Casa Yari, a Puerto Rican-Caribbean restaurant owned by chef Yari Vargas, is reopening in Humboldt Park after leaving its previous location in Logan Square last year. The new restaurant will open Friday at 2743 W. Division St., within the Paseo Boricua district.
The new space is twice as large as the former site and includes an expanded bar, more seating, a host stand, an updated menu, and a wall of photos honoring those who have supported Casa Yari. White walls are set to display artwork from local artists in the community.
“Even though I’ve been in business already 12 years, I feel like I am starting from scratch, which feels nice,” Vargas said. “I took a step back and redirected myself to look at: What was my intention when I first opened up? Because somewhere down the line you tend to forget when you get too busy. These 10 months was actually very much needed, and moving with intentions is important.”
Vargas said her goal for the expanded location is to add Puerto Rican and Caribbean restaurants to the cultural area. The building previously housed Latin America Restaurant—a place Vargas frequented with her Honduran father.
She chose to leave the dark-colored floor as it was because it reminds her of brick floors in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
One feature that stands out at the new location is a large flamboyan tree near the entrance. The tree’s branches are made from wood collected in nearby Humboldt Park. Known as “The Flame Tree,” it holds significance in Puerto Rican culture and art.
“I am very happy with it, and my mom’s tears approved it,” said Vargas. “They’re good tears, not bad tears.”
The menu maintains popular vegan and gluten-free items alongside traditional dishes while introducing new recipes inspired by Vargas’ late uncle Efrain—such as Honduran-style beef stew with coconut rice and tostones, along with Efrain’s espaghettis made using black soybean noodles for a gluten-free option.
“I want to honor my uncle because I think he would have been so excited about Paseo Boricua,” she said. “Every household, even if you’re not Italian, everybody had a spaghetti recipe. He had one that he would do with picadillo beef or shredded chicken. The shredded chicken one was my favorite.”
Another addition is darasa—a Garifuna dish featuring tamale made from green banana and coconut milk dough served with fried catfish.
Casa Yari will serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday during its initial weeks; brunch service will begin about a month later as staff training continues.
While alcohol won’t be sold immediately at Casa Yari, customers may bring their own beverages. Vargas plans to apply for a liquor license this summer and says guests who purchase drinks from the liquor store across the street will receive discounts as part of efforts to support local businesses.
“I’m so excited, I can’t wait,” she said. “I’m opening the day after my birthday, too, which is hilarious and great.”
Through February, hours are set for dinner service: 4-9 p.m. on Wednesdays-Thursdays and Sundays; 5-10 p.m. on Fridays-Saturdays; updated hours will be announced online.
