La Casa De Samuel

"More than a taqueria, La Casa de Samuel is an established destination for authentic regional Mexican plates.  Founded in 1989 by celebrated chef Samuel Linares (who died from COVID in 2020), the Little Village restaurant features an impressive range of options that seamlessly bridge the well-known with the exotic, which this eatery reminds us, can be relative. Find iguana, rattlesnake, venison, frog legs, cornish hen, and even bull testicles along with their spectacular freshly-made tortillas." - Brenda Storch, Serena Maria Daniels

"Founded in 1989 by celebrated chef Samuel Linares (lost to COVID in 2020), La Casa de Samuel is an established destination for authentic regional Mexican plates.  The Little Village restaurant features an impressive range of options that seamlessly bridge the well-known with the exotic, which this eatery reminds us, can be relative. Tortilla soup and ceviche can be enjoyed along with iguana, rattlesnake, venison, frog legs, cornish hen, and even bull testicles.  Some seasonal dishes are served during festivities, such as the emblematic chiles en nogada (chiles in walnut sauce) and romeritos (a wild, edible plant usually served with mole and shrimp), can be found here year-round. Don’t miss their handmade tortillas." - Brenda Storch, Eater Staff

"Founded in 1989 by celebrated chef Samuel Linares (lost to COVID-19 in 2020), La Casa de Samuel is an established destination for authentic regional Mexican plates. The Little Village restaurant features an impressive range of options for carryout or delivery that seamlessly bridge the well-known with the exotic, which this eatery reminds us, can be relative. Tortilla soup and ceviche can be enjoyed along with iguana, rattlesnake, venison, frog legs, cornish hen, and even bull testicles. Some seasonal dishes are served during festivities, such as the emblematic chiles en nogada (chiles in walnut sauce) and romeritos (a wild, edible plant usually served with mole and shrimp), can be found here year-round. Don’t miss their handmade tortillas." - aimee.levitt, Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"An established destination for authentic regional Mexican plates and featuring an array of seasonal celebratory dishes available year-round, chef Arturo Linares at La Casa de Samuel features green pozole with chicken during the week and with pork only on the weekends.  Chef Linares pays special attention to the quality of the ingredients and makes everything from scratch, and he recommends pairing pozole with mezcal. There’s also a location in suburban Waukegan." - Brenda Storch

"Chiles en nogada fans rejoice, as this dish is on the menu year-round at La Casa de Samuel in Little Village." - Brenda Storch