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Amelia's Bar & Grill
Categories: Restaurants Latin American Restaurants Mexican Latin American, Mexican [Edit]
4559 S Halsted StChicago, IL 60659
Neighborhoods: New City, Canaryville
(773) 538-8200
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
102 reviews for Amelia's Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
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"For entrees we all sampled the Camarones a la diabla." In 6 reviews -
"Amelia's is BYOB so come prepared." In 30 reviews -
"The chile en nogada (main picture above) is so good I could..." In 4 reviews
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102 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca H.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2011
This is out of the way...but worth the drive. A friend was visiting from D.C. and I wanted to take her somewhere different. I had never gone so we were both on an adventure. Here's the deal. The surrounding area makes you think you just came off 8-Mile with EMINEM.
For real--she and I thought we may have been in the twilight zone. As soon as we stepped in the door though we came into a respite -- a delicious respite at that.
I had the LOMO DE CERDO - Farm Raised Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Andouille Sausage, Hominy Garbanzo Beans, Tomatillo, Swiss chard and Spicy Ciruela Sauce. SO GOOD! We calamari and tamalis for apps and they are big portion and I ATE EVERYTHING!
My friend had the CHILE EN NOGADA.It was so good. It was mild, meaty with a bit of sweet. I can't wait to go back!!!
The drinks were great too! -
Review from kara b.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2012
would give 5 stars because the food was amazing, space was beautiful, and the servers really good - just weren't enough of them. seemed like there was only one waitress for the entire place. maybe we came on a busy (ie groupon is about to expire?) night - but we waited a long time for our check, noone offered to refill drinks or brought a desert menu. then again, we didn't want either of those things so maybe they were just really good mind readers.
also, it's BYOB AND there's a liquor menu - is that not the coolest thing ever?! (i'd definitely re-order the blood orange margarita i sampled though. also, sidenote, the fairplay across the street had a surprisingly good cold beer selection, including half acre...
they had plenty of vegetarian options, which was really appreciated. the sandia salad might be the best thing i've ever tasted. and the sauce on the goat cheese ravioli was plate-lickable. also split the artichoke croquettes, which had a super delicious poblano (?) sauce. mmmm. i want to go back and it's only 10:41 am!
but can i just say, please stop complaining about the neighborhood people. it's not the twilight zone, it's not an adventure, it's not the middle of nowhere just because you've never been there before and you're not surrounded by other 20-something white people - it's just another part of the grid that makes up your city. -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
We came for lunch one afternoon and had
torta al pastor ahogada - good, the al pastor was tender
torta de barbacoa - the barbacoa could be spicier
The food was good, but the picked cactus that came was ok.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2012
We came here several times and were very impressed with the presentation and taste of the food. We… Read more »
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Review from Miguel V.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2012
The menu is small but everything is good.
The "tamal judio" is delicious, you should definitely try it. -
Review from Niall C.
Pullman, Chicago, IL
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great food & atmosphere...pricey tho, but the food is worth it. Even the coffee is the greatest.
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Review from Tim C.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2012
This restaurant is a little far away but it is worth the trip.
I had a great dinner there last night...a nice atmosphere, bustling but not too loud. Great food. Attentive service, not rushed at all. BYOB, too, which is a plus. Easy parking.
I would definitely go back for another visit and recommend it highly. -
Review from Jen B.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2012
Amazing food, great service.
Just so it's clear they have a full bar AND it's BYOB.
Started with shrimp and mushroom quesadillas.
Entrees were steak and shrimp and seafood stew. UNBELIEVABLE. Tasty and perfectly spicy. -
Review from Sandra L.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2012
Have never had a bad meal here. The quesadillas are a must. The calamari is also phenomenal. This BYOB spot never disappoints. Truly a diamond in the rough. The last time I was there Vince Vaughn walked in with his wife! Not really pertinent to this review but I just had to share that with you guys, it was pretty cool.
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Review from Dawn D.
Cook, IL
Updated - 2/21/2012
I have been back several times since my last review and I have NEVER been disappointed. Not once. Great food.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2011
Wow! The location is not the best..(but I've never had any problems!) But the food is really great.… Read more »
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Review from Karen K.
La Grange, IL
2/27/2012
When Amelia's switched from strictly BYO to a $5 corkage for wine, I was a little disappointed. But our party of eight had a phenomenal dinner on Saturday. The pitchers of their special Halsted margaritas were delicious, with fresh lime juice. We bought a couple of bottles of wine and a $5 corkage is very reasonable.
