5 Rabanitos Restaurante and Taqueria

Finally made it down to Pilsen and upon entering the restaurant, I knew I was in for some authentic food. We started with some chips and salsa. The chips were under salted and the salsa (roja and verde) was meh. After that came the fried plantains. Anytime I get a chance to eat plantains, I do. These weren't very crispy but so flavorful with a very tasty chipotle mayo on top. They couldn't have been cooked better. For my main, I tried the torta ahogada. This was my first torta and I can definitely say I'm a fan. This very simple sandwich had some very tender pork and some mashed beans. The bread was crisp which was needed for the broth. I chose to get it spicy, but I felt all that spice was in the very first spoonful. Regardless, the tomatoes and chiles played wonderfully together and have the torta some flavor. I really enjoyed this but it didn't wow me almost as if it was missing that final element.Overall, for the quality of food and price, I recommend coming here and giving it a try.

Good food but wasn't mind blowing. Wish the food was better seasoned here. Staff was very kind and orders came out quick. I usually don't comment on this but the bathrooms were very clean. Stopped by for a quick lunch and had no problem getting in and out. Street elotito - Wish this had more seasoning and cilantro. Can appreciate the fresh radish that comes with, but this just didn't have that much seasoning.Chicken green chile tamal - Good sized portion, chicken was a little dry. Had a little kick but would've liked it spicier and better seasoned. Torta pibil - pork was nice and pull apart and bread came with a nice toasted crust. Wish the onions were pickled for longer and the pork could've used more seasoning. Overall wish they were heavier handed on the spices. Other than that experience was solid.

Shared chips and salsa to start. Comes with red and green- both fantastic. Green has a little more bite but red is perfectly smoky. Then we split a salad with Chipotle glazed grilled chicken, lettuce mix, garlic honey vinaigrette, queso fresco- this was very good if you're going the healthier route. Also split the Milanesa sandwich which was awesome - it could have used a bit more sauce though. I was dying to try some of their other dishes so I got one goat taco - it was slow braised in an adobo sauce and super tender. It came with cilantro, onions, radish, and an avocado crema. The only thing stopping it from being the best taco I ever was was that the taco broke beyond repair instantly. So I had to fork and knife it. But it was so juicy, so tender, and so flavorful. Next time I come I'm going to get some of the entrees that are a little more like this taco. Last but not least the staff was amazing. Super nice and friendly. Can't wait to come back.

Food was delicious and fresh. Seasoned well. Dined for a late lunch/early dinner and enjoyed our time. Sat outside in the heat but ample umbrellas to block out the sun. Nice mural next to the outdoor seating and fresh flowers. Had the ceviche verde, stuffed jalapeños and enchiladas chicken red mole. Well seasoned chicken and mole was fantastic, as was the ceviche and stuffed jalapeño. Skinny margarita and hibiscus mezcal margarita also nice. Service was very accommodating and friendly. Looking forward to coming back for a dinner and bringing friends.

Wowowow I will be dreaming about these cheesy shrimp empanadas for the rest of my life. The chef deserves all the flowers!!! I called ahead because their website said they had no reservations but they told me to come on in and we were able to snag a spot on the patio. When we ordered tequila shots they bring the whole bottle over to your table and pour it in front of you which was fun!

We enjoyed our visit. I'm on a mission to get new places in Pilsen when I'm wanting to have Good, solid Mexican food!The steak tacos were solid; the chicken was shredded, juicy and flavorful; the shrimp, delicious! Fresh. Sissy loved the chicken tamale, nephew ate all four of his steak tacos, mom ate all her tacos, the rice and beans! Nice size taco dinner with the option to mix and match the tacos! Oh and my neice, 8yo loved the children chicken strip with mash potatoes! Everyone loved the mash potatoes! Last, but never least, the cocktails were good. Nothing special, but tasty and fresh (could've been a little more boozy). Our server did his best, it was busy! The space is your typical Pilsen Mexican spot.

Not a Chicago native, but had a good time exploring the Pilsen neighborhood as a tourist! This is one of the highest rated places on Google and Yelp and we were quite hungry after walking up and down 18th St. The taco dinner was solid, but not like write home to my mother good. It was easy getting a table at 5pm, but I would probably explore other places if there was a wait.

Vibrant decor, service was sufficient for dinner rush.Drinks were a touch on the sweeter side, but the sangria might have been the hidden boozy gem.The apps were all tasty, the entrees were a bit over seasoned. If you're going for carne asada, I'd recommend the entree over the three taco meal. A little more pricey but better quality meat.

The area. First of all its not a good area. Someone I knew got killed. Right around the corner. Don't go on spending money risking your own life. And when someone dies in the area they don't do anything about it, because it's code red. Do you want to risk your own life just to get food? Because I wouldn't. The service is okay.

Went there for lunch on a beautiful afternoon and we chose to be seated outside. Although the space is tight but it is manageable.Was spoilt for choices browsing the menu and decided to try the ahogada as the description of it sounds interesting. The dish did not disappoint as the torta was a huge serving. The broth soaking the crispy torta bread was light and flavourful with a tinge of sour aftertaste from the lime. The carnitas was excellent too. I ordered the spicy broth and it is definitely not searing spicy but it has some kick to it.Will be back for more