Las Mañanitas Restaurant — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Picture this. The year was 1996 and aol instant messenger was the in thing to do. For me it was ChicagoM4M room. I was chatting with this cool guy who invited me out for Mexican. I was staying with a friend in the burbs so I was hesitant but his description of himself peaked my interest so I got myself to Las Mananitas and it was a Monday evening so there weren’t many people there. I told the waiter I was meeting someone there and gave his name. And the waiter gave me an odd smile and took me to the table. This was before cell phones and easy access digital photos. I think you had to go to Walgreens and pay $9.98 for a scan that fit on a floppy disc. So trading pictures was not really a thing. I get to the table and I was confused and said I think at the wrong table. The gentleman which I use loosely said that he was the one talking to me online and if he gave his real age and description I wouldn’t have showed up. He was right. So I sat down and tried to be polite. The old man was pouring me one margarita after another and I was pretty drunk and when he paid the check he said since I cost him so much money on booze I had to repay him by going home with him. I froze and he tried to kiss me. Then this waiter came to my rescue and claimed we were old friends and maybe I should have a coffee and we could catch up. And said yes. And the waiter told my “date” that the restaurant was closing and he needed to leave. He put up a fight but he left. He stood by the front door for a long time waiting for me. My new friend got me water and more coffee and sobered me up and walked me to the Belmont station and made sure I got on the right train back towards the burbs. This was one of many adventures that started at LM. And I look...

Loud people. Loud place. Popular with sports fans. But the service is horrible. My waiter came to me only once to deliver the food after he had taken the order. He never checked on me once. I had to go get him in order to make a request. I never got a refill on my drink. And then I don't understand why they think that they should get a tip when they don't even bother to check on you. I've waited tables before and you have to be watching the customer. Don't take a siesta and talk with your friends up in the front and have a good time while I'm sitting there. Waiting for you to come back and you never come back for 30 minutes I waited. Also, I have been coming here for 40 years now. My first time was when I was 28. I can tell you safely that the food has gone downhill. They also used to have one of the best red salsas in the city but now they only have a green salsa and it's not tasty. I asked him for the tomato one and they don't have it anymore but he didn't tell me that, he brought out some tomato soup. He assumed he knew what I wanted but he wasn't listening and obviously he didn't know the difference. AND, YES IT IS VERY OVERPRICED. It was always a bit on the expensive side but back then you got what you paid for. However this was also during the time when you could go and buy a burrito for $3 in a burrito shop and it would fill you up for the entire day. They were large. Back then you would spend about $6 to $7 on your food. Now it's over $22 just for the main dish. I won't be going back, ever. If I want to be overcharged but still have something that I like to eat, it's going to be Caesars on Broadway. They didn't change their recipes. Thank God something...

I can't believe I haven't written a review of this local Mexican favorite! I usually attend this place with two friends, decide early we're going to get fat (and probably drunk), then go to town.

As one of the first Mexican restaurants I visited upon moving, I've been here too many times to count. Located just south of Addison, the room is constantly filled with Lakeview locals, friends of friends, Cubs fans and the like. The outdoor patio offers a nice people watching spot during the warmer months. Although, be wary of the wind. When things get kicking, I wondered more than once if the tables weren't going to fly way! They tie them down, so my paranoia was in vain (thank goodness).

The simple atmosphere is bright and cheery, and I've yet to had bad service. The traditional Tex-Mex menu offers a wide selection, whatever your mood. Since the salsa's made fresh, some days are spicier than others (read...HOT). I would suggest going easy and ramp up. I've tasted various items on the menu but my staple is the enchiladas rojas, without onions or sour cream (they tend to go a bit heavy for my taste). You have the choice of beef, chicken, cheese or chorizo. I tend to mix it up with three different ones, simply because I can't make up my mind!

They also have great dinner specials. If you want something a little different, give these a try. Still in doubt? Ask the servers. They're very straight forward and honest when it comes to menu items.

Oh, if you drink, I would STRONGLY suggest spending a few extra dollars for the premium margaritas. All of them are tasty, but your head will thank you in...