As ICE continues targeting Hispanic communities across the city, businesses are strained in areas like Hermosa, Little Village, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Pilsen, and Belmont Cragin.
On Tuesday, Taste of Belmont Cragin encouraged Chicagoans to eat out in the neighborhood, featuring La Guerrerense, Taqueria La Paz, and Minna’s Restaurant. The next one is Oct. 28. But you don’t need to wait to experience the delicious flavors of Belmont Cragin.
I went on my own mini-tour of the neighborhood enjoying everything from Mexico City-style quesadillas to steaming pozole to chocolatey-coconut goodness. Along the way, I was happy to see men playing poker, women posing for photos, and lots of hungry diners.
Don’t expect a last-minute taco run at Sol de Mexico. Nearly every table at the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant was packed Friday night with at least 20 patrons in the intimate space. Adorned with colorful paintings and starry lanterns, it was a warm environment to enjoy crunchy chicken taquitos, ceviche tostadas, rich quesadillas capitalinas, and guacamole. And, of course, margaritas.
It was hard to resist ordering entrees at Sol de Mexico, but I was saving room for pozole! A short walk down Cicero, then Diversey, led me to Pozoleria El Mexicano where, surprisingly, the pink tacos stole the show. The rosy handmade tortilla was perfect with the lightly fried steak fajita filling.
Pink tacos, chicken pozole, chips, and salsa. Chicharrones not pictured. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
Naturally, the night ended at one of Belmont Cragin’s many (many) Michoacanas. And man, am I glad I ended up at La Michoacana Plus on Diversey. The inside was lit like a neon kiddie dreamland, and the dark-chocolate-covered banana dipped in coconut flakes was the best frozen banana I’ve ever had.
Though I loved the frozen banana, the chamoyada was a tad more aesthetic. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
Get Out There
For weeks, Belmont Cragin United has been calling attention to the neighborhood by highlighting local businesses. From my own lively visit, it seems those efforts are paying off.
“One less dinner in Roscoe Village and Wrigley and out in this neighborhood that needs help will make a huge difference,” Belmont Cragin United organizer Alonso Zaragoza recently told Block Club.
☝️ If you want to give directly, there is an Amazon wishlist for whistle supplies and the upcoming Belmont Cragin Trunk or Treat.
