast and attentive service, with staff who are friendly and helpful. However, other customers have had the opposite experience, finding the service to be slow and the staff to be rude or unresponsive.
The sushi, on the other hand, is consistently praised by customers. It is well-regarded for its high quality and wide variety, with many customers returning again and again to enjoy the delicious offerings. The sushi's popularity is a testament to its tastiness and appeal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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13. Shokran
Authentic Moroccan dishes cooked with halal ingredients

Shokran is a restaurant known for its Moroccan cuisine and Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) policy. It is cash-only and located just west of Pulaski, near the Kennedy Expressway exit. Street parking is readily available on the arterial streets, but residential streets have permit parking only. The cost for half of a large meal, including tax and tip, was approximately $85, although the amount ordered was substantial.
If you're looking for a great place to have a casual dinner with friends, Shokran is an excellent choice. The restaurant offers delicious Moroccan food and a BYOB policy, making it a fantastic spot for a get-together. Among the menu items that stand out are the lamb tagine and chicken bastilla, which are highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
14. Caro Mio Italian Restaurant
Offers a range of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, risotto, and seafood, all made with fresh ingredients.

Casual BYOB restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere where guests can bring their own wine and enjoy a meal without worrying about corkage fees. At such restaurants, the focus is on providing a welcoming environment and delicious food, rather than making a profit from alcohol sales. This business model allows for a more personalized dining experience, as guests can select wines that complement their meal and suit their taste preferences.
At Caro Mio, a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine, guests can bring their own wine and enjoy a taste of Italy. This policy is designed to enhance the dining experience by allowing patrons to pair their favorite wines with Caro Mio's authentic Italian dishes. With no corkage fee, guests are free to bring a bottle or two without worrying about additional costs. Overall, the focus is on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can unwind, enjoy great food, and savor their own wine selections.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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15. Folklore | Argentine Restaurant
Bring your own wine or beer to pair with your meal, and enjoy live music on weekends.

Folklore is a restaurant known for its bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) feature, allowing customers to enjoy their preferred alcoholic beverages with their meal. This characteristic, combined with its intimate and cozy atmosphere, makes it an excellent choice for a date night. One visitor particularly appreciated this aspect of Folklore, as they were able to bring their favorite wine to enhance their dining experience.
The main attraction of Folklore is its exceptional steak offerings, which have been praised for their quality and preparation. The visitor in question raved about the steaks, stating that they were cooked to perfection. The high-quality food and the option to bring your own wine make Folklore an excellent destination for a memorable and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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16. Viaggio Restaurant Chicago
They offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for special occasions or a romantic night out.

Viaggio is a great restaurant for a BYOB (bring your own bottle) dinner. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal. The service is top-notch, and the staff is happy to help you open and store your wine. By bringing your own wine, you can make your dinner much more affordable while still enjoying delicious food.
Viaggio's food is a standout feature, especially their pasta dishes. The menu offers a variety of options, but the pasta is a must-try. Whether you prefer classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara or more unique options like pappardelle with duck ragu, you won't be disappointed. The affordable pricing and fantastic food make Viaggio an excellent choice for a BYOB dinner.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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17. Elina's
Chef-owned, intimate setting, focuses on local ingredients

Elina's, a restaurant in West Town, currently operates on a BYOB policy, with a corkage fee of $10 per person. This means that diners have the freedom to bring their favorite bottle or six-pack of beverages to pair with their Italian meal. The intimate and cozy ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the classic tunes of Frank Sinatra playing in the background, make it a potentially endearing spot for many.
Upon entering Elina's for the first time, one might feel a sense of comfort and familiarity, even contemplating the possibility of becoming a regular patron. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with Sinatra's soothing melodies, contributes to this welcoming feeling.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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18. Andy's Thai Kitchen
Caters to dietary restrictions with vegan and gluten-free options

Andy's Thai Kitchen is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) restaurant, allowing customers to enjoy their personal favorite alcoholic beverages with their meal. This aspect enhanced the overall dining experience. The food served at the establishment is excellent, with the pad Thai being a highly recommended dish.
The staff at Andy's Thai Kitchen is friendly and contributes to the positive atmosphere. Being a BYOB restaurant, patrons have the opportunity to save money by bringing their own drinks while still enjoying top-notch Thai cuisine. This gem of a restaurant is highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious food and a welcoming environment.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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19. Komorebi Sushi
Cozy atmosphere with beautiful decor

Komorebi Sushi is a popular sushi restaurant that attracts many customers. However, there are some unanswered questions about the restaurant, one of which is whether it still operates on a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) basis. The restaurant has not yet provided a response to this query.
Moving on to a different topic, Komorebi Sushi offers a wide variety of sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes that have earned it many positive reviews. The restaurant's fresh and high-quality ingredients, combined with its skilled sushi chefs, have helped it stand out in a crowded and competitive market. Despite the uncertainty around its BYOB policy, Komorebi Sushi remains a go-to destination for sushi lovers looking for a great dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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