El Metro

As we walked down Chicago Avenue looking for a place to grab a drink, my girlfriend and I stumbled upon this absolute gem of a restaurant. What followed was the most unique restaurant experience I’ve had in Chicago. See, El Metro is not, as the initial look inside and method of ordering would suggest, your typical fast food establishment. For one, they serve alcohol, which was the primary reason we entered in the first place. Not only that; El Metro allows you to select an assorted six pack of beers from their cooler - *for 17 dollars*. It was an absurdly cheap and delightful meal, and I stumbled out of the front door full and happy. Now, in all honesty, the tacos are nothing special. And the lighting and general aesthetic could use some serious work. But the tacos were 3 dollars, and you’ll drink so much for so cheap that you won’t even notice the atmosphere after a while. 4 stars (with a heavy consideration for 5)! (By the way, if you don’t want to feel like a serious jacka**, I would recommend tipping on your initial bill. They don’t make it clear at the start, but it is in fact a full-service restaurant, and you will feel progressively worse each time the lovely cashier-waitress-owner comes to ask you if you need anything else).

When I first walked by this restaurant my expectations were not particularly high - it was small and very brightly lit, with booths and metal chairs — it kind of reminds you of those drunken nights where you can’t remember if you walked into a Wendy’s or a McDonalds. You walk up to the counter to order, and it was my understanding that they give you your food and you seat yourself. But this is actually a full service restaurant. It has a full bar - the margaritas are excellent (I loved the mango!) - and you can get a set of 6 beers for $15 and you can mix and match with their whole beer selection. Even after I had left a measly tip because I didn’t understand the setup, the staff was lovely and friendly, refilling our water at the perfect intervals. (Don’t worry I corrected my tip after realizing.) Can’t lie the food was pretty average, could use some more salt/seasoning in general, but it was everything you want out of Mexican food, the price was reasonable, and the servings were generous. If they dimmed the lighting a little for some ~ambiance~ I think this restaurant would be full every night. I left the restaurant with a full stomach and a full heart. As it stands I probably wouldn’t recommend this restaurant if you were an Uber away, but it is certainly a neighborhood gem I could see myself going to weekly. If you’re walking by it is worth the stop in.

Very hot morning today with high humidity. Stopped in at El Metro Cantina and wasn't feeling too hungry because of the heat. I ordered the steak breakfast burrito and sat down to dine inside. It was very tasty. Inside wrap was bits of steak and eggs, also guacamole cheeses onions black beans cilantro and other seasonings. On the side was seasoned potatoes cut in small pieces. Got a cup of big shoulders coffee which they iced down for me. I couldn't finish whole meal so I took rest to go for later in day when it cools down.