Akilia Cosina Opens In West Loop, Bringing Mexican-Inspired Fare In A Sports-Forward Atmosphere
West Loop Restaurant Aims to Be a “Chicago-First” Sports Experience
Akilia Cosina, 116 N. Aberdeen St., was born out of a love of sports from business partners Fad Akileh and Sameer Sawaqed. Akileh, a lifelong wrestler, and Sawaqed, an avid sports fan, were always struggling to watch sports comfortably at bars across the city, they said.
From Idea to Reality
Seeing a need for affordable dining options near Fulton Market, the group took over the vacant storefront on Aberdeen Street, formerly home to Bear Naked Social. The restaurant’s name was changed at the request of the local alderman.
Menu and Ambiance
Akilia Cosina’s menu is Mexican-inspired with items like ceviche, street corn, flautas, guacamole, quesadillas, and grilled skirt steak – or arrachera, served with rice and refried beans. The menu also offers sports-bar classics like breaded wings and queso.
Prices for entrées vary, but during the soft opening last week, most menu items were priced at $20 or less. Side dishes, including options like rice, refried beans, and parmesan fries, ranged from $5-$10. The most expensive items were the roast chicken and arrachera — designed to serve two to four people — priced between $35 and $48.
Bar and Service
The full-service bar in the larger dining room offers a variety of drinks, including the Spicearita cocktail. The kitchen is currently experimenting with a version of a Juicy Lucy, an American cheese-stuffed burger originating from Minnesota.
Future Plans
Other ideas planned for Akilia Cosina include offering special deals when Chicago teams win and making delivery available through Uber Eats.
Conclusion
Akilia Cosina is open noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. For updates, check the restaurant’s Instagram.
FAQs
Q: What is the inspiration behind Akilia Cosina?
A: The restaurant was born out of a love of sports from business partners Fad Akileh and Sameer Sawaqed.
Q: What kind of food does Akilia Cosina serve?
A: Akilia Cosina’s menu is Mexican-inspired with items like ceviche, street corn, flautas, guacamole, quesadillas, and grilled skirt steak.
Q: What is the atmosphere like at Akilia Cosina?
A: The restaurant has a sports-forward atmosphere with multiple flat-screen TVs and a full-service bar.
Q: Is Akilia Cosina open for delivery?
A: The restaurant plans to offer delivery through Uber Eats in the future.
