El Pacifico -- Tell me I'm not crazy

Last night after a long day of gardening, I treated myself to the chicken torta at El Pacifico (the Fullerton Avenue location). I've had this sandwich a few times now and it's never let me down: moist, flavorful chicken; fresh, crisp lettuce and diced tomato; pinto beans; avocado and cheese (by request only; definitely request them); and a gorgeous cornmeal dusted roll that holds up to the generous ingredients. The only missing piece, since I'm not a fan of sour cream, is a 'wet' element, but a dash of their spicy house salsa does the trick. I'd recommend it even for those who enjoy crema. I wish I'd had a camera because it was such a lovely, simple thing to see -- golden bread around perfect layers of red, green, and white, served neatly in a wax paper lined basket -- at least until I took the first bite and made a mess of the whole thing. Which is definitely part of its charm.

Now I don't know if it's because if this place is around the corner from our house, or because we're such regulars that the barely English speaking servers treat us like family (one in particular has a regular routine with my vegetarian husband. He'll order his veggie burrito, and she'll say 'Oh, I'm sorry. We're out of vegetarian food tonight.' 'Ok, then,' he says. 'Extra meat.'). And although I'm hopelessly devoted to places like Pastoral, Birchwood Kitchen, or my beloved Brown Sack, I'm going on record to say this sandwich rivals the best I've had in the city.

I've seen only a scant passing reference to El Pacifico on this board, so I'm going to assume it's off the radar of the group. I'd encourage a 180 on that front -- if for no other reason than I'd like a barometer for my affection for the place, the torta in particular. For what it's worth, the margaritas aren't bad either, especially for the price.

Everyone's predicting this will be the year of the sandwich, and the outdoor seating should be set up soon (a quirky spot for al fresco dining, with the Fullerton traffic going by and members of the motorcycle club across the street coming and going, but I always enjoy it). Give it a whirl if you're in the area. (Oh, sometimes they automatically add the tip to the check -- this is noted on their menu, but they don't always follow through -- so give things a once-over before paying).

El Pacifico
3534 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL 60647
773-342-4999

Thanks for the info, when I get a chance I'll have to try the tortas!

*just added another spot to my growing TO DO list*