Mexican and Tex Mex within the Loop

Is there any decent Mexican or Tex Mex joint in the Loop?

On occasion, I've resorted to Chipotle and the Frontera thing on the 7th floor of Marsha...Macy's. Chipotle is generally passable, and Frontera is alright, though a bit of a pain to get to.

I'd really prefer something resembling a good, independent neighborhood joint. Either the local burrito shack or family run cantina model would do fine, as long as the focus is on quality. I've already made the unfortunate error of trying the La Bamba on Madison. This is not a mistake I will ever repeat.

I know that it being the Loop, places fitting this description will most likely be priced out of the market, leaving the territory to the chains. Still, I thought I'd inquire on the off chance that I've missed someplace worthwhile.

Thanks in advance!

The best option I've come across is La Cocina. There are far better taquerias in town, but for the loop it's a decent option. I've been to the Clark and Jackson locations quite a few times and I usually order tacos or sopes.

La Cocina
Multiple Locations
406 S. Clark
11 W. Jackson
45 N. Wells

Best,
Michael

scatteredshadows wrote:Is there any decent Mexican or Tex Mex joint in the Loop?

On occasion, I've resorted to Chipotle and the Frontera thing on the 7th floor of Marsha...Macy's. Chipotle is generally passable, and Frontera is alright, though a bit of a pain to get to.

I'd really prefer something resembling a good, independent neighborhood joint. Either the local burrito shack or family run cantina model would do fine, as long as the focus is on quality. I've already made the unfortunate error of trying the La Bamba on Madison. This is not a mistake I will ever repeat.

I know that it being the Loop, places fitting this description will most likely be priced out of the market, leaving the territory to the chains. Still, I thought I'd inquire on the off chance that I've missed someplace worthwhile.

Thanks in advance!

this (esp. re: Tex Mex) has been covered before; there really is none unless you count Uncle Julio's Hacienda which is definitely not in the Loop

I've had decent(not excellent) "Mexican" tacos at La Cocina.

I have always liked the Burrito Buggy, which has two locations in the loop. The tacos and burritos are all quite good and I really liked the extra hot sauce made from habanero peppers. The batches of sauce are somewhat variable, but usually really hot. The rice and beans are pretty good for a fast food joint. The locations are

201 N Clark (312-977-0556) in the food court or 206 W. Van Buren (312-362-0199) for take out only. I believe both locations close at 3 PM.

Christopher Gordon wrote:this (esp. re: Tex Mex) has been covered before;

Here are some other threads where this type of info is also covered:

Best Mexican near Michigan/Lake?
Can we make a complete listing of Fast Food in Loop
best "chow" part of the loop

Best,
Michael

The Salvador's Barro that was at 73 E. Lake is now Cocina Barro. The owners also have a place in Aurora. I've been to the loop version a couple of times.

It's a huge room, as Chicago lunch places go, and I don't see how it will make it unless it starts attracting a much larger evening drinking crowd, which is obviously their hope. But in the meantime it's a nice place for a group lunch since you can always get in.

It's also relatively pricey, not only by Pilsen standards, but also by loop lunch standards (or at least my loop lunch standards). Fajitas, $13-13. Chile Relleno, $10. "Burrito Suizo Deluxe Grande" $10. Carnitas, $12.

Some things I've tried and enjoyed, or others have tried and recommended: Carnitas, Tamales Grantinados, Pabellon Criollo (ropa vieja with corn cake), and the Jibarito (I know, neither Tex-Mex nor Mex, but it does say it offers "Mexican and Latin food" and one of my colleagues has found it difficult to try anything else because he liked the jibarito so much). I've also tried the fish tacos, which they serve as an appetizer. They're tiny, made with a tortilla that's perhaps 3" in diameter, and deep fried after assembly. Good, but not what I was hoping for, though the mango salsa was excellent. I'd also skip the tortilla soup.

It does appear to be family run, and the menu has some interesting looking things on it, in addition to the ones described above and the other Tex-Mex standards.

Ann Fisher wrote:The Salvador's Barro that was at 73 E. Lake is now Cocina Barro. The owners also have a place in Aurora. I've been to the loop version a couple of times.

It's a huge room, as Chicago lunch places go, and I don't see how it will make it unless it starts attracting a much larger evening drinking crowd, which is obviously their hope. But in the meantime it's a nice place for a group lunch since you can always get in.

It's also relatively pricey, not only by Pilsen standards, but also by loop lunch standards (or at least my loop lunch standards). Fajitas, $13-13. Chile Relleno, $10. "Burrito Suizo Deluxe Grande" $10. Carnitas, $12.

