upscale mexican in the n.w. burbs?

any?

I like Fuego in Arlington Heights. They have a reasonably creative menu, not just your standard tacos and enchiladas. Good ingredients on all their dishes; I've been there numerous times and never had anything I didn't like a lot. Their regular mole, the one they always have, is excellent, and they also have a "mole of the week" that has also been excellent when I've had it (I think I've had a pumpkin mole and a tamarind mole). Their salsa is also very good (not overly tomato-ey), and for dessert they have one of the best tres leches cakes around.

Fuego
17 West Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847.590.1122
www.fuegomexgrill.com

I'm embarrassed to agree (mostly because the place looks like a Mexican Bennigan's), but their Margaritas and Mojitos are first-rate and I also like their fish tacos. I've tasted a number of other dishes and all were well-executed and very good (their Diablo sauce is especially good). They're also open in Chicago (where I'd be less inclined to go because there are many worthy competitors in the area). Since Flamingo's closed, I'd say that Fuego is a pretty good choice.

I'd only consider Fuego to be upscale if by upscale you mean "costs more". They do have some nicer-than-tacos-and-enchiladas entrees, but it seems like less of their focus than the margueritas and nachos.

It's Far NW side, not NW burbs, but how about Don Juan's in Edison Park?
Further north and west is Julio's Cocina Latina in Lake Zurich (formerly Julio's Latin Cafe, as their web address says: www.julioslatincafe.com).
It's more pan-latin than pure Mex, but very good
95 S Rand Rd
Lake Zurich, IL 60047-2277
(847) 438-3484

JoelF wrote:It's Far NW side, not NW burbs, but how about Don Juan's in Edison Park?

If driving into the city is an option, then you may as well go a few more miles to the cluster of excellent, creative Mexican restaurants around Logan Square, right off the Kennedy:

Rustico Grill
The Real Tenochtitlan

and, again, Fuego's Logan Square location.

A few miles further down the Kennedy, I really loved my dinner not long ago at Mexique, in West Town. The atmosphere is hip upscale bistro, and the food is Mexican with a French accent (and vice versa). Check out the menu on their website to get a better idea of what they serve. (I had the braised short ribs and it was one of the best versions I've had of this popular dish.)

JoelF wrote:Further north and west is Julio's Cocina Latina in Lake Zurich (formerly Julio's Latin Cafe, as their web address says: http://www.julioslatincafe.com).

I had dinner there earlier this year. It was absolutely DREADFUL. Stay away!

I'd only consider Fuego to be upscale if by upscale you mean "costs more". They do have some nicer-than-tacos-and-enchiladas entrees, but it seems like less of their focus than the margueritas and nachos.

Yes, Fuego does have a giant sombrero, and cerveza logos all over the walls, and offers gimmicky table-side guacamole. That being said, I did have some pork chops in black mole that rival they best I've had in the price range and in the region.
This place is by no means a Mixteco Grill in terms of innovative and regional Mexican cuisine, but the quality is there for sure.
I also find their margaritas to be well-made and reasonably priced. Go for anything with Cuervo Tradicional - its the most agave-licious tequila for the money.

Wholly Frijoles in Lincolnwood. Not sure if its upscale enough for you, but some wonderful Mexican food served here. Last visit, I had the deep fried snapper that was perfectly cooked, topped with a salsa verde type sauce, served with cactus, mole, mexican rice, and beans. Best part is it is BYOB.

Wholly Frijoles
3908 Touhy Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60712-1028
(847) 329-9810

Wholly Frijoles has long been our family go-to spot. It meets the definition of NW burbs by a hair, but if it satisfies the OP's definition then I'd add Yolo in Skokie.

pacent wrote:Wholly Frijoles in Lincolnwood.

It might be a bit of a stretch to consider Lincolnwood a northwest suburb, but if you're willing to venture several miles east of the Kennedy anyway, then you ought to be considering Mixteco Grill, Los Moles, and Fonda del Mar at their new location on Lincoln. I ate at Mixteco Grill again a few weeks ago, and it was outstanding. I had out-of-town guests with me and they were blown away!

nsxtasy wrote:

JoelF wrote:Further north and west is Julio's Cocina Latina in Lake Zurich (formerly Julio's Latin Cafe, as their web address says: http://www.julioslatincafe.com).

I had dinner there earlier this year. It was absolutely DREADFUL. Stay away!

That's a shame. It was one of our go-to's when carrying out from friends who used to live in Tower Lakes -- I haven't been back there in several years since they moved.