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Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Seafood & Steak
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Peruvian Seafood, Peruvian [Edit]
4569 N Elston Ave(between Kiona Ave & Kennicott Ave)
Chicago, IL 60630
Neighborhood: Albany Park
(773) 427-4239
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
197 reviews for Ay Ay Picante Peruvian Seafood & Steak
Review Highlights
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"How can you go wrong with Lomo Saltado." In 35 reviews -
"And don't forget - it's BYOB." In 55 reviews -
"I suggest trying the ceviche mixto for an appetizer." In 17 reviews
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197 reviews in English
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Review from mad i.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh my gahsh!!!!
This place is awesome, reviews were right on! So funny because it is def not in a desirable neighborhood, but parking for free on the street is nice.
GREEN SAUCE! That magical mix of jalapeno, garlic and cilantro is really the best sauce I ever ate....too bad it comes in that tiny container. I have no shame, I asked for like 4 more rounds to go with the amazing bread.
CEVICHE was as good as everyone said, hearty helping for 2 people, delish
calamari even unbreaded, who knew!
Fettuccine with the basil sauce and some breaded pounded out steak that tasted like my moms pork chops, mmmmm.
Fiance ate the grilled meat dish with the fries...meh... wouldn't get that again but not terrible.
We will be back to try that avocado shrimp with the sauce looking number :)
P.s-A+ for our server Pablo -
Review from Rosanna L.
Bensenville, IL
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've heard great things about this place from my girlfriend and so I finally was able to give it a try and wasn't blown away.
Starters:
TAMAL PERUANO - PERUVIAN TAMALE FILLED WITH CHICKEN, NUTS, & PERUVIAN BLACK OLIVES AND COOKED IN BANANA LEAF. ACCOMPANIED BY SALSA CRIOLLA (ONION SALAD). The tamal was pretty big, but lack a lot of meat and I don't think I tasted any nuts. From the outside and 1/3 way in there was nothing but corn.
CEVICHE MIXTO - A plate of variety of seafood & tilapia marinated in leche de tigre (lime juice & Peruvian Rocoto chilies). Accompanied by lettuce, camote (sweet potato), finely sliced onions, & choclo (Peruvian corn) - had to be my favorite with the sourness of the lime and chilies. Everything tasted very fresh. It's a huge portion for 2 more for like 4.
Entrees:
FETTUCCINI AL OLEO CON CHAMPIÑONES - MUSHROOMS & FETTUCCINI SAUTÉED IN VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, GARLIC, BASIL, & SWEET RED
PEPPERS - lacks seasoning whether it was salty or pepper. I don't eat salt much in my food so I was quite surprise when this dish was very bland. It needs something else to add more flavor
Beef and shrimp skewer (not sure what the actually dish is called) but I the meat was very tendered, but at this point I was pretty full from everything else that I didn't get to really enjoy it.
Best part of course is the BYOB, they'll gladly bring you a ice bucket to keep your drinks cold. -
Review from Derek H.
Cook, IL
4/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I've been here three times now and I have gotten something different every time. As someone who usually locks onto a fave and sticks with it, I see lots here that makes me curious.
As mentioned by others, the green sauce that comes with the bread is great!
BYOB! -
Review from Phil J.
Updated - 4/11/2012 4 Check-ins Here
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GREEN SAUCE.
The place can get crowded on weekend nights but don't let that stop you. Pick up a bottle on your way...it's BYOBizzle! They start you off with some warm bread and some Aji sauce. This green dipping sauce is the SHIZZLE! It's made with jalepenos and garlic as well as a few other things. I've been here just to pick up some of the ahi sauce to take home. That being said...it seems to go well on everything. You could seriously throw it on anything and make it taste three times better.
As usual, I started with Anticuchos. These perfectly seasoned and grillled cow heart on a skewer were delicious...especially when paired with the side of red onions marinated in limes, Salsa Criolla. The meat was so tender. If you've never had this before, you must try it. Don't be scared...it's just beef heart. If you don't tell your friends what it is they will just think it's tender, juicy, delicious, beef. It can be shared...but it's so good I could just order it for my main meal. The portions for the main dishes are generous. As everyone has already mentioned their Lomo Saltado is great along with their Ceviche Mixto.
Service was good. They are very friendly. No corkage fees for your wine or beer. It can get very packed on the weekends. When it's nice out they have outdoor seating in their backyard. Street parking isn't too hard to find. The inside is pretty dimly lit and they are always playing some kind of Peruvian music. Overall it's a great foodie experience that shouldn't be missed!
