Duncle
Taqueria El Grande might be the most confusing restaurant in my regular rotation.
Let’s start with the food, because holy moly… it’s really good. If you go here, you absolutely have to try the chilaquiles color with extra mole sauce. The mole is rich, flavorful, and the kind of sauce that makes you pause mid-bite and rethink your entire breakfast life plan. It’s fantastic.
But then comes the takeout pickup experience, which is a whole different adventure.
First there’s the parking lot, which operates under what appears to be a “survival of the fittest” system. Getting a spot sometimes feels like competing in a small demolition derby.
Then you go inside.
Now don’t get me wrong — the place is efficient — but friendly might not be the first word that comes to mind. Lupe behind the counter has the energy of someone who has seen every possible takeout situation and has decided she is done with all of them.
But the true highlight is the backscratcher system.
The chef places the finished takeout orders way down the counter, and rather than walking over to grab them, Lupe deploys what can only be described as a fully operational backscratcher retrieval device. I watched in awe as she extended the backscratcher, hooked the bag like she was reeling in a prize fish, and slowly dragged the order across the counter toward her.
No words. No hesitation. Just pure backscratcher precision.
Honestly, it was kind of impressive. I’m half convinced the backscratcher has been promoted to assistant manager of order logistics.
So here’s the verdict:
The food is fantastic. The pickup experience is… memorable.
Three stars because the chilaquiles color with extra mole sauce are absolutely worth it, but picking up your food might also include witnessing one of the most efficient — and hilarious — backscratcher-based order retrieval systems in the Midwest.
Pro tip: get the chilaquiles with extra mole sauce… and keep an eye out for the backscratcher in action.
… moreThe Couponing Millennial
I did the Cecina taco dinner and it was delicious. I wanted to order the flan to go but unfortunately they had already sold out! Really great hole in the wall taco place. Definitely stop in before or after the zoo or if you’re a local.
… moreLisa Guzman
This place is great! A true hole-in-the-wall spot that I’ve driven past many times in the last 4 yrs but finally stopped in. Decor is cute & the restaurant is clean. Service was prompt & friendly. Food was tasty & served hot! The horchata was very cinnamon-y, aka absolutely delightful my wife rly liked her steak fajitas; said the meat was flavorful & tender. My chicken enchiladas verdes were yummy & the sauce had a bit of a kick! Chips were perfectly crispy & served warm. Happily would come back for another visit!
… moreMichaela Winters
My family and I stopped here after a day at Brookfield Zoo and it was just lovely! The atmosphere was warm and colorful, the service was friendly and helpful. The best part, though, was the food. The tortilla chips seemed homemade and were delectable. My family loved the salsa they served with it, and I also tried the Verde salsa. It was wonderful too, quite a kick but a very nice one. I got the enchiladas Verdes with cheese and they were some of the best enchiladas I’ve had. Definitely recommend this place! Perfect spot to relax after the zoo.
… morejasen w
Steak burritos, al pastor and chicken tacos were all tasty. Meat was cut up fine, not too big and not too small (think Los Comales). I also had the horchata but a little too sweet for me. Quantity and price was also pretty much on par. Only three dings on our first visit. 1) Service was decent although there was a mix up on what type of meat I wanted on my burrito. 2) Waitress charged me for a Burrito Special that was $10.99 when I asked for no beans and to add cheese and sour cream. Should have been $10.49 ($8.99 plus .75 ea for the additions). 3) Please change the damn battery on that smoke detector! That constant loud beeping was annoying as hell and took away from an otherwise decent atmosphere. Last note, update your online menu pics, they’re three years old and add the prices to the online menu. Hopefully they’ll address these easy minor fixes cause we like to come back.
… moremc smarto
I was in the area and searched for the best burrito. So I stopped in, and the restaurant was packed. They had great chips with spicy salsa. I tried a steak burrito especial and a sope with al pastor. Both were very flavorful and delicious. The horchata was good, too. If I am ever in the neighborhood, I will definitely stop in again.
… moreK S
The customer service. The authenticity. The price. The flavor. The music. THE COFFEE. The chips and salsa are always fresh and hot. I could go on and on but I won’t. I will say, the Mexican food in Chicago has been taking a huge decline in terms or taste n authenticity but this place makes up for it. I’m In love with this place. Thank you to everyone that works here, you all are truly special. P.S. the food is too good to remember to stop and take a picture so the pics are of my half eaten food. Haha! Yummy!
… moreDaniel Ruiz
Went here for lunch and the tortas were DELICIOUS! Seasoned beautifully and that salsa with chips is amazing 10/10 recommend
… moreChris Depa
We’ve dined in and carried out many times … best tacos in the greater La Grange area. The only downside is that the dining area is a bit small, and the parking is atrocious. If we’re lucky enough to find a spot we’ll dine in and the service is always amazing.
… moreJames Olson (Super Diner)
First time dining here and I was not disappointed. The food and service was excellent. It has an old school vibe. Needs a bit of work on the inside, but everything else is great. I’d recommend it and will be returning.
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