05/10/07

A nice dinner

by pjs2780

My husband and I went to Salpicon for our anniversary (we initially wanted to go to Nacional 27 but they are closed on Sundays, so we were hoping that Salpicon would at least fill our need for Latin American food). We made our reservations through Open Table and mentioned that it would be our anniversary. When we arrived, we were wished a happy anniversary and seated at a table by the front. The view was nice, but the table was a little small and the nook felt crowded. I had the Salpicon margarita, which was very tasty and paired well with the food. For appetizers, we had the special squash blossoms, which were excellent, and the tostaditas de tinga which were pretty good as well. For dinner, I had the chiles dona queta which was just OK -- the flavors were not very strong, and the tomato sauce tasted more Italian than Mexican. My husband had the chuletas de borrego con salsa de chile pasilla which he enjoyed. For dessert, we had the pear crisp, which was delicious (but not complimentary on our special occassion, despite what other reviews have said). We will certainly be back, but mostly for the margaritas and appetizers.

10/19/09

Our Favorite Restaurant

by DavidGH

The contemporary Mexican food is absolutely superb and definitely the best in the city. Wines by the glass or by the bottle are always terrific which cannot be said for many of the other upscale restaurants that we visit and which surround us in the Rush street- Gold coast-Streeterville area. . The 'Jalapeños Rellenos de Queso Capeados' appetizer is excellent and the 'Filete de Res en Salsa de Moritas con Hongos' beef tenderloin main course with unbelievable tasty sauce is out of this world. Friends love the Margaritas and Tequilas. Salpicon being 'Fit for Foodies' is a complete understatement.- It is a Foodies heaven! Fit for someone looking for a cheap basic mexican food chain it is not. We dine out at upscale American, Italian, Seafood etc restaurants every week but Salpicon is now our firm favorite for ourselves, friends and any out of town visitors. This is definitely one of the very best if not the best restaurant in Chicago.

• Pros: Absolutely Superb Upscale Contemporary Mexican Food
• Cons: Cannot get back to Salpicon Often Enough

10/04/09

Creepy Manager Staring at My Daughter!

by Andrew A

I took a party of seven for a birthday celebration, two of them are children. As we were reading the menus, the owner turned the lights down very low, but only over our table. We asked the light be brought back up to reading level, and a waiter returned it to decent setting. Not two minutes later, the owner dims it again.

That is not creepy enough, but the owner continually stared at the two kids during the entire meal, which could not end soon enough! I mentioned that I was bothered by this man ogling my daughter, and received no apology.

I heard great things about this Mexican restaurant, and each of us found the food very disappointing. The chile rellenos were clammy, the lamb chops were bony and difficult to cut, even medium rare. The pollo mole had a wisp of mole sauce, almost as if dropped on it by mistake.

Do not bring children into this restaurant under any circumstances, and consider packing a flashlight.

• Cons: Indigestible food, creepy & condescending service

07/21/09

Those "One Star" reviewers went to the wrong restaurant.

by Radio312

I have been dining at Salpicon on a regular basis every since they first open their doors in 1995 and I've always had an excellent experience there.

Over the years, I have taken many, many friends there and they too have become fans and regulars of Salpicon. Sure, the restaurant may have "loud" decor, prices that are more expensive than your neighborhood burrito house and a tight dining space, but what makes it special is the excellent food and outstanding flavors of award-winning and nationally-acclaimed chef Priscila Satkoff.

I am writing to defend my taste buds!

When I read the few “negative” reviews, I believe that these folks walked into the wrong restaurant. They might have been looking for Las Pinatas (just up the street – decent/cheap Mexican food) but somehow ended up at Salpicon. They may have been looking giant combo platters and jumbo hangover margaritas, but instead they dined at a fine restaurant unfamiliar to them; a restaurant that puts flavor, uniqueness and quality ahead of quantity.

If you’re looking for a “burrito-the-size-of-your-head” that’s fine. But please don’t slam Salpicon for taking Mexican food to an entirely new level.

Uncle Julio’s it is not. Chi-Chi’s it is not. Adobo Grill it is not. If you want to gorge then walk down the street to Las Pinatas (or take a cab if you’re that lazy). If you want to throw back shots of cheap tequila, cab over to El Jardin in Wrigleyville and slam away till you see double. Or triple.

What brings me back to Salpicon time and time again are the wonderful flavors and sauces. Must haves on the menu include: the spicy Jalapenos Rellenos (if you’re excepting a plate of deep-fried Jalapeno Poppers by the dozen, stay away); the tasty spinach salad “Ensalada Espinaca” (if you want a Buca di Beppo-sized salad, stay away); the fresh blue marlin Seviche; any of the appetizer specials: any one of Priscila’s cream soups – quite outstanding; my-mouth-is-watering-right-now lamb chops and beef tenderloin; and any of the fresh fish specials – they have always been excellent.

And those who say Salpicon Margaritas are “watered down” are certainly unfamiliar with top-shelf, extra-smooth, 100% agave tequilas. Thus they are disappointed because that nasty “twang” of cheap tequila/ grain alcohol is missing. Sorry to disappoint you, but nasty is not what real tequila tastes like.

As far as price, with quality food comes quality prices. If you only go there once a year for special occasions, then that is what kind of restaurant it is: special.

I’ve seen a lot of restaurants come and go here in Chicago, but as long as Priscila continues to dazzle me - and all of us Salpicon regulars - with her creativity and wonderful flavors, this is one restaurant that will continue to thrive and stand out above the rest.

Sorry, no combo platters here!

Salud!

• Pros: Best Mexican Flavors and Dishes in Chicago!
• Cons: None (unless you're looking for a cheap burrito house.)

01/25/09

Uninteresting mex food and big- time ripoff

by hfruehauf

My wife and I had lunch there during the Old Town art fair simply because we were there and not because we had sought it out. $60 later, it became plain that we didn't need this place and that they were just soaking us for poor food. Since any local taco stand can do better, you shouldn't waste your money in going there, either.

09/13/08

Overpriced

by LorasFinanceGrad

When we got there the place was empty and stark besides the cheesy retro decor. We wanted a glass of wine but glasses averaged $15+ and the wine list read like a encyclopedia: overpriced and no where to start. We ordered Margaritas at $10 dollars a piece that came in boring 6 oz un-stemmed glasses watered down with ice and most likely tap water as well. My girlfriend ordered a margarita with premium tequila at $12, the waitres recommened it for women, and I ordered a regular margarita for $10.00 with tequila no better than Jose Cuervo. The $7.00 dollar tomale plate was resonable and had a variety of taste of mole chicken Alskan Halibut and pork tomales on banana and corn leaves; I should of ordered it as my main course. A rude Maitre D' interupted us if we have any questions about the wine list and we said "No" . Then he rudely just walked away with no comment to his podium. He was awkward and un-personable older man with a bow-tie. I have received much better personalities at Chili's. The place was empty and all the hosts and attendants stood at the bar just kinda looking at our table. For our entrees, nothing was cheaper than $20.00 a plate. I ordered the Chicken mole and it was good but all it was is rice, two boneless chicken breasts and mole sauce. The cuisine was good and left us satisfied but highly remourceful when I spent $80.00 (tip included) for average Mexican cuisine and two watered down Margaritas and an appetizer. Drinks were terrible and anything on the wine list you need to take on a second Mortgage. I would never go to this place again. In fact I wish I never made dinner reservations for Second City because as I walked around the area my girlfriend and we noticed several other restaurants probably with better food at much better prices we could've gone to instead. We will never go to Salpicon again.

• Pros: Authentic Mexican Cuisine
• Cons: Cold Serivce and overpriced

05/02/08

Synonyms for HORRIBLE

by Restarantour

Quite possibly the most A to Z horrible dinning experience. RUDE owner and staff, from the reservations, through the entire dinner. Food was brought out cold, order was screwed up, service was terrible, margaritas were watered down - over priced lemonade. They litteraly DO NOT deserve your business for their over priced, nonsensical, wannabe version of an actual Fine Dining establishment. If you just happen to be the luckiest person on earth and get decent food and service, this place is no bigger than a closet! You are on top of the table next to you, forget privacy or comfort, I mean romance is taking your date to a conference with the table on the right and left isn't it?

• Pros: They have a door to walk out of
• Cons: They have a door to walk into

04/19/08

awful customer service, definitely not worth their price

by Jreyes3

Me and my friends went to cerebrate my birthday, and UNFORTUNATELY I choose to go to Salpicon, as I always like to try new places. Starting with making the reservation; they take your credit card information when reserving a table, as there is a $75.00 cancellation fee per person? As soon as we arrived, we had to wait 20 min. for valet parking and 30 min. to be seated even though we had a reservation. Let's move forward with awful customer service? the owner instead of greeting was very rude; the servers, would not take an appetizer order unless the full order was placed at once. The prices are outrageous and the food portions are very small, the food is not as tasty, the restaurant is very simple, definitely not worth their price? Unfortunately, they ruin my appetite; I hope this review reaches other people before their appetite gets ruined. If you are willing to have a great experience, try Adobo grill (much less expensive, much better food, great ambiance), Carnival (expensive but worth their price, great customer service, really fancy, excellent chef selection?) and I can go on, but definitely any other place will make you feel welcome. DO NOT GO TO SALPICON!

• Pros: NONE
• Cons: Ambiance, parking service, prices, customer service

03/24/08

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago!

by eventsplanner

Salpicon has to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city of Chicago- and believe me when I say, I go to A LOT of great restaurants. Let me first say, this is no taco bell. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but this is true authentic Mexican Food......not a Tex Mex shack you stop into before a night of drinking. The food is EXCELLENT, the staff are friendly, quick, helpful- I am always greeted with a smile when I walk in the door and always seated very quickly. The restaurant is cozy- make sure to make reservations. It is always a pretty full house, which speaks to its popularity among foodies. For an upscale restaurant, I think the price is right- REMEMBER, this is not a taco and burrito joint, but a restaurant for "in the know" diners. Try any of the fabulous weekly specials- there is always something for everyone to enjoy. I love their Margaritas too- I recommend the Margarita made with the Herradura Reposado- if you want some tequila that leaves you with a headache from hell, wondering how you got home....this is not the place for you. If you are a wine person- they have one of the best lists in town. Ask recommendations from the very friendly sommelier. Top picks for me are the ceviche, the crab cakes, the camarones al mojo de ajo, and the excellent pork chop!!! Get ready for an excellent dining experience!!! Believe me, you won't be disappointed!!

• Pros: Great food, friendly staff.
• Cons: Go early and make reservations

03/24/08

Excellent, authentic, modern Mexican fare!!!!

by bcaburnay

This fabulous Old Town restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. Warm, cozy, with fantastic and friendly staff, Salpicon's menu has something for everyone. I come back to the restaurant at least once a week!! Check out all the wonderful awards the restaurant has won- appropriately on display by the host desk. The wine and tequila list is tremendous- not to mention the staff are extremely knowledgeable about food and wine pairings. Try any of the wonderful weekly specials (particularly the duck when it is on the menu). The ceviche as a starter is wonderful! The tenderloin filet and camarones al mojo de ajo are amazing. If you want excellent, authentic, modern Mexican fare, Salpicon is an absolute must visit!!!!

• Pros: Fabulous menu, something for everyone!
• Cons: NONE

02/24/08

Horrendous, Awful, Terrible, etc.

by DiningAddict

Ever seen the 'Soup N*zi' episode of Seinfeld?! Just like that, but MUCH worse:

Very rude manager and owner, not accomodating to any request.

Very small and cramped restaurant. People always bumping into you or your table.

$25 per head if you cancel a reservation.

Very overpriced food that is mediocre and in very small quantity.

Screwed up a vegetarian order entirely, wouldnt even comp the dish.

Salpicrap...... in sooo many ways.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Too many for this small line