El Tinajon
Category: Latin American [Edit]
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village2054 W Roscoe St
(between Hoyne Ave & Seeley Ave)
Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 525-8455
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
95 reviews
Neighborhood: Lakeview
"Went here on Sunday night for a birthday dinner. I loved the atmosphere and the artwork. There was a Spanish guitarist and singer to add to…" read more »
38 Reviews for El Tinajon
I stopped in one morning for breakfast and really enjoyed my juevos mexicana...but eggs with peppers, onion and tomato aren't really that complicated. The side of beans was good. The chips and salsa were good.
The service was not great but they had outdoor seating, which was perfect for the first spring day of the year in Roscoe Village.
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I'm surprised by the positive reviews, so maybe my experience is not typical.
Service was painfully slow. Everyone in the restaurant was getting up to go to the kitchen door and ask for more chips and salsa. We had to remind our water several times what drinks we ordered. My Sangria tasted awful.
I had the guatemalan tacos, which were very bland, and possibly microwaved. The rice definitely WAS one of those vegetable rice pilaf microwave deals... The salsa was pretty watery and boring, the guacamole was way too salty. We also tried one of the chicken stews which was decent, but also fairly bland and just not of very high quality. Considering that the appetizer, one drink, and two entrees put me back $35, I will definitely not be back. It's not the cost that irks me, but the value. We felt like they were playing a joke on us!
Great neighborhood restaurant; Wish it was in mine! Very warm welcome. We ordered our food and were brought a complimentary homemade soup which my boyfriend loved even though he's not a soup eater. Not a big fan of their rice but my vegetarian platter was great. I'll be back to try the Chicken in Pipian sauce and see if it rivals my experiences in Guatemala.
Cute as a button interior, super waitstaff and some seriously potent sangria.
The Enchilada Guatemalteca was a surprise, it was a flat corn tortilla layered with a lettuce leaf topped with chicken, some sort of pink pickled cabbage,cheese, parsley and a slice of hard boiled egg. The meat was excellent, but be prepared for the cold pink cabbagy stuff - it is rather unusual and unexpected!
The Pachede Papa was huge, delicious and very filling. Spicy mashed potato, steamed in banana leaf, with pork mixed in. Yum.
The menu is large and varied, and also includes a mexican section in addition to the guatemalan. Your tummy will be happy!
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Hurray for Guatemala!
Hurray for me trying to figure out what the difference between Mexican and Guatemalan food is (hoping no Guetemalans read this and send me hate mail....cuz I'm sure there's a huge difference....I just haven't realized it yet).
Hurray for this cute place!
Guatemalan food isn't that different from Mexican food.
So I wonder than why this place charges twice as much for half the portion size? I ordered and appetizer and a dinner combo plate and it cost me $18+ . I can spend $10 at ANY Mexican food joint and get twice as much without sacrificing much quality.
I will admit the rice and beans were better but...come on...rice and beans? Otherwise the entrees were TINY...and honestly just OK.
Two stars is too many but I can't give halves.
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Being a regular at El Tinajon is definitely not a bad thing! El Tinajon calls to me weekly for YUMMY comfort food in the form of corn tamales or corn tortillas. On a brunch expedition I just have to order some fried plaintains. In such a busy Brunch neighborhood, it is awesome to have a place so warm and inviting with less than a fifteen minute wait, and usually no wait at all. I enjoy the music and the staff on a weekly basis and often tell them, "Su cucina es mi cucina." YUMMY!
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Hungover? Too ill to drag your sorry ass up to Lawrence for some curative Korean food? Get thee to El Tinajon and order the Caldo de Res ~ it will cure what ails you. A big, beautiful, steaming bowl of rich beef broth studded with veggies and meat, served with lime and tortillas and garnished with jalapeos....just the thing after a long, hard, night of drinking.
Prices have gone up over the years, but this place is still a cheap date. Out of towners love it as, let's face it, Guatemalan cuisine hasn't exactly taken over the US yet. I took family friends that were moving to Guatemala (and had never tried Guatemalan food) here last year, and breakfast for all 6 of us was under $40.00. 2 of the people in our party were under 8, so a good place to take kids as well.
I've yet to have a bad meal here, but I'm particularly fond of the the aforementioned Caldo de Res, the breakfasts, and the appetizers. I used to love the tamales here, but since receiving severe and prolonged food poisoning after eating the real deal in San Marcos, Guatemala on Christmas Eve 2006 (cursed be the day), I can't eat the darn things at all, even here where they are muy delicious. Don't let my tamale aversion stop you, however, as they make a very good version here.
Pleasant staff, very vegetarian friendly, comfy & inexpensive ~ hungover or not, a great place for an relaxed and budget friendly meal.
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First, I didn't think the portions were tiny. I find that Mexican restaurants leave me feeling over-full, and I left El Tinajon very full and with food still on my plate.
They take reservations, which was great for my group of seven-- the restaurant filled up by 8. They have a full bar, and were more than willing to make drinks that my friend and I were making up ourselves. All the waitstaff was really friendly throughout the whole evening, and we didn't at all feel rushed, even though we were taking up two or three tables.
The food came out really fast, and was great. I was expecting some more spiceyness,but I guess that's not how it is in Guatemala. They have a whole section of vegetarian plates and most of the entrees come with rice and beans. I didn't love the rice and beans, but my friends seemed to. The plantains were amazing, as was the guacamole! I highly recommend trying them both.
A great, intimate and cozy restaurant that would be good for a group or a date, or a night out with the parents. The full bar and proximity to other bars make it a great location. Good food, good prices, good staff.
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I really liked everything about this little Roscoe Village storefront restaurant. As we walked up on a frigid winter night, one of the employees saw us coming and threw open the door for us and welcomed us in, taking us right to a table. So, from before we even entered until we were on our way out, we were treated very warmly and attentively. The food was great, with a lot of the traditional flavors of latin american food like plantains, ceviche, beans and rice and tamales, but without the spiciness that people associate with Mexican food. I had a combination plate with the intention of trying a few different things, and doing so only made me want to try more.
Great people working there, cute, modest interior and great food make this a place worth returning to.
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So as I usually have a violent reaction to most Mexican food (use your imaginations), the discovery of this place really eased my mind and stomach.
The guacamole is very yummy, the sangria somewhat powerful, and Guatemalan tacos nice and crispy.
The refried beans are the best--they're smooth and not weird and chunky like at so many places.
I've been back a couple times, and plan to keep going. Yum!
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Pretty solid, very affordable place. I was really happy with the tamales and the plaintains. The sangria was a little disappointing, but that's ok.
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After walking past El Tinajon numerous times I took 5 friends there last night who were in from out of town and we had a great dinner. We were in need of a big, satisfying meal after an all-day St. Patrick's day drink-a-thon on Saturday.
Our waiter was great and helpful with suggestions. 2 of us had the very traditional stews and everyone else got combination plates. The tamale appetizers and also the guacamole were delicious. We loved the 2 pitchers of pina coladas and our waiter also brought over some shredded coconut to sprinkle on top.
It was just what we needed. We took our time with ordering and eating and never felt rushed. Everyone left full and satisfied, I'll definitely be back. 4 starts, atmosphere is alright but lights could be dimmer, a little on the cheesy side.
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Came here on a busy Saturday night without reservations, and while we still had to wait to be seated, the place was very accommodating. Although the restaurant itself is tiny, it has a nice, relaxing atmosphere to it.
The guac was fantastic (no big chunks of avocado!), and the chicken enchiladas I ordered were cooked perfectly. I just wish there had been more enchiladas and less refried beans. The sangria was perfectly sweet, and one of my friends commented that the stuffed peppers are fantastic, which I will definitely try next time.
Great place to go if you're looking for a little twist from Mexican food.
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Toss a plantain into my dish and I will dance (without the aid of an organ grinder or a tin cup). El Tinajon is a cute little spot with some yummy eats!
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people - do not fear refried beans for breakfast... you don't know what you're missing.
the breakfast here is muy delicioso. i fell in love with traditional Guatemalan-style breakfast when i visited there in college, and El Tinajon did not disappoint. it's like a restaurant in Guatemala, except without the semiautomatic weapon-wielding armed guards (seriously - even Burger King has them there, oh the stories i could tell from that trip).
the Desayuno Chapin is a great way to try a lot of items - tortillas, eggs, refried black beans, cheese, plantains, fruit... all for $6.50.
their tortillas are nothing short of spectacular.
oh, and when you visit, check out the bizarrely modified 3 bladed ceiling fan... what were they thinking? you'll know what i mean when you see it.
