La Unica Food Mart

Latin American restaurant · Edgewater

La Unica Food Mart

Latin American restaurant · Edgewater

5

1515 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

5 Postcards

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La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by
La Unica Food Mart by Sandy Noto
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Google
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp
La Unica Food Mart by Yelp

Highlights

La Unica is a cozy grocery store that doubles as a lively Latin American café, serving up flavorful Cuban sandwiches and hearty stews amidst a charming, local atmosphere.  

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1515 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660 Get directions

orderlaunicafoodmart.com
@launicafoodmart

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

1515 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660 Get directions

+1 773 274 7788
orderlaunicafoodmart.com
@launicafoodmart

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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takeout
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Last updated

Nov 5, 2024

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@infatuation

"This grocery store in Rogers Park also has a great Latin American restaurant inside. This means that you can eat an excellent Cubano with sweet plantains for lunch, and then pick up ingredients for some dinner later. You can also just stop by for a massive plate of stewed oxtail that’ll make you wonder why you even considered making dinner in the first place." - adrian kane, john ringor

Where To Eat In Edgewater
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@onthegrid

"Lunch from a grocery store? That's what most people say. But once you've had that first bite, you'll forget that you're sipping from a Jarritos at a table tucked down the aisle from where you were looking at cans of diced tomatoes a few moments before. Serving a host of pan-American dishes, La Unica, is the go-to spot in Roger's Park for a toasty Cuban Sandwich or a warm plate of Mole. Try some of their Colombian or Cuban specialties to start and be sure to finish with a slice of gooey Flan." - Sidekick Video

On the Grid : La Unica
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@onthegrid

"La Unica, Rogers Park Edgewater. Lunch from a grocery store? That's what most people say. But once you've had that first bite, you'll forget that you're sipping from a Jarritos at a table tucked down the aisle from where you were looking at cans of diced tomatoes a few moments before. Serving a host of pan-American dishes, La Unica, is the go-to spot in Roger's Park for a toasty Cuban Sandwich or a warm plate of Mole. Try some of their Colombian or Cuban specialties to start and be sure to finish with a slice of gooey Flan."

Chicago
test
@infatuation

"La Unica is a grocery store in Edgewater that also has a great little Latin American restaurant inside. That means when you’re here you can eat an excellent Cubano with sweet plantains for lunch, and then pick up ingredients to make dinner." - Josh Barnett

La Unica Food Mart - Review - Edgewater - Chicago - The Infatuation
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@infatuation

"You’re huddled around the radiator like it’s leading you on the game-winning drive of the Super Bowl. In reality, it’s because it’s heating about 2 square feet of your living room. Go to La Unica. It’s a grocery store in Rogers Park that has a great little Latin American restaurant inside. When you’re here you can eat a Cubano with sweet plantains, pick up ingredients to make brownies, and think about how warm your apartment will be after you turn on your oven." - josh barnett

Where To Get Food And Supplies When It’s Too Cold Out To Run A Bunch Of Errands
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Shoes R Us

Google
Quality not like what I remember. Mainly came for the maduros and they didn't have any. The food took about 30 min and others before us got their orders first. The rice was dry and liver was bland. Prices seem steep for the portions. Probably last time eating here. Also there was a dead fly at the table and one of the chairs was broken.

Ceraun Loggins

Google
This places goes off. Truly really delicious food. We got the mountain fish the oxtail and it was divine. So flavorful, perfectly seasoned. The light green hot sauce was super good. Didn’t just add spice also added flavor. The oxtail was not to boney there was enough meat to satisfy you. It comes with either tamales or plantains and I got the tamale which was really good.

Ndidi Borha

Google
VIBE: Ok, so this little hidden gem is attached to a Spanish market.. a mini mercado if you will. The store itself isn't anything to write home about but the restaurant is bright, open and inviting. Big menus that describe the different types of cuisines offered there, with music playing and a see through kitchen which is always cool to observe. FOOD: Ummmmm.. soooooooo amazingly flavorful! We got the stewed oxtail which came with a soft cuban tamale, the squid rice, chicken fricasse and fried yuca. It was all so yummy! And they had a great creamy green sauce/salsa in a bottle. STAFF: The people were so nice and welcoming. The manager came out to translate/answer questions we had about certain menu items, and gave us that "I'll take care of you" vibe like we were VIPs. PARKING/MISC: This is off of a pretty busy corner of Devon, a few blocks east of Clark. We didn't find parking directly on Devon but we were able to secure a spot on a nearby residential street about a block away. We strolled over to the market after our meal, and had a chance to browse what was available. We ended up buying some teqeunos [Venezuelan cheese sticks] and some other items. Only gripe I had was that there was a piece of "used" tissue in the trash of the bathroom which is definitely not what you want to see before you eat. Idk why it wasn't flushed, but to the owner/management, please consider purchasing a trash can with a lid. Other than that, we had a fantastic meal and experience.

sayak chakrabarty

Google
This is the best and authentic Cuban food I have ever eaten in Chicago. Their signature dish is turkey leg stew. It comes with tomal sauce and black beans and white rice. The quantity is huge. For $15 the quantity is like $25 for other restaurants. I don't like turkey usually but their cooking style is really good.

YuCraft

Google
The portions are really big! The food taste normal, I think they cook with almost no salt, which is good for some people. The chicken we had was very plain and tasted like nothing. My ropa vieja was good, I liked it. We also had croquetas which I'm sure they are the goya brand frozen ones lol, but I still liked them. The black beans tasted great. After eating we went to the store that is in the same place and I was so happy to see some items that are great, now I know for next time where to go and buy them. The cashier was friendly and also the other workers.

Isis Murillo Bravo

Google
Best Latin food around!! I’ve tried their oxtail, steak, rice and tacos and they’re amazing. The sauces are also great but not sure if you can get them through grubhub. The store has plenty of latin ingredients and snacks. I was surprised at everything they have!!! Would 100% recommend ✨

Caridad McRae

Google
Always a staple for my and I'm need for Cuban food. Have been coming here for over 20 years. It's changed owners and the menu has grown extensively beyond just Cuban food. But the authenticity to Cuban food has not. Highly recommend.

Megan A. Krumwiede

Google
What a wonderful little community Gem! The food was so delicious! The service was patient with our language barrier. This place is a little connected restaurant within a grocery store. The individuals servicing you are mainly Spanish speaking and deserve your respect as well as collaboration. I highly recommend trying this place out for yourself if you're willing to put fourth that type of collaboration.

Shoes R Us

Google
Quality not like what I remember. Mainly came for the maduros and they didn't have any. The food took about 30 min and others before us got their orders first. The rice was dry and liver was bland. Prices seem steep for the portions. Probably last time eating here. Also there was a dead fly at the table and one of the chairs was broken.

Ceraun Loggins

Google
This places goes off. Truly really delicious food. We got the mountain fish the oxtail and it was divine. So flavorful, perfectly seasoned. The light green hot sauce was super good. Didn’t just add spice also added flavor. The oxtail was not to boney there was enough meat to satisfy you. It comes with either tamales or plantains and I got the tamale which was really good.

Ndidi Borha

Google
VIBE: Ok, so this little hidden gem is attached to a Spanish market.. a mini mercado if you will. The store itself isn't anything to write home about but the restaurant is bright, open and inviting. Big menus that describe the different types of cuisines offered there, with music playing and a see through kitchen which is always cool to observe. FOOD: Ummmmm.. soooooooo amazingly flavorful! We got the stewed oxtail which came with a soft cuban tamale, the squid rice, chicken fricasse and fried yuca. It was all so yummy! And they had a great creamy green sauce/salsa in a bottle. STAFF: The people were so nice and welcoming. The manager came out to translate/answer questions we had about certain menu items, and gave us that "I'll take care of you" vibe like we were VIPs. PARKING/MISC: This is off of a pretty busy corner of Devon, a few blocks east of Clark. We didn't find parking directly on Devon but we were able to secure a spot on a nearby residential street about a block away. We strolled over to the market after our meal, and had a chance to browse what was available. We ended up buying some teqeunos [Venezuelan cheese sticks] and some other items. Only gripe I had was that there was a piece of "used" tissue in the trash of the bathroom which is definitely not what you want to see before you eat. Idk why it wasn't flushed, but to the owner/management, please consider purchasing a trash can with a lid. Other than that, we had a fantastic meal and experience.

sayak chakrabarty

Google
This is the best and authentic Cuban food I have ever eaten in Chicago. Their signature dish is turkey leg stew. It comes with tomal sauce and black beans and white rice. The quantity is huge. For $15 the quantity is like $25 for other restaurants. I don't like turkey usually but their cooking style is really good.

YuCraft

Google
The portions are really big! The food taste normal, I think they cook with almost no salt, which is good for some people. The chicken we had was very plain and tasted like nothing. My ropa vieja was good, I liked it. We also had croquetas which I'm sure they are the goya brand frozen ones lol, but I still liked them. The black beans tasted great. After eating we went to the store that is in the same place and I was so happy to see some items that are great, now I know for next time where to go and buy them. The cashier was friendly and also the other workers.

Isis Murillo Bravo

Google
Best Latin food around!! I’ve tried their oxtail, steak, rice and tacos and they’re amazing. The sauces are also great but not sure if you can get them through grubhub. The store has plenty of latin ingredients and snacks. I was surprised at everything they have!!! Would 100% recommend ✨

Caridad McRae

Google
Always a staple for my and I'm need for Cuban food. Have been coming here for over 20 years. It's changed owners and the menu has grown extensively beyond just Cuban food. But the authenticity to Cuban food has not. Highly recommend.

Megan A. Krumwiede

Google
What a wonderful little community Gem! The food was so delicious! The service was patient with our language barrier. This place is a little connected restaurant within a grocery store. The individuals servicing you are mainly Spanish speaking and deserve your respect as well as collaboration. I highly recommend trying this place out for yourself if you're willing to put fourth that type of collaboration.

Rich L.

Yelp
Having a Cuban Sandwich and a Cafe Cubano, both are excellent I need to try something else here too

Cheri C.

Yelp
I used to live here in Chicago and now every time I come back I make it a point to visit La Unica. Well now...no more. This morning on our way to the airport we specifically stopped by for some Cafe con leche. We came at 8:30 since that's what time it said on line. When we got there, we saw a sigh that said open at 10:00 am so we drove around to waist time. When we pulled back into the parking lot it was cold and raining. We walked back up to the door at 10:11am and saw a worker inside hand signing 10:30 am so we ran back to the car in the cold rain to wait. At 10:41 my husband walked back to see if it was open and the employee told another woman that too was waiting that the employees were eating lunch.

Andrew S.

Yelp
Get the Puerco Asado! And ask for the green salsa they make in house. This is top 10 dishes in Chicago.

Tony G.

Yelp
One Star!, and only bc they gave me food I ordered - that's it! It's Xmas Eve, I went to pick up a large order for 10 guests ( imagine my $bill). I'm all dressed up in Holiday clothing..., they wouldn't offer to help me carry it out curbside to my car - the yuca was packaged in a doggie-bag style styrofoam container with no seal and the garlic oil spilled all over my scarf and dress shirt! I couldn't believe it!, I went back in but no one would take care of me in the restaurant so I went to the front of the bodega where I found the manager. When I voiced my complaint about their lack of professionalism and courtesy all he could say (or do) is say "I'm sorry". These must be new owners bc they use to be really good, not now. I'll take my business to 90 Millas or somewhere else - consider yourselves forewarned..., Feliz Navidad and Merry Xmas to everyone!

Jacob A.

Yelp
Great food,, great variety and service ,, very roomy restaurant, clean and the proportions of the food are really good.. first time here , but I'm coming back .. buena comida y servicio

La M.