---Take home some of that green sauce and try it on scrambled eggs for breakfast!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2009
This place is dimly lit like they are trying to get everyone in "the mood."
I was here with a group… Read more »
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Review from Tim S.
Tempe, AZ
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Excellent. Had high hopes and this gem exceeded my expectations. We had the empanada app and Anticuchos ( Beef Hearts) on a kebob, grilled. Both excellent dishes. I would have liked some sauce on the empanada...I tried the green sauce that came with the bread. It worked perfectly!
On to dinner.... We ordered the Lomo Saltado: an excellent mix of grilled beef and some veggies. I was worried about the heavy starch..i.e fries and rice. Not to worry. the fries were blended in perfectly with the meat...and the Mayan Rice "Pyramid" was filled with a garlic taste....I love garlic....so +++ on the yum factor. OMG, the mariscos ceviche mixto was to die for...sauce itself was an amazing...generous portion. BYOB was an added bonus. If the food in Lima is as good as it is here....I'm headed to Peru. -
Review from Philly G.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2012
The green sauce was a little extra garlicky but it was good. The warm bread was okay. The stuffed avocado was a great appetizer. The salad it was stuffed with was good but the avocado was a little hard. The ceviche mixto was delicious. I had leftovers and it was even better the next day. The fiancé had arroz con pollo and the chicken needed some more seasoning while the rice was just like having vegetable friend rice. The latte we had after the meal was delicious and saved the meal for the fiancé.
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Review from Maria A.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2012
We came here with a livingsocial coupon and it was fantastic. The food was tasty and portions are generous, the service was attentive and care about us all the time. We tried "seco de cordero" or Dry Lamb, "Palta rellena de pollo" or Avocado filled with chicken and a Fish that I forgot the exact name. The bill was $48 without tip so we only have to pay extra $18 which is wonderful !!!
My only complaint is there is no high chairs for babies and they forgot to give me the spoon I asked for my daughter, I think the service is awesome but they have to be trained to care about kids too. -
Review from Local G.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2012
I was looking forward to eating here after reading all of the great reviews. I heard all about the great ceviche and yes it does live up to the hype. I only wished they used tuna or snapper instead of tilapia, much better texture.
That being said the warm bread and green sauce was delish. On to the entree, I ordered the bistec encebollando which is thinly sliced steak topped with some sauteed onions & peppers etc. Big disappointment; the dish was overly salty as was the side of white rice. It was so salty that I couldn't finish my meal. My friend ordered some sort of vegetarian fettuccini dish with mushrooms and it was very uninspiring. That coupled with taking over an hour to get our food, I wasn't all that impressed. I think we just didn't order the right stuff off of the menu. I may or may not try this place again. 3 stars for great ceviche and green sauce. -
Review from Sarah J.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
We called up to reserve a reservation. No Problem. And they were really good about reminding us that Ay Ay Picante was a BYOB restaurant and that most people bring wine or beer. This is a great tip because we had never had Peruvian food before.
We were sat at a very small table for two next to the window. If I spread my arms out I would be touching the next people's entree. This is my only negative tick about this restaurant. I'm a VERY talkative person. I feel wine and food deserve a fun, talkative time. I'm sorry for the people who sit next to us. Unless they liked our convo.
We started off with the Ceviche Mixto. Excellent. Citrus-y yummy goodness.
He got the Lobo Saltado which was huge and filling and I got the Chef's seafood special. Yes, we should've shared based on the portion sizes.... but we don't listen to other reviews :)
Because our waiter was new (but he was really good) we got a free flan dessert!
We are very happy with the restaurant. Industrial neighborhood, easy free street parking, small, cozy place! -
Review from Kyle P.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love his byob. Try it out and make sure you get the arroz con pollo
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Review from Roseann M.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2012
What a nice place! What a pleasant experience!
The Young Lawyer and I came here early on a recent Thursday night, thanks to some kind of deal coupon he had. I was particularly interested in a Peruvian restaurant, since my good friend, the Purple Grandma, is currently doing a 4-month volunteer stint in Peru. I figured, Ay Ay Picante is as close as I'm going to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where she is right now.
This restaurant is along a industrial/undistinguished stretch of Elston Avenue. The advantage to that is, it's easy to find free parking on a nearby side street. And we did.
