Bayan Ko Diner

HOW? HOW IS THIS PLACE SO GREAT?!When I heard that Bayan Ko was only doing tasting menus, I was gutted! I loved their menu when you could get everything half-portion. Well, I'm glad Bayan Ko Diner opened up bc they still have my favorite Lumpia Shanghai and Pork Belly Adobo on the menu!! And honestly, Bayan Ko Diner was just as amazing as Bayan Ko. We ordered the Lumpia Shanghai, Silogs with Torcino, and the Pork Belly Adobo (of course). EVERYTHING was just *chef's kiss*! The Adobo was a little saltier than what I'm used to but it was perfect with the garlic rice. Also, I took the leftovers home and made fried rice with it and it was perfect. My only regret is that I was too full to have any dessert. I will for sure be back to try their Ube ice cream or the Halo Halo Banana Split!

Bayan Ko is a Filipino and Cuban Fusion restaurant that offers a wide variety of unique dishes. Located in the city, it is a smaller space. Because of this, I recommend making a reservation for any size party. We had a large group so we got to try a lot of the menu. We tried Sisig Shishito Hash ($18), Crab Rangoon ($18), Ube Pancakes ($16), Tocino ($18), Pork Adobo ($24), and Beef Tapa ($24). Overall, the winner was the Ube Pancakes which had a strong ube flavor and the perfect texture. Possibly the best Ube Pancakes in Chicago. But perhaps we came on an off day, because unfortunately we were underwhelmed with everything else. We had visitors from Maryland too who all agreed. As Filipinos maybe we've got too high standards but the flavors weren't anything special and either too salty or bland. I did think though that the deep fried saltines was a yummy touch to the crab rangoon dip which had a lot of potential. It needed a bit more cream cheese.Service was a bit on the rough side. We were a larger group without a reservation which I admit was poor planning on our part. If I had known, I would've taken initiative to book. Regardless, that day was 94-95 degrees outside. We asked for some seating indoors and offered to split up so that our visitors won't have to sit in the heat. There were plenty of open seats but they were "reserved" ahead of time. However, the problem was that the walk-ins before us were finishing up their food. Meaning that by the time the reservations came in, they could've had the tables that the walkins finished. I don't understand why they couldn't allow us to sit inside when there was so much open seating. With the extreme heat, I would've expected better service and overall decency. But we were slapped with a "These are for reservations only." Which again, I get, but the timing of the reservations coming in were perfectly matched with the walkins leaving. There was plenty of open seats. I literally watched it in front of me. There were even bar seats open but weren't offered to us. The walk in group that came in behind us were able to get the open bar seats.In addition, our group was split up on the picnic tables outside. Our food came at different times, we basically sat separately. But of course, the 20% gratuity was added on because we were a group even if weren't treated like one. In addition, because we were outside it felt like we were snubbed. Of course, us asking to sit inside to avoid the 95 degree weather may have peeved staff, even though we were very nice and professional about it. As a customer, I don't expect restaurants to go above and beyond but I expect decency and professionalism. The irony of the restaurant name "Bayan Ko" which translates to "My country" and insinuates unity within the Filipino community wasn't lost on me. While no one was outwardly rude to us, you can tell a lot based off of tone and inattention. I wanted to love the restaurant, but with service and mediocre food, I was left just very unsatisfied. And sadly, my out of town visitors felt the same which probably sucked the most. Will I give Bayan Ko another chance? Absolutely, I believe in second chances but out of all the other options in the city, it definitely won't be at the top of my list. But again, please take my experience with a grain of salt- give it a go and form your own opinion! I will always support local businesses and encourage everyone to do the same. Everyone has their off days. I wish Bayan Ko success!

I'm so glad I finally got to come into Bayan Ko Diner for lunch! The newly renovated space is beautiful with pretty palm wallpaper and a modern vibe. Service was good and I appreciated the menu knowledge when I had questions. I ordered the lumpia and the Spanish tortilla. Both were really good and I'd order them both again. I really enjoyed the salt on the salad (it just worked) and the garlic aioli on the eggs. I forgot it's BYOB, so if you want to imbibe know it's a $10/bottle corkage fee. A good excuse for a magnum bottle of bubbles!

I was pretty excited reading about the opening of Bayan Ko Diner and immediately booked a reservation for when my friends and I would be in Chicago. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated, giving you the feel that you're no longer in Chicago. The food is advertised as Filipino and Cuban and it is, I just thought they'd be more fused. Overall the food was fairly good but there wasn't much wow factor.The puffed french toast was probably one of my favorites which is surprising since I prefer savory to sweet. I usually love lumpia but for some reason theirs just seemed okay. We also got the sisig hash, the croquettas, spanish tortilla and pork belly adobo. The croquettas felt like there was too much breading that overpowered the filling. The tortilla, sisig hash and adobo were as expected but not the best I've had.The servers here were pretty busy but still made sure to come around and check in every once in a while.

This spot recently opened and I've been here twice already so yes I like this spot a lot. I love trying the mixture of cultural dishes here at the diner. I've previously dined at Bayan ko before the diner and I'm excited to go back there as well. The diner is more casual and family friendly with seating indoor and outdoors. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. There is street parking available and it's off of the Montrose brown line.

Great ambiance and food. Very clean restaurant with plenty of seating and street parking out front. We came on a Tuesday morning for brunch and the restaurant was maybe 30% full so it was a nice laid back vibe. The cafe con leche was delicious and we got the lumpia, shiso skillet and silog with 50/50 tocino and loganisa. Flavors were balanced and portions were perfect. We left full and didn't have to take leftovers home. Highly recommend! They have brunch from 9am-3pm daily, closed on Tuesdays.The waitress said they've only been open for 2 weeks. They have a separate (smaller) location nearby that's dinner service 5 course tasting menu. Same owner + Chef and appreciate that you can get Cuban Filipino food at different price points!

We are so glad that Bayan Ko has created a casual concept for this space! The bar area has a beautiful giant botanical wallpaper on it and the furniture is more comfortable now. Our party has the burrito, Cubano, Filipino breakfast w/tocino, pork belly adobo, ube pancakes, monkey bread, and coffee and teas. Everyone was very happy with their food with the minor note that the garlic rice could have been a bit fluffier and warmer. The pork dishes were quite yummy and the coffees were delicious. Ube pancakes were pretty and had delicate flavors of ube and coconut garnished by excellent mango and strawberry. the monkeybread had a great cream cheese frosting on topbut unfortunately was underproofed and dry on the inside. We trust this was a first opening weekend glitch and can't wait to go back for more great meals. Hooray for Montrose!

Rice in the silog was undercooked. Steak was well seasoned and cooked well done which worked on the dish. Lumpia is on the salty side and the sauce of the lumpia is way oversalted. How can that be screwed up? Service is ok but my friends were more than perturbed when ice tea and dessert selections of halo halo or ensaymada weren't available. We were probably the last table service that day. Overall this place missed the mark.

This was my first time visiting the diner, but I had been to the Bayan Ko dinner location previously for a food event so was eager to check them out. The interior is stylish and colorful. Also offer outdoor seating. Reservations are available too. Currently, they don't have a bar, but it is BYOB. Met friend for lunch on a Friday and made reservations, but it wasn't super busy so I'm sure a lot of walk-in opportunities during weekdays. We split Cubano and pork belly with garlic rice. we ended our meal with a cafecito. I didn't get any pictures of the food because as soon as it arrived, we smashed on sight! I would definitely go back and highly recommend.

I loved their restaurant before they opened up the diner so I had to try it out! They have great Filipino breakfast staples along with some good fusion dishes. Can't wait to go back, will have to add it to my rotating brunch options!