WOW!!
I'm coming out of Yelp retirement for this one. I've been driving around the Pilsen area near my new(ish) job looking for a cheap, yummy lunch spot, and boy did I find it!! Having eaten at a Mexican joint just a week ago, I decided to venture a little further south, hoping to find something less tourist-y and, well, mediocre. I decided on Chayote, which has quite a unique decor of national geographics, record albums, a chalk board with specials listed (kind of), and even a deck of tarot cards up on the wall. It's definitely a little busy and mismatched, but it clearly doesn't advertise itself as a romantic getaway from the outside.
Walking in (free parking on side streets), I was first pleasantly surprised by the salsa bar. It is self serve, which is awesome in my opinion, because it means you can go up and get more whenever you want and don't have to wait on anyone. There is also a jug of water at the salsa bar where you can get more water, but my waitress, who was extremely friendly, was happy to refill mine up for me.
First things first: YOU HAVE TO TRY THE JALAPENO AVOCADO SALSA!!! Holy crap was it good. I liked the other salsa as well, and they complemented each other quite well, but once I got a taste of that jalap/avocado salsa, there was no going back (you can even buy some to take home for $2). Fair warning, it is advertised as medium spicy (I didn't think it was overly spicy).
Second thing: Burritos and tortas for $6.50!! Well, approximately. I don't eat meat except for fish and seafood, so I got the shrimp burrito. Yummy!! The shrimp are almost prahn sized.. tiger shrimp that were so plentiful they fell onto my plate with each bite. When adding the jalap/avo salsa to it, it was simply delectable...for $7!!! They could stand to have more veggie options...it was either shrimp or veggie in choosing a burrito or torta.
Which means that after purchasing some salsa to take home, my entire bill was around $9. They also have cards where if you purchase six of the SAME thing (e.g. six burritos OR six Tortas), the 7th is free (meaning the 7th torta you eat is free). I'll definitely be using that up, as I plan to go back.
Oh, also the place is literally across the street from the Damen Pink line, so it's very easy to access by mass transit. Well done, Chayote!!
I wasn't sure if I was genius or crazy deciding to meet my lunch companion at Abuelo's during NATO weekend. I'm going to go with genius; our plan to meet halfway-ish meant we avoided any street closures and traffic headaches we were warned about.
I nearly drove by the place where Abuelo's was supposed to be; the awning out front now reads El Fua. I stopped in to confirm Abuelo's hadn't moved and learned the restaurant (under the same ownership) was now called Chayote. I have no idea how El Fua fits into the mix. I'm not sure if the menu has changed, but the decor in Chayote has not; National Geographic magazine covers and Latin and American record jackets pepper the place.
If I had one complaint about my experience, it would be that I wish it was explained up front that it was self-service. Had I known about the water jug up front, I wouldn't have let my near empty water languish for so long. There's also a salsa bar up front where you can help yourself to chips and about 10 different salsas.
The menu offers a lot of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections with options for veggies and meat eaters. I ordered a shrimp burrito and my companion the enchiladas. Our food came out quickly and looked really tasty; the only oddity was the handful of doritos served on the side of mine. My companion really enjoyed her enchiladas, she said the salsa verde was great and later visited the salsa bar for an option that closely resembled it. Unlike many enchiladas, hers looked delicate and not laden with tons of cheese. My meal, on the other hand, was just ok. Without adding salsa, I found it erred on the bland side; with salsa it was fine, but not outstanding. I think my opinion might have changed, had I tried a salsa with a bit more zip. That's not to say it wasn't good, just more mild than I was looking for.
I wavered between three and four stars, but I'm rounding up; knowing this is the brainchild of the Abuelo's owners, I expected to be gobsmacked by how good the food was, but was not. Don't get me wrong, the food was above average, but not phenomenal. Next time I plan on ordering differently, next on my hit list is those enchiladas - I had a serious case of plate envy. Located right across from the Damen pink line stop, Chayote is an easy destination by car, bus or el.
one of my favorite brunch spots on earth.
the El Coco breakfast is to die for, i had never had or heard of molletes until Abuelo's (el fua? now) and i am a huge fan
their food presentation is on point
and the decorations on the wall are amazing.
now they have a salsa bar too which is sooooooo good.
check out the sick murals in the back by the bathrooms too
Okay! Â Hey! Â Ya know! Â I really like this place.
I really do
I like that it's a little bit upper scale, it's nice, the food is reallly really good. Â I really love the food here.
This place is actually pretty amazing
decorated with records....
but. Â I distinctly remember not getting chips. Â actually. Â I think I got bread. Â that's cool ya know. Â I'm just allergic.
SO THIS PLACE IS GREAT OKAY?!! Â there just wasn't... chips.....
BUT IT'S GREAT!
ANYWAY!!!! THIS PLACE DOSEN'T EXIST ANYMORE!!!!!! It's el fua now. Â and I hear it's great
El Fua is this made up word by a drunk. Â I think it means Extra. Â So if you want THE FUA. Â THE EXTRA. Â Abuelo's renamed El Fua should be fine. Â If you don't get chips just ask for el fua, but I think you have to yell fua. Â like FUAAAAA. Â like other reviews will say, you just gotta youtube it. Â
ps. Â don't actually yell at them.
