Chicago - Cuban Restauarant on Far North Side - Taste of Cuba

Since the closing of Casa Luna on Petersen and Kimball, there really hasn't been much Cuban to choose from on the far Northside. Last weekend we tried out Taste of Cuba in Lincolnwood.

http://www.tasteofcubacafe.com

It is located in a strip mall just east of Caldwell on Touhy. Parking is free, if a little sparse. Mr. Balima, Mstr. Balima and I all went on a Saturday night. It is a very small, family run restaurant. No liquor is served, so bring your own.

I was very happy with the abet small menu. Several versions of Cuban sandwiches are offered, as well as one served on flattened Plantains instead of bread.

We ordered tostones and Yucca Fritas for appetizers. They were both yummy and not for the garlic shy. For entrees we ordered the Ropa Veija, Skirt Steak (Churrasco Cubano) and Cuban Pulled Pork (Lechon Asado). Everything is served with a garlicky chimichurri sauce. Black beans and rice were very good. Prices are very reasonable (around $11) for main entrees with sides included. Portions are generous and my 18 yr old was full and didn't have room for dessert.

Everything is made fresh and I was happy. Was it the best Cuban I have ever had? No, restaurants in Miami make me happier (of course it could have something to do with the weather and palm trees). But, it definitely hits the spot when you have a taste for Cuban.

you mean just east of Crawford :)

That's a very good corner for food in an odd location. Wholly Frijoles and Renga Tei are both great.

Wholly Frijoles and Renga Tei are both great.have to fully disagree with Wholly Frijoles, my parents (& I) used to love this place but over the years we all have seen a steady decline in the quality of food served here and with the increase is delicious Mexican fare elsewhere, it has become easy to pass up this restaurant. The house salad is still terrific but the rest meh, I'd only suggest going with the specials if one does go as the usuals have become very medicore (like my beloved lamb shank):(Since the closing of Casa Luna on Petersen and Kimball, there really hasn't been much Cuban to choose from on the far Northside.agreed, thanks for posting^. There used to be a plethora of Cuban restaurants, especially along Peterson, now it seems most Cuban restaurants are north ~2400s give or take.

have to fully disagree with Wholly Frijoles, my parents (& I) used to love this place but over the years we all have seen a steady decline in the quality of food served here

Have to agree with you on this one Willie. I had heard from many people how much they loved Wholly Frijoles, so eventually me and the girls hit it up for a dinner out. I have to say that the experience was rather underwhelming. So many others do a better job. We have not returned since. I still prefer Mexico Restaurant in Des Plaines, especially for their Al Pastor.

I still prefer Mexico Restaurant in Des Plaines, especially for their Al Pastor.I went today for lunch, posted it in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chicago/426454-taquerias-thread.html

THANKS for posting this place.^

There used to be a plethora of Cuban restaurants, especially along Peterson, now it seems most Cuban restaurants are north ~2400s give or take.

Probably referring to Cafe28 (among others). Not everything there is great, but several items are well worth going back for. This is still my favorite Cuban restaurant.