Welcome to Tepalcates Chicago
Tepalcates Chicago is a family-owned gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, specializing in authentic New Mexican cuisine. The passion of the owners, siblings who draw inspiration from their grandmother's recipes, is evident in every dish. Diners revel in expertly crafted tacos, from the succulent cochinita pibil to the tender suadero, each bursting with flavor. Unique offerings like Birria Ramen and Quesabirrias showcase innovative twists on traditional favorites. The inviting atmosphere and attentive service make each visit memorable, with fresh juices like horchata and maracuya as delightful companions. Tepalcates is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey worth experiencing.
-
2326 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Hotline: (773) 237-6638
Welcome to Tepalcates Chicago, where authentic New Mexican cuisine comes alive in the heart of Chicago! Located at 2326 W Belmont Ave, this charming eatery is not just another taco joint; it’s a passionate homage to time-honored culinary traditions shared by its owners. Often described as having the warmth of a family kitchen, Tepalcates invites you to explore a fusion of flavors that are both nostalgic and innovative.
What sets Tepalcates apart? Let's talk about the highlights:
- House Specialties: Savor the delectable Quesabirrias, served with rich consome for dipping, or the flavorful Carne En Su Jugo. The Tepalcates Chiles Relleno Tacos are sure to delight the senses, offering a taste that’s rich in tradition.
- Unique Taco Varieties: The menu boasts an impressive range, from the classic Asada and Pollo Al Pastor to the scrumptious Cochinita Pibil and Octopus Tacos. Each taco is crafted with fresh ingredients and carefully grilled to perfection.
- Drinks and Refreshments: Refresh your palate with their homemade Horchata or choose a fizzy Can Soda. You’ll find every sip complements the flavors of your meal beautifully.
But the experience goes beyond just food. Customers rave about the personal touch from the owners, who are deeply involved in every aspect of the restaurant, from cooking to serving. The family’s passion is palpable, making diners feel at home. For instance, Mary P. shares, “The brothers have created menu items handed down from their grandmother and specialties from the village they came from.” This authentic touch is felt in every dish, from the tender Shrimp Tacos to the brilliantly seasoned Birria Ramen.
Every bite tells a story. Iskui D. attests to this experience, mentioning the striking flavors in tacos like Suadero and Cochinita Pibil. Each dish bursts with unique flavors that transport you to a vibrant village kitchen. Whether you’re diving into the comforting depths of Carne En Su Jugo or relishing the creative twists in their taco offerings, you are bound to find a new favorite.
Whether you're a taco enthusiast or simply looking to explore authentic Mexican cuisine, Tepalcates Chicago is a must-visit. Let this culinary gem elevate your dining experience with its unique flavors and homestyle warmth. So, why wait? Gather your friends and family, and make your way to this delightful establishment. It’s time to indulge your taste buds!
I ate here for the first time last night. It was outstanding! The group I was with agreed (2 of them had been there multiple times already), and I had been wanting to try it. I'm so glad we finally got to go there. I would highly recommend the steak torta.
Soooo good! I was very impressed with the quality and taste of everything. The cochinita pibil taco was , so unique, flavorful and just perfect. You would think a carne asada taco is just a carne asada taco- you can get them everywhere right? No! This was just delicious and the meat was tender and perfectly cooked. They have a good mix of taco options- vegetarian, octopus, shrimp and fish tacos for your pescatarians, and all the meats for the carnivores. Just really good, fresh, simple tacos done exceptionally well. Great addition to RV.
Stopped in for an early lunch on a warm Friday. The owner was there and was super friendly and gave us a sample of two fresh juices, which we ended up buying because they were so refreshing. He gave us the full rundown of the menu and how various items were made. Ended up ordering a number of different types of tacos and a sandwich. Everything was served hot and was super tasty. We definitely will be back! Stop by this place and give it a try. It's worth it!
We have eaten here twice, and let me tell you, Tepalcates will definitely be one of our go to places for tacos and other delicious and authentic Mexican dishes. The restaurant is owned by several brothers and a sister. They are very passionate about the menu and are happy to serve and greet. On our first visit we tried the Cochinta pribil, suadero, ribeye and shrimp tacos. None of the tacos disappointed. My wife loved the ribeye and kept raving about the tender ribeye accompanied by grilled onions and jalapeño rajas. The suadero and cochinita pibil tacos were tender and juicy and wonderfully seasoned. My favorite was the shrimp tacos. The shrimp was grilled with peppers and onions and topped with melted cheese. I was craving the shrimp tacos all week and couldn't wait to try again. All the meats and shrimp were grilled perfectly and were very tender. On our return visit we tried the quesabirria tacos which included a consome for dipping the tacos. The consome was tasty and quesabirria tacos were perfectly cooked and scrumptious. We also tried the tacos de costillitas with salsa verde. The tacos were topped with frijoles and rice and were also delicious. For washing down the tacos we opted for the limonada and the passion fruit agua fresca. Everything that we have tried from the menu has left us craving for more. We plan on visiting soon and exploring the menu further.
The menu has very authentic dishes. It's not your typical taco place. The traditional dishes offered look straight out of your grandma's kitchen. The carne en su jugo was delightful. Now they do have a taco menu that is also not your typical choices, while still including the usual asada and Al pastor meat. However, you really have to try the pulpo and cochinita pibil tacos! Everything we tried was amazing. Very authentic and the owner is very friendly and informative.
Read some good reviews on NextDoor. The food was excellent. The waiter was super friendly and offered suggestions. Not your run of the mill Mexican restaurant but rather authentic down home cooking. BYOB.
This is not your run of the mill Mexican restaurant. The 3 brothers who own it have created menu items that have been handed down from their grandmother and are specialties from the village they came from. We have been there three times and each meal was delicious. The taco de cochinita with its unusual seasoning is flavorful and the portion is plentiful. Both the shrimp taco and octopus taco are tender, perfectly seasoned and garnished. You won't find the usual flautas and enchiladas on their menu but you will find other choices that far exceed what you are used to. They also serve breakfast. I havent been there for breakfast yet but will soon because the breakfast menu is intriguing. The brothers are hands on ...two do the cooking and the other greets the customers and waits on the tables. This is a small, friendly family owned business that you must try.
We went today for the first time and it was so delicious. They had a variety of different tacos. I had the octopus taco, cochinita pibil taco, and suadero taco. We also had Birria tacos, torta, and carne en su jugo. Sooo flavorful and unique. The food was authentic and the owner was friendly and informative. There is a lot of classic things to chose from if you want asada or pastor tacos too. To drink we had freshly made lemonade and maracuya. They are fairly new and definitely deserve a chance! Will go again!