Yelp
Literally always a banger no matter what you get. I usually get a steak something or other, it really depends on the day. But they have guava cheese pastries and tropical milkshake flavours its all fresh and always sooo good. They be talking about u in spanish like u dont know what theyre saying but as long as you get a male employee you will receive outstandingly amazing service. The short girl that works there sort of gives jealous when pretty girls come in but hey maybe shes just stressed. Restaurant is inside of the market so dont be shy! Walk yourself to the back and to the left.

F G.

Yelp
If you're looking for Latin American food products like Goya, etc. this is the place to go on the north side. Also, the restaurant in back is great for Latin American dishes. Whether you like Cuban, Mexican or some other country, you can probably find the product you're looking for or the already prepared dish in the restaurant. I recommend

Audra M.

Yelp
La Unica was the location of my second outing with my husband back when we were first dating. Once I wowed him in my neighborhood with La Unica, apparently he was hooked for life! We recently returned, and I have to say, it was delicious yet again. We appreciated the fast service, clean environment and excellent taste to everything we have tried. Though we have never purchased anything from the store, we have browsed and enjoyed the variety of goods they have for sale. If you are a fan of oxtail, you must check out their platter. It's delicious. Pro tip - meals are large, and we really enjoyed splitting one and choosing a few apps for lunch.

Alex R.

Yelp
My friends and I have gone here multiple times and I've always been happy with our experiences. Firstly, they have an fantastic selection of imported goods in their pantry. I spent a couple weeks in Ecuador and when I got back I'd come back here when I was craving an Inca Cola or something else. Their food is a little pricey especially compared to other no frills Latin American joints there are in Chicago. Still, their food is really good and everyone I've ever taken here has been happy. If they turned the price just a teeny bit this would be an easy five stars.

Mindy T.

Yelp
Get the rabo de res (oxtail)!!! Yes, it is a little pricy for a plate (about $17?) but it is so worth it. At first taste, I fell in love with the meat, the sauce, the rice, the beans... you get it. You will have to wait a long time to get your food so if you're taking out, I suggest calling ahead of time. I came inside to order and had to wait 25 minutes before my order was ready. To be fair, they do give a time estimate when you place the order.

Jessie R.

Yelp
This place is absolutely amazing!! Everytime i order i have no problem with the employees they're cool and know how to cook it up! I always order the Yellow rice and jibarito 10/10!'

Kei B.

Yelp
All dishes I've had here are great; all meats are tender and seasoned well. There are Cuban restaurants that are better known, but I like LaUnica best. They serve large portions at fair prices. They give you enough Mojo (garlic citrus sauce), you don't have to ask for more. Besides Cuban, they cook Columbian, Mexican and other Latin dishes. This restaurant is attached to the Food Mart, where you can buy Cuban and other ethnic groceries.

Claudia A.

Yelp
My family and I have been coming here before they expanded their restaurant. But the prices are now atrocious! For a family of four, they added $15.00 dollar tip to our bill without us knowing, then a $5.50 tax for hot food. I asked if I had cold food would I be taxed? They said no. My bill was $78.00 for 2 steak sandwiches , 2 Columbian empanadas and a steak dinner. I think next time, I'll cook my own steak at home.

Safaa A.

Yelp
I'm only 3 mins away from this place, got my food delivered 2 hours after I placed my order food was cold, didn't taste right , the sauce had spilled inside the bag and they didn't include any utensils The meat doesn't look like beef I've never seen beef that looks white on the inside

John G.

Yelp
My elderly mother has be a patron for several years. She was out to eat with her BF and was accused of stealing some candy. She was threatened by management to have the police called and a huge scene was made over a misunderstanding that left my mother all shook up. I followed up with several phone calls and was talk down too by the manager and eventually the owner. Never in my mind would I have expected such a response. Being a grocery store manager myself, I'm beside myself on how poorly they treated her and how poorly they handled my calls. Knowing how they treat the elderly and women on top of it, we will no longer spend our hard earned money with them.

Betsy R.