Some things I've tried and enjoyed, or others have tried and recommended: Carnitas, Tamales Grantinados, Pabellon Criollo (ropa vieja with corn cake), and the Jibarito (I know, neither Tex-Mex nor Mex, but it does say it offers "Mexican and Latin food" and one of my colleagues has found it difficult to try anything else because he liked the jibarito so much). I've also tried the fish tacos, which they serve as an appetizer. They're tiny, made with a tortilla that's perhaps 3" in diameter, and deep fried after assembly. Good, but not what I was hoping for, though the mango salsa was excellent. I'd also skip the tortilla soup.

It does appear to be family run, and the menu has some interesting looking things on it, in addition to the ones described above and the other Tex-Mex standards.

In its previous incarnation, I always thought it was a decent tex-mex joint (for the loop). I always got the sopes as apps... Definitely a good place to blow off some steam after work with some ridiculous (not particularly good tho) magaritas, if that's your thing.

I'll have to check out the updates, thanks for the info.

In regards to Chipotle - I think Baja Fresh is a far better fast-food mex chain. 180 N Michigan Ave

I think of Taco Fresco as comparable to Baja Fresh, but I like their fish tacos better (Baja Fresh has fried). When I worked in the loop I went there pretty often--several locations.

http://www.tacofresco.com/

The Cocina on Clark near Van Buren is a nice, family run sit-down place with a bar, decent-to-good antojitos and posoles. It does not seem to be affiliated with the small chain of Las Cocinas around the Loop (though I've heard pretty good things about them too). When looking for places that resemble neighborhood options in the Loop, you must always look under the L tracks.

ab wrote:In regards to Chipotle - I think Baja Fresh is a far better fast-food mex chain. 180 N Michigan Ave

According to dddane, the Michigan Ave. Baja Fresh closed in November.

holly wrote:I think of Taco Fresco as comparable to Baja Fresh, but I like their fish tacos better (Baja Fresh has fried). When I worked in the loop I went there pretty often--several locations.

I've always been underwhelmed by Taco Fresco for some reason. My impression is always one of blandness.

For its niche, I think BF is really pretty good. I like their brown salsa.

I've never caught on to Chipotle, but I haven't tried very hard.

Fortunately, there are better quick/cheap options than all of them in most of Chicago, albeit not really downtown. I'll have to try Cocina Barro one of these days; it's within striking distance of work.

There is a new outpost of La Cocina on N. Franklin & Lake that opened sometime in November, I think. I went there on Tuesday and had a taco and a tamale. Both were decent and the tab for the entire meal (with a basket of tortilla chips) set me back $2.75. Really cheap for the loop.

ab wrote:

Ann Fisher wrote:In regards to Chipotle - I think Baja Fresh is a far better fast-food mex chain. 180 N Michigan Ave

I always enjoyed Baja Fresh, at least as far as loop, or near loop food goes. But alas It closed around the end of October.

SSDD

Okay, now that I'm not the first, I'll admit to missing Baja Fresh as well. It was actually in my building, so it was a real disappointment to a lot of us when it closed so suddenly. I liked the condiment bar, especially the fresh cilanto and onions and the green salsa. Their tortilla soup with chicken was my fall-back lunch, and I had it often. When I said that I didn't recommend the tortilla soup at Cocina Barro, it was specifically in comparison to Baja Fresh.

In an interesting marketing note, every day for a week or so after Baja Fresh closed, the folks from Burrito Beach in the Illinois Center across Michigan Avenue sent someone over to stand in front of the shuttered Baja Fresh and hand out flyers for Burrito Beach.

I work across the street from one of the Taco Frescos. It is extremely bland, and the menu selection is very limited. No pork in any form, no chorizo, no tamales, no sopes, no gorditas.

There are definitely endless options for tex-mex, but the loop doesn't have many decent Mexican joints, IMO.

I used to frequent La Cocina a *lot* when I first started working in the loop. I'm talking about the Clark and Van Buren location, here, not the lookalikes that have sprung up in the last couple years. The food at the original location is definitely the best Mexican food I've found in the loop (though the other options listed here will have to be tried). Their tacos, enchiladas, and floutas are very nice. I'd personally stay away from their burritos, which are large and bland. I really enjoy their table sauces, too, which are flavorful and spicy enough to meet my expectations.

The place itself is a bit of a dump, especially if you get seated in the basement (it really has a basement feel to it, too--complete with exposed plumbing, bare decor and a dehumidifier, just like home!) There are definitely better Mexican places in the city, but I haven't found a better one in the loop.

As for the clones that have popped up recently: I don't like them. The food is similar, but different enough that I don't like it nearly as much. The sauces are similar, but again not as good. The distinguishing feature of these thing, to me anyway, is the thump-thump dance music that they play. Dance music? In a traditional mexican restaurant? No thank you.

