good mexican near Wicker Park/River North

I'm looking for suggestions. Not a big fan of "Chicago style" enchiladas, or carne asada . I love tacos, enchiladas, and quacamole. Any tips are much appreciated.

It's too bad you don't do asada, because La Pasadita on Ashland just south of Division is probably the best for steak tacos IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. I also like Las Asadas on Western a couple blocks north of Armitage. It's a little hut-like place, and I think their owners also have something to do with La Pasadita. They have good grilled chicken tacos. Because it's close to me, and the food is pretty good, I also like Chavas on Grand just east of Western. Forget about Tecalitlan on Chicago Ave and Ashland. Way overpriced for what you get. And it's not even that good. You'll pay 10 bucks for freakin' quesadillas. And unless you're wasted, you don't need to waste your time at Lazos or Arturos on Armitage and Western.

I agree - La Pasadita is the best steak tacos in town (and the "meat cloud" outside the restaurant is heavenly!) and Tecalitlan is definately the best place for a cheap and good Mexican dinner (not to mention the best salsa in town.) There's always El Barco (on Ashland at Cortez), the Mexican seafood place - not exactly tacos, but really good if you're looking for something different.

You could try Irazu on Milwaukee Ave. (at Oakley) It's not Mexican - it's Costa Rican - but the food's really good...best plantains in the city.

There's the Adobo Grill at Division/Damen and Las Palmas on North just east of Damen. Both get pretty decent reviews.

tem wrote:There's the Adobo Grill at Division/Damen and Las Palmas on North just east of Damen. Both get pretty decent reviews.

Personally, I've never left Adobo Grill without feeling ripped off. They don't have the haute appeal of the Bayless operations or Chilpancingo, and their prices are much higher than you'd expect for standard Mexican fair. (~$19 for some mediocre enchiladas in mole? Come on.) I don't really care for the tableside guacamole thing (it just makes the service seem intrusive), and overall I've never eaten anything there that really excited me, in the least.

I've been a couple of times by the virtue of the Wicker Park location being ridiculously convenient, but I don't plan on going back - there's simply too many other options that are more deserving of my time and money.

markd wrote:I'm looking for suggestions. Not a big fan of "Chicago style" enchiladas, or carne asada . I love tacos, enchiladas, and quacamole. Any tips are much appreciated.

What are Chicago style enchiladas

I wouldn't even consider Adobo "Mexican". It's a place that's very indicative of Wicker Park today: overpriced and homogenized. I'm more inclined to go to places like Taco Veloz on Chicago Ave...Damn, I sound like a snob!

Polaxican wrote:And unless you're wasted, you don't need to waste your time at Lazos or Arturos on Armitage and Western.

I'm sorry, I've got to take issue with this. Lazo's, I can't speak to, because I've never been there. When I moved to Chicago, I took a break from unpacking to walk down the street for some dinner, and was faced with--side by side--the choice between Arturo's and Lazo's. For whatever reason, I chose Arturo's, and I have never regretted it, ever.

I won't speculate as to what you might have against Arturo's. I've tried nearly everything on the menu, and only the chicken that comes in the tacos and burritos hasn't been up to par. As far as taqueria food goes, Arturo's does it as well as anyone in the city, with the possible exception of Taqueria la Oaxaquena, which I really consider to be "more" than a taqueria, owing to the generally more upscale menu.

Favorites include the Milanesa Dinner ($7.95?! one of the better deals in the city), buche tacos, al pastor tacos, pozole soup, and chilaquiles. I really hope you're not just trying to write this restaurant off because it's open 24 hours and attracts post-bartime diners.

La Pasadita has never done much for me, and I found them to be significantly more expensive than Arturo's for food that wasn't as good.

Oh, and I love the guac (and the tortilla soup and many other things) at Taqueria Moran, on the corner of Milwaukee and California, under the Californial El stop.

La Pasadita (the larger one on the west side of Ashland) has the best salsa I have ever tasted, EVER. It's the salsa negra--dark dark green and viciously hot. I wish I knew what the ingredients were so I could re-create it at home--for now, my partner and I just settle for getting it carryout in an horchata cup.