I read a few reviews and was so excited to eat here. Â There was only one waiter and he was really nice. Â He had three other tables and told us to sit anywhere. Â His charm and hard work made up for us having to wait to order.
As we were waiting to order, he brought over some chips and salsas. The salsas were the star of the show. The green was spicy and the red was just rich. Â I would have to say that these two were the most unique salsas in Chicago. Â 5 Star for both of the salsas.
And then everything kind of went down hill from there. Â We started out with the guacamole because many people raved about it in there reviews. Â I was not really happy with it. Â It had shredded iceberg lettuce in there. It kind of made me think it was added to make it look like a lot of guacamole. Â I was not a fan of this being added.
Also my steak taco meat was just charred beyond recognition. Â If I had to describe it, I would call it Crispy Steak Bacon. Â This was such a letdown. I hate to say this but it was the worse steak taco I've ever had in Chicago. Â Maybe the cook was having a bad day and if he wasn't he sure ruined mine.
For the price of the food I would have expected a little more. Â I think the menu is a little over priced too for Mexican food.
It is so sad because I walked in thinking 5 stars and I walked out feeling like I just wasted my lunch on that. Â I would only come back here if they would sell me a mason jar full of those salsas!!!
The waiter was nice but the food really did not stand up and in the end it is with a heavy heart I give them 2 stars. Â (I did notice they had a plaque on the wall from the Sun-Times and the Sun-Times gave them 2 stars too. Â So maybe that is good here. Â Honestly why did they buy the plaque for only two stars I would be embarrassed to hang that on the wall until I had 4 or 5 stars...but that is just me!)
OMGOODNESS!! Â I LOVE this restaurant!! Â
First of all, any Mexican restaurant that fries their own chips is by default delicious. There are too many places in Chicago that don't. Abuelos not only has delicious chips to start but everything I tried was awesome!! Plenty of flavor which other Mexico restaurants around Chi lack, the salsas were amazing, spicy, but not so much they over power or are the only flavor the food has. Sooooo Good,. DEF a must eat place in my hood!
My roommate and I went here for a quick Saturday dinner, and we were pleasantly surprised. Â We didn't experience any of the rudeness that other yelpers have complained about, which is surprising since we both just ordered one burrito each. Â In fact our server was friendly and the service was rather prompt.
The burritos are good, although I will admit that they all have the same general build of cheese, cabbage, etc. Â So if you're picky you'll have to ask the server to leave out ingredients (something that we did not need to do). Â But the burritos are good and the perfect size for dinner; not the overly large size that many chains give you. Â Overall in our brief visit to Abuelo's on a Saturday night (we were one of three parties in there at the time, so it possibly was a bit slow), we were impressed enough to say that we are coming back again.
Having never been much of a yelper, the fact that I got on here merely to bitch about Abuelo's should be enough. However, allow me to be slightly more informative:
First off, the food is bad. The veggies are soaked in oil, their beans lack flavor, and everything is pretty wildly over priced. Given those reasons alone, I would avoid Abuelo's. But here's the thing: Abuelo's is desperately near to my work, one might say crawling distance, and I'll never step foot in there again. They have seriously offended me for the last time.
The assholes who run this restaurant do not care to give decent customer service. I'm a painfully polite person by nature, and I've almost told the stumpy looking dude to stick it where the sun don't shine. They are pricks about nearly everything a restaurant can possibly be pricks about; in addition to giving me food with cheese on it more than once when I specifically (and politely) requested they not, they have also refused to stamp a regular customer card because I "looked like i'd already been in today" (inherently ridiculous).
I wouldn't step foot in Abuelo's if it was the last place with a working bathroom in the entire city and I'd spent the whole morning drinking coffee. Though on second thought, they'd probably make me buy something before using the bathroom.
Go to ANY OTHER taqueria in the city. If you want fancy food hit up Mundial Cocina on 18th for infinitely better food, service, and prices.
Full disclosure: I'm a vegetarian. Maybe their meat is great, but i wouldn't know because I don't eat it. However, they're still assholes - so go at your own risk.
Flavor Country. If you are interested in fresh ingredients, variety, and unique flavor - jump off the damen pink line and go to abuelos.
The food is great, the staff is engaging, they support local artists - you can find one of a kind pieces hung on the wall, and chalk art underneath the register.
SAUCES - i havent asked whats in them because my tongue was to busy scarfing down more sauce - 2 kinds - these are not salsas, they are sauces. You can't get em anywhere else in the city.
No, no, no. No, no, no, no, NO!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
This place epitomizes what I didn't want to happen to Pilsen. The food isn't bad, yes, but nothing about it at all warrants the 75% price jump from everywhere else around. The decor is cute, yes, and the crowd is hip, yes, and it couldn't be any closer to a train station, yes, but it's precisely these things that disturb me. This is the first place I've found in this part of the neighborhood that can thrive on these qualities.
My friend tried to sell it to me by mentioning the red cabbage in the burrito, instead of the obligatory lettuce. Oh wow, somebody stopped at a different stall at the grocery store! The odd stiffness and bitterness does not add to a burrito, in my opinion.
I've been three times, the first two really wanting to like this place. Third time was the anti-charm, and that's it for me.
Check out Taco Bueno (2057 W Cermak) for more "authentic" food and a great value, La Michoacana (2049 W Cermak) for incredible carnitas or Los Alamos (2157 S Damen) for total taqueria experience. Any of these places blow Abuelo's out of the water in terms of food and value.
Abuelo's is a cool place. The food is good, the interior is interesting, and the service is good. It's definitely a bit pricey for being an average Mexican restaurant in Pilsen. At least it's BYOB.
We went there with a big group of people and everyone seemed pretty happy at the end of their meal. I don't think anyone, including myself, was wowed, but content. A bunch of us got the Carne A La Tampiquena, which they highly recommend. The meat is kind of like nice, not greasy gyro meat. I like my gyro meat. But, it wasn't great. It was just average, and for a ~$14 Mexican dish I was expecting a bit more.
I'm definitely up for going back to Abuelo's to try out some of their more typical fare to see how it stacks up. It's definitely a fun place.
If you drive there, be prepared to drive around for sometime to look for parking. It ain't easy.
I pretty much run around town talking about what an old man I am, so why wouldn't I go to a place called Abuelo's, especially considering that it's so close to my (nursing) home. Â Sooo the owner isn't really a grandpa (Abuelo is just his nickname), big whoop. Â Neither am I. Â Time to stop my geriatric ramblings and tell you about the food.
We started with some guacamole, which at $6.50 is a little cheaper, albeit smaller, than some of the fancy competitors out there, and boy is it good. Â Lots of lime, lots of onion, lots of cilantro, lots of spice. Â All perfect together. Â I plowed through the pastor burrito, my second burrito ever (see my Garcia's review for the hilarity of my burrito ignorance). Â The meat was definitely the star, but the refried beans were black beans, not that icky brown slop, there was just enough cheese, the tomatoes weren't a wet mess, and I enjoyed the crisp cabbage. Â I'd give it another shot, or try the carne asada one next time. Â Boyfriend seemed to enjoy his veggie burrito, if not as voraciously as myself.
Service was quick and friendly, and when there was a sour cream snafu, it was remedied right away. Â The decor was casual and fun, with National Geographics, album covers, and loteria boards lining the walls as well as a large chalkboard menu. Â I'll definitely return since Abuelo's is so close, and next time I'll try one of their flavored waters (they were out this time) and maybe a taco or two.
I'd been putting off reviewing Abuelo's for quite a while. I just couldn't make up my mind about the place.
1st visit: Torta w steak and other yummy veggies. Delicious!
2nd visit: Teeny tiny tacos. Tasty, but small.
3rd visit: I don't remember.
And the last visit was great! Had a delicious torta filled with cochinita and more yummy veggies.
Here's the thing... Every time I have gone, my poor friend or date did not appreciate their meal. So there are definitely a few do-not-order items... including the chilaquiles and the sopes, my dad instantly picked up on the fact that they were frozen prior to his meal. Â Parents definitely won't dig this place. And the other thing is: I'm not even a torta person!! So if for some reason I am craving a torta I will go here.
The crowd is a bit on the trendier side... it's like the future of Pilsen inside that place. And the waiter throws me off a little. He called me a princess once... I didn't appreciate that.
I will mention that the green limeade is wonderful!
Saturday morning arrived and you guessed it, I wanted CHI-LA-QUI-LES! Â Since I vividly remembered a voyage to Pilsen (thanks to Yelp) about 1 year ago where I had some memorable chilaquiles, the experience stayed with me and every time we headed over to relive my experience it was a Sunday and Abuelo's was closed. Â I made my desire known to the bf, and in his effort to please his princess, he insisted we head out immediately---sans shower!!!! Â So with a quick brush of the teeth and brush of the hair, we headed south, where we are merely two among many of our kind :-D Â Abuelo's in Pilsen was the destination and chilaquiles was the objective.
The décor is fun and you can't help but get lost in the awesome National Geographic covers that adorn the walls or the 60's-80's wallpaper-esque album covers that include everyone from Sonny and Cher, to Luis Miguel, and José José.
Now, these are the best chilaquiles I have ever had. Â Note to all other chilaquiles enthusiasts, these are authentic to the states of Morelos and Estado de Mexico, so if you're not familiar with the preparation style, please heed my advice as they may look or taste slightly different, but are better than others you've had.
Make sure you try the agua de perejil (parsley water). Â I'm sure you scrunched your eyebrows and repeated "parsley water?" Â Believe me, overcome the fear and plunge into this refreshment of green, fresh, goodness--you'll be inspired to send me a Yelp message to thank me for it.
Post Script: Say hi to Miguel for me--the awesome and very kind server.
We had a group of 7 and truly enjoyed everything from the salsa/guac chips to the tilapia entree with salad and refried beans. Â I found the shrimp quesadillas to be very light and flavorful. Â I've never seen shrimp offered in a quesadilla but the way Abuelo's serves it, you'd ask what the hell took so long? Â The shrimp was quite fresh and soft and is a natural fit.
