Mesa Urbana – Seasonal Mexican Fare in Urban Setting
By Patricia Ruiz
City dwellers are often dubious leaving the confines of the Windy City for a meal, but Mesa Urbana in Northbrook is a destination well-worth the trip. Featuring authentic Mexican cuisine in a modern environment, Mesa Urbana offers shared plates, local beers, and a bevy of stellar cocktails made with the freshest ingredients.
As we entered the brightly colored space, communal counter-height tables with industrial-themed stools offered a welcoming atmosphere for the young and trendy, families with children, and 9-5ers looking to cut loose. A long bar welcomed happy hour patrons and carpoolers waiting out rush hour. Private tables near the rear of the restaurant allowed diners to enjoy conversation over their meals.
As we were seated, we were greeted with warm salsa and freshly fried tortilla chips. This was the perfect opportunity to sample a cocktail from Mesa Urbana’s exemplary list. The Urbana Margarita featured sliced Cucumbers and was incredibly refreshing. All of Mesa Urbana’s cocktails were made with fresh juice and, in some cases, muddled fresh fruit.
On our visit, Mesa Urbana offered a new, seasonal soup featuring Pumpkin. The perfect soup to usher in fall, this creation was topped with a Cinnamon-inflected Apple Chutney and Crème Fraiche. The Ceviche Trio, under the appetizers section of the menu, was one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, as it allowed diners to enjoy a fusion of Mexican-style, American-style, and Asian-style ceviche, paired with nontraditional accompaniments like sliced cucumber and celery sticks. The Empanada was stuffed full of Lobster and Cream Cheese—a delight.
Tacos were large and generous, with four per order. Certainly sharable, we chose from options like the Vegetariano (with Mushrooms, Epazote, Red Peppers, Avocado, and Beans), Costilla de Res (Short Rib, Pickled Red Onion and Sweet Peppers), and the Pescado (Pan Seared Grouper, Cabbage, Pineapple Relish, Avocado and Caper Aioli).
The entrée options at Mesa Urbana continued the theme of impeccably fresh ingredients. The Salmon al Carbon highlighted sushi-grade Salmon served medium rare with Caramelized Mango, Green Papaya and Avocado Crème Fraiche. The Halibut was one of Mesa Urbana’s most popular dishes, featuring Risotto Crusted Halibut, Tomato Fennel Ragout, Capers, Basil and Anchovies. The Lomo de Gaza was the star of our meal, with an impeccably cooked New York Strip Steak (perfectly pink inside with a flavorful, caramelized crust) topped with Oyster Mushrooms and Truffle Butter. The tacos and entrees were both served with a side of Cranberry Beans.
Desserts at Mesa Urbana, like the rest of the menu, were seasonal and thoughtfully prepared. The Lava Cake was intensely chocolatey. A special Pumpkin Bread Pudding was delightfully custardy and served with a slice of Roasted Pumpkin.
Mesa Urbana is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday), and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!