Categories: Chicago restaurant review, Mexican cuisine, Zocalo Chicago, tequila

It was a last minute decision to check out the River North's latest Mexican restaurant, Zocalo [358 W. Ontario, Chicago IL 60610}. In translation, Zocalo is a “town square or plaza” which represents a center to congregate. Eleven degrees on a Saturday night in Chicago at 8:45 PM, who would ever think there might be a brief wait. True to its name the restaurant appeared to be a place to gather but for a decent meal.

In the background a live modern-mariachi band, played the classics. Meanwhile, at the bar, I ordered a Mojito. My dining companion (my husband) sipped on a glass: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempranillo" target="_blank">Tempranillo. As we spied on the hustle and bustle of the restaurant, several observations were made:

• The dining room was a throng of people aged 20 to 60.

• Despite the restaurants secondary marketing objective to be a Tequila Bar, not many people were doing the lick, slam and slurp ritual.

• And as Zocalo features some aesthetics from its previous restaurant [Chilpancingo], it manages to maintain the same energy and scrumptious fare.

About the food, cuisine Once seated, we started with the del pescado tacos and the el pastor tacos with blue corn tortillas. Strangely enough, the two appetizers complemented each other and were enough to whet the appetite.


As for finale, I went with the server’s recommendation: Enchilada de Zocalo. To accompany the entree, I ordered the Swiss chard which was compromised by too much salt. Nevertheless, the main event stood its own. Creamy, satisfying and loaded with mushrooms, black beans and machango cheese. It was a vegetarian's kind of comfort food. Outfitted in a puffy pastry of perfection The chile rellenos came with black beans and white rice.

Consumer Warning: Food lovers in quest of ample sized portions maybe disappointed by Zocalo’s moderate sized portions.

Ambiance: Comfortable - cozy
Attire: Casual to chic
Food: $28 (average meal+ one alcoholic beverage/per person)
Service: Above Average
Overall restaurant rating: 4 PLATES - www.zocalochicago.com/" target="_blank">Zocalo Chicago is well worth checking out

By Holly Bentz (c) 2006 fruitionMedia.net>>