Restaurant

Carnivale Chicago

Name: Carnivale Chicago
Address: 702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL, 60661, US
Telephone: (312) 850-5005
Price range: value

Latin American•Chicago•value

Carnivale Chicago is one of the best latin american restaurants in Chicago for cocktail bar, especially if you want a strong option in Chicago.

Carnivale doesn't do subtle, and that's entirely the point.

Editorial review updated•Jul 28, 2026

Carnivale doesn't do subtle, and that's entirely the point. The room is theatrical by design — reportedly the kind of space where the décor reads like a Carnival float took up permanent residence — and the menu follows the same logic, swinging across Latin America from Lima to Buenos Aires to São Paulo without apology. What makes it interesting at price level one is that the kitchen isn't using the low price point as an excuse to flatten everything into crowd-pleasing mediocrity. The menu centers on bold regional cooking, and the consensus from diners is that it largely delivers on the spectacle it promises. This is a place built for groups who want to actually eat together, not pick at small plates in silence. The Ceviche Tasting is where most accounts suggest the kitchen makes its case first — it's known for bright citrus-forward acid and clean fish, the kind of opening that sets the tone for a heavier table. The Peruvian Jalea, a fried seafood plate, is consistently cited for the confidence of its execution at this price level. From there the menu pivots hard toward fire: the Argentinian Parrillada is Carnivale's signature move for meat-focused tables, a charred, smoky spread that diners describe as arriving like a small event, while the Brazilian Picanha is known specifically for its fat cap and the richness it contributes to the plate. The Coconut Shrimp tends to function as the lighter counterpoint — reportedly the right call for anyone at the table who wants something on the sweeter, less intense end before the heavier proteins land. Practical note: weekends fill fast and walk-ins reportedly draw the less desirable interior tables, so a reservation is worth the extra step. If you're anchoring the table with one large protein, choose between the Parrillada and the Picanha — ordering both only makes sense with serious numbers. Ask for perimeter seating if conversation matters to you.

Carlos Mendez, Food & Drink Editor

Methodology•Chicago guides•Editorial team•Report outdated information

Cocktail BarCheap EatsLate night high energysocial

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Taste ID

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Start with one score. Add details or a review when you want to help other diners.

Taste Score 8.0/10

Rating (Google) 8.8

4,354 reviews

Chicago

At a glance

The fastest read on whether this place fits tonight.

8.0/10

Taste Score

Google 8.8 from 4,354 reviews

Best for

Cocktail Bar and Cheap Eats

Price and pace

Good value

Neighborhood

Chicago | 702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Price

Good value

Taste Score

8.0/10

Phone

(312) 850-5005

Inside the restaurant

Photos of Carnivale Chicago

1 photo

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Menu and ordering

Carnivale Chicago menu: what to order

Start with the dishes below, drawn from the restaurant details and TastyPals notes available on this page. Carnivale Chicago is listed in the Good value price range. Menus, availability, and prices can change, so confirm current details before visiting.

Ceviche Tasting

One of each: Salmon with pickled eggplant, avocado, cucumber, orange, pickled garlic aioli, mango-jalapeño sauce; Shrimp with avocado, cilantro, red onion, pickled peppers, charred tomato sauce; Tuna with honeydew, pomegranate, red onion, avocado, aji amarillo aioli, serrano pepper-ginger sauce

Peruvian Jalea

Crispy calamari, crispy shrimp, crispy fish, yuca, mango aji rocoto aioli

Argentinian Parrillada

Argentinian-style grilled meat platter: churrasco, Amish chicken, morcilla, short rib, chorizo, top sirloin, bone marrow, crispy potatoes, roasted peppers, chimichurri. Serves 2

Brazilian Picanha

12 oz Kuro American Wagyu top sirloin cap, yuca rellena, roasted vegetables, bacon farofa, mojo lambao

Coconut Shrimp

Aji panca glaze, pineapple chutney, Lola Rosa lettuce, pickled Fresno peppers

Check the current menu

Why go

What makes Carnivale Chicago worth the move

Carnivale Chicago is a strong latin american option in Chicago when you want somewhere that already has a solid public track record. Ceviche Tasting and Peruvian Jalea also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 8.8 rating across 4,354 Google reviews.

What to know fast

Public rating

8.8 from 4,354 Google reviews

Best for

Cocktail Bar and Cheap Eats

Style

Latin American in Chicago

Spend

Good value

Best for

Cocktail Bar Cheap Eats Late night high energy social

Know before you go

Google rating: 8.8 from 4,354 reviews

Price point: value

Popular dishes: Ceviche Tasting, Peruvian Jalea, Coconut Shrimp

Website linked on this page

TastyPals Reviews

What diners are saying

0 diner reviews · reviewed by Carlos Mendez for Carnivale Chicago

Be the first TastyPals diner to reviewFirst-hand reviews are moderated before appearing publicly.

Google snapshot

8.8 from 4,354 reviews

TastyPals notes

Editorial review by Carlos Mendez

No diner notes for Carnivale Chicago yet.

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Plan the visit

Quick details

Visit Website Menu Directions

Address: 702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Phone: (312) 850-5005
Price: value
TastyPals score: 8.0/10
Google rating: 8.8 (4,354 reviews)
Cuisine: Latin American
Neighborhood: Chicago

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Frequently asked questions

What cuisine does Carnivale Chicago serve?

Carnivale Chicago is a Latin American restaurant located in Chicago, Chicago. Carnivale doesn't do subtle, and that's entirely the point.

What is Carnivale Chicago best for?

Carnivale Chicago is best for cocktail bar, cheap eats, late night, high energy, social. Carnivale Chicago is a strong latin american option in Chicago when you want somewhere that already has a solid public track record. Ceviche Tasting and Peruvian Jalea also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 8.8 rating across 4,354 Google reviews.

How much does it cost to eat at Carnivale Chicago?

Carnivale Chicago is in the Good value price range (value). Google rating: 8.8 from 4,354 reviews

What should I order at Carnivale Chicago?

Start with Ceviche Tasting, Peruvian Jalea, Argentinian Parrillada and Brazilian Picanha. These dishes are shown from TastyPals notes or restaurant data on this page.

Is Carnivale Chicago worth visiting?

Carnivale Chicago holds a 8.8 Google rating from 4,354 reviews. Carnivale Chicago is a strong latin american option in Chicago when you want somewhere that already has a solid public track record. Ceviche Tasting and Peruvian Jalea also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 8.8 rating across 4,354 Google reviews.

Where is Carnivale Chicago located?

Carnivale Chicago is located at 702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA. Directions are available via Google Maps.

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