The food? Not one dish disappointed. We had a bunch of appetizers: calamari with cilantro lime aioli sauce is sooo good, ceviche, quesadilla with shrimp and mushrooms, empanada with crab meat, and queso fundido. The entree's were all standouts - especially the pork tenderloin, camarones a la chimpa (with a pumkin seed green mole - wow!), pan seared sea scallops wrapped in prosciutto with roasted acorn squash etc, and an Australian striped bass special that evening. Deserts were also delicious - especially the bread pudding and crepes with caramelized bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed peanuts and cinnamon ice cream - what's not to love???
It was far busier the last four or five times were were here, before there was a corkage fee. Come on people - keep this gem in business! The wine list is small, but very reasonable and seemingly good values. We will definitely be back soon - with or without our own wines. We live in the western burbs, but taking the Stevenson to 47th is a breeze and parking? Plentiful and free. Can't beat it! -
Review from TheWindyCity P.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
Planned to try their brunch this past Sunday because we heard so much good about the breakfasts here. Checked the menu and website the night before, and also the morning before we left to be sure of the opening time of 10 A.M. and arrived with our party of six at 11:00A.M. The restaurant was dark and closed! No signs, no phone answering message, not even an update on the website.
Calling them later in the evening to ask why the website was not updated, or signs in the window, the manager's response was "We would lose business." Huh? WTF? He then told me: "we should have called the night before to ask if they were open", and "you should have called first to make a reservation". Wow...way to handle a legitimate problem pointed out by a customer who went out of his way to bring guests to YOUR restaurant instead of the thousands of others in the city. -
Review from Christian L.
Wheaton, IL
3/2/2012
I went here for dinner with a friend, and when I was handed the menu, I admit I was a little concerned and confused. I'd assumed that it would be Mexican based on the writeup on the website ("Inspired in the Central South Part of Mexico, our goal is to make you feel at home, while savoring a great meal in our casual and relaxed dining room."). My problem was I didn't read the next sentence, which began, "Experience our inventive cuisine." It's definitely Mexican/Hispanic inspired food, but I'd have to call this a fusion. But the bottom line is that it was excellent food.
We went for dinner, and they have a wide range of good-sounding appetizers ranging in price from $9-13. But we went straight for the entrees (which range from $19-24). She had the camarones a la diabla: jumbo shrimp, garlic, applewood smoked bacon, roasted red peppers, and scallions in a Valentine sauce, and I ordered the pescado empapelado: tilapia wrapped in foil, steamed with nopales (prickly pear cactus) and chorizo, with white rice, beans, and grilled banana peppers. Both dishes tasted fantastic.
Most of the menu seems to gravitate toward seafood (and toward Asian ingredients), but you can get pork, chicken, steak, and vegetarian dishes too. They have a long wine list and a decent beer selection (including drafts and imports). The lunch menu is slightly cheaper ($9-20), with appetizers and starters about the same as the dinner menu. Our server really pushed us to get the dessert (and they sound delicious), but the entrees were so good we ate everything and had no room for dessert. Based on the dishes we ordered, I think you can't go wrong here. Chef Eusebio does amazing work, and his menu is really inventive. -
Review from Lisa F.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2012
We have been to Amelia'a twice and highly recommend it. Excellent food.
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Review from Lauren K.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2011
Delicious food.
Great mojito. Guac is good (but a little heavy on the cilantro for me.
The stars of the show were the specials of the night:
A light new england clam chowder (not overly thick) and so much flavor. I am in love with this soup!
Also had grilled quail on a salad with potato gratin and grilled zucchini with a quail egg on top. It melted in my mouth.
My husband had a regular item off the menu - the spicy shrimp. He really liked the fact that it had smokey bacon.
For dessert, a pecan cheesecake with pineapple coconut compote. Excellent. I also got a decaf coffee which tasted as if it were infused with cinnamon. Very nice. -
Review from Nancy M.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2011
The food here is delicious.
Ceviche: Nicely Marinated
Chille Relleno: Sweet-strange for chille relleno, overall good.
French Fries: Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
Ravioli: Meh, not a fan!
All the Desserts: 5 stars!
Fritters: Crispy and flavorful.
Vegetarian Wrap: Nom-Nom
Shrimp Quesadilla: Best quesadilla ever! :P
Coffee: So good, nice and strong! :D
Will be back... -
Review from Jade T.
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had been dying to try Amelia's for months. Normally I'm not a fan of fusion (mostly Asian fusion), but Mexican and Italian cuisines do use similar ingredients such as tomatoes and cheese.
Amelia's is a bit far away from everything, except for the Halsted 8 bus. The neighborhood is a little sketchy, but the restaurant is quite a gem (in fact, it may be the nicest restaurant within a 3 mile radius). It has an unassuming exterior, but once you enter, it's quite pretty. There are deep burgundy fabrics with gold and orange accents.
For brunch, I had the Huevos Florentinos and San Pedro Omelet. The Huevos was basically Mexican Eggs Florentine. There was a mix up and my dish didn't come with any black beans. The refried beans that were included had chunks of bacon. If you're vegetarian, make sure to ask for your meal without refried beans. My dish was nicely presented, but the flavors were alright. I couldn't really taste the ranchero sauce, and the missing black beans would've added some complexity to the dish. For $8, it wasn't too bad. As for the San Pedro, my boyfriend felt it average, but "the flavors were muted and the eggs were a little overcooked".
Based on brunch, Amelia's is three stars, but for a restaurant in the middle of nowhere, it gets four stars. I would come back for dinner, as it seems more unique and exciting. The trek with be worth it then. -
Review from Cynthia A.
South Gate, CA
1/14/2012
Delicious unique Mexican food. Authentic mexican flavors. Slightly over priced but well worth it. Definitely will come back here.
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Review from Pamela M.
Chicago, IL
12/23/2011
I've been here many times, and it's always been great. Excellent food, attentive service, nice atmosphere. True, the surrounding neighborhood is gritty, but that all vanishes when you walk in the door. Clean and pleasant restroom too - that matters.
I first started going when it was a BYOB. Sometimes I miss those days, as the bill was lower, but the drinks are excellent like the food. I've always had a good experience here. -
Review from Salvador C.
Logan Square, Chicago, IL
7/24/2011
Italian/Mexican fusion? Not really working. The food is okay but for the price you would think it's out of this world. Its not. The quesadillas de huitlachoche were good, but for 9 dollars! Who you crappin? The corquetas were also okay, but that's it. Pez mer al horno was also okay. The fish was cooked well and it super tender, but the flavor was not there.
I get it the south side lacks diversity, so the day somebody comes by with Ravioli stuffed with goat cheese and drops the tacos dinner plate from the menu everybody flips out!
Pass. -
Review from Nishan P.
11/15/2010 3 photos
Is it wrong to lick a plate at a restaurant? How about if you do it very discretely? What if the food is so good it feels criminal to waste even the tiniest morsel? When you visit Amelia's I bet you too will be considering licking your plate.
The delicious Quesadillas de Huitlacoche with corn truffle, epazote, and chihuahua cheese was first to inspire thoughts of plate licking. (Fun fact: Chihuahua cheese is not made from the milk of Chihuahuas). The Queso Fundido, and the sides of Marinated Mushrooms and Eggplant Stir Fry were also full of flavor.
The bread pudding dessert was another star worthy of plate licking. My mistake was offering to share it with my brunch mates. Ten people! I know, I know, what was I thinking, right? I just didn't expect it to be so good. And do you know how my "friends" repaid me for my generosity? They laughed at me when I got powdered sugar all over my face as I tried to scoop up the very last of the sauce. (For the record, I wasn't licking the plate). Yeah, see if I ever again share my desserts with those ingrates. Next time I think I'll sneak into Amelia's by myself, get a corner table, and indulge in as much plate licking as my heart desires. -
Review from Aurore L.
Updated - 11/11/2010
Okay.....huitlacoche quesadillas ....still great.
Huevos a la Florentina (sorta eggs Florentine with corn sopes instead of boring muffin, I mean YUM!): great.
Eggplant? really?!?!? Yes. DO IT. Fabulous.
What stole the show though: pumpkin bread pudding. So freakin' good we fought to lick the plate. Well - almost. Fought. We did lick the plate.
Don't be a pussy and go to the South Side. It's SO worth it.Listed in: Se habla Espanol, Pancho Villa Approved!, Incognito, Aren't you scared yet?!?
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/14/2010
Gringos del Sur : La comida de la cena es tan buena como la comida del 'brunch'.
Now that I showed… Read more »
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Review from Tom T.
Cook, IL
12/13/2010
It's our new favorite!
We stopped in early on a Saturday night, maybe about 5:00.
When we first walked in, we noticed a table along side of us with a small group of people already starting their apps. Holy mole it looked amazing!
We started with the crab cake and each had a bowl of tortilla soup.
The crab cake was perfectly done. Not too much bread and a perfect amount of crab.
The soup was the best tortilla soup we've ever had. Just amazing. We were practically scraping the bottom of our bowls for every last drop.
For the main course the Mrs had the Pescado Empapelado. Talapia that was wrapped in foil and steamed to perfection with peppers and all kinds of goodies inside. It's got some real flavor! If you like it a bit spicy, this is great.
I'm always trying things on menus that look like they don't belong there. It's always hit or miss, and with the apps I'd already had, I didn't think they'd miss by much if they did. So I ordered the Duck. Even the Mrs looked at me like, you're getting duck? But it was the risotto that drew me in. Corn and peas risotto (I could eat that stuff every day if I had my way).
When it came to the table, it looked amazing. The duck was perfectly cooked, next to that was my beloved risotto, and a along the side was the best red mole sauce I've ever had in my life. Everything tied together so perfectly that I kicked myself for thinking it looked out of place on their menu. I didn't feel bad for long as the food on my plate kept me in constant bliss.
I read another review before we went where somebody asked if it was ok to lick their plate, I now know exactly what he was talking about.
Also, they brought out homemade tortillas while we were eating. Another one for "best I've ever had". Nice and warm and super fresh. I used that to swipe up any left over mole sauce.
For dessert the Mrs had the Tres Leches Chocolate Cake, and I had the Mexican bread pudding. Yeah, there was nothing left on those plates either. Another amazing experience added to our visit.
A nice cup of coffee afterwards, and we were already talking about when we are heading back.
BYOB is always a plus as well.
I also must say the attention to their tables is amazing. It's really as if you're in somebody's home. Somebody who wants you in their home that is. ;-)
All in all, it's one of the best meals we've had in a long time, and the food, along with the people who create it, are something we look very forward to enjoying again.
PS: We got there early, and didn't need a reservation, but when we left (6:00 - 6:30) there was people heading in nonstop.
When we go again, we'll be making a reservation for sure. -
Review from Jay D.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2011
There aren't a lot of mexican places close to where I live so after a long day at work, the roommate and I decided to venture here for dinner. Surprise!, the prices were a little high for a random "let's try this place dinner" but the food was amazing and it's become my go-to special place. It's basically in the middle of no where which means ample parking!
I'd definitely recommend any of the quesadilla appetizers (even for your meal) and the soups (I've had corn chowder and lentil). The last time I was there, I ate so much I had to discretely unbutton my pants. Just kidding, I wore a jersey dress on purpose.
The fact that it's in the middle of nowhere makes me nervous for the owners so GO!! You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Rachel H.
11/8/2010
The location of this place is actually a plus, because I am obsessed with my own street cred. Yes, friends, we're eating in Back of the Yards tonight...
Bragging rights aside, this place is great. I'd always been a fan of Mundial Cocina Mestiza when they first opened in my 'hood, so this place, owned by one of the former Mundial owners was a no brainer.
Guacamole was flavorful and heavy on the citrus, a corn clam chowder hit the spot, and my ribeye was amazing. Amazing, and big enough to eat for lunch the next day. I'm a sucker for leftovers. There are several veggie options, including the goat cheese ravioli that was a hit with my boyfriend, and seafood is a big feature on the menu as well. Still BYOB, which is another plus in my book.
Next time you feel like traveling to no man's land for dinner, hit this place up and save room for dessert, which i regrettably did not. -
Review from Joanne W.
11/7/2010
I decided to meet a bunch of brunchy yelpers on a lovely Sunday afternoon at Amelia's. Destination: Canaryville.
Where?
Exactly.
I feel like Amelia's is a little hidden gem. I really enjoyed my experience. It could have been the company or it could have been my Crispin Honey Crisp cider or it could have been the queso fundido. Whatever it was, I dug it.
I ordered the Huevos Divorciados. You don't have to be divorced to enjoy this dish. You just have to have taste buds. I will say though, that the corn cakes my huevos were set upon were a little overdone. They were quite crisp and little burnt on some edges. I have feeling this is not how they were supposed to be. They were also a tad sweet but thought it was tasty when you got one bite of everything - salmon, argula, egg. tomato & sauce.
I got to sample some sides. The queso fundido was freakin awesome. Nuff said. The mushrooms had a little kick and were quite nice. I almost passed on the eggplant but boy am I glad I didn't - it was deeeelicious. We were stuffed and against our better judgement decided to browse the dessert menu anyway. One bread pudding and one flourless chocolate cake later.... we were in a coma. Both desserts were great but the bread pudding with candied pumpkin hands down was the winner. It was heavenly!
I thought the service was decent though I found it a tad slow and I had wished they brought out the queso fundido, croquettas & calamari out first rather than with our entrees. A word to the wise - we had two orders of calamari at our table and both were pretty salty. Amelia's is BYOB though and you can't beat that...or the other delicious offerings on the menu! -
Review from Aimee M.
11/23/2010
A trip to Amelia's was like a field trip for this gal. It's a bit of a drive for me, but so worth it. The menu is full of tantalizing items--main courses, side dishes and desserts--so if you dine with a fun bunch, it's easy to share plates.
I came with a group of Yelpy fun brunchers for Sunday brunch and was not disappointed. The crispy calamari was very good--a little salty, but I liked that it was nice and crispy. I also had the Huevos Florentina--I found the corn cakes a little bit dry, but all together, was quite delicious. We shared sides of Eggplant stir-fry--I have weird rules about how I like my eggplant prepared, but this was absolutely divine. I would order this again in a heart-beat. The marinated mushrooms were very good too--fresh and had great flavor.
As of this review, Amelia's is BYOB. Folks in our group brought sparkling wine (Amelia's provided the OJ for mimosa's) and Tecate beer (Amelia's provided a small can of tomato juice and hot sauce for Michelada's)
Last but not least, there is the dessert. Oh my heavens--DO save some room for it! Bread pudding is another dish that rates low on my dining list, but here at Amelia's, it's definitely the tops. Not overly sweet, great soft texture and a delicious sauce that induced some alleged plate-licking by a fellow bruncher. Alleged--I did not see the plate-licking--but for the record, someone in our group DID have sugar on their face.
Service was a little slow, but very friendly. Reasonably priced. A definite Canaryville gem! -
Review from Thomas K.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2011
Who knew that an unassuming three-flat on an abandoned corner in Canaryville could be home to one of the best restaurants in Chicago? Well, I do now.
I have been here a few times now and have yet to find anything I didn't like. The menu is expansive and accessible - something you don't find too often at "fine dining" places this side of Topolobampo. I would describe the amazing dishes I have had, but frankly, my prose wouldn't do them justice.
Go here - you won't regret it, and you won't have to pay $25 for valet. -
Review from Emil O.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
The area is very spotty/shady but maybe that's just me coming from the north side of Chicago (although I live in Ukie Village/West Town so I'm definitely familiar with the gritty part of town). Anyway... we went here for brunch on a Saturday morning and the place is empty - as in nobody was in the restaurant when we walked in. The menu is nothing out of the ordinary. The server was nice.
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Review from Diana R.
11/29/2010
I didn't know what to expect from Amelias, it was in a neighborhood called Canaryville with a store called FairPlay across the street. The inside was nice... too bad they only had one TV. I really wanted to watch the Bears Game. +1 star for BYOB! I bought little bottles of champagne for mimosa time! Mmm mmm bitch!
I looked at the menu and was stuck! I wanted to order everything. I settled for the queso fundido with chorizo... absolutely amazing and also got the other thing that I completely forgot the name... oh but
"What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;"
And so it goes, deliciousness ensues at Amelias and whatever neighborhood its in and whatever I ordered doesn't matter; Amelia's will always equal delectable to me. -
Review from G R.
Chicago, IL
9/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Maybe I was expecting more? All these glowing reviews and I'm a bit underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with a three star review.
The location isn't an issue for me, we live not too far away, so that works. The plentiful street parking without meters works also. The place itself is very charming and comfortable. Nice artwork, brick and warm terra cotta paint on the walls.
Maybe I'm cheap, but when I order an entree in excess of 20 bucks, and it's a sizable entree I generally will skip the appetizer so I can enjoy the entree. However, at that price point a bread basket or some chips and salsa in this case would be nice.
Everything is ala carte for the most part, so keep that in mind if you're on a budget. In reality I'm not cheap, but I consider myself value conscious. I have no issue with paying up for a good meal. Matter of fact, I considered 23 bucks a bargain for a prime rib eye steak that's 14 ounces, however the steak was more fat than anything else. (Yes, I understand, prime does have a higher fat ratio, but this was way to much) The greens were delicious and so were the scalloped potatoes.
My husband ordered the skirt steak, this also 20+. The steak was barely 5 inches in length and as you know skirt steaks aren't that wide. Not really a lot of meat, which at first we weren't to concerned because I said, "there's no way I'm going to eat a 14 oz. steak, you can have some of mine." Well that was before I put my fork into it.
I never thought about the tradition of putting down a bread basket or some chips, when you arrive at a place, and I worked as a server. Everyplace place I worked did it. But it's welcoming, I know the first thing I do when people come over is offer them something to drink and ask if they're hungry. And if it's a party where food is expected to be served, I have something out for people to snack on.
Not to sound cliche, but since this place is close, I really wanted to be bowled over by this place. Oh hell, "I really could have been a regular." *in my Brando voice* -
Review from Janis W.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2011
This is delicious food. My salmon was great, the risota dish was perfection, the calamari appetizer was so good we ordered it again after we finished it the first time.
It is not cheap. The three of us spent $150 before tip, but this did include drinks and appetizers.
I can't wait to take people there. -
Review from Jeff G.
4/17/2011
thanks yelpers for sharing this place!
First thing i noted was the awesome smell when you walk in the front door.
went for sun brunch and had smoked salmon with 2 different homemade sauces on the sope thing, very good.
i live about 12 miles north so there are plenty of other good mexican places i would go to first, i wouldn't make the trek down just for that. but if i happen to be in the area (like i was on this particular sunday) and was in the mood i would go back -
Review from Jazmin C.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2011
The name and the sign are a bit misleading, as Amelia's is BYOB. However once you get past that, and grab liquor, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the fresh, rich flavors Amelia's has to offer.
A friend and I went for an early dinner and tried the chips & guac, the crabcake, calamari, and a shrimp and mushroom quesadilla. Everything was quite yummy. It was a great treat to find gourmet offerings just a few miles west of my home in Bronzeville.
Definitely plan to make Amelia's a regular spot. -
Review from Tina B.
9/6/2009
So basically, I'm being haunted by some demons. Devils, actually.
The she-beasts in question: camarones a la diabla. [cue creepy haunted house/Omen music - eeeee eeee eeeeeeee, oooo ooooo oooooo, haaaaa haaaa haaaaa...]
Not all camarones a la diabla, because you'll find that listed on menus in Mexican restaurants all over the place, but the "shrimps of the devil" here, at Amelia's - many plump, juicy shrimp in a "valentine" sauce with garlic, roasted peppers, scallions and, and I did not dream this - applewood bacon - duuuuude...
I know!
Dude!
I know!
It is in no way too spicy, the bacon in no way overwhelms the other flavors, the results are just a perfectly velvety and amazing sauce. And although the shrimp was also perfectly cooked, that sauce with the rice it's served with is the star - if it wasn't almost $20 a plate, I would have ordered seconds.
I also tried the tortellini with braised beef and and sherry cream and the deceptively named "seafood stew" - looked like Neptune had the sea drained and then lovingly heaped its contents - mussels, whole in-the-shell-still langostinos, shrimp, etc - onto the plate, as well as a crab appetizer roll that was like a Thai/Mexican fusion. All were great, delicious even, but they just weren't damned in that perfect damned good way like the diabla.
Ever since...I'm eating a burrito from Chipotle and "diiiiaaaaabbbbllllaaa...." whispers to me in the wind....I make a grilled cheese sandwich and visions of prawns with devil horns laugh at me in my plain old tomato soup.....I might have to dress my child up as a devil shrimp for Halloween. This stuff is messing with my head...
So I consider myself a bit of a cook - I dabble in the culinary arts somewhat, so I looked up some diabla recipes for myself, perhaps I could very simply exorcise some of this sauce's hold over me. I found recipes that included assloads of un-roasted peppers, no bacon in sight and ...ketchup? Ketchup played not a damn bit of a role in my current bewitching, I assure you (mojo or eye of newt, perhaps...).
Thus, it appears that if I'm going to get some more of this action, I'm going to have to get it at Amelia's. So I guess I'm just fricking haunted then....
[eeeee eeee eeeeeeee, oooo ooooo oooooo, haaaaa haaaa haaaaa....The power of shrimp compels you!!! The power of sauce compels you!!!!]
PS - they also offer Sunday brunch, if you want something more godly and whatnot. Just know that if they offer anything diabla, you'll still be forever doomed to the memory of overwhelming deliciousness, Sabbath or not.Listed in: The Southside Center - From…
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Review from emily n.
2/9/2010
Oh...My...God. My dinner last night was amazing! You know how when you're eating and you get so full that it starts to hurt? Yea, I ate right through that feeling and straight into the "holy crap I think I might turn into that glutton guy from Seven" feeling. But it was sooooo worth it.
Started with a spinach and frisee salad. Topped with fire roasted tomatoes, jalapeno goat cheese fondue, and a lemony vinigairette. I couldn't get enough of that fondue - it was orgasmic, seriously.
The tamals de cuitlocoche were also delish. Tortillas stuffed with two cheeses and corn truffle, topped with an awesome black bean relish and creme fraiche.
For entrees we all sampled the Camarones a la diabla. Had that nice creeping heat that I love, the once that sneaks up on you. The carne asada was probably the best I've ever had. Perfectly seasoned and super tender. Served with frijoles con puerco (the grownup pork n beans, yum) and chorizo nopales. The nopales werent my favorite. They weren't bad or anything, just nothing special. The final entree was the stuffed poblano peppers. This dish surprised my taste buds. It looked like such a savory dish, but it had this great sweetness to it. The roasted poblanos were stuffed with ground beef, and raisins. They were topped with creme fraiche and pomegranite seeds. I loved it. It was also a nice balance to the other more spicy dishes.
Desert didn't dissapoint. They served us a rice pudding that changed how I feel about rice pudding from now on. Arborio rice, coconut milk, topped with sangria poached pears. Not too sweet, but nice and rich. Perfection. I'm a little sad that I ate though. Never again will I be satisfied by picking up a tub of Kozy brand rice pudding at the grocery store.
All in all, an amazing meal - and one of the best ways I can think of to spend a Monday evening. I do have one small gripe though. Tina B. graciously worked with the staff and got us yelpers hooked up with this meal for $20. When the event was posted it was $20 plus $5 for tip. At the end of the evening, the total came to $30 without the tip. It was explained that the extra cost was for the coffee that half of the table got. Granted, I was one of the coffee drinkers - but I've never paid $10 for a cup. Boo. That won't stop me from returning though. Between the amazing food and service, it was worth it.Listed in: I've got booze in my purse!
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Review from Deborah E.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2010
I drove to the Southside, I discovered a hidden gem, I ate like a pig, I woke up thinking about my meal, I am still full. But not in a bad "I am still so full I am going to puke" full. It's more like an "OMG, that meal was so delicious - when are we going back?" full. And trust me - I am going back - soon!
Oh, if only I could be as wonderfully succinct and descriptive as Michael W in his review. But alas, I am far too verbose. Therefore, I herewith provide the gastronomic details of what the fabulous Tina B planned for our prix fixe menu for, what I hope will be, her recurring Yelp event entitled:
"SFPFBYOBDPOTSSFENO - Swanky Fancy Prix Fixe Bring Your Own Booze Dinner Party On The South Side For Everybody Night Out!"
Served family style, it was course after course of one flavor explosion after another:
ENSALADA DE ESPINACAS
Baby Spinach, Frisee, Roasted Tomatoes, Jalapeno Goat Cheese Fondue and Smoked lemon Vinaigrette (yes, salad with a FONDUE!)
QUESADILLA DE HUITLACOCHE
Corn Truffle, Chihuahua Cheese, Epazote, Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad, Tomato Salsa (why can't all quesdillas taste this good?)
CHILE EN NOGADA
Poblano Pepper Stuffed With Ground Beef, Pork, Dried Fruit and Pecan Cream Sauce with Pomegranate Seeds and Mix Green Salad
(my favorite course of the evening - ohhhhh man! Poblano pepper w/ pom seeds = perfection!)
CAMARONES A LA DIABLA
Jumbo Shrimp, Garlic, Applewoood Smoked Bacon, Roasted Peppers, Scallions and a Zesty Valentine Sauce (shrimp lovers' paradise!)
CARNE ASADA
Grilled Outer Skirt Steak, Nopales Enpapelados, Frijoles Puercos, Roasted Salsa de Molcajete (no, seriously, perhaps the most mouthwatering carne asada I have ever had!)
COCONUT RICE PUDDING
Creamy Arborio Rice with Coconut, Sangria Poached Pear and Sugar Crust (my motto for desserts - "If there's no chocolate, why eat it?" But this rice pudding will knock your socks off!)
CINNAMON COFFEE
From the Bridgeport Coffee Co. - strong, smooth and with only a mild amount of cinnamon that was not overpowering.
Are you drooling yet? You should be. Every single dish was flawless in taste, texture, presentation. Our servers were attentive, describing all the dishes to us in detail.
Nothing like the discovery of an excellent restaurant in a previously unfamiliar part of Chicago. Thanks, Tina B, for introducing us to Amelia's! We will be back! -
Review from Shannon S.
Chicago, IL
First things first, although this place does allow you to BYOB they do still have a full bar menu. You can BYOB Monday - Wednesday for a $5 corkage fee and Thursday - Sunday for a $13 corkage fee. Lucky for me I made it in on a Wednesday night!
I definitely enjoyed myself and the food but I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that the price tag is probably a bit higher than the quality. My favorite part of everything I tried was the presentation. It all looked so gorgeous when they brought it out that I found myself actually bouncing in my chair and clapping.
I had the Quesadillas de Huitlacoche (black bean) ($9), the duck entree ($22), the grouper entree ($23) and the Eggplant Stir Fry side ($5). (It is important to note that the duck and grouper entrees on the menu were not the same as the ones on the menu online.) The quesadilla was REALLY good and probably the best bang for your buck out of everything I ordered. The homemade sauce had quite a kick and the waitress explained that the batch could be anywhere from mild to super spicy depending on who made it and the heat of the peppers that day. The grouper was my favorite of the two entrees. It was two big fillets on top of a bed of risotto. The fish and the risotto were both cooked perfectly. I was actually really jealous because it was my boyfriends dish and I only got to have a couple bites. The duck meat itself was great in texture and flavor but the sauce was a tomato based sauce and was entirely too acidic (I'm blaming some bad tomatoes here). The dish also came with a little potato pancake that was pretty good but was kind of plain and didn't blow my mind. The eggplant was not good. It turned to mush the second it hit your mouth. It actually kind of creeped me out. Ever eaten a sopping ball of mud? Me either, but I imagine this is what it would be like. We each had a piece or two (had to give it a second chance!) and then left it alone.