I've been waiting for someone else to link, but there are several threads(at least two pertaining to al pastor) that cover overlooked WP taquerias and also debate the quality of the La Pasadita mini-empire.

TimeOut Chicago had an interesting article about La Pasadita in this week's (or was it last week's?) issue... It was one of those yellow box things where readers write in... The question was why there are 3 right next to each other... They explain the history of the three. Also, apparently the largest of the three has a few things they are known for that the others don't have, though some say one of the other ones is actually better?

I'll second the Arturo's suggestion above.
Faced with the same choice, Arturo's vs. Lazo's when we moved to the neighborhood, we chose the Arturo's. At the time it was more run-down on the outside and busier inside -- which from my east coast diner past are two signs of a good local eatery when they occur in conjunction. Local license plates in the parking lot is another good sign, but that doesn't apply here. (although cops eat here and that also is a good sign.)

Our usual fare is burritos, tacos, sopes and especially the chile rellenos.
We usually get pork, steak or al pastor.
I agree the chicken can be dry, but other times it seems to have been warming in some wonderful juicy sauce and is quite good.

Note: You can ask for carnitas on a taco or sope even if they don't list it (yum crunchy bits of skin and juicy pork).

The prices have gone up a dollar or so in the past year -- no longer 4.95 or 5.25 for a burrito but it ain't gonna break your wallet either.

Irazu is also very good (and yes not mexican but similar) and these places are both easy walking from the Western Blue line stop.

We tried IXCAPUZALCO at its new La Bonita location a few months back and would GLADLY trade in that meal for 10 meals at Arturos.

The goat cheese chile rellenos at IXCA were filled with carrots, the lamb chops had maybe two bites of meat on them. The moles were salty, soulless creations. The salmon portion was tiny. The chips and margaritas weren't even up to par. Very sad. We were excited to hear they had moved so close to us. Ah well.

(We have also had poor experiences with Frontera as of late and have moved to Chilpancingo as our destination when out of town foodies request Frontera.) We also tried Adobo Grill on Division with a coupon and know that if we had paid full price I would have felt dissappointed (overpriced, small portions, a couple good appetizers but in the end not worth returning for).

Chicken tacos at Taco Cafe on North/Ashland tend to be superb: marinated dark meat, and lots of it. Carne asada at El Gusto on Milwaukee near Wood is quite good. Beef at La Pasadita is always succulent. El Taco Veloz was subpar in every facet when I ate there. Americanized but tasty is Picante, a tiny tableless burrito joint on Division west of Damen. Ixca and Adobo: not worth it.

Does Arturo's deliver?

DanR wrote:Chicken tacos at Taco Cafe on North/Ashland tend to be superb: marinated dark meat, and lots of it. Carne asada at El Gusto on Milwaukee near Wood is quite good. Beef at La Pasadita is always succulent. El Taco Veloz was subpar in every facet when I ate there. Americanized but tasty is Picante, a tiny tableless burrito joint on Division west of Damen. Ixca and Adobo: not worth it.

Just to confuse this issue further I'll state that I've never had anything at El Taco Veloz that wasn't good to great. It's not a place that'll change your life but it's a place that I miss since leaving that neighborhood.

And I've had chewy beef at La Pasadita--tasty, yes, succulent, no. I like LP just fine but I prefer De Pasada a block south on Ashland.

A friend of mine thinks El Gusto is about as good as it gets. I can't go that far but it's certainly good.

Kurt

kvltrede wrote:Just to confuse this issue further I'll state that I've never had anything at El Taco Veloz that wasn't good to great. It's not a place that'll change your life but it's a place that I miss since leaving that neighborhood.

I am on record here, and at Chowhound, as a longtime fan of El Taco Veloz.

I always direct newcomers to pay attention to the signage out front as it clearly indicates the specialties of the house-- carne en su jugo and cecina estilo Veloz.

At one time, and before I had visited many other taquerias in Chicago, I was fond of a great number of items at El Taco Veloz. Now, while I generally favour varied/other establishments for most of those same things, ETV's carne en su jugo and cecina estilo Veloz remain real favourites of mine.

The table salsas at ETV are quite good, as are the complimentary chiles en escabeche.

In any event, I cannot think of another establishment in town which sets out an ice-filled cooler full of mixed beer for their patrons to grab from as they make their way to a table.

El Taco Veloz
1745 W. Chicago Ave.
312.738.0363
8am-1am Sun-Th
7am-3am Fr-Sat


E.M.

Erik, thanks for the rec of El Taco Veloz. After months of good intentions, I finally stopped in last night with a friend. I had planned to try the cecina, but the especial de hoy was birria and I was feeling unusually goatish. My friend (The Vicar) could not be convinced to try the cecina or carne en su jugo, and he went with camarones a la plancha. The birria utterly hit the spot, and the camarones were very nicely spiced, if a little dry. I would order them again as an appetizer for several people, but I'd definitely have the birria again. Our servers were charming and attentive and brought us many beers ("many" being some number n, where n is >7 and a Mersenne prime). I eagerly look forward to returning soon to try the dishes you recommended.

Choey wrote:Erik, thanks for the rec of El Taco Veloz. After months of good intentions, I finally stopped in last night with a friend.

Yay! Now, you can tell me where to go.

E.M.

P.S. I am anxious to hear what you think about Ginger's, Choey. Unless you can be satisfied with Guinness, I doubt that you will be impressed with the beer programme. From what I hear, though, the lineup at Ginger's is fairly representative of what the kids in Ireland are drinking these days, e.g., Smithwick's, Harp, Amstel Light, and Corona.

Erik M. wrote:P.S. I am anxious to hear what you think about Ginger's, Choey. Unless you can be satisfied with Guinness,...

The sacred pint alone can unbind the tongue of Choey. I'll reconnoiter and report back soon.

Stately Plump Malavita Mulligan

I read several posts about CESJ today, so I will stop in and try it at Veloz. I have to also recommend their pork tostadas. They are incredibly cheap and incredibly flavorful. Do not get the beef. Get the pork. I don't know if they are authentic, but they are damn good.

i also am a fan of el taco valoz on Chicago ave. I love their cecina - torta, dinners, whatever form.

and as for El Gusto on Milwaukee near Wood - that place is long shuttered. it's actually also gutted, being readied for some new business, whatever it may be...i didn't think it was super fantastic, but i'd also go there in a pinch when i was craving mexican.

leesh

I have never had a good taco at La Pasadita, and I live right off Division, so I have given it a few chances. Way too greasy, too many onions and the meat is grisly, not once, have I had good steak there. My all time favorite and standard for all other tacos is Los Burritos Mexicanos, 118 W. North Ave, Villa Park. (also location on St. Charles) The salsa is addicting as are the red and green sauces. The steak is seasoned perfectly with pepper and not a morsel of grisel. I am so disappointed in the steak taco offerings so far in my neighborhood given the amount of taquerias that are all around me. So, I will give El Taco Valoz a shot.

nicinchic wrote:I have never had a good taco at La Pasadita, and I live right off Division, so I have given it a few chances. Way too greasy, too many onions and the meat is grisly.

What you call grease and gristle, I call flavor

If you like a cleaner carne asada (I don't mean that as a shot), La Pasadita is probably not for you. But I carried out from little-east-side-of-the-street-La-Pasadita last night for dinner, and thought it was great... again.

Vital Information wrote:What are Chicago style enchiladas

I'm confused as well. Anyone have an answer for this question?

Taft

mrtrumbe wrote:

Vital Information wrote:What are Chicago style enchiladas

I'm confused as well. Anyone have an answer for this question?

Taft

Maybe an enchilada with chopped vienna dogs and sport peppers??

Of course, New York style is better, what with the hotter ovens and all.

