Restaurant Review – Tuco and Blondie

I’m a sucker for good Mexican food- and even more so during the summer! What’s more refreshing than chips, salsa, and a good margarita?? This week took me to Tuco and Blondie. Located at 3358 N Southport Ave, they have a charming patio, brightly colored murals, and an expansive indoor seating area. With one look at the menu, my mouth was already watering. I was especially intrigued by the Chile Con Queso: creamy melted cheese, ground beef, guacamole, and sour cream. But, we had an never-ending supply of chips and salsa, so I decide to hold off on the queso and save it for next time. I ordered the Shrimp Tacos: grilled shrimp, achiote, cabbage, pineapple, and habanero salsa. The order comes with three tacos on your choice of corn or flour tortillas, with rice and beans on the side. I subbed my rice and beans for a side of escabeche: pickled cauliflower, carrots, jalapeños, and avocado in an oregano vinaigrette. The tacos were so tasty! I loved the combination of the sweet pineapple and the super spicy salsa. The escabeche was absolutely delicious! I love pickled vegetables and the addition of the avocado made it extra creamy and tasty. My friend ordered the Al Pastor tacos: braised pork, cotija cheese, pineapple, pickled red onion, and cilantro. The pork was spicy and there was a lot of it! He loved that the toppings didn’t overwhelm the tacos, simply complimented them. The rice and beans were super tasty as well- refried black beans with a sprinkling of queso fresco and cilantro and green chile rice. We loved the food here and I will definitely be back to try more menu items!

Tuco and Blondie is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 am to 11 pm, Fridays from 11 am to 12 am, Saturdays from 10 am to 12 am, and Sundays from 10 am to 11 pm. Kids eat free every day from 4:30 to 6 pm and get a free ice cream cone with every kids meal! Check out more information on their website.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO