Red-Light Cameras Not So Special?
Cubs Combat Casino
PHOTOS: Peaches And Amanda Blank At Metro
County Sales Tax Rollback Vetoed - Here We Go Again
The Return of The Chicagoist Reader Meet-Up
Taquerias in Chicago are so prevalent that if you can't find one, you aren't trying. Even though the good ones tend to stand out like oases in a desert, some fly just underneath the radar of the recognition they deserve.
One that does a commendable job is Artemio's in Portage Park. We were in Six Corners Saturday night to watch Chaplin's "City Lights" at Bank of America Cinema, had an hour to kill before the movie started, and were really hungry. Artemio's is right across the street and we thought, "Hadn't featured a torta for 'OGS' before." So we dove in and ordered the torta carnitas, a staple when we're up that way. The pork was impeccably seasoned, served on lightly toasted bread, lettuce and light Mexican sour ream. Best part of this? It only costs $4.50. With popcorn at B of A cinema only costing $1, it made for a fulfilling evening.
Artemio's is open late (4 a.m. on weekends) to accommodate folks leaving the Latin and Eastern European discos of the Nrothwest side jonesing for something to eat after a night of drinking, dancing, (possibly) fighting and (most certainly) cockblocking.
Artemio's, 4918 W. Irving Park Rd., 773-545-2631.
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
This sign being bigger than the restaurant has always scared me away. In addition, sit down dining has always pushed me towards Las Tablas which is right next door.
I used to judge Mexican restaurant quality by the number of Mexicans (or Latin Americans) in the establishment. But after last Saturday night, I'm basing it on the size of the cowboy hats I see in the vicinity. If anyone knows Mexican food, it's a leather-skinned bad ass vaquero with white leather boots, sprayed on Wranglers, and a blemish free cowboy hat.
(Not profiling. If I went to an Indian restaurant, and saw nothing but non-Indian and Middle-Eastern people, I'd question the authenticity and quality of the food.)
@(The Modern Day Warrior Kerry) Von Erich: That's a dual-edged sword, my friend. Those vaqueros could also be looking for something to fill them up and damn the taste.
Las Tablas next door is nice, as is the Bosnian restaurant up the street whose name escapes me right now.
I live in the neighborhood and have tried Artemio's a couple times. Not horrible, but not very good either. La Palapita is your best bet in the area.
Chuck,
Meisa Cafe