Mexican Chicago

Mexican food. People who know us, know we love it. Chicago. We love Chicago. And, naturally, we love Mexican food in Chicago. So it should come as no surprise that when we met some fellow travelers who also happen to really like Mexican food and will be in Chicago for a wedding this summer, we started talking (ok, going on and on) about Chicago’s Mexican food. And as I started to write a list of Mexican joints they should consider checking out, we all realized it would be better to make this a blog post for all to see, and for us to have as a record of our favorite spots.

So this post is for Alarik and Jessica, with many thanks for sparking our interest in doing this post. But, of course, it’s ultimately for everybody to use (or not) as much as you like. And please, by all means, add your favorites and thoughts in the comments.

1. One place I found myself continually going back to I believe is called Carniceria Guanajuado at 1436 N. Ashland. It’s possible I have the name wrong, which means the address would be wrong, but it’s not far off. You’re looking for the Mexican supermarket on the west side of the road at roughly that address. The taco and torta counter is inside the market, which has an adjoining parking lot. The food is cheap and quite possibly the best tacos I ever had in Chicago. On weekends the barbacoa is the best barbacoa in town, and the birria de chivo (goat) is the best I’ve had (but, admittedly, I haven’t had this too many places). Other days you can’t go wrong with the steak tacos (carne asada).

2. For some of the best Mexican seafood in town, you can’t go wrong with El Barco Mariscos at 1035 N Ashland Ave. The parillada, or mixed seafood grill, is fantastic (pictured below), served on a sizzling hot plate. The huachinango (red snapper) is also a treat. They’ve got land based meat stuff, but you’re really coming here for the seafood feast. Price? Not the cheapest by any stretch, but not unreasonable for what you get. Expect $15-30 per person, depending on what you order and what you’re drinking.

3. Another treat for all around good food is Nuevo Leon, in Pilsen at 1515 W 18th Street. This cash-only favorite serves up excellent tacos, shrimp in garlic sauce, snapper, queso fundido and just about everything else you go into a Mexican spot for. It’s Nuevo Leon style (that’s a state in Mexico), and that’s fine by me. It’s under $10 per person, easily. Doesn’t serve alcohol, but you can BYOB.

4. Perhaps the gold standard in Mexican cuisine is Rick Bayless’s gems Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, sharing a space at the intersection of Clark and Illinois in River North. Using nothing but the freshest of fresh ingredients, organic and sustainable products whenever possible, and traditional recipes and methods learned in Mexico, you can always count on a fantastic meal. Everything, truly, is superb. The margaritas are the best in town, possibly anywhere. The seafood is superb; it’s a crime to leave without trying a ceviche. It’s nearly impossible for rIAm to pass up whatever the scallop dish is; I find myself ordering duck or the fish more often than not. The sauces are divine, the flavors sensational throughout. And save room for dessert, because it too is about as good as it gets. Or, actually, don’t save room but have it anyway. Once you taste the Kahlua whipped cream you won’t regret it. The restaurants share a kitchen, but Topolo offers the more refined (and expensive) restaurant experience. Frontera is a bit more “earthy,” and less expensive ($15-25 for mains) but not one bit inferior. A representative example of Bayless’s cuisine is this skatewing fillet in mole.

5. There are three outposts of La Pasadita on north Ashland Ave within a block of each other. Try heading for 1141 N. Ashland and if that one’s full, head a little south to 1132 N. Order the steak tacos and let your mouth water while waiting for them, then let your taste buds do a happy dance while eating them. Don’t miss a chile relleno taco either, for some poblano and cheese dream come true of a taco. So, so very good. You can also find burritos roughly the size of small children, and while we’ve not sampled one, they sure are popular.

6. For some darn good tacos, head to a Los Comales. For perhaps the best tongue tacos in town, go to the original outpost at 26th and Kedzie, but you can’t go wrong with any of their locations, mostly around the south and west sides of the city. Each filling is very good, it’s a matter of personal preference as to which is best. I recommend the barbacoa for a nicely flavored tender taco.

