Carnitas El Paisa

Home made tortillas!
Home made salsa!
Home made refried beans!

This is not anything like all the cookie cutter tacos joints in Chicago.  A taco with home made tortillas will cost you three bucks, but two of these are more than equal to three standard Chicago tacos.  The woman who runs the place is warm and wonderful.  Be prepared for some lost in translation surprises.

Ok, o have tried this place based on reviews, and let me tell you that I was concerned about 2 reviews 1 was that it was pricey and 2 that it was dirty and so many other things. But let me tell you I tried it and everyone else was right on the money about how great this place is!!! First of all I really loved to be treated like a king by such a wonderful lady, 2 I actually design and build restaurants and let me tell you I've seen it all, and this is by far, the cleanest place I have gone to, 3 the food is absolutely amazing!!! Carnitas are tender, packed with a lot of flavor but still crispy on the outside, tortillas are hand made and taste just like the ones made in little towns of Mexico, the Guacamole was fresh with a bit of lime juice and seasoned just right. I asked for coffee and was told that they did not have any but that she would make some fresh, and let me tell you she came back with a special treat a "Cafe de Olla" basically coffee made in a clay pot, with molasses and a touch of cinnamon. After this great experience the lady tried to explain what my bill was and what I was paying for, and I appreciated, but when you are treated in such great way and are served with such great food the last you worry about, is to get Taco Bell prices!!!!
I will bring my whole family again to this little piece of Mexican Heaven in Illinois!!!

I really really want to love this place because the owner is so friendly and reminds me of my grandma but the food keeps disappointing me. Other than the licuados (which I love but only like if it's fresa because one time mami made me a nectarine one and it tasted like milk with some sour flavor added. I blame the unripe nectarine but still...cmon) and the pozole (which was pretty good) I have not had very good luck with this place. Had an al pastor burrito and it had this disgusting paper aftertaste. Torta was so soggy I just spit it out.
If you're looking for a place to buy delicious roasted pork by the pound, come here. Otherwise, look elsewhere for your typical Mexican fare.