After being forced to close and sell its building in Logan Square last year, Casa Yari has officially reopened in Humboldt Park.
This relocation brings chef and owner Yari Vargas back to the neighborhood that shaped her. The revival was fueled by dedicated customers who continually reached out to inquire about her next steps.
“I felt like Bad Bunny,” Yari joked about the high demand. “I couldn’t give up.”
The restaurant specializes in a blend of Puerto Rican and Honduran dishes, reflecting the two cultures in Yari’s family. She views the new location as an extension of her home, aiming to introduce diners to her heritage through her cooking.
Rooted in family history
The restaurant’s interior reflects Yari’s family, who are considered the heart of the business.
Her father helped build the new space, which features a large replica of her mother’s favorite tree near the entrance. Family photographs adorn the dining room walls, and the menu includes personal stories, paying tribute to her uncle Efrain’s recipes.
Yari attributes the kitchen’s guiding philosophy to her grandmother: the belief that cooking is a way to express love. This ethos extends to everyone who enters, whether they are longtime regulars or first-time visitors.
You can visit Casa Yari at 2743 W Division St.
