Our Story
A table without borders.
Where It Began
Libertad was founded on a simple, powerful idea: food has no borders. In 2015, Marcos Rivera and Chef Mark Mendez set out to create a restaurant that celebrated the full breadth of Latin American cuisine — not just one country, not just one tradition, but the vibrant, interconnected food culture of an entire continent and its diaspora.
The first Libertad opened in Skokie, Illinois, in a neighborhood that itself reflects the beautiful complexity of immigration and cultural exchange. What began as a 40-seat neighborhood restaurant quickly became a destination — a place where families celebrated milestones, where first dates turned into second ones, and where regulars knew the menu by heart but always found something new to discover.
In 2019, Libertad expanded to Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, bringing the same spirit of discovery and warmth to the city’s North Side. Each location has its own personality, shaped by its neighborhood and community, but both share the same foundation: extraordinary food, genuine hospitality, and a deep respect for the culinary traditions that inspire every dish.
Our Culinary Point of View
Chef Mark Mendez draws inspiration from a childhood spent between two cultures — raised in Chicago with deep roots in Mexico City, he learned early that the best food tells a story. At Libertad, that story is written with ingredients sourced from local Midwestern farms and Latin American specialty purveyors, prepared with classical technique and an adventurous spirit.
The menu changes with the seasons but always celebrates the core of Latin American cooking: bold spices, fresh citrus, slow-braised meats, handmade masa, and the kind of food that makes you want to linger at the table long after the plates are cleared. We believe in generous portions, unpretentious service, and the conviction that great food should feel like a gift, not a performance.
Our beverage program is built on the same philosophy — mezcal and tequila sourced from small-batch producers, wine lists curated to complement Latin flavors, and craft cocktails that honor classic recipes while finding new expressions. Every drink is made with intention.
Neighborhood & Hospitality
We are, above all else, neighborhood restaurants. Our relationship with Skokie and with Wicker Park is not incidental — it is the heart of who we are. We hire locally, source locally when possible, and invest in the communities that have supported us from the beginning.
Hospitality at Libertad means that every guest — whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth — feels welcomed the moment you walk in. Our team is trained not just in service, but in the story behind every dish, every drink, every tradition that has shaped our menu. We want you to leave knowing more than when you arrived, and we want you to come back.
Milestones
2015 — Libertad Skokie opens on Main Street, Skokie, IL
2016 — Named one of Chicago’s Best New Restaurants by Chicago Tribune
2017 — Chef Mark Mendez named a Rising Star Chef by Eater Chicago
2018 — Libertad Skokie celebrates its 3rd anniversary and first sold-out New Year’s Eve
2019 — Libertad Wicker Park opens at 1450 N Damen Ave, Chicago
2022 — Chicago Magazine names Libertad one of Chicago’s Essential Restaurants