Time for another installment of 'Specialty of the House' where we feature the feature dishes at Mexican restaurants across the city. Today's round-up is exclusively spots from the Southside. This wasn't planned but the fact of the matter is that is where you'll find the real deal mom and pop stops.
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The Grill on 47th
Archer Heights
First stop up is out by Midway. The Grill on 47th gets it's name from the street it rests on. From the outside this looks like a classic southside diner. At one time it probably was. These days it's still a diner that has all the regular breakfast items as well as what sounds like a good burger etc. But on the weekends it turn into a local pozoleria. According to the signs and the menu they make Pozole estilo Guerrero. Your choices are green, red, or clear for the broth and pork or chicken for the meat. What you see below is a small size pozole verde which is the most popular way of eating this soup in Guerrero. It was one of the best bowls of pozole I've come across and it starts with the rich broth and large chunks of tender pork. The toppings plate served on the side just made it that much better.
Pozole at The Grill 47
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Yvolina's Tamales
Pilsen
For some of the city's best Oaxacan style tamales head over to Pilsen's 18th street. Located at the end near Halsted is an unassuming spot that kind of hides behind the tree in the summer. It's called Yvolina's and it's a grocery slash restaurant. The namesake is usually found in back where she's making fresh Oaxacan style tamales that come with your choice of wonderful sauces as well as some of the fluffiest Mexican rice I've ate. Not only that but she makes tortillas to order for the tacos. This is by definition a great neighborhood place. She's very popular at the local Taco & Tamale Fest.
Oaxacan Tamale (w/ Rajas) from Yvolina's Tamales
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Taquizas Y Banquetes El Siete
Brighton Park
Here's yet another street food success story. The family behind this place used to make their food exclusively for parties and pop up's. They saved up enough to go brick and mortar and now they still cater with taquizas but also have a location where you can come to them for their locally famous tacos de guisado and also their hot dogs. The tacos are terrific but there's not many spots featuring Mexican Danger Dogs and El Siete makes a really good one. For those who haven't explored the Mexican hot dog it's an absolute heart stopper. Made with a cheap wiener wrapped in bacon they're fried on a flattop with onions which go on top. You'll also get ketchup, mayo, tomato, jalapeno, more.
Mexican Hot Dog aka Mexican Danger Dog at Taquizas Y Banquetes El Siete
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El Campestre
Brighton Park
Next stop takes us to Archer avenue in the Archer Heights / Brighton Park neighborhood. Sometimes you just get a taste for some classic grilled chicken. At least I know I do. When it comes I usually like to go get it from one of the city's many Mexican grilled chicken specialists. Pretty much all of these spots do a bang up job with their grilled chicken and sides. When you get a meal deal you know you're getting enough food for not just one but maybe two meals. El Campestre has a few locations but it's this one I pass by most often. On my visit around lunchtime it was me and about 15 (no joke) members of CPD who were on duty in the neighborhood that day. For just around $10 I got some really good grilled chicken (1/4 meat) with two sides of my choice (rice + beans) along with chips and multiple salsas as well as tortillas. The best chicken tacos are made from the meat, rice/beans and tortillas supplied at the aforementioned grilled chicken specialists. Hits the spot.
Seasoned Grilled Chicken Lunch Plate at El Campestre
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Los Candiles
Little Village
Our final stop is in Little Village. Right off 26th street you'll find one of the neighborhood's favorite gathering spots. Los Candiles has been a fixture in these parts for a while now. They're only open until 5p so it's popular for both breakfast and lunch. On a recent visit we ran into the alderman so you know this place is popular with locals. One of the things Los Candiles is known for are Enchiladas Huastecas, as well as Enchiladas Potosinas. These are both popular recipes from San Luis Potosi. I did some scouring of the internet for Enchiladas Huastecas recipes and noticed many different variations. All I know for sure about the offering at Candiles is it's well worth your time. Three corn tortillas are rolled in a red chile sauce and stuffed with chicken and then folded before being topped with sauteed carrots, potatoes, lettuce, and cream. Refried black beans and sliced avocado come served on the side. I love a good plate of enchiladas and this is one I'll return for. See y'all next time.
Enchiladas Huastecas at Los Candiles
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Previous Posts from this Series
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The Grill on 47th
4359 W 47th St
Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 801-1061
Yvolina's Tamales
814 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 731-3167
Taquizas Y Banquetes El Siete
3817 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 851-9753
El Campestre
4226 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 927-1333
Los Candiles
2624 S Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 522-8544
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