Make your way to Pilsen for authentic Mexican food at super reasonable prices! El Milagro Taqueria is in the heart of Pilsen on Blue Island Avenue--you can't miss its hot pink exterior. Here you will experience the perfect cross section of Chicago- older folks, city workers, suits, hipsters, college students, UIC medical staff and Pilsen locals all under one roof enjoying great Mexican fare. The inside décor is quintessential taqueria with small tables, colorful Mexican tiles and walls adorned with large vibrant paintings. Expect quite a bustle on evenings and weekends. A little patience is well worth it--for fabulous food that won't break your budget.

El Milagro offers all the standard Mexican favorites including tamales, burritos, chile rellenos, chilequiles and more in a festive cafeteria-style taqueria. Tastybeat loved the steaming pork and vegetable tamales served wrapped in the cornhusk; we doused the tamales with avocado and salsa when opened--scrumptious! Regulars know to order a Horchata, a milk-based drink with rice, cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of sugar, to compliment their meal. Tastybeat happily followed suit and did indeed enjoy this sweet contrast to the spicy kick of our meal, Yum!

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the El Milagro Outlet Store next to the taqueria to grab some Mexican staples. Here you will find their delicious chips, tortillas and Mexican chilies, all freshly packaged and reasonable priced. And if you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the tortillas in the making in the background. ($)

Happy Eating,

Tastybeat

El Milagro Store and Taqueria
1927 South Blue Island Avenue (map)
Chicago, IL
312.421.7443
el-milagro.com

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 7AM-6:30PM
Sunday: 7AM-5PM

The Brown Sack Shack's storefront is unassuming, but this place should not be passed by. Adam Lebin's and Malaika Marion's little spot on Armitage Avenue in Logan Square is chock full of delicious goodness. Be it sandwiches, soups, shakes or cookies, you're in for a homey meal in a friendly joint.

Customer favorites include the corned beef, veggie Rueben, organic peanut butter and banana, and the Cajun Po Boy with spiced turkey or ham (or both) served on a toasted roll with spicy romaine slaw, tomato and provolone. And Tastybeat loved the scrumptious BLT. The traditional components (bacon, lettuce, tomato) are joined by shrimp and avocado for an offbeat BLT that absolutely hits the spot. And then there's always the sandwich of the day which Adam will announce soon after you say hello.

Whatever your selection, be sure to get a side of coleslaw of apple, ginger and cayenne pepper-refreshing and tangy with a slight kick. And you really don't want to leave without Malaika's super yummy chocolate, peanut butter, mocha shake-oh my. ($)

Happy Eating,

Tastybeat

The Brown Sack Shack
3706 W. Armitage Ave. (map)
Chicago, IL
773.661.0675
thebrownsack.com

Cash only
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm
Closed Sunday and Monday