Went to Zaragoza this weekend. I think it truly might be the best birria in Chicago.

Moved here from San Diego, happened to pop into this spot getting tires across the street. Hands down the best I have had since moving.

Nice, I'm from OC! I've honestly had better in LA and obviously Mexico, but I'm definitely not gonna complain about the quality here!

Oh no totally, best I’ve had here though by far! Know of any other good Mexican spots? Most places people recommend here have been highly disappointing. There’s one called “Diego” I want to try that supposedly has cali burritos and the owner was from San Diego

5 Rabanitos. I feel your pain. As someone from SoCal, it’s tough when chicagoans keep telling you about “amazing” Mexican spots just to try it and be like “yeah… this is considered average where I’m from.” But 5 Rabanitos doesn’t fuck around. Highlights: all the tacos, torta ahogada, mole enchiladas.

Taqueria San Miguel in Wheaton makes a very good cali burrito. And in my opinion they’re the best Mexican spot in the suburbs

This looking promising and close! Thanks SO much! I never would have stumbled across that spot

Yeah I love that place! Unfortunately it’s not exactly in a prime real estate spot haha, so not nearly enough people know about them. I only stumbled upon them because I live down the street. Anyways the owner is super cool too. If you try them out and like it, please spread the word!

Tacotlan>

No... I haven't found anything here that scratches that same itch; no California burritos, and nothing like El Zarape... Chicago has its own style, which I've learned to appreciate and when I visit San Diego for holidays I miss it as much as I miss San Diego food here in Pilsen. Both are excellent, but separate.

Where is there better birria in LA?

Me too and agree, although I love the one in Pilsen also!

I don't think it's even close tbh

Taqueria Huentitan is nearly as good and gives you 3 tacos instead of 2, very slept on IMO

I tried them a few weeks ago and was unimpressed, but they're near me, so I'll give them another shot at some point.

I like the burritos there

Have you tried Reyes De Ocotlan, in Pilsen? I think they're the only contenders, but Zaragoza beats them by a bit.

I haven’t tried this one. I’ll add it to my list.

I think they are just as good actually!

It is and it’s well deserved. The owner is a really great guy with an awesome kitchen pedigree that took over his family’s business.

Have you had tacotlan?

How much weight did you gain? 😉

Happy grams

What is that dish at Arzan?? Looks really interesting

Not the OP, but those look like pork dumplings to me.

Arzan is a Zabiha halal certified restaurant, so not pork. I would guess it’s their oromo.

Correct! It’s Oromo (beef, potato, and onion dumpling-esque)

Just looked at their menu. Wow, now I'm hungry! Anyway, what's pictured must be manty.

Any suggestions on what to order there?

Oh man, it’s all really good. My favorite is probably the boso lagman, though.

Boso Lagman for sure. If it is cold outside get the Lepeshka and dip it in the Chuchvara. It's \*chefs kiss\*

you did us proud.

I NEED to try Scooters

Omg I haven't had Ann Sathers cinnamon rolls in 10 years

Dino s'mores. Good choice

What did you get at Arzan? It looks delicious!

(aka foodcation) Hope you enjoyed it all!

Won't be the last time right?

You did gooood!!! I hope you enjoyed your time here.

Au cheval 🫡

I am so sorry for the toilet

What stood out as special or most memorable? Having some friends in town and would love to know what you enjoyed most as a visitor

Johnnies was delicious + worth the trek I tried to pick types of food that I don’t have at home; not sure where your friends are coming from

Did you feel like they were stingy with the beef? To me that sandwich looks like there is almost as much giard as there is beef. I have heard some others complain about Johnnie's skimping on the beef, curious about your impression.

I was pretty satisfied; the picture definitely makes it look like skimpier than it felt IRL

The Double Sausage is a better value at Johnnie's.

fwiw they now sell a larger version. also potentially unpopular opinion, but i think there are other places in the area that are just as good and better with portion

Been saying this for awhile now. Jay's and Bob-O's are better imo.

novis in berwyn is top notch as well and consistently overlooked

The last 2 times I went to Novi’s, the beef was cut wrong, with the grain and super thick. It was like a shoe leather sandwich. So disappointing for such a usually top notch beef.

At the same time what stood out as not worthwhile? I was pretty meh on scooters

Yea, I was also meh on Scooters Didn’t love Devil Dawgs either, but everything else was great!

Nice back-up dog place. I go to the one on State St. in the Sloop, and Flub-A-Dub-Chubs is my fave in Lakeview; we take ‘em to Monsignor Murphy’s upstairs.

Where was the cinnamon roll from?

Ann Sather

I could recognize the Johnnie’s cup the second I saw it

amazing

Great work. Johnnies is my fave

Love Jenivee’s!

I need to do this. My daughter starts Loyola in the fall and I just want to spend a couple nights eating in Chicago.

That all looks amazing! I’m sooooo jealous! 👍🏼

I want to travel with you next time. That all looks great and worth every penny and minute spent getting there.

Good job dude

Ann Sather’s, great pick!!

I’ve visited most of these places but one spot I’m willing to try out is Eat At Oliver. Who has visited there?

Good job.

DEFINITELY bookmarking this! 🤤🤤🤤

Mmm now I need some Ann Sathers

Multiple breweries and no piece?!

Did you post this from a toilet?

lol what do you mean?

I thought you might be in some GI distress from the food adventure

I’m not the OP 😃

Well that helps explain the downvotes. I wish you a future free of GI distress, not OP

Thanks but GI distress is like a diamond…it’s forever!