Hay Caramba: User Reviews

Once more, I and my family have just enjoyed another fantastic meal at our favorite upscale Méxican restaurant: Hay Caramba!, in downtown Park Ridge, Illinois.

We have been faithful customers at this Saavedra-family establishment since the early 1990s, when they opened a small (6-8 tables?) single store-front restaurant
in the city's Summit Mall, which they later doubled in size when the next door store
became available.

Their new restaurant in the South Prospect's St. downtown Park Ridge area is an
architectural delight (replacing the ages-old Bachmann Hardware Store, which they
completely gutted) --- I believe that they replicated the architecture in the town in
México from which the family originates.

For appetizers, their homemade Guacamole appetizer must be the best ever (we bring home a couple extra portions as 'take-outs), and you've never had a finer ceviche-type Shrimp Cocktail than the one made at this establishment.

My and my son's favorite entrée is their 'Carne a la Tampiqueña', which is a lean piece of broiled skirt steak served with the traditional side dishes (guacamole, a cheese enchilada, frijoles, etc.), while my wife favors their Steak or Shrimp Fajitas, the serving portions being quite hearty.

My two daughters usually order their Enchiladas, which are served in several versions. I've also had their 'Huachinango' (whole Red Snapper fried, and served with the traditional accompaniments), and it is delicious.

This family owned-and-operated restaurant is very customer-friendly, and has a strong
local and Chicago-area following; they invested their personal and business future in this new facility, and the local clientele are repaying in kind, and obviously not only for the good food and attractive ambiance.

Although the new restaurant has a greatly increased number of tables, I'd strongly
suggest that reservations be made for Friday or Saturday evening dinners (they are not opened on Sundays nor Mondays). They do have a WebSite which provides much more information: www.haycaramba.com

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My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place...the Cadillac margarita's are awesome, the Chili's Rellenos and Fajita's are excellent, the service (especially Reuben) is always wonderful, and the owners are extremely nice people. We love to come in the summer especially so that we can sit outside. One of the best things about the whole place is that it is very clean and comfortable and decorated perfectly. Just thinking about it now makes me want to go there tonight!

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I've been there 3 times since they moved. the first 2 times i had bad service. the third time not only the service was bad but the food itself was horrable. i guess 3 is not a charm.

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The new location is just great! They really know how to make their Margaritas....make sure to ask for 'gold' tequila with your margarita!!! I am a vegetarian, so the selection is limited for me; However, between the margarita and the food and the ambience of the new location, its worth a visit.

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I really enjoy this restaurant. The food is always good and the margaritas hit the spot.

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This place is great. I have been coming here since they opened with no liquor license. They now have a beautiful bar with FABULOUS sangria and great margaritas.

The food is awesome and always fresh.

This is a family run business and they are always so nice and appreciate that you are there. Sometimes the service seems a little slow, but it's a reminder to relax and enjoy your dinner.

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