L' Patron

"L’Patron is a BYOB spot in Logan Square. Their Gringa taco is technically more of a tortilla sandwich, but we’re including it anyway because it’s our guide, and we make the rules. It comes with al pastor and a lot of melted chihuahua cheese served on thick handmade tortillas that easily hold their own against the rich filling. For just 80 cents extra, you can request the handmade tortillas with any of the other tacos on the menu, like lengua or poblano rajas with caramelized onions. And yes, that is the correct thing to do." - adrian kane, john ringor

"Brothers Ernesto and César Gonzáles have made their family recipe for steak tacos famous at their Logan Square establishment. An alternative to the asada tacos made with finely chopped meat, at L’ Patron, tacos are served with juicy chunks of top-notch beef that have been tenderized with a citrus marinade and spices. The result is a delicious flavor that takes you back to a backyard “carne asada”. If steak is not your thing, there are many other tacos on the menu to sample. Don’t forget to bring dollar bills because L’Patron is cash only. However, a newer location on Damen in Bucktown — L’Patron Grill — does accept credit." - Brenda Storch

"L’Patron is a casual BYOB Mexican spot that has great tacos. There’s a long menu of options including carne asada, lengua, shrimp, and poblana rajas with caramelized onions. But for something more substantial, order the Gringa taco. It’s al pastor with a lot of melted chihuahua cheese served on thick handmade tortillas, and it will give you all the sustenance necessary to explain to your friends that you need to get home to your dog. You know, because it’s the “dog” who has separation anxiety. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"L’Patron in Logan Square is a BYOB Mexican spot that has expanded from a takeout operation to a slightly larger counter-service spot with enough tables to sit at while you eat tacos and drink the beers you brought along. What L’Patron does best is tacos. Carne asada is our favorite, but even the vegetarian poblana rojas are delicious. Come to think of it, so is the pescado and spicy camaron a la diabla. In fact, you might as well get one of each. We should also mention the house special Gringa and Gringo - a sort of gordita and taco hybrid made with thick handmade tortillas. They’re a little bigger and cheesier, and make a filling meal if you get a side of rice and beans. You can skip the burritos and tortas— L’Patron skimps out on the fillings in both. The tacos, however, are good, and it’s reason enough to know about L’Patron. Food Rundown Gringa or Gringo These house specials are something you’ve never had before, but they aren’t going to change your life. The Gringa is stuffed with marinated pork, caramelized onions, pineapple, and chihuahua cheese, while the Gringo comes with skirt steak instead of pork. At least one of the two is worth giving a try so you can experiment for yourself. Tacos L’Patron’s tacos are what keep us interested. Carne asada is our favorite, but we still like to get a mix. The al pastor, pollo adobado, and lomo encebollado are our favorite meats, but the fish and veggie tacos are tasty too. Give the poblano rajas or the pescado tacos a try. Elote You need a side of this elote. Options include the standard on the cob version, or they will cut it up and make you a substantial sized bowl. The only question is do you want to look civilized or barbaric, because either version tastes the same. Burritos Our biggest complaint on the burritos is they aren’t exactly full. The meat and veggie to tortilla ratio is not the best we’ve seen. Tortas We have similar feelings on the tortas as we do on the burittos in the bread department. Bread dominates the flavor and not enough of the ingredients come through." - Sam Faye

"L’Patron is a casual BYOB Mexican spot that has great tacos. There’s a long menu of options including carne asada, lengua, shrimp, and poblana rajas with caramelized onions. But for something more substantial, order the Gringa taco. It’s al pastor with a lot of melted chihuahua cheese served on thick handmade tortillas, and it will give you all the sustenance necessary to explain to your friends that you need to get home to your dog. You know, because it’s the “dog” who has separation anxiety." - adrian kane