El Cid 2
(773) 395-0505
2645 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago,
IL
60647
41.9297
-87.7072
Neighborhoods: North Side, Logan Square
What People Are Saying About El Cid 2
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Judging from the familiar greetings and exchanges between servers and patrons, El Cid (named after the medieval Spanish warrior) has a loyal neighborhood clientele, with good reason. The restaurant itself is small, with 12 tables, but the real attraction is the large, leafy back patio, a popular spot for a meal of specialty fish tacos or shrimp fajitas accompanied by a margarita.
User Reviews
asper12
October 12, 2008
I'd been a resident of Logan Blvd. and patron of El Cid's for many years. Having moved away, I was excited to dine at El Cid's again and enthusiastically described the place to the friend I brought along last night. The weather was perfect for outdoor dining so we sat in the back patio. The atmosphere seemed pleasant, but as we sat an odd smell began to permeate. We thought it might be someone's perfume so we asked to move to another table. Sadly, it was not another diner's perfume, it was an incense El Cid's was using throughout the patio. Cooking 101 might tell us NOT to use incense or scented candles while dining!!! It was awful. We stayed, however. I was sure the food would make up for the uncomfortable ambience. NO. Someone in the kitchen forgot spices. It was bland. It was served at room temperature. I was embarrassed. Don't bother going there. There are many many better Mexican restaurants in the city.
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maura1171
June 30, 2008
I was extremely excited when we arrived and went to the back patio, it seemed perfect!! Then we waited, and waited and waited. I thought okay it's Saturday night they are busy but the servers were sitting on a bench gabbing and laughing and finally one of them decided to come over. The drinks, starters and entrees all arrived at the same time and no room to put anything so they took our entrees back into the kitchen. The tamales for starters were good but when the entrees were brought out for the third time well, obviously they were cold, but my main complaint is that they were bland. Very bland. I had to ask for pico, sour cream and guac and I got a paper plate with a spoonful of each slathered on it and charged a buck for each!! We waited forever for a second round of drinks and again the waitstaff just hanging out . It took our server forever to get us the bill. Sorry but it was a let down. The atmosphere is great and the drinks were great, I could live with the bland food if I just ordered apps and they brought extra pico etc... but the service ruined the chance of a return. As a server myself I can sympathize with a busy section but this was just a joke, I really think they were drinking some of the pitchers themselves!!
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tsetown
May 29, 2008
This is my first review here and after reading the "not recommended" review, I felt obligated to tell the public the more standard view of El Cid 2. The upstairs lounge the first reviewer was referring to was new at the time. Its a cute, lounge-like atmosphere with a full bar and a fantastic range of tequilas. At first they had a different menu then the more traditional taco joint downstairs. But now the downstairs menu is available in the lounge as well. The lounge also features an additional "light bites" menu. They have fantastic margharitas and cocktails and it's a great date atmosphere. The back patio is tucked away with Latin music playing in the background, remenicent of a tiki bar. There is also a small front patio where you can dine on warm afternoon looking out over the boulevard. I highly recommend El Cid. I've been going there for years.
read full reviewThe Details on El Cid 2
What to Drink:
Skip the generic American draft selection and try a Modelo Especial or Pacifico instead.
Category:
Restaurants, Beer Gardens, Neighborhood Bars, Bars & Clubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Cuisine:
Bar & Club Special Features:
Minimum Age:
21
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