Ay Ay Picante is a beautiful place. The lighting is low, but not so low you need a flashlight to read the menu. The walls are decorated with stencils resembling those on the Plain of Nazca. Andean music wafts gently in the background. It feels very welcoming, very comfortable.
Ay Ay Picante is strictly BYOB. Since the Young Lawyer works obscene hours, and I was the designated driver, we were not drinking. We both tried (for the first time) Inca Cola. I've heard about Inca Cola being the national drink of Peru, and I was very excited to try it. The description said, it has a bubble gum flavor. We wondered if that meant it would be very sweet, but we went ahead anyway. It did have a slightly sweet flavor, but it was not overpowering. We liked it very much.
The menu was large, but not intimidating. There is a big emphasis on seafood, steak, and poultry. Surprisingly there is also a vegetarian selection. Some - maybe all, I don't really remember - had notes describing what region of Peru they came from, or what cultural group had influenced it. Peru has had a lot of immigrants from various countries, so there are dishes influenced by Italy and China, for example.
We decided to split an appetizer called Palta Rellena Vegetariana. This was an avocado stuffed with veggies, potato, mayo and olives. Oh my God. Fabulous. And filling.
The Young Lawyer ordered the Filete Alo Macho. This was tilapia topped with a combination of seafood in a special cheese/salsa sauce, accompanied by rice. He is too well-raised to pick up a plate and lick it in a public setting, even though the lighting was dim, but he came close. He loved the whole thing.
I enjoyed the appetizer so much, I decided to just go with appetizers. The Papa o Yuca o Huancaina was potatoes in a cheese and pepper sauce with eggs and olives. Also fabulous. But VERY filling. I recommend this for sharing. It's heavy.
I also ordered something that turned out to be an ear of corn with a side of sliced cheese. I had to ask the waiter, how do people eat this? He indicated you bite into one and then the other. I have to say, this I did not enjoy. The corn is a unique variety, starchy, large kernels, and not sweet at all. I'm an old midwesterner,and my idea of corn is sweet. I'm not saying there was anything wrong with this appetizer - it just wasn't for me. I wouldn't order it again, but you might like it.
We were both very full and didn't order dessert or coffee.
The only complaint I have, and it's minor, is that I told the waiter that I wanted appetizers as my dinner entree, and I would like them served when the Young Lawyer got his fish. That didn't happen. All the appetizers came at once, before his meal. That was awkward.
Would either the Young Lawyer or I come here again? In a New York minute, yes, even without any sort of coupon. It's that good. -
Review from Liz K.
2/9/2012
I have been here a few times. The first time we were in the back room for a large party and the other times in the front. All the experiences were great.
This place is one of those restaurants where the food does all the talking.
They have a great variety of appetizers. I once had a stuffed avocado which was amazing. Even their vegetarian pasta was delicious...but the best of all is their steak/lean beef...which is like a firework of flavors. I eat the french fries under the meat because they also have some of the left over flavor....(I'm drooling just writing this).
This place is Basically...ahhhmazing!
Hopefully I will go back soon to check out some of their newer menu items! -
Review from Dago S.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
Greatest peruvian restaurant I've tried!
+ the amazing waiters make this restaurant perfect!
I definitely recommend this restaurant for a romantic date or a casual stop. -
Review from Claudia S.
Chicago, IL
2/13/2012
To be completely fair, I haven't eaten in the restaurant...I've only had food to go, so I can't comment on decor or service or anything of that nature.
With that being said, I had high hopes for Ay Ay Picante. My friend that introduced me to Peruvian food recommended this place after the other one closed and seeing as how he's half Peruvian, I figured it would be just as great as Rosa de Lima was. It wasn't bad, but it was a little disappointing.
Best dish I tried, the Lomo Saltado of course! Aside from the roasted chicken, this grew to be one of my favorite dishes in general and Ay Ay impressed me with this one. The rice, the empanada, the calamari and even the green sauce felt like something was missing. However, their red onion side dish thing was really good, so not everything I tried was a let down.
Nothing was awful by any means, but I don't know if I'd make my way over here again if someone didn't suggest it, which is disappointing because I miss my old Peruvian spot and it'd be nice to find a suitable replacement. -
Review from Natalie A.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been to Ay Ay Picante twice...the most recent visit on my birthday in December
I am in love with this place...Excellent Peruvian cusine!
The ambiance is intimate and sexy...Perfect date place!
