Nothing flashy, just good food.
I’ve spoken about my friend Google several times. But Google isn’t my only friend. Nope. I also have a good friend named Yelp. And, yesterday, after dropping my car off in Portage Park to get some vehicular convalescence, I decided to ask Yelp where I should get tacos in the neighborhood. Yelp suggested I try Pueblo Nuevo, which has a 4.5 rating. So, like any good friend, I put my trust in Yelp and headed over there.
It turns out, Yelp was accurate, at least on this one.
I tried three tacos. The first was the carne asada. It isn’t mind-blowing, but everything is done well. The steak has a great char taste, and there is plenty of carne on the taco. It’s seasoned nicely and topped with onions and cilantro. It’s simple, but when things are executed properly, simple works out just fine.
Next came the al pastor. I don’t think they have a spit here, but the adobo sauce they use makes this a very tasty taco. It added some smoky flavor and a little something sweet. Encased in two corn tortillas, the sauce stands up its surroundings perfectly. Again, they don’t skimp on the meat. No pineapple, for those of you who expect that as an al pastor topping.
Last, I had the infierno taco, which is carne asada and chorizo topped with a fiery hot sauce. Now, there aren’t any warnings on the menu, but the word infierno does mean ‘hell’ in espanol, so I think that serves as warning enough. I consider myself pretty good at handling heat, and this had about all I could handle. It’s easily the spiciest taco I’ve ever eaten. It’s extremely good, though. I did sweat for about five minutes after eating it, and had a couple fuego burps later that day, but it was all worth it. If you like spicy food, then I highly suggest you try this taco. Muy bueno……y caliente.
Sometimes when you trust Yelp, you get burned, but this time I didn’t (unless you count the infierno….). I was very satisfied. With low prices and great tacos, I’m sure I’ll be back.
Hell taco. Hell yeah!
On to the next episode…
- Location: 4342 N. Central Ave., Chicago, IL (Portage Park)
- Tourists: Josh
- Tacos sampled: carne asada, al pastor, infierno (also have pollo, picadillo, chorizo. lengua, tripas, lomo encebollado and chile relleno)
- Toppings: onions and cilantro; or lettuce and tomato
- Salsa: salsa roja, salsa roja caliente
- Extras: chips
- Tortillas: corn
- Atmosphere: authentico, popular in the barrio, friendly, quick, spicy
- Price: $1.99-$2.10/taco
- OVERALL RATING: 8.0
taco tourist 