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I live in Seattle, not Chicago, but every time I visit my college buddy in Chi-town we go to breakfast at El Tinajon. Having spent some time living and traveling in Guatemala, I can say El Tinajon's cuisine is autentico and delicious.
I order the Desayuno Chapin, which includes eggs, tortillas, plantains, black beans, and fruit. It's a whopping five or six dollars, I think, and they give you tortilla chips and salsa (a little strange at breakfast, but still good). The coffee is lightly spiced with cinnamon and they pour until you say "uncle" (or tio, I guess).
Thinking of this makes me really hungry. I actually would come to Chicago *just* to eat at El Tinajon alone, except that makes for a pretty expensive breakfast.
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Venturing to this Roscoe Village restaurant for something a little different, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Guatemalan cuisine is quite delectable.
From the tasty appetizer platter to the pulled beef and chicken dishes, nothing on the menu seems bad. I haven't touched the Mexican side of the menu, but that's not why I chose to eat there.
The intimate (but not formal) dining experience features Guatemalan tourist videos on the televisions, paintings that reflect life in the mountains, and the sweet serenade of Marimba music. Service is attentive and while the Margaritas aren't the strongest, you're really there for the good food.
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One hungover morn a few Sunday's back, my friend and I wandered into this little festively decorated restaurant for some much-needed belly-calming grub. We had at first wanted to go to Kitschen down the street at Damen and Roscoe, but of course the wait was horrendous, and in the end I didn't care whether I ate pancakes or beans and rice at this point.
Once inside you feel magically transported to a... well... overly decorated and kind of gaudy Guatemalan restaurant in Chicago. Even the music was some generic cha-cha-cha stuff playing a little too loudly for my struggling cranium. One thing I don't understand about many ethnic restaurants is why the whole culture has to be used as a vessel for decorating motifs and entertainment. Couldn't they just highlight the food, put up some pictures of the country, and be done with it all?
But anyway. The chips and salsa were actually quite nice. Great salsa, both sweet and spicy. I ordered too much off the menu, but I really wanted to check out these new Guatamalan dishes I'd never heard of. We had some kind of bean dip, but instead of being smooth and creamy like I had expected, it came out almost looking like a big turd on a plate. It comes with cheese on top of it, which is a nice addition, and the taste was passable, and definitely not turd-like, but not as good as other bean dips I've had.
I also got one of their pork tamales, and while it was tasty, there was almost no pork and a whole lot of tamal. I don't like tamales where they advertise an ingredient that is supposed to be inside the tamale, and then it is really not in there. I mean, if I gave someone a present and inside was only a quarter of the gift, what is the point exactly?
For my main course I took the recommendation of the waitress and tried a red beef stew. The stew part was savory, and the rice that came with it mixed well with that red stuff, but the beef was just not cooked right at all. It was very rubbery and hard to chew. It was supposed to be pulled beef, which can often be hard to cook enough, but in this case it was really just not soft enough. I gave up on eating it all because my teeth hurt from chewing on the cow like a cow chews on grass all day. Maybe it was a lesson from the almighty about becoming a vegetarian.
They were very nice here, which means I might go back some day and try to get some better food than when I came this time. It seems like many people like this place. All the same, it's not the best.
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These people need to learn how to use a miracle flavoring additive known as SALT! Booze is not enough reason for me to give a restaurant a better rating. I judge it mainly by the food. Overpriced, flavorless and no big deal. Chicago is loaded with so many taco joints that this place does nothing to differentiate itself from the others.
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I'm writing from memory here- we ate here almost 10 years ago. My brother-in-law spent several months in Guatemala and he heard about El Tinajon so we all went. While I don't remember exactly what we all ordered, I do remember thinking that El Tinajon is a place that I wanted to keep secret. So secret that I forget to eat there every time that we come back to Chicago, which is a damn shame. Would like to compare it to the Guatemalan food hubby & I had in Guatemala so I'm off to bookmark this!
