El Tezcal Mexican Restaurant

I've lived in Chicago my whole life and I have to say that this is one of the very best Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten at.Authentic Mexican cuisine at its finest. Service was fantastic. The ambiance was cool and laid back.I had the steak burrito dinner and the person I was with got the steak taco dinner. Simple yet excellent. I cannot wait to eat here again. I can't recommend it enough.

We got this place delivered, and first of all, the app said it was still being cooked - and luckily I randomly looked outside and the food was sitting on the porch - now cold.The food had very little flavor overall. One of my husband's tacos - Picadillo - he had to literally spit out because it had bones in it. My rice was even still shaped like the bottom of the container it sat in, very clearly not fresh.Would not recommend. Which is a bummer because it had what seemed to be good reviews so we were excited to try a new place.

So I was excited to see how high the reviews were for this place and since it's a 10 minute drive from home, I wanted to give it a try! If you decide to come here, deep dive on the 5 star reviews from members who have anywhere between 10-20 reviews over 3-4 years.Let's rewind to a week ago, where I had Saturday lunch plans with some friends. I told them to meet me here around Noon since I read online, that's what time they open. It was 12:05p and it still wasn't open. Whatever, we down the street for another Taqueria.Fast forward a week later, we decided to come here for Dinner on a Thursday night. Our 18 month old tagged along as well and we ordered right away for him. He enjoyed the Pollo Taco but the Picadillo Taco, he wanted no part. I tried it and it was really greasy.I did the Tapiquena and it was ok. The Enchilada was really good but the "Carne Asada" was a cheap cut of meat that was not cooked Medium Rare. The rice and beans were ok. The salsas were very tasty.The decor is a weird hodge hodge of Xmas lights, outdoor lights, a fishing net, etc.Parking is available but be prepared to drive around a little bit to find it.We're not in a rush to go back and too bad both experiences were not favorable.

RATING: 10/10My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place on our way to Avondale after we got too hungry and boy am I happy we did!! We were given chips and two salsas to start which were crisp and delicious. We both got the 3 taco meal and a horchata to share and everything blew us away. After trying three different flavors of tacos, both of our favorite was the steak taco. The tacos meal comes with beans and rice with everything flavored to perfection. The horchata was the best I've ever tasted with a certain creaminess I've never had before! The service was absolutely amazing too! While we were eating, the owner of the restaurant's son came to talk to us. He told us that his 70 year old mother retired and decided to open this restaurant as the chef! It's so amazing to hear this inspiring story as it is never too late to follow your dreams. Please please visit this restaurant--the food is to die for!! The prices are also so incredibly reasonable!!

Amazing food, ambiance, and service! Ordered the asada torta, taco dinner with chicken, carnitas, & pastor and the steak milanesa and it was TO DIE FOR. Definitely will be returning!

Mexican is my favorite but I don't have it nearly as often as other take-out options. I love sopes and that is what I have been craving for a while. I might like to try them in-shop, because they didn't travel fantastically well. The masa base was a little thin so I ate it with a knife and fork rather than try to hold it. But it was good for sure, and I got the sope dinner so I had rice and beans to go along with it. It was a really good price, too, which made me happy!We also got chicken fajitas and the mole enchilada I think it was. I don't like mole but it got two thumbs up from the mole fan in the house. We had the fajitas the next day for dinner and they were great. I may not put enough stuff in mine because we had a bit left over when we had finished up the tortillas, but it was of course just as good eating with a fork sans tortilla.I'd happily order from here again. There's lots of space inside, and it was totally empty though that may have been because I was here on the early side around 5 (though there were others there picking up!) Parking is street only; I got lucky that there was an easy space on the side street. It's only about 10 minutes away but because getting places feels like it can take forever in Chicago it may not be often just because of the ~distance.

This is the best kept secret as far as Mexican food in Chicago. My girlfriend and I come here quite often and we love the intimate atmosphere, service and most importantly, the food. The employees are so friendly and attentive. I have never had a bad dish here and they may have one of the best tacos in the city!

Really delicious and authentic Mexican food in a warm and I biting setting. Mole is the focus and the star. The service was perfect and pleasant in the way of a true family restaurant.

El Tezcal is the quintessential Chicago Mexican restaurant. It's a family run business and you can tell by how incredible the food is. Miguel & his family are AMAZING - friendly, thoughtful, and accommodating. I'm a regular and every time I stop in I am amazed at the quality of service & the meal is second to none. I cannot recommend this place enough!!!

Unbelievable experience - had the owner help guide us through the menu and talk about their business. The quesadilla with Chorizo is highly recommended. Will definitely be back!