Sometimes following the crowd, you miss the hidden gems. Roscoe Street in Roscoe Village has a fair share of eateries towards Damen. But there is one eating establishment closer to Western. Que Rico! Que Rico! is neither a corner taqueria nor a Latin American style Charlie Trotter's equivalent. It may be the quantity of other restaurants on Roscoe Village closer to Damen that pulls potential customers away from wandering too far west down Roscoe Street.
Tortilla soup. Camarones al ajo.
The tortilla soup reminded me of the same that I have had in Mexico City. The camarones al ajo was a very appetizing plate of plump shrimp, Spanish rice, frijoles, and salad. I gobbled all of it. And then indulged a slice of cake under caramelized pineapples, a caramel glaze, and a fist size scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Que Rico! How nice! How delicious.
Oh goodness - reading the reviews below - YIKERS.
Went to QR last evening on a whim - I don't live in the neighborhood and after 14 years in Chicago - maybe my second cruise down Roscoe Street - my friend picked the place because she wanted to sit outside.
There were only 3 tables of diners in such a huge place - but they all looked like they were having fun....so why not!
The service was lovely and we ended up CLOSING QR on a Monday night lol - so much fun they were very nice - never asked us to leave etc.
The food was super fresh - surprisingly fresh and TASTY - we ordered everything off the vegetarian menu and it was super tasty.
Ooooh the margaritas are LARGE and in charge and pack a wallop - I actually had to sip my margarita LOL...ooo weee - can you imagine lol.
And spicy - I love spicy and the standard chip-and-salsa salsa was spicy! YUMM! was a good start.
So maybe go with a sense of just wanting to hang not expecting a whole lot of attentive service because you just want to sit and chill out and enjoy the quiet neighborhood, eh?
I hope QR sticks around because I want to go back!
If you love authentic Mexican cuisine, this is not the place. Â The refried beans and rice appeared to be packaged. Â The taco shells were from a box. Â In a city where we have more Tortillarias than Mexico city, they choose to use store bought tortillas for the quesadillas. Â Â The prices were high and the overall quality was unacceptable. Â The $9 margaritas came in a wine glass-wow! Â We will not be back.
Review Source:Gist of this review: pretty good margarita's and pretty bad food.
I don't like to bash on a place until I have been there a few times. Â I have now been to Que Rico 4 times and every time I was disappointed. Â I ordered shrimp over rice the first time there and ti was extremely fishy, aka old shrimp. Â Other times I have been there we had greasy meat and cheese dip and flavorless tacos. Â They really need to step up their flavor and quality of food, especially for what they charge there. Â Next time I'll just go to the late-night taco shop nearby! Â Only redeeming point is their margaritas.
Que Rico = Que No No
Very cute restaurant - warm orange walls, nice lighting, outdoor patio area - the atmosphere was better than the food. Â
Came here for a Friday night dinner date after passing by the place many times and wanting to try it. Â We sat outside in the enclosed patio area, which was nice, and started with a pitcher of margaritas - a little too sweet, with a lot too much ice in the pitcher. Â
Food:
I ordered the chx chimichanga, the man ordered some kind of exotic sounding spiced chicken / rice dish. Â My plate had three small changas with tiny dollops of guac + sour cream, served with mini portions of bland beans, rice, and shredded lettuce. Â This was priced and listed as an entree, but really should be considered an appetizer, because that was its equivalent.
The man's exotic sounding chx dish turned out to be something on par with what we could easily make at home: cook some rice, add a can of tomatoes + chx. Â Voila.
With some TLC [ a menu overhaul complete with spices / flavor, fixing of the deteriorating outdoor signs, more on-spot service ] this place could be really nice. Until then, adiós Rico...
I keep hoping that something will happen and this place will get better one day. Such a great spot, but no personality. The food is bland and boring, expensive for run of the mill Mexican, I would actually prefer to have the food from Burrito House.... Please someone help this place, it could be soooo good!!