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cute lil roscoe village joint! i was in the 'hood with my boyf (getting my teeth cleaned at Sugar Fix Dental) and afterwards we decided to grab some guatemalan grub.
it was an odd time to eat - close to 3pm, so it was us and 1 othercouple (a few more came in within the hour). the place was tiny, the front window was covered with plants (i assume from the flower shop next door) and it was rustic just like mexico (i know, i should say guatemala, but i have never been there and have been to mexico 7 times). with the authentic music, we felt like we were back in the land of cervezas and beans, rice, cheese and tortillas.
our mini-spring break feast started out with some great greasy tortilla chips and salsa. then we ordered the caldo de pollo (guatemalan chicken soup) - it had ciltantro, chicken, rice (to add in), veggies and a hunk of a corn cob, ya ya. (that mini corn cob was deliscioso mi amigo. yo quiero)
for the main course boyf got flank steak with beans, rice, fried plaintains (unreal!) and some eggs on the side (random). also he got an empanada on the side, it was crispy and amaze. i got the tostadas - crispy, good, and i was full!
the waitress was nice and didn't let us down with our choices that she helped us make - "oh yes, very good."
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What a wonderful little gem on Roscoe! My friend and I were debating where we wanted to feast, and as we drove down the street, we decided that El Tinajon was our destination.
My only experience with Guatemalan food was many years ago, when I would frequent my friend's house, where his mom was always dishing up something tasty.
I can honestly say I was not disappointed with my first visit. We started out with the shrimp ceviche, which was tasty, but not anything stellar. They used those petite little shrimp often found in fried rice. Eh. But the chips on the table, though greasy, were so addictive.
I had this chicken dish, I can't remember the name of it, but it was the Guatemalan equivalent of fajitas, smothered in cheese, with refried black beans, corn tortillas (the best kind) and rice. The skillet was loaded with tender veggies and a delicious sauce. Mouthwatering!
Our service was phenomenal! Our server was attentive, friendly and very helpful in making selections. We had a bit of ceviche left and he looked almost wounded when we said we didn't want to take it home - I feel like he was really concerned with making sure his guest enjoy their experience.
I can't wait to come back and sample something new!
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Wow, surprised to find so many 5 star reviews. Maybe I need to give this restaurant a second chance. The food was good, but nothing to rave about. I was disappointed by how many of the dishes on the menu were traditional mexican dishes. I tried one of the brunch dishes (forget name) and the chorizo was very dry.
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This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! The food is absolutely delicious, I love their sangria (with the fruit in your glass), and everyone I've taken here is rightly impressed.
The food is not bland whatsoever, but at the same time, it's not Lalo's, so if you are thinking it will taste the same as a Mexican chain, well you're right, it won't! But in my opinion, it's SO much better. The salsa, the black beans, the tamals, the chicken, and the plantains? Can't go wrong!
I've never been disappointed by anything on the Guatemalan menu, and the waitresses are so nice and accommodating. I love this place; just thinking about it makes me want to go and visit again!
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El Tinajon rocked my socks off. One of my good friends from college married a Guatemalan girl and they live in Eastern Indiana, not generally known for anything well Guatemalan so much to their delight we found this one tucked away and cozy Roscoe V to satisfy their cravings.
Don't be an ass and order the Mexican items on the menu. Go for the Guate and you will be rewarded with a better and somewhat lighter type of food than most Mexican. We had both corn and plaintain hot drinks (Atoles) that were muy delicioso. The tortillas for most things were corn instead of flour. The spicy potato appetizer tasted to me like the inside of an Indiana Samosa but a large roll of to dip in to. For dessert we had a coconut sorbet. One of the best authentic ethnic food experiences I've had in the city in a casual, cozy, inexpensive restaurant. If only the darn Brown Line wasn't a freezing several blocks away.
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I finally made my way down to El Tinajon this weekend and I was very pleased I did so! The restaurant and outdoor seating are very inviting and the staff very friendly and attentive. The menu had a great selection (it was hard to choose) and had a little something for everyone. I got a the Plato Combinado and my boyfriend got the Tacos Guatemalatecos...we thoroughly enjoyed both plates, especially the black beans..mmmm. My favorite part? The herbs on everything tasted so fresh...always a good sign in my book!
