Hi guys! This month’s feature for supporting local business is of El Carrito Tacos located in West Rogers Park. They are a classic & creative tacos spot plus other Mexican street eats in a counter-serve space. Located in the northern city of Chicago, this is a great alternative if you aren’t anywhere near Pilsen or Little Village. I have visited El Carrito Tacos twice and some of my favorites are their elotes in a cup, tamales, fish taco and mole fries!
1. What is El Carrito?
El Carrito, which translates to “little cart” in Spanish is our take on traditional Mexican street food that we feel is fun, approachable, and fresh. Items such tacos, burritos, tortas, as well as mole fries and desert options as well! We also are a BYOB restaurant that offers dine in. carryout and delivery options.
2. When, where, and why did you start El Carrito?
We opened May 5th, 2015 after owning businesses in the West Ridge neighborhood for years, we felt that the area needed a boost when it came to non chain based options. After brainstorming, we decided that our love of Mexican food was something we wanted to build on and after months of researching and testing out recipes with our Chef, Valentine Herandez our vision of “El Carrito” become a reality.
3. What makes El Carrito special?
We make everything from scratch daily, including our handmade tortillas. We have a large and diverse menu with numerous meat and veggie options that can cater to anyone’s tastes. All of our recipes came from family experiences Chef Valentine had growing up in Mexico City. As mentioned, we are BYOB with our sister business Foremost Liquors, just two doors down.
4. What would you say is El Carrito biggest accomplishment?
It has been a very fun two years but I would say our biggest accomplishment was being featured on WGN’s Chicago’s Best for “Best Mexican” which featured our Torta Chilanga. The show aired last July and we received a big boost in business helping make a destination for locals and foodies alike. Ellott Bambrough, one of the co-hosts is now a regular customer of ours and one of our biggest supporters!
5. Any exciting things happening at El Carrito that we should be looking for?
Chef Valentine is always testing out new menu items and have many new fun items on the horizon!
6. What advice do you have for those interested in starting a small business?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. If you have something you feel passionate about just go for it. We had zero restaurant experience prior to opening in 2015. It hasn’t been easy but It’s extremely satisfying knowing that something you work hard on and believe in becomes a success.
7. Do you have any specials/deals right now and if so, when does it end?
We run lunch specials Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm!
For the month of October we are serving half off tacos on Tuesdays after 5pm.
8. El Carrito’s contact information
El Carrito Tacos
6019 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
I was not paid for this post. This is a collaboration with El Carrito in which, I selected them and asked to feature them to help supplement my blog section on ‘supporting local businesses’.
If you would like your business to be featured on my page, please contact me at sany.delightblog@gmail.com. Thank you!
SANY DELIGHT 