7. For some fresh, authentic, delicious Mexican head to La Condesa. They have two or three outposts, and the best location is on south side, something like 63rd and Pulaski (but not exactly there!)on south 59th street, between Kedzie and California. Since it’s easiest to find, and order at, this location if you’re Mexican, we also recommend their north Ashland (1003 N) location. The food is excellent and very fresh, and you simply cannot go wrong with a cecina (cured thin steak), the complimentary salsa or chilaquiles. Simply everything is superb. Note: See Comment #1 for more information.

8. My friend Armando tempted my tastebuds with his descriptions of cochinita pibil, a marinated and slowly cooked pork dish that is elusive on American Mexican menus. So it was with great delight that I found Carnitas al Paisa at 3529 W. Fullerton advertising their cochinita pibil. Granted, the name implies their specialty is carnitas, another form of slow cooked pork, and I wouldn’t dream of discouraging you from trying carnitas at the aptly named establishment. But sampling their cochinita will not disappoint, nor will the barbacoa. You can order your meats by the pound if you like, for take-away or to make your own tacos on site. The rounded older Mexican woman behind the counter gives off the impression — and as it turns out, reality — of this place: they know what they’re doing and they know it tastes darn good.

9. For some top notch Mexican grocery shopping, get yourself over to Casa del Pueblo (1834 S. Blue Island), the best Mexican supermarket we found in Chicago. And we did our best to sample many. The dry goods selection is extensive, but the real winners here are the produce and meat sections. You can find superb poblanos, chiles and assorted seasonal vegetables. Some excellent – and cheap – limes are always on display. Around the corner from that you’ll find yourself tempted by all the delectable Mexican cheeses, and a little bit further down you’ll find yourself face to face with an impressive meat case. You can get all sorts of things, but I suggest you get at least a pound of their house-made chorizo, and then sample whatever else strikes your fancy. Don’t forget your tortillas – often still warm after a delivery from nearby tortilla factories – and then you’re ready to check out. Of course, if you don’t buy items needing refrigeration – or you remember to pack a cooler in the car (or it’s winter!) – head across the parking lot to the taqueria of the same name. Serving up excellent tacos and similar fare, you won’t go hungry here. They make the food and put it into buffet-like serving containers so the people taking your order can make up the tacos right away. Therefore, I recommend you order what all the Mexicans crowded around the counter are ordering – it will be super fresh and super delicious.

10. For a slice of Mexican culture and life you will never forget, make the journey to Mi Tierra (just north of 26th on Kedzie) on a Friday or Saturday night. Don’t arrive before 7:30 or 8pm if you want to see things getting into full swing; whole families will still be waiting for tables until well after 10pm. There will be at least one mariachi roaming the restaurant, often another band to sing as well in this enormous Mexican paradise. The food does not disappoint – try a carne asada tampiquena if you’re having difficulty choosing – but remember that you’re here for ambiance as much as food.

11. If none of these quite tickle your fancy, just roam Ashland Ave, north of Chicago Ave and south of Fullerton. Or Western Ave in roughly the same stretch. Or meander through Pilsen, between Halsted and Ashland on the east and west, around 18th Street (but don’t forget to wander a bit north or south). You also can’t go wrong along Belmont or Fullerton, headed west from Western and not stopping for quite some time! Of course, these are hardly the only stretches good for Mexican, so don’t be afraid to pull into the nearest spot you find and give it a shot.

12. Mexican street vendors around the city offer up some tasty treats. You can find delicious fruit, chicharrones and so much more. The fresh sweet corn in a cup is always a tempting treat, too. If you’re scared to make an order, just point at what the person in front of you got and say you want the same.

Lucky 13. The best Mexican food in town is offered up down near Archer Ave and 55th Street by Armando’s mom. The chile rellenos (pictured below) served to rIAm would more than suffice as an example, but I can still taste those incredible taquitos de olla. You don’t get food that good very often. Unless you live with the kitchen magician that is Armando’s mom. Problem is, Armando’s mom doesn’t cook at any restaurant. Yet. Of course, you can try making friends with Armando hoping to get an invite. You never know when you may get lucky and find yourself sipping some Herradura with la familia Larraga!