Review Source:I went here for dinner with a friend this summer, so we sat outside. We ordered maragaritas and dinner. The drinks were not good and over-priced. The food was expensive and the plate sizes were small. Service was slow and not attentive, perhaps due to the warm weather, but regardless, I'm paying a decent amount of money and am being really nice, so I expect pretty good service. I didn't enjoy the experience at all, so I would not recommend coming here at all.
Review Source:MARGARITAS!! especially the Cadillac pitchers are the best in the area. Â The restaurant has good open seating with interesting artwork, large windows and large walk-out doors looking onto busy Roscoe Street. Also enjoy the great outdoor space. Â Food is good at a decent price. Â The owner is frequently present, warm and friendly. Â Prime negative is that some of the service could be a little more friendly.
Review Source:After 4 years of living in the neighborhood and being scared away by bad reviews, we were pulled into Que Rico by the sunny weather and ideas of drinking margaritas outside.
The service was nice, but slow since it was so nice outside and there were lots of thirsty patrons. The margaritas were just okay, and we even upgraded to the premium ones.
The food was just bland as many others have said. Not the worst thing I've ever tasted, but I really like spicy, flavorful Mexican, so if you do too, this might not be the place for you. Prices are also a bit high for what you get, but they do have a decent patio. Â We probably won't be back since it wasn't my favorite and was a bit pricy, but the location's great and service was good.
The first time I went here, the food was amazing. I was so excited to move in about 3 houses away.
Then I went there twice with other friends. Â Very bland and mediocre. I hate to write this because I really want to love this place - especially based on proximity.
Margs are good - I always get the Cadillac. If only that would help me appreciate the food more.
I usually get empanadas, a mix of enchiladas (I prefer spicy) and queso. Â It's fine food and definitely edible - you just have to keep your expectations in line.
I do enjoy the patio when it's available.
Can't forget the Frida painting on the wall and the glass doors that lead to the outdoor eating area. Â My parents and I have picked this place a lot. Â And it is no wonder with the cute bar set up and the fast service.
I ordered the garlic eggplant chilled dip. Â And they ordered different tortilla cooked entrees with cheeses and red meats. Â Simple bottles of cervesas and margaritas for drinks and just a nice little neighborhood place were kids are commonly present. Â
Lots of tortilla chips and salsa for starters here. Â Its fast service and not expensive.
Que Rico can best be summed up as $16 meal that should probably cost around $8.95. If you're going to charge more than $10 or $12 for Mexican (especially lunch) you need to do a little better than mediocre.
   Like most of the Rico reviewers I live in the neighborhood (just moved) and was excited to have a Mexican restaurant less than a block from my home. My wife and I went for lunch I had the Arroz Con Pollo  (Mexican Chicken and Rice) . The Chicken tasted pretty good, but the rice tasted like it was from a box. My wife ordered and enchilada which I tasted, not bad, but nothing to write home about.
   The atmosphere was is homey bordering on upscale and the service was good, although we were the only ones there.  They have some sort of roof top bar that looks like it might be fun to try in the summer. Don't get me wrong the food wasn't awful, just a bit overpriced ($42 for two people); maybe lunch special would be a good idea.
DONT GO HERE! The food is "so-so" and SUPER EXPENSIVE.Ive been to Que Rico several times and have lways left thinking "well.. ok.. Im not hungry anymore.. but it wasnt great." Â Last week was the LAST STRAW. We live on the block so we decided to walk down the street. We walked in and there were a few tables open so we figured the wait woudlnt be that long. WRONG. It took almost 15 minutes to even get a menu! Â Once we finally got our food it was about an hour later.
We dont drink so we drank diet coke. What they failed to tell us is that they changed their soda policy. 6 diet cokes later.. and after we got the bill.. we found out that each fill up of the diet coke was $2! WTF? Â So basically.. for 2 people to have diet coke, veggie enchaladas, and steak fajitas (not even enough steak for the 4 tortillas they give you), OUR BILL WAS $76!!!!!!! Â QUE RICO, I WANT MY MONEY BACK! Ill never be back.. and I live in the neighborhood and Ill be telling my neighbors.
Boy there are some not so good reviews..not sure why. This place has always delivered on a good meal. The enchilades mole and shrimp fajitas are delicious!