The guacamole satisfies and is on the spicy side. It *nearly* matches the expert offering of a personal friend's recipe (very hard to do). I wish more people would incorporate tomatillos into their guacamole!
Abuelo's served 3-4 huge chunks of delish tilapia in a $13 dinner special. I found the portion size along with the pear salad quite generous and tasty.
It's BYO and quite friendly. Easy to get to by transit (across the street, Pink line Damen stop.)
Having put my great guacamole search on hold to instead search for stellar chilaquiles, I headed to Pilsen on Friday. Abuelo's has been on my Yelp bookmarks of places to try due to a review of their guac, but I hoped they'd have fab chilaquiles, too. Sadly, such is not the case, but I'm giving them four stars anyway for the ambitious menu. Lots of options for vegetarians among their tortas, eggs, burritos, etc., which is not usually the case in Mexican restos.
My chilaquiles came in a soup bowl (!) and seemed to consist of a bed of salsa in the bowl first, then lots of chips thrown in, with scrambled eggs on top and a blob of beans on the side. I'd asked for mild salsa and was told that both their green and red salsas were mild, but I'm a salsa 'wuss' and found it too hot anyway. Difficult to eat from a soup bowl with the fork I was given, and I like the eggs mixed with the chips and salsa, rather than three separate entities. A little bowl of fruit and coffee or tea come with the meal - a nice touch.
I will return for the guac, and soon.
At first sip of the water, I was puzzled - What is this? Melon? Strange... Orange mint water it turns out... huh...
Super friendly waiter, low-key, but fresh decor, I'm buying...
I am always amused at how a burrito - usually made with the same 5 things - can taste so different at different places. This place is both something old and something new. It's familiar but funky.
I had the Alambre dinner, and my wife had the Abuelo burrito. Both were better than they looked on paper. The waiter showed me the Alambre before serving it to someone else, because he felt his description didn't do it justice... gotta admit, a little awkward, but I appreciated the gesture.
We started with the cream of asparagus soup - the best I've ever had. It didn't need a thing, and I like doctoring up my food.
We finished with the chocolate drizzled tres leches - shared, Â rich but perfect.
After dinner we sampled the parsley water, different and refreshing. Definitely a must try.
Great limey guac, nice homemade salsas. Only a couple blocks from work... looks like my new spot.
Great if you're in the area, but not a destination restaurant.
Based on positive reviews by a couple of Yelp Friends, we picked up dinner from Abuelo's on the way back into the city one evening. Â The menu is extensive. Â Everything was fine and tasty. Â But nothing was exceptional. Â Other than the service - they were very friendly. Â But I can't see going out of my way to stop here.
I came back here with my foodie Brother-in-law (BIL) and was blown away again. I have to upgrade this to 5 stars. This is simply THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN CHICAGO - take a backseat Xoco! Move over Big Star....
I returned to have the tacos al pastor, fish, chipotle chicken, dried steak, and pork in sauce. The pastor and skirt steak were again wonderful. I didn't think it was possible for anything to be better than their skirt steak - I was wrong when I bit into the dry steak. It comes simply with onion and cilantro, but is bursting with flavor. The pork in sauce was my BIL's favorite - it is a great mix of spicy and sweet. The fish taco actually was my least favorite - but I guess they can't all be winners.
For people who complain of "poor service" - this is a chill place for chill people who love good food. You will not be waited on hand-and-foot. But  the people who work here are really friendly and genuine. Keep up the great food Abuelos! I will definitely come back and bring all my friends!!
Tired after a long flight, I stopped into Abuelo's on my journey home up Damen. Â Dimly lit, I wasn't sure it was open. Â As I stepped through the entry, I was greeted warmly and shown to the counter where I ordered my take-out. Â My meal was quickly and freshly prepared. Â Now, take-out Mexican is never a great idea. I think we can all agree it is best eaten hot off the grill. Â I will say, however, that my husband and I talked extensively about how GREAT the food tasted even when warmed up - the flavors, the quality of chicken, the sauces! Â What a hero I was!
Many diners in the restaurant were trying desserts and raving about them. Â Have to try them next time. Â Totally cute inside!
Ridiculous shredded-cabbage-topped-with-yummy-sauce goodness on most dishes. Tortas are good too, though I've had just as good and cheaper at Dona Tortas on Cermak and Hoyne.
I can't wait for them to expand to the old Tianguis space next door and start offering patio seating, drinks and DJs on the weekends. (Homeboy Miguel behind the counter said all that's in the works.)
Overall, a great addition to the neighborhood. Now, when will you start opening on Sundays?? I need me my pozole fix then more than any other day of the week!
Because my boyfriend and I seem to be directions-impaired, it took us a 45 mins longer than it was supposed to to get to Abuelo's. But boy was it worth it!
The walls plastered with record covers (including the Smurf's greatest hits) did not bode well, nor did the flashing Christmas lights strung about the place. But the place was intimate and filled but not packed- a big plus for a Saturday night. We were seated immediately by a very charming waiter who opened our Negro Modelo's immediately while we waited for our friends.
