Tierra Caliente Restaurant

We were going to go to another spot but it was closed. This was our second choice. Should’ve been my first choice. I had Carnitas and especially Barbacoa that was absolutely out of this world. My new number one spot for Mexican food in Chicago. That says a lot. Average décor and very good service. I can’t wait to go back.

I really enjoy here, the waitresses are very kind and generous. The food is delicious, especially their tacos & breakfasts. The owner is very kind as well, he welcomes anyone with open arms in his restaurant.

This place is the best! The first time I went there, the owner greeted me with a smile and offered me samples of the puerco en salsa roja, which is absolutely delicious! They have the best customer service around, given their friendly staff.
Their food is the best mexican food you will find around this area, and trust me, I have been trying everywhere around here for a while now!
I definitely recommend Tierra Caliente to everyone to try! Great food, great service, and great atmosphere! Cheap, too!

Authentic Mexican food at a great price, especially if you’re a student or a teacher!

I have been here once and what I had was good! The place is small, but they have really good specials for teachers during lunch time. This is the go to place fir a lot of teachers at my school!

Great food, quick service, and not too expensive. I recommend the puerco en salsa verde. It’s a little spicy but so good.

This is my new favorite lunch place while on the job. The service was so, so, so friendly. I had the teacher and student special and left very satisfied. I don’t know why other reviewers complained about small portion sizes, the special was exactly the size I was expecting for two tacos with rice and beans (where exactly are you getting tacos that are a different size than this? Don Pablos?). And the price was right! I couldn’t decide on my drink, so they brought me a sample of the horchata while I decided – again, they’re so nice! I had the al pastor, and while it wasn’t quite my FAVORITE al pastor in the city, it was certainly delicious. Also, I was really surprised with how quickly my food arrived. They knew I was on a lunch break and didn’t have time to waste.
Oh, and most importantly, the salsas: really great, obviously made in-​house. The verde was thick and flavorful and so good that I finished my entire basket of chips.
I’ll be returning!

Although they provide «teacher and student special» meal, the price for the small portions they give me i’d still consider much pricier compare to other mexican restaurant.

I’ve been here several times for lunch. Staff are always happy and friendly.
It has been years since I ate here. Stopped by for lunch with my wife. We decided to order the carnitas taco special… normally don’t get them…10 total tacos of carnitas your way… plus ordered a side of rice and beans… Chips are usually and fresh. salsas ar not my taste… Once we got our carnitas, WOW the smell of the meat… very strong… almost as if a live pig was next to me… i tried to drown it with lime juice and salsa to take the taste away, but would not work… I’ve had fresh carnitas from Mexico and here and never experienced that. …rice and beans were ok… Don’t think I will plan to have any type of carnitas at this place again.

This is a very friendly litlte place to eat. The staff is freindly and the owner is usually there. They often bring you free ‘extras’ to sample. We have used them for catering as well and its super affordable and excellent quality! You’ll also get to enjoy some authentic mexican live music on the weekends.

POLLO AZTECA, POLLO AZTECA, POLLA AZTECA!!! As we sometimes say in chicago, this place is Flame!!! Loved everything we ordered. Staff is wonderful, and best mexican food in town. Owner will always talk to you if he is there. Recently had an event there and it was simply amazing! Highly Recommend it!

Came here for a quick lunch. Very good food! The salsa is really spicy! (I don’t do well with spicy!) Horchata is very very good! We had tacos and carne asada… Both were delicious. Decent prices and the service was really good. Check this hidden gem out! Mmmm!

This review is 9 months overdue! We’ve been eating here for many years and we’ve never been disappointed. But I honestly think I catered from Tierra Caliente more than I have eaten here. 9 months ago I catered from Tierra Caliente for my mom’s birthday party. Chicken fajitas, carne de puerco en salsa roja and barbacoa, with all the fixins (rice, beans, pico de gallo, two types of salsa). My guests were not disappointed and their favorite was the barbacoa. I was asked by so many guests where I catered from because the food was so delish. I highly recommend this place!

I have to say that this place is very very special to me. If there is one place in the city where I could take somebody to have a great meal this would be the spot. I can’t think of a restaurant anywhere that has had such a positive impact on my life.
I have eaten here for my birthday for the past 3 years and this is a tradition that I can’t wait to continue. Any the party just keeps getting bigger and better every year.
Tips:
— The carnitas are to die for. If there was one thing that had to be tried… look no further.
— The vegetable spread they give you as an appetizer has jimica. You don’t find that everywhere and I don’t understand why. It is the best. Better than the carrots.
— The guacamole is fantastic. So are the red and green salsas.
— Most places will tell you that chicharron isn’t for gringos. But they have it here and it is very flavorful.
— They do have gift certificates. I usually buy a handful to give out to give out as surprise gifts. I’ve never been able to parlay $ 20 into such loyalty and friendship in my life.
— Very accessible from I-​55. No a bad ride from the north side at all.
— Private lot

Hate to give them 2 stars, but I thought the food was too salty.
They seem friendly, but English is minimal. Wanted to try the mango drink, but they were out and also the menudo. So, my guy opted for the carne asada dinner and I got the carne asada burrito.
It irked me a little when we placed our order and we were sitting there eating our chips and salsa. I don’t speak Spanish and my guy is minimal… so I guess she asked if we wanted guacamole and I guess my guy said yes. We thought it was on the house, but she charged us for it. I don’t know if she asked because we didn’t really know Spanish or that is just how they do it. Weird.

Love it! Best Place in the city– great byob place with authentic great food! serioulsy the nicest people ever. Go there, and bring all your friends, you won’t be mistaken!

Nicest people in the world. If you’re in this area, do yourself a favor and stop by for an incredible deal and homemade food. Taquerias and mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen in Chicago, sure, but on a cold day in a cold world it’s nice to warm up with a $ 6 fajita lunch special and a warm smile. This place will be getting all of my oops-​I-​forgot-​to-​pack lunch business. Brighton Park isn’t that happeningest of areas, sure, but if you’re around definitely stop by this place. Quality food, quality people. All of us THomas Kelly HS teachers eat here at least once a week.
They cater too, which, after tasting the food, I’m really curious about finding an excuse to use…