4158 W Armitage Ave (773-486-1424) - In the heart of the Hermosa Neighborhood, light gleams through the windows and the smell of steak escapes through the open doors of Poncitlan and into the dark street on a cold Chicago night. This home of the Poncitlan Restaurant has evolved into a chain of 'eat and go' places in the neighborhood. It offers a near to perfect authentic taste to the traditional dishes of Mexican food. You can be sure to walk out the door full and satisfied having spent under $15.
Being greeted at the door with the smell of meat on the grill and the sound of live music are sure to put you at ease. The wooden chairs carved with country scenes and wrapped with bright colors are sure to catch your eye. Having an option to sit where you like comes in handy if you're trying to avoid a screaming kid. Greeted by a familiar smiling waitress and complementary soup within the minute assures you the food will be there quickly. If you don't speak Spanish you might struggle a bit when ordering, especially if you try a phone order but skip the language barrier and you're likely to find a patient waitress.
The menu matches the authentic themed restaurant. With an image of the food, description and price it isn't hard to guess what you're ordering. A beverage is first. Something hot you shouldn't miss is the Columbian coffee freshly brewed with the taste of cinnamon and a price you can't beat. The Jamaica and Horchata, two Mexican favorites, are delicious served cold. A must try appetizer on the menu is the Mexican nachos. Steak topped nachos with sour cream, guacamole and melted cheese looks like a party on a plate. A dinner specialty they are well known for are the "parilladas", grilled meats and vegetables brought to the table on a hot skillet. However, I'd skip the grilled greasy meat and go with the other specialty, Stuffed Poblano Peppers along with a side of rice, beans and salad.
Waiting for the main dish I look around. Mexican soap operas are playing on the TV's in each corner of the restaurant so the conversations around you tend to be a bit bland. However, the upbeat music playing helps keep the mood alive. The food arrives sooner than anticipated and I indulge in the sight and smell. Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and fried with an eggshell come blanketed with a tomato sauce and a side of tortillas warm in a basket waiting on the side. A slice of the pepper goes onto the tortilla. The combination of all the flavors makes the taste incredible but the comforting sauce brings it all together. Halfway through the plate, I realize it's too much and ask for a box to take it to go.
There are some interesting and just as good items on the dessert side if you have the sizeable stomach for it. The custard cake with melted brown sugar is heaven to your mouth. Skip the deep fried ice cream, wrongly named as it's nothing more than ice cream with frosted flakes and a caramel waffle bottom. A return is already anticipated but make sure to practice your Spanish to have a pleasant experience. (Entrées $4-$22.) read more