Panchito's Grill - Rogers Park

Lunch yesterday at Panchito's Grill on Clark in Rogers Park - located across the street from Romanian Kosher at Touhy and Clark. Full disclosure: the owners are relatives of friends.

This is an interesting combination of Jewish Deli and Mexican standards, weighted somewhat to to deli side, if the menu is representative. (I saw no bowls of pickles, however.) The owner worked as a cook at Max and Benny's in Northbrook for many years. I can't speak to the deli fare (such as Hot Corned Beef), because I had Steak Fajitas yesterday, which were quite good. The tender steak was not overly seasoned; there were fresh peppers and a truly flawless avocado slice on top. Average, but freshly made beans and rice. No handmade tortillas here, but they did post a weekend special of caldo de camaron. Panchito's is a work-in-progress as far as identity, I think.


Steak Fajitas @ Panchito's Grill by Josephine2004, on Flickr

I'm not sure what their niche is going to be - perhaps a "something for everyone" brunch place. Considering the crowds at the Evanston weekend brunch places, it will be nice to have another Northside option that is kid-friendly with parking. ("Parking on Clark?", you say.) I would happily order the Grilled Steak and Eggs or the Huevos con Chorizo if I did not succumb to the Housemade Corned Beef Hash fried crisp upon request - sans green pepper, por favor. According to the owner, their morning business had really taken off- they are doing a lot of breakfast/brunch delivery business in East Rogers Park through GrubHub, something he did not expect, but is happy to do.

The lunch menu has lots of healthier options such as egg-white-only egg salad, turkey pastrami, green salads, veggie hash and whole grain pancakes. I'm eager to try each of their 4 kinds of tuna salad - including 3 with Mexican flavors: Acapulco, Cancun, and Chipotle. With that, I might have a bowl of chicken matzoh ball soup.

These are very nice people and I wish them well in their new venture.

Panchito's Grill
7138 N Clark
(between Touhy Ave & Estes Ave)
Chicago
(773) 274-1591

Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays

Josephine wrote:Lunch yesterday at Panchito's Grill on Clark in Rogers Park - located across the street from Romanian Kosher at Touhy and Clark.

Is that where that short-lived BBQ place was? They installed a brand new glass-house (aquarium) smoker, then went out of business a few weeks later. Last time I looked in the place, the smoker was still in there. Is it still there and functional, or did somebody get a really good bargain on a gently used smoker?

d4v3 wrote:

Josephine wrote:Lunch yesterday at Panchito's Grill on Clark in Rogers Park - located across the street from Romanian Kosher at Touhy and Clark.

Is that where that short-lived BBQ place was? They installed a brand new glass-house (aquarium) smoker, then went out of business a few weeks later. Last time I looked in the place, the smoker was still in there. Is it still there and functional, or did somebody get a really good bargain on a gently used smoker?

I am not sure about that, d4v3. I did not see a smoker in any prominent spot. Since there is no BBQ on the menu, I am thinking someone got a bargain. Maybe it is still in the basement- any interest?

I hope that people who visit will take the time to engage the owner, who would, I'm guessing, be very happy to make up custom breakfasts and sandwiches. The menu is a bit of a laundry list, and therefore open to tinkering, with the chef's approval, of course. A Reuben omelet - or Reuben CB hash- are things I'd like to try. Also- on that Acapulco tuna sub, some of those flawless avocado slices, lettuce and tomato might be nice. You get the drift. Why not a Mexican take on a burger or wings? I hope Panchito's goes for it. Like I said, these are really nice people. And the seating in booths is quite comfortable for a leisurely lunch, something I am beginning to appreciate more and more.

It is nice that the space is finally occupied. The smoker was located in a separate small room to the west of the main dining area. It would be great if it was still there, and put to good use.

The smoker and room are gone, making space more more seating.

Back in the neighborhood a few weeks ago, I decided to try the deli food at Panchito's. The Reuben came on bread less grilled than usual, but it was good. The owners tell me that they are doing a good deal of breakfast delivery business and diner food seems to be especially popular, with weekends days busy as families go out for brunch.


Reuben, Panchito's Grill by Josephine2004, on Flickr