Authentic Mexican Food at Tacos Tequilas

There are certain restaurants that I am always disappointed I didn't discover earlier than I did. Tacos Tequilas is one of those restaurants. Located on Milwaukee in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, this little Mexican spot serves up some of the best tacos I have ever had! There are many places in Chicago that boast of having the best tacos, but Tacos Tequilas backs it up with expertly prepared food in a relaxed and causal dining setting.

The Vibe

Tacos Tequilas is a small neighborhood joint that specializes in authentic Mexican food. The restaurant is not large, but can sit a few dozen customers at a time. Every time that I have visited, it is not super crowded. On nice days in the summer, they open their sidewalk up for customers to eat and enjoy the warm weather. The vibe is very relaxed and causal with wooden tables and chairs arranged in neat rows. As you eat, Mexican music plays in the background while music videos play on their TV above the bar. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive and always make me feel welcome and at home.

The Food

By now, I have been to Tacos Tequilas so many times that I almost expect them to know my order by heart when I arrive. A meal at Tacos Tequilas always begins with complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa is homemade and a delicious blend of tomatoes, cilantro, and onions without too much spice or sweetness. With the deal, customers have the choice of two appetizers: queso fundido or guacamole. My personal favorite of the two appetizers is the queso fundido. If you are a fan of cheese, than this snack will change your life. How, you may ask? Well, how could a plate of melted Chihuahua cheese and sour cream not change your life? It is served with warm tortillas that you can wrap the cheese up in like a mini cheesy burrito. Yum! The guacamole is homemade and also very good.

On a recent visit, I decided to switch things up a little bit and order a different appetizer. The empanadas caught my eye and when the waiter described the special of the day, I was excited for them. He brought out a beautiful plate of golden empanadas stuffed with shrimp marinated in Mexican spices and topped with a tomato and fresh avocado slice. When I took a bite, I almost moaned it was so good. The shrimp empanadas were served with a delightful sauce on the side that I could not get enough of. I wish they would add this to their menu permanently!

The deal also includes six tacos of your choice. Each order comes with two tacos, so customers can choose three different kinds to enjoy. Some of my favorite tacos they serve are:

Choriqueso – Mexican sausage with melted Chihuahua cheese, cream, onions and cilantro. Perfect blend of spice and cream.
Pastor – Pork marinated in red chiles with cilantro, onions, and pineapple. The sweet pineapple with the red chile pork is a great balance and a delicious couple bites.
Pescado – sauteed tilapia served with cabbage, pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli. I like how they sauté their fish tacos instead of frying them, for a healthier option.
Nopales – One of the most interesting choices: sautéed fresh cactus with pico de gallo, queso, cream, and avocado. Great for vegetarians.
Mole – My absolute favorite and the best chicken mole tacos I have ever had in my entire life! Shredded chicken in their special mole sauce (I seriously need the recipe), onions, cilantro, cream, and cheese.

The Drinks

Tacos Tequilas recently gained their liquor license and serve up some pretty decent drinks. Of course they have the classic margarita, which I ordered and thoroughly enjoyed. They also serve frozen margaritas, beer, sangria (red or white), as well as several Mexican inspired cocktails.

If you are in the mood for great Mexican food, I highly suggest checking out Tacos Tequilas – you can thank me later!