We started with an excellent spicy guacamole with seriously tasty chips. I'd never thought about how crappy the chips are at most Mexican places, but these stood out as especially good. I started with an amazing console. It was so good! A little spicy and very fresh tasting. I had the burrito Azteca dinner. Contrary to the wilted shredded lettuce and canned refried beans the comprise the most Mexican restaurant "dinners", this salad was fresh and had pears and a nice dressing and the beans were dark and tasty. The burrito was great. It had a interesting flavor that grew on me the more I ate, probably conferred by the cactus in it, and the chicken was tasty and well prepared (none of those gross fat parts in it).
The service was very friendly. They didn't rush us at all when we stayed an extra half hour chatting after we had finished our meal. This may have been the best Mexican food eating experience I've had in Chicago!
Taking quickfix Mexican to a whole brand new level.
Have you ever wanted to sip a beer while waiting for some killer Mexican food instead of walking into a Mexican joint glazed eye at the end of the night? Welcome to Pilsen and welcome to Abuelo's!
On a Friday night I found myself surrounded by over a dozen math PhDs frenzy feeding and dishing out bottles of beer and wine in the dimly lit restaurant talking about the latest developments in math and all sorts of alienspeak. I got to watch their strange language and the TV featuring Extreme Eats and people performing feats of eating mastery on the TV set adorning the wall.
The menu you came and the booyah reflex was uncontrollable and automatic: shrimp tacos, fish tacos, and shrimp/fish quesadillas were here and I wasn't going to be convinced to get ANYTHING else! Most Mexican joints in Chicago have shrimp for their fajitas but refuse to hook it up in their tacos and quesadillas so I was sure what I wanted.
What I wanted soon came, delicious battered fish taco and texturized shrimp taco to blow my mind away into food bliss. My senses satiated, I then attacked my quesadilla! Y-U-M! Cheesy perfection with beautiful shrimps packed deep in the tortilla making for one satisfied customer enjoying the madness called Abuelo's.
Desserts were in a glass counter but I ate my fill and left like a john finishing his business. Oh, I can't wait to do it again!
PS Abuelo's is right across the street from the Damen Pink Line stop. NO EXCUSES!
Can a humble little taco joint be a five star establishment? YES!
The other day, I left my bubble to ride the Pink Line where I'd never been before. West Side, represent! As I was walking back from my appointment to the L on Damen I spotted this brightly painted little place right smack across from the station. Feeling hungry, I thought I'd stop in for a couple quick tacos.
I wandered up to the counter, asked "can I order?" thinking I'd just get a couple of standard steak tacos. Then, I looked around and realized, not only do they have table service, the decor of this place is really fun! There are Nat'l Geo covers as well as a wall of 50's album covers - some hilariously un PC (a nude woman in a sombrero kneels in front of a man with a guitar, the album artist, no doubt).
Oh! Okay, I sit down and a smiling, cute guy takes my order. I get a pork in sauce taco and an al pastor taco. And a lime flavored Jarritoes soda. The guy doesn't seem to understand my drink order. Oh, E . . . that is because you are a silly gringa who never took Spanish in school and saying "JARritoes" instead of the correct "HARritoes". We get that straightened out and he gives me an amused smile.
The tacos were just delicious. The seasoning was hot without being overpowering. Obviously made fresh and delicious just for me. The taco list was longer than at most little Mexican taquerias that you see everywhere. And I now know that this word is prononuced "tak-er-E-a" not "tak-e-AIR-a" as me, aforementioned silly gringa had been pronouncing it. (Thanks, M.S.)
There is both standard Mexican fare (yeah, you know standard Mexican fare, you gringa!) and more unusual dishes. I want to come back and try them all. Oh, and the menu was appealingly designed. Some real thought went into this place.
The servers were attentive and utterly friendly. Muy guapo! Yeah, this gringa knows that much Spanish - just enough to get in trouble, right, chica? They chatted me up, asked me where I was from, encouraged me to come back, really made me smile. Great place for kids, the service was outstanding. And the price was  . . . whoa, CHEAP.
Sorry, Rick Bayless . . . Frontera can wait for me, I'll be at this place eatin' $2 tacos and dishing with the workers!
As the Chicago magazine review may have noted, you know this place is ambitious as soon as you walk in, and on this stretch of Mexican culinary greatness. . . it's needed. The walls are shellacked with National Geographic magazine covers including some of your favorites (Afghan refugee, Koko's kitten). Sit anywhere, glance toward chalkboard and wrap your head around a totally accessible menu that provides surprises once place in front of you.
Taste buds change, this is fact. Thankfully my GI system has also become stronger. My tongue veers toward Scovilles more often than not so naturally, I ordered chorizo. On airy torta bread (baked in store?), with a zesty red onion, creamy avocado and queso. Side of black beans and then? A salad. Of mixed greens. With beets and pears and a sweet vinaigrette.
SCCCCCCCCCCRATCH goes the record.
Usually Mexican plates are wanton for fiber and since I try to sneak in veggies at every meal (tomato sauce on pizza counts, yes?), I was thrilled to see a kaleidoscope of color that didn't come from salsa and cheese. Increase the spectrum and move beyond primary my wonderful Pilsen folk!
