Zocalo
Location – 358 W. Ontario (Ontario and Orleans)
www.zocalochicago.com
In one word – Spicy
Food – I went to Zocalo when it first opened and didn’t have a satisfying experience. I equated it to the restaurant being new, still trying to find its groove. I went back last weekend. Still not satisfied. My general complaint was that the spices were too powerful. I couldn’t taste anything because of the burning sensation on my tongue. We started with the trio of guacamole. This was the high point of the meal. You get the traditional guac, the spicy guac and a fruit guac served with tortilla and plantain chips. I loved the plantain chips. For my entree, I tried the tilapia tacos. While I’m no chef, I felt like I could make it at home. I didn’t need to pay someone else to do it. Besides there being too much spice, the tacos were kind of soggy. My eating partners chose the enchiladas and the skirt steak. Same issue – the food was too spicy.
Drink – This place is known for its tequila selection, but we opted to get a bottle of cheap wine (Santa Rita Reserve). It wasn’t amazing, but it helped make the spice go away.
Service – I found our server to be very pleasant and able to answer all of our questions about the menu.
Scene – With our early dinner reservation (6:30), I found it hard to judge the scene. When we were dining, it seemed like a lot of 30-something groups of friends were having dinner. At that hour, most of the clientele was from the neighborhood. The bar area is quite large, so I’m curious if it starts getting more sceney later in the night.
Dress – Jeans works just fine. Beware of a potential influx of halter tops, I think a lot of folks come here before going to the clubs in River North.
Cost – I paid $34. I thought it was too much for what I got. I left with buyer’s remorse.
If you like, try…Lalo’s, de cero
Salpicon
Location – 1252 N. Wells (Wells and Division)
www.salpicon.com
In one word – Broadway
Food – We came here for a friend’s birthday, so we were somewhat indulgent. Here’s what we ordered: guacamole picado (standard, but that’s good in my eyes) and queso empanizado (kind of reminds me of Greek saganaki). None of the entrees grabbed me that night, so I opted for two appetizers as my main course: Ensalada espinica con queso de cabra (spinach salad with goat cheese and sesame seeds, unexpectedly satisfying) and one of the specials, empanadas filled with lamb (also quite satisfying). Three of my eating partners had the chiles dona queta (peppers stuffed with veggies), which they were raving about. That might be the perfect vegetarian meal here. The other eating partner had the double-cut pork chop, which he said was just okay. For dessert, we had the tres leches cake. That was some good stuff. I would come back here just for that; it was like eating whipped cream (which is a good thing).
Drinks – We sampled the margaritas. Nothing amazing, but they quenched my thirst.
Service – This is where my “In one word” comes from. I had some issues with our server. I felt like he was using his time at our table as his audition for a Broadway revue, at any moment he was going to break out into a showtune complete with jazz hands. His performance was over the top. Telling me the specials doesn’t have to be done as a soliloquy. One thing I can say is that he knew his stuff. Every question we threw his way, he was able to answer in his stage voice. He was being shadowed by a trainee, which was a little bit awkward. The trainee kept crowding one of my eating partners when she and the Broadway server came by the table, the restaurant obviously hasn’t taught her about personal space yet.
Occasion – It’s not super cheap here, so it’s better to come when you have an occasion to celebrate. Birthdays, dates you want to impress, and anniversaries (not the super important ones) are perfect for this spot.
Dress – This is one of those places where if you make any effort, you’re okay. Old Town isn’t super formal, so nice jeans or a cute dress work.
Price – We split the meal and each paid $56 including tip. Like I said, not super cheap, but I was very full when we left.
If you like, try…Zocalo
Adobo Grill
Location – 1610 N. Wells (North and Wells) or 2005 W. Division (Division and Damen)
www.adobogrill.com
In one word – Guacamole
Food – When you get here, order the guacamole before even looking at the menu. It’s their claim to fame. They’ll have someone come to your table to make the guac to your specifications. My friends and I then shared four appetizers: quesadillas (which have huitlacoche, my favorite!), empanadas potosinas (this was the best), salbutes de pollo (marinated chicken on tostadas) and taquitos dorados (filled with mushrooms and potatoes). For the four of us, this was a perfectly portioned meal.
Drink – The server told us that they have the best margarita in the city, so we tried it. Best? I don’t know, but it was good and worth ordering.
Service – While a little bit nerdy, our server was attentive. No complaints from me.
Occasion – This place is great when a friend from out of town visits. It’s loud and has a party feel to it. A lot of people come here before seeing Second City (which is next door to the North/Wells location). If you want less of a scene, go to the one in Wicker Park. It’s big and isn’t as cramped as the Old Town sibling.
Cost – For a margarita and my share of the guacamole and the four other appetizers, I paid $22. I thought that this was reasonable.
If you like, try…de cero, Uncle Julio’s Hacienda, Carnivale
Mambo Grill
Mambo Grill is closed until March 2010
Location – 410 N. Clark (Clark between Kinzie and Hubbard), http://mambogrill.com/
Food – Mambo Grill will offer you clean latin food. I’ve never been blown away but yet never been disappointed. Once I had the Guava Pork Torta, not my favorite. Wouldn’t recommend it to you. The Ropa Vieja, on the other hand, is worth ordering, as well as the Guava Glazed Pollo (chicken). Call me easy to please, but I like their guacamole simply because the chips come in three colors.
Drink - For once I’m going to agree with Metromix. Their mojitos are good here. Perhaps make it a light dining night and come here for drinks and appetizers.
Service – I once was here with a loud, obnoxious group and they put up with us. Points on service right there.
Occasion – Birthday dinners (groups are accepted here, just make a reservation), dates, dinners with friends, pretty much any occasion will work here.
Dress – Act like you’re making an effort, but you can still store your designer wear for another time. Jeans and heels or a casual dress for girls. Jeans will work for guys too.
Cost – If you do a drink, appetizer and entree, you might spend $40 – 50.
If you like, try…Uncle Julio’s Hacienda, Carnivale
Nacional 27
Location – 325 W. Huron (Huron and Orleans)
http://www.nacional27.net/
In one word – Polished
Food – Named for the 27 Latin American countries, Nacional did nothing but impress me. We started with the boniato (a mushroom) and plantain croquetas with black beans and a garlic sauce. The perfect size for two and wonderful! I went here with my dad; he had the pacific blue nose (grouper). It was so good that he didn’t offer any to me to try. I tried the slow roasted Gunthrop Farm pork “Cubano.” The pork was soft, the coconut rice was coconutty. I could have used more plantains, but I guess everything in moderation.
Drink – We had a carafe of their Riesling. It was one of the better Rieslings I’ve had in a while because while sweet, it was still very crisp. We didn’t try any of their mixed drinks. Word is that their bartender is the best in the city.
Service – At first I was skeptical of our server’s mental capabilities, but he quickly proved me wrong. He was really helpful with all of our questions when we asked about all the foreign terms on the menu. Their host staff was also prompt and helpful, without being overbearing (you often find that overbearingness at more upscale restaurants).
Occasion – We came early (6:30) when there were a lot of couples and families having dinner. If you come later in the night (9:00ish), you can join in the dancing when the place goes from low-key to sceney.
Dress – We saw dresses, suits, expensive jeans. Basically you can wear anything, but make it clear that you put effort into your look.
Cost – We ended up at $40 a piece with a shared appetizer, a carafe of wine and two entrees.
If you like, try…Carnivale
Xel-Ha
Location – 710 N. Wells
In one word – Guacamole
Food – This new spot in River North is all about the cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula (that’s in Mexico, idiot). I went as a party of 6 and no one was disappointed. I have an unhealthy love for huitlacoche (it’s a corn fungus that’s considered a delicacy), so I ordered the quesadillas filled with fungus. It was excellent, fresh ingredients, interesting salsas. I had a bite of a venison taco and realized I should have ordered that as well. The chopped venison is served cold with fresh tortillas. We also indulged in guacamole and I think it’s one of the better versions in Chicago.
Drinks – The variety of cocktails at Xel-Ha is vast. They specialize in wine and tequila. But, I decided to try the mojito de milagro since the bartender recommended it. It was great, not too sweet and went down easy (too easy, watch yourself). I also sampled the Xel -Ha margarita. It comes in one of those giant goblets, which immediately indicates that it ought to be a group effort. The rest of my party tried the mojito boz, which is a blackberry mojito. Not sure if it was the best pick, but they enjoyed it.
Service – So as a large party, I believe they stuck us in the ‘party room,’ i.e. a closet on the side of the restaurant away from the rest of the patrons. I was offended at first, but after a while, we grew into the space. Thankfully, despite being removed from the rest of the restaurant, they did not forget us. The service here was eager. They’re still in that period where they need to develop a customer base, so we got great recommendations and the food came in a timely fashion.
Occasion – It’s actually pretty nice here. You could come for work or with sophisticated friends and not be disappointed. I saw a couple date scenarios (albeit they were all very awkward dates). It’s another time where you might have to put away the fleece, but you can still wear your jeans.
Cost – It’s not cheap. For my meal and two drinks I spent $40. So it’ll be some modest meals for me till the next payday.
If you like…, try – Zocalo
Caliente
Location – 3910 N. Sheridan
In one word – Unfulfilling
Food – Okay, I am usually easily sold on Mexican food, but Caliente just didn’t do it for me. I found the food to be far too standard. There was nothing special about it, they gave me no reason to trek all the way to Uptown. I started with the ensalada fresca which sounded promising: spinach, mango, jimaca, cucumber and an orange vinegrette. Only I never found the vinegrette. Call me picky, but I don’t go for the dressing-less salad. I had the tamales as well…nothing exciting to report. My table shared the empanadas, there were supposed to be three types. Only two varieties ended up at our table…Entree portions are large here, but I’m a fan of quality over quantity.
Drink – It’s BYOB, which I appreciate given that I’m still struggling with my New Year’s resolution to stay within my budget.
Service – Pretty standard. Our waiter knew about the dishes and went to ask the chef for any of our left field questions. There’s a relaxed feel about this place, so the service is not too formal.
Occasion – I came to catch up with friends, that seemed to be the general trend amongst the other patrons. You could probably come here if you were in a very stable relationship and wanted to go some place low key (and not impressive).
Dress – Jeans are totally appropriate. Anything more would be overdressed.
Cost – You’d probably spend $20 – 30 a person here. The portions are huge, so I’m pretty sure you’ll go home with a doggie bag, but I still don’t know if this place is worth the price.
If you like…, try – Uncle Julio’s Hacienda (but keep in mind that Caliente is much much much more low key than UJH)
Sushi Samba Rio
Location – 504 N. Wells
In one word – Party
Food – It’s part of the Sushi Samba family of restaurants, which strive to combine Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. I have gone to SSR several times and come up with mixed reviews. I don’t love the sushi here, I think it’s not the same quality as some of its sushi competitors like Japonais and Mirai. However, having the Latin spin does make it interesting to eat. Without a doubt, whenever I’m at SSR, I order coconut rice. That always makes a moderate meal good.
Drink – They pride themselves on their drink selection. They have a selection of cocktails, sake and wine. They also have some beers from their lands of inspiration, which you can’t get everywhere else.
Service – I like that the staff is knowledgable about the menu, which is necessary because no matter how often I have sushi, I will always forget what makes a dragon roll.
Occasion – If you have a client dinner and your counterpart isn’t too stiff, take them here. Particularly if they are from out of town. This place could be great for a girls’ night out as well. Get your fruity drinks and sushi platter and call it a night.
Scene – Expect very pretty people at SSR. They have their downstairs area and then the rooftop bar (which is really like a top floor with a sky light). They like to crowd both areas so the place gives off that “I’m hip, I’m hopping” vibe. The décor is mostly inspired by the Latin influence. Expect areas to be “reserved,” which just perpetuates the “see how hip this place is?” atmosphere.
Dress – Trendy = good at SSR. If you’re going jeans, bring out the “this pair makes my butt look good and my legs look lean” ones with high flashy heels.
Cost – You’re probably dropping $50 minimum per person.
If you liked…, try – Japonais, Mirai, Carnivale
de cero
Location – 814 W Randolph
www.decerotaqueria.com
In one word – Margarita
Food – They have dubbed this place a “modern day taqueria.” I don’t know if that claim is truly on par, but I do still like it here. What’s good about it is that the food is simple and clean (“de cero” = “from scratch”). It’s Mexican food without the usual side effects. I love their taco sampler. It’s sort of the “greatest hits” of the restaurant.
Drink – Guava margarita and hibiscus margarita are my recos.
Service – Not the best part of the place, but no reason to keep you away.
Occasion – You can go to DC for really any occasion, though it does seem as if the place is mostly full of couples (not necessarily romantic couples, just pairs of people eating together).
Scene – Like the food, the look of this place is really clean. All the aesthetics really come from the patrons.
Dress - Trendy works here, but you can stay casual.
Cost – $30 will get you a drink, an appetizer and an entrée (and possibly dessert).
If you like…, try – avec
Uncle Julio’s Hacienda
Location - 855 W North Ave
http://www.unclejulios.com/
In one word – Chips
Food- Come to UJH for some pretty standard Mexican food. Standard in my opinion is a good thing in this case – tamales, tacitos, enchiladas, etc. And if you dine at UJH, beware that you will leave needing to undo the top button in your Seven jeans.
Drink- Margaritas and cerveza are the ole standbys at UJH. You will sip on a tasty beverage (or four) while waiting indefinitely for your table in the large bar area (they don’t accept reservations).
Service- Nothing too memorable
Scene – The décor is supposed to have that authentic Mejicano feel to it. Folk art, wood tables, etc. At the end of the day it’s a Mexican restaurant at North and Clyborn, so authenticity isn’t the patron’s first priority. How about another Corona?
Occasion-This place is full of Lincoln Park trixie double dates and some young families. Despite this, it is a good time. It’d be fun for a birthday dinner.
Dress – No need to get dressed up for UJH, although some of the LP trixies do like to sport their club wear during dinner.
Cost – Entrees will run you $10-15 (ish). Your thirst could take you to $30 per head.
If you like…, try – Lalo’s, Zapatista’s, The Blue Agave
