This restaurant quickly became my favorite Mexican restaurant the first time I visited, replacing...what was it called? It doesn't matter, this place is TOPS. I work close by and so I come here regularly for my steak tacos and/or cheese quesadillas. Parking is available in the back off the alley behind Armitage, but it does become congested at times. Parking is almost always available for a fee of course on Armitage (Pay To Park). The complimentary salsa they serve is simply the best salsa I have ever had, period. It is hot, so beware! Plenty of freshly-chopped jalapenos and cilantro, it goes down great with any of the main dishes. As I mentioned, I love their steak tacos, and this is one of the only places where you won't find fatty peices of gristle. Order a Mexican Coca Cola out of a glass bottle (natural sugar in place of high fructose corn syrup) to top off the experience. The waitress staff is very helpful and cheerful.
(5)
Happy A.
I've been living in the Hermosa area my whole life and have tried many Mexican restaurants. In my many years of living here I have to say that Poncitlan is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood. The service is top notch and the food is grade A and authentic!! The restaurant is always very clean and the workers very polite. Definitely try their Tampiquena Dinner it is to die for. If you want great Mexican food check this place out A.S.A.P.
(5)
Lori Taylor R.
I assume we selected the wrong day to visit. We were hoping to find, "hands down the best Mexican food in the city" or our soon to be "favorite Mexican restaurant" unfortunately, neither of these occurred. We entered this bustling restaurant and were a bit overwhelmed. There didn't seem to be a hostess stand or a marked area to wait to be seated. Menus were not on the table and I use that as a sign that it's not a seat yourself establishment. Multiple waitresses breezed past us each making eye contact, but never smiling or speaking. Finally, we were acknowledged and led to a table in the center aisle of the restaurant. We take a seat and begin to look over the menu. A half empty basket of chips and a small bowl of salsa were placed in front of us. We quickly polish off the basket of tasty chips while we wait for someone to take our drink order. Our waitress appears again and we both order margaritas, a side of guacamole and some additional chips. As we wait for these items we are asked if we'd be willing to move to a booth against the wall. Sure. I noticed this happen to at least three couples that had previously been seated in the center. It took quite a while for the guacamole and margaritas to make it out to the table. Unfortunately, we still had no chips. As quickly as items were placed on our table our waitress was gone. I understand that it was busy, but we deserve a little attention here. We waited and waited. I had finished my margarita before food orders were taken or the basket of chips ever made it to the table. We sat there staring at this delicious looking guacamole, but nothing to sample it with. Such a bummer. When the food did arrive it had a nice flavor. Nothing that blew our socks off or made us rationalize the ridiculously slow service.
(3)
Giselle C.
I'm a really big fan of this place. The "burrito al pastor" is awesome! I live pretty far away, but make it a point to come down and buy some takeout (its usually pretty busy -I'm okay with savoring it at home) whenever I want some real Mexican food!
(4)
Gabe A.
Hands down best mexican food in the city. It used to be a smaller little shack on the opposite side of keeler and was better then (as usual) but still the best place I have ever eaten at. Oh get the rice water or the strawberry milkshake they are also great!
(5)
Irena A.
I love this place. I work near here. Everytime I go there the food is great and fresh. I have had an tostada with Avocado... yummy. It's cheap also. The waitresses are always friendly. I would recommend this place.
(4)
Adam C.
This is as good as it gets in the world of taquerias. As a chubby mexican food obsessed Chicagoan I can say that this is worth the trip. The chips are hot and fresh and more importantly delicious. They're not too thick and not too grainy. I believe they are scratch made but don't quote me. The atmosphere is very bright and all of the chairs are hand carved and brightly painted. A trip to mexico for the eyes. Service is good but who cares if the food sucks, right? I love the food here more than anything. Admittedly I haven't ventured into the dinners but lunch hasn't dissapointed. The barbacoa, al pastor, and chicken are the best I've had at any mexican joint in Chicago. Burritos, gorditas, tostadas all deliver. If you can get there (its a bit off of CTA unless you're a bus person) get there. It's well worth it and is a five star for the category.
(5)
Lenette M.
This used to be the place to go when Pedro was the owner, ever since his kids have taken over its just a shame. The prices have gone up, the drinks aren't all that tasty, and the staff is just rude.! I grew up coming here every sunday after church and let me just tell you it has gone just down to the gutter. Never again will i step foot in this place. The tacos arent what they used to be. Thanks but no thanks going down the street to the other taco place, BYE.
(1)
Zion R.
Their tortas de pechuga de pollo are great! Make sure you actually request a "pechuga de pollo" so it's an actual piece of fillet chicken breast...enjoy!!! Zion
(4)
Robert C.
Food is Amazing. I would have gave 5 Stars but the service is not very good. Hopefully the owner shows these the waitresses how to properly serve people.
(3)
Jeanetta C.
Never have I ever been to a place where they are so rude!! they are also passing off tacos as quesadillas and telling people that they are Mexican and since I'm not i don't know what I'm talking about. (This was said by Alejandra, the one with the pink hair) I was a regular customer for the past 5 years and delt with this so called "family" restaurant getting my order wrong on multiple occasions, being rude and over charging. In the world of customer service if I tell you what you gave me is not what I ordered, it's your job to fix it not come to my table with an attitude telling that I'm wrong. Today was the last straw. Taking my business elsewhere.
(1)
Alice C.
Food is good but the service and attitude of waitress is the worse i have ever experienced
(2)
Samantha G.
Came here specifically for the weekend menudo, only to be told that they ran out!!! I was heartbroken ;(. So I ordered some tacos instead. I'm surprised to see how much this place has changed. I remember when they first started out, on the corner of kostner and armitage in a tiny run down hole in the wall. They eventually moved to the corner of where they currently are. As the business got bigger, the quality of the food declined. They don't even give u any lime with your tacos anymore, but instead give you one tiny slice of lemon with your modelo beer!!! What kind of Mexican place gives a slice of lemon with beer??!! Other than the goofy new changes, and lack of flavor in the food, the service was very good. But I don't know if I will be coming back anytime soon. Sad. Since I used to come here when I was a little girl
(2)
Brian P.
Been here a few times and love it. I think their Horchata is second best (first is Atotonilco) but their tacos are spot on. I recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Kc A.
they never skimp on meat, possibly the fattest tacos i've ever had
(4)
Big R.
I like it here. I come alot. Good food. I've generally had good service too even if I do think they need one more daytime waitress. It's pretty clean too.
(3)
jaclyn r.
The best carne asada in town!
(5)
Christopher R.
This place is over rated. One time I went with 5 of my co'workers and only had 1 hour. We all ordered tacos which shouldn't have taken more that 15 mins top to make them. After 45 mins we were starving and curious to know why 3 couples that came after us got their orders before us only to find out they had never started it. Very unprofessional and area OS gang infested. Parking sucks, overall......terrible. would never recommend nor would I go there again.
(1)
chris e.
We've lived down the street from Poncitlan for a little over 2 yrs now -its our default Mexican restaurant and our place to go if we are feeling like a mexican breakfast -wish i could say i love it, but i cant .. The food quality as far as taste and preparation has gone down considerably since we started to go .. everything seems to be cooked on the grill now with a large dousing of oil so any meat dish u order is greasy (noticed today that they even do the 'bistek ala mexicana' on the grill .. i dunno but ive always known it to be a dish of steak cubed with a sauce) .. the guacamole is great and the breakfasts are by far now my favorite dishes from them .. the rice can vary from terrific to totally bland -and as i said, anything meat related is going to have u tilting your dish off to pour off the oil (yes, i literally did that with my fajitas recently) Wait staff is ok - at times they have difficulty if u dont speak spanish -this is especially true if u are calling in an order for delivery or pick up ..we have called in for a torta dinner , coke and a large cup of ice..my spanish is far from flawless ..after much wrangling and word picking, i got a torta dinner, coke and a large cup of rice .. i have also had the person answering the phone just flat out say they dont speak english so please call back later on a personal neighborhood note, i have to say these guys are always great about keeping their sidewalk cleared in the winter and ive seen the manager come out to tell a group of guys who were hanging outside the restaurant after their meal and gettingn loud to keep it down so as not to disturb the neighbors and that was nice .. will i keep going ? yes, but ill kno what to choose =D
(3)
Angelo P.
The tacos are pretty damn good here and the soups aren't bad either! When I'm in the neighborhood I typically eat here and I've never had a bad item from this place. The waitresses are very attentive and friendly. The barbacoa is very good and the tacos de chile relleno are pretty good too (& theyre huge!)
