Lunch yesterday at Panchito's Grill on Clark in Rogers Park - located across the street from Romanian Kosher at Touhy and Clark. Full disclosure: the owners are relatives of friends.
This is an interesting combination of Jewish Deli and Mexican standards, weighted somewhat to to deli side, if the menu is representative. (I saw no bowls of pickles, however.) The owner worked as a cook at Max and Benny's in Northbrook for many years. I can't speak to the deli fare (such as Hot Corned Beef), because I had Steak Fajitas yesterday, which were quite good. The tender steak was not overly seasoned; there were fresh peppers and a truly flawless avocado slice on top. Average, but freshly made beans and rice. No handmade tortillas here, but they did post a weekend special of caldo de camaron. Panchito's is a work-in-progress as far as identity, I think.
Steak Fajitas @ Panchito's Grill by
Josephine2004, on Flickr
I'm not sure what their niche is going to be - perhaps a "something for everyone" brunch place. Considering the crowds at the Evanston weekend brunch places, it will be nice to have another Northside option that is kid-friendly with parking. ("Parking on Clark?", you say.) I would happily order the Grilled Steak and Eggs or the Huevos con Chorizo if I did not succumb to the Housemade Corned Beef Hash fried crisp upon request - sans green pepper, por favor. According to the owner, their morning business had really taken off- they are doing a lot of breakfast/brunch delivery business in East Rogers Park through GrubHub, something he did not expect, but is happy to do.
The lunch menu has lots of healthier options such as egg-white-only egg salad, turkey pastrami, green salads, veggie hash and whole grain pancakes. I'm eager to try each of their 4 kinds of tuna salad - including 3 with Mexican flavors: Acapulco, Cancun, and Chipotle. With that, I might have a bowl of chicken matzoh ball soup.
These are very nice people and I wish them well in their new venture.
Panchito's Grill
7138 N Clark
(between Touhy Ave & Estes Ave)
Chicago
(773) 274-1591
Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Man : I can't understand how a poet like you can eat that stuff.
T. S. Eliot: Ah, but you're not a poet.