Yelp
I went today really craving some Hispanic food and not wanting to cook. I was going to just deal with the price increase and get my food. When I went to go pay they all the sudden started charging 4% to use your credit card. I said no and left without my food. I give up. I don't understand at all. I know things are hard for everyone, but this owner has no limits. Taking advantage of your customers is not the way to go about it. You raise food prices, then you want to charge a ridiculous fee for using credit cards?

Bill M.

Yelp
My lovely friend had a Groupon for La Unica and asked me to dine with her, so how could I refuse? At first, La Unica looks like a typical local grocery featuring goods favored in Latin American countries, including an aisle with some intriguing Mexican and Central American cerveza selections. However in the back, there's a terrific cafeteria that is quite a find on Devon Avenue. It's a basic and no frills dining area, with many local families enjoying the food and the soccer game on TV, but the menu is loaded with fantastic food selections. The menu features Cuban food, but Mexican, Colombian and also Peruvian dishes can tempt the taste buds on your tongue. Speaking of such, my lovely friend ordered beef tongue for dinner. This meal also came with green beans, white rice, black beans, and toasted plantains. The beef tongue was bathed in spicy green sauce, which was zingy and unfortunately a bit too spicy for her though she enjoyed the dish. I ordered the other end of the animal - Cuban oxtail platter. The ox meat was a bit fatty but absolutely delicious and tender. The oxtail dinner comes with white rice, black beans, and a flavorful Cuban tamal that had the taste of sweet corn. We also had a side dish of fried yuca, crispy and tasty. They have an interesting selection of Imported canned Latin sodas too. If you want a low key but delicious meal, check out La Unica.

Amy D.

Yelp
La unica used to be our favorite Cuban store for groceries and food, but after today, we will not return. Awhile ago it was owned by Cubans and now it's owned by someone else. You will find all of your Goya staples if you only want to come here for groceries. Today we ordered congri, yucca with mojo, and plátanos maduros for ten people. We also ordered two dulce de leche cortadas (sweet caramel milk curds). The food was tremendously disappointing. The congri had zero, and I mean zero, flavor. They didn't add bacon. The yucca was okay, but didn't make me want more. The plantains were good, but could've used another minute in the fryer to caramelize the sugars from the plantain. The dulce de leche cortada was overly sugared and left a bad taste in my mouth. If you want to eat congri, yucca, plantains, or dulce de leche cortada, I would try another restaurant.

Anthony A.

Yelp
Puedes ordenar cualquier cosa aquí. Va estar bueno! You can order whatever you want here. It's going to be good.

Joani O.

Yelp
Excellent Latin food! This is a restaurant behind the grocery with tables or you can carry out. It's not fancy, but it's good!! It's on busy Devon Ave, yet they have a parking lot for convenience. They have Cuban, Colombian and some Mexican dishes made to order; with my favorite being the Cuban. Excellent empanadas, black beans, and a variety of chicken, pork, steak and vegetarian dishes. I turned my husband on to this place and he loves it as well. The last time we were here, the customer at the counter mentioned that he had a Groupon so now we're looking for it. But prices are very reasonable. Try it!

Gerry T.

Yelp
This La Unica is the most convenient for me, I've heard that there is another location in Schaumburg? The location and area are quite busy as is all of Devon, seemingly East of McCormick. But at least they do have their own parking lot which makes it really easy to have lunch. Note: you must get a parking ticket from within the store or you may get towed. As for the cuisine, this is not solely a Mexican establishment, it's primarily Cuban and Columbian from what I've eaten and seen on the menu. And what I've had has been very good. Cuban food seems to be really in these days with Cafecito (on Congress), 99 mile and Taste of Cuba (Both in Lincolnwood) and Senor Pan (Mayfair) - all serving great food. I've been fortunate enough to have visited all of these Cuban restaurants and I believe La Unica comes out on top. I've focused my taste buds on their Ropa vieja (pulled pork), the succulent oxtail (gosh, this may be better than kare-kare, which is a Filipino dish), sweet plantains, healthy black beans, etc. I really enjoy the small details like the onions being grilled just right and the sauces each being very unique to the dish. They also have two sauces (green and red) and both provide the right amount of heat and color to your protein. There are several combo meals to choose from and they do have an English version menu. The service is patient, polite and attentive. If you can't decide, just point at a picture on the wall. It would be advantageous to bring someone who can interpret Spanish for you. Lastly, the families that are eating here, that says it all - there are many of them and I'm sure all of the little picky eaters are enjoying the food. There's an adjacent store next door too, for beer and central and South American products, meats, fruits and veggies. Oh, one more note: it's not BYOB here and I made the mistake of bringing in my own cider and beer and that's a no - no, especially if you have a table of Chicago's finest (5-0) sitting right next to you.