Really, the food was delicious, not huge and maybe a touch over what you want to pay on the corridor but. . . BYO. Heyoh. There are so many damn places to try and visit and sample and gorge on but damn it if we haven't been back here twice. In four months. And that's kind of rockin' when you're broke. May you survive Abuelo!
FACT. This is an incredible mexican restaurant.
There is no disputing this, it is a fact. Look it up. That's right kids, pull up a seat, Abuelo's is taking you back to school.
So this place is named Abuelo's, which means grandfather. Â Being of mexican descent, I have an abuelo of my own. He makes incredible food. Especially his beans. So, as you can imagine, expectations were high.
I went here on a snowy Thursday night, one of the rare times when I'm not in class, and I was more than impressed. I asked the waiter what his favorite dinner was on the menu, it ended up being the burrito dinner, that's cool - I love burritos.
The first thing that knocks you over is a sweet, delicious smell. Walk in hungry, and you are in a full force situation.
First came the cup of soup. It was a basic chicken soup but doctored up with just enough spice to make you anxious to sip more. I believe there were tomatillos in it, which make everything great, but don't quote me on that. I mean quote me on my love for tomatillos but not for the fact that it was in the soup. Look, it's been a while since I've had delicious mexican food, so my palate may be rusty.
Ew, think about that. A rusty palate. Gross.
Anyway, the dinner came out and what in the WHAT, I did not expect a delicious, fresh, apple - beet salad. But there it was, staring in my big dumb face, and I devoured it. The lady accompanying me also had a taste and agreed, top notch.
The burrito was light, which was preferred, and the steak was incredible. Tender, delicious, not over cooked - just what you want.
Also on the plate were four chips and beans. THESE WERE NOT ENOUGH BEANS. Meaning that, if given the chance, I would have eaten the entire kitchen's stock of beans. Fur cereal, my Abuelo always told me to judge a mexican restaurant by its beans. These beans, man. They're good.
Okay, enough about the beans.
That philly who I was with enjoyed a La Morena Torta. I did not taste this, but it looked exceptional. Tortas are exquisite, and I can't wait to try it when I go again.
So in summation, don't go here, please. I want to keep it a secret. But if you must, you're in for a treat. Just don't tell your friends, keep this one between you and me. Cool? Cool.
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is absolutely worth 5 stars.
Fantastic food? Â Check.
Great Value? Â Check.
Spotless? Â Check.
It's kinda like Frontera or Xoco's younger, cheaper brother. Â Creative and slightly different takes on Mexican standards. Â The guacamole is perfectly spicy with tiny pieces of chile mixed in. Â Burritos have a little bit of red cabbage in them, which is a great addition. Â The tortas are out of this world. Â The refried black beans are the creamiest I have ever tasted. Â Â Everything is so fresh and tasty. Â I want to try everything on the menu.
Try the "flavored water of the day". Â The passion fruit lime today looked like green slime sitting up near the counter, but it is really refreshing and a perfect compliment to the food.
I have only been at lunch. Â I can't wait to try the breakfast.
I went here today after weeks of wanting to because of the review on Serious Eats (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seriouseats.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fabuelos-mexican-grill-review-cochinita-pibil-taco-chicago-illinois-il.html%23continued&s=949566745f0d1750968d07c5a0e2044e1f152cb07aa223d50d18102a3a70ee8d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.seriouseats.c…</a>).  Oh, it was worth it.  The two tacos (steak and "pork with sauce") were delicious, and the posole was easily in my top 5 ever (the other ones being in New Mexico).  Om nom nom.  I expect I'll be back a lot.
Also, though this is probably obvious from the location, I didn't realize it: this is _at_ the freaking Damen pink line stop. Â Walk out the door, jaywalk across Damen, go in.
Yum - mmy! I've been to Abuelo's twice and ordered the La Morena torta (skirt steak, peppers, avocado, and more) both times. It's so delicious and has such a nice mixture of flavors and spices. In fact, so nice that your mouth will want to do a happy dance!
The prices are so affordable too - all tortas are $5.99. Abuelo's has friendly staff and interesting decor (which several people have already commented on).
I'm going to say it - this place rivals Rick Bayless' Xoco restaurant. At least the La Morena torta hits the mark. I will be back, and I will order the same torta again.
This place is on Yelp in two different places... kind of confusing. One is "Abuelo's" and the other is "Abuelo's Mexican Grill".
I went for the first time a couple of nights ago, and the second time tonight. (This is an update to my review.) I believe it might be only a few months old, in this incarnation anyway.
The decor is surprising and colorful, especially for the location; it doesn't look like your average Pilsen Mexican restaurant. The walls are covered with National Geographic magazine covers and Latin music album covers. And the food, oh man, the food! This was almost the most well-prepared Mexican food I have ever eaten (the now-closed Rique's restaurant in Uptown/Edgewater was slightly better but has now changed hands and changed names), and I've eaten a lot of Mexican food (in Chicago, LA, San Diego, and in Mexico, too). Even the water that one of the owners brought to our table was surprisingly tasty, with a taste of herbal/citrus infusion or something.