I think the service is great too, we always have the same two waitors and they are very attentive.
Margaritas are ok, a little watery.
Outdoor patio is great on a summer night with the flowers and rope lights, great vibe.
M to-the A to-the G.A.R to-the I.T.A Â What's that spell?! Â MARGARITA baby and let's make that strong! Â
I decided to order a half pitcher of the plain old margarita and... I was ready to dance on the table by only the second glass. Â
I'll definitely be back for those babies who guide me through fun times. Â
However, the food is plain and bland, terribly overpriced, and not worth it. Â
We weren't able to sit outside because it was too cold, but it looks like a great place to bring friends and drink (plus, if the rooftop we saw from the car is true, what a place to be in the summer!!)
Went here again, due it being really cold and convienient. Had the mole chicken enchiladas and they were reasonably tasty and the margarita was nice and strong. I think the level of spicyness at Que Rico is quite conservative - and those of you who may want their food a little on the hotter side may want to ask for it.
Upgrading from 2 to 3 stars, as it was enjoyable.
Also this place seems very family friendly which can be convienient for a lot of people also.
Ohh? Â I don't think this restaurant deserves 2 and half stars.
I think it's a great place to eat. Â I've been here 3 times now and I enjoy it. Â Yes, it's not the best mexican ever. Â It is very good though and the dining experience is nice. Â It's a clean place with very good service. Â Â It's a little pricey for mexican food but I think the ingredients make it worth it and the portions are very large.
Ohh and may I add...they make the drinks nice and strong. Â Thank you very much.
I like this place a lot and have eaten here a couple of times. Probably the best part is the margaritas and sitting outside. The margaritas are strong and we always get them by the pitcher! Food is good, a little on the expensive side. Last time I was here they mistakenly brought the wrong appetizer (melted cheese type dish) but it was a pleasant surprise.
I've always gotten good service, and staff seems to be friendly and accomodating.
Love the one on Roscoe, HATE the one on Southport. Sadly, the decor of the southport one trumps Roscoe BUT Roscoe's service is far superior. Don't be turned off by the large space and lack of full house; their service is just that much more attentive towards you! No difference in products at Roscoe vs. Southport. All around--same food but better service and quieter environment.
They lose a star because I was there the other day when it was 90+ outside and my friend and I wished to dine inside. Well...their giant window/doors were wide open leaving no difference between outside and inside. We were dripping in sweat and our faces were red. Our margaritas were soup. We mentioned it to the waiter who smiled a friendly "sorry..." . I'll be back when the weather cools down.
I'm a fan of Roscoe Village and keep hope that one day I will make enough money in my low-paying editorial field to eventually move there.
'Nuff said...and yes I know you don't really care....
Anywho, my point is that for such a cool neighborhood, why must there be such a bland Mexican restaurant? I mean, the food wasn't BAD or made us feel like we were going to die or anything like that, but how can beef tacos not come with sour cream and cheese? Or spice? What happened to some spicy salsa??
The server was attentive and nice though. The outdoor patio was nice as well.
The 3 stars go for the $10 half pint margarita pitcher, full of a good amount of tequila and enough for 2 glasses, 2 people each (hey, it was a week night, ok?).
I don't think I'd come back here unless there was some event going on. Taco Bell is around the corner, and that, my friends, is where I would much rather frequent at night.
Well, I stayed true to my word. The only thing that brought me back to QR was a group outing, my friend's bachelorette dinner.
I don't know what my friends see in this place and I don't think I'm the only one. The last time I went here the place was pretty dead, but since it was a week night I didn't think anything of it. However, last night (Saturday) when my cab pulled up to the restaurant I actually thought it might be closed and I was supposed to have gone to the Southport location. The whole time we were there, there couldn't have been more than 4 other tables seated. Plus, from around 9:30 on we were the only table left; not a good sign. Seriously, by 10:00 the staff already had the floor mopped and were hanging at a far table probably wondering when those crazy girls would leave.
On the bright side they didn't try to rush us out. It was also nice that it was a bit empty because after the margaritas started flowing we got a little loud and my one friend was shouting things that would make an old sailor blush.
The service was spot on; I just can't say the same for the food. The chips and salsa were decent, but my meal was awful. I ordered the vegetarian or spinach enchiladas if you will - blech. I'd had them before and had fond memories, although those memories are a little fuzzy due to a margarita-induced haze. I'm not sure if they changed the recipe or if it was that I wasn't really drinking last night, but again - blech. The enchiladas were nothing more than tortillas/crepes wrapped in a huge "cigar" of solid spinach. To make matters worse the spinach was luke warm and the sour cream-red sauce flavorless. I dumped some salsa from the table over the top so I could finish them, but only because I was starving; I hadn't eaten much all day. It was not worth close to $12.95 for 2 bad enchiladas, some rice and beans!
The table was long so I couldn't tell what everyone else thought of their meals. I will say from the amount left on the plates of the 2 friends nearest to me I would guess they were either equally unhappy with their meals or they eat less than I thought they did.
Bottom line: I wish my friends would stop picking this place for group outings, it sucks. Next time, if there is one, I'll eat beforehand and just stick to drinks and chips and salsa.
I'm not sure what Que Rico is trying to convey here. Â I know it's definitely not trying to be one of those fast, cheap Mexican places, nor a charming, tacky but good Mexican place. Â Maybe it's trying to make it an upscale Mexican like Adobo.
I was hoping that it was going to try and be my neighborhood Mexican place, but instead I just see it as a restaurant trying to capitalize on the Roscoe Village scene. Â
Mexican Food excites me. Â Whether it be a hole in the wall, midnight dive, upscale bayless... It all excites me. Â From the moment I sit down, I know my senses will be awaken by the smell from the spices... Â my taste buds humming from the spicy salsa, creamy guac, greasy carne, melt in your mouth pork, coma inducing mole......
This place did not excite me. Â It had potential.... but didn't deliver. Â We had the melted cheese for app... Â greasy, solidified moments after being placed on our table. Â My combo meal was just okay. Â It didn't do it..... Â too bad.....
I thought it was good. Not sure why there are so many irate reviews, but I found the food to be tasty. In addition, I was able to digest the food without symptoms of death. This is a major hurdle for any mexican restaurant to overcome, and Que Rico passed the test. (if you want a review of a place that failed this test, see my review for "Mi Tierra.")
We ate outside on the sidewalk patio, and it was pleasant. The enchilladas Suezas were really good. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty good. They contained cheese and beef related products. The summertime atmosphere is also really nice and laid back. Good place for a Negro Modelo or Margarita. (Much better than if you were drinking those two things while face down in a gutter someplace)
Definitely a good place to try if you're in the Roscoe Village neighborhood.
Que disappointing! Â
Like everyone says, this place is" just OK". Â I can't understand how they have 2 locations!
Mr Man and I walked by this place one afternoon, and noticed that they had some tasty sounding ceviche on their menu. Â They were closed at the time, but we vowed to come try it one day. Â
Saturday night rolls around, and our tummies are grumbling for some Mexican. Â Hey, let's try that Que Rico place!
Well, I peruse the menu, and can't find any ceviche! Â We ask the waiter, and he says they can make it for us. Â In the meantime, we order a couple of margaritas on the rocks, which were fine, nothing exciting. Â The ceviche arrives...and it's basically a bunch of shrimp in tomato sauce. Â Uhh, que es eso? Â I didn't really like it, Mr Man thought it was "just OK".
Maybe things will get better if we order things that actually appear on the menu! Â Guacamole--blah, nothing special. Â I will say that the chips and salsa weren't bad, the chips seemed to be homemade, and the salsa had a kick without being overwhelming. Â Then we ordered the combo fajitas with steak and shrimp. Â There were about 3 strips of steak and 6 shrimp. Â I understand that steak and shrimp are more expensive than, say, chicken, but COME ON! Â I thought it tasted OK, but Mr Man said he thought it was very bland. Â Maybe that's because his second fajita consisted solely of onions and peppers!
The space itself is cute. Â The interior is airy and the outside patio is nice. Â But there is really nothing that I would come back here for. Â The service was also "just OK". Â
This place could be such a great neighborhood restaurant! Â They just need something to spark them out of their mediocrity. Â
Chicago is FULL of delicious, authentic, and reasonably priced Mexican food. Â Unfortunately, I don't think you can find it here.
I really, really wanted to like this place but anytime a place uses tube sour cream it kind of rubs me the wrong way. Â A group of us were having a GREAT day at my friends house and she suggested the place across the street(she always wanted to try it) . So what's all the chatter? This place is clean and a great space, but, the food is JUST okay. Â I feel bad for this review because I was really pulling for this place. Â The food was so bland and if not for my Modelo to wash it down I dont think I could have stomached it. Â I wasnt go to say anything about how let down I was to anyone else, but when we left all of us seem to have the same view this place would be better as a over-the-counter Mexican food place..NOT the nice sit down restaurant it trys to paint itself as.
Review Source:I've had better Mexican food, but then again, I've had way worse too.
A friend & I came for dinner last night, were denied outdoor seating because we did not have a reservation, but were seated promptly inside next to an open door. Â
We started the night off with some tasty raspberry margaritas ($20 for a pitcher that worked out to 3 glasses for each of us). Â They have a number of flavored varieties, including banana, which I was warned by my friend not to get. Â I was a little bummed that no salt came with the margaritas, but then again, I did not specifically state I wanted it; I usually assume it will be there.
My friend sold me on the enchiladas vegetarianas that she had a bite of on her last visit; she ordered them too this time because they are quite good. Â The menu description (basically spinach wrapped in crepes, covered in sauce & cheese) didn't sound too appealing to me, but they were light & tasty. Â Served with so-so rice and so-so beans, there was enough food for me to get two meals out of it. Â Their salsa didn't do anything for me, but it was edible.
Our waiter was prompt & friendly, and the interior was clean and fairly comfortable.
Due to proximity to my friend's place, Â decent pitchers of margaritas & the pleasantly different take on vegetarian enchiladas, I'm sure I'll be back here. Â And maybe next time, I can sit on their patio.
Happy Cinco de Mexican food in my belly day! I headed to Que Rico to celebrate the holiday and sit outside seeing that it was 70 degrees and sunny. We got there about 6.30pm to find that all the outdoor seating was filled and were seated inside near an open door. Of course I pulled a diva and proceeded to pout (but only until the chips and salsa arrived at the table.) The salsa was so hot it caused those pesky spicy nasal drips. It's all about the flava. The frozen lime margarita was decent. Nothing to write home about.
Our entrees were pretty good. I cursed myself for not ordering double rice/no beans. There goes a star-- the beans tasted canned and bland. The shredded chicken chimichangas and enchiladas were tasty and filling. My last gripe--the food was a bit overpriced. The chicken enchiladas were $12-14. I could get them for almost half the price down the street. I guess we're paying for the atmosphere. That's what I get for wanting to dine at the adobe palace. I'll be back only because the chip and salsa were addictive and it's conveniently located across the street from the bf's place.
After being slightly entertained by watching the hostess rolling her eyes at customers, we were then served the least flavorful Mexican cuisine we have ever eaten.
I don't mind shelling out some dough for good food. Â But $12 for nasty, bland, Chicken Tacos??? Â We removed the chicken meat from its soggy shell to find brownish chicken meat that looked like it was fresh out of the can.
You'd get better quality for your money at Taco Bell. Â Skipping this restaurant is the best favor you can do for yourself.
Can you give this 0 stars? Â God, this place is just awful. Â It is up there with one of the worst meals I've had in 2008.
Chips were okay and the Salsa looked to be either mass produced or made to taste mass produced.
Margaritas were strong, but lacked lime.
Guacamole at any mid-high priced Mexican place should be fresh. Â Baja Fresh and Chipotle both have better guacamole than this place.
Epanadas were oily and flavorless. Â
Chicken Fajitals were delivered with grocery store quality tortillas and overly cooked, dry chicken.
