Authentic Mexican Food

Looking for good authentic Mexican food north of Downtown close to the CTA lines in a safe neighborhood such as Lincoln Park, Old Town. Any suggestions?
D. Chin

Technically, a Conundrum.

In River North Rick Bayless has created several fine restaurants that serve his version of "authentic" Mexican Food-
including his newest- XOCO, that recreates much of the fine street food that Rick has experienced from his many trips to Mexico.
Thing is- no Mexicans can afford to eat there.
(OK- maybe a gross generalization- but you count for me please - the number of Latinos on the other side of the serving line inside Topolabambo,
Frontera Grill or Xoco!)

For my palette- the only authentic/affordable- The Real Deal Mexican Restaurants you will find- are in neighborhoods that Latinos live and work in.
Lincoln Park, Old Town, etc- are not those neighborhoods.

For Mexican Seafood:
Mi Abuleo y Yo
38th & Kedzie
(beneath a pole mounted Police Surveillance Camera)
The Shrimp Consumme will knock-your-socks-OFF!
Entrees from 8.00-17.00/ amazing ceviche tostados= $3.00

Buen Proveche!

Agree with the previous response. I'll add - http://nuevoleonrestaurant.com/ - a two block walk from the 18th St Pink Line station.

Salpicon, discussed in this thread, but with other mentions on this site, is excellent in my opinion and is in Old Town, on Wells closer to Division than North Avenue. Here is a link to their website.

I've been to both Pilsen and Albany Park multiple times with no "danger". so maybe you should give those places a shot. Or, perhaps a visit to the Maxwell St. Market would be a good choice.

For street food type fare, there is La Pasadita or Tierra Caliente in Wicker Park. For a sitdown restaurant, I'd suggest Chilipan, near Armitage & Western that's close to the Blue Line. if you truly want to stick to the absolute safest neighborhoods, besides Bayless' empire I'd suggest Nuevo Mexicano on Clark, just north of Diversey.

Here is a link to the Chicago Police Department CLEARMAP database:

http://gis.chicagopolice.org/

Have a look at the neighborhoods that are and aren't "safe." The results may surprise you. As an example, for the month of July, in the "safe" neighborhoods:

Within 1/8th of a mile of Qdoba Mexican Grill, in Lincoln Park
3 motor vehicle theft
3 larceny
2 simple battery
1 aggravated battery ("other" weapon)

Within 1/8th of a mile of Twisted Lizard, in Lincoln Park
1 motor vehicle theft
6 larceny
1 simple battery
1 robbery (armed - knife, cutting instrument)

Within 1/8th of a mile of Adobo Grill, in Old Town
3 motor vehicle theft
11 larceny
1 simple battery
1 aggravated battery (knife, cutting instrument)

Within 1/8th of a mile of Flash Taco, in Wicker Park
23 larceny
1 robbery (no weapon)
11 simple battery
2 simple assault
1 aggravated battery (knife, cutting instrument)

...and the same period in the not so "safe" neighborhoods:

Within 1/8th of a mile of Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan, in Pilsen
1 motor vehicle theft
3 larceny
1 simple assault
1 aggravated battery ("other" weapon)

Within 1/8th of a mile of Birrieria Zaragoza, in Archer Heights
1 motor vehicle theft
2 larceny
2 simple battery
1 robbery (no weapon)
1 robbery ("other" weapon)

A small sample, and an incomplete picture to be sure, but I hope the point is made. I urge you not to let what I suspect is a misconception about what neighborhoods are and aren't "safe" keep you from some of the city's finer eats.

Dmnkly wrote:Here is a link to the Chicago Police Department CLEARMAP database:

http://gis.chicagopolice.org/

Have a look at the neighborhoods that are and aren't "safe." The results may surprise you. As an example, for the month of July, in the "safe" neighborhoods:

<snip>

A small sample, and an incomplete picture to be sure, but I hope the point is made. I urge you not to let what I suspect is a misconception about what neighborhoods are and aren't "safe" keep you from some of the city's finer eats.

Thank you, for posting this. Sh*t happens and it can happen anywhere, regardless of our pre-conceived notions about what is and isn't "safe."

=R=

Los Nopales is one of my favorites in the Lincoln Square hood.

viewtopic.php?t=3887

Dear dpchin - the truly "unsafe" neighborhoods don't have too many popular or trendy restaurants, either.

Criminals go where the money is - there are more petty thefts in crowds where the picking is easy. Wherever you are in the world, you need to be aware of your surroundings. When walking alone, don't wear headphones or earbuds. We've had a rash of smartphone thefts on public transit lately, in the nicest of neighborhoods. Stay in well lighted areas, don't go wandering off into dark alleys, drunk, at 3 am.

I really enjoy Cafe El Tapatio at the corner of Ashland and Roscoe. It is a great neighborhood (probably think that because it is my own) and serves up some really good Mexican food. It is close to the Paulina or Southport stops on the Brown line. Not sure if this is the further North than the OP was thinking, but none the less it is my go to Mexican spot in the city.

Bperellis wrote:I really enjoy Cafe El Tapatio at the corner of Ashland and Roscoe. It is a great neighborhood (probably think that because it is my own) and serves up some really good Mexican food. It is close to the Paulina or Southport stops on the Brown line. Not sure if this is the further North than the OP was thinking, but none the less it is my go to Mexican spot in the city.

ditto.

The problem with answering a question like this from DPCHIN is determining his/her definition of "authentic".....I've always noticed in travels across the country that this "authentic" label is, for some reason, very frequently touted by Mexican restaurants.....I have never seen a sign for "Authentic Thai, Authentic Italian, etc. etc......but it seems 7 out 10 Mexican eateries advertise this way.....and of course, these are typically places that are anything but...

So while our definition of the term here in our restaurant rich city my be one thing, out of towner DPCHIN's, I strongly suspect, may be quite different...

This all being said, all the best truly authentic places have already been suggested here....and I agree with them....IF however DPCHIN's definition leads toward enchiladas, tacos, burritos, fajitas, etc.......then he/she should try Fernandos.....steps from the Paulina Brown Line stop....and great food for this genre...and neighborhood could not be "safer"

ParkLaBrea wrote:I have never seen a sign for "Authentic Thai,...

Guess what TAC stands for.

ParkLaBrea wrote:The problem with answering a question like this from DPCHIN is determining his/her definition of "authentic".....I've always noticed in travels across the country that this "authentic" label is, for some reason, very frequently touted by Mexican restaurants.....I have never seen a sign for "Authentic Thai, Authentic Italian, etc. etc......but it seems 7 out 10 Mexican eateries advertise this way.....and of course, these are typically places that are anything but...

So while our definition of the term here in our restaurant rich city my be one thing, out of towner DPCHIN's, I strongly suspect, may be quite different...

This all being said, all the best truly authentic places have already been suggested here....and I agree with them....IF however DPCHIN's definition leads toward enchiladas, tacos, burritos, fajitas, etc.......then he/she should try Fernandos.....steps from the Paulina Brown Line stop....and great food for this genre...and neighborhood could not be "safer"

Geez, why not give this person the benefit of the doubt. The OP asked for a recommendation of an authentic restaurant. While the definition of authentic may vary from person to person, I would think a smart reply would at least point to a particular example of someone's definition of authentic.

I would hope that when I ask for a restaurant recommendation, I don't get a response along the lines of "You may be an idiot and like bad food. How I am supposed to know?! So although you asked me for a recommendation of a good restaurant, I'm going to give you the exact opposite of what you asked for because, for all know, you can't tell the difference."

Here are a few recommendations:

Sol de Mexico (perhaps a bit further west than you want)
Take Metra and walk, or a bus from various points.
3018 North Cicero Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641-5106
(773) 282-4119

Mixteco Grill
Near Brown and Red lines
1601 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL
(773) 868-1601 ‎

There are a lot of good taquerias on the north side. Two of my favorites are Taqueria El Asadero and Pasadita.

If you want to stay near downtown, I'd head to Salpicon or one of Bayless' places.

boudreaulicious wrote:

Bperellis wrote:I really enjoy Cafe El Tapatio at the corner of Ashland and Roscoe. It is a great neighborhood (probably think that because it is my own) and serves up some really good Mexican food. It is close to the Paulina or Southport stops on the Brown line. Not sure if this is the further North than the OP was thinking, but none the less it is my go to Mexican spot in the city.

ditto.

thirded. haven't been in ages (since discovering Los Nopales) but need to rectify that soon.

Favorite dish:
"Revoltijo Ajijic - Open face plantain topped with steak, onions, poblano peppers, mushrooms, and chihuahua cheese."

My my Darren...so angry..


Not implying this person is an idiot at all...quite the contrary....pointed them to the other suggestions (which I said are all good)...but just in case they wanted something else, suggeted Fernandos.....

And if one is an idiot for liking "bad food" such as Americanized crispy tacos, burritos, refried beans and neon margaritas once in a while......guilty.......

You missed the point of the analogy. I wasn't implying that you recommended so-called bad food. I am pointing out that you are recommending something very different than what the OP asked for. Saying "...out of towner DPCHIN's, I strongly suspect, may be quite different..." is a bit insulting and, more importantly, led you give a real dumbed-down recommendation. This person asked for recommendations for authentic Mexican. Why send him/her to a run of the mill American-Mexican joint?

I'll throw in Los Comales as being fantastic and very authentic. Just a general sit down taqueria with plenty of options and delicious food. They are located all over the place as it's a local chain. Really good stuff.

http://www.loscomales.com/locations.php

Having the second largest population of Mexicans in America, Chicago has a rich bounty of authentic Mexican restaurants.

I would NOT count Rick Bayless' places as anywhere near authentic.

If you want great (and I mean great) Mexican street food, the Maxwell Street Market can't be beat. I also love Nuevo Leon (as a 15 year resident of LA) and the other great places many have mentioned above.

