Ay Chihuahuas Delicious Mexican Food — Restaurant in North Township

Eager to soak up the last few rays of sunlight left in the frigid week, I decided to take an icy rollerblade run to downtown Griffith. Gliding past the rock star lineup of small businesses which have made this strip of Broad Street a hotspot all around the Region, I happened to stumble upon a cozy restaurant I’ve never seen before. In front of the establishment was a charming, homemade sign simply reading “[heart] Tacos Stop Here” and framed in the window was a large banner with the words “Ay Chihuahuas Mexican Food.”

Naturally, as a frequenter of the “Griffith Strip,” I was shocked a new Mexican restaurant had opened without me hearing about it. However, after eavesdropping on a conversation between two women who were regulars, I discovered this quaint hometown cocina had been among Griffith’s food gallery for awhile.

Tracking down one of the women with her bounty of carryout containers, I asked her if she knew how long this place had been around. With a bright smile, she gestured me to roll over toward the entrance, and introduced herself. As it turned out, this cheery ray of sunshine aptly named Summer was the sister of the restaurant owner, Alex.

Welcomed into the warm and vibrantly decorated space, muddy rollerblades and all, Summer and Alex gave me a from-the-door-tour of their operation. Amidst a galaxy of intricate paper crafts suspended from the ceiling was a surprisingly spacious dining area filled with a sea of colored chairs. A classic cafe-style menu was sprawled across the wall written in chalk seamlessly blending into the jubilant greeting “Bienvenidos” underlined by a string of festive lights and miniature sombreros.

After chatting with the charismatic Summer for awhile, her infectious personality and passion for her sister’s business got me excited enough to skip cooking for the night, and leave dinner in the hands of Alex. Ordering for my family was easy enough, a burrito and three beef tacos would be more than enough to make everyone happy. However, with a gluten-sensitivity development in recent months, I had to be much more careful.

Alex was more than happy to accommodate my dietary needs, and patiently talked through the menu items with me. After discussing several options and ingredients, we were able to conclude beef tacos on corn tortillas to be a safe choice.

Before I took my tacos and ran, I stayed to learn a little more about Alex and how her business started. Hitting the food truck circuit (or food tent in her case), Alex has been serving Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland festivals and farmers’ markets for years. Starting her cooking career at 9 years-old with her mom, Alex is a passionate, hardworking and adventurous spirit, always looking for a challenge, which is one of the big reasons she decided to open her own restaurant. With an endearing chuckle and sigh, she did confess that being in the food industry for such a long time was making her feel old and tired... despite being in her twenties.

Promptly rushing home before my food got cold, I immediately burrowed into a cornucopia of delectable seasoned beef, and a splendid duet of juicy and crunchy toppings overflowing from the doubled-layered corn tortillas. The salsa was equally flavorful with only a mild kick for those with sensitive palates. The burrito was also generously loaded to the brim with tender pork, steamy rice and creamy refried beans. Although, I was not able to sample the colossal masterpiece due to the flour tortilla, the feast for the eyes was more than enough.

If you ever find yourself strolling down the Griffith Strip on Broad Street, or happen to have a hankering for home-cooked Mexican cuisine, “Ay Chihuahuas Mexican Food” offers a panoply of rustic, and lavishly portioned meals that are sure to warm you up.

A year may have gone by where this local gem snuck under my radar, but rest assured, I am going to thoroughly enjoy making up...

Second time coming and just like the first time fenominal experience and food. My dad and I tried this place as a daddy daughter date since it's down the road from my work and I work kind of late. So the hours were perfect. Alexis was so pleasant , warming and just one of the best personalities ever. The food was hands down some of the most delicious , home made food I've had. Everything is so fresh. Alexis put her spin on some classic Mexican cuisine . It just makes it that much better. I and my tummy thank her for sure. To top off having amazing food. Her desserts are absolutely amazing!!! So far I've had the Mexican wedding cookies and kolaczki. And let me tell you truly best desserts I've had. Long story short. This place is a must try! You will be satisfied and then...

It was our first time trying Ay Chihuahua and it’s by far the best Mexican food I’ve ever had paired with the upmost customer service. I’m blown away from our experience tonight. The owner Alex, is so kind and has an amazing energy about her. Everything is made fresh to order with the freshest ingredients. You can tell she pours a whole-lotta love into her cooking. You must try. It will not disappoint!

We’re so excited to have found our new go to spot and meet a lovely new friend along the way....