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After pondering which restaurants truly deserve the status of being a LTHForum Great Neighborhood Restaurant. I would like to nominate a jewel in the desolate lands of Joliet, Amanacer Tapatio.

Here's why:

Monica - Need I say more about this gracious host?
Hand-made tortillas - Once again, need I say more?
Hosts of 2 LTH events (okay 1 one was actually a CH event) - they both went off without a hitch with fabulous dishes, and great company.

Things I've learned:

-Always order something from the specials board.
-Ask and you shall receive
-Green mole is GOOD!!!

Anyhow, it's damn good. I cannot recollect a poor experience, and it's one of only a few places that I will go out of my way for.

Flip

Amanacer Tapatio
700 Ruby St
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 727-4001

Flip:

Amen.

Due to the distance between here and there, I've only been there twice so far, but both meals were excellent. We will be heading back this summer.

Antonius

And a third from this corner. I've only been once, but the the meal did nothing to dissuade me from the very positive opinions generated by posts hereabouts. They can at times be a little difficult to find because there are many spellings of Amanacer out there.

Here are a couple:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=817
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1549

Hi,

I have been there once with the LTHforum gang. The dinner made quite an impression as did the drive: rush hour a mere 2 hours!

Now that I have reasons to frequent Bloomington-Normal, this will likely be dinner on the way home.

This is truly good food worth driving to ... just not at rush hour!

Regards,

As the author of more than one gush, I think I have said it all before. But let me add this.

In a tiny storefront in Joliet, a family who hails originally from the DF puts together specials every day that are at least as good as anything prepared at Topolobampo or Chilpancingo. Strictly authentic dishes from every corner of Mexico, impeccably prepared with love.

In the end, as with great French cooking, it is about the sauces, melding together many layers of flavor seamlessly. Take your time, enjoy the developing flavors, mmmmmm.

Last night I went to Amanacer after a few weeks of absence. My brother was in town from New York, so I took him, and it was the first visit for my daughter. Both were very impressed, as is everyone, and my brother immediately called his significant other to explain what a great meal he had missed.

Arguably the best restaurant in Chicago and environs, IMO. I am grateful to Mugs for telling me about it every time I go. And did I say that it is hard, really hard, to spend more than $10 a person?

Great? Hell yeah.

Neighborhood, absolutely.

Count me in. I do love this place, I admit.

Sorry for the gush, again.

We too. Thanks, Mugs!

A

This restaurant is currently up for GNR renewal. Please post your comments below.

Thanks,

=R=
for the GNRs

went for lunch @ Amanacer Tapatio 2 weekends ago, and it was as good as ever. The braised ribs, and tortillas were excellent.

A GNR in my book.

More on Amanancer Tapatio:

viewtopic.php?p=170332#p170332

This was the first GNR I experienced, and it changed many of my views on good Mexican food in the area. It is hard to understand how good a tortilla can be until trying on of theirs. A very good example of what a GNR should be.