At some point during the last three months I've developed serious craves for Mexican burgers. I've always liked them but of late I seemed to be wanting one damn near everyday and I think it was a burger I made for myself one summer night that did it. Most of the time when I want a burger it's bc I want some beef in me. Thus for the most part I dont like my burgers with anything extra as far as toppings go. I dont need an egg and you can hold the bacon as far as I'm concerned. It's the beef I want to taste. But every now and then I want to taste the wonderful combination of flavors that make up for a Mexican Hamburger. A couple other things that may have triggered my new found love of Mexican style burgers are my love for Mexican hot dogs which are similar in terms of all sorts of toppings and condiments being used. Also I was in Mexico City this year and was tempted by more than a few spots selling burgers alongside the streets. They looked and smelled great. Next time.
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El Porvenir Supermercado
Cicero, IL
I probably have about 5-6 Mexican dining projects I'm working on right now. One of them involves food found inside Mexican Supermarkets. On the weekends this is one of the best places in all of Chicagoland to get carnitas from. The place gets packed with locals. More on that in another post as they also have an everyday menu of many Mexican favorites at the little taco stand in back.
Menu at El Porvenir Taqueria
One of the items that caught my eye was the Hamburguesa estilo D.F which would translate to a Mexico City style hamburger. This was right around the time I had the taste for these burgers so I had no choice but to try one. Before I go into what makes a Mexico City style burger I should point out that the patties used here were fresh from the butcher one aisle over. Top to bottom in between buns this burger consisted of mayo, cheese, ham, bacon, pineapple, grilled onions, beef, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard. It came with a side of frozen crinkle cut fries that were extra crispy. A monster.
Hamburguesa estilo D.F at El Porvenir Taqueria
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Dennis' Carry Out
Little Village
I dont know who Dennis is but he holds some weight in La Villita. I believe he owns three different food spots up and down 26th street with a couple of them being pretty typical Chicago style fast food stands and the other being a pizza place. The spot pictured up above is just west of Hamlin. The menu has all of the Chicago style favorites and then some. Including a Mexican section with both burgers and hot dogs. The Mexican burger might come on those typical frozen puck patties that weigh 6 to a lb but the toppings used combined with the charred patties make for a pretty great burger. This had those wonderful grilled onions all the Mexican places make so perfectly as well as Mozzarella for some reason. I wasn't sure about that but the cheese was lost in the flurry of toppings.
Mexican Burger at Dennis' Carry Outs
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El Duranguito
Maywood, IL
I've featured this Norteno style burrito and taco shop before. On a return visit I tried the Norteno style burger which was really good. As you may already know beef is King in Northern Mexico and they really like burgers which most likely crossed over from Texas at some point in time. El Duranguito takes the time to serve theirs with fresh cut fries which is no surprise as the ladies here make the flour tortillas for the burritos to order. The burger comes with all the toppings associated with a hamburger and then some. I believe it was served as a double and like the rest of these spots the price was right around $5. Best thing about this might've been the sesame seed bun acquired from a local panaderia. Looking back at all these I would say this burger is the one I'd eat now if given choice.
Norteno Burger at El Duranguito
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Tacos La Reyna
Pilsen
Here's another place from another project I've been working on. Chicago's street food scene is low key pretty great, at least the Mexican version of it which is pretty much the only version. I've been documenting all sorts of places and of course most all of them are located in predominately Hispanic neighborhoods. Pilsen might be changing but thats mostly 18th street. Go ride around on a weekend night and you'll come across all sorts of taco trucks should you leave 18th street. This one was found in the 20's and it had a nice crowd of families hanging around and eating. I had the taste for a burger and got the double cheese which was a classic in terms of prep. Another one that hit the spot.
Double Cheeseburger from Tacos La Reyna
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Raymond's Tacos #2
Pilsen
Regular readers and also those that drink in Pilsen with me know that I love me some Raymond's. Me and hoards of other folks from all walks of life. This is where gangbangers dine alongside hipsters. Locals from all walks of life flock to this place at all hours with late night being the busiest. The cheesy tacos are what makes Raymond's a dining destination but the burgers are also mentioned so what better time than now to finally try one? This is a classic diner style double. it's by no means the best diner style burger you'll ever have but it is delicious after five or six cold ones chased with some sips of mezcal. I am curious as to why they put the toppings on the bottom. See ya next time.
Double Cheeseburger at Raymond's Tacos #2
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El Porvenir Supermercado
2336 S Laramie Ave
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 652-6205
Dennis' Carry Outs
3806 W 26th St
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-2711
El Duranguito
402 Lake St
Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 343-4584
Tacos La Reyna
Parked in Pilsen (check the early 20's blocks)
Raymond's Tacos #2
2406 S Blue Island Ave
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 254-5301
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