I dragged DH out for tacos in Friday's night rain. I was really hoping that El Taco Veloz was going to be my new taco place as soon as I saw the cooler of ice cold beer and my Bohemia arrived with ice on the outside. But, I knew it was too good to be true. Same La Pasadita type steak, full of grisel, and I don't mean tasty fat. The enchiladas saved the day, but I ordered three chicken and two beef, and received five chicken. The steak tostada was Ok, but it had a piece of avacado on it, that I had to use a steak knife on because it was so hard, and what's with the pale tomato slices just laying on everything? Chips were good, but no salsa for dipping. We also liked the pickled vegetables, but a bin on the table always scares me.
So the quest for the perfect steak taco continues in the city for me.

nicinchic wrote:I dragged DH out for tacos in Friday's night rain. I was really hoping that El Taco Veloz was going to be my new taco place as soon as I saw the cooler of ice cold beer and my Bohemia arrived with ice on the outside. But, I knew it was too good to be true. Same La Pasadita type steak, full of grisel, and I don't mean tasty fat. The enchiladas saved the day, but I ordered three chicken and two beef, and received five chicken. The steak tostada was Ok, but it had a piece of avacado on it, that I had to use a steak knife on because it was so hard, and what's with the pale tomato slices just laying on everything? Chips were good, but no salsa for dipping. We also liked the pickled vegetables, but a bin on the table always scares me.
So the quest for the perfect steak taco continues in the city for me.

Have you tried a place like Wholly Frijoles in Lincolnwood? It sounds like you are looking for the "Gringo" style of tacos that they serve. The Chow Poodle is fond of their carne asada and steak tacos/enchaladas because the meat is very tender and doesn't contain much gristle/fat.

Wholly Firjoles
3908 W. Touhy
Lincolnwood, IL
847-329-9810

nicinchic wrote:I have never had a good taco at La Pasadita, and I live right off Division, so I have given it a few chances. Way too greasy, too many onions and the meat is grisly, not once, have I had good steak there. My all time favorite and standard for all other tacos is Los Burritos Mexicanos, 118 W. North Ave, Villa Park.

I think you may have yet to get a good batch of carne asada. I worked with two ppl who were "Los Burritos" fans -one from Lombard, and one from Villa Park. Both are now total converts to Las Asada's (same stuff as La Pasadita.) I've given Los Burritos a try once. I found it completely vile.
May just be a "to each his own" type of thing, but I prefer char grilled steak to pan fried. I'm very confident that once you get a good batch from La Pasadita, you may change your mind. Every so often, they get a not so stellar batch of arrachera from the supplier, and it takes a few weeks to get through it. When it's good though, it is simply stellar grilled skirt steak - juicy and tender.

Although it will probably be the meat from the same supplier, and it will be char-grilled, you may want to give Las Asada's a try. You have one
on 2072 N. Western. Again, it's going to be the same 'style' of taco as La Pasadita - onions/cilantro/GRILLED steak/sauce - maybe let them know you do not want a lot of onions - no big deal. If you get a good batch, IMHO there is none better.

ok seebee, I'll give it a try. La Pasadita I will say has been better on some occasions than others, and obviously, does a great business. I just don't like taking a bite of my taco and bite into a hard bit of anything, especially grisel. I can buy into what you're saying about the meat. Sorry you don't like my villa park place, but that's why we all have opinions. I also find it noteworthy that most of the people in los burritos restuarants are Mexican families. I just think the meat has seasoning and flavor, while the places in my neighborhood don't even seem to use salt and pepper.

In my limited experience, the diners in other outposts of the Los Burritos chain have not been Mexican families, but rather the demographic for which the word "burrito" is an important signal. I thought the steak was pretty bad in Lombard, eg, but some of the other stuff seemed fine. The fat and fire is what makes Pasadita appealing to me, and C. Leon only more so. But I can see your point if you absolutely hate connective tissue in your taco (gristle). Try the lengua at Pasadita: it's beefy and delicious and has absolutely no gristle or chunks of fat. It's quite a bit more "cleaned up" than some other lengua tacos around town.