Murat P.

Yelp
Plantains, skirt steak with onions, rice and black beans and flan or rice pudding for dessert. Yum! Reminds me of my mother's cooking. Our pandemic discovery in 2020 and we've been regulars ever since. ¡Delicioso !

Eddie U.

Yelp
I've been returning to this location since the early 80s. I love their menu and good costumer service. Lately, in 2020, I've ordered for delivery and my favorite dishes like Cuban Sandwich and tostones is as good as it was in 1990. They also have plates from other Latin American countries. They are attached to a grocery store so you can pick up some supplies. Parking is free for costumers or on the street. The bus routes 36 and 151 stop right in front.

Juanpablo G.

Yelp
Haven't been here since I moved out of Chicago, but I always really loved the food and ambience here. Made me feel closer to home. Would recommend for authentic latin american food! And honestly, if I ever did visit again, I know going here would be at the top of my bucket list.

Mike D.

Yelp
Great little shop to pick up pastries and coffee con leche. The grocery store has lots of unique items. I picked up a plastic tub container of guava paste from the assortment of options. Guava paste in metal tubs and in plastic shrink wrapped bags. So many choices. There is a restaurant on the other side of the store. The menu is extensive. Enjoy.

David L.

Yelp
Food options here is okay, the staff however are not that hospitable.... they are rude, aggressive, and act like they don't want you here sometimes

Rebecca J.

Yelp
Love La Unica - the grocery store always has the Cuban import items we need and the restaurant is a hidden gem in back! They have Cuban, Mexican, Colombian, and Peruvian food specialities. Everyone who works at the store is a pleasure to chat with during every visit. I'm the biggest fan of their visual menu!!! I look up Yelp pictures of menu items at every restaurant we visit, but no need here - the menu already has a picture of every item! Perfect! We have tried Cuban sandwiches, Cuban empanadas, and ham croquettes - all delicious. Highly recommend a visit!

Beth P.

Yelp
This little gem in the back of a supermarket is my "go to" when in the mood for Oxtail, Caldo or any other South, Central American or Mexican dishes. It's quite a hike from my neighborhood, but worth the drive. The only downfall is me not being able to speak much Spanish, which can lead to a few surprises. If you have an allergy, best to go equipped with the Spanish name for it. The oxtail is superb.

K G.

Yelp
It has been some time, but I would stop in and get the Lomo Saltado every once in awhile Usually it's very tasty The beef strips, the black beans and plantains Not this time It really had no taste The black beans had no flavor There were no plantains And really should have been renamed French fries with gravy and a tiny bit of beef strips Well, I won't be tempted again It absolutely wasn't worth it

Richard B.

Yelp
NO STARS. I literally just spent $39 on two plates that had " steak " which was almost completely white with a couple grill marks. It clearly had been soaked in something to mask its age. I feel sick. The white rice and black beans were super bland. Higher marks for the cafe con Leche and the out of a bag Maduro platano. I complained to the owner up front and he just smiled and held back laughter. Never again and I suggest you don't make the same mistake.

John Y.