Getting the ceviche as a starter is a MUST, trust me :)
I also enjoyed Chicharron De Calamares: Deep fried seasoned calamari accompanied by salsa criola (onion salad), corn, and fried yucca!
BYOB!
My most recent visit was a hit with the service..friendly and attentive...as oposed to my 1st experience which was a bit rude..
Portions are huge!
Tres leches cake is delicious here!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2011
Came on 09/12 for my girlfriend's pre-bday dinner with her parents...
I fell in love with this spot!
… Read more »
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Review from Belle L.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012
Freshly made bread was delish with butter and the green dip (jalopeno in garlic oil etc, but not spicy). It's an appetizer by itself.
Everything taste fresh. Perfectly steamed veggies. Textured home made mash potato.
Gordon Ramsey would have a field day on the extensive menu and its fillers (mash potato, mushroom and green pepper on top, and steamed veggies). There is a chinese-peruvian vegetarian dish. Fried rice?
I wish Ay Ay would cut down on the fillers and reduced the price by half. -
Review from David G.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
First and foremost I have to say this review will be a tad bit limited. I have been to Ay Ay Picante four or five times. EVERY time I've gone there I have ordered the same exact thing.... the CHURRASCO A LA PARRILLA.. which is sirloin steak for all you uncultured bums out there.
I consider myself to be a huge steak snob and rarely order them from anywhere since I love the ones I make myself so much. However, I was brought here years ago with a group of friends that went to grub hub and heard great reviews. I'm not too into seafood, and never had Peruvian food before, so the steak seemed the safest bet. I ordered mine Medium Rare, and sure enough thats what I got. (that alone is a huge problem with 90% of the steak houses I've been to.) The steak was so great that unfortunately I haven't even been able to try anything else whenever I go there.
I brought my Peruvian friend there to get an authenticity check on the food. He loved it as well.. and has been back multiple times. The place is fairly small, but has a really nice outside eating area in the back if the weather permits. It isn't flashy at all... very comfortable and intimate. The lighting can be a little dim at night depending where you sit.. so those with poor eyesight might wanna take a look at the menu before going there.
The worst part about the place might be the parking situation.. which is tough, especially at night on the weekends.
Even with those slights against the place and the fact its a bit pricey... I still consider it to be a 5 star rating and the food (at least what I like) does all the talking. Taking a bite into the wonderfully seasoned, that is more of an accent than overbearing, steak and having the juices seep into the fries never gets old.
As I said before I never have ordered anything else besides the sirloin,but the people that I've gone with have.. and all enjoyed their meals.. and have all been back multiple times. If you wanna take out the family, or go to a nice dinner with a friend.. or a date.. this is a great idea for something different. -
Review from Lisa A.
Wilmette, IL
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
My first time here and so glad I was with a friend who is such a great hostess. She ordered us some Seafood Mixto, which is a seafood mixture big chunk style ceviche that had the perfect blend of lime, cilantro, & spices. Then palta rellena vegetariana which is a potato pea salad wrapped by an avocado and olives that was so tasty! Dinner was chicken saltado, a salmon dished topped with mushrooms that was perfectly done and vegetarian fried rice with very good flavor.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that the desserts were okay and I have had better in the Pilsen neighborhood, but otherwise the dinner was superb and the service and people in the restaurant super friendly.
I noticed after I left that it is BYOB, too...so that's nice on occasion. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Carla S.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
This place is fantastic. We had hubby's birthday dinner there some time back. 3 out of 4 of us love what we got and the other (who is a malcontent anyway) was jealous of the birthday boy's lomo saltado.
Hey, if it can please a crowd consisting of adventurous 30-somethings and traditional 50-somethings, I call it a winner! -
Review from Rebekah H.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
How I do love thee! From your fresh baked bread to the tub of green stuff to your skirt steak you have yet to disappoint me.
Hubby and I have been here numerous times and have tried many items on the menu. Our favorites are the papa relleno type appetizer, both stuffed avocado apps with or without the chicken is so yummy, the empanadas are very good too.
For entrees we like the Churrasco Parilla but be warned this is a huge piece of steak and a ton of fries ( which I highly recommend you choose as your side) so if you are not really hungry share this with someone else cause it does not reheat very well. We also like the fettucini dish that you can get with grilled or breaded steak. So far we have liked everything we have tried and one of these days we will save room for dessert. :-D -
Review from Onur U.
