Chilam Balam

Chilam Balam Restaurant Review:

Its name may come from an ancient Mayan text filled with foreboding, but there’s nothing gloomy going on at Lakeview’s Chilam Balam. First, there’s the cheery vibe (not an easy feat in a small basement location) that features pillow-topped benches, brightly colored walls and whimsical Mexican folk art. Focusing on farm-fresh ingredients from local purveyors, this BYOB (there are handcrafted mixers for sangría and margaritas) features a combination of small and large plates, including shiitake empanadas, chicken thigh flautas and corn memelas with goat cheese arbol salsa and dressed arugula. Tortillas, chorizo and moles are all made in house. Expect the menu to change often, but if the hibiscus flan with vanilla-lime ice cream and candied pepitas is available, don't pass on dessert.