Carniceria Guanajuato
1436 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL
M and I were in the Wicker Park area on Sunday, so we decided we wanted to try somewhere new for a quick lunch. We found our lunch at Carniceria Guanajuato – a grocery store selling primarily Mexican foods, meat and fresh produce. M and I would have been plenty pleased just perusing the aisles like we usually do, picking up some tasty cookies and bottles of Jarritos or Mexican Coke. However, we heard it through the grapevine that the Carniceria was home to a lunch counter that made a mean (and thrifty) taco.
Towards the back of the store there was indeed a little lunch counter boasting a menu of tortas, tacos and burritos. Each came with a choice of Carne Asada, Chorizo, Lengua or Carnitas (unfortunately chicken was not served on weekends). The prices could also not be beat, at only $1.60 for each taco. We each ordered two tacos and waited in anticipation at one of the booths as the cooks prepared our meal.
I (L) ordered the carne asada tacos, which came minimally garnished with a heaping helping of cilantro and red onion. The eaters don’t mind a spot of red onion, but there was a lot here. More than we expected. However, they worked in the taco and turned out to not be too overwhelming. The soft corn tortillas were fresh-tasting and held up under the weight of all of the contents. The carne asada itself was well-seasoned and flavorful, however it was chopped a little too finely, giving the unfortunate texture of ground meat.
M got the Chorizo Tacos, which were spicy and great. There was so much filling, we had to scoop some out with a spoon. M retrieved a lime and a bottle of homemade salsa verde from the counter as garnish, both of which only improved everything.
We left the carniceria satiated and happy. If we are in the area and needed a quick lunch, we’d definitely return. Additionally, the grocery had some fun kitchen items we might want to explore later. Maybe we’ll even buy a molcajete next time…
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