Category Archives: Mexican

That Little Mexican Cafe

Posted on by

**** (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

Posted on by

***** (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

Posted on by

*** (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

Posted on by

**** (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

Posted on by

**** (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

Posted on by

***** (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

Posted on by

***** (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

Taquitos Jalisco

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

Ten years ago my office staff and I used to drive to Taquitos Jalisco in Winter Garden because they had the best Mexican food in town. So we were delighted when a second location opened almost across the street from us.

Taquitos Jalisco serves authentic Jaliscan style Mexican food. Everything on the menu is fresh and diverse. The highlight is the Pastor, and authentic spicy pork mixed with cilantro and onions, then stuffed into gorditas.

An excellent way to experience all the flavors is to order the Plato Botanas. It’s listed as an appetizer sampler, but it makes a great meal, too.

I’ve been going to Taquitos Jalisco at least once a week for the past five years, and (contrary to what a couple of other reviews here say)  the food and service are consistently superb.

Taquitos Jalisco
2419 S Hiawassee Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 296-0626
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taquitos-jalisco-orlando