Welcome to Bayan Ko
At Bayan Ko, a charming Filipino-Cuban diner in Chicago, culinary stories unfold through vibrant dishes that celebrate two rich cultures. Nestled at 1810 W Montrose Ave, this small yet inviting restaurant showcases a unique fusion, blending traditional Filipino flavors with Cuban influences. Highlights include the flavorful Lobster Palabok and crispy Pork Belly Maki alongside indulgent sweets like Ube pancakes and Cassava Cake Bites. The atmosphere radiates warmth, and patrons rave about the engaging service that feels personal. Chef Lawrence crafts each plate with care, bringing authentic umami while fostering a sense of community—truly a spot where food becomes a shared journey of flavor and culture.
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1810 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 Hotline: (773) 698-6373
Welcome to Bayan Ko, a hidden gem poised at 1810 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, that beautifully marries the vibrant flavors of Filipino and Cuban cuisine. This cozy diner not only serves delectable dishes but also creates an inviting atmosphere where patrons feel at home. With friendly service and a casual vibe, Bayan Ko stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique culinary experience.
As you step inside, you are greeted by a colorful decor that reflects the cultural fusion at play. The ambiance is warm, often filled with the laughter and chatter of happy diners—just as a neighborhood restaurant should be. Reservations are highly recommended as this snug establishment fills up quickly, especially during peak hours.
- Signature Dishes: Bayan Ko treats its patrons to a diverse menu that excels in both traditional and imaginative offerings. From Midnight Grapes for Good Luck!—an enticing dessert featuring cassava cake bites and dulce de leche—to savory options like Lobster Palabok, a rich bowl of rice noodles adorned with seafood, saffron, and chicharrón, there is something to satisfy every palate.
- Starters and Bites: The Bocaditos De Jamon, featuring smoked ham with pimento and cream cheese, is perfect for sharing, while the Pork Belly Maki showcases rich garlic rice with adobo glaze. Other diners rave about the Crab Salad Deviled Egg with truffle and uni as a decadent appetizer that captivates the senses.
- Brunch Favorites: Don’t overlook the brunch offerings! Patrons have shared their enthusiasm for the Ube Pancakes and crispy Spring Rolls, making brunch at Bayan Ko a memorable affair for the entire family.
- Fusion Excellence: The blending of Filipino and Cuban flavors is brilliantly executed, as noted in customer reviews. One diner mentioned the surprise of caviar served with their five-course tasting menu, while another praised dishes like Arroz Caldo with lobster that offers a plethora of flavor in each bite. The combination of textures and tastes truly brings the “umami” to light.
But the experience doesn’t end with the main courses. Save room for delightful desserts like the Coconut Flan, which is celebrated for its creamy richness, and the Ube Sundae that beckons with its enticing purple hues and delightful flavors. Each dish tells a story, revealing the love and care infused by Chef Lawrence behind the stove.
Customer reviews resonate with the sentiment that Bayan Ko is not just about food; it’s about community, family, and memories anchored in flavors. Whether you're savoring the familiar taste of Bistek with garlic rice or indulging in Ropa Vieja with plantains, every bite evokes love and a longing for home.
In a crowded culinary landscape, Bayer Ko remains a standout, not just as a restaurant but as a celebration of Filipino and Cuban cultures. Join in for an unforgettable dining experience where every dish is a testament to heritage, and be prepared to expand your culinary horizons!
To learn more or make reservations, you can reach them at (773) 698-6373. Don’t miss out on the flavors of Bayan Ko; it’s a journey worth embarking on!
We had a great brunch experience here! The staff were so friendly and took good care of our little toddler. The vibes were casual and comfortable. The food was yummy - we liked the Ube pancakes and spring rolls particularly!
Bayan Ko is easily a five star restaurant. The theme is Filipino-Cuban fusion. The place itself is small and somewhat inconspicuous. We were greeted and shown to our table. They only offer a five course dinner, but everything was great. They surprised us with caviar initially which tasted like salmon. I'm not a fan of caviar, but this was surprisingly okay. The first dish was the best of the night - Arroz Caldo. It had tons of flavor and a nice portion of lobster. The flavors were very cohesive. The second dish used octopus as the the star. The sauce went well and this dish tasted fresh overall. The third dish consisted of wagyu beef which was very tender. A great bite and a solid 8/10. The fourth featured a sizeable piece of pork. The flavor was great and the sear was perfect, but you have to like pork as there was substantial fat. The fifth dish was essentially an elevated chocolate cake with homemade whipped cream, coconut, and hazelnuts. Delicious, light, and fluffy. If you're in the mood for something different and a unique experience, try Bayan Ko.
Honestly, as a Filipina it is hard to impress me with Filipino food especially in the city. BUT THIS. Literally this diner makes me want to go to DC and lift the cuban trade embargo myself. The main dish we had is an og filipino staple, Bistek with garlic rice (I think its a common dish in cuba too). I have no photo of that one because we quite frankly devoured it and left nothing. delicious. You could taste the grill on the bistek as if they imported the smoke straight from the Philippines. For starters though we had lumpia, ceviche, and the croquettes. All gas, I would highly recommend the croquettes it comes with this banana-ketchup mayo. I am gonna copy that sauce combo at home fs. I'm used to ceviche from latin restaurants in the US but this ceviche reminded me so much of the kinilaw from the philippines. as if they caught the seafood fresh even though we're in midwest far from any ocean. ALSO THE FLAN. it was the creamiest richest dessert ever. At this point i was so full though someone shouldve just wheeled me out. Honestly this place was rly cute with the lil banana mural. When I see a trendy looking filo spot usually I'm like this is gonna be bad and expensive. Bayan ko is fs the exception tho. The place was filled w customers so it took a while for some of the food to come in but our server gave us the late dishes on the house. he was white but forsure a certified honorary filipino in my book! 20/10
As a Filipino, I'm very critical of my cultural food. Bayan Ko's Chef Lawrence brings that true Filipino umami to the table. We ordered the Ginataang Tahong (mussels), lumpia and pansit and all delish. Turon fritters has Skyflakes Ice cream (u scream ) Bayan Ko has 2 restos. We went to the diner. Def spacier than before, less intimate, BYOB with corkage and the staff is like family, very friendly! My only regret is that Pancit Luglog w uni is not on the menu anymore.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but had heard great things. It's located in an unassuming storefront and ambiance is very casual neighborhood vibes. It does get exceptionally loud when full and we had a hard time hearing and speaking to one another. Service was so warm and welcoming and probably the main reason for 4 stars. We sampled the vegetarian and regular tasting menus and a number of drinks. Everything was served timely and beautiful to look at. Our primary challenge with the food was it all pretty heavy and rich tasting. There didn't seem to be a progression and no lighter places to rest your palate. Even though we started with two seafood dishes they were lobster with a super umami rice and octopus with heavy rich sauce. By the time we got to the steak we were struggling. The vegetarian menu was a little better. I don't know that we will return, but I think people who love these cuisines will find memories of home and a super kind and attentive staff. Worth trying at least once.
We did the tasting menu. The octopus was the best. Also enjoyed the lechón and tamal on top. It's a small space but it felt more like an intimate environment which was nice. Service was great. They explained each dish and gave us new utensils each plate.
Short Review: It's pricey, portions are small, space is tight, and they're only open for dinner. It is however one of the best Filipino/Cuban fusion I've had. Full Review: Sisig nigiri is a bayan co original. It's sushi with the sensation of salt and vinegar top with quail egg that just completes your palette of everything. I can't explain it. You just have to try it You must eat the ropa vieja with the plantains otherwise it's just another brisket dish. Do not use the plantains as an offset, have it with a spoonful of the beef, plantain and the rice. Nirvana is achieved. The ginatang with the squash is subtlety to perfection. You taste the individual vegetables of squash and eggplant with just a hint of lemon. The coconut milk puts all those together. The cumin lamb has a hint of sweetness. The lamb by self it's not the same as having it with the yucca. The yucca takes it to another level The ube sundae is absolutely recommended. I don't know what they did with that ice cream but it's amazing. The coconut flan is good, but it didn't blow me away. One of my best meals is here.
Filipino Cuban Fusion...?! I didn't even know that was a thing! Glad I know now bc it was freakin DELICIOUS. First things first, my absolute favorite thing about this restaurant was that they have HALF-PORTIONS! For anybody as indecisive as me when it comes to ordering food at a new restaurant, this is a godsend. I just wanna try E-VE-RY-THING or die trying--and we came pretty close to it after ordering 8 half portions. I can't even choose a favorite dish bc we loved just about everything! The Lumpia Shanghai were hot and crispy and went so well with their garlic sauce. The Lechon Kawali was flavorful and tender, and the Bistek was also just so juicy and rich. I could've eaten another order of their crispy Adobo Wings bc they were that addicting but opted for the Ropa Vieja instead; I gotta say the Ropa Vieja wasn't my favorite but that's because I prefer Asian flavors to begin with. I also liked the Sisig and the Crab Croqueta Tots but my bf wasn't a fan of either. But don't worry, the Ube Sundae totally made up for the two and was the perfect palate cleanser! Our server (who might also be the only server) was excellent! He had the calmness and patience of a wise man, and he navigated the packed restaurant with ease. Definitely make a reservation if you plan on coming for a weekend dinner bc this small restaurant fills up fast! They had to turn away most of their walk-ins while we were there.
Enjoyed my visit here because I love trying fusion cuisines, especially ones that involve my culture. I've also never heard of a filipino and cuban restaurant before! This cozy restaurant is nestled under the CTA. It happened to be a hot fall day so I sat outside in their small patio area. They have happy hour from 5-6pm so I was able to get discounted menu items! Their menu is set up family style with dishes (full or 1/2 size) that everyone can try. For myself, I ordered 3 1/2 dishes and it was plenty for me. Everything was delicious and I would come back. My only complaint is that the rice tasted dry and old. The rice in my nigiri and my kare kare did not taste fresh. Id have to say the vegetarian empanadas were my fav and I recommend! Otherwise, solid spot. Be sure to snag a reservation cause I heard they get busy.