This is a nice, casual Mexican taqueria in downtown Waukegan, a short walk from the Metra station. Â I showed up here after the lunch rush and had the place entirely to myself.
I enjoyed the "Jerry's Special" combo of 3 barbacoa tacos, a large amount of rice with refritos beans and a giant glass of Pepsi, for a total of ten bucks plus change and tip. Â The tacos were double corn tortillas holding a goodly amount of beef, with onions, cilantro and a slice of avocado on each. Â Three squeeze tubes of salsa were available: green, red and "the really hot one." Â Oddly, this is one of the few Mexican style restaurants that doesn't provide free chips and salsa, unless that was an oversight. Â
All in all, my lunch was tasty and inexpensive, though nothing all that out-of-the-ordinary. Â Everything was good but not exceptionally so. Â The lone waitress/hostess was terrific: she was very helpful and friendly, yet she stayed out of the way while I was dining, which I appreciated. Â We shared a nice conversation about a tragic Connecticut school shooting that was happening right at that moment, and if I lived in Waukegan I'd probably become a regular here just to hang out with the staff.
When you exit the restaurant, walk north a block and stop to admire the statue of Waukegan's favorite son, entertainer Jack Benny.