Taft

Ann Fisher wrote:In an interesting marketing note, every day for a week or so after Baja Fresh closed, the folks from Burrito Beach in the Illinois Center across Michigan Avenue sent someone over to stand in front of the shuttered Baja Fresh and hand out flyers for Burrito Beach.

It also always seemed to be doing brisk lunch business too. Very surprised it closed. Burrito Beach... I avoid and I work in the Illinois Center. Although I have been a few times to get some nachos - not a big fan of the place overall.

mrtrumbe wrote:There are definitely endless options for tex-mex, but the loop doesn't have many decent Mexican joints, IMO.

I used to frequent La Cocina a *lot* when I first started working in the loop. I'm talking about the Clark and Van Buren location, here, not the lookalikes that have sprung up in the last couple years. The food at the original location is definitely the best Mexican food I've found in the loop (though the other options listed here will have to be tried). Their tacos, enchiladas, and floutas are very nice. I'd personally stay away from their burritos, which are large and bland. I really enjoy their table sauces, too, which are flavorful and spicy enough to meet my expectations.

The place itself is a bit of a dump, especially if you get seated in the basement (it really has a basement feel to it, too--complete with exposed plumbing, bare decor and a dehumidifier, just like home!) There are definitely better Mexican places in the city, but I haven't found a better one in the loop.

As for the clones that have popped up recently: I don't like them. The food is similar, but different enough that I don't like it nearly as much. The sauces are similar, but again not as good. The distinguishing feature of these thing, to me anyway, is the thump-thump dance music that they play. Dance music? In a traditional mexican restaurant? No thank you.

Taft

"endless options" for Tex Mex...really?

Chicago's notorious for a dearth of Tex Mex.

Baja Fresh and Taco Fresca aren't Tex Mex(if that's what yr referring to)

specifically, they're quasi-Mexican by way of the West Coast

same with Chipotle

cod-Mission-esque(ewww)burritos aren't Tex Mex

Christopher Gordon wrote:"endless options" for Tex Mex...really?

Chicago's notorious for a dearth of Tex Mex.

Baja Fresh and Taco Fresca aren't Tex Mex(if that's what yr referring to)

specifically, they're quasi-Mexican by way of the West Coast

same with Chipotle

cod-Mission-esque(ewww)burritos aren't Tex Mex

Well I guess it depends on your definition of Tex-Mex. I've always thought of it as Americanized Mexican food, from its original coinage.

I found this article illuminating in regards to what constitutes Tex-Mex:

http://www.houstonpress.com/special/texmex.html

Anyway, I wasn't aware of an "official" category of quasi-Mexican food. If that's what we're calling the flood of Americanized Mexican food chains located throughout the Chicago area, so be it.

Taft

mrtrumbe wrote:

Christopher Gordon wrote:"endless options" for Tex Mex...really?

Chicago's notorious for a dearth of Tex Mex.

Baja Fresh and Taco Fresca aren't Tex Mex(if that's what yr referring to)

specifically, they're quasi-Mexican by way of the West Coast

same with Chipotle

cod-Mission-esque(ewww)burritos aren't Tex Mex

Well I guess it depends on your definition of Tex-Mex. I've always thought of it as Americanized Mexican food, from its original coinage.

I found this article illuminating in regards to what constitutes Tex-Mex:

http://www.houstonpress.com/special/texmex.html

Anyway, I wasn't aware of an "official" category of quasi-Mexican food. If that's what we're calling the flood of Americanized Mexican food chains located throughout the Chicago area, so be it.

Taft

I was in a pedantic mood(funny how an early evening stem of Domaine Ste. Michelle and getting ready for a holiday dinner with good friends helps ameliorate that irascibility).

as a Texan(I do love being able to say that), urgh...how I despise the Houston Press...imo the most egregious of mass-cult pop yuppie "Texan" upwardly-mobile "news" kultur available...think the New City revamp, but with more squandered ink

as a Texan the closest I've come to okay Tex Mex in Chicago is Uncle Julio's Hacienda on North...hate the space and the crowd...am made somewhat nostalgic by the plebian offerings and so-so margaritas

damning with faint praise

when I think Tex Mex I think Houston and Ninfa's, Irma's, godforbid Monterey House(are they still around?)

I think Austin and The Oasis, The Arroyo, Chuy's

fajitas, chile relleno, blue corn tortillas, deep-fried icecream, enchiladas(not suizas), gringo tamales and the real deal, liquid fresh tomato-based/serrano-spiked salsa, cheddar cheese, nachos, pickled jalapenos, sour cream, taco(ground)beef, pralines

there's a jouissance at work here not revealed by a litany of usual "American-Mexican" suspects...I'm thinking late afternoon sun-dappled river at Camp Warnecke, a bohemian repast of grilled meats and peppers wrapped in flour tortillas + Amber Bock on a patio perched high above the roseate fog-enshrouded hills outside Bee Cave Rd., grasping a cache of crumbly, brown sugary pralines as a small boy exiting a suburban Monterey House my belly stuffed with lardy refried beans and goopy cheese enchiladas.

What canonical Tex Mex isn't(and I love all these things)---except Mission burritos aka hippy quantity over quality crap---: cilantro, regional Mexican, epazote, overstuffed Mission burritos as big as your head, corn tortilla-enrobed tacos of al pastor, chili, menudo, Chipotle(and, some might argue "chipotle"), Old El Paso, Baja Fresh.

I wonder if a true-to-it's-roots Tex Mex restaurant would even work in Chicago.

Ann Fisher wrote:The Salvador's Barro that was at 73 E. Lake is now Cocina Barro. The owners also have a place in Aurora. I've been to the loop version a couple of times.

It's a huge room, as Chicago lunch places go, and I don't see how it will make it unless it starts attracting a much larger evening drinking crowd, which is obviously their hope. But in the meantime it's a nice place for a group lunch since you can always get in.

It's also relatively pricey, not only by Pilsen standards, but also by loop lunch standards (or at least my loop lunch standards). Fajitas, $13-13. Chile Relleno, $10. "Burrito Suizo Deluxe Grande" $10. Carnitas, $12.

Some things I've tried and enjoyed, or others have tried and recommended: Carnitas, Tamales Grantinados, Pabellon Criollo (ropa vieja with corn cake), and the Jibarito (I know, neither Tex-Mex nor Mex, but it does say it offers "Mexican and Latin food" and one of my colleagues has found it difficult to try anything else because he liked the jibarito so much). I've also tried the fish tacos, which they serve as an appetizer. They're tiny, made with a tortilla that's perhaps 3" in diameter, and deep fried after assembly. Good, but not what I was hoping for, though the mango salsa was excellent. I'd also skip the tortilla soup.

It does appear to be family run, and the menu has some interesting looking things on it, in addition to the ones described above and the other Tex-Mex standards.

I tried Cocina Barro in Aurora for the first time yesterday, and will post on that later in a separate thread.

But I wanted to clarify here that Barro is not Tex Mex, or really even Mexican. Sure, there are some Mexican influenced dishes and they are blurring this intentionally to draw in as many diners as possible, I think. But this place is Fusion Latino, with the heaviest influence being Cuban/Puerto Rican. Here is some more detail from the owner Cocian Barro explained.

As to it being pricey, in Aurora the sandwich offerings are $6.95 for a sammy, a drink and fresh fried plantain chips, tostones really, roughly mashed plantains fried up into think patties about 3 inches in diameter, salted. Would not surprise me if the Loop is pricier, but the sandwiches seem a great bargain to me.

I've been partial to the Q'Doba grill on the corner of VanBuren and Wells. Cromulent tex-mex - B.A.B. (big-ass borritos), great taco salad, nice tortillia soup, good chips, nice spicy habanero salsa, etc...

http://www.qdoba.com/Locations.aspx

I haven't seen/tried an independently-owned (non-chain) Mexican fast food restaurant Downtown. I have tried Burrito Beach (at Ogilvie Transportation Center - but there are others Downtown) though, and think the products are very good quality and most of the ingredients freshly prepared.

Just a data point, but I visited the Rick Bayless outlet at Macy's food court this weekend, and had a very enjoyable torta Cubana. Warning, this is not fast food; it took a good five plus minutes from order to service (mainly the pressing/toasting process). Very high quality ingredients (as you'd expect), especially the pork and the avocados (no, this was not an American/Floridian style Cuban -- on the other hand, it didn't have a hot dog on it, so I'm not sure it was a Mexican style Cuban, either; let's just call it a Rickubana-style torta). I put a little bit of the chipotle salsa on there and had a lovely time. I also had a limeade; it was well-made, but I think a little too strong for my taste. One of the few times I'd actually recommend watering a drink. About $9.00 total.

After working nearby for 18 months, I finally tried La Cocina (Franklin & Lake) yesterday. The lines are usually quite long when I attempted to go in the past. I had been sick of going to the Chipotle across the street, where I felt like they skimped on the meat compared to other locations.

I like that La Cocina has a variety of menu items. The staff is friendly and very helpful in preparing the last available table for us. I am not a big fan of burritos, but I opted for the pork burrito. I was not expecting much, but was very pleasantly surprised by the freshness of the ingredients and the intense flavor of the pork filling that had a slight kick to it. I also really liked their horchata - it's different from any other horchata that I've had in that it's kind of thicker. They also serve Mexican coke and Jarritos.

help - being held at cocina barro against will - plz send Bari subs asap if you get this - with hope, Santander