The spot: The enormous murals, dizzyingly high ceilings and plush cream-colored chairs may be a little over-the-top, but that doesn’t mean there’s not tasty South American food to be had at this Bucktown spot. Typical Peruvian fare gets a hefty splash of Brazilian and Argentinean influence, resulting in starters like ceviche and empanadas, and entrees such as lomo saltado, tenderloin strips sauteed with tomatoes and onions ($16), and arroz con pato, succulent duck marinated in dark beer and served with rice ($15).
The bottle: While you could bring a bottle of wine (there’s no corkage fee), Rios prides itself on supplying fab mixers for caipirinhas and mojitos ($2-$4). But if you haven’t been introduced to the pisco sour, now’s your chance to try this central South American cocktail–just make sure you walk or cab to the restaurant, you won’t be driving anywhere afterward. Before dinner, stop by Sam’s Wine and Spirits (1720 N. Marcey St. 312-664-4394) for a bottle of the high-proof spirit. The mixed drink has only a hint of the pisco’s flavor, so pick a reasonably priced bottle such as Capel Pisco “Reservado” ($12.99). Then let the bartender blend it with sugar, lemon, egg whites and bitters for a frothy, sweet concoction ($4).
BYOB BUZZ
Rios d’ Sudamerica
2010 W. Armitage Ave. 773-276-0170
