La Esperanza (and Azteca Tacos) - Pilsen

I feel kind of guilty posting about this place as I've never actually posted about our favorite neighborhood place right down the street (Azteca Tacos). I do mention Azteca here, but I haven't yet given true props to their excellent freshly prepared chiles rellenos, yummy roast chicken, tasty tampiquena and ceviche tacos. Anyway, we haven't found a new favorite, but La Esperanza just opened and we gave it a try.

We went early on Saturday to find only one other table occupied (by the time we left, we had a few more fellow diners). They don't have a liquor license, but have a dedicated bar area. I asked the owner who stopped by our table and he said they're going to start the application process soon - who knows if it'll ever happen. I'm sure they'd be fine with BYOB although I didn't ask. Figjustin had the horchata which was creamy, but a little sweet for my taste (probably not for the rest of the neighbors). The two salsas delivered with our chips were pleasantly spicy - one more acidic (I think an arbol) and one smokier (my guess is mainly chile morita).

We had picked up a to-go menu earlier in the week and were surprised by the hash browns that were an option with nearly every breakfast purchase (most of the neighborhood places eschew potatoes in favor of rice). Lo and behold, "hash browns" were crossed in every instance on the menus we received. They also eliminated the Langostinos offering but continue to carry a T-Bone Steak with Baked Potato for now (we did not try it).

We did order the Aguachiles which is a combination of calamari, shrimp, lime juice, cucumber, onion, jalapeno and avocado served in a molcajete. The server was somewhat confused by her task to mix and serve the dish tableside. We tried to put her at ease, but it's obviously a new thing for her. Unfortunately her effort was for naught - the dish contained flavorless seafood and bottled lime juice that overpowered any flavor that may have been in the other ingredients. Luckily our entrees were better - figjustin had the chile relleno (only one as opposed to Azteca's two per serving) with a very good sauce and average rice and beans. I tried the Enchiladas Yucatecas (conchinita pibil in habanero salsa) which were very flavorful, nice and spicy.

We'll definitely go back, but we still enjoy the cold Bohemias at Azteca and our favorite dishes.

Azteca Tacos
1836 S. Blue Island Ave.

La Esperanza
1864 S. Blue Island Ave.
(312) 226-9640