Mexico Uno (Palatine)

All, I've kind of slowed down my posting and reviewing as of late because I just don't have the time with the new kid, but when I see a restaurant that hasn't got a ton of reviews, I feel obligated.

I went up to the burbs to see my wife, who's staying with her mother while I work in the city. I was craving food with soul, passion, and a sense of home, thus classic Mexican. Mexico uno happens to be right around the corner from her mom's place, so I figured it would be a good place, even if the food was your standard fare.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is authentic. For a starter we had the chorizo con queso- I know, normally your watery cheese dip with a few pieces of chorizo thrown in. Again, remember I was thinking this would be crappy Mexican. What we got was finely ground chorizo blanketed in freshly melted cheese. Now this was surprising, and pleasantly so. Nice round flavor, enough to split, good stuff.

For mains she got tacos- I didn't try, becaus I was too busy with my goat stew. I love goat. It's one of my favorite things in the world, not ony for the taste, but because it freaks out my mom whenever I eat it. The goat was wonderfully stewed, extremely flavorful and served with great corn tortillas.

All in all, I'll be back next week to try a few other things off the menu, but if you're in the area, it's totally worth a trip.

Mexico Uno
15 N Brockway St
(between Johnson St & Palatine Rd)
Palatine, IL 60067

(847) 358-6856

Also in Palatine, I'm a big fan of La Rosita for tacos.

La Rosita (attached to the grocery store of the same name)
1190 E Dundee Rd
Palatine, IL
(847) 934-9750‎

Mexico Uno has been a favorite of mine for many years. It used to be truly a dive complete with mismatched tables and chairs that looked like they came from a 70's flea market. I was nervous that with the new much nicer setting the food may suffer. But no, the foods still wonderful. Next time try the shrimp soup - Caldo de Cameron. Perfectly cooked shrimp with a great balance of veg's in a delicious soup.

I Do It Daily spent many of his formative years taking in lunches at Mexico Uno. It was a welcome escape during the tyrannical school week.