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To be fair, my husband likes this place much better than I do. I ordered a Guatemalan chicken and rice dish which was just ok, but really was just rice, chicken and a few veggies tossed in a green sauce. Eh. I would go here again, but it's really nothing to write home about. I even took the waitress's suggestions, so it isn't even like i ordered something weird.
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I thought the food was very bland. Quaint place and service was good, but I was underwhelmed by the food. I had the combo #6 and nothing on it tickled my fancy. I did like the yucca appetizer my friend ordered though.
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Great restaurant, great prices, great staff. This is authentic as it gets. My friend married a woman of Guatemalan decent and she said this is the most authentic restaurant in the city. Stay away from the traditional Mexican dishes and try one of the authentic Guatemalan dishes. My favs are their Tamales, salpicon and the enchiladas( which have a beet salad mixture.
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The food (and service) here is consistently good. I've taken my parents and friends here on numerous occasions with no complaints. Oddly, a few years back one of the employees told me they were closing up shop for reasons I didn't understand and didn't bother to question. Who knows, perhaps they say such things to keep people coming back.
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My best friend is Guatemalan and introduced me to one of my favorite new places to stuff my gullet. Everything on my plate was so delicious and just bursting with flavor. We went there for breakfast, and I was SO FULL before I had even gotten halfway around my plate. It was embarrassing, but I was so...HAPPY. I felt wonderful! And I can't wait to go back again. :)
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This Guatemalan restaurant may not look like much, but it's a little Roscoe Village gem. I've often dined there alone and don't feel in the least bit uncomfortable or out of place. The decor is quaint, the music pleasant, and the staff quite nice. Even better, the prices are reasonable.
I'm a fan of the vegetarian burrito. It's filled with refried black beans, yummy guacamole, and a medley of veggies including red cabbage, of all things. It's one of the few burritos I have trouble finishing at one sitting, so it's great to be able to take my food home to enjoy later.
The fried plantains are to die for, but they're only good while hot, so I don't recommend carrying them out.
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I'm not familiar with Guatemalan food so I decided to go with a Guatemalan friend. I didn't know how well she really liked it until she said, "I have to bring my dad here!" Her dad is Guatemalan too (duh). That sounds like a ringing endorsement to me. Although it has some similarities to Mexican food, it's certainly not Mexican food. I'm sure if you told a Guatemalan it was like Mexican food, they'd probably beat you over the head with plantain. Among differences I noticed, it seems MUCH healthier.
I enjoyed the food . The only thing that really bothered me was the clutter in the place. So many mobiles and colorful pictures it's a bit distracting... I feel like I'm ADD.
Why do they have a "traditional Mexican" menu? There are like ten thousand Mexican restaurants in the city. Just keep it real, Tinajon, keep it real.
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What a charming surprise!
I know nothing of Guatemlan food, but I will definitely be back to this cozy little gem in Roscoe Village to learn more!
I had a great shrimp in garlic dish, my companions loved their a) veggie burrito and b) Plato San Lucas.
Great guacamole, spicy salsa, crisp chips, excellent beans: A+ on every count!
Perfect size portions, great service, wonderful homey vibe!
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-Great beans and rice (I don't know what they spice the beans with, but it is amazing!)
-Great salsa (and they generously refill the chips and salsa whenever it runs out!)
-Great ceviche!
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I've only been here twice, but both times I've visited, I've left happy. A bit on the small side, but a great menu!
If I remember correctly, almost every entree is served with sweet plantains and black beans. I normally dislike black beans but they are great here! Food arrives relatively quickly. Make sure you don't' fill up on the delish chips and salsa before your meal arrives! Entree portions will fill you up, and some leave you enough to have a small serving to take home.
Wait staff is cordial, a few don't speak English, but there are enough that do to help you with extras you may want.
Price-wise, roughly $8 for brunch/lunch and $13 for dinner, tax and tip included =)
Both times I've gone, this place has been at least half occupied if not completely full, it seems to be a favorite amongst those in the neighborhood. Parking is also relatively easy.
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This colorful restaurant serves Guatemalan food, not to be confused with Mexican food. They serve lots of soups and stews at reasonable prices.
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