Tanzitaro

Try it, you’ll like it :)
This is not a Mexican but Guatemalan– very good.
Everything was great. Steak dinner and flautas, plantinos, flan. YUM.

All I have to say is YUM.
This restaurant has DELICIOUS Mexican food. Their Steak Burrito is to die for — it was very flavorful and definitely the best meat I’ve had from a Mexican restaurant. Their guacamole and salsa are good, too. Their Margaritas on the Rocks are VERY strong and pretty large.
The waiters are very, very friendly — you can tell they love their customers. They knew a few of them by name, and hugged them on their way out, thanking them for coming to the restaurant… I’ve seen this multiple times. It’s sweet.

I am extremely disappointed in this place. I wanted a place to take my grandmother for our weekly dinners. I choose this place because I had a great experience before. Anyways when we got there we ordered a glass of merlot for her, it tasted like it was stale, like it went sour. They said it was light merlot. I didn’t know they make «light» wine.
Our food was bad. Nothing about it screamed authentic Mexican. In fact it was so Americanized that nothing and I mean nothing was spicy! The guac was not spicy, my steak and chorizo queasadilla was not spicy at all. I expected flames to be coming out of my ears. My grandma’s chilli something was not spicy. And my dad’s burrito had no flavor whatsoever. He didn’t even get guac or sour cream with it. We had to order the sour cream and guess what? IT WAS $ 1.50! Not to mention they brought it out to us when we were finished!
The waitstaff was over attentive when we were eating but when we wanted the bill, they were no where to be found. We got there at 5:30, we left at 7, 20 minutes of that was waiting for the bill, and for them to take the bill. They cared about everyone else in the restaurant but us at that point. Not to mention there was barely anyone in the restaurant.
NEVER NEVER NEVER AGAIN.

The group returned, 12 diners, and we had a good experience. Everybody seemed to enjoy their food. I had enchildas in green sauce, which were good. But, I’ve got to say, this was one of the few times I ate the whole meal, enchiladas, rice and beans, and I was still a little hungry. The entrees are served with excellent presentation on big plates that are more like trays. Everything looks good. Everything tastes good. It’s just. .. I paid HOW MUCH for this? And I’m still hungry? It all seems a little overpriced.
Service was responsive and enthusiastic. Again, I wouldn’t make a special trip out to Tanzitaro, but if I was in the area, and somebody wanted to go here, I wouldn’t make a fuss at all.

I thought the food was great. Somewhat small place, but we didn’t have to wait at all and the restaurant itself was nice on the inside. Service was good.

I went to the place based on some great Unilocal reviews that I read and I must say the food there was AWESOME. I had the burrito suizo and it was amazing. The cheese surrounding the massive steak burrito (which as only 10.95) just melted in my mouth. The girl I was with got the chicken enchiladas verdes and she made me try a bite and the chicken was so tender and juicy that I wanted to finish off her meal as well.
When we ate there, we were pretty much the only people in the restaurant, but I kind of expected that because there was a snow storm going on that night but the atmosphere was great, although I don’t see the need to have huge glass windows overlooking the parking lot and intersection of Milwaukee ave. The servers were kind and it was really weird how they pushed their seafood dishes, but I knew I wanted traditional mexican food.
Some of the reasons I didn’t give this place a 5 star rating was because my date and I both agreed that the rice wasn’t very good with our meals (just plain white rice that wasn’t steamed to perfection) and the margarita I had was just alright. You could tell it wasn’t made with fresh lime juice or amazing tequila.
Overall, I’d say this place was pretty legit and I would eat there again, but doesn’t get my Legendary or Epic status

I was quite skeptical about this place as my friend drove over here. It’s (seemingly) in the middle of nowhere and it looked like the Golden Apple from the outside. But on the inside… sweet heavenly deliciousness awaited!
First, it was much nicer looking inside than I’d expected. It was warm and cheery and the staff was friendly the moment we walked in the door. These are good signs!
They brought amazing (and completely addictive) chips and salsa (two kinds) to the table. These salsas were complex: hot but not overly so and better than many places in Chicago. And did I mention it’s free? I love me some free chips and salsa. But I digress.
Service was perfect. Helpful, pleasant, efficient. Exactly what we wanted.
The server recommended… a tuna cactus margarita? Normally the words tuna and margarita together in one drink would sound, well, downright unappealing. The server must get this reaction because she rushed off and brought us a sample. Holy tequila, this was amazingly delicious. Bring it on, please!
We were tempted to get appetizers but judging from the portion size (and our appetites) we decided to just do entrees this time. I ordered the pepian with pollo. Saying it was an «amazing chicken stew in roasted tortilla sauce» does not do this justice. My hands kept shoveling the mix of pepian and warm corn tortillas in my mouth long after the stomach said «please stop.»
My dining companion ordered the salmon in white wine garlic cilantro queso fresco butter sauce, served with garlic mash potatoes. I thought it was a smidge too salty but otherwise amazing.
I will be back! And I’ll bring my fat pants!

How disappointing! Bad, bad service! I went on last Monday with my husband and I have to say that I’m glad I didn’t go there to celebrate Valentine’s day or I would have really been upset! I can’t believe how pushy Olivia is! If you get her as a server, DEMAND ANOTHER! We’ve eaten there before and the male waiters are very pleasant! (MAKE SURE TO READ THE LAST PARAGRAPH)
The waitress tried to up sell my husband a steak that was completely different from what he wanted. I understand that the cut of meat might have been better, but the sauce on it was completely different than what he wanted, and since my husband eats like a 5 year old, it’s like offering him sashimi. When she said the «sauce could be served on the side» we were like what’s the point in ordering a «special» dish if you are basically turning it into unseasoned flesh on a plate? She should have offered to have the better cut of steak made with the seasoning that my husband had ordered for his original choice. He was so turned off by her pushing the special dish that he just wanted her to go away.
Being a vegetarian I had few options, and apparently all of which will cause you to get scoffed at. I ordered the fried banana with beans on the inside (she tried to push me to get 2) and The cheese enchiladas. The appetizer was burned and tasted charred. I don’t know if that’s how it is supposed to taste but I’m REALLY glad I didn’t get two. The enchiladas, as usual, were the best I’ve had in this area.
Here’s the kicker…
That rude woman, HANDED ME MY PLATE LIKE IT WAS A SERVING DISH AT CHRISTMAS DINNER! I was a little taken back and really shouldn’t have accepted it, but I was up to that point in a really good mood that night. I was also upset that our rice wasn’t pressed into that «cup like» shape they usually do. Every other person I saw didn’t have a untidy pile of rice on their plate… I wasn’t rude to her in any way and I can’t believe I got treated like this!
I’m never coming back to this place. PS. it’s spelled HEINEKEN

My family and I went there for dinner one night since I had a coupon to use from
.
Great service, great food, and great drinks! My dad isn’t too fond of trying new places, however, Tanzitaro became a liking of his after that night.
Definitely a great restaurant to check out.

This is an open response to iddells E’s rating of Tanzitaro, in addition to my own rating.
First off, the food was great. I am not Mexican, but it doesn’t matter. I have eaten lots and lots of Mexican food, some of if good, some of it not so good. This place’s food is much better than average. I really like the carne asada tacos. Great salsa and chips, and good drink choices. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and the restaurant is squeaky clean. iddells E states this place is for «white people who want to feel cultured», whatever that means. This place is for ANYONE, white, Mexican, Chinese, or whatever background you are, if you like good Mexican food.
iddells E stated there was a red flag when all she saw were white people eating here, and therefore her negative review was justified because she and her husband (a «full-​blooded Mexican») decided the food wasn’t up to par. I hate to tell you, iddells E, but all the people making your terrible, unauthentic food… are Mexican. How ironic.
I don’t think the color of your skin should matter when it comes to enjoying good food. I don’t think businesses should be judged by the demographics of the patrons inside, but some people still do, I guess. Anyway, all that aside, my fiancé and I very much enjoyed our dinner here and will definitely return again. Recommended!

My bf and I have been going here ever since they’ve opened a couple years ago. Never once been disappointed. We always come back for more.
The owner is a great guy who really cares about the shop. There are several other workers here who are familiar faces that remember us each time we pass by. It’s nice to go by a place and really feel welcomed to come in. On to food.
Best tamale I’ve had. The guatemalan tamale is melt in your mouth good. Soft and great texture and consistency. Whether pork or chicken, both are really very good. Have YOU ever had a tamale you could call «tender» and «delicate»? Well here it is!
I’m such a soup lover. And as an appetizer, the tortilla soup they have is really like nothing I’ve had. It’s hearty, it’s soupy, it has texture, it has tortilla strips! There’s a dollop of sour cream that thickens the pot and it’s just so easy to dine on until your main course comes out. I’m a huge fan of the tortilla soup here.
I’m about… i dunno. 4’10″ with a big palate and not so big a of a stomach. That means I like to taste a lot of variety but I can’t afford big massive plates and plates of food. i just don’t have enough space to put it all. So sometimes I like to get just two tacos.
These guys go traditional; so just a little onion and cilantro. But you know what? It’s enough. The flavors speak for themselves. JUst ask for a little extra lime. Mmm… but if you must go Americanized, they will be happy to give you some lettuce and tomato for the tacos we traditionally see in the US.
When possible, these guys garnish and add dressing. They do a phenomenal carrot side (maybe it’s pickled?) But it’s a great treat.
One time I ordered a steak torta here (with avocado of course!) And I was so impressed. It was really delicious. Not greasy and dripping with red saucy i don’t know what… but even the bread was good! Warm and yum. This place really hits the spot and I am such a fan.
Ring the bell when you leave! This a place they’ve really done well with.

While I don’t quite understand the design element of the place (it makes no sense to me from an operational standpoint but I guess they were working with an existing space) but I do understand that when you can have a kickass plate of steak tacos for $ 6 and have your guac made to order, nothing else matters.
Love that the waitress offered a 32oz Margarita at lunch time in a variety of flavors (try Mango and Raspberry mixed if you can-​divine). Really nice chips and salsa, freshly made guacamole and lots of choices from both land and sea.
Service was friendly and efficient and had great recommendations and the place is cute and has a decent sized parking lot. Very reasonable prices for authentic Mexican food.

Very happy to have a good Mexican restaurant in the area!
Cleanliness: Spotless, very clean
Service: Excellent
Price: Fair
Food: Read below
Good stuff:
Atmosphere was great, authentic Mexican décor tastefully done. The owner was walking around and greeted everyone, the staff amazing, attentive and timely.
Guac, salsa and chips excellent. Orchata was great. Rice and Refried Beans amazing! Beef Taco, Beef Tostada, Chicken Enchilada and Cheese Quesadilla very good!
Areas of Improvement:
The chairs when you sit down first thing you do is kick your legs back under the chair, the back of your ankle hits this wooden bar and boy does it hurt.
Asked for the Taco to be loaded with cheese, sour cream did not arrive that way.
Asked for the mole sauce on the side, did not arrive that way.
The medium well Carne Asada was very well done and difficult to eat. Charred!
Overall this is a very good place with good food and a great attentive staff you should stop by and give it a try.

Yay! A great restaurant in the vast wasteland that is Norwood Park! Oh I am so glad I finally came here — do you know how hard it is dining out in this neighborhood?
Anyway, a big THANK YOU to the new owners, because whoever owned this building before had no idea what they were doing and ran a horribly sketchy joint. Now it is lovely and warm, with rustic chairs and cool art on the walls. Plus everyone is super nice and attentive who works there — they really appreciate your business and dont hesitate to let you know.
The chips they give you when you sit down come with two salsas, a green, mild one (I assume tomatillos) and a spicier, creamy red one. Both are terrific.
Andy M ordered an appetizer of steak & chorizo quesadillas, which were HUGE and could have easily been an entrée for someone. The filling was very flavourful and they did not go easy on the meat, thats for sure.
I ordered two tacos, a pork and a chorizo. These were as good as any I had on the Southside and really cheap too. $ 2 each? Cant beat it. I also ordered something called a Rellenitos, which was a little ball of fried banana, stuffed with a black bean sauce. It was very sweet, which was unexpected, but also very delicious.
Entrees tend to be on the high side ($ 15-​$ 20) but you are definitely getting your money’s worth. That plus the awesome service has clinched it for me, I will definitely be back!

Finally a place in the Jefferson Park Area that is worth Unilocaling about. It definitely has come a long way since the shack el ranchito. Since the new management has came in they have totally remodeled the place and put beautiful artwork and pictures on the wall. The ambiance was great! The service was exceptional and the food was amazing. I had the Carne asada which was tender and flavorful. I was also ELATED to hear that they have a liquor license. I treated myself to a hump day treat, and a treat it was indeed. They also Incorporated Guatemalan food and it gives me room to explore. The homemade hot sauces were spicy and fantastic and the chips were fresh. When my server brought me my food, the plate was on a modern square plate and had beautiful garnishes. The saying is true, «you eat with your eyes first».
Great for families and groups. I highly suggest this place for some wonderful Mexican/​Guatemalan food.

One word:
Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious.
Went here with Mama Marie — had guac, a ‘rita, and shared a pumpkin mole special.
Super friendly service, and large portions (entrée is enough for 2) of delicious food.
Or maybe I should say DEEEEEEEEElicious — like the owner.