Taco Chelo: A Modern Twist on Mexican Tacos
If you’re looking for a taste of Mexico, this is the restaurant to visit. This small taco paradise stands at the corner of fifth street and Roosevelt and has been serving up delicious tacos since March of last year. From the carnitas to the carne asada, there is truly a taco for everyone.
What makes Taco Chelo so unique is the love that chef Suny Santana put into this place. Many of the recipes at the restaurant are passed down his family line. Even the name of the restaurant itself pays homage to his grandmother, Chelo. There is also a partnership with local artists in the area to display their art, so it’s a new experience every time. They also have a large mural of Frida Kahlo in the front that stares at you while you eat.
One of the staples there are the carnitas tacos. The meat simmers in a pot for hours a day to create a strong, juicy flavor that perfectly complements the avocado drizzle on top.
Although the insides are delicious, what truly makes the taco is the tortilla. They use fresh masa that is the locally sourced and grills them up right by the register. While you wait to order, you can watch them flatten the tortilla and cook them on a griddle. Guests can order any number of tacos they like, but the sweet spot is usually three or two if you order the chips and salsa.
The chips are a tad pricey a $3.50, but it does come with guacamole and every time I’ve asked for a refill, they’ve always given it to me for free. The tacos also range from $3.50 to $4.50, so filling up on chips helps you save money on tacos.
No meal is perfect without an ice-cold horchata to wash it down. Suny’s recipe includes a bit more cinnamon than normally, which makes for a potent, delectable drink. They also serve up Mexican sodas and exotic lemonades.
The way the restaurant is set up, there are two different atmospheres. During the day, the window walls are opened (depending on the time of year) and guests can feel a cool breeze while they munch on their marinated tacos. At night, the bar inside comes alive with music and a hefty post-work crowd. Although both atmospheres are lively, I prefer the calmness of the early dinner crowd because sometimes the music at night can be too loud to properly hold a conversation.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite, or living it up on Taco Tuesdays, Taco Chelo is a haven for taco enthusiasts.
Food Quality: ★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★
Price: $-$$
Creativity: ★★★★
