El Jacalito
Elizabeth Gonzalez · 4 Google reviewsEl Jacalito — South Side mexican that sets the standard. You're eating the real thing here.
What 292 diners keep saying
What 292 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“We ordered a sope and a huarache. They were huge and delicious.”
“Great family owned restaurant food had exquisite taste great customer service, from the outside you wouldn't really know it was a restaurant great prices food made fresh in front of you.”
“Absolutely great food the steak tacos the Bomb all the food 10/10”
“This place is truly amazing and left a fantastic impression on me 🤩✨. The food was absolutely perfect - every dish felt carefully prepared and full of flavor 🍽️🔥. The atmosphere was just as great, creating a cozy and enjoyable vibe that made the whole experience even better 🕯️🎶. What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful 😊. They knew the menu inside and out and were happy to give recommendations, which made choosing dishes so much easier 👍. Their professionalism and positive attitude really elevated the visit. I honestly can’t recommend this place enough 🙌. From the delicious food to the warm atmosphere and top-tier service, everything came together perfectly. It’s the kind of place that leaves you with lasting positive memories and makes you want to come back again and again 💯❤️.”
“Best gorditas in South Chicago, been going there for over 10 years. Must try!”
“I've been going here for ovwr 20 years. Great food, great family, great service!”
“The food here is really good it can get busy sometime but it's well worth it my grandfather put me on to this spot and me and my family have been going there ever since you can see the food prepared in front of you and the portion sizes are good my go-to order is usually two steak tacos and one chicken taco everything on it big can Arizona in one of their cupcakes my order usually is under 20 bucks or just over”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More Mexican in Hyde Park & South Side
See the ranking →
In the same lane · Mexican
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in South Side, minutes away.