Yelp
I've been driving by this place for Y E A R S and didn't realize they had a restaurant also. I also thought this place was exclusively a Mexican establishment. Wrong on both counts! Cozy Corner lot was full and then I got an incorrect meter ticket and decided to try La Unica that has a private parking lot. I was prepared to order tacos, up until i came up to the counter and found out that La Unica is more a Cuban and Pan American place! I had the special with pork, black beans, rice etc... LOVED IT and came back the next day for more. Wonderful discovery with an awesome grocery store that is so unique and interesting. I highly recommend this awesome restaurant that serves Cuban, Puerto Rican, Columbian, Peruvian and other Latin American fares, even Mexican too. Charming, original and so very special Excellent Spanish foods!

LaVie L.

Yelp
Oxtails, rice and beans cuban tamal, and cod creole style with a spanish mojo sauce served with rice, black beans, & plantains. I love everything about this restaurant inside a grocery. It feels like I am going to experience the real deal.The oxtails, plaintains, rice and beans were great. The cod fish stew unfortunately was over cooked. I mean fish stew probably is just not great re-heated or simmering as the fish got tough and stringy. I wish it wasn't because the base of the stew was so tasty. I also got the chicken flautas and was pleased to see it was white meat chicken. They were great although they didn't come with any hot sauce or guacamole, or sour cream. Overall I am willing to try again and find all the delicious items they may serve.

Kayla F.

Yelp
Ordered through grubhub back to back orders. Food was good, delivery efficient, and they even called me to tell/ask me about a certain item from my order. Very phone friendly because I called a couple of times. Can't go wrong. I do want to add that the Ropa Veijia isn't on grubhub so you have to go in for that. Was a bummer but now I'll just have to go in! Lol

Machu A.

Yelp
Can't go wrong with La unica. Great home cooking for reasonable prices. Fav go to is jibarito or ropa vieja w/ inca kola

Lilianne T.

Yelp
One of my favorite food joints in Chicago, so far!!! I've only ever ordered La Unica Special which is a plate of rice, carne asada, chicken, and plantains. It also comes with a side of black beans. It's a pretty big portion for $12 and the quality of the food is BOMB!~ I also love, love, loveeee that they leave BOTTLES of sauces and salsas at the table for you so that you can use as much as you need! They also bring out a pitcher of water to your table so that you can refill as much as you want too. There are a lot more food options on the menu, and I was always get overwhelmed from looking at it. But all of the food is Cuban and Colombian :) They also usually have Groupon deals where you spend $12 to get $20, so keep a lookout for that! They are also attached to a grocery store so you can do your shopping and eating in one time!

Anna N.

Yelp
BEST CUBAN SANDWICHES IN CHICAGO! In case you didn't already know, La Unica is more than just a convenient, friendly grocery store. They have food too! And even better.... AMAZING food! I drive 30 minutes to get plantain chips, rice pudding, a sandwich, and pastries, and every minute in traffic is worth it!! I always feel at home at La Unica, and I recommend everyone from Chicago to go there AT LEAST once.

Poupee C.

Yelp
My husband loves coming here and now I have become a big fan myself. This was his father's favorite place to come for Cuban food. It's not a fancy place but you can find great dishes here. It's hidden away in the back of the store - order at the counter, find a seat and they will bring the food to you... Cuban sandwich - perfectly stacked with ham, sliced pork, cheese and pickles...and toasted. Pea soup - oh so good... It was loaded with garbanzo beans, potato, cabbage, carrot, pork, and so flavorful. Served with white rice with a hint of garlic and perhaps butter? mmmm Great service. I can use some more of this right about now!!

由美

Yelp
I don't know why but a staple was in the plate menu that I ordered. I didn't eat it but it was scary. I had an another trouble so I think I will not order here again.

Lynelle O.

Yelp
Best Cuban place around hands down. I've been coming here since I was a kid and it's always held a high standard of traditional and great tasting Cuban food.

Hana S.

