0 Followers
El Cid
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
El Cid
8.2
El Cid is a long-running Mexican restaurant and bar across from the Logan Square Blue Line, known for steak tacos, generous combo plates, and a hidden back patio. Happy hour brings value-friendly drinks and snacks that make it a dependable meetup spot for casual margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Taco Dinner, Homemade Tamales
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Neighborhood Mexican standby with strong margaritas and a leafy back patio.
Who should go: Friends or families wanting classic plates and relaxed happy hour.
When to visit: Tues–Thurs happy hour hours for drink deals without long waits.
What to order: Enchiladas Suizas, taco dinner with steak, a pitcher of margaritas.
Insider tip: Head straight through to the patio when weather cooperates—it’s the most pleasant place to ride out happy hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Milwaukee Ave and nearby residential blocks; meters on the main corridor and spots tighten after 6pm — allow extra time. No valet on-site.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively indoors during peak hours; easier conversation on the back patio when weather is good.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak evening windows; patio or early arrivals tend to seat faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; small bumps during commuter rush or happy hour overlap.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several plates can be ordered meatless (cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean tacos); ask for substitutions when needed.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted (corn tortillas, veggie tacos) but confirm beans, rice, and sauces as some may contain dairy or lard.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options using corn tortillas, but there is no dedicated prep area — cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure meetup — margaritas and the leafy patio make it relaxed rather than formal or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays and earlier in the evening; expect a wait during prime weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly atmosphere, approachable combo plates, and the patio makes it comfortable for younger kids earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Casual happy hour margaritas, reliable classic Mexican plates, and one of the more pleasant hidden patios in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven modern Mexican, very quiet dining, or highly specialized dietary controls with dedicated prep protocols.
El Cid
7.9
Across from the Logan Square Blue Line, El Cid is a long-running sit-down Mexican restaurant known for fajitas, enchiladas, and margaritas on a deep patio. It’s less about boundary-pushing dishes and more about reliable plates, pitchers, and late-night hours in a space that has become part of the neighborhood’s casual-going-out circuit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne al Carbon, Tampiqueña, Skirt Steak Fajitas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A patio-focused Logan Square institution for classic plates and big margaritas.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing patio drinks and familiar Tex-Mex-style favorites.
When to visit: Warm evenings for patio seating; later nights for crowd energy.
What to order: Carne al Carbon, Tampiqueña, Skirt Steak Fajitas.
Insider tip: Use it as a patio-first play: split an order of fajitas, add one steak specialty, and lean on the margarita list rather than over-ordering appetizers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Milwaukee/Kedzie with limited availability during evenings; neighborhood side streets may open up after 9pm.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and layered outdoor wear are common, especially for patio visits.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during late evenings and weekends; conversation is easier on the patio or earlier in the night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm patio nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options (enchiladas, veggie fajitas, quesadillas, sides), but not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable plates and sides; ask staff about cheese and lard usage.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes (fajitas, grilled meats, tacos); cross-contact possible — confirm with server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates or second/third outings — the patio and margaritas are fun, but the vibe leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or off-peak hours; expect waits on warm weekends and later nights when the patio and bar fill up.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly earlier in the evening with booths and shareable plates; the scene skews louder and more bar-forward later at night.
Best For
Better for: Large-group hangs, pitcher margaritas, patio seating, and late-night reliability near the Blue Line.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven regional Mexican, quiet dining rooms, or highly specialized dietary accommodations.