Our server was really great although sometimes bordering on too attentive. She walked us through the whole menu and at the end of our meal offered us the brunch and lunch menu for our return visit.
I will definitely go back to Amelia's. The location is great for me and the menu has a lot of intriguing things on it that I can't wait to try. I'm sure my "Wow!" dish is in there somewhere. -
Review from Maria R.
IL
7/22/2009
My friend was a great customer of Mundial and followed the chef to his new place. The decor gives the wrong first impression, but once seated and the food starts to roll out, you will not be disappointed.
Eusebio Garcia obviously put great thought into the menu with a good variety of appetizers and entrees. We enjoyed the quesadillas, oysters, tamal and guacamole. We all agreed the guacamole wasn't fantastic. Langostinos, Shrimp, Pork chops were exceptional and I didn't want it to end. Homemade tortillas served right off the comal were a wonderful treat. We passed on dessert as we wanted to savor the superb meal.
Only downside for me was the schlep from LP to the south side. After a meal and some wine, it was a long ride home. Upside is the food is creative and plentiful and it's BYOB. We will definitely be back!! -
Review from Michael W.
Sonoma, CA
2/9/2010
More food kept coming to the table as this culinary orgasm crept to its climax. Stuffed sweet peppers with a rice, spicy bacony beans, a rice pudding with a sliced pear adorned atop, this shrimp that just - hell, even the salad summoned a savory unsalad-like nature that transported me to another place: El Delicioso, about 50 miles west of Mexico City. Forget Mexican Air, the best way to get to this new city in New City or Bridgeport or Back of the Yards is to drive just west of the Dan Ryan or board the 8 Halsted bus to Amelia's.
During a wonderful weekday night out with a dozen & a half Yelpers! I experienced a taste of carne asada that puts my previous encounters with this staple of South of our Border cuisine to shame. Succulent and soft, this meatiness made me want to eat more & more & more.
The art work only added to the evening's welcoming atmosphere at this BYOB. -
Review from Bob D.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2010
A great destination place in Canaryville. What did I say? Yes thats right Canaryville.
A fabulous six course family style tasting for the Yelp crew. This being my first event I was made to feel right at home by Tina and the others who came out on a Monday.
The first course was a stellar spinach salad, featuring roasted tomatoes, a smoked lemon vinaigrette and mind blowing goat cheese fondue that was drizzled right onto the greens. One of the best salads I have had in years.
Second was the Huitlacoche quesadillas. Huitlacoche has been called a "corn truffle", but it doesn't pack the surreal aroma of a truffle. It is a fungus, and it dances between sweet corn and earthy unctuousness. The hand made tortillas de maize were what one would expect from a Mexican making a Quesadillas, rather than those crispy flour tortillas you find at those other places. This was one of the better executions of corn fungus I have had, and believe it or not I have had many.
Chile en nogada, a poblano pepper roasted and stuffed with pork and beef picadillo, topped with a walnut mole and pomegranate seeds, a good dish, but traditionally done with an ancho chile. I found the chile to be a touch under cooked, and the mole had a bit too much sherry in it. A fun dish, and be sure I am splitting hairs here. The other yelpers seemed to enjoy it more than me.
Shrimp ala Diabla, fantastic, everything I love in a Mexican shrimp dish, aggressive seasoning, charred shell that imparts a strong shrimp flavor into the flesh, a sprinkling of chile de arbol that raised the ante on heat, complimented by a killer radish salad and rice. This dish showed how much range the chef has. This was my favorite dish.
Carne Asada, not your street vendor version here, a thick cut of high quality skirt steak, seasoned to perfection and cooked beautifully, can't say enough good things about this steak. It was served with nopales (cactus) con chorizo, the chorizo was brutally strong and really overpowered the rest of the dish. The bacon beans were good, but nothing could stand up to that steak.
Dessert, an arborio rice pudding, topped with a pear perfectly poached in sangria. The texture and sweetness of the pudding was spot on, I thought a touch of salt would have put this one over the edge. Although after eating like King Henry the eighth, I am not sure any dessert could have tempted my taste buds.
I will surely be returning to this wonderful establishment, I hope you do as well.
