A Guadalajara native, a bar full of Latin American spirits and a route through Chicago that somehow detours to a German tavern. Meet Abraham Ramirez, co-founder of La Licor Panamericana in Logan Square.
La Licor is named for the Pan-American Highway, the network of highways stretching from Alaska to Argentina. So we asked Abraham to map out his own version in Chicago. His route runs from Michoacán-style carnitas in Pilsen to Bolivian singani on California Avenue, with a stop for a proper stein in North Center.
Here's his story, plus where he eats, drinks and clears his head around the city.
Born Into Hospitality
Photo Via Instagram /La Licor Panamericana
"I was practically born into the hospitality industry. My grandfather owned restaurants in Panama, and my mom worked in different areas of the industry throughout my childhood until she retired a few years ago. So, quite literally, hospitality is all I've ever known. I've been surrounded by it and involved in it since I was a kid."
Latin America Roots Behind the Bar
Photo VIA Instagram / La Licor Panamericana
"We proudly focus exclusively on Latin American ingredients and spirits because we genuinely believe in the incredible products that come from our part of the world. I've traveled extensively throughout Latin America, and every single time, I come back even more amazed by what our region has to offer."
"A great example is the Jicama Martini we currently serve, which brings together a beautiful Mexican mezcal from Nosotros and jicama, a root vegetable native to Mexico and Central America. It's a perfect representation of how we approach cocktails: celebrating our roots while exploring new ways to showcase them."
First Stop: La Licor
Photo Via Instagram / La Licor Panamericana
Logan Square
"Authenticity, hospitality and Latin American identity. Those are the three pillars at the heart of everything we do at La Licor. When you visit, get yourself some pão de queijo and a Por La Tarde, our take on a carajillo."
"We make it with our house-made vanilla liqueur, house-made Kyoto-style cold brew using coffee from Magnífico Coffee Roasters , house-made amaro, Planteray Xaymaca rum, and Zhumir, an Ecuadorian sugarcane spirit. It's a cocktail that really captures what we're all about: celebrating Latin American ingredients, putting our own creative spin on traditions and making sure you have a great time while you're here."
His Top Three
Every highway needs its essential stops. For Abraham, that means Michoacán carnitas, a Puerto Rican and Mexican cocktail bar down the street and a Latin American spot he thinks deserves even more love.
Photo Courtesy of Carnitas Uruapan
Carnitas Uruapan
Pilsen, Gage Park and Little Village
"Carnitas Uruapan is king, not just in Chicago, but in the entire country! As someone who's deeply passionate about food, I remember watching Taco Chronicles on Netflix and hearing about Carnitas Uruapan for the first time. It made me incredibly excited to explore Chicago's rich Mexican and Latin American food scene. The Carnitas Especial is always my go-to order."
Want the full story? Read our Local's List with Carnitas Uruapan owner Marcos Carbajal.
Photo VIa Instagram / Culebra
Logan Square
"Our neighbors on California Avenue! It's an amazing Caribbean and Puerto Rican-themed cocktail bar, and I absolutely love seeing more authentic representation of our cultures in Chicago's bar scene. When you visit, order the Resolana, made with singani. You won't regret it!"
Photo VIA Instagram / Caña
West Town
"They're doing an incredible job representing Latin American flavors and culture, and they deserve all the attention they're getting, and more."
Get to know Caña co-founder Josean Irizarry in our Local's List feature.
Photo Via Instagram / Resi's Bierstube
North Center
"A traditional German tavern! I have a special connection with this family-owned, second-generation bar. There's something really special about its authentic atmosphere, the people and, of course, the food. Order the Jägerschnitzel with spätzle on the side and a proper stein of German beer. You can't go wrong."
Tacos, Then the Riverwalk
Photo:VIA InstaGram / Ayayay
The Loop
"Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed, I love heading downtown, grabbing some tacos at Ayayay and finding a spot on the steps by the river to sit, relax and clear my head for a little while."
A Chicagoan From Day One
"Chicago treated me like a Chicagoan from day one, and I couldn't be more grateful for this city and the community that welcomed me. Being so far from my hometown doesn't feel nearly as difficult when I'm surrounded by a community that feels like home. Chicago has given me that sense of belonging, and that's something I'll always appreciate."
Visit La Licor Panamericana at 2521 N. California Ave., and follow along on Instagram at @lalicorchicago.
The Local's List spotlights the people who make Chicago what it is. Know a local we should feature? Email us at [email protected].
