The Gringo Chicago – You’ve Never Seen Churros Like These Before!
Written and Photos by Jessica Lewandowski
The Gringo Chicago in the West Town neighborhood was opened just a couple weeks earlier this month. The newest addition to the low-key but hip area is a lush, Mexican-street-themed taco joint. Inside is a brightly colored space flushed in calming, green lighting. There is also an outdoor patio that is sure to attract a fabulous late-night crowd!
The Gringo Chicago bar is pouring out some perfectly citrus refreshments! I ordered the Prickly Passion Margarita, which included Prickly Pear and Passion Fruit Juices. My friend ordered the Gringo’s Paloma, which featured hints of Grapefruit and just a squirt of Squirt! A splash of the “vintage” soda really rounded out the tequila in this drink!
Taco-clock struck, and it was time to go hard on a tray of The Gringo’s street tacos. There’s something for everyone on The Gringo’s menu! There were your classic tacos available, such as Carne Asada, Pollo, Al Pastor, Barbacoa, Shrimp, Fish, Carnitas, and Chorizo. My favorite taco of the evening had to be the Carnitas Taco because there was a heavenly drizzle of Avocado Cream across it!
The Gringo Chicago also offered tacos with Potato and a Poblano/Mushroom combo. Don’t worry, vegetarians, The Gringo has you covered! Each street taco could be devoured in 3-4 bites, so every-sized appetite can be satiated. Yum!
When you’re looking for dessert at a Mexican restaurant, you’re probably expecting churros, right? There were definitely churros on The Gringo’s menu, but they were nothing like what you’ve had before! The Gringo Chicago has done to the churro like what Stan’s Donuts has done to your favorite American pastry. My friend and I dined on bites of Churros that were smeared with Buttercream Frosting and topped with an assortment of Crushed Cookies, Pop Rocks, Chocolate, and even Fruity Pebbles!
At The Gringo Chicago, you come for the tacos and stay for the churros. Actually, you come for the drinks and stay for the tacos. Or maybe you come for the atmosphere and stay for the food. Come to The Gringo and you’re going to want to stay is what I’m trying to say!
The Gringo can be found at 1202 W Grand Ave. in Chicago. Hours of operation are Sunday-Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.- 11:00 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., and Friday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.