Borinquen Lounge

Chicago
Latin American Restaurant
$$$$
Available for Delivery/Takeout
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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From hot dogs to Italian beef, Chicago lays claim to plenty of iconic foods, but one such nosh that deserves higher billing is the almighty—and wildly underrated—jibarito. It’s an unabashedly garlicky sandwich made with two slices of fried plantains in lieu of bread, years before that whole “let’s use other foods instead of bread for sandwiches” craze became a thing. Invented by Juan Figueroa in 1996, the novelty came to him as an homage to his upbringing on Puerto Rico, utilizing familiar flavors he grew up eating to achieve maximum comfort. Named jibarito as a nod to the jibaros (aka farmers) on the island, his original recipe featured a heap of thinly shaved steak, onions, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese, and aïoli, all smooshed between two crispy plantains slathered in garlic butter. It’s like a Caribbean cheesesteak, basically. The OG sandwich, which has gone on to inspire a slew of jibarito concepts all over the city, was initially served out of a sparse cafeteria-style space in Humboldt Park, but has since moved to larger digs in North Center. Now open for nearly 20 years, Borinquen Lounge feels like a tavern you might stumble into in San Juan, featuring tropical touches like neon palm trees and Puerto Rican flags in every nook and cranny, where the star attraction is still well worth the garlic breath.
How to book: Walk-ins are always easy and convenient, delivery is available on GrubHub, and takeout orders can be placed by calling 773-442-8001.

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Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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