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Division (Blue)
Mon., Wed-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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Yet another reason to avoid the triangle of gastroterror, the abonimation unto my tastebuds known as La Pasadita.
De Pasada is quick, cheap and amazing.
Went to De Pasada on the recommendation of yelpers and discovered that it is at least worth trying. Somehow from the reviews, I imagined it to be more of a restaurant than it was. They do serve you at a table if you want, but when you get there it looks more like a take-out place. Not many tables - your typical in and out type of lunch place. Except, of course, they sell delicious burritos.
They serve a decent duo of salsa with restaurant style chips - weren't warm or fresh or anything. My wife had the chicken 'super tacos' and I had the carne asada burrito (traditional style). The burrito was good because it is your standard meat/cilantro/onions mix - and cheese in this instance. Decent quality meat, tasty sauce. Hot, temperature-wise. Not too dry. I agree that the tortilla could be better as I prefer the 'chewy' or what I might call 'doughy' type tortilla to a toasted one. The chicken super tacos were not so super. Pretty run-of-the-mill Americanized taco. Very little seasoning. Needed salsa, rice and beans to spice it up. I would not recommend anything with 'super' in the title on the menu. Stick with the cilantro/onions mix.
They serve Mexican coke in the bottle, which is always a plus. Pure cane sugar deliciousness. We also had rice and beans. Rice was cooked well, but not much in the way of seasoning. Beans were good, not great. We paid something in the range of $18 for the meal not including tip.
I would go back if I were in the area just to try something else that they have. I like the place. I do have better memories of the Pasadita burrito, though. If I could, I would give De Pasada 3.5 stars.
What De Pasada has going for itself is quick service and good food. I personally don't care for my tortilla being toasted over a grill--I like my tortilla chewy. The chicken burrito had a good taste--loved the onions and cilantro. The place is run by two older women who certainly know their way around the kitchen. I like sitting at the counter and having a bird's eye view into the kitchen.
I prefer the chewy burritos and salsas at La Pasadita but we all know the service at La Pasadita is ATROCIOUS. De Pasada's service is very good.
I got the carne asada tacos and my date a chicken burrito. The tacos were bland and had little meat, and the chips they give you were very stale. I've never tried a salsa I didn't like. Their salsa tasted like watery tomato sauce.
I wondered if we would have been better off going down the street to La Pasadita...
Both of our meals was $20... not THAT cheap.
I will continue my search for flavorful authentic Mexican.
Their location on Taylor is tasty and cheap, so when I found myself in Wicker Park and craving tacos it was a no brainer.
However, their Ashland outpost is not only more expensive than the Little Italy location, but it is also much less tasty. In fact, the barbaco was inedible and the chicken was dry as can be.
They have chile rellenos TACOS. Which are mind-blowing. This alone merits 3 or 4 stars, if you're a rellenos lover like myself. The rest of the things we ordered were solid enough to push to 5. Skip the La Pasadita district up the street. This is a nice small place, seems like the employees/owners care.
We've been here twice and it was absolutely delicious each time. This place gives you free tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa- red and green. The red was really flavorful and the green was spicier, but also tasty. I ordered the vegetarian tacos with guacamole and a horchata. The horchata was perfect- slightly vanilla-y with a hint of cinnamon. I think it came out of a machine, but I don't mind if it's that good. My tacos were spicy enough that I was sweating a bit by the time I finished, but the beans were anything but bland. I loved the cheese they used too.
To the left of my table there was a stack of trashy magazines that I guiltily looked through while waiting for my food. Mmm People... and some gloriously bad made for TV movie was playing.
My husband enjoyed his beef taco dinner and noted that he usually doesn't like corn tortillas, but that these somehow lacked the texture and aftertaste that usually put him off. My brother-in law commented that his beef burrito was just the right size for dinner, and that the beef had a great, peppery taste to it. We all left satisfied, and this was much more than we expected at 9PM on a Sunday night.
My burrito came out ridiculously hot, like I seriously got second-degree burns from that thing -- but I just couldn't let go. Compared to similar 4-star places, the al pastor was pretty good, the chicken was decent, the lengua was ok. Lots of meat and prices ain't bad. I'm not a Pasadita hater, but there are a few reasons why I'd walk down the street to this place. De Pasada is smaller, quieter and more conducive to sitting down and chilling. Solid chips and salsa to start things off. The service was great and everyone was very welcoming. But in terms of food, it's a tough call.
A great little Mexican place that surprised me with its deliciousness!
I was going to go to La Pasadita a block down - in fact, me and the boy walked down, only to find out my fav of the three LPs had closed at 6, so having a hankering for some chips and salsa and some super tacos, I decided we should give De Pasada try, and I am glad we did.
First off, I like the fact they have actual tomato salsa for their chips - it is really tasty! A plus over my LP (even though I still love that dark green salsa at LP for my tacos)! And this place has a nice, homey feel to it, with the chalk board menu up top, the counter to eat at, the little tables - I definitely dug it. And the food did not disappoint either. While LP probably has some plusses in other areas, when it comes to the standards and the chips and salsa offerings, I am going to stick to De Pasada for decent hours!
