Brasero

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Conceived in South America, Born in Chicago

Brasero is the product of a lifetime of travel, discovery, and obsession with South American food culture. Renowned chef John Manion — a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Chef of the Year — has channeled decades of experience into a restaurant that feels both rooted and alive. The concept, as the team puts it, is "Vira Lata": a little of everything, shaped by people, places, and passion. It is Brazilian food filtered through a Chicago lens, and it works.

What to Expect at the Table

The menu moves between shareable bites and hand-muddled cocktails on one end, and hearty steaks and fresh seafood on the other. The South American kitchen here is not a narrow proposition — it is generous, social, and built for the table. A family-style menu and a dedicated dessert menu round out the options, making Brasero equally suited to a casual weeknight dinner or a full celebration.

The wine program deserves particular attention. Sommelier Alex Cuper — himself a James Beard semifinalist for Sommelier of the Year — has assembled a list of 100 South American bottles, all priced under $100. That commitment to accessibility and quality earned Brasero a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024 and a James Beard semifinalist nod for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program, recognition that speaks directly to the seriousness behind the selection.

Recognition That Stacks Up

Robb Report named Brasero one of the ten best new restaurants in the country, and OpenTable guests echoed that verdict by ranking it among the best restaurants of the year. The Banchet Awards nominated it for Best New Restaurant in 2025. For a South American restaurant opening in a city already dense with serious dining, that kind of consensus across critics and guests is not accidental — it reflects a clear point of view, executed with consistency.

The Room and the Vibe

Brasero sits at 1709 W. Chicago Ave. in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood, with outdoor seating available. The atmosphere carries what the team calls "ambiance, flare, and a dash of bravado" — warm without being loud, confident without being stiff. Happy hour runs at the bar from 5 to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday, all night on Sundays, and every Wednesday bottles of wine are half off. It is the kind of place that rewards regulars.