Visit #1: I ordered steak a la tampiquena, a $9.50 dinner platter. The steak was shockingly well-cooked, totally melt-in-your-mouth quality. I have never been served really good steak at a Mexican restaurant before...they're usually cooked well-done and pounded very, very thin, a tough chewing experience. Not this time...it was fantastic. The rice and beans were flavored with smoked chilies and were completely delicious. Grilled nopales (cactus) on the side, too. My friends ordered different things that also looked very, very good. One of the owners (Angelo?) waited on our table, and everything went well.
Visit #2: I brought my parents here a couple days later. Angelo wasn't around, but the girl who waited on our table was polite and attentive. The meal had two main problems though, which were fairly glaring. First, much of the food came out cold. Cold mole enchiladas? Yes, very cold. Second, dessert (both flan and chocolate mousse) really sucked. Just plain sucked. Nothing good to say about the desserts at all. (We didn't try the tres leches cake; maybe it's better?)
The prices are still what you'd expect in Pilsen, which can't possibly be the case for much longer considering the overall high quality of the food.
The service, by the way, is the kind of service you're going to get at most places in Pilsen...allow me to explain. I notice a couple people on here complaining that their check wasn't brought to them. The reason for this is probably because it's considered extremely impolite in Mexico to bring a check to someone's table unless they ask for it. Most servers at Mexican restaurants in Pilsen purposely avoid your table after the food is brought out; this is perfectly normal and honestly I prefer it this way. Both times I was there so far, the service was good (except for the cold food).
This is definitely a restaurant with some flair and a unique take on Mexican food...if you want a standard Mexican experience there are literally hundreds of other places you can go, many of them in Pilsen. This place is very, very good at what it does, except for the minor issues which hopefully come from being a young restaurant (and don't bother ordering dessert).
P.S. I believe they close about 9 or 9:30 right now, in case you're a late-eater like myself. And it's BYOB.
Very delicious. We went on a monday night and the were out of Chorizo and Skirt steak. we all switched out what we'd decided and were happy with our selections.
The mole was a little intense for me, but i'm really not a mole person, so no reason to complain.
the Bean soup was amazing. it came with our dinner.
I got the only serving of Skirt steak, and it was marinated perfection. my husband had the al Pastor burrito, and said it was the best he's had.
It is VERY bright in here... and it was 8pm... I hope at some point they will turn the lights down and put votives on the table in the evenings.
Very attentive wait staff. Great prices.
We'll go back.
This place is gonna catch some yelp buzz soon I think
Contemporary touches to traditional mexican food? Â Trendy decor? Â Affordable prices? Â All here!
There was a lot I was unhappy with, but I'm forgiving them knowning they're new, have motivated owners, and at least from the friday night I went there when they
A) ran out of torta bread
B) never told me they were making more bread as I watched more being delivered to tables by the time I got my non-torta food...
C) served a basket of chips that had maybe 12 chips in it
D) Â Have no ice for their water
E) don't serve their weekend specials on friday night
Good points are that they kinda mix up the traditional tortas and burritos, with fresh thick breads, unique ingredient combinations - I got "The Cubano" which was a three pigs style sandwich pilled with pulled pork, ham, AND hot dogs/Salchicha with cheese, avocado and cucumbers (which i didn't care for). Â They also serve a chicken milanese torta!
The flavored parsley water there is strangely good despite it looking like that wheatgrass crap they serve at some juice bars. Â
They are also are the only place in pilsen I've stumbled across that serves fried fish tacos!
Everything is reasonably priced and it seems like they're getting a warm reception from the surrounding community which is an indicator of pretty good food. Â I can swing by here coming back from work so I'll update as I eat more!
okay. I've been back and Abuelo's really deserves five stars. So I'm updating.
Chorizo torta? So so good. They make the bread for the sandwich. The sauce. Even the chorizo. Come on. This is good.
I brought my sometimes critical older friend for her 69th birthday. She LOVED it. She had the steak burrito and couldn't stop talking about it. Our other friend had the Chorizo burrito and she was super happy as well.
House-made chips were great.
And again, the owner was super friendly and helpful.
I want to preface this 5 star review with  a little history behind this restaurant.  The owner of this restaurant was a client of Loyola University Chicago Microenterprise Consulting class.  He worked with a group of  Graduate Business students to help him open this restaurant, which has been a dream of his.  This group of students acted as consultants to help the owner create a feasibility analysis and develop a  business plan.  The owner has his own drywall company and has always wanted to have his own restaurant that serves AMAZING Mexican food. And now he does.
Now,  as for the food, it was OUT OF THIS WORLD.  I had the chorizo burritto and it was unlike ANY burrito I have ever had.  I have to mention that the presentation of the food is great as well.  But back to  the burrito.  Yum yum yum.  I don't know exactly what kind of sauce was in this bad boy, but my taste buds were so happy.  I went with a group of 10 other Loyola MBA students and everyone ordered something different and everyone finished everything on their plates.  The chips were served warm and they had 2 salsas. One was a deep red color that was mild and the  other was a creamy green color that was spicy. I loved them both.
I also tried the flan which was perfect. Â There is an entire dessert fridge case that had a variety of goodness in it. Â
I strongly encourage everyone to come here and support this local entrepreneur. Â He is making a difference in this neighborhood.
