The Chicago Traveler

You can find a Mexican restaurant in Chicago on almost every other block. Tiny storefront taquerias with brightly-colored walls and a loud jukebox almost always make me happy. But no matter how good the food is, even I can admit it’s not unique. Most taquerias’ cuisines taste like any other. The excellent Latin restaurants downtown offer exceptional flavors, but their meals’ costs may be outside the average person’s daily budget. What to do? Meet the happy medium: Wholly Frijoles.

If you take anything away from this article, it must be this: call ahead. I’m not kidding. I tried just dropping in and found a minimum wait of 60 minutes. (As I’ve said before, I’m not someone who waits. I visit a restaurant because I’m hungry now, not because I’ll be hungry later.) The restaurant does not take reservations, but they do have a waiting list, so be sure to call ahead and get your name on there as soon as you can.

Now, with that said, the wait is most certainly worth it. This little eatery may not look like much—squished between a Chinese joint and a Dunkin Donuts in a strip mall—but that doesn’t stop eager diners from lining up for warm tortilla chips, fresh mango smoothies, and delicious homemade horchata. The menu is extensive, from traditional tacos and tortas to skirt steak, red snapper, and shrimp. Popular entrees include braised lamb and chicken breasts stuffed with poblano peppers. Mmm… chipotle mashed potatoes! The chile relleno and chicken enchiladas with mole are not to be missed. Desserts like fresh mango cheesecake with raspberry puree and upside-down pineapple cake with caramel sauce top the list of dessert selections.

Just remember: call ahead.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) lobstar28, Taekwonweirdo

Wholly Frijoles ($): 3908 W Touhy Ave (Lincolnwood); 847-329-9810
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fri: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Street parking, free lot
Public trans: Pace Bus # 290

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