La Fonda Del Gusto
- Neighborhood: Bucktown/Wicker Park
- 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60642
- 773-278-6100
- Price range: $$ ($9-$15)
Lisa Lee and husband Jose Palomino, the owners of this Wicker Park Mexican BYOB, are all about keeping it in the family. They took over the Milwaukee Avenue storefront that houses La Fonda Del Gusto from Lee's aunt, who had a successful 15-year run in the space with Taqueria y Restaurant el Gusto, where she served quick Mexican eats using many of her own recipes. The current restaurant offers a few favorites from the taqueria’s menu, including tacos, tortas, burritos and char-broiled chicken, but there’s an entirely new spin too: a seasonal menu focusing on peasant fare such as calabacitas, a Mexican-style ratatouille of chopped zucchini cooked with onion, tomato, jalapeno and cilantro and served with saucy pork riblets. Palomino, who hails from central Mexico, drew inspiration for many of the dishes from visits to the area. The high-ceilinged dining room has plenty of seating, and a Mexico-inspired warmth shows through in modern, earth-toned decor that incorporates natural materials such as copper and wood.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Milwaukee and Wolcott Avenues
- Parking:
- Metered
- Public Transportation:
- Blue Line "L" stops: Division, Damen; CTA bus: Milwaukee-56
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
- Cuisine:
- Mexican
- Meals Served:
- Dinner, Lunch, and Weekend Brunch. Brunch served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
- Price Range:
- $$ ($9-$15)
- Reservations:
- Accepted
- Alcohol:
- BYOB. No corkage fee.
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. Back room accommodating 36 available for private parties.
- Payment Methods:
- Cash, Debit Cards, and Major Credit Cards
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- For 88
Write a review
Rate La Fonda Del Gusto
"Good Mexican Food"
By moyer from edgebrook, October 18, 2009
My husband, two friends, and I had dinner here recently and had an enjoyable experience. The waitstaff and owner were very friendly and the servic...
Report This Review"Great Food in Wicker Park"
By mitchell100 from wicker park, October 17, 2009
BYOB. Great ownership. And, outstanding food. My wife and I had a terrific dinner with our 15month-old. The service was excellent and we met wi...
Report This Review"Great food, service and value!"
By MikeandCarmen from Avondale, October 3, 2009
My wife and I have been to La Fonda several times with friends and family for special occasions and just by ourselves. The restaurant is extremely...
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