Carnivale

702 W. Fulton St. (Union Ave.) Send to Phone

The scene is lively at this festive, colorful Latin spot---but it’s the (local) food that really heats things up. Carnivale Restaurant is one of our | Top 10 Chicago Sexy Restaurants |

Cuisine

Latin American

Open

Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Features

Full bar
Reservations suggested
Live Latin band Wed.
Lounge open late Wed.-Sat.
Valet parking
Casual

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It's Kleiner-style excess at this explosively bright, beyond-festive hot-spot where the cocktail scene is as caliente as the menu. If intimacy is what you seek, you won’t find it here; instead, good people-watching is the draw, and there’s plenty to go around. The food---under the deft hand of executive chef Mark Mendez---has really grown into its own, incorporating local, seasonal produce with memorable results. Score points for the Alaskan halibut with fennel escabeche. And the Nicaraguan-style wood-grilled beef tenderloin, graced with goat cheese purée, arugula chimichurri and spicy beet salsa? It's a sight to behold. Check out the “farmers” menu in-season.