Del Toro — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Anyone who knows me, knows how I am -and now WAS- a loyal customer of Del Toro. I have been going there for years. However today I broke my relationship with this establishment.

My friends and I had decided to go for an early dinner and drinks after a long day. 3 out of 4 of us arrived around 5:10 (they open at 5) and the place was empty. We asked for a table for 4, and the hostess wouldn't seat us because we weren't all there. We were exhausted, starving and thirsty so all we wanted was to get seated and place some orders. I asked if we could please be seated since it was empty, but she refused stating that she just follows the rules. I asked to speak to a manager. When he came out I asked once again to please be seated, he refused stating it was policy to not seat anyone until the whole party was there. I told him I didn't understand why we couldn't be seated, the place was empty and the 4th person was not far away, we were ready to start ordering food and drinks and all he kept saying was "its policy"- with an I don't care what you think or do attitude. He said that he wouldn't seat us because although I was asking for a table for 4, I could have more people show up, therefore making it an inconvenience to seat them too. I told him why would I lie about that, we just wanted to sit and order food.

I told him that I was a loyal customer and that this kind of ridiculous situation was exactly what would turn my friends and I away from this place. This isn't my first time dealing with his attitude, but I always pushed it aside. This time was the last straw. My friends and I left and went next door to Skylark, where the service and food was great.

Sad to say, but I won't be going back. I refuse to contribute to the managers pockets when he doesn't care about being kind and accommodating his customers.

The place was EMPTY!!! We weren't...

First of all, let me start off by saying this was my first and last visit here . I went for a date night with my fiancé , and we sat at the bar . My fiancé ordered her drink and I ordered mine . I ask the bartender for a classic old fashion with Makers Mark whiskey . He tried to sell me the one on the cocktail menu but , it contained tequila and I wasn’t in the mood for tequila so I said again just a classic old fashion and he looked confused and I ask if he knew how to make it or if not I would make it more simple to a beer to not make it so complicated and he said no we know how to make them . Etc .. when we ask for the bill I seen that he charged me for a double makers mark and not for a old fashion I was shocked just for two drinks and my drink being more simple for him to charge $20.00 for a supposedly “old fashion” Never ever in my work history and I am a bartender myself and in downtown area we do not charge for an old fashion $20.00 that’s insane and ridiculous price ! So I ask the bartender hey why are you charging me for a double if this’ drink wasn’t a double and I seen you make the drink and he look nervous and he said the prices went up and here we make the old fashions double liquor in order to make it last lol and I laugh and I was like to make a classic old fashion you need two ounces of your choice of whiskey or bourbon . Etc he went with I apologize but that’s the price of your cocktail . I didn’t want to argue with him so I went ahead and paid and still tip him 20% for two damn cocktails by the way they don’t even have proper ice cubes for old fashions . That’s the most pathetic thing to have ever paid for an old fashion that wasn’t even properly made . Never ever coming back again ! Next time just order cocktails and nothing out of their menu because if not they will charge you everything double liquor Be alert...

I'll start with the venue. Be prepared to wait before you get a table. Time can vary each day but It's worth the wait. It's usually busy with a two hour table limit. I recommend ordering a cocktail from the bar while you wait for your table. Very spacious first floor with a second floor as well. Inside decor is minimal with a rustic feel. Outside patio has plenty of large tables with umbrellas as shade. Outside patio is open during summer or as weather allows. Most people prefer dining inside.

Now as the the drinks. Del Toro's main focus is cocktails with a robust selection of spirits. It's hands down one of the best tequila/mezcal bars in Chicago. You can't go wrong with any cocktail you pick. Also ask about their seasonal fruit cocktails. I highly recommend trying the cocktails as is the first time. After you are satisfied with your drink. Ask for your next drink to be made with Mezcal instead of Tequila. It will change the cocktail into a whole new flavor profile. More character and smokiness. With so many options of mezcal, I would suggest Del Maguey to start. As for beer/wine the selection is very limited and not a major focus on the menu. All cocktails are hand made so expect a wait for your drinks.

And now the food. The menu tends to encourage sharing but does not provide many options. The typical tacos, tortas are there. The focus is on appetizers. From what I tried it's great but not the focus of the bar. It's all about the cocktails and sharing a few appetizers. This is a must try and...