Huaraches Dona Chio #2

A coworker of mine recommended this spot after learning that I live in The neighborhood. On a cold Saturday night after finding nothing in my fridge but white Zinfandel and milk, I decided to give doña chio a call. My plan was to order for pick up but hoping to save myself the 5 minute drive in Albany park traffic, I asked if they delivered. To my surprise they did. Yay!!! Probably less than 15 minute later the delivery man showed up(sounded like the man who answered my call). Very pleasant man he pointed out how chilly it had gotten and its not until this very moment that I realize that he must have walked to my apartment...I'm glad I tipped well :) So we ordered a "huarache de carne asada", "enchiladas de pollo con salsa verde" and "un liquido de chocolate". The huarache was HUGE, the steak was fatty and the flavor was just okay. What made the huarache decent was the mixture of the chipolte and green sauce. However, the steak was too fatty for us to attempt to finish. Now the enchiladas were a lot better; the green sauce once again the star of the dish. It was served with yellow rice and refried beans, the beans were well beans and the rice was better than average. The milkshake as my husband put it was "weak" and it "taste like nestle quick." Overall, I give doña chio 3 stars, the service a 5 and the food a 2. I'm tempted to try them again for I want to find a local gem, however, I think I should keep yelping for this isn't the one.

I actually spoke with the owners and this is their second location.  Same great stuff and really glad that it's in our neighborhood.

This is the second location (I believe) of the much loved huaraches spot that started in Edgewater. Their huaraches are stuffed with a thin layer of beans and griddle fried before being topped. There are two "sauces" you can choose from: red (tangy chipotle) or green (jalapeno tomatillo). The word huaraches means sandals, but these babies are much larger than any non-NBA player size foot.

I'm giving it four stars because of the diversity of vegetarian toppings choices (you can get two or three toppings on your huarache for ~$7). But Mr. W did not think the al pastor and tinga was as good as the versions he orders at another local taqueria (he gave it three stars but I'm the one with the Yelp account). I alos think it's a great value. I took half of mine home but Mr. W. managed to polish his off (and then slipped into a food coma an hour later).

It's a cozy, bright and friendly spot along Lawrence. I'm not sure how it compares to the other huaraches place a few doors down, but it's worth a stop if you are nearby or looking for a good deal.