Hola, Zocalo

Zocalo: 358 W. Ontario

Anyplace that has "TEQUILLA" advertised in their name is alright by me! Zocalo is no exception, with it's dim drinks, soft live music and dangerously strong margaritas.

"Special" Margarita

I love when the servers mix the drinks at your table, and courtesy of Cointreau, we were each given the small mixer to take home, enabling dangerous "Glut with Guts Kitchen" possibilities.

We ordered the appetizer platter and the guacamole. For the portions you receive, prices were obscene, but then again, it's River North dining.

The appetizer platter was made of Zocalo's three signature appetizers: empanada con plantanos fritos, flauta capitalinas, and scalpion de res. Of all the appetizers our group shared, the best was the empanadas, a combination of savory fried dough, and sweet plantain filling.

Omnivores, beware. This restaurants only caters to the extreme ends of the spectrum: the picky plant-only eaters and meat devouring carnivores.

For my entree, I ordered the Tinga Poblano, a server recommended favorite. The first few bites were divine, chicken grilled to perfection slathered in the cool avocado salsa. Mmmm....

Then I realized that the chicken was sitting on a bed of chorizo and potato chili. Oh My God. There is so much meat on this plate. I looked around at my friends' plates and realized much of the same meat theme in all of their entrees. For example, a steak garnished with shrimp?

A little to meat-y for me, but no question, I'll be back for the soft music and strong margs.

swayin' to the beat,
♡M