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El Tezcal Mexican Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
El Tezcal Mexican Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
El Tezcal anchors a stretch of Kedzie with a broad menu of fajitas, combination plates, and seafood dishes in a casual, family-friendly room. It’s the kind of spot where neighborhood regulars settle into booths for big platters and pitchers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada dinner, Chicken fajitas, Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood sit-down Mexican spot with big combination plates and fajitas.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting roomy booths and big platters.
When to visit: Weekend dinners or early weeknights for easier seating.
What to order: Carne asada dinner, chicken fajitas, guacamole.
Insider tip: Consider sharing platters; portions tend to be generous.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Kedzie and nearby residential side streets; usually manageable but can fill up on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and relaxed outfits are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak meals but normal conversation is still doable.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie tacos, enchiladas, and combo options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but choices are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled meats and corn tortillas, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic nights — it’s welcoming and unfussy rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially for small groups, though peak weekend times may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — booths, friendly service, and familiar dishes make it comfortable for families, including younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, relaxed sit-down service, and dependable neighborhood Mexican comfort food.
Skip if: You’re looking for chef-driven tasting menus, trendy atmospheres, or niche regional Mexican cooking.
El Tezcal Mexican Restaurant
8.5
El Tezcal is a cozy Kedzie Avenue spot where Guatemalan and Mexican plates share space with well-built burritos. Locals appreciate the house asada burrito and burrito dinners as part of a broader menu that feels homemade, BYOB, and quietly destination-worthy for the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada Burrito, Burrito Dinner, Guacamole with Chips
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: BYOB neighborhood restaurant where burritos share billing with Guatemalan plates.
Who should go: Families and small groups wanting homey burritos and plates.
When to visit: Dinner hours when you can linger over a full meal.
What to order: Asada Burrito, Burrito Dinner with rice and beans, guacamole starter.
Insider tip: Take advantage of BYOB and build a slow, multi-course burrito night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Kedzie and nearby side streets; generally available but may require a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — usually conversational, though it can get lively during weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: Short wait is possible during peak hours, but many visits are seated quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options available including veggie burritos and classic sides.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; many plates avoid tortillas, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you want relaxed, comforting food in a cozy setting. It’s better for casual dates than formal occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in, especially on weeknights. Arrive a bit earlier on weekends to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly atmosphere with approachable menu items, booths, and a calm dining room.
Best For
Better for: Home-style burritos and Guatemalan-Mexican comfort dishes in a relaxed BYOB setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy decor, craft cocktails, or a quick grab-and-go burrito counter.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday12pm - 8pm
Wednesday12pm - 8pm
Thursday12pm - 8pm
Friday12pm - 8pm
Saturday12pm - 8pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm