When it comes to Mexican food, the term "authentic" is commonly overstated but not here. This is a…read morereal gem fueled by passionate owners who are serious foodies. The menu is limited and for good reason as the focus here is placed entirely on the food...as it should be. The tacos are basically large street tacos and they explode with flavors and some heat. The tortillas? Freshly made with a splendid corn earthiness. I had the tinga chicken tacos and my spouse had the birria tacos and both were excellent. In Winnetka all the pleasant surroundings might prop up the food a bit so it's very refreshing to put all that aside and experience a level of Mexican food culture that is rarely enjoyed this far North of the border.

I was walking by and saw this restaurant finally opened so I had to try it. The people working here…read moreare really nice. I'm glad more restaurants are opening up as this spot has gone been through two other restaurants. I'm rooting for you! Overall, I thought it was just ok, but I need to order more things. Mexican rice - good Pastor taco - just ok. Potato flautas - it was soggy by the time I got home (I highly recommend you ask for the sauce on the side so your food can stay crispy). Overall, just ok. Being from California, we get a lot of great Mexican restaurants. In San Diego, they have rolled tacos that are delicious. This place does not have a wide selection on the menu compared to La Taquiza or Guanjuanto but I want to come back and try some other things. The elote salad looks good.

What a gem in Chicago's suburbs. Spirit Elephant provides a unique sanctuary for you to dine in at…read more Very homey vibe with plants all over, a bar, indoor seating, outdoor seating and occasional special events. I did get to try their lasagna, chicken Parmesan, southwest egg rolls spicy broccoli, crème brûlée, strawberry cake, and their skillet cookie, all of which were great! The chicken Parmesan and crème brûlée are a must! If you are lucky enough and can get there by Aug 2026 you can try the danky special menu collaboration with Chef Priyanka. All of that collaboration was top notch and a must try for any foodie in Chicago. Oh and their service is so attentive and friendly. Happy Munchies, @JaeGreens

Vegetarians will love the variety of vegan and vegetarian offerings here!…read more The ambiance is casual California earthy chic, featuring wooden furnishings and hanging plants throughout. Rear patio seating is also available. The menu is different for weekday lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Be sure to check online to see which menu suits you. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, even the "crab cakes" and "chicken" entrees. We tried the cauli-wings with dipping sauces, and one of the daily special Indian curry chickpea entrees. Both were good, although the curry was a tad bland. We're looking forward to trying their dinner selections and thought the service was good and prices were reasonable. Definitely worth a try!

Really nice vibe. All the employees are super friendly. Food and menu is great! Ty e merch is…read moreawesome too!

Met a friend at T&O today. Here are some thoughts:…read more -Only street parking available. -I walked in for the first time and really enjoyed the space, good natural light, newer feel, good vibe. -My friend ordered a breakfast sandwich and really enjoyed it. I ordered an iced vanilla latte, which was good. -Very pleasant experience, service was good. You order up front and they bring your food out to you. Highly recommended.

Consistently great food and great service! They offer an…read moreexcellent beyond burger and poke bowl.

The kid working has to be high as a kite, couldn't get a simple cheeseburger right. Asked for bacon…read moreto be cooked came out raw they tried a couple times couldn't figure something simple out. Not worth The headache

Wonderful experience. Our server was fantastic. I had a wrap that was stuffed with goat cheese,…read morelettuce, chicken, and mandarin oranges. Really tasty. My only complaint is there could've been a little more chicken in it. My friends had chicken and a burrito bowl and they both loved it. Great atmosphere very cozy. Would recommend for lunch or dinner.!

Very friendly ambiance and service. We were able to order and receive food in good time even on a…read morebusy Friday night. I quite enjoyed my burger with onion rings. The side of broccoli was disappointing but that was the only comment on food. There was a water drip happening which hopefully gets fixed. Otherwise I'd return!

THE ABSOLUTE BEST…read more This is Paris quality right here in Winnetka!!!! Service is great, staff is helpful and the bread and pastries are on par with any spot, PERIOD!!!!!

One of my family members went back to Hewn and brought home two more pastries for me to try!…read more The Chocolate croissant and the Morning Glory muffin! The chocolate croissant, like the plain croissant, was lacking. Not only was it missing the underlying buttery taste I've become accustomed to, but there was very little chocolate-it was almost a plain croissant itself! See picture, a thin layer of chocolate on the bottom. Again, the texture and flakiness of the pastry is spot on, but it pretty much ends there. Okay, I've 'saved the best for last'. The Morning Glory muffin! I don't know where to start, except it was amazing with each bite I took. Carrots, apples, walnuts, raisins, sunflower and flax seeds - it's a plethora of flavor and textures, with underlying notes of cinnamon and ginger - it's one of the best muffins I've had in awhile!

It was our first time at 501 Local today -- we took my mother-in-law there to celebrate her…read morebirthday. I made a special request during the reservation, which usually gets overlooked, so I was genuinely pleasantly surprised when they made it happen. My mother-in-law absolutely didn't expect it, and it made her feel really special. Patch greeted us warmly (I hope I got the name right!) and took great care of us throughout the evening, making sure we had everything we needed. He even personally acknowledged my mother-in-law's birthday, which was such a thoughtful touch. She was so happily surprised! The Hugo Spritz cocktails were refreshing and delicious. I ordered the scallops both as an appetizer and as my main course, and I truly enjoyed them. The strawberry chocolate cake we shared was absolutely delicious -- it practically melted in my mouth! I will definitely come back just to have it again Next time, I also want to try the burgers. The place itself is very welcoming and has this really nice coastal summer vibe. You can truly relax there, and the patio looks amazing.

We were out and about and stopped in for a quick lunch on the outside patio at 501…read more Our waitress was Brooke and she was both very pleasant and attentive. We split the Angus burger and the Ceasar side salad. The burger came with an ample amount of nicely seasoned fries so it was a near perfect lunch split for two. The patio is noteworthy - it's lovely and has plenty of greenery and space. All in all a great lunch option in downtown Winnetka.

I'm so excited for all the new stores opening up at Plaza del Lago. While some of the ones I'm most…read moreexcited for haven't opened their doors quite yet, I was thrilled that Space 519- The Lunchbox was one of the first! I made it here to celebrate my bday over lunch with a few friends this past Friday. They have a grab and go counter with some delicious looking cupcakes, but we passed right by that and lots of beautiful clothes to the lunchroom. I've eaten at their downtown location a few times and have always enjoyed it so I was excited to eat here. We began with diet dr brown sodas (always a fave) and took a look at their delicious looking menu. I've been on a migas kick lately so decided to go for that. It was really good and definitely something I'd order again. My friend's salad also looked really good so I may go that route next time too. Service was great and the atmosphere couldn't have been more lovely. I had to get back to work after so didn't have a lot of time to shop, but did a little browsing the clothes here are absolutely gorgeous...and great spot to pick up a gift for someone too. It was easy to find parking, although i do foresee parking being more difficult as their amazing lineup of stores open up. My new favorite brunch/lunch spot in the area and I can't wait to come back!

Went with my wife and son for lunch. Cute ambience. Food is mediocre at best (everything…read moreunder-seasoned / bland, pancakes dry), especially for the price. Horrific service - waited 30min for our order to be taken and eventually had to almost yell across the restaurant to flag our server down. No check-ins during meal. I walked to the kitchen myself to get a takeout box (though the leftovers truly weren't worth the effort). Definitely will not be going back