El Tapatio: a flavor of Mexico
by Sabrina SinghLocated in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, El Tapatio serves up authentic Mexican cuisine. Originally the parents of the current owner, Joseph Parra, opened the restaurant in 1974. Parra became the manager in 1994, taking over where his parents left off.
Parra has maintained an ambience and cuisine that draws people in from all over. He has preserved his mother’s own recipes as well as adding some new ones.
"They are still all my mother’s recipes with the exception of some newer dishes, like Pollo à Limon, which is chicken marinated in white wine and jalapeno vinaigrette," Parra said.
Celebrating its 27th anniversary in June, El Tapatio continues to create a combination menu of Tex-Mex and vegetarian food.
"One of our most popular vegetarian dishes is the tortillas with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro topped with seasoned potatoes," Parra said.
Many restaurant patrons like the combination. "I love Mexican, and it’s wonderful that there is a restaurant that caters to vegetarians as well," said Meghan Honemon, 22, a senior at Columbia College who is also an avid vegetarian.
Similar to the food, the at-home atmosphere is designed with a genuine Spanish touch that leaves the patrons feeling as if they’re in Mexico.
"I like to bring things from Mexico to the restaurant when I visit. It adds authenticity to the place and gives it a nice Latin environment," Parra said. The restaurant has two rooms and an outside eating area with brick paving and lanterns that make it a popular place to wine and dine in summer.
The menu carries a variety of more than 70 dishes with prices ranging between $7 and $10 per entree. As for drinks, El Tapatio’s famous Cazuela, a blend of liquors and fruit juice served in a clay pot, at $5, is something most patrons don’t pass up.
"This is one of the drinks that make El Tapatio different from all the rest," said Justin Sikorski, 25, a regular visitor at the restaurant.
El Tapatio is located on 3400 N. Ashland Ave., conveniently near the Brown Line and CTA bus stop. Street parking is possible. Hours are from Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-midnight and on Sunday 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
PHOTOS:
Owner Joseph Parra at El Tapatio
Service with a smile!
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