PONCITLAN JALISCO #1 TAQUERIA

The table was super wobbly. The waitress tried to fix it by folding about 20 napkins, but it didn't work. The table was sticky. The food was simple and not seasoned. It took a long time to arrive. The place gets very crowded. I will not be coming back, the "Huge" pieces of carrots and potatoes were undercooked. however the service was good.

REALLLY REALLY REALLY GOOD FOOD! Staff is all super friendly and the food always comes out perfect

Food was amazing! The waitress was really nice, but if you do not speak Spanish, there might be a bit of a language barrier. She understood us well though! But, man...itnwas so good! Highly recommend this place and the price for the amount of food was so worth it!

Beware the waitress that gets your order wrong and tries to blame it on you. Sadly didn’t catch her name. My husband and I have been coming here for years and this has never happened! Ordered to go last night, 3/4 items were wrong. Asked for a plain taco, got a taco with beans??? I love this place but this waitress has really soured my experience.

My family's favorite Mexican restaurant. Been coming here for years.

The chilaquiles were delicious, and the price was super affordable! The atmosphere is nice, and service as well. I would return again to try other food or drink items.

This place never disappoints , had a simple chicken breast dinner , the chicken was seasoned perfectly rice and beans and salad were great side to have with the chicken. Try them out .

Friendly staff, delicious tacos. I had tacos, 1 pastor and 1 asada. The meat was fresh and flavorful. The tortillas were also fresh and the salsas were excellent!

It's a very casual restaurant that seems authentic, all employees but one speak English which made me enthusiastic that the food would reflect that too. Honestly the food isn't great but it isn't bad either, it's sort of bland and lacks much seasoning/flavor, my dad and I both ordered a strip steak "dish", mine was a torta and his was a taco dinner. The torta tasted EXACTLY like a burger... I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but I really enjoyed the bread they used. I'm not sure about the tacos, but my dad said they were okay, he just expected more from an authentic Mexican restaurant. I would come again and try something new though.

Was super hyped up after reading the reviews and seeing the star ratings. If we could give half stars I would give it a 2.5, and all of the stars go to the service. Very attentive, wonderfully welcoming staff, just was disappointed in the food. Chips and salsa to start, had the queso fundido which was saltier than normal. Had an Al pastor sope and a carne asada gordita and was lacking in flavor, with regards to the beans and meat, very bland. Decor was whimsical and authentic, however the establishment, specifically the floors could have been cleaner. As a Latino maybe my expectations are a bit higher than most, however, with this stellar location, this place could be fantastic with some improvements to the menu and food for sure.

Their Torta Milenasa pollo was cooked well, ingredients were fresh, and the staff was beyond helpful!

I'm not telling you this story because I want the restaurant to be judged, but I am telling you that if you need any motivation to learn Spanish, here it is. I tried to call in a to-go order today and when I started speaking in English the lady immediately hung up the phone. So I called back and ordered in Spanish and then they made my order right away, they probably don't even realize it was me. The food was awesome, the burritos are huge and only $9. So yeah go learn Spanish and then you'll be able to eat here!

This is my fave place around the aerea for the last 3 years , food is delish , I would say thankfully I had never had any issues with them either their food , tried a little of everything front be menu and have to say just kick what you like usually and you'll like to ;) , nice ladies at front , in general very family and tasty Mexican food place !!

Staff smiled the moment we walked in and quickly asked if we wanted to order drinks. Tacos were good, the salsas added great flavor to the tacos and each taco comes w plenty of meat. The horchata was rich and Really good place for a quick bite.

Excellent food and very reasonable can't wait to go back and try other items on the menu. Very authentic Mexican food and the prices are great

Always friendly staff, prices are most reasonable. I love their menudo. Somewhat inconvenient location most of the time because parking is super limited depending on time of day.

My review is mainly based on the dish that I ordered and price. This place has actually been recommended for some time and so I was finally able to try it today. I went in knowing that I wanted to try tacos. I ordered the taco dinner which actually only listed having 2 tacos. Most places offer 3 taco dinners. I was not sure what to expect. Their selection of meats was fairly diverse. I narrowed it down to Al Pastor and Tripa (Tripe fried hard). I had to check behind the counter to see if they had their Al Pastor on the vertical rotisserie. I was able to confirm it and felt safe with my order. I received my tacos with the usual rice and beans. The tacos were huge! Double tortilla and generous filling. 2 tacos were definitely enough. Both tacos were good and met my expectations. The meal only cost $6.50! You can't beat that for lunch! Definitely pleased. If you happen to work in the area, I would definitely recommend this for lunch. I will have to try other plates on their menu! Check it out and judge for yourself.

Best in town Love at first taste this has become my favorite Mexican restaurant! I highly recommend this place for everyone to try.

Good tacos with good amount of meat in each one. I have been trying all the local Mexican places in the area and this one has the most "bang for your buck". Authentic food and good prices.

I absolutely love this place. I come at least 1-2 times a month! Amazing food and portions, and prices are decent as well, especially after the pandemic! I am so happy they made it!!

Hands down the best mexican food Ive had! Affordable. Clean. Fantastic service. Friendly staff. Large menu. Huge portions. Delicious and flavorful food! I ordered the burrito for $10 that was massive and loaded with meat. Beans and rice that were served with were outstanding. I had 2 meals out of this. Fiance ordered a chicken taco, chili relleno taco and steak gordita...wow!! Best chile relleno Ive had and the gordita was amazing! All large servings. We will be back...very soon!

I actually really enjoyed the tacos. They weren't the cheapest but they were definitely a very generous size. Carne asada was incredible.

My boyfriend and I are big foodies, we decided to try this place yesterday for the first time. We came here for tacos. Our waitress was great and service was fast. Parking may not be the easiest since you have to find street parking. If you want reasonable prices along with big portions of food this may be an option for you. As far as flavor goes they lacked in my opinion. I had a taco dinner with Al Pastor. It came with 2 tacos, rice and beans. My boyfriend had the same with carne asada and a quesadilla as well. Food was just okay, flavorless and disappointing. Also my boyfriend enjoyed the salsa but they weren't spicy enough for me.

While I like to call myself a "Chicago foodie," my love for food really comes from my observant nature and analytical mind. I also like to drift around the city, by foot, and to find some inspirations for writing. Poncitlan Jalisco Taqueria is located diagonally across from the Unique Thrift Store in the Hermosa neighborhood (a transitional neighborhood in between Avondale and Belmont Central/Cragin). I saw many Mexicans walk into this place constantly. I told hubby that we would have Mexican for brunch, but he insisted on eating three (3) strawberries before walking out of the door. Here's a little foreshadowing: he would suffer from the consequence of consuming these fateful strawberries later on. What happened to him? You would have to stay tuned, my friend. This place appeared semi hole-in-the-wall. There weren't many tables and sitting at the bar, but we were fortunate enough to spot a table before the church crowd was let out. We had two (2) large horchata, menudo (weekend only), and chilaquiles en salsa verde (without meat, just huevo). The service was prompt. Even if the service was slower than what we expected, no worries, because "Day of Thunder," dubbed in Spanish, was on TV to keep us company. We might be impressed by how well Mr. Tom and Ms. Nicole conversed in Spanish, but we were surprised by the portions of our food. Especially the chilaquiles en salsa verde con huevo, the entire edge of the oval place was filled with the beans and salsa verde. I didn't know how the plate was delivered, since there was no way to grab onto the rim of the plate. The salsa verde was flavored well. It was comfortably spicy. Hubby didn't know that he was approaching to the "danger zone." As he was attempting to finish up the last bites, he took a long pause and decided to raise a white flag. He felt awful because he didn't like to waste any food. Was the strawberry-trio really the culprit? I wouldn't say the answer was affirmative, for we also had the large horchata. The horchata was on the lighter side, which was how I typically like my horchata to be. However, a stronger kick with the cinnamon would be much desirable. My menudo was palatable. For $6.25, the portion was also generous. Our $20 spent in Poncitlan Jalisco could have split into two (2) more individual meals. We were going to run errands around town, so taking the extra food with us on the road wouldn't seem too feasible and convenient. Remember to come here with a 100% empty stomach.

I went on a non busy afternoon, no sitting area dueti Covid-19. I bought a steak burrito and Agua de Horchata. The burrito looked great, the meat was very salty. The horchata was fantastic!!! My suggestion to the owner and staff, is to lower the salt in meat, and taste all the food, to see if you would enjoy it. That's necessary.

Excellent salsa; very cheap prices; great service!! I no longer live in the neighborhood, but I do sometimes make the trek out there to grab lunch from here.

I'm so lucky! I live within four blocks of Poncitlan. A seven minute walk and I'm sitting at a beautifully hand-painted table, looking over the extensive menu. This is your archetypical Mexican family restaurant. It is small. I haven't counted but I estimate about ten tables. with four seats at the counter. Each table has four chairs, painted in the same campesino style as the tables. The food is perfectly prepared and the traditional Mexican flavors rise from every dish. I especially enjoy the chiles empanados and the flautas. My girlfriend is always satisfied with the vegetarian burrito There are other meatless meals available but she likes the burritos. Each burrito is good for two meals. The chips that they bring to your table while you're waiting for your order are made fresh daily. The green and the red salsas accompanying the chips are a bit too picante for my taste but I'm a lightweight. Still I eat my share of chips. The prices are very reasonable because their customers are mainly neighbors, compatriotas still getting a foothold in the American dream. Give Poncitlan a try. I'll bet you go back.

This is my new favorite taco spot in Chicago. The tacos are flavorful and I I'm addicted to the quesadillas. The horchata is sweet and delicious. It is inexpensive and the staff is very friendly. I'm officially a regular.

¡Delicioso! Such a great place! Incredibly friendly, comfy, and some of the best tacos ever. Loaded with perfect meats, fresh, and so so well-priced. Can't wait to go back to try more of their meals. Mmm, tripa dorada...

My Spanish comprehension may only be so-so, but I am proud to say I have a keen ear for detecting a good intellectual debate in *any* language. "Si, pero [insert incomprehensible intellectual Spanish here]" the one man at the next table over stated calmly, before taking a bite into his torta. "Si, pero [insert incomprehensible intellectual Spanish here]" his dining companion responded, opening his mouth wide both to pick up the volume and also to sink his teeth into an enchilada. It gets a bit confusing, there being no less than *four* taquerias named Poncitlan within the small pizza-slice-shaped neighborhood called Hermosa. Just like the other Poncitlans, there's a very broad range of decent quality Mexican food here, the standard options of steak, chicken, avocado, etc. on your choice of taco, tostada, burrito, torta, etc. The possibilities for above-average Mexican dining are endless. This place has some interesting seafood options available as well, but your irresponsible reviewer has yet to try them (some day!). "SI, PERO [INSERT INCOMPREHENSIBLE INTELLECTUAL SPANISH HERE]!" the first Latino shouted, underscoring what must have been such a forceful point that his dining companion dropped his fork. With my untrained palate, I really can't taste much difference between the food at this Poncitlan (Poncitlan Jