seebee wrote:Copernicus Center ping time. Been a while.
Any intel on Hala Inn, Tlayudas Oaxacan, Earl's BBQ?
Don't know how far you're willing to drive but here are some places south of Portage Park on Addison:
Cuban Joint - Double steak sandwich w cheese, $8.75, & cafe Cubano, $2.
Cafe Marianao
4323 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 993-0178
6401 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 657-3128
El Taco Feliz Taqueria - My neighborhood al pastor go-to but it doesn't have any seating inside, if needed for your immediate solo dining needs. I can't remember if there is a counter to eat over. It does offer outdoor dining in good weather. $9.50+tax Al Pastor Burrito .
El Taco Feliz Taqueria
5439 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 283-4377
Bluebird - Sandwiches & burgers. Newish 2nd location.
3938 N Central Ave
Chicago, IL 60634
773-993-0453
https://www.bluebirdportagepark.com/menuEarl's intel - Fully capable of good BBQ but it fell out of my rotation due to inconsistency. I usually order a 2 meat combo of brisket and rib tips. When they're on, for me, the brisket is a toss up if it's in the league of Smoque and the tips are the best in the rib-tip desert on the NW side. On the best visits, the sliced brisket has a good bark, is *juicy, pull-apart tender, and a nice smoke ring while the rib tips are tender, well-smoked, and meaty. The tips come sauce on the side. I've also had experiences when the tips were hacked to death, brisket overcooked & dry, times when the tips were essentially pork jerky. Jerky is delicious, don't get me wrong. Four different sauces available and I prefer the original sauce over the others. However, I normally don't use any sauce on their brisket or tips. Sides - Hand cut fries are my +1. I find the Mac & cheese bland. Inside, they have picnic tables to eat at while a drive thru is also available.
Taqueria Amigo Chino #1 @ Irving Park & Central
They padded the bill on my last visit and I haven't been back. It's too bad too since their al pastor taco $1.90 cash special (May '22) during the week was a good, cheap al pastor taco in Portage Park. FYI-The parking lot across the street has an attendant to boot cars immediately if you leave the property.
"And if you don't know, now you know." -BIG