Chicago Restaurants

El Cid 2

#31 of 830 things to do in Chicago

#508 of 19972 things to do in USA

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: atmosphere, food, Solo Travellers, service

  • Address
    • 2645 N Kedzie Ave
  • Transport
    • Blue Line to Logan Square
  • Phone
    • 773-395-0505
  • Price
    • mains $6-14
  • Hours
    • 9am-midnight, to 2am Fri & Sat

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Lonely Planet review for El Cid 2

The tart, fresh margaritas and fish tacos (not batter fried, simply grilled) steal the show at this bright, friendly Mexican, which is a stone’s throw from the Logan Square El stop. On busy nights an acoustic minstrel sets up indoors, and when its warm patrons head out back to the romantic patio to dine under strings of lights.

 

Traveller reviews for El Cid 2 (1)

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    aye yi yi, I don't think we're in Chicago anymore

    rachelohunter recommends this,

    Logan Square is one of my favorite neighborhoods and El Cid is largely responsible for that. El Cid is Logan Square. Logan Square is El Cid. There is no separating the two.

    It should be said that to experience the true magic that is El Cid it is best to visit in the summer. The hotter and stickier and more fed up you are with city life- the better.

    To set the mood, don’t enter through the front door, instead follow the narrow passage to the right of the door that squeezes you between El Cid and the adjacent liquor store. The low brick ceiling is strung with twinkling lights and little tables are tucked here and there along the walls. The farther you go the louder the sound of acoustic guitars, Mexican crooners and (on a good night) mariachis. As you reach the end of the tunnel it feels as if you have left the city behind and entered another world entirely.

    The tunnel opens up to the back patio full of tall old shade trees, a smattering of colorful tables and a cabana where the margaritas are always flowing. Along the back of the patio is a large tin wall painted in teal and yellow, pink and white, and from every tree hangs paper lanterns, tin ornaments and warm lighting.

    The servers are all smiles and the food is always exactly what you needed. I’ve always preferred their frozen mango margaritas (by the pitcher) and a plate of fish tacos or roasted half chicken, but it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s very simple traditional Mexican food- fresh ingredients and no surprises.

    The crowd ranges from large family gatherings to intimate dinners for two and everything in between. The atmosphere is fun and lively, but also allows you to sit back and hide in the shadows with a loved one if you’d rather. It’s the kind of place you could linger for hours and never realize the time. It’s truly therapeutic.

    Good for: atmosphere, food, Solo Travellers, service

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