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AVONDALE — A Mexican restaurant from a pair of longtime Logan Square cooks has joined Avondale’s Milwaukee Avenue.
Adolfo Garcia and Javier Mendiola opened Spicy Taco at 2825 N. Milwaukee Ave. at the end of July. Spicy Taco is open for dine-in service, delivery and takeout 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
The eatery serves Mexican staples for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from skirt steak tacos and milanesa de pollo tortas to huevos rancheros and a bistec encebollado platillo dinner. They also offer American dishes, including burgers and sandwiches.
Garcia and Mendiola had worked together at Taco Max Mexican Grill in Albany Park for four years when they decided to quit this summer and strike out on their own.
The two used their many years of restaurant experience to open Spicy Taco. Before Taco Max, Garcia worked for Eat-A-Pita in Boystown for nearly 20 years, while Mendiola worked at Logan Square spots, including Cafe Con Leche and El Cid.
Credit: Mina Bloom/Block Club ChicagoSpicy Taco’s menu is a reflection of the owners’ shared heritage. Both have lived in the Logan Square and Avondale area for many years but are originally from Michoacán, Mexico.
“We’re trying to show the people how [food] is cooked in Mexico and put out pride for Latino people,” Garcia said.
Contrary to what the name suggests, Spicy Taco isn’t only for people who like a kick.
Garcia said their house-made sauces with habanero and serrano peppers, chile de árbol and tomatillo pair nicely with tacos on the menu, but patrons can choose how much sauce, if any, they want.
“Don’t be scared of the name,” Garcia said. “Everything comes mild, then you can decide if you want to make it spicy.”
Credit: FacebookSpicy Taco filled a storefront most recently occupied by metal-themed pizza joint Dante’s Pizzeria, which closed last year.
Garcia said it’s been an adjustment going from longtime restaurant employees to restaurant owners, but they’re thrilled to embark on a new chapter — and one in their neighborhood, no less.
“Back in the day, I never thought I was going to open a business, and here we are,” Garcia said.
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