12/22/2011
They have a pretty expansive menu that was kind of intimidating for a first timer, but the friendly served helped us navigate.
The selection of ceviches was particularly impressive, and I have to say, the ceviche we started off with was the best dish of the night. It has large, tender but firm pieces of tilapia dressed in a citrusy, slightly spicy sauce that we sopped up with the crusty bread. Also the green dipping sauce they served with the bread had nice complexity and heat. We asked for a second helping of that sauce.
Unfortunately, the entrees weren't as good as the appetizers. The steaks were overcooked and under-seasoned. The Aji Gallina was creamy but otherwise totally bland and uninteresting. When I think of Peruvian cuisine, I think of bright flavors, charred, juicy steaks, and chile heat. Our entrees exhibited none of that.
They've got good yelp reviews and a Dolinsky, so maybe we just visited on an off night. Or maybe they specialize in large quantities of cheap meat and BYOB, so the same crowds that fill mediocre South American steakhouses all over town are the ones keeping Ay Ay Picante in business. Either way, our first visit was a pretty big let down. -
Review from Mark M.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2012
The food was very good, but unfortunately that's where the compliments end.
This restaurant arranges its 2-top tables as 4-tops and 8-tops, and all the 4-tops were filled by the time my wife and I arrived for dinner. There were two other couples behind us at the door, but the host for some reason decided to put all three couples at their own 8-top table, instead of splitting one up. Sure enough, a big group came after we had ordered our appetizer, and the waiter came and asked us very nicely if we would mind moving to another table. Being an understanding guy, I said, "sure, no problem."
Within 5 minutes of sitting at our new table, which was as close to the kitchen as is possible in this restaurant, so close that waiters would frequently jostle our table as they retrieved their food from the serving shelf, we were approached by a different waiter and asked to separate our table from the 2-top to which it was configured. Presumably because they would be seating another couple there momentarily, but they never used that space while we were there.
I ordered off the "Specialty of the House" insert menu: Filet Mignon smothered in a white cheese that tasted like Chihouha with veggies and mashed potatoes. I specified "Medium", and the waiter confirmed my request. When the meat arrived, the center was red and bloody, and clearly had not cooked long enough, since it hadn't even de-natured yet. I showed it to the waiter and he agreed that it was far too rare, and back to the kitchen it went.
When it came back, there was no perceptible difference. The manager happened by before the waiter, so I caught his attention and did something I have never in my life done before: sent a steak back a second time. But first the manager had to argue with me about what "medium" meant. "Fine," I said, "I guess I want it medium-well, then." If my wife hadn't been happily eating her dinner, I would have stood up and left at that moment.
The waiter, to his credit, came by and apologized profusely and talked about taking my entree off the bill... but we were charged for it anyway. The steak did eventually come back a good solid medium-well (by my estimate, not the manager's, apparently), bordering on well-done. The waiter tried to explain about how the fire was too hot, so the center wasn't cooking, etc etc. I appreciate him trying to salvage the meal, but quite frankly, as customers we weren't interested in the cooks' problems.
A group of four near us had to send their corn-on-the-cob back because it was cold, and I overheard a heated discussion between the manager and another customer about a birthday-party reservation that could not be honored because they had used up all the tables that would seat the group.
I really wanted to like this place, and the food (once it was cooked) was very good. But all these amateurish problems are inexcusable. +1 star for the food, -4 for the chaotic seating problems, the poorly cooked steak, and (I still can't believe this) the manager who was more interested in arguing with me than making me happy. -
Review from Andrew K.
Chicago, IL
3/11/2012
Wait staff is friendly and attentive. Food is generous and delicious with reasonable prices. Sometimes can be a tad salty but nothing that would make me complain. Their empanadas are very good. The filling is unique with olives, meat and raisins. I have also had their breaded steak with fettuccine and basil sauce. That was very good too. The green sauce that they serve with the bread is incredible. They sell it too! Been there 4 times in the last two months and the restaurant has been very consistent so far. Haven't been able to make it to the the dessert course though!
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Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
We came on a sunday and were seated inside, which was very dimly lit and warm. We opted to sit outside instead, and found it much more pleasant. We ordered
palta rellena - ok, totally under seasoned with tasted everything
arroz con mariscos - ok, still not seasoned at all
lomo saltado - tough meat with soggy fries.
papas diabla con bistec - good steak but tasteless potatoes.
did the chef forget to salt EVERYTHING? -
Review from April P.
