Welcome to Rica Arepa ARMITAGE Venezuelan Restaurant
At Rica Arepa ARMITAGE Venezuelan Restaurant, a symphony of vibrant flavors and warm hospitality awaits. Located in the heart of Chicago, this hidden gem celebrates the essence of Venezuelan cuisine through expertly crafted arepas—such as the mouthwatering Pabellon and La Parrillera—which embody tradition and innovation. The cozy atmosphere enriches the dining experience, making each visit memorable. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Rica Arepa warmly invites guests to explore a diverse menu that caters to all palates, including vegan options. The culinary journey here is not just a meal; it’s a delightful connection to Venezuelan culture and flavors.
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4253 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639, United States Hotline: +1 773-543-3000
Welcome to Rica Arepa ARMITAGE Venezuelan Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago at 4253 W Armitage Ave. This delightful eatery brings the rich and diverse flavors of Venezuelan cuisine to life, capturing the essence of traditional dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
At Rica Arepa, the highlight of the menu is undoubtedly the arepas, a staple of Venezuelan gastronomy. Each arepa is crafted with care, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors. The Rica Punta is a standout, featuring succulent sirloin steak, handmade cheese, ripe avocado, and the vibrant guasacaca sauce—a taste explosion that dances on the palate. For those craving something different, the Arepa Criolla with fried pork, handmade cheese, and sweet plantains is another must-try.
- Pabellon Arepa - A perfect fusion of shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, and cheese. ($16.20)
- Tropical Arepa - Choose between shredded beef or chicken, paired with fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato. ($15.20)
- Veggie Delight - Options like the Vegan Sautéed Mushroom and Broccoli or the Domino with black beans and cheese cater to all dietary preferences. ($11.20)
Customers rave about not just the food, but also the overall experience at Rica Arepa. Aaron Meadows described his meal as "absolutely amazing," a sentiment echoed by many who find the flavors truly exceptional. The atmosphere is relaxed, accompanied by chill music and eye-catching decor like a giant moss wall and unique art installations that give a charming character to the space.
Moreover, the staff at Rica Arepa are known for their warmth and attentiveness. Many patrons, including Rey Colón and Zuleyka Alicea Cotto, have praised the friendly service, with Natalia standing out for her recommendations that enhance the dining experience. Whether you are indulging in the delicious Tequeños or the refreshing ceviche served with crispy plantains, every visit feels personable and inviting.
The restaurant also embraces a "BYOB" policy, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without breaking the bank, which adds to the overall appeal. With a delightful outdoor patio perfect for summer evenings, Rica Arepa is not just a place to eat—it's a place to gather, celebrate, and savor authentic Venezuelan dishes.
In a city that boasts a melting pot of cultures and flavors, Rica Arepa ARMITAGE Venezuelan Restaurant stands out as a haven for food lovers eager to explore the culinary treasures of Venezuela. Whether you're a fan of bold, traditional tastes or looking to experience something new, you won't leave disappointed. I highly recommend making this fantastic establishment your next dining destination!
The food at Rico Arepa was absolutely amazing! With all the items on the menu, I love the selection with everything being absorbed with delicious flavors. It truly exceeded my expectations. (The Rico Bowl..... Absolutely Delicious)
The atmosphere is relaxing. There is chill music that is not that loud there was a big wall of fake moss. There was also a cool wall of money. The hamburger mixta was the best burger I've ever had. For the meats, I got beef and chicken. The chicken was a bit dry but the rest of the burger made it up. The fries were small but good. The arepa is tasty and juicy. It was a bit moist but the cheese was scrumptious.
¡Viva! I got here a little later than expected and somewhat close to closing time but they still served me and let me eat in! It was a very kind gesture and I’m thankful because I could give my compliments to the chef the arepa was so good! The empanada also melts in your mouth and is full of delicious flavor. The lemon aid drink helps wash it all down and settle in your stomach. All are fairly priced. I’d definitely go back and try some more of their expansive menu!
Great food, service, ambience. BYOB kept it reasonably priced. Clean. The owner came out to check on us. I've often passed and wanted to check it out. Truly, an excellent experience and I look forward to returning.
The food was phenomenal! The customer service was also amazing. Natalia was very informative and recommended an Appetizer that was Devine! Will definitely be back! Highly Recommend!!!
This restuarant is really nice!! My boyfriend and I stopped in for lunch the other day. The food is SUPER tasty!! I had the dos perros calientes and felt like the amount of food for the price was good. They have lots of other options on the menu to choose from as well. The staff were kind and attentive to us. The restuarant has a nice outdoor patio that would be good for the summer weather, we're definitely planning on going back and eating outside.
I’ve been to all 3 locations several times, dine-in, and take-out and every single time has been an absolute pleasure. The people are seriously so kind and welcoming. I’d seriously go for the customer service alone, but luckily that’s not necessary because they have the BEST food. Everything is seasoned to perfection and perfectly cooked. I’m so glad this place has introduced me to the deliciousness of Venezuelan cuisine. Yum.
Authentic and delicious arepas in a very unassuming atmosphere. The place is welcoming and the menu has a lot of vegan and vegetarian food. The arepas are very filling. I had a black bean and cheese arepa and loved it. They can be a little bland for some palates but the sauces and condiments are great. Will be back to try other items on the menu.