Yelp
The restaurant in la unica is a hidden gem! A massive menu full of authentic Latin American food to choose from. The whole menu is in Spanish but easy to navigate since they have pictures of the foods on the menu. The price is descent for the generous portions. I usually get the arroz con pollo (chicken and spanish rice with plantains on the side) or pozole (a warm spicy soup that comes with chips on the side). The environment is definitely casual as you would guess as it is in the middle of a super market but that adds to the authenticity. Worth stopping by when craving delicious authentic Latin American food.

Dani M.

Yelp
This place is one of the few places to get Peruvian products, which I use s lot. And the restaurant is so delicious and the portions are pretty big for the prices. It's a nice place to get some Peruvian, Cuban, Colombian even Mexican food. Love this place!!

Melisa G.

Yelp
Oh la Unica. The perfect lunch counter place tucked away in a super. The black beans here are on point no matter what time. Shop afterwards for your favorite Hispanic snacks. Lots of South American options

Sofia S.

Yelp
We came from Michigan is our fists time here with my boyfriend and the service is perfect and the food is so delicious I'm going to come back for more and my next trip thank you God bless you

Denise D.

Yelp
After reading all the Yelp reviews, I was stunned at how absolutely mediocre the food was. Sure, we didn't order the Cuban sandwich (not big on pig meat, us), but the other Cuban staples should have been on point. They were not. That, coupled with an outrageously long delivery time (we were quoted 45-60 minutes but it took 90 for our order to arrive) makes me give an uncharacteristically low rating. Sorry. But seriously, the yuca was bland. I know I've lived in Florida and have high standards, okay, but I've had better yuca in Chicago and Milwaukee. 90 Mile Cafe has very tasty yuca with mojo! And the fried yuca we received in error (we ordered a side of toasted plantains) were inedible. It tasted like crispy twigs. My buttered chicken breast was good, not memorable or outstanding but not bad either. Hubby liked his oxtail-- Yelpers, ya'll were right about that one. But sadly, the overall experience made me question if we'll ever give them another chance.

Anna F.

Yelp
So good!!! This place doesn't restrict the diner to one type of food. There's Colombian, Peruvian, Cuban, and Mexican..... My faves are the Peruvian Lomo Saltado, the Colombian empanadas, and the Mexican Enchiladas de Pollo. This place is fantastic.

Maria Y.

Yelp
The best cuban place in Chicago. This little hidden gem is amazing. I have been coming here for 15 years and they never disappoint. Pretty quick and affordable you will not be dissatisfied! Just an FYI their hours are not updated so they open at 9

Jason B.

Yelp
I've been once and gotten delivery once. It's enough to know that the food is amazing! I'm not convinced about the delivery though. All the food has so much flavor. Stand outs so far (sorry for using only the names from the English menu here) are the croquette like Breaded Stuffed Potato with Beef, the Sobre Barriga and the Cuban Fried Chicken. The Lomo Saltado makes me want to visit Peru. I will say, the one delivery I got from there went very badly. I used grub hub. There were tech problems and the driver forgot something and had to come back. In the end, nearly 3 hours from putting in the order to getting the food. I'm not taking any points off though. The food is too good for them have any less than 5 stars here. Just maybe don't grub hub them on a friday night during a heat wave.

Alexa D.

Yelp
We ordered to go, sandwiches cubano (good taste but too small), yuca frita good price and Cuban tamal. Service sucks we waited 35 min to get the order then the girl place the order on a table and didn't tell us it was ready.

Lisa S.

Yelp
We wanted to throw this place some business during COVID, and we weren't disappointed. The cafeteria was fairly busy despite not being able to seat customers. They seem to have a loyal customer base, always a good sign. We ordered the ribeye steak dinner with rice, black beans and plantains; the flan; and the guava-cheese pastry. The prices are very reasonable for what you get. The steak was pounded thin and flat, a generous portion, very tender and covered with sautéed onions. The flan was fabulous. The menu features Mexican, Cuban, Colombian, and even a couple of Peruvian dishes. Don't let the unassuming cafeteria-like atmosphere throw you. And enjoy a browse in the adjoining grocery store, which has a fascinating assortment of condiments, toiletries, etc.