Axcan

Good service — food unreliable — really good lunch special on Thursday (burrito crispy and seasoned just right) — not so good on Saturday lunch (mushy and underseasoned). Maybe they have different chefs? Lunch companions all liked the drink menu. Also, very accommodating for its handicapped guests.

I’ve been four times and every meal has been really good. The desserts are big so plan on sharing.

Good food but the portions could be better. I ordered the carne Asada and got 3 small tacos.

I have been here several times. We continue to go because the food is yummy and it has a nice atmosphere. However, the portions are very small and the dishes are very over-​priced.
Unfortunately, we had a waitress with an attitude today and will probably not be returning.
We’re unsure why she was rude, but it was unexpected and our group was disappointed with the service. Way too expensive for the crappy service!

I had the three Carne Asada taco dinner to go with the rice and beans great texture and taste. Stayed for a very well made margarita at the bar, while waiting for order

Had the 3 taco dinner to go (Carne Asada) with the rice and beans it was fantastic.
Will go back again for the food and maybe try the ambience of the place.
But the food itself was a reason to go back.

First time visit, would definitely go back. Everyone was super friendly. Chips greeted us as soon as we were seated. The chips are served with red and green salsa, both delicious. The house margarita was good, didn’t taste like a mix-​bleh! I had the taco trio. I chose the Carnitas, Baja and Rajas. They all had really good flavor, the pork was well seasoned. But I think the Baja was my fav, not surprising! The Rajas had fried carrot strips on top, which were unique.
I tried a bite of the Chile Vegetariano, which had a nice smokey flavor and some heat. And I hear the ribeye taco is legit, but there was no bite left for me to try
I’d like to try the brunch on a future visit to the Windy City!

Dined here April 30, 2016, our third time. Delicious food, but I got food poisoning this time. Posting to see if anyone else has been sickened.
I had the raspberry Margarita which tasted like it was made of muddled fresh berries which have been the cause of food poisoning outbreaks in Calif. Also had chicken soup tipica, though delicious, could have been hotter, so maybe this was the source of salmonella? Ate two tacos, one shrimp and one brisket. A bad shrimp is infamous for causing food poisoning. Also had cilantro rice.
No one else in my party got sick; we live together, so not a virus. I haven’t been this sick since 5 weeks in the Yucatan eating adventurously. I noted as soon as I started taking Bactrim antibiotic, the gastric emptying stopped, so I suspect bacteria. Anyone else? I did go to my doc. who took a wait and see approach, ordered a lab test. Waiting for results.

Will never go back.
Food is decent. Service slow and portions small. Barely checked on us. Had to ask for water. Never got chips and salsa before the food came.
We got the shared tacos and it came with one plate of rice and beans. Portions for one person. Asked the food server if there was another, and he said no. The server didn’t come check up on us while we ate. We ate all the food and after we were finished she came. We asked and she said we were suppose to get the chips and that the shared tacos was suppose to come with two plates.
She offered a free dessert.
We took it but honestly at this point nothing was great. From Forest Park, and will never go back. I find the food to be overpriced. With such little service i might as well go to Inos.
All that said, the Margarita was good and strong. Got the 1800 margarita and it was good. So if i return it will be got that. But with Margaritas in Oak park and other Mexican options with better service, food, and portions, no reason to come back.

First time trying out Axcan we ordered the tacos which were really good. The mezcalarita was one of the best margaritas I’ve had in a while. It had a little spice to it. The reason I only give them 3 stars they didn’t give us water until we got the check. And the menu was slightly dirty as well as the table. When we first sat down. Other than that the food was great.

I’m from the area and had never been here. Very empty on New Years Eve around lunch. I love the decorations and ambiance. It’s bright without being tacky and would be great for a date or just lunch with friends. It was also very spacious so you were comfortable while dining. My only problem was the food! My friend and I ordered a taco platter (6 tacos, quacamole, rice, pinto beans for about $ 20) so we could try a variety. I got a mushroom, carne asada, and pork taco. It looked great and each of us got a plate of rice, beans, and guac. Unfortunately, the meat was completely unseasoned. Like not even some salt and pepper. The carne asada was seasoned but with a very odd mix. They also make more of an American style taco. There wasn’t a shred of cilantro on it and tons of lettuce. I wasn’t interested in dessert by this point so I’m not sure what else they have to offer. I had great service and love the feel of the restaurant but they have to season the meat.

The overall ambience and quality of the food make this place a destination for us. It’s hard to create a solid oxaca/​Mexican restaurant but they nail it. Fresh warm chips and simple salsa, light and savory tamales, excellent staples including the enchiladas, quesadillas, and empanadas. Great for parties too

I tried the Carnitas Flautas and it was like having Taquitos in mild pepper sauce (it kind of reminded me of peanut butter) and sesame seeds. Hot sauces were good with the chips as usual, aside from that it was unremarkable. Service was good, ambiance nice, otherwise nothing really knocked my socks off. I remember when this place opened it got pretty stellar reviews, but I think it’s a pretty 3 star place. Maybe since I go out for food these days and not signature drinks or craft beers.
I don’t know. Maybe because I cook myself I am more picky. It’s not bad, but there’s other places I think I’d go for Mexican Cuisine next time (Unless someone else is paying ;))
Just my honest opinion. Hope it might help someone.

Omg my mouth is bursting with flavored!!!
We wanted to try something different in Forest Park and decided on Mexican. I read a few reviews and most of which we good, but I am my own food critic.
The restaurant décor is really really nice. We were greeted quickly and service was quick.
The salsas served are delicious a green and red. The chips were fresh and hot
We ordered some quesadillas poblanas and they were delicious
My entrée was enchilada suiza and omg a mouth of bursting favors
Outstanding and we will be back!!!
So much more to try on the menu
So far very accommodating as I am a vegetarian!!!

Sharing is caring EXCEPT when it involves the salsa here. I could literally drink them both, but the smoky flavor is my favorite and it just so happens to be «his» favorite too. I share it, but it’s a struggle because he scoops too much with each chip. I tell myself we can always order more, but I have decided to get my own smoky salsa next time. Haha.
Admittedly, I would pass Axcan often during warmer weather and admire the patio, but thought it to be too nice looking to have authentic tasting meals. So, I avoided it until I wanted a blended margarita without a Friday night crowd. That’s how it happened. As I was sipping my blended mango margarita, I tasted the salsa which accompanied the complimentary chips and was compelled to order something.
Everything we have tried has usually been just as delicious as the salsa, especially the tinga. Other days, I am somewhat disappointed.
The crowd is usually steady but it is never jammed pack which I like. The menu is pretty extensive — there are a variety of ceviches, taco options, appetizers and specialty entrees.
— Most entrees range from $ 12 — $ 25 which is on par with pricing at Maya Del Sol. The chicken Sinzinadas are $ 8.75 and very filling.
— The margaritas are good and cheaper by the half pitcher ($ 9 each or $ 23 for a half pitcher which is 3 – 4 drinks). I have tried the blended mango (my fav) and the traditional on the rocks. If you are sipping on the traditional, plan to call a cab. It’s no joke. One visit, I was inclined to send the margaritas back. It was awful so it’s an average of 2.5 stars.
And remember, if you like salsa, take it from me, save your relationship, friendship or familial bond by getting your own.

I ordered a chicken torta, arugula soup, and a half pitcher margarita for an early lunch. The food was piping hot. This is a huge turn for me, especially when it comes to soup! My friend and I dined here on a 50 degrees day so I was overly appreciative of hot food. The margarita tasted very fresh, I can safely assume their syrup is made in house. The arugula soup was absolutely delicious with bold flavor. The torta was filling. Their salsa wasn’t memorable, but their dishes and décor were. Everything was very colorful and inviting. My friend was pleased with her meal as well. I’ll be back the next time I’m in the area!
⁴⁄₅ because there were some questions that I had that couldn’t be answered by our server. I wasn’t sure what a few things on the menu were and apparently she didn’t either.

This is a great addition to the Forest Park area. Hopefully this place will be able to make it in this location, as the last few restaurants have failed here. I think that they have the right recipe to make it — the food and drinks are outstanding, and the décor is also very nice. I have been for brunch and dinner. The brunch had some great options. I think that the carnitas burrito is the best I have ever had. The breakfast options we tried were quite good as well. Everything for lunch was flavorful, well presented and affordable. We didn’t love the lunch service, but that is something I am willing to give time as they are still somewhat new.
The dinner service was noisy and a bit too crazy for my taste. We were seated near the door, which was awful when it is cold outside. Cold draft every few minutes, shouting at my companion over the incredible noise? No thanks. Next time I come for dinner I will insist on being seated away from the door. The dinner menu is more pricey than the lunch, but nothing uncommon for the area. The tacos were quite good, although I didn’t get the ones that I actually ordered (presumably because the waitress couldn’t hear me over the noise). My husband had the mole and thought it was great. He also liked the mezcal margarita.
Overall a 4 star experience, but the food is a 5 stars. Axcan is a nice upscale mexican place that is overall affordable. We will be regulars as long as they keep making that carnitas burrito!

Wow, this place is fantastic! Best Mexican food I have ever had. Everything is so authentic from the ambiance to the food and drink. We tried a raspberry margarita, chips and guacamole, tacos, quesdillas and lastly the mango cheesecake… everything was excellent!!! I told my companion this is our new go to place in the neighborhood as well as go to place for family gatherings. The price point is also good. Some of the other reviews said there wasn’t enough kick in the salsas — perfect for me especially the green one since I’m not one for truly spicy foods.
I can’t wait to go again!!! And sit outside when the weather is warm!
Congrats Sylvia and the rest of the great staff!!!

We stopped in here, not knowing what kind of place we were walking into (I guess I should’ve referred to Unilocal for that!), and were surprised to find a mexican place. The interior is beautiful, in the bar, back restaurant and even the bathrooms. So nice.
We were seated promptly and given amazing service. Complimentary chips and salsa were presented on the table, along with waters. The salsa had good flavor in both the red and green, but were the most mild things ever. I desperately wanted a bit of kick to them, which I didn’t find. They were also really thin salsas, that dripped off the chip. I wasn’t the biggest fan overall.
We ordered the carnitas flautas appetizer, which was 5.95 for 3, and came with a bit of arugula salad on the side too. They were covered in a sauce, and since they were so crispy, they were impossible to stab to pick up with a fork, but too messy to pick up with your fingers. It was a little tricky to eat. The flavor was good, but I wasn’t blown away. Again very mild tasting.
The service and décor were my favorite parts of the experience. I would try it again, especially when I can order a margarita (I gave up booze for Lent!), so I may return in the future.

My husband and I came to check out this new restaurant on a Friday evening. We didn’t make reservations thinking it would still be ok for 2 people. When we got there they couldn’t seat us and would have to wait for a table. It was around 630 pm. We were kind of surprised. They offered us to sit at the communal table by the bar and front area with no wait, so we did. We shared the table with another couple. Cool tall tables and chairs. One thing that sucked sitting at the communal table is the lack of service. It took awhile for someone to take our order and ask for the tab to pay so we can leave. The wait staff that takes care of the communal table are the bartenders, as they also have to service the bar. You don’t get as fast service as sitting at one of the regular tables. The staff was friendly though. Very nice people.
Onto the food. We started with the guacamole and chips. This was average. The chips and salsa that came with was ok too. My husband ordered the classic soup. It was too salty for our liking. I ordered the camarones Diabla which was grilled shrimp with green rice and a sauce. It was a little too pricey for the amount of food. It was also too salty. My husband ordered 6 tacos– 2 al pastor, 2 carne asada and 2 fish taco. I like the al pastor. The carne asada was a bit too dry for my liking. All the tacos were a little too salty. Overall food were a bit too salty for our liking.
Decent crowd and popular dinner place to be for a Friday evening. The food was just average for us.