Ten years after Alfonso Sotelo shook up Chicago’s Mexican restaurant scene by opening 5 Rabanitos in Pilsen, the chef is bringing the passion and expertise that have defined his journey to a new neighborhood, one that Sotelo says has never “seen something quite like this.”
Since its opening in late February in Hyde Park, the new restaurant has been drawing crowds. On some nights, the kitchen sells out completely, forcing Sotelo to close early. While he credits his team’s hard work for making the feat of opening a new restaurant possible, Sotelo finds the overwhelming response both gratifying and a little bittersweet. “I am happy that the food sells out,” he says. “But it is never easy to turn customers away.”
The name 5 Rabanitos — “five little radishes” — is a nod to chef Sotelo’s childhood in the farmlands of the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, where he and his four siblings sold radishes in the market, earning them the nickname.
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The interiors of 5 Rabinitos.
5 Rabanitos
His menu, a thoughtful assortment of tacos, tortas, and regional Mexican dishes, showcases the heart and craft of this Topolobampo and Xoco alum. Take the puerco al rancho, for example, a nod to his home state of Guerrero — slow-roasted pork bathed in a red and smoky mole sauce. Then there’s the torta ahogada (drowned torta), a Jalisco darling; Sotelo’s version is stuffed with carnitas and dipped in a chile de árbol broth. The menu also offers a generous selection of vegetarian options.
Inside the bustling corner spot, a mural by Mena Arte’s Mario Mena, wraps the space in color, bringing the story-laden walls of Pilsen inside. The artwork unfolds like a narrative of chef Sotelo’s life — his parents, a jaguar representing Guerrero, a hummingbird bridging the living with their ancestors, and a map of Mexico honoring the traditions that shape his cooking.
At the Hyde Park location, Sotelo features dishes from the Pilsen menu along with a handful of exclusives. Among them, two standout tacos: a crispy, beer-battered fish taco and a fried chicken taco, each finished with a chipotle aioli. But the one plate he’s particularly proud of? The chile relleno with shrimp — a roasted, egg-battered poblano stuffed with gooey, melted cheese in a light, mildly spicy sauce, served alongside shrimp marinated in serrano chile and cilantro. Pile everything onto warm, freshly made tortillas and create your perfect bite.
The eatery offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Patrons will find anything from horchata to wine and margaritas. A patio will be open in the warmer months, and street parking is available. There´s also a parking structure within walking distance.
For now, the Hyde Park location isn’t taking reservations. Call ahead.
5 Rabinitos, 1301 E. 53rd Street, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
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