Skip to contents
Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

El Xangarrito, Popular Mexican Restaurant In Lincoln Square, Is Closing

Husband-and-wife owners Rogelio and Erika Benitez made the surprise announcement that the restaurant will close at the end of the month, but hinted at a “big project in the future."

The outside of El Xangarrito, 4811 N. Rockwell St., on Sept. 12, 2023.
Provided.
  • Credibility:

LINCOLN SQUARE — The couple behind a popular Mexican restaurant in Lincoln Square are closing the business at the end of the month.

Husband-and-wife owners Rogelio and Erika Benitez opened El Xangarrito, 4811 N. Rockwell St., in November 2020.

The couple announced Sept. 5 on social media they are closing the business for good Sept. 30, and they hinted at a new venture underway.

“We know this notice might be shocking to many, if not all of you, but we know it’s the right decision for us as a family for now. We have a big project for the future, and we hope you can be there to join us,” the couple said in the announcement.

The news of the closure caught fans of the restaurant by surprise. In a Sept. 27, 2022 Instagram post, the couple said they would be open for at least three more years. 

It’s unclear why the Benitezes decided to close the restaurant. Messages left with them were not immediately returned.

El Xangarrito will offer only carryout service during its final week, Sept. 26-30, the owners said in the announcement.

Subscribe to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation. 

Thanks for subscribing to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.

Watch our “On The Block” TV show on The U, CW26 and MeTV.

Listen to “It’s All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast”: