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I'd give this more of a 4.5. The experience started off kind of weirdly because i got there early for a reservation and just wanted to head to the bathroom and then wait but they kept insisting on getting me seated and started with something when i wanted to wait? And we somehow got the worst seating right by the entrance with barely any space but anyways, the rest of the night helped make up for it. The restaurant was trendy but beautiful, from the ceiling to the bathrooms to the complimentary chips w/beand and salsa that you start off with. The server was really sweet and did a great job recommending and explaining things. I got the jamaica as a mocktail, pescada playa trio tacos and we shared the fondant de maiz dessert and everything was better than the next. Also more affordable than i expected, i would return for the dessert alone.
Really a 4.1. Solid food. Great value. Had a reso for 5 on a Wednesday evening. It was pretty full, so a good idea to reserve. We ordered the tasting menu for 65pp. Seemed like a great deal. They also have unlimited tacos for 35. Food: Tuna tostada - really nice. Sesame really brings out a nice flavour out of the tuna and guac Bean/mushroom thing + beef thing - not sure what these were but they were good. The beef thing almost tasted like a smash burger with the thinly sliced beef and fried cheese on top Chips and guac - bland. Needed salsa to be added Molcajete - biggest dish. At this point we were stuffed. The steak and chicken were dry and not particularly flavorful. The octopus was soft and good though. The grilled shallots were nice and smokey as well. Shrimp Molcajete was good too. Service: Really good. One of our companions needed halal options so the waitress swapped out his tasting menu for seafood and vegetarian alternatives. Very accommodating. Ambiance: Busy. Packed. But a nice restaurant still. Cam bring a date here if you wanted something more casual but still nice.
I walked in for dinner. I was greeted by host. I asked for a table however they were saving tables for 2 or more. I was sat at bar. I ordered their spicy tamarindo margarita. It was good and strong, not a ton of ice either. Very refreshing. $18 Ordered their rib eye 3 volcano tacos. They were good, crunchy black corn tortillas with a slice of meat and toasted cheese. I liked they bring out their 3 sauces. Neither was hot, one was a tomatillo. Lime green, second was like a chili oil and third was a green tomatillo sauce. They my also brought a tortilla chip and black bean appetizer complimentary. One thing I noticed was service was faster at bar than table service as several ppl Were still waiting for their food. My drink and food came fast. $25 The ambience is what attracted me to come ins they had a Mexican themed decor. The place was pretty full by the time I left. There's table and bar seating. Few items I noticed are their self serve selling g tequila shot vending machines. There's also a go to order and casual dining at entrance. My total for one was $48 plus tip $10.
The food is absolutely amazing. When I'm in need of a taco during lunch. I go here. My go to place. The service is very good the staff is always nice. Greets me. The ambiance is nice. Never to pack or to busy. It simply just right.
I was surprised at the low reviews on Yelp but they have great ratings on Google so hopefully this review will help the rating. Over all I would give them 4.5 stars. I love the decor and table wear especially the little stone cups the salsas came in. They serve you 4 types of complimentary salsas and chips with a black bean dip. Hands down my favorite dish was the spicy tuna tostadas which in my opinion was a very generous portion as well. Topped with the Macha salsa, I could eat it everyday. I had the ribeye tacos which are good 7/10 but I think would have been 10/10 with some guacamole. My husband ordered the house taco experience because he generally can eat a lot but beware, you basically go through the whole list of tacos including the vegetarian ones. I also think having the option of ordering the tacos à la carte so you can mix and match would've been nice but maybe is too much for their kitchen to handle. They do also offer themed taco flights but sometimes you want to pick your own. The corn was disappointing. It definitely looked and tasted like canned corn and not fresh off the cob. All the margaritas were delicious but if I could only chose 2 it would be the watermelon which was light and refreshing and the nopales which was unique and slightly tart. I was able to snag a $30 off $100 In Kind deal through their website to sweeten the deal.
While visiting, we came across this spot and we are happy we did. It was located just up the street from our hotel. Upon entering, the restaurant had a modern flare and was visually pleasing. Great selection of music and overall an amazing atmosphere. The bathrooms were clean and even offered mouthwash which was a nice touch. Our server was great and helped make recommendations and was very attentive. We started off with the spicy tuna tostados which were amazing. We also ordered a round of margaritas all of which were delicious and used premium alcohol and ingredients. I opted for the tasting experience which included plates of 3 tacos which are unlimited for 1 hr. This gives you plenty of selection and I was able to substitute as needed. All were tasty but the ribeye and the pescado playa were my favorite. This was a beautiful restaurant with amazing food and drink choices to air along. Highly recommend checking them out.
My family celebrated Mother's Day at this relatively newer restaurant. As you enter the loud pink almost garish decor is kind of cheesy but once I get used to it the choice of salsas is intriguing. We all got different kinds of tacos , chicken fish beef and couple of appetizers tuna crude was delicious and chicken sopes was good too . The house salad I will definitely avoid next time easily the worst item on the menu. Their tres leches and corn desert were decent . We had the hibiscus with mezcal and another mezcal drink which were good
After leaving the Christkindl Market, we decided to stop by Momento, and I'm so glad we did. The food was absolutely amazing and the service was incredibly attentive...you could really tell the staff cared about making your experience great. Everyone was so kind and accommodating. The decor is super cute and bold, with pink arches, colorful details, and a nice bar and kitchen area. The space feels open and lively, though some of the tables are a bit close together. They start you off with chips and bean dip with three different sauces, which were all delicious. I ordered the Pescado Trio (fish tacos) with pickled onions, cabbage slaw, chipotle sauce, and mango pico...so flavorful and fresh. I also had the elote, which tasted great, though it was a little watery for my preference. My boyfriend had two picante tacos and one white fish taco, and his picante tacos were divine, topped with fried cheese. For my drink, I had the Horchata margarita, which was creamy & strong...a fun step outside my usual choice of liquor and definitely worth it. He ordered sparkling water, and they even brought him an extra bottle of a different brand just to try, which was a really thoughtful touch. The atmosphere felt fun and a little exclusive, especially for such a new spot. Our total was about $75 for two people, including drinks, which felt like great value for the quality. Overall, amazing food, great service, and beautiful decor. I'll definitely be back with friends. Highly recommend!
First off the host was extremely rude! He had no manners and had an undermining tone. Also our server Zoe seemed cold and unwelcoming. This is unfortunate because the interior design is gorgeous and had a fun and lively environment. Music is a bit loud making it hard to order or hear our server at times. Food and drinks come out extremely fast, very impressed. Ceviche was underwhelming, cucumber overpowering the dish. Gorditas were good, nice crisp and flavorful, very spicy. Food presentation was flattering. I ordered the cuatro de mar which were a hit or miss. My favorite were the pescado playa tacos, pickled onions and sauce were really great. Fish quesabirria was an interesting concept but fell flat in my opinion. The pulpo macha taco was just okay. Dessert was good. Overall with the service being the way it was i don't see myself returning.
Quick question: Why. Are. You. Not. Here? I've ate some good restaurants and plenty of mid ones, but it's been awhile since a place has really impressed me and pushed above five stars. Momento did that for me, and let me tell you why. On a dark, bitterly cold Monday night when the city feels empty and lonely, Momento is a bright, lively, and colorful place to dine. Settings for large parties, singles, or a fun date night. All are welcome. It's boisterous and friendly in here. Terrific array of options on the menu. Combos of three, four, or six tacos. Complimentary chips and salsa. Tacos are outstanding. Flight of four tacos made of blue corn. Fresh made and they smell of it. And altogether, the tacos are amazing. One ribeye and one picanha taco, each ridiculously tender. Momento is part steakhouse as well as cantina. It's just the steak is improved by wrapping it in tortillas. Finally, fish taco, of which I'm usually not a fan, was spectacular. There it is; surf and turf in four tacos. That's a great concept. I'm always underwhelmed by Mexican places that slather giant ice cream scoop dollops of guacamole on everything. It's unnecessary, unappetizing, just uncouth. Momento has something, much, much better. Tortilla chips are served with a trio of sauces that are far superior to the guac, salsa, crema mainstays. Momento gives you a tomatillo, sesame, and a chili sauce. Each amazing. That's five star stuff right there. Server walked me through the menu, making good suggestions. As my evening ended he set a tequila shot on the bar. Thanked and explained that I'd never tasted tequila. Next thing I know, I'd tasted an array of tequilas and had an intro to tequila class. My server could have sat at the corner of the bar, dinking around on his phone while I ate. But, he didn't do that. He engaged with me, and that's pretty precious stuff these days and made my dinner the highlight of my day. Sixth star stuff. I can't say that will happen for everyone who eats here, but I think everyone who does will have a really good experience.
When our table ordered the mar y tierra molcajetes, I was not prepared for what the waiter brought out. It was a steaming hot, still sizzling grill of steak, chicken and octopus. The vapors were still coursing off the meat. We needed a few minutes before we could eat. It was delicious. The guac was great. The ceviche wasn't bad. It's a great spot with really good food.
Got the Ceviche and the unlimited tacos. The unlimited tacos was $35 per person for a hour and 30. The habanero salsa was so spicy. The ribeye taco was quite gamey and fatty. The fish tacos were also a bit fishy. The birria was not bad and the al pastor was pretty good. The ceviche was very salty but a lot of seafood and for $21 it's not too bad. Overall, for 35$ of unlimited tacos, it is pretty worth. The service was super nice and the restaurant is a bit dark but nice. The man's bathroom has a statue which scared me a bit but honestly very cool and fit the theme.
I really like the concept of ordering via kiosk and then table service from there. I also like that as soon as you walk in, you can see the workers making fresh tortillas. Super cool. I ordered the rib eye tacos with a side of rice. Everything tasted really good with authentic flavors. There is a little buffet table full of sauces and condiments to add on. Between the food, the way of service and the ambiance, I really enjoyed eating here for lunch and will be back for sure. read more
16 days ago
Modern and chic Mexican restaurant in downtown Chicago. They were not too busy and open reasonably later. I loved the three types of salsa they offer and the chips. Horchata was really good too. My friend and I order the set of four tacos. It seemed like the better deal instead of getting individual tacos. They were all So good and still had a few bites left since four tacos seemed like a lot. I really loved the pastor and the lengua, great flavor and texture. All the other meat tacos were great too. It's a must try! Nice vibe at the restaurant! read more
The food here is delicious but make sure you prepare yourself. The taco flight comes in threes and I feel like my eyes were hungrier than my stomach. After two orders, I was ready to tap out because I was so full. Delicious and creative tacos! Would love to go again and try the taco flight experience once more (just on an emptier stomach!!) read more
I'd give this more of a 4.5. The experience started off kind of weirdly because i got there early for a reservation and just wanted to head to the bathroom and then wait but they kept insisting on getting me seated and started with something when i wanted to wait? And we somehow got the worst seating right by the entrance with barely any space but anyways, the rest of the night helped make up for it. The restaurant was trendy but beautiful, from the ceiling to the bathrooms to the complimentary chips w/beand and salsa that you start off with. The server was really sweet and did a great job recommending and explaining things. I got the jamaica as a mocktail, pescada playa trio tacos and we shared the fondant de maiz dessert and everything was better than the next. Also more affordable than i expected, i would return for the dessert alone. read more
Really a 4.1. Solid food. Great value. Had a reso for 5 on a Wednesday evening. It was pretty full, so a good idea to reserve. We ordered the tasting menu for 65pp. Seemed like a great deal. They also have unlimited tacos for 35. Food: Tuna tostada - really nice. Sesame really brings out a nice flavour out of the tuna and guac Bean/mushroom thing + beef thing - not sure what these were but they were good. The beef thing almost tasted like a smash burger with the thinly sliced beef and fried cheese on top Chips and guac - bland. Needed salsa to be added Molcajete - biggest dish. At this point we were stuffed. The steak and chicken were dry and not particularly flavorful. The octopus was soft and good though. The grilled shallots were nice and smokey as well. Shrimp Molcajete was good too. Service: Really good. One of our companions needed halal options so the waitress swapped out his tasting menu for seafood and vegetarian alternatives. Very accommodating. Ambiance: Busy. Packed. But a nice restaurant still. Cam bring a date here if you wanted something more casual but still nice. read more
I walked in for dinner. I was greeted by host. I asked for a table however they were saving tables for 2 or more. I was sat at bar. I ordered their spicy tamarindo margarita. It was good and strong, not a ton of ice either. Very refreshing. $18 Ordered their rib eye 3 volcano tacos. They were good, crunchy black corn tortillas with a slice of meat and toasted cheese. I liked they bring out their 3 sauces. Neither was hot, one was a tomatillo. Lime green, second was like a chili oil and third was a green tomatillo sauce. They my also brought a tortilla chip and black bean appetizer complimentary. One thing I noticed was service was faster at bar than table service as several ppl Were still waiting for their food. My drink and food came fast. $25 The ambience is what attracted me to come ins they had a Mexican themed decor. The place was pretty full by the time I left. There's table and bar seating. Few items I noticed are their self serve selling g tequila shot vending machines. There's also a go to order and casual dining at entrance. My total for one was $48 plus tip $10. read more
3 days ago
Amazing Mexican food and several vegetarian options too. Our waiter was very helpful I recommending dishes, read more
22 days ago
The food is absolutely amazing. When I'm in need of a taco during lunch. I go here. My go to place. The service is very good the staff is always nice. Greets me. The ambiance is nice. Never to pack or to busy. It simply just right. read more
I was surprised at the low reviews on Yelp but they have great ratings on Google so hopefully this review will help the rating. Over all I would give them 4.5 stars. I love the decor and table wear especially the little stone cups the salsas came in. They serve you 4 types of complimentary salsas and chips with a black bean dip. Hands down my favorite dish was the spicy tuna tostadas which in my opinion was a very generous portion as well. Topped with the Macha salsa, I could eat it everyday. I had the ribeye tacos which are good 7/10 but I think would have been 10/10 with some guacamole. My husband ordered the house taco experience because he generally can eat a lot but beware, you basically go through the whole list of tacos including the vegetarian ones. I also think having the option of ordering the tacos à la carte so you can mix and match would've been nice but maybe is too much for their kitchen to handle. They do also offer themed taco flights but sometimes you want to pick your own. The corn was disappointing. It definitely looked and tasted like canned corn and not fresh off the cob. All the margaritas were delicious but if I could only chose 2 it would be the watermelon which was light and refreshing and the nopales which was unique and slightly tart. I was able to snag a $30 off $100 In Kind deal through their website to sweeten the deal. read more
While visiting, we came across this spot and we are happy we did. It was located just up the street from our hotel. Upon entering, the restaurant had a modern flare and was visually pleasing. Great selection of music and overall an amazing atmosphere. The bathrooms were clean and even offered mouthwash which was a nice touch. Our server was great and helped make recommendations and was very attentive. We started off with the spicy tuna tostados which were amazing. We also ordered a round of margaritas all of which were delicious and used premium alcohol and ingredients. I opted for the tasting experience which included plates of 3 tacos which are unlimited for 1 hr. This gives you plenty of selection and I was able to substitute as needed. All were tasty but the ribeye and the pescado playa were my favorite. This was a beautiful restaurant with amazing food and drink choices to air along. Highly recommend checking them out. read more
My family celebrated Mother's Day at this relatively newer restaurant. As you enter the loud pink almost garish decor is kind of cheesy but once I get used to it the choice of salsas is intriguing. We all got different kinds of tacos , chicken fish beef and couple of appetizers tuna crude was delicious and chicken sopes was good too . The house salad I will definitely avoid next time easily the worst item on the menu. Their tres leches and corn desert were decent . We had the hibiscus with mezcal and another mezcal drink which were good read more
10 months ago
After leaving the Christkindl Market, we decided to stop by Momento, and I'm so glad we did. The food was absolutely amazing and the service was incredibly attentive...you could really tell the staff cared about making your experience great. Everyone was so kind and accommodating. The decor is super cute and bold, with pink arches, colorful details, and a nice bar and kitchen area. The space feels open and lively, though some of the tables are a bit close together. They start you off with chips and bean dip with three different sauces, which were all delicious. I ordered the Pescado Trio (fish tacos) with pickled onions, cabbage slaw, chipotle sauce, and mango pico...so flavorful and fresh. I also had the elote, which tasted great, though it was a little watery for my preference. My boyfriend had two picante tacos and one white fish taco, and his picante tacos were divine, topped with fried cheese. For my drink, I had the Horchata margarita, which was creamy & strong...a fun step outside my usual choice of liquor and definitely worth it. He ordered sparkling water, and they even brought him an extra bottle of a different brand just to try, which was a really thoughtful touch. The atmosphere felt fun and a little exclusive, especially for such a new spot. Our total was about $75 for two people, including drinks, which felt like great value for the quality. Overall, amazing food, great service, and beautiful decor. I'll definitely be back with friends. Highly recommend! read more
First off the host was extremely rude! He had no manners and had an undermining tone. Also our server Zoe seemed cold and unwelcoming. This is unfortunate because the interior design is gorgeous and had a fun and lively environment. Music is a bit loud making it hard to order or hear our server at times. Food and drinks come out extremely fast, very impressed. Ceviche was underwhelming, cucumber overpowering the dish. Gorditas were good, nice crisp and flavorful, very spicy. Food presentation was flattering. I ordered the cuatro de mar which were a hit or miss. My favorite were the pescado playa tacos, pickled onions and sauce were really great. Fish quesabirria was an interesting concept but fell flat in my opinion. The pulpo macha taco was just okay. Dessert was good. Overall with the service being the way it was i don't see myself returning. read more
Quick question: Why. Are. You. Not. Here? I've ate some good restaurants and plenty of mid ones, but it's been awhile since a place has really impressed me and pushed above five stars. Momento did that for me, and let me tell you why. On a dark, bitterly cold Monday night when the city feels empty and lonely, Momento is a bright, lively, and colorful place to dine. Settings for large parties, singles, or a fun date night. All are welcome. It's boisterous and friendly in here. Terrific array of options on the menu. Combos of three, four, or six tacos. Complimentary chips and salsa. Tacos are outstanding. Flight of four tacos made of blue corn. Fresh made and they smell of it. And altogether, the tacos are amazing. One ribeye and one picanha taco, each ridiculously tender. Momento is part steakhouse as well as cantina. It's just the steak is improved by wrapping it in tortillas. Finally, fish taco, of which I'm usually not a fan, was spectacular. There it is; surf and turf in four tacos. That's a great concept. I'm always underwhelmed by Mexican places that slather giant ice cream scoop dollops of guacamole on everything. It's unnecessary, unappetizing, just uncouth. Momento has something, much, much better. Tortilla chips are served with a trio of sauces that are far superior to the guac, salsa, crema mainstays. Momento gives you a tomatillo, sesame, and a chili sauce. Each amazing. That's five star stuff right there. Server walked me through the menu, making good suggestions. As my evening ended he set a tequila shot on the bar. Thanked and explained that I'd never tasted tequila. Next thing I know, I'd tasted an array of tequilas and had an intro to tequila class. My server could have sat at the corner of the bar, dinking around on his phone while I ate. But, he didn't do that. He engaged with me, and that's pretty precious stuff these days and made my dinner the highlight of my day. Sixth star stuff. I can't say that will happen for everyone who eats here, but I think everyone who does will have a really good experience. read more
When our table ordered the mar y tierra molcajetes, I was not prepared for what the waiter brought out. It was a steaming hot, still sizzling grill of steak, chicken and octopus. The vapors were still coursing off the meat. We needed a few minutes before we could eat. It was delicious. The guac was great. The ceviche wasn't bad. It's a great spot with really good food. read more
Got the Ceviche and the unlimited tacos. The unlimited tacos was $35 per person for a hour and 30. The habanero salsa was so spicy. The ribeye taco was quite gamey and fatty. The fish tacos were also a bit fishy. The birria was not bad and the al pastor was pretty good. The ceviche was very salty but a lot of seafood and for $21 it's not too bad. Overall, for 35$ of unlimited tacos, it is pretty worth. The service was super nice and the restaurant is a bit dark but nice. The man's bathroom has a statue which scared me a bit but honestly very cool and fit the theme. read more
A miss and a hit! After trying to eat somewhere else, unsuccessfully, a quick search brought us to the recently opened Memento. We were specifically looking for Mexican (and are regular proponents of SoCal Cali-Mex cuisine). What we encountered was a lovely surprise - head chef from Mexico City (CDMX) and flavors reminiscent of our recent trip there. The margaritas are flavorful, the tacos were delicious, and the presentation was detailed. Colorful interior, with a tasting area for mezcal. Honestly, we were not sure what to expect, especially realizing they had opened recently, but the staff was great - our server, Colin, was attentive and friendly, and made great recommendations. We were happily surprised - located right across from the Palmer House Hotel - great location for drinks! read more
1 year ago
Interesting spot in an interesting space -- a higher end taqueria in the first floor of an old department store -- in this case, Carson Pirie Scott's old flagship location. Like the store, kind of a tragedy of unfulfilled potential. And pretty pricey for the experience. The food was good...when it finally came. We're guessing that they were short servers and slammed by a sporting event (we had a reservation and were seated on time, for the record)...but the timing of the bar and kitchen was kind of a disaster. Way too long for a first visit from our server. Way too long for the first round of margaritas to come. THREE (really) requests for chips and salsa after the server first said he would bring them -- one of our party finally went and asked the hostess desk for help. They came -- AFTER the apps (I won a bet about that...). The chips were served with three salsas in stylish but impractical cups (tall, skinny, didn't hold much...so you couldn't really dip...and the cups didn't even really fit in the holder...see pic...another near miss by the restaurant?). By the time we politely reminded our server that we would like another round of drinks with dinner, he acted annoyed (he WAS slammed and the kitchen WAS totally letting him down...) and never came back (an expediter did bring the drinks...someone else ultimately brought the check). Our group shared two apps: guacamole and totopos (pomegranate seeds) and a whitefish ceviche. The guacamole was overpriced and small but tasty; the ceviche was a real hit with the group. All four of our crew then had tacos, (that arrived -- literally -- 55 minutes after we were seated and ten minutes before we told them we would have to leave...) and agreed that they were quite good -- one went with green mole chicken, two with the fish, and one with the four taco sampler. Some plain white rice (really?!), frijoles, and chips on the side; the sides were as boring as the tacos were interesting. Add to that our table's location was near the Monroe St. entrance to the restaurant, which had a serious draft (two of our group put on their coats) and the obligatory streets-of-Chicago pot smoke wafting in and, well...what could and should have been a really terrific meal turned out to be, as noted, a pricey tragedy of disappointing service and unfulfilled potential. Lots of interesting Mexican food in the city these days. Saddens me to say that this one needn't be on the "must try" list. read more
Stopped in for a quick snack and to cool down from the humid Chicago summer. It's got a nice decor aesthetic. Very Latin and super colorful. I'm a fan! Even the exterior has some art pieces that intrigued me. We got some guac and it wasn't bad. The chips were seasoned and came with watermelon radishes. Guac tasted made to order. We also got horchata and hibiscus. Pretty refreshing and tasted like how it should. It's self serve so I don't have much to say about service. I'd come back to do the sit down part of the restaurant. read more
6 months ago
Came here with my Book Club and the setting was absolutely amazing. We had a table of six so they were able to accommodate all of us and they're able to accommodate both large and small parties for sure.. I got the fish tacos that they had on the menu that were absolutely delicious as well as a margarita. It starts up with complementary chips and I think salsa or guac and we ended up ordering more for the table because it was so good.. I love the absolute beautiful ambience and just vibe to this place. It's cute for a date night or just if you want to come with friends to have a good time.. also we were able to pay for our orders individually, which I always love even when it's a big group they were able to separated by our personal tab and we could tap to pay which I did! read more
Came here for the Restaurant Week menu - had not heard of this spot but another friend highly recommended it, and I was interested in trying the drink add-on as a part of the prix fixe. The food was so flavorful and tasted of good quality, and the drinks tasted great as a pairing. I liked the interior design and mood of the main restaurant space as well. I'd definitely come back here again to try more on the menu. read more
Went for some drinks with friends Friday. Right when going in it looks like a fast food place but you go in some more it's completely different vibes. I like it. The drinks I tried horchata and guava margarita they were ok. I also ordered the sampler and I think the ribeye was the best out of the 4. The steak was ok but it felt a little dry. Service was ok I think they keep rushing us to finish and leave though probably because it's a Friday night after work but I didn't enjoy being rushed. read more
10 days ago
Tried Momento yesterday for the first time. I ordered the four taco plate and most of it was inedible-- the meat was hard, cold, and old. The tortillas were stale and hard. I will never come back here. The service and drinks were exceptional but will definitely skip the food. read more
We had lunch here after a visit to the Art Institute recently, shared Guacamole and Roasted Camote as appetizers and ordered Cochinita Pibil, Pescado Playa and Quesabirria as our main dishes. Every dish was quite tasty, and I found Cochinita Pibil to be particularly sumptuous. The server was quite busy that day, but she gave us good recommendations. read more
3 months ago
Best mexican in chicago, period. Amazing veggie and vegetarian options. Our server Jesús was awesome, treated us great read more
Have you ever paused and said to yourself: "Name, you're being an insufferable curmudgeon." Yeah... I did that today. It's almost like I was looking for reasons to dislike Momento, but to be honest, I couldn't find any, not a valid reason, anyway. I will tell you now, everything you think you know about what a Mexican restaurant should be, take it and throw it out the window. Whether you're expecting onion and cilantro, or lettuce tomato and cheese, put all of that in a box with a lock. Let me first talk about the chips and dip that are included with the meal... these were among the best chips I'd had in a Mexican restaurant. They were house-made, light and airy, not greasy, and seasoned not only with salt but also something flavorful (though I couldn't tell you what). This was served with a lovely black bean dip. For us salsa lovers, there were three sauces served with the tacos (which one could easily use with the chips: a mild green, mild roasted tomato, and spicy Chile de Arbol. All were distinct and interesting, with the spicy bringing some proper heat! For the tacos, I tried both the sirloin and octopus. Now, remember how I said to remove yourself from your expectations? Expect three things only: balanced proportions, terrific assembly (don't fall apart), and next-level flavors. Well, the sirloin tacos had only meat and house-made potato sticks. After turning