5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey at 5 Rabanitos, where I had the pleasure of immersing myself in a rich and flavorful dining experience. Situated in a vibrant corner of 18th street and Wood, this culinary gem exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment we sat on the patio, I was enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's charming décor, beautiful murals, coupled with the friendly staff, created a welcoming ambiance that set the stage for a memorable meal. Now, let's dive into the highlight of my visit, the food! The menu offered an impressive array of Mexican delights, each bursting with authentic flavors and made with the utmost care and attention to detail. For starters, We indulged in some Mango Mojitos, a mixture of Rum blanco, fresh lime, minty tomazula, which was a true revelation. We also had the traditional drinks like Jamaica, and the creamy, rich, horchata, it was a delightful teaser of the culinary journey that awaited me. Moving on to the main course, I opted for the traditional tacos, Asada, Barbacoa, and Cochinita Pibil and they were nothing short of sensational. The first bite of the barbacoa taco transported me to the streets of Mexico, as the flavors danced harmoniously on my palate. The tortillas were soft and handcrafted, serving as a perfect vessel for the succulent fillings. Each taco was a work of art, meticulously prepared with love. Whether it was the tender, perfectly seasoned carne asada, the succulent cochinita, or the melt-in-your-mouth barbacoa, every bite was a burst of authentic Mexican goodness. The toppings and salsas provided the perfect balance, adding a vibrant kick to the already exquisite flavors. What truly impressed me was their commitment to preserving the traditional flavors of Mexico. The passion and dedication of the chefs shone through in every dish, showcasing the true essence of Mexican cuisine. The service was exceptional, with attentive staff who were knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations. Their friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm added to the overall dining experience, making me feel like a valued guest. If you are seeking a rich and flavorful dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexico, 5 Rabanitos is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to be transported on a culinary adventure that will leave you...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at 5 Rabanitos, and I must say that my experience exceeded all expectations. Our visit to this restaurant was quite unique, as we had to accommodate a group of 87 high school students along with five adults, and we gave them only one day's notice. Despite the short notice and the sheer size of our group, 5 Rabanitos went above and beyond to make our dining experience memorable. First and foremost, the efficiency and speed with which they prepared our food were nothing short of impressive. As soon as we arrived, our meals were ready, and they were served to our large group in a matter of minutes. This level of promptness, considering the size of our party, was truly remarkable. The owner of the restaurant was also exceptionally kind and accommodating. He made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in and personally ensured that everything was running smoothly. It was evident that he cared deeply about his customers and was dedicated to making our visit as enjoyable as possible. Now, let's talk about the most important aspect of any restaurant: the food. 5 Rabanitos did not disappoint. The dishes were not only delicious but also prepared with care and attention to detail. The flavors were outstanding, and each bite was a true delight. Whether you are a fan of Mexican cuisine or trying it for the first time, 5 Rabanitos will leave your taste buds craving for more. What truly stood out during our visit was the owner's willingness to go the extra mile. When he saw the size of our group, he promptly called in additional servers to ensure that our high school students were served with the utmost care and efficiency. This level of dedication is something not every establishment would be willing to do, and it made our experience even more special. 5 Rabanitos is a gem of a restaurant that deserves praise for its exceptional service, delectable food, and the owner's remarkable kindness and flexibility. They not only accommodated our large group with minimal notice but did so with grace and a smile. If you're looking for a restaurant that goes above and beyond for its customers, 5 Rabanitos should be at the top of your list. I highly recommend it, and I will definitely be returning for another fantastic...

It’s ok. I feel like this place lacks a solid identity. It’s not leaning into Mexican culture enough with chopped salads on their menu, I’ve never seen that on a Mexican restaurant, and the food is not traditional Mexican like plenty of other taquerias I’ve been to. I had the taco dinner, the plating is horribly designed, why are 2/3 tacos right on top of the beans? Is Mexican culture messy? Why should I have to wipe my hands each time I touch a taco? I’ve been to plenty of taquerias, I don’t have to wipe my hands each time I pick up a taco because the tortilla is right on top of beans. Guacamole was a bit sour in taste, small amount of rice that lacked seasoning but had a good soft texture. The salsa bottles also horribly designed to fit their liquid-y salsa, I seen plenty of family members accidentally pour too much on their food. The salsa was different, I feel like it lacked spice but wasn’t horrible just not to my liking. Service was terrible, my water topped off once. Plenty of times the servers passed and didn’t communicate with each other about it, my own server came to my table and didn’t even notice. Serving is a great art to make people feel comfortable and I was not, if I have to ask then what’s the point? I should just go up to a kiosk or pour myself water at that point. I feel like the restaurant needs a deep look into itself, is it traditional or is it not? Either way whatever niche it wants to fit into it has to do it well and...