zacatecas

Glen and I had a hard time finding the giant, bright purple awning.

For 10 months a year I am a school teacher. If you’d like to hear about how my lunch normally goes at school, click here. But, for two months of the year, I am nothing. I don’t have a time to be up. I don’t have responsibilities. I barely even bathe. BUT, one thing I make sure to do, is test the local taco spots. So, I called fellow teaching professional Glen, and advertising tycoon Justin, to join me for some tacos in Logan Square at Zacatecas…not to be confused with Zacatacos or Zacatecana.

If you ever look up Zacatecas on Yelp (who would ever waste their tie reading taco reviews??), you’ll notice that they get high praise for their brunch, and very mixed reviews on their tacos and traditional Mexican food. I guess I’ll have to be the judge. I ordered the carne asada taco, an al pastor, a chorizo and a lengua.

I can see why they get mixed reviews. I have mixed reviews myself. Let’s go top down this time.

The al pastor is probably the best taco I tried. It is nice and juicy, as well as smoky and sweet. I’d like to see a little spice in there, but it is still a very nice taco. The carne asada also holds its own. Again, the meat is moist and has some nice grill flavor. It could use a little salt, though.

The chorizo, on the other hand, is also tasty taco, but has a bit too much salt. I know, I know. Make up your mind, salt or no salt? Well, when you’re a taco diva, it takes a lot to impress you. You have higher standards. You notice the little things. You… you….whatever. I’m picky.

The lengua was recommended to me by our waitress. The texture of the meat is nice on this taco, but that’s about it. It’s pretty bland. There’s no seasoning, and not much in terms on texture besides the soft tongue meat.  Basically, each taco has a positive to work with, but all of them could use a little help.

This place is alright, but since it’s about a block from L’ Patron, I probably won’t be going back….at least for tacos. Maybe I should try the brunch.

A couple side notes: They don’t give you a lime with your tacos. Weird. Also, order extra salsa when you get there. The thimble-sized container of salsa they give you doesn’t seem to last very long.

Ok. I’m out:

• Location:  2934 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL (Logan Square)
• Tourists:  Josh, Justin, Glen
• Tacos sampled:  carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, lengua (also have picadillo, pollo, aguacate, jamon and chicharron)
• Toppings:  onions and cilantro/lettuce and tomato
• Salsa:  salsa roja
  
• Extras:  chips
• Tortillas:  corn
• Atmosphere:  authentic, empty, sportscenter, salsa pequena, musica latina
  
• Price: $1.80-$2.00/taco
  
• OVERALL RATING: 7.5