El Cid 2
2645 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, Illinois; Phone 773-395-0505
Date of Review: June, 2008
This is a staple Logan Square spot that has undergone some changes recently. They recently added a chic upstairs lounge that has brought in a bit more of the new Logan Square “yuppie” crowd. They have also dressed up the menu, though it remains to be seen as to how this goes over. What El Cid does offer is good, solid authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is located on Kedzie Boulevard across the street from the Logan Square Blue Line stop. There is another El Cid restaurant on 2115 N. Milwaukee Avenue about a mile away. One thing no one may know by looking at the restaurant is that they have a large, splendid garden off the back of the restaurant that makes you feel like you are dining in someone’s backyard.
I have had many a Burrito De Arracera (Grilled Skirt Steak Burrito) at 1 AM or 2 AM as I walked back to my apartment from where the cabbie dropped me after a night out at the bars. That happens when you live 1/10th of a mile from a decent Mexican restaurant. However, El Cid is much more than a late night place to soak up liquor. The burritos are very good though at any time of the day as the chicken and steak are both fresh and tasty.
Some good breakfast options on the menu are the Huevos Rancheros and Huevos a la Mexicana. For lunch and dinner, El Cid is known for their fish tacos. Personally, I think they are good but a little lacking in flavor. I think there are better options on the menu like the tortas, burritos or a platter of enchiladas. A couple of good appetizers include the guacamole (portion is huge), the Coctel De Camaron (Shrimp Cocktail) or the Coctel "vuelve a La Vida " (Oyster, Octopus, and Shrimp Cocktail). The seafood is tasty and the cocktail sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the seafood. El Cid offers complimentary chips with 2 different types of salsa. There is the green tomatillo salsa which is good and the pico de gallo which is excellent. This pico de gallo is the best salsa I can remember having. It has just the right combination of sweetness and fresh tomato, onion and jalapeno. It is out of this world as I have swung by El Cid to pick up a container to bring home on many occasions.
The prices at El Cid are about average. They used to be very reasonable but with the addition of the new lounge, they have rightfully raised their prices. An order of guacamole is $6.95 while an order of shrimp cocktail is $9.95. The fish tacos dinner (3 fish tacos with rice and beans) is a good bargain at $9.95 as is the grilled skirt steak burrito (not served with anything) at $5.75. The margaritas are big and expensive and draft beers are $3 a piece.
El Cid has solid Mexican food at reasonable prices in a nice environment. It is the kind of place you would frequent regularly if it was in your neighborhood.
The upstairs lounge is a great place for private (e.g. birthday) party for 25-40 people.
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