Atlas Cafe

What are some thoughts on Atlas Cafe in Logan Square. I was thinking of checking it out with some friends of mine. We are looking for a good, inexpensive Latin American restaurant to eat at in the Logan Square vicinity that is BYO. I have had Fonda del Mar (is it still BYO?) a few times and would like to try something different.

HI,

Fonda del Mar is still BYO. I was there last night with Mr. and Mrs. JiminLoganSquare to present their Great Neighborhood Restaurant certificate. They had a price fixed Day of the Dead meal for $35 each, which was very good. Sometime over the weekend I hope to post more about it.

I hope someone more familiar with the area can propose someplace else for you to consider.

Regards,

I hate to stray too far from the original Atlas Cafe focus of this post, but I do live in the area and have a handful of recommendations (most of which are somewhat shy on ambiance, but certainly made up for by high quality and reasonable prices):

El Rinconcito Cubano: incredible ropa vieja in a lively but modest, byob setting. I dream about this stuff. 3248 W. Fullerton

El Pacifico: not byob, but the very passable margaritas are only $3.95. This is a wonderful family-run place with excellent, rich dishes for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike (great chiles rellenos). Plus they always seem to be open (we had an excellent, hangover-busting breakfast last New Year's Day morning): 3534 W Fullerton (be careful, b/c they generally include the tip in the tab; this is clearly indicated on their menu).

And of course people have written at length about the wonderful taquerias and cafeteria-style offerings in the area, but the following deserve special mention:

Cafe con Leche
Burrito Joint
Tropicuba
Guanajuato grocery
Carnitas Paisa

Also, there seems to be a new place on Fullerton just west of Kimball (south side of street) with a sign that simply reads, "Cafeteria." The food looks great, but I haven't had a chance to try it so can't vouch for its quality.

Happy hunting . . .

I posted about one experience with Atlas Cafe (delivery) here. I also happened to drive by there tonight (a Saturday) and the place was totally empty, although lit up and apparently open for business.

I've been to Atlas Cafe a few times, mainly to hear the live music and get some work done. The service is friendly and enthusiastic, and will let you take your sweet time. I've really enjoyed the Chacarero - a grilled steak sandwich with avocado and tomato (and the server told me you can get an off-menu tostada version). The zaalouk (tomatoes, eggplant, garlic & kalamata olives) is fresh and tasty. I'm definitely a sucker for olives in my food. There's also quite a list of pasta dishes and it's very vegetarian-friendly (in case you're there in mixed company). I recommend ending with the coffee flan for a sugary rush of creamy caffeine goodness.

I live right across the street from Atlas so we eat here a lot and have no complaints. However, I would actually recommend Conoce Mi Panama right down the street on Armitage - it's excellent.

essie wrote:I live right across the street from Atlas so we eat here a lot and have no complaints. However, I would actually recommend Conoce Mi Panama right down the street on Armitage - it's excellent.

Hi,

What do you recommend at Conoce Mi Panama?

Regards,

Hi Cathy,

I recommend in this order:

Lomo Relleno
Arroz con Pollo
Ropa Viejo

The plantains are wonderful (they are like crack to me).
There are some dishes that I haven't had yet so can't comment on everything.
Also, due to the fact that we have a baby with an early bedtime, we haven't eaten in - only takeout. It is BYOB.

Hope this helps a little!