El Alebrije

Food is delicious and fresh. Margaritas are also full of flavor and a wide variety of flavors to choose from. This business and family owned and seems they put in a lot of work. Place is very beautiful with so many decorations and colors.

Super amazing almost gourmet Mexican food. Service is fine. Drinks are weak though. Great son & hot mom (chef)!I recommend although the margaritas are weak.

Delicious brunch, cute outdoor patio in the back, friendly staff. Definitely going back soon! My family went out to brunch and we all loved our food. We got the Papas y chorizo, Chilaquiles de mole rojo, Chilaquiles verde, and my toddler had pancakes.

El Alebrije stands as a beacon of authentic Mexican culinary artistry in Chicago, a distinction that, regrettably, seems lost on a majority of the city's diners. The tragedy isn't just in the lack of patronage for this gem but in the overwhelming preference for establishments that, frankly, pale in comparison on every conceivable level of authenticity and quality.It's bewildering to observe Chicagoans flock to venues like Old Pueblo Cantina, Taquito Street, Lonesome Rose, Uncle Julio's, Big Star, and Broken English. With all due respect, these places masquerade as purveyors of Mexican cuisine while offering nothing but a diluted, insipid version of one of the world's most vibrant and complex culinary traditions. These establishments thrive not on the quality of their offerings but on a façade of authenticity, drawing in crowds with the allure of being trendy spots for social media snapshots rather than genuine culinary experiences.By sidestepping El Alebrije, you're not just missing out on the finest mole dishes to grace Chicago--crafted with a dedication that respects the dish's rich tapestry of ingredients and history--you're also complicit in a larger trend of culinary ignorance. Mole, a storied Mexican delicacy, embodies the heart and soul of traditional cooking, demanding upwards of 100 ingredients and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Yet, places like El Alebrije, and to a similar extent Mis Moles on Elston Ave., receive only a fraction of the attention they deserve.The preference for these so-called "fine dining" establishments over genuine articles like El Alebrije is a stark reflection of a city swayed by superficial trends over substance. You are being robbed--not just of your money, but of the opportunity to engage with and appreciate true Mexican cuisine. These other restaurants are not just failing to provide an authentic experience; they're actively distorting the perception of Mexican food for the sake of profit.It's high time Chicagoans reevaluate their dining choices. Support establishments that honor the complexity, variety, and richness of Mexican cuisine. Reject the imposters that prioritize style over substance, trendiness over authenticity. Your taste buds--and your cultural conscience--deserve better.

Amazing mole, and we liked the way you could choose a mole, protein, and side to make your own meal. Lots of other things on the menu we'd like to come back to try. Service was attentive and pleasant, and the space is great--lots of art and warm, bright colors. Very glad to have found this place!

Yes!! Go here!! Get all of their drinks!! The watermelon paloma and margaritas are amazing! We shared the Surtido Rico, phenomenal! I got the Sope appetizer as my entree!! Can't wait to be back!!

Went with a group of people for my sister's birthday. We were the only people there when we got there around 5pm on Sunday. The service was great, I asked the waiter for his recommendation. He said the mole dishes were their specialty. So I got the enchiladas de pollo en mole negro. The first thing I noticed was the pretty presentation. Also noticed no steam coming out, they were unacceptably cold. The tortillas are supposed to be soft and pliable, they were so cold that it was hard to cut and tortillas were stiff, chicken was dry, not enough mole which made them even drier, rice was undercooked. Ordered coconut pie and that was good for a few bites, cause it was on the sweeter side. Prices are too high to get served cold food. I hope they take this into consideration and not make those mistakes again. I think this restaurant has potential and wish them the best!

Wow! What an amazing hidden gem! Delicious quality authentic food, great service, family owned and just lovely all around. We went here with a group of 10 tonight for a birthday. Everyone loved their dishes - the red mole enchiladas were amazing! The staff was so friendly and thoughtful and even brought out a carefully curated chocolate tamale! You could tell how much love and care the family takes with the food they prepare and the beautiful drinks they make! We even got a beautiful a capella concert! I'd highly highly recommend this place. We will be back!

There's nothing imaginary about the great taste at El Alebrije! The food is top notch, and the service is friendly. The steak fajitas sizzle as they arrive, and the enchiladas are prepared perfectly. We ordered a small habanero/piña salsa and it was a fruity fire! The Margarita looked great, so I'll have to come back for 2-3.

I told you I would be back ! ordered the taquitos They were so on spot ! Perfect ! Carne Asada tampiqueña was perfect ! What shocked me was the chicken mole enchilada it was out of this world The best mole enchilada I've eaten in a very long time ! I don't understand why this place is so quiet ? This place is a gem ! Oh did I forget the perfect Blended mango margarita !!