Just back from El Tapatio and know I should start a thread on this place so that's what I'm gonna do!

DutchMuse wrote:I would NOT count Rick Bayless' places as anywhere near authentic.
.

Ok. That is like saying, "Tank Noodle is NOT Italian." We all know that. He knows that. He always has said that he takes inspiration from authentic Mexican food and applies that to his food.

Gocubs: I don't know who you mean by "we all" but no, not everyone knows that. Please.

DutchMuse wrote:I would NOT count Rick Bayless' places as anywhere near authentic.

Then I would say you are sadly mistaken and it makes me wonder if you've ever actually been to Mexico. My wife (born and raised in Mexico City and Uruapan Michoacan) and I went to Frontera since it opened because it was the only place at the time that had food that was really like Mexico. There are many others since then and now we are back in Mexico. Rick Bayless whatever else you might think about him brings the goods consistently.

This discussion runs the risk of devolving into a very sticky (not to mention well-worn) debate, but let me see if I can head it off at the pass.

It seems to me that to paint all of Bayless' food with the broad brush of authentic or inauthentic is insufficiently nuanced a position. Some dishes he serves are authentic, others aren't. Or more accurately, some are more authentic than others. Authenticity isn't a digital state. What I think we can probably all agree on is that he knows the difference, having most likely spent more time in Mexico than all of those commenting in this thread combined, and he even goes so far in some of his cookbooks as to carefully label which recipes are traditional and which are contemporary.

I also think it's worth noting that he uses the word traditional rather than authentic. There are Mexican-born chefs running very contemporary restaurants in Mexico, inspired by traditional Mexican flavors and using many traditional Mexican techniques (Pujol and Izote are two examples I've visited), and "inauthentic" seems a wholly inappropriate label for the food being produced by these chefs, though it's no more traditional (often less so) than most of Bayless' dishes.

BR wrote:Salpicon, discussed in this thread, but with other mentions on this site, is excellent in my opinion and is in Old Town, on Wells closer to Division than North Avenue. Here is a link to their website.

I'll second this. Food and service have always been fantastic.

Disclosure: They are a client, but it's true.

Nuevo Leon and all the hype!
I know that you’ve heard it a thousand times! Nuevo Leon is the best Mexican restaurant in Pilsen. Anyone who comes to visit me in the neighborhood has to stop in at Nuevo Leon. Anytime anyone wants to meet in Pilsen they want to go to Nuevo Leon. I can go on but I won’t. I hesitated to put in my two cents but here goes. Nuevo Leon never disappoints! I LOVE getting the free appetizer when you sit down. It’s different everyday. Most of the appetizers are not included on the menu so it is always a treat from a simple chicken soup to a stew of carne asada and beans. My favorite is a pork dish with chile stew!

Then you begin with the appetizers on the menu. You can get six nachos for $3.00 loaded with refried beans, sour cream and guacamole! Then you move on to dinner. So much to choose from but I have to tell you about my favorite Alambres (SHISH-KE-BOB) for $11.50 Chunks of choice skirt steak, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes grilled on a skewer, served with guacamole, refried beans and rice. This dish is sure to please the dish is always grilled perfectly and has a perfect flavor.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that breakfasts at Nuevo Leon are hardy and fulfilling and inexpensive! Prices range from $4 to $7.50 really a steal in Chicago’s markets. Okay, Okay I just added to the hype, but seriously what restaurant in Pilsen deserves it more!

This restaurant will be featured on the Restaurant Tour in Pilsen September 15, 2011! Buen Provecho! Pilsen
http://www.eighteenthstreet.org/

Buen Provecho!
Good Eating!

Yolanda,

You're preaching to the choir. Nuevo Leon is an LTH Forum Great Neighborhood Restaurant (GNR). Of course, there are many other smaller Mom & Pop type places in Pilsen that are very good as well.

trpt2345 wrote:

DutchMuse wrote:I would NOT count Rick Bayless' places as anywhere near authentic.

Then I would say you are sadly mistaken and it makes me wonder if you've ever actually been to Mexico. My wife (born and raised in Mexico City and Uruapan Michoacan) and I went to Frontera since it opened because it was the only place at the time that had food that was really like Mexico. There are many others since then and now we are back in Mexico. Rick Bayless whatever else you might think about him brings the goods consistently.

Having lived in Los Angeles 15 years, I assure you I've been to Mexico countless times including gastronomic restaurants in Mexico City and elsewhere.

We differ in our opinion; IMHO Bayless' cuisine does not come close to that. It is American tourist food for what folks imagine Mexican food. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, as am I. We view it very differently.

Dmnkly wrote:
I also think it's worth noting that he uses the word traditional rather than authentic. There are Mexican-born chefs running very contemporary restaurants in Mexico, inspired by traditional Mexican flavors and using many traditional Mexican techniques (Pujol and Izote are two examples I've visited), and "inauthentic" seems a wholly inappropriate label for the food being produced by these chefs, though it's no more traditional (often less so) than most of Bayless' dishes.

Yes! Terrific comments.