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Jose C.
This restaurant quickly became my favorite Mexican restaurant the first time I visited, replacing...what was it called? It doesn't matter, this place is TOPS. I work close by and so I come here regularly for my steak tacos and/or cheese quesadillas. Parking is available in the back off the alley behind Armitage, but it does become congested at times. Parking is almost always available for a fee of course on Armitage (Pay To Park). The complimentary salsa they serve is simply the best salsa I have ever had, period. It is hot, so beware! Plenty of freshly-chopped jalapenos and cilantro, it goes down great with any of the main dishes. As I mentioned, I love their steak tacos, and this is one of the only places where you won't find fatty peices of gristle. Order a Mexican Coca Cola out of a glass bottle (natural sugar in place of high fructose corn syrup) to top off the experience. The waitress staff is very helpful and cheerful.
(5)Happy A.
I've been living in the Hermosa area my whole life and have tried many Mexican restaurants. In my many years of living here I have to say that Poncitlan is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood. The service is top notch and the food is grade A and authentic!! The restaurant is always very clean and the workers very polite. Definitely try their Tampiquena Dinner it is to die for. If you want great Mexican food check this place out A.S.A.P.
(5)Lori Taylor R.
I assume we selected the wrong day to visit. We were hoping to find, "hands down the best Mexican food in the city" or our soon to be "favorite Mexican restaurant" unfortunately, neither of these occurred. We entered this bustling restaurant and were a bit overwhelmed. There didn't seem to be a hostess stand or a marked area to wait to be seated. Menus were not on the table and I use that as a sign that it's not a seat yourself establishment. Multiple waitresses breezed past us each making eye contact, but never smiling or speaking. Finally, we were acknowledged and led to a table in the center aisle of the restaurant. We take a seat and begin to look over the menu. A half empty basket of chips and a small bowl of salsa were placed in front of us. We quickly polish off the basket of tasty chips while we wait for someone to take our drink order. Our waitress appears again and we both order margaritas, a side of guacamole and some additional chips. As we wait for these items we are asked if we'd be willing to move to a booth against the wall. Sure. I noticed this happen to at least three couples that had previously been seated in the center. It took quite a while for the guacamole and margaritas to make it out to the table. Unfortunately, we still had no chips. As quickly as items were placed on our table our waitress was gone. I understand that it was busy, but we deserve a little attention here. We waited and waited. I had finished my margarita before food orders were taken or the basket of chips ever made it to the table. We sat there staring at this delicious looking guacamole, but nothing to sample it with. Such a bummer. When the food did arrive it had a nice flavor. Nothing that blew our socks off or made us rationalize the ridiculously slow service.
(3)Giselle C.
I'm a really big fan of this place. The "burrito al pastor" is awesome! I live pretty far away, but make it a point to come down and buy some takeout (its usually pretty busy -I'm okay with savoring it at home) whenever I want some real Mexican food!
(4)Gabe A.
Hands down best mexican food in the city. It used to be a smaller little shack on the opposite side of keeler and was better then (as usual) but still the best place I have ever eaten at. Oh get the rice water or the strawberry milkshake they are also great!
(5)Irena A.
I love this place. I work near here. Everytime I go there the food is great and fresh. I have had an tostada with Avocado... yummy. It's cheap also. The waitresses are always friendly. I would recommend this place.
(4)Adam C.
This is as good as it gets in the world of taquerias. As a chubby mexican food obsessed Chicagoan I can say that this is worth the trip. The chips are hot and fresh and more importantly delicious. They're not too thick and not too grainy. I believe they are scratch made but don't quote me. The atmosphere is very bright and all of the chairs are hand carved and brightly painted. A trip to mexico for the eyes. Service is good but who cares if the food sucks, right? I love the food here more than anything. Admittedly I haven't ventured into the dinners but lunch hasn't dissapointed. The barbacoa, al pastor, and chicken are the best I've had at any mexican joint in Chicago. Burritos, gorditas, tostadas all deliver. If you can get there (its a bit off of CTA unless you're a bus person) get there. It's well worth it and is a five star for the category.
(5)Lenette M.
This used to be the place to go when Pedro was the owner, ever since his kids have taken over its just a shame. The prices have gone up, the drinks aren't all that tasty, and the staff is just rude.! I grew up coming here every sunday after church and let me just tell you it has gone just down to the gutter. Never again will i step foot in this place. The tacos arent what they used to be. Thanks but no thanks going down the street to the other taco place, BYE.
(1)Zion R.
Their tortas de pechuga de pollo are great! Make sure you actually request a "pechuga de pollo" so it's an actual piece of fillet chicken breast...enjoy!!! Zion
(4)Robert C.
Food is Amazing. I would have gave 5 Stars but the service is not very good. Hopefully the owner shows these the waitresses how to properly serve people.
(3)Jeanetta C.
Never have I ever been to a place where they are so rude!! they are also passing off tacos as quesadillas and telling people that they are Mexican and since I'm not i don't know what I'm talking about. (This was said by Alejandra, the one with the pink hair) I was a regular customer for the past 5 years and delt with this so called "family" restaurant getting my order wrong on multiple occasions, being rude and over charging. In the world of customer service if I tell you what you gave me is not what I ordered, it's your job to fix it not come to my table with an attitude telling that I'm wrong. Today was the last straw. Taking my business elsewhere.
(1)Alice C.
Food is good but the service and attitude of waitress is the worse i have ever experienced
(2)Samantha G.
Came here specifically for the weekend menudo, only to be told that they ran out!!! I was heartbroken ;(. So I ordered some tacos instead. I'm surprised to see how much this place has changed. I remember when they first started out, on the corner of kostner and armitage in a tiny run down hole in the wall. They eventually moved to the corner of where they currently are. As the business got bigger, the quality of the food declined. They don't even give u any lime with your tacos anymore, but instead give you one tiny slice of lemon with your modelo beer!!! What kind of Mexican place gives a slice of lemon with beer??!! Other than the goofy new changes, and lack of flavor in the food, the service was very good. But I don't know if I will be coming back anytime soon. Sad. Since I used to come here when I was a little girl
(2)Brian P.
Been here a few times and love it. I think their Horchata is second best (first is Atotonilco) but their tacos are spot on. I recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Kc A.
they never skimp on meat, possibly the fattest tacos i've ever had
(4)Big R.
I like it here. I come alot. Good food. I've generally had good service too even if I do think they need one more daytime waitress. It's pretty clean too.
(3)jaclyn r.
The best carne asada in town!
(5)Christopher R.
This place is over rated. One time I went with 5 of my co'workers and only had 1 hour. We all ordered tacos which shouldn't have taken more that 15 mins top to make them. After 45 mins we were starving and curious to know why 3 couples that came after us got their orders before us only to find out they had never started it. Very unprofessional and area OS gang infested. Parking sucks, overall......terrible. would never recommend nor would I go there again.
(1)chris e.
We've lived down the street from Poncitlan for a little over 2 yrs now -its our default Mexican restaurant and our place to go if we are feeling like a mexican breakfast -wish i could say i love it, but i cant .. The food quality as far as taste and preparation has gone down considerably since we started to go .. everything seems to be cooked on the grill now with a large dousing of oil so any meat dish u order is greasy (noticed today that they even do the 'bistek ala mexicana' on the grill .. i dunno but ive always known it to be a dish of steak cubed with a sauce) .. the guacamole is great and the breakfasts are by far now my favorite dishes from them .. the rice can vary from terrific to totally bland -and as i said, anything meat related is going to have u tilting your dish off to pour off the oil (yes, i literally did that with my fajitas recently) Wait staff is ok - at times they have difficulty if u dont speak spanish -this is especially true if u are calling in an order for delivery or pick up ..we have called in for a torta dinner , coke and a large cup of ice..my spanish is far from flawless ..after much wrangling and word picking, i got a torta dinner, coke and a large cup of rice .. i have also had the person answering the phone just flat out say they dont speak english so please call back later on a personal neighborhood note, i have to say these guys are always great about keeping their sidewalk cleared in the winter and ive seen the manager come out to tell a group of guys who were hanging outside the restaurant after their meal and gettingn loud to keep it down so as not to disturb the neighbors and that was nice .. will i keep going ? yes, but ill kno what to choose =D
(3)Angelo P.
The tacos are pretty damn good here and the soups aren't bad either! When I'm in the neighborhood I typically eat here and I've never had a bad item from this place. The waitresses are very attentive and friendly. The barbacoa is very good and the tacos de chile relleno are pretty good too (& theyre huge!)
(4)