I really truly love this place. The food is consistent and just good. Not fancy or innovative, just good solid homestyle 'eating at your grandmas' yummy food.
The prices are really reasonable and I think the food is much better than La Pasadita down the street.
Could be the best taco's in Chicago.
I've had 3 - Carne Asada (steak), pork, and chile releno. $2 for tortilla, meat, onions, cilantro, salsa .. $3 for super version (sour cream, guac, cheese, lettuce, tomato). You also get chips and salsa on your table - spicy red salsa and even spicier green salsa.
The tortillas were awesome - never had better, even in california. I think they were flour, not as common as corn tortillas for tacos. The meat was good, the salsa was good, no blunders. The chile releno taco didn't work for me - fried chile with melted cheese is great solo, but not so much in a taco. Can't wait to try a burrito and other dishes.
Place is small and cute, friendly and family oriented. A plus.
Ok, seriously delicious chicken burrito and salsa. Juicy chicken, yummy warm tortilla, plenty of cilantro and onions. And the house salsa the have is nice and chunky and spicy. I've lived around the corner for a year now and I had no idea how yum this place way, cause i was always distracted by the THREE La Pasaditas. Definitely a tiny hidden gem :)
Great flautas. Best rice at a Mexican restaurant I've been to. The only reason this is four stars instead of five is because of the service. The waitress was not friendly and I had to say "thank you" probably 4 different times before she said "you're welcome" back. Don't go here for the atmosphere. This place literally looks like someone said "Let's make a restaurant!" and then gathered everything they had in in their house, bought some equipment and called it a day. The kitchen looks like the kitchen time forgot. I'm pretty sure most of their utensils come from the dollar store.
I had initally walked in to La Pasadita just five doors down. The place was packed, only one table available, and people waiting to order take out, but as I was waiting at the counter I realized I wasn't where I wanted to be. I walked down to De Pasada which was completely empty and ordered the carne asada burrito. Chips and salsa were nothing special. The burrito came with way too much cilantro and the onions needed to be diced smaller. The meat was nothing special, would've liked a little more of it, though. There's too many other choices in this area for Mexican.
This is a nice little Mexican joint that never disappoints.
They've got all the taste of La Pasadita down the street (and more, in my opinion), but without the craziness. My favorite is to go early on weekends for chilaquiles.
In the spirit of being La Pasadita's genteel cousin, De Pasada keeps decent hours, so night owls, stick to your roost down the street.
That being said, Pasada is not a stick in the mud environment. It's BYOB, and a couple storefronts down there's a friendly place to get your Modelo or Kiwi/Melon Mad Dog.
Extra points for attentive and friendly staff. I think they keep it in the family, so they're invested in the place and really want you to like your food and your time there.
A friend and I attempted to dine at La Pasadita one evening but they were closed. We began brainstorming for an alternate restaurant as we walked south on Ashland, and literally walked right by De Pasada. We decided to give it a try, and we're so glad we did.
The place is quaint but has character, the food is cheap but delicious (far superior to La Pasadita actually), and the two women who are always working when I'm there are super nice and great at what they do.
And I enjoyed watching Jurassic Park dubbed in Spanish during my last visit.
Minus one star though for a tiny selection of beverages. Lemonade is good though.
Beware of a certain creepy Irish guy that has no problem hitting on you while you try to eat your burrito.
Personally, I didn't think the burritos were amazing. The beans were awesome all creamy and smooth without any chalky texture akin to lower burrito establishments. The burrito was well toasted, but the tortilla was toasted out of that chewy and stretchy texture that I love about burritos. The meat was saucy, the onions were chunky, and the cilantro was large and leafy. I prefer my meat char-grilled, onions finely diced, and cilantro chopped up.
I do however think that the people who work there are fantastic. They are some of the sweetest people I've ever encountered. Really quite endearing. I also have a soft spot for businesses where there are kids doing their homework and mom's behind the counter.
De pasada & La Pasadita are the same. I've been going to La Pasadita since I was a child & I've had plenty of mexican food but these two resturants are by far the BEST I've ever had ! De Pasada has the best steak burritos / Tacos around! ( Me-Me I better get a free burrito ) This is Greg's wife=)
Donna T
This is the best place to just get good food. Friendly service and tasty food along.
With a few friends, this place was our weekly spot. The food never got tired on us! Will have to start up the weekly dining here again.
Plus the prices can't be beat! Just remember they are closed on Tuesday!
I love this place. It has so much character and the food is incredible. In a city of Mexican restaurants, this place stands out in atmosphere and flavor. Give it a try. I love the salsa!
This is my kind of place. I've never been disappointed by a little family owned and operated taqueria and De Pasada is no different. No glitz and no glamor, just excellent and simple Mexican food at low prices and with very friendly service.....just the way I like it. Dinner for two with enough leftovers for one lunch the next day for $15 and the place is BYOB. What more do you want?
Too bad there are no such places around where I live. If this was nearby, I'd practically move in.
