El Xangarrito Mex Restaurant — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

Love that this place is BYO. And how lucky are any of us that live nearby to have access to this wonderful restaurant.

I don’t have photos unfortunately because we just enjoyed and stayed present in our food and conversation (and our bottles of wine) We were able to enjoy the guacamole with chips and a smoky salsa.

So, I’m sauce person. I love sauces of all kinds. Like my friends have dubbed me the “Queen of condiments and sauces.”

The pablano sauce here is 💯and you should try it on the enchiladas if you get them. The tomato based comfort stew style onion yum goodness sauce on the camerones a la veracruzana was probably one of my favorites that I’ve ever had. Just perfect balance and so comforting even on a hot & humid summer chicago night.

I savored and I do mean savored slowly -the Camerones a La Veracruzana with that bright, crunchy, and satisfying Jícama salad and the best rice I’ve had in a very long time. The friends got both got enchiladas that I did not try but they both finished their plates. I however did take half of mine home and I’m happy to report is was good good the day cold. Cause nobody should be heating up shrimp in a microwave.

We ended the night with their key lime pie. And then absolutely had to walk around the neighborhood because we were gloriously full.

Sitting outside was perfect at night, the music choices fit good with us- might not be for everyone but we were happy. And the service from everyone was top tops! Another place I can’t wait to return again and...

My fiancé and I just moved to Lincoln Square, and we were excited to find El Xangarrito so close by. We’ve been here for a month, and we’ve visited El Xangarrito FOUR TIMES already. We both love tacos, but we don’t want to try any other Mexican spot in the neighborhood because El Xangarrito is just that good.

I’m vegan, so I always get their veggie pastor tacos, no cheese. They’re consistent every time, and I can honestly say these are the BEST vegan tacos I’ve ever had!!! They’re not greasy, and they’re packed with flavor. We’ve tried their guac too which is also incredible.

Family and friends have ordered a variety of other menu items - pastor tacos, steak enchiladas, steak tacos - and all have shared excellent feedback about their food as well!

This place deserves bonus points for awesome service too! The food is always ready quickly and the staff is super friendly and welcoming. My fiancé and I went in a few weeks ago to pick up our dinner. A week later, I went in with a friend, and the host remembered who I was from the week prior. She also took time to introduce herself to my friend. From a restaurant where we’ve only ordered takeout so far, this is HUGE.

In the future, I’d love to see more vegan taco options. Otherwise, there are truly no words for how much we love this place, and we’re looking forward to dine-in...

Writing my second updated review after visiting today. Started with the mini flautas again which was delicious. This time we ordered camarones a la vera and pacific salmon. Shrimp in the camarones a la vera was fresh and chile serrano was seasoned just right. Roll it up in the complimentary tortillas and everything pairs beautifully.

Pacific salmon was cooked nicely and the sauce was very well balanced. The sauce had a crescendo effect in flavors as it kept growing on me after each bite. It was tasty, unique and addicting.

Although the food was excellent, we had to wait close to 40 minutes this time for our mains to come out. I know it is getting more popular by the day but it was a little unexpected.

Another amazing dinner at El Xangarrito. Can't wait to visit again to try something new.

First Review

Unfortunately after the first dishes came out, I forgot to take pictures of my steak because I was too busy eating. The chef here is really doing something magical here. Even the simple appetizers are full of flavors, fresh, with the perfect temperature. My steak was perfectly cooked. The staff makes you feel very comfortable and you will fall in love...