Boasting over 125 different tequilas, all 100% agave, El Mariachi Tequila Bar and Grill is striving to introduce Mexican cuisine in a different way. Sure you’re able to enjoy traditional dishes like enchiladas, burritos and tortas, but the presentation that El Mariachi chefs deliver is more than what most people expect from Mexican cuisine. For example, El Mariachi prepares tableside guacamole customized to their guests’ palate, which most Mexican restaurants don’t do. Being unique and erasing the misconceptions of what Mexican cuisine is supposed to look like is their goal. Mexican culture and their people have come a long way and El Mariachi is expressing that through their food. The chefs are passionate about creating unique flavorful dishes and that passion is passed on to the rest of the staff.
El Mariachi is a family owned business that started nineteen years ago as a tiny restaurant in the East Lakeview Chicago neighborhood. Through the years, owner Tony Estrada and his family, worked hard to grow the restaurant that now thrives in a much bigger space in the same hood. Family members in their business have always challenged each other to think outside the box, which led to another successful concept called Revolucion. Revolucion is the first Mexican steak house in Chicago with big aspirations.
When dining at El Mariachi, the daily “Chef’s Specials” are a must try. These specials are typically three different dishes that include an appetizer and two entrees. None of the specials have been repeated on the menu by any El Mariachi’s chefs. However, if a special dish becomes very popular then it probably will make its way on to the regular menu. The “Carne Asada Costena”, grilled skirt steak topped with sautéed seasoned cream shrimp, is an example of a chef’s special that made its way on to the main menu. The “Chicken Fajitas” are also very popular with their customers.
The combination of flavor is what differentiates Revolucion steaks from other steakhouses. The “Filete Revolucion” is a standout as one of the best dishes on their menu. It’s prepared with a special mouth-watering chilli achillo salsa and house ancho garlic butter that completely elevates the dish. Every month Revolucion features a different tequila that includes a flight tasting. All of their margaritas are made to order and they’ve just introduced their craft beer selection.
Family is the cornerstone of El Mariachi and Revolucion’s success. Their customers love that the staff treats everyone like an aunt or uncle and makes them feel at home. Bottom line is that they everyone is trained to pay attention to details and to take care of their guests. The food and cocktails will get you in the door, but the experience will bring you back for more.