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Oversized drinks and Mexican dishes attract crowds to this casual corner spot.
(773) 598-5578
3400 North Ashland Avenue
(Roscoe Street)
Chicago,
IL
60657
41.9434
-87.669
Neighborhoods: North Side, Lakeview
El Tapatio Cafe
Last updated 8.24.09
What People Are Saying About Cafe El Tapatio
The Owner
Cafe El Tapatio
Owner
The Parra family has owned and operated this cheerful restaurant for 34 years and make frequent trips to Mexico for menu ideas and cook up several family specialties. Beyond the standard tacos, burritos, and chimichangas are dishes such as Crepas de Pollo, flour tortillas filled with tender chunks of chicken and topped with a mild chipotle cream sauce, Carne Asada charbroiled topped with grilled onions and served with a cheese enchilada, rice, beans, and tortillas, and the famous Pechuga a la Tapatio. This house specialty is a tender juicy Chicken Breast grilled and topped with mushrooms,…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Small and packed to the hilt with customers, this Mexican joint serves up specialties like caldo de camarones (shrimp soup in tomato base) and pechuga--a grilled double chicken breast, topped with sauteed mushrooms, green-chili sauce and cheese. The drinks are served in huge goblets. Options include the Rolls Royce margarita, a mix of Cuervo 1800, Cointreau and Grand Marnier.
09/14/09
WAS one of my favorite places
by LYNN at Citysearch
OK...I thought it was just me, but recent reviews support my most recent experience.
I have eaten here for years and I have always enjoyed the food, but my last experience was just average. The food was not as fresh and it was hardly worth the 30 minute drive that it is from my house. I attributed it to the economy. I'm sure the turn-over can't be as good as it was and maybe they have even changed suppliers. I can't quite put my finger on it but the taste was a little off :(
- Pros: inexpensive
- Cons: parking was always bad(but it was worth it)
06/05/09
WHAT?? I can't believe the recent reviews
by GoodFoodGoodDrink at Citysearch
I don't know, maybe they had a few bad days or something - but I can't believe the bad reviews... maybe they were really made by another MX Restaurant?
I've had 3 dishes there and it was wonderful every time. Their guacamole is wonderful - the salsa had the perfect amount of spice that you could still actually taste it and it didn't burn off your taste buds.
It has a huge menu - the service is friendly - it's very easy on the pocket book!
I actually don't like writing this review because I don't want a huge crowd where I can't get a seat... but I have to defend them.
I love this place and will continue to go back!!! Maybe I will have a bad meal... it can happen - but they are worth it to try it again!
- Pros: AMAZING - everything
- Cons: ahhh... it's 100 feet from my house and not 50
01/05/09
I hate when servers lie about freshness!!
by Georginadel at Citysearch
I am a self described critic of Mexican cuisine having travelled all over Mexico and learned to make it myself I know what is "authentic" and was is catering to non Mexicans. So anyway, I've been to this place a couple times before within the last three years and really can't remember it being as bad as it was tonight. The margaritas were ok, strong but you could tell it wasn't top shelf. My fault for not asking for top shelf! The salsa lacked 'kick', not spicy at all, my taste buds were yawning!! When approached by our waiter to take our order I asked "please tell me, is the 'caldo de res' (beef soup) made today (Monday-I know dumb question) or from the weekend?" I expected an honest answer which probably would have made me 1. order something else 2. patronize the restaurant again, but no, instead he said it was fresh and that they made it every day. Ok, so I ordered it and the carrots were under cooked which made me think they ran out and threw some more in to make up for it, and the zucchini was fresh but...the kicker and this is how I know a soup is at least a day old is, the POTATO!! The potato was a couple of days old at best. My husband didn't even finish his burrito which you can't go wrong on; flour tortilla, steak, cheese, sour cream, and he said it was horrible. Needless to say we won't be going back, EVER!! There are a gazillion Mexican restaurants in the city and not all are good but this one is definitely not good!
- Pros: PARKING WAS EASY
- Cons: SALSA, MARGARITA LACKED KICK
The Details on Cafe El Tapatio
Where to Sit:
Prime seats during the summertime are at tables on the shaded patio.
Parking:
Metered spots are available on Ashland, but watch out for impatient drivers. This stretch of Ashland is traditionally a speedy thoroughfare.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Outdoor Dining
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
As Seen In…
Message from Cafe El Tapatio
- Lunch and Dinner
- Carryout and Delivery
- Catering Available
The Parra family has owned and operated this cheerful restaurant for 34 years and make frequent trips to Mexico for menu ideas and cook up several family specialties. Beyond the standard tacos, burritos, and chimichangas are dishes such as Crepas de Pollo, flour tortillas filled with tender chunks of chicken and topped with a mild chipotle cream sauce, Carne Asada charbroiled topped with grilled onions and served with a cheese enchilada, rice, beans, and tortillas, and the famous Pechuga a la Tapatio. This house specialty is a tender juicy Chicken Breast grilled and topped with mushrooms, garlic, onions, salsa verde and melted Chihuahua cheese. We offer a wide variety of jumbo Margaritas, such as Mango and Pomegranate. We have an outdoor seating area, offer carryout and delivery, and Catering for your next special occasion.
Come in and experience our Authentic Mexican family recipes.
