El Habanero

Chicago’s Essential Mexican Restaurants

"This pambazo is street food royalty, made using a soft bread roll that is dipped in a red guajillo pepper sauce, is usually stuffed with potatoes, and lightly fried. These sandwiches are standouts at El Habanero where it’s obvious that chef and co-owner Enrique Lara draws inspiration from his native Mexico City. His menu boasts a few staples — think tacos, sopes, huaraches, enchiladas, and chilaquiles (give the green ones a shot). The pambazos truly steal the show by packing a punch with stuffing options that include potatoes and chorizo, steak, chicken, or plain potatoes with avocado. The best part is chef Lara is willing to adjust to customer preferences (he has made pambazos with tilapia and even chiles rellenos). And when the plate comes out, it’s piled high with lettuce, sour cream, and cotija cheese. The team at El Habanero recently added mole enchiladas to the menu." - Brenda Storch, Eater Staff