9/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Yes, bite my tongue, but that other Peruvian restaurant made famous on DDD is one of our favorite restaurants. But it's just toooo darn far and not conveniently located next to one of Chicago's many hwys. So for a quick fix, I recently found Ay Ay Picante and I was happy, pleased and impressed with their menu.
I ordered dinner to go and had Aji de gallina, which is the walnut cream sauce mixed with pulled chicken. They gave a very hefty serving, along with bread and butter to go. It was mighty tasty, and a tad bit spicier than it's nemesis. Still good, but just commenting about the flavor. The price of the dish was a whopping $15 plus change. That's almost a 25% difference in comparison to yet again, it's arch enemy
Perusing over the in dining room menu, I saw that all the prices are much higher. I'm quite sure the food is good, so if you're in the neighborhood, and don't feel like driving to Rogers Park, check out Ay Ay Picante
Big feat they need to work on....carry out paper menus. They had none available -
Review from Alejandro S.
Cook, IL
3/8/2012
Not a fancy place but best ceviche in town so far. Prices are fair, service is ok.
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Review from Lauren P.
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lomo saltado whaaaat?!
Super good lomo saltado up in here! A bit pricey but they give you a huge portion so I guess it's worth it! Their steak is very good quality cut of meat... Fries are super crunchy.... And the rice has the perfect amount of garlic in it where it's not overbearing!
Byob!
Currently they also have a yelp check-in special 30% off 1 entree at the table! Superb :) -
Review from Marce C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
1.Great peruvian food!
2. Can get very crowded Saturday night, but is worth the wait.
3. BYOB -
Review from Michael B.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2011 3 photos
Great find!
A huge variety of tasty dishes for the adventurous (beef heart appetizer= delicioius flavors and tender as a NY Strip) and not so adventurous (creamy avocado stuffed with shrimp). Portions are voluminous so anticipate sharing, carting home left-overs or ordering all appetizers, as I did during my first visit.
The oft mentioned green sauce (jalepenos, garlic and avocado) for bread starts you out right. The ceviche is easy on the onion and heavy on the lime but the tilapia was perfectly firm. Servers are well informed, efficient, and even provided a special Birthday dessert during our recent visit. Kid friendly and easy to park. Try it! -
Review from Lisa C.
Updated - 8/1/2011
Went there again this past Friday night, because wild horses can't keep me away from Ay Ay Picante.
New discoveries:
1. Awesome steak and shrimp kabobs. Come for the seafood; stay for the meat.
2. First time I had the pleasure of dining on their patio. It is cozy and inviting. Much more spacious than the main dining room.
In case you were wondering, the ceviche is still good enough to make a girl scream like a dirty slut. It's two-people-go-through-two-baskets-of-bread-just-so pping-up-the-leftover-sauce-because-it-would-be-a- sin-if-it-went-to-waste GOOD.Listed in: My Bucket List
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/9/2011
I swear that they put crack in their ceviche. Read more »
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Review from Carlos V.
Chicago, IL
12/20/2011
I really like this place, good peruvian food and it is BYOB.
Favorites: Arroz con pollo, sopa a la minuta, ceviche de pescado, anticuchos y el lomo saltado. BAMH! -
Review from PHIL S.
Roselle, IL
2/20/2012
Located off the beaten path this place offered great value on Steaks. Had the surf and turf an order of rice and the Shrimp stuffed Avocado. They also had live music performed by a creepy looking Peruvian chief.
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Review from Omar S.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2012
We ate here last night with my godson and his parents by their recommendation. I must say it is awesome! Amazing! Our server went over the menu and made recommendations. Warm bread service with this slightly spicy avocado spread was delightful. Calamari for appetizer was really good along with an empanada. The portions are generous with Peruvian spices...mmm MMM delicious. You must order the Ceviche Mixto (Tilipia Shrimp and Octopus) with sweet potato and corn OH MY!!, the Lomo Saltado is a must. Dont forget dessert, the tres leches was oh so good! Now I know why my godsons favorite cake is tres leches, they perfected it, I wanted more but was really full. This is my first 5 star review for flawless service, nice ambiance, perfectly seasoned food with generous portions, and its BYOB....I will be eating here again, thats for sure! What are you waiting for, go out and TRY IT =)
Good call Alberto and Clarisa!! This restaurant is on the top of Chef O's list! -
Review from Kelly K.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
The fish was really fishy and overloaded with sauce. Ew!. My husband was a fan. I am definitely not.
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Review from Michael G.
Rockville, MD
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Don't bother me, waiter, can't you see I'm eating this bread?
I mean, I know that I'm supposed to be ordering food and all, but just give me another few minutes to enjoy this bread uninterrupted! It's unreal! You make it fresh out of the oven with some incredibly rich butter. Can you blame me for wanting to savor it?"
When I finally decided to not appear like a homeless person (I had just finished moving a futon, so I had a reason for appearing dirty and sweaty) and actually pay for some food, the decision was difficult. Ay Ay Picante has a very extensive selection. And since they're a seafood restaurant in general, my choices were endless. With the Italian and Chinese influences to Peruvian food as well, even if someone's been to a Peruvian restaurant before, there are new and exciting dishes from all regions of Peru (marked on the menu).
I ended up getting two appetizers. It's just how I roll sometimes when there are too many entree decisions. The Crema de Papa (the eggs and olives that accompanied the potatoes were top notch) here made me a little less sad that Rosa De Lima is no longer around. But what sets this place on a pedestal in my mind is their Palta Rellena Vegetariana!
It's a full avocado filled with an ancient (at least I like to think it is) Incan potato salad recipe consisting mainly of peas and carrots to supplement the potato. But it was so rich with mayonnaise that it felt like a really guilty pleasure. Everything was soft and so tasty that it was relaxing. If a food can be that. In fact, this whole place has a great laid back vibe to it for a somewhat fancy Peruvian restaurant.
Starting with that soft, warm bread. It really sets the mood.Listed in: The Real Northwest Side
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Review from Terri N.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/16/2011
Celebrated a friend's birthday here last Thursday at 8pm. Such a wonderful cozy place. The staff were all accommodating and kind. They gave us ice buckets for our wine and beer bottles, corked it without a fee and split our tabs without even complaining one bit. The food was awesome.
A few food we had on the table were:
Green pasta (sort of like pesto but peruvian style) with sauteed mushroom, chicken saltado, lomo saltado, calamari
I can't remember the rest but all the gals seemed to have enjoyed all their food without complaining or sending anything back. Portions were huge. Great flavors and ratio of meat to rice. I had actually order the arroz con pollo to go and another chicken saltado plus their beef empanadas for the family and they loved it. They actually raved about the infamous green peas rice, moist chicken, and said everything had great flavors.
Definitely a great place to dine with the family and friends. Byob.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/5/2009
A couple weeks ago we tried their take outservice. It was a cold bitter sunday evening and we didn't… Read more »
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Review from Joe B.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food has its good days and it has its bad. I guess I know what true Peruvian quality should be since I grew up on it. The typical and most popular dish of lomo saltado is very good. The seco de carne isn't so bad - but their arroz chaufa and ceviche isn't that great. I noticed the decline in quality when it isn't so busy which is odd because you would think they would take time to do well since they are not being rushed!
If this is your starter Peruvian place it's not a bad place but I truly feel the food leaves something to be desired. -
Review from Meg G.
Park Ridge, IL
10/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here
LOOVE Ay Ay Picante..
Mostly for their green sauce - which goes great with ANYTHING. Also, because it's close by, the staff are nice & the food comes out pretty quick.
What more can you ask for?!
it's dark in there, very intimate, but I wouldn't call it a "dressy" place.
You just need to experience it. I was iffy trying peruvian food but this place is a MUST -
Review from Evelina L.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2011
Went here for lunch today. Probably not the best place for lunch, since they don't have any lunch specials, but we still managed to share a bunch of appetizers and make it reasonable.
Food was GREAT, especially the beef hearts. I have been to this restaurant last year and this definitely still stands out in my mind.
Empanadas were also pretty fantastic - very unique. Ground lean steak? Sounds good.. Olives and raisins together inside? Sure... Add an egg into it to top it all? Sounds interesting.... But trust me - its fantastic!!!
Will definitely be back, but please add a lunch menu so I don't feel obligated to spend $20 on lunch... -
Review from Nancy M.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2011
My boyfriend flew in for the weekend and we decided to check out some Peruvian places...excited to try the place out we realized that the food was just blah...my taste buds were highly disappointed. My boyfriend, being Peruvian was ashamed and was let down after the hefty bill was left on our table. We did not care to take the left overs. Wah...! Will not be back...heard Taste of Peru is yum..we'll be the judges of that.
One star for the Inca Cola.
