El Tezcal Authentic Restaurant — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

So I was excited to see how high the reviews were for this place and since it’s a 10 minute drive from home, I wanted to give it a try! If you decide to come here, deep dive on the 5 star reviews from members who have anywhere between 10-20 reviews over 3-4 years.

Let’s rewind to a week ago, where I had Saturday lunch plans with some friends. I told them to meet me here around Noon since I read online, that’s what time they open. It was 12:05p and it still wasn’t open. Whatever, we down the street for another Taqueria.

Fast forward a week later, we decided to come here for Dinner on a Thursday night. Our 18 month old tagged along as well and we ordered right away for him. He enjoyed the Pollo Taco but the Picadillo Taco, he wanted no part. I tried it and it was really greasy.

I did the Tapiquena and it was ok. The Enchilada was really good but the “Carne Asada” was a cheap cut of meat that was not cooked Medium Rare. The rice and beans were ok. The salsas were very tasty.

The decor is a weird hodge hodge of Xmas lights, outdoor lights, a fishing net, etc.

Parking is available but be prepared to drive around a little bit to find it.

We’re not in a rush to go back and too bad both experiences were...

Authenticity, check. Deliciousness, check. Hospitality, double check!!! Walking into the restaurant and you immediately feel at home beautiful decor because you spot a figurine or banner your abuela or tia might have. The colors are vibrant and feel as if you were in a local cantina in Mexico. The food was amazing and could definitely taste the love in every bite.

Miguel was our server, he was hilarious and comfortable and reminded me of my uncles. He was proud to serve us our meals because his mom was the one who cooks the food and you can taste the difference. Nothing compares to mom’s homemade meals.

I will be back and will invite my friends and family and crack open a few brews (they’re byob and liquor store is down the street so no worries you can always pick up something) and eat some delicious dollar tacos on Tuesday or some sopes. Support your local family owned restaurants and businesses. They also offer catering...

El Tezcal just added another notch to my bandolier of go-to Mexican restaurants. Based on Google reviews, I'd bookmarked ETM and was excited when an errand took me to the Albany Park neighborhood.

I was warmly greeted, told to sit anywhere--I chose a table by the window--and was promptly served with tortilla chips accompanied by red and green salsas. My server recommended the chicken enchiladas with a rich mole negro. When she said that owner/chef Reyna had just finished cooking a batch--mole is time intensive--I leapt. Served with rice and beans and a small salad, the dish was muy delicioso! An on-the-house bowl of chicken noodle soup was equally good. The tab--very, very reasonable!

El Tezcal is BYOB so I'll definitely be back with my wife and cervezas. Muchas gracias, reviewers, for...