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    El Sombrero

    3.9 (11 reviews)

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    Steve O.

    Rundown: Chilango-style snack stall inside the so-called, "Super Mall," a massive Mexican swap meet, the likes of which will not be foreign to those who've spent time in Mexico or on Van Nuys Boulevard. Went for the pambazo (not as easy to find in Chicago as one might think) and between overhearing orders and observing what other diners were eating, seems a lot of people came out for the same reason. Sandwich didn't disappoint. Was a little skeptical, as the sauce was applied to the bread immediately before hitting the grill (typically the bread is pre-soaked), but it came off it tasting like a mildly spicy English fry bread, the mark of a well-executed pambazo. In addition, got myself a quesadilla (with mushrooms) and a gordita (with chicharron in green salsa). El Sombrero boasts of their handmade tortillas, and yeah, the quesadilla really benefitted from one. On the other hand, the gordita, the shell of which I don't believe is made in-house (though I stand to be corrected) was nothing special. Strange as this sounds, in both texture and flavor, the chicharron filling had me feeling as if I were eating something Cantonese which, uh, would be fine if I were in a Cantonese restaurant. Anyway, as I'm learning, Pilsen and Little Village get the press coverage, but for the truly deep Mexican cuts, you head to Archer Heights or Gage Park. El Sombrero should be on your itinerary if you're considering touring the area.

    Im here on a Sunday and it is packed as always. This is a great spot and the locals know.
    Salvador H.

    This is a hidden gem in Chicago. If you find yourself passing through Chicago and are in the mood for authentic delicious Mexican food. This is a great spot! When I eat here it's usually for breakfast and I really love the chilakiles with rice and beans. The portions are abundant and the flavors are on point. The best advice I can give when looking for a delicious place. Is go where the locals go and look for the old ladys cooking in the kitchen. Check and check! I love the place and the service is hunble and inviting.

    Quesadilla Frita (stuffed quesadilla) with Chicharron Verde. Many more stuffing options available.
    Donna S.

    Dont let this place fool you just because it is in the Supermall. Its been a while since Ive been here but they never disappoint. You definately get great food and service for your money.

    a mexican food stand

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    7 years ago

    An authentically delicious, hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. Super excited for their Burbank, IL location!

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    Au Cheval

    Au Cheval

    4.4(9.6k reviews)
    7.2 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$

    YOOOO seriously one of the best burgers of my life! My brother recommended this spot and we came on…read morea Friday night. It was about a 30 minute wait, but it was so worth. The burgers are amazing - it has that beef tallow taste and adding the sunny side up egg was awesome. It's cooked perfectly to where the yolk is not dripping down my fingers, but just enough to where it trickles into the burger and adds another dimension of flavor. The interesting thing is that "single" patties are actually double, and "double" patties are actually triple. Not sure why they named it like that, but our server was good about making that known. Fries were solid but not as amazing as the burger. Wished they were a little thinner. Pretty small seating inside, only a couple booths, tables, and bar seating. They do have a fair sized patio for outdoor seating, so that helps with getting people in and out. Since the space is a bit compact, it can get a little noisy inside. We did paid street parking

    We'd made a lunch reservation at Au Cheval in advance, which wasn't too hard for a Monday. The…read moreinterior was smaller than I'd expected but so classic and stylish. We were seated at a comfortable booth near the window. For drinks, I chose the Citrus Ritual mocktail, which I loved - so well-made and refreshing. I also got a Single Cheeseburger with the added egg and an order of French Fries to share with my coworker. I was a bit confused because it turns out a single cheeseburger at Au Cheval is actually a double because it comes with two beef patties. Personally, I would've just preferred one. Otherwise, it was a very nice burger, but I can't say it changed my brain chemistry. The French Fries were also tasty. Service was incredibly professional, attentive, and quick. Worth the visit!

    Photos
    Au Cheval - Welcome

    Welcome

    Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger

    Single Cheeseburger

    Au Cheval - Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

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    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

    The Dearborn

    The Dearborn

    4.4(2.8k reviews)
    7.7 miThe Loop
    $$

    This was my second visit to The Dearborn, and the food and service were both on point. We ordered…read morethe salmon tataki, fish and chips, Wellington burger, and Midwest fried chicken. Everything was well prepared, but the fried chicken was the standout, especially with the hot sauce adding another level of flavor. The staff stayed attentive throughout dinner and even replaced our plates between rounds, which was a level of service I wasn't expecting. I also respected seeing the owner personally making the rounds, stopping at every table to check on the guests and the food. Calm atmosphere, solid hospitality, and a kitchen that delivers.

    OMG! Walk, run, sprint here to get the FISH N CHIPS THAT ACTUALLY BEAT BOBBY FLAY. The executive…read morechef and now chef partner, Aaron Cuschieri, is absolutely amazingly talented. I am used to really good fish and chips... I've never had better fish and chips than Tom Douglas's Mr. Fish in Seattle, UNTIL NOW!!!! Wow, wow wow wow! Do not pass GO, do not read the menu, just order the darn fish and chips! It might be a whole heart attack on a plate... But it doesn't matter... You can walk all of Chicago and burn it off. I decided to work out before I came here for this big splurge and I'm so glad I did. I can see that this is the theater district... And you could come here before a show fish and chips and have the best night of your entire life! I can't wait to try more of this chef's food! I'm BEYOND INSPIRED! ps great beers here toooooi!

    Photos
    The Dearborn - $12 Martinis for Martini Mondays

    $12 Martinis for Martini Mondays

    The Dearborn - New Spring Menu

    New Spring Menu

    The Dearborn - Spring desserts

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    Spring desserts

    Ema - Salmon bab.

    Ema

    4.3(2k reviews)
    8.0 miNear North Side
    $$

    I LOVED my meal here! Ēma (Ay-mah) brings some glamour and glitz to the Mediterranean dining scene,…read morewith an airy, elevated hotel-lobby feel that still doesn't demand a dress code. Dresscode: Smart Casual / Casual Noise Level: Medium (it gets buzzy after 5:30pm) Thursday night Happy Hour was lively, so it took about 10-15 minutes for someone to come around, but service was attentive once we got going. The food is where Ēma really shines. From the Happy Hour menu, the Charred Eggplant Hummus and Crispy Potatoes were generously portioned and great for sharing. On the main menu, the Indian-Mediterranean fusion Bhel Hummus was a party for my taste buds, while the Hot Honey Halloumi and Chicken Kefta rounded out the table nicely. The halloumi is more of a side than a main, but that sweet-and-salty hot honey combo was chef's kiss. For our finisher, the Chocolate Torte knocked us out. Decadent, delicious and chocolate with lots of depth. Overall, Ēma is an excellent spot to order a bunch of dishes for the table and get an elevated meal without feeling stuffy, and delicious without taking itself too seriously. DO's: - Make a reservation ahead, especially for happy hour 4-6pm - Treat apps like small plates, order 2-3 to sample - Entertain their wine list, they have a lot! - Bring vegetarians here, there are plenty of options DON'Ts: - Dismiss the desert menu. It's fantastic and shareable! - Forget to ask for extra pita with the hummus! - Miss out on the LettuceEats loyalty points (check-in with your server before paying your check)

    Ema has a great atmosphere and a lot of really good bites. I have celiac disease and appreciated…read morethat most of the menu is gluten free (they have a dedicated GF fryer and knowledgeable staff). The lamb and beef kefta was tasty but very dry. The tune and watermelon salad and hummus were awesome. We were disappointed with the level of service. We were seated 30 minutes after our reservation time and waited even longer to be greeted by a waitress. Our wine took a while to come out and we had to request our check twice.

    Photos
    Ema - Ema tables and bar

    Ema tables and bar

    Ema - Tuna & Watermelon*  june 2026.

    Tuna & Watermelon* june 2026.

    Ema - Inside

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    Inside

    El Sombrero - restaurants - Updated September 2026

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