Category Archives: Mexican

Las Palmas Restaurant & Bar

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**** (4 stars)

I was hesitant to try this place because of the reviews, and I’m a bit of a Tex Mex snob. But I have to say that their premium margarita is killer. Maybe no one tries it because it’s $11 bucks, but it was worth it: top of the line Sauza and Gran Marnier.

I had the veggie fajitas, which were an amazing spread for $7.95.

Service on a quiet Friday afternoon was attentive. I’d go back.

Las Palmas Restaurant & Bar
817 University Pl
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-2555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/las-palmas-restaurant-and-bar-evanston

El Cholo

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***** (5 stars)

I’ve been going to El Cholo for so long I can remember when the kid’s menu was spaghetti! If you don’t remember when the place was a little house, you won’t remember that. Since then they’ve added a bar, the world’s best margaritas, the best nachos anywhere, guacamole, and about 200 seats. But the number 1 dinner is identical to the one they served back in the 60s, and probably back in the 20s, when they opened. Sure, it’s not 25 cents any more, but what is?

If you’re going to El Cholo for authentic Mexican food or for Tex Mex food, you won’t find either. The fact is, El Cholo invented what they serve, and it’s simply El Cholo food. For example, their “taco” is meat rolled in a corn tortilla and fried, sort of like a taquito, but then buried in lettuce, tomato and so on. What is it? Who knows, but it’s good, just eat it! The cheese enchilada has green onion in it, and is smothered in a delicious red sauce. Paired with a taco it’s called a number 1, and I’m making myself hungry just describing it.

Service is always friendly, and it’s not unusual to have a server who has been working (and eating) there for 30 years. It’s a fine tradition to uphold.

El Cholo
1121 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 734-2773
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-cholo-los-angeles

That Little Mexican Cafe

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**** (4 stars)

The first time I went here I had pretty conventional Tex Mex fare, and it was fine. But on my return visit I decided to see if they could do authentic Mexican food, and I left quite impressed. I had the Pibil, a slow roasted marinated pork, somewhat like pastor. It was brimming with interesting spices and had a piquant tang to the barbecue-like sauce. Served with corn tortillas, it was delicious and authentic.

The salsa here is quite good, a homemade version more about the herbs and spices than tomato sauce. Chips are fairly sturdy, and also seem homemade.

The margaritas are excellent. They’re hand shaken and poured over the rocks, and have just the right level of tartness, and a good balance of tequila to juice.

Service is friendly and attentive. Brunch is available on the weekends.

That Little Mexican Cafe
1010 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 905-1550
http://www.yelp.com/biz/that-little-mexican-cafe-evanston

Dos Ricco’s

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***** (5 stars)

I love Korean barbecue tacos. The mixture of cuisines is perfect. Dos Ricco’s makes a great one. The Regular taco comes on a corn tortilla, while the Korean version comes on a flour tortilla. However I would ask for the corn tortilla with their Korean selection.

The service is super helpful, which really makes it a joy to visit the place. Be aware that it’s not really a sit down restaurant, as there are only stools for about 10 people in the small ordering and eating space.

Dos Ricco’s
6445 S Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60638
(773) 284-9088
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dos-riccos-chicago

Cantina Laredo

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*** (3 stars)

I’m not sure what to say about this place. I like the ambiance and the food, but every time my wife and I eat here we don’t feel well, so we’ve stopped going. It must be some spice they use. Good chips and salsa, and good margaritas. There are some interesting twists on typical TexMex, so if it agrees with you, it could be a good choice.

Cantina Laredo
8000 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-0186
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cantina-laredo-orlando-2

Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar

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**** (4 stars)

The interior of this place is gorgeous, with a trendy bar and bustling dining area. And–what a concept–a Sand Lake Road restaurant that takes advantage of the lake view! The food is good, not necessarily inventive or inspired. There are the usual Americanized taco and enchilada offerings, but some of the stuffings are quite tasty. I particularly liked the seasoned pork. They also have several kinds of Molcajete, which you don’t see in that many Mexican restaurants in Orlando. Molcajete actually means mortar and pestle, but on menus it’s a sort of stew served in a pot that usually looks nothing like a mortar. It is quite succulent. Table-side guacamole is a very generous serving, and contains a tremendous amount of lime juice, the predominant flavor. The tortilla chips are very heavily seasoned, which makes it a bit hard to tell what the guacamole tastes like. A couple of tacos at $4 each make a reasonable lunch, so it’s not as expensive as that neat decor might suggest. Add on that table-side guacamole and some drinks, though, and it’s not the cheapest Mexican restaurant in town.

Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
7468 W Sandlake Rd
Orlando, FL 32836
(407) 226-0550
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roccos-tacos-and-tequila-bar-orlando

Taco Diablo

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**** (4 stars)

Easily the best Mexican food in Evanston. It seems the place has overcome some early management issues and is running smoothly with good service. The food is excellent. Fresh chips, two salsas (hot red and tangy green) served when you sit down. Everything comes with decent Spanish rice and tasty beans (bacon charro or black). I had three tacos: spicy shrimp (spicy as advertised, good slaw), potato (actually mashed sweet potato, surprisingly good with the fresh cilantro and onions), and catfish (really good, and I’m not a catfish fan). The house margarita, is a bit tart (which I like) flavorful and potent. The premium margarita is superb. Great atmosphere: upscale funky warehouse. Definitely worth a return visit.

Taco Diablo
1029 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 868-8229
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-diablo-evanston

Border Grill Fresh-Mex

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***** (5 stars)

With no sign on the building, it’s a challenge to find the Border Grill, but well worth it. Look for the neon sign in the window that says Authentic Mexican Food. Indeed it is. The mole sauce on our enchiladas was the highlight, dark, rich and slightly spicy. The refried beans are really authentic, too, and probably bad for you. The al Pastor marinated BBQ pork in the gordita was less rich than some I’ve had, but still tasty, and the gordita shell was crispy/soft and delicious, although I would have prefered it with cilantro rather than lettuce. Everything is made to order, so arrive early and plan on 15 minutes for the food to be ready. A great find!

Border Grill Fresh-Mex
5695A Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-0101
http://www.yelp.com/biz/border-grill-fresh-mex-orlando-2

La Cazuela

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***** (5 stars)

It’s not fancy, just a store front, and there’s no guarantee you can order in English, but pointing works great, and the food is delicious. Fresh chips and two very different and tasty salsas with just the right kick will show up when you sit down. This is especially the place for fish, prepared in many different ways. My favorite is one of the simplest, Torta de Pescado, a fish sandwich that is almost criminally inexpensive. The delicious fresh made guacamole is also a steal. Highly recommended.

La Cazuela
6922 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 338-5425
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-cazuela-chicago-3