I've been to the UIC location, but I didn't know they had another location in Chicago. It was a nice surprise when we were looking for a cheap BYOB place. Normally De Pasada is an order, eat, and leave type of place. So when a group of 7 people stumbled in with two bottles of wine, the cook/waitress was more than accomadating. Everyone at my table ordered 2-3 tacos each, and asked for everything including hot sauce. BOY oh BOY, was it hot. I was able to handle it and even took off my sweater b/c I was sweating, but my friend asked if they could re-make hers. Just add your own hot sauce!!! In any case, it was about $8/pp after tax and tip.
I prefer it over La Pasadita because its family owned and operated, and I feel like the food is more homemade. Not sure if its all that much better than the La Pasaditas, but I prefer it everytime.
Give it a shot over the others sometime just to see what you think...
7
12
loved it! Got some lengua, carne asada and carnitas tacos.
0
15
Recently I have given up on the three ring circus located on Ashland also known as La Pasadita. Been frequenting those establishments since 1999 and I can tell you that the slow decline of those establishments has reached rock bottom compared to its earlier glory days that built it such a great reputation and following.
With all that being said, I found myself in search of a good steak burrito and didn't have to look very far. Just located a few doors south of the La pasadita empire was a small storefront with a sign that read "De Pasada". Went in for a trial run and was floored on how much better everything-food,service and prices. If quality steak is what one asks for in a steak burrito then De Pasada answers with flavorful juicy asada. Salsas are also plus as well as the fresh ingredients. Service was great and very accomadating. The only drawback is the actual size of the place but it only a minor drawback considering the place is also a BYOB
This is the original De Pasada that I grew up in. This location is small but cozy. Have a seat up at the counter & enjoy. Just like the others this is family owned, BYOB, fresh ingredients, friendly staff. Love it!!! Wish there was one here in the burbs.
I understand that it is more homey and has a better feel than LP...but it just isn't as good. I really liked the setup, and the food was definetly tasty, just not as tasty as the other options (La Pasadita and Taco Veloz.)
Hands down, my favorite Mexican spot in Chicago. Where else can your taqueria experience include the love of three generations of Mexican women? This tiny, clean BYOB spot is perfect. The salsas are flavorful and spicy, the barbacoa tender and cinnamon coffee a perfect touch. Let the clueless go to La Pasadita.
The Best Burrito in Chicago, hands down. The service is nice and prompt. The Chicken Burrito can not be touched by any other Mexican Restaurant in the City. The only bad thing is it is not open late night.
i've gotta say that while i like la pasadita, i prefer de pasada any day. their food is less greasy and fatty, and the staff are way nicer. from the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is great with a family-run feel and chalkboard menu. prices are what you'd expect for a regular taco shop, and they have enough variety to satisfy your picky eaters and vegetarians.
i usually get a steak super taco and horchatta, but i've had other stuff like chorizo and eggs for breakfast. the steak is definitely better than the chicken, but that's not to say the chicken's no good. if you dine in, it's BYOB and they bring chips and excellent salsa to the table. i don't think i've ever seen it crowded at de pasada, so the limited seating has never been a problem.
make sure you don't try to go on a tuesday because that's the one day a week they are closed...and it always happens that i really want tacos on tuesdays. they also close by 10pm normally, so you won't run into a mass of drunks on the weekends. it's a double-edged sword, though, since sometimes i'm one of those drunks and i WANT tacos.
it should also be said that the lady who works there most of the time is one hot mom.
If you can somehow navigate your way past the 13 or so La Pasiditas along the 1200 block of Ashland, maybe you will end up at De Pasada. There is no shortage of tasty, cheap Mexican cuisine in the area, so having a favorite says something. The counter ladies are sweet and smiley and they even allow me to flub my Spanish. The large horchada will serve 3 thirsty fellas and the 'super' burrito is exactly that. My only disapointment is forgeting that they are closed on Tuesday nights.
This place is the coziest little taqueria in town! Family run and totally cheap. Their carne asada is great and the veggie tacos can't be beat with fresh guacamole, cilantro, sour cream and salsa. La Pasadita has nothing on these nice ladies. Also- the red salsa is super good. Closed on tuesdays!!
I live very close to De Pasada so I end up eating a ton of Mexican food. I used to go to La Pasadita until I stumbled upon De Pasada. De Pasada just isn't as noticable since there is only one on the block. I no longer go to La Pasadita because the food, service, and atmosphere do not compare. I love the pork tacos as well as the enchilada dinner. I go here at least twice per week for either take out of dine in. The ladies that work here are very nice. Try them for a Mexican style breakfast on the weekends. Although the chips and salsa are a bit strange with coffee at 10am, the huevos rancheros are damn good. Make sure to grab some Mexican beer at the convenience store a few doors down.
Whereas the other "pasaditas" down the street are rather sterile, this one has a more homey and warm atmosphere. I got food to go. Good solid Mexican food in a pleasant atmosphere.
i eat here about 3-4 times a week. no joke. amazing in every sense. in fact, i will never eat at la pasadita again (and haven't since coming here). it is everything you want from a mexican place and more. surely you will agree with their sign that states "best taco's in the city"
These guys are the cousins of the Pasadita people right down the block. Their meat tastes the same, but they have something even better: red salsa with a hint of cilantro. Excellent burritos, tacos and more. Check out their University Village location as well.
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Category: Mexican
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