Ayayay Brings Standout Tacos and Yuca Balls to Lake Street

What the public feedback says

Ayayay - Mexican Eatery carries a 4.9 Google rating from 1685 reviews, and the supplied diner feedback gives that high score some context. Several reviewers found the restaurant while looking for a convenient meal near downtown hotels or Michigan Avenue, then came away describing it as one of the strongest meals of their Chicago trips. The recurring themes are bold flavor, food that exceeds expectations and service that improves the overall experience.

The response is not limited to a single signature item. One group reported trying nearly the whole menu across two dinners and found the cooking consistently successful. Others focused on tacos and appetizers, especially the charcoal chicken tacos and cheesy yuca balls. That breadth makes Ayayay look more dependable than a place built around one standout plate.

Tacos lead, but the starters matter

Tacos are the clearest reason to visit. Charcoal chicken tacos drew enthusiastic feedback, while another diner who actively seeks out tacos praised both the fillings and the homemade tortillas. A separate review also described the tacos as a highlight of the meal. Taken together, the comments suggest careful preparation rather than a routine downtown taco stop.

The cheesy yuca balls may be just as compelling. Multiple reviews recommend them, with one account emphasizing the contrast between a crunchy exterior, melted cheese center, cheese sauce and a touch of togarashi spice. That combination also hints at the broader influences reflected in Ayayay’s public restaurant categories, which include Mexican, Peruvian and Japanese.

Plantains, tortas and mushroom dishes each receive praise in the supplied feedback, though they appear less often than the tacos and yuca balls. The plantains were described as an unusually memorable starter, while the tortas and mushroom dishes earned direct recommendations from a group that sampled widely.

Service and setting

Service is another consistent strength. Reviewers describe the staff as kind, helpful and effective at guiding the meal. One diner specifically credited the server with making an already strong dinner better. No supplied review raises concerns about delays, attitude or order accuracy.

The location appears convenient for visitors staying downtown, particularly those near Michigan Avenue. At the same time, one reviewer warned that the Lake Street spot can be easy to pass without noticing. The setting itself receives little detailed discussion, so the strongest case for Ayayay rests on its food and hospitality rather than atmosphere.

Editorial verdict

Based on the available rating, review volume and repeated praise, Ayayay is a persuasive mid-range choice for tacos and shareable starters in central Chicago. The strongest opening order pairs the cheesy yuca balls with chicken tacos, giving the table both the most frequently praised appetizer and the clearest main attraction.

Public feedback is unusually positive, and it comes from quick downtown searches as well as repeat dinners with friends. Ayayay looks best suited to diners who value lively flavors, homemade tortillas and attentive help from the staff. Its easy-to-miss frontage is the main practical caution, not a complaint about the meal itself.