2 problems: Â One, the food is overpriced, not so good, and the place is packed with strollers. Â Two, it's so close to my apartment and the smell of tortilla chips is so delicious I am tempted to go even though problem number one is reason enough not to.
They charge for extra tortilla shells, refills on pop, extra chips. Â Margaritas are not bad but too pricey. Â I suggest going to El Tapatio at Roscoe and Ashland for some good quality Mexican food.
EDITED 2/4/08: Since my original review below, I've gone back two other times (it's conveniently close to my partner's work.) The service has improved dramatically, and the food seems to as well. However, if you're thinking of taking a large group, I don't know if my original experience will still hold true.
------
ORIGINAL REVIEW (One Star)
The worst service I've ever encountered. Messing up our reservation for a large group after we called and verified it twice, and taking a good 15 minutes to determine how to seat us when we could easily see dozens of empty tables they could move together. Â Things never improved from there. Snotty, inattentive service and management that didn't do one thing to make good on their poor service and reservation mishap after voicing our concerns at the end of the night.
Oh, and the food (especially the pitiful salsa) is not worth it. Much better places out there, folks!
Aye Chihuahua. Que Rico?! Not so much...
My first indicator that I'm about to really enjoy my dinner at a Mexican joint is when the chips and salsa are brought to the table. When the chips are freshly made...warm, crispy, light and salty and the salsa is giving your nose the spicy runnies you know that you're good to go - the appetizers and entrees will likely be made with equal panache!! But when your chips and salsa are easily confused with dry wall and ketchup you start to pray they hopefully pour their margaritas heavy... Because you're going to need to do a lot of drinkin' to drown out the sorrows of bad mexicano!
The food was not terrible though... it was just average... Â
The margaritas, however, were terrible. DAMN. Or maybe I was just longing desperately for a Hacienda SWIRL??? And everything else from Hacienda for that matter... this place gets los pulgares hacia abajo en mi libro (spanglish translation: thumbs down in my book).
My wife and I ventured to Que Rico on a Friday evening. Â We were seated immediately, and approached by our waiter promptly. Â Unfortunately, things went down hill quickly. Â Â
We ordered our drinks. Â Didn't get the complimentary chips and salsa. Â We ordered our food. Â Didn't get chips and salsa. Â I mentioned something to the hostess(because our waiter was nowhere to be found). Â She went in back immediately, but still.....didn't get chips and salsa. Â Our waiter comes out with our meals. Â At which point I have to ask again for the chips and salsa. Â Having worked in restaurants for over 10 years, I'm willing to except a communication break-down, but to not get it after having to mentioning something to the hostess is totally ridiculous. Â
Oh, and to boot, after our meal came, our waiter never resurfaced. Â He never followed up to ask how the meal was. Hrmmph. Â
The food was decent-good, but was not enough to make up for the dismal service. With plenty of other exceptional places to dine in Chicago, I won't be going back to Que Rico.
My friend recently moved to Roscoe village so we set out to explore her new neighborhood joints. Saturday night, we opted for Que Rico. As a Southern California resident, I'm pretty snobby about my Mexican food but this place was pretty good.
Strong and delicious cadillac margaritas
Good tacos with yummy shredded chicken (far more authentic than cubed meat)
Good, spicy salsa with chips ( wlthough i saw it limited each table to 1 basket on the menu which is pretty cheap of them, really)
Refried beans did seem like they had come from a can though and that's just lazy.
It seems to be pretty new though so maybe they'll figure that all out. I'd give it another try on a return trip but we'll stick with 3 stars for now.
I really can't complain too much about a Mexican place that is only 2 houses down from me. Â It's a little overpriced but the margaritas are fantastic, I love this fried cheese appetizer thing that I can never remember the name of, and I love those tables by the window. Â My favorite time to go to Que Rico is while I'm doing my laundry next door, although after a few margaritas I can never remember what I'm supposed to hang to dry:) Â I don't know if I'll love it as much in the winter when I can't sit by the open window, but I will be back--mainly because it is 2 doors down.
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