Hello
Just to say thank you @lavendarpillow5 @foxtrotuniform6996 @Faerie_Friend for this recommendation to dine at El Xangarrito nr Rockwell in Chicago.
https://share.google/duR1qTEoF567eT6af
Have started own thread as the original post has other stuff going on in it, but here's the original where I picked up the recommendation.
https://www.reddit.com/r/chicagofood/s/cbZo6evfEc
Long story short visiting on an extended 10 day trip either side of marathon 2025 with my wife decided to check Reddit for recommendations. We'd nailed many excellent eateries including having been to Mercadito on Kinzie. But we still found the Mexican scratch untended and wanted something a little less busy, a little more tasty, and, well just better.
Hence several hours googling for Mexican, price wasn't a factor, even distance, but proximity to a tube line without too many changes from our hotel on Grand.
And this sub-Reddit came up with the goods. Wow, it certainly did. El Xangarrito is good. Excellent. Superb.
We had:
Obligatory Tortilla chips and chilli sauce
Shrimp and avocado tacos – brilliantly punchy flavours. Double-wrapped but flavours still strong enough to not feel that the ratios were out of wack.
Carne Asada – Skirt Steak slightly more on the rare side of medium than my usual medium-rare or rare, but the chef clearly knew what this cut needed – very hot and fast – it was sublime and very tasty in it's own and almost a shame to wrap up with it's tortilla, rice and salad.
Churros (filled) and ice cream. Heavenly.
Key lime pie. Probably out of place in this company but I am a Brit on holiday, was good, so say no more.
Every dish brought excellent flavours and the photos probably don't do justice. Excuse especially the photo but the dessert – tip the pie and one of the churros – didn't make it to the photo in one piece.
Would be mid priced but BYOB brings total bill down significantly. $120 incl corkage and 20% tip.
I've paid more for less, but been unhappy. Yes ,I have also paid less and been happy. But this absolutely hit the nail on the head!
Thanks
Chris
P.s.
Also guessing from this message they must have changed ownership and reopened with equally talented chef.
https://www.reddit.com/r/chicagofood/s/wRLNmv2qla
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/14/el-xangarrito-in-lincoln-square-will-close-sept-30/
by crypticc1
Dining and Cooking