Libertad Latin American Cuisine Returns to Family's Wicker Park Roots

The scent of charred poblanos and slow-braised carnitas will soon fill the North Avenue storefront that once housed Las Palmas, as Marcos Rivera prepares to bring his acclaimed Libertad Latin American Cuisine back to its Wicker Park roots.

Rivera, who has operated Libertad in Skokie since 2011, is opening a second location in the same space where his family’s Mexican restaurant served the neighborhood for years before closing. The move represents both a homecoming and an evolution—taking the refined Latin American techniques he’s honed in the suburbs and planting them firmly in one of Chicago’s most dynamic dining corridors.

“This corner has always been part of our story,” Rivera explained during a recent interview. “When the opportunity came up to return, it felt like completing a circle.”

Libertad has earned a devoted following in Skokie for its elevated approach to Latin American comfort food, moving beyond the typical Mexican-American fare to embrace flavors from across the region. Rivera’s menu weaves together influences from Peru, Argentina, and Colombia alongside Mexican traditions, creating dishes that feel both familiar and surprising.

The original Libertad features standouts like duck carnitas with pickled red onions and micro cilantro, alongside more traditional offerings elevated through careful sourcing and technique. Rivera’s approach aligns with the broader farm-to-table movement gains momentum in city dining scene, emphasizing relationships with local producers and seasonal ingredients even within a Latin American framework.

Wicker Park’s North Avenue corridor has transformed dramatically since Las Palmas closed, with new restaurants and bars drawing crowds from across the city. The neighborhood’s dining scene now spans from casual taco joints to upscale establishments, creating space for Libertad’s middle-ground approach of accessible sophistication.

Rivera plans to adapt the menu for the Wicker Park location while maintaining the core philosophy that has made Libertad successful in Skokie. The new space will feature an expanded bar program highlighting agave spirits and Latin American wines, plus weekend brunch service that wasn’t offered at the original location.

“Wicker Park diners are more adventurous,” Rivera noted. “They’re willing to try that Peruvian-style ceviche alongside their tacos al pastor.”

The timing positions Libertad to capture both the neighborhood’s established residents and the constant flow of visitors exploring Wicker Park’s dining options. North Avenue between Damen and Western has become a destination strip, with food enthusiasts making pilgrimages for everything from artisanal donuts to late-night ramen.

Rivera’s family history with the space adds emotional weight to the business decision. Las Palmas served as a gathering place for the local Latino community during its run, hosting family celebrations and neighborhood events. While Libertad operates at a different price point and style, Rivera hopes to maintain that sense of community connection.

The restaurant industry has shifted significantly since Rivera first opened Libertad in 2011, with diners increasingly seeking authentic stories alongside quality food. His family’s connection to the space and his evolution as a chef create exactly the kind of narrative that resonates in today’s Food & Dining scene.

Construction and renovation work is expected to begin within the next month, with Rivera targeting a late spring opening. The new Libertad will seat approximately 75 diners, with plans for seasonal patio seating that takes advantage of the North Avenue foot traffic.

Rivera also plans to incorporate live music and cultural events, echoing the community-focused approach that made Las Palmas memorable while appealing to Wicker Park’s arts-oriented residents. Local musicians and artists will rotate through monthly showcases, creating the kind of regular programming that turns restaurants into neighborhood anchors.

The menu development continues, with Rivera testing new dishes that bridge his suburban success with urban expectations. Early favorites include a short rib birria enhanced with coffee and chocolate, plus vegetarian options that go beyond typical black bean offerings to embrace ingredients like hearts of palm and plantains.

For Skokie regulars worried about changes to their beloved original location, Rivera emphasizes that both restaurants will maintain distinct identities while sharing core values. The suburban Libertad will continue serving its established community, while the Wicker Park location explores new possibilities within Latin American cuisine.

“Each neighborhood deserves its own version of what we do,” Rivera explained. “Same heart, different expression.”

The return to Wicker Park represents more than business expansion for Rivera—it’s a chance to honor his family’s legacy while building something new. As North Avenue continues evolving into one of Chicago’s essential dining destinations, Libertad’s arrival adds another layer to the neighborhood’s increasingly sophisticated food scene.

With opening still months away, anticipation is already building among both longtime Las Palmas customers and Wicker Park food enthusiasts eager for another quality option on their home turf. Rivera’s track record suggests the wait will be worthwhile.