Having been at fdm, some color will be welcome. It was a stark decor.

Any word on how Fonda Del Mar is doing in their new location? I read that they were closed.

turkob wrote:Any word on how Fonda Del Mar is doing in their new location? I read that they were closed.

Okay, here's the story.

Last year Fonda del Mar changed their name to FDM and moved to a location in North Center, on Lincoln just south of Irving. They changed their original location on Fullerton in Logan Square to a taqueria (restaurant selling primarily tacos) called Taqueria Don Diablo.

Just a few days ago (as noted here), they closed the location in North Center, and they re-opened their original location on Fullerton as Don Diablo Restaurant, with a full menu very similar to the one they were previously serving on Fullerton as Fonda del Mar and then on Lincoln as FDM. It is still owned and operated by the original principals. And currently BYO with no corkage fee.

That's what I have gleaned from LTH and from their website. If anyone has any more details, feel free to post them.

Fonda del Mar reopens as Don Diablo restaurant

Yes, that's the same link I included in my previous post.

Yeah, the North Center location never seemed to have many people in it. The food was good, but the inside always seemed like a big empty cafeteria.

I really hope they can stay in business now (and keep the quality of the food) because among other things, their back patio is one of the more pleasant outdoor eating spaces in Chicago.

Are they still offering alcohol along with byob, or is it byo only? I'm all for bringing my own, but their smokey margarita was addictive.

leek wrote:Yeah, the North Center location never seemed to have many people in it. The food was good, but the inside always seemed like a big empty cafeteria.

It was too bad . . . it almost seemed like they were never really invested in it - no signs on the outside to let you know it was there, and you couldn't see inside. And with the large, open interior, it feeled like a really weird space when sparsely occupied (yes, like a cafeteria). I kept thinking they'd put up a sign, do something with the interior, but it never happened.

I believe it's byob only. But I feel like I heard they're taking a page from Geno Bahena's notebook and making margaritas if you bring your own tequila. Not 100% sure this is the case, but it's worth an inquiry.

We had a fine experience at DD on Sat night in the lovely outdoor patio (the boat is still there!).
It is very reminiscent of Fonda Del Mar in all respects. The rice is still served in the pyramid form.
As for margo's, we brought our own tequila. They ask how many servings you want and take the
bottle in the back. Minutes later, the pitcher, the bottle (less 3-4 fingers of tequila) and salt-rimmed
glasses arrive. Fantastic for any warm evening.

When I lived on Lawndale and Fullerton, Fonda del Mar was a frequent stop for me. I was glad to hear of its reincarnation! Hope the cochinita pibil is still as delicious.