off "curmudgeon mode" I found it doesn't need it. Not that it would have hurt, just wasn't needed. The meat was beyond tender and flavorful - some of the best I've experienced in a taco, ever! The potato sticks added a little crunch while not interrupting the meat's flavors. The octopus tacos were a little different in that they also had a sauce that complemented the protein. Otherwise, the meat (mollusk?) also shined - and wasn't rubbery in the slightest. Potato once again bestowed crunch. For dessert I had the Fondant de Maiz. What made this so delightful is that the sweetness came primarily from the ice cream/gelato, with the cake having little. Thus, flavors other than sugar could come through. Great combination of textures also! With alcohol, I am in awe of their system. The card you're given allows you to try 15ml increments of tequilas and mezcals, from entry-level to fancier pours. IIRC there are 16 bottles, but only four were available as they are still in their opening. For beers, these are per ounce at a self-serve tap. Thus, one can try sip-sized amounts of each one for a nominal cost, and then go ahead with whatever they like, or nothing at all. Finally, I want to give big points for the service. It was kind, friendly, welcoming, attentive, and quick considering the freshness of everything. With all of this, I can't wait to see what's in store for Momento as they iron out any kinks and start working as a well-oiled machine read more
10 months ago
Momento Cantina: New Year's Eve, and a serious win My wife and I slipped into Momento Cantina for New Year's Eve dinner before heading across the street for our party at the Palmer House. Zero expectations walking in. Walked out talking about it the rest of the night. This is, without hesitation, the best Mexican food we've had outside of Mexico. We kept it focused. No overthinking. Started with the Pescado Playa tacos. Crispy white fish, mango pico, jícama slaw, chipotle mayo. Three tacos that tasted like vacation. Light. Bright. Crunchy. Every bite worked. Then we moved to the Steak Trompo tacos. Prime beef, carved, seasoned, full-on CDMX energy. Deep flavor. Juicy. Bold. One of those plates where you slow down because you want it to last. Service was friendly. Pacing was tight. Restaurant was clean. Good vibe. You can tell they take pride in what they're doing. We walked out saying the same thing to each other: we're coming back here every time we're in town. This place is a win. read more
9 days ago
5 months ago
Nice ambiance. Had an authentic vibe about the restaurant. Nice portion size, I couldn't finish my food. read more
4 months ago
The service at Momento Cantina was absolutely fantastic! From the minute we walked in, got seated by our very friendly hostess, our waiter was helpful, had great suggestions and really made sure we were taken care of. The food, was also phenomenal, everything tasted really fresh and delicious. The ambiance was the most disappointing: The decor was really nice, however the noise level was very high for dinner. We were there on a Friday evening, and it seemed like the music just got louder- we were there for less than 2 hours (we were a group of 5). If it wasn't for the loud music, everything was really good, and we would love to come back! read more
6 months ago
5 months ago
Situated in the old Carson's (if you know, you know) this place has all the charm! Food and drinks were perfect and the atmosphere will definitely have me returning! read more
5 months ago
I think this place is so fun! The service is SO attentive. They have a casual side and another more lounge-y sit down side. Their salsas are quite good (complimentary), and they have non-lard black beans too that come which is very inclusive. I liked their carne asada and birria tacos but omg the pan de elote dessert is to die for, worth the 5 stars alone. They have mezcal and tequila on tap, which I've never seen before. Fun vibes inside, fun decor, the bathrooms have mouthwash (lol). Recommend for sure! Fun girls night or date spot. read more
Came for lunch on a Thursday. For this being a common corporate lunch area in the loop, momento has a complicated ordering system. We each had to get a card (which the host links to your credit card) before sitting down which you then place on a kiosk to order. It was a little confusing and felt kind of like those breweries that you serve yourself with based on your card. The tacos were pretty good, just a little overpriced for what it was. read more
4 months ago
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36 E Monroe St
Chicago, IL 60603
The Loop
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4 reviews that are not currently recommended
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