Here’s a big ol’ fact: I’m crazy about Mexican food. Like, I can be bought for some queso. During each pregnancy, I was convinced that my emerging children would be comprised entirely of tamale.
Another factoid: My family lives in a largely Mexican neighborhood. The food is ridic. So amazing, mind you, that we rarely stray for spicier pastures.
Third truth: In the past month alone, I’ve been invited to bring the fam to two establishments outside of the Albany/Irving park boundaries. And they’re Mexican restaurants. (When the universe/media sends you comida twice in the same month, you accept it. You accept it, friend.)
Two delightful restaurants worth your pesos:
Uncle Julio’s Hacienda
Oh, this place is a stroll down memory/tiny child lane. Two of the tiny gals for whom I nannied back in the day loved this place for the fresher-than-fresh tortillas, the perfectly melty quesadillas, and the incredibly friendly service (again, with tiny, tiny children). And now it’s a place I can take my kiddos to and- surprise, surprise- the reviews were ravetacular.
The Good: One of the kids meal options is a platter of individual nachos. My kids looked at me like they’d hit the miniature food lottery.
The Better: My drink was the famous Swirl Margarita, blended with their signature sangria. Sweet goodness, I was ready to salsa atop my table after one of these decadent drinks. (I didn’t, but I was ready to.)
The Best: The newest star on Uncle Julio’s menu is the chocolate piñata. It’s a glorious confection that arrives at your table (filled with delicate churros, piles of whipped cream, and fresh fruit) alongside a tiny stick for whacking the treat open and digging in with oh, about 12 of your friends. (Seriously, it’s so much dessert. See it in action here.) And you’re in luck, pals- there might just be an Uncle Julio’s location near your own casa if you’re not in the Old Town ‘hood).
Cheer up, Nora.
Do yourself a favor and join the Chocolate Piñata revolution. Your move, my neighborhood.
If you go:
- Uncle Julio’s Hacienda
- 855 W. North Ave., Chicago
- www.unclejulios.com
Adobe Gila’s
I’m a fan of any and everything that keeps popping up around Lincoln Park’s New City (including the easy and largely free parking). So the chance to check out Adobe Gila’s cantina-style family dining? Oh my, sí. My family was kind enough to quickly pile into the car for this one, too. (They give and they give. Unless it’s when you’re asking for a bite of the really, really good fish tacos that P.J. ordered. Then- maybe. But you’ve gotta be quick.)
The Good: Holy moly, this place has a view! The second floor locale offers wraparound (open!) windows at bar table-height. Score one of these high tops and you’ll be dining on what feels like your private veranda with the city scape all around.
The Better: This staff could not be sweeter. I can’t stress to you enough- walking into a place with three kids 6 and under is occasionally met with slightly panicked glances. Not so here. These guys couldn’t do enough for my crew of starvin’ Marvins.
The Best: Ah, como se dice $3 14oz margaritas? The multicolored tortilla chips (that even accompany the kids’ meals)? Okay, okay, maybe those tie with the nightly events going down at this place. Salsa lessons, live bands, DJs…grab one of those sweet window-side tables and you’ll pretty much never want to leave.
Until your husband cuts you off from the $3 margaritas.
That glow? It’s mostly tequila.
Thanks, husband.
If you go:
- Adobe Gila’s
- 1500 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago
- adobegilas.com
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