Since I got a job in Pilsen I quickly found out that it was the Mexican food capitol of Chicago. Â I have been to many a taquiera and restaurant since I started and have been well-pleased.
However, this particular restaurant blew my socks off. Â The decor is clean and bright, and the service is superior. Â I never expected for my burrito to be presented like it was a gourmet dish, but was pleasantly surprised.
The biggest items on the menu that differentiate Abuelo's from other Mexican joints in Chicago are the ones you don't even have to pay for: the salsas. Â Every day there are two different salsas to choose from, and the chef changes them based on whatever he feels like that day. Â You'll get their spicier salsa for your bowl of chips (free), and if you ask nicely they'll give you a bowl of the other one. Â They also change their water flavor on a daily basis. Â When my friend went they had parsley water, but when I went they had cucumber water (my favorite).
By far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago.
Hmm... I did not get complimentary chips with salsa. In fact, I did not get salsa at all.
Strange sort of Pilsen Mexican Restaurant for hipsters. Â There are record covers and National Geographic covers on the walls. Â tables, chairs, and walls have stainless steel trim, more like a coffee shop. Â The food comes sharply presented on gourmet plates. Â It's very good, as are the prices.
That said, the meals are a bit different than expected ("modern twist," I suppose), and the service was no help at all--in fact, service was quite bad. Â Perhaps it was a bad night.
I was really excited to try this place after reading the glowing reviews on Yelp. Â My partner and I jumped in the car, hungry, and traveled to Pilsen. Â We were lucky to find parking nearby (Pilsen has permit parking? Seriously?), and found our way to the brightly colored Abuelo's.
My first thought upon entering was that this was an "order from the counter" place; we started to read the menu written on the chalkboard above the counter when a man appeared at the counter, handed us menus, and invited us to take a seat. Â That was unusual. Â He then came around and asked if we'd like something to drink; I requested water and an Horchata. Â
There is no Horchata.
Ok, ok, it wasn't right of me to assume that just because a place serves Mexican food that it will serve Horchata...but still. Â We were offered plain water or parsley water; we split the difference and got one of each. Â My "plain" water was actually cucumber water. Â The parsley water tasted good, like very tart lemonade that had some parsley ground up in it for color. Â
I ordered the Burrito el Abuelo, a.k.a. the steak burrito. Â The food came relatively quickly; the plates were brought out by our server who was accompanied by a man who personally handed us our napkin wrapped silverware (tied with a ribbon - cute!). Â The burrito was actually a wrap. Â It tasted VERY good, and if this review was covering the quality of the food there would be 5 stars up there. Â It's definitely the best wrap I have ever had! Â Note that there were no rice and beans, and that the presentation of the food was beautiful; it looks like they're going for a gourmet appearance. Â
But then again, part of what I love about Mexican dishes is that they usually include rice and beans.
My partner and I nearly inhaled the food due to our hunger and the deliciousness of our dinners. Â During the inhalation, we had to wave away some persistent flying insects; this was definitely a turn off! Â I noticed a bug zapper located at the top left corner of the framed mural of record sleeves, which makes me think that the bugs are a habitual problem. Â Blech.
Ok, so far, things were going pretty okay. Â Sure, there was no Horchata. Â I can live without rice and beans. Â Bugs happen. Â But, when our plates were cleared, my partner and I were ignored. Â I looked in vain for our server; were we ever going to get a check? Â
Finally, after totally losing interest in our surroundings, I was ready to leave a few bills on the table and leave. Â It was at that point that the server reappeared and I flagged him down; "Can we pay?" I asked. Â He started to wave us toward the counter to pay, but then realized we hadn't gotten a check. Â He provided that to us within a minute and we paid at the counter immediately. Â
To recap, the food is delicious. Â Their offerings are a bit out of the usual way, without beloved drinks and sides, but that's not going to hurt them once patrons get a taste of what they do offer. Â What WILL hurt them is the below-par service. Â I can't even give Abuelo's a 3 star "A-OK" rating because the service was so off. Â I might try this place again but ONLY if I could get take-out.
Please take "lame white girl's" review with a grain of salt........
Abuelo's just opened a couple of weeks ago......it is around the corner from my apartment........and it is (in my opinion) the best place for Mexican food in Pilsen........(english-language menus and all)....
Their carne asada  (literally) melts in your mouth. The desserts are to die for.......the prices can't be beat.....and the service was great......(the owner is the waiter, so of course the service is going to be great, derr....)
As for the decor.....what the guera before me forgot to point out are the cool-ass national geographic covers that also grace the walls of this place.......and if she wasn't so consumed with being offended buy the "whites only" menu...she might have noticed the classic Elton John, Sonny & Cher, and Fleetwood Mac albums thrown into the musical mix on the walls......
And kudo's to "Mr Abuelo" if he did make his furniture purchases at Ikea.....that means he can focus his working capital on the food....which, it is clear to me, is where his cash flow is going.....
Fellow yelpsters........if you are in the area...go check this place out...you will not be disappointed.......they are open from 7am to 9pm.....Monday thru Saturday.......let's help a great new restaurant get off the ground and blossom.......but bring cash for the week few weeks....according to the owner, that's when the credit card machine is coming.......
Maybe I'll see you there...................
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