L-Stop Musts: Mexican Cuisine Edition

Although Hispanic Heritage Month ended Oct. 15, you can continue the celebration by exploring Mexican cuisine found along the Chicago Red Line.

Granville: Flaco’s Tacos (1116 W. Granville Ave.)

Directly across from the L’s Granville stop is the family-owned Mexican taquería chain Flaco’s Tacos. The restaurant is also a five minutes walk from the Lake Shore Campus.

Inside are small tables seating parties of around two to four with an outside section for larger groups. 

At night, string lights illuminate the restaurant, creating a mellow and inviting ambiance for the evening patrons — with the nearby Red Line rocking the restaurant as it quickly passes by.

Although the menu is limited to tacos, burritos and quesadillas, there are a variety of customization options satisfying multiple flavor palates and dietary restrictions.

Its three locations across Edgewater, Water Tower and Printers Row are typically open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the menu remains the same for lunch and dinner.

Bryn Mawr: Taquería Uptown (1144 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.)

A five-minute walk from the Bryn Mawr station is Taquería Uptown.

Like Flaco’s Tacos, Taquería Uptown also offers tacos, burritos and quesadillas. However, unlike the Granville restaurant, Taquería Uptown also serves traditional breakfast dishes like chilaquiles — pan fried tortillas topped with cheese, jalapeños and eggs.

These options are available outside typical breakfast time, though, as the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. seven days a week.

With quick service and cheap prices — from two-dollar quesadillas to ten-dollar huevos con carne — Taquería Uptown is a quality choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Seating is sparse and only allows for four per table.

Morse: La Michoacana Chicago (7001 N. Clark St.)

Although most Michoacanas share a similar name, no two are alike. Their name stems from the state of Michoacána where the first paleta makers derived, according to Chicago Magazine.

Michoacanas are quick service restaurants known for their paletas — a cream-based ice pop made from fresh fruits.

Featuring ready-to-eat snacks, La Michoacana Chicago has a menu packed with convenient goods.

The restaurant offers recognizable snacks with name brand chips like Takis and Doritos, all topped with nacho cheese. 

Traditional foods like chicharrón preparados — a large fried pork skin typically covered with a medley of vegetables, lime and sour cream — are also present. 

Morse: La Michoacana Don Chuy (7057 N. Clark St.)

In close proximity to La Michoacana Chicago is La Michoacana Don Chuy — an alternative location for those looking for a sweeter menu.

With an assorted selection of paleta flavors and fruit blends topped with chili lime seasoning, sweet cream or yogurt, the menu pleases a range of sweet tooths. 

Mangonadas are also available for a pleasing mix of fruit and sugar — combining rich mango ice cream with a sweet-yet-savory chamoy sauce.

Both Michoacana locations provide plenty of seating for patrons wanting to savor their snacks.