El Tapatio: User Reviews

Best Mexican in the City!!!
By Amy J. from Roscoe Village, January 24, 2009

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I live near by and my boyfriend and I walked by one day and gave it a whirl. Usually I find most Mexican resturants in the city are not great and I usually never go back, but this place is great! I go back weekly and I am never disapointed. I have had several items off the menu and never have I ever disliked any of them. Pros to this place: If there is a wait on the weekends (and there usually is, by 7pm F-Sunday it's busy) they have a sister bar across the street where they have the same appetizers as El Tapatio to snack on while you wait and great drinks to chat over. When your table is ready they call you and if your phone dies and you cant use it they will come and get you. The food is stellar, and consistant which to me is key and why I return time and time again! The service is friendly, and fast and if you are not sure what to get, they always recomend great items off the menu. And in the warmer months they have tables outside to eat at, always nice! I have ordered to-go before and was just as great as when I eat there. Cons to this resturant: Its SUPER small and quite cramped however cozy. They are very speedy on turning over their tables on the weekends which I understand but sometimes I feel rushed to eat there. Overall this place is worth the wait, worth the small space, affordable, consistant, friendly and always a winner every time!!! My favorites: The Beef Chimichanga, the Guacamole appetizer, the Jumbo Margaritas or Mojitos.

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Love this place!
By annakrum from north center, July 6, 2008

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The food is delicious, good variety, and very affordable. Try the steak fajitas. The margaritas are amazing and the staff is quick and courteous. The atmosphere is very relaxed and unassuming. The decor has a nice "flavor" to it. Overall I'd suggest this place to anyone.

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my favorite restaraunt in Chicago
By ophuls from Wrigleyville, April 7, 2008

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This is honestly my favorite place in Chicago. Every time I go, I have an amazing time. The food is terrific and very reasonably priced, and you won't find a better (or stronger) margarita in town. The staff is always so friendly and accommodating.

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Great Margaritas!
By firedragonfly from Rogers Park, December 31, 2007

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On of my favorite Mexican Restaurants in Chicago.
The food is great, I recommend the "Reboltijo" or the Plantain Enchiladas with Mole with a Margarita on the side.

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The food is amazing! ...
By Mike from Uptown from Chicago, IL, August 24, 2007

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The food is amazing! That being said, our waiter last night was incredibly snooty. He was extremely condescending after he messed up our order. I'll definitely be back but will request another server's section.

We eat at El Tapatio...
By Beth from Chicago, IL, July 22, 2007

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We eat at El Tapatio at around once a month. The food is great, the margaritas are exceptional (and STRONG, watch out if you order the Rolls-Royce), and the service is really good. The staff at El Tapatio always remember us and are very courteous and attentive. Great value!

I am from Arizona and...
By JMH from Chicago, IL, May 14, 2007

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I am from Arizona and I love Mexican food, this is one the closest I have found to Sonoran style mexican food. Good food at a great price and if you sit outside the atmosphere is superb! Go and enjoy yourself.

The food was very bland...
By Monica from Chicago, IL, April 13, 2007

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The food was very bland and extremely greasy. I have eaten at much better places in chicago and this place is not one of them. If you want cheap taco stand food then El Tapatio is for you, otherwise skip it and try real food somewhere else. The food wasn't the only problem either, the tables are too close together and you can barely get through to walk. I was not pleased and will not return for the disgusting food and awful service.

This is a wonderful neighborhood...
By Brad from West Loop, IL, November 1, 2006

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This is a wonderful neighborhood spot...and it's the food that brings us back every time. If you want to overpay for Mexican food in a more asthetically pleasing atmosphere, go to De Cero on Randolph. If you want a family friendly, food first authentic Mexican restaurant without breaking the bank...El Tapatio is your place.

It was our first time...
By J. Aviles from Chicago, IL, October 7, 2006

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It was our first time visit. It is very appealing to look at from the outside, and they have some nice decor inside. However, the food was bland, or swimming in sauce and the sangria was essentially a watered down glass of wine and orange juice. The mens' bathroom had a dark green light in it that made it hardly visible. It was also a little dirty. Either you can settle for below average Mexican food or look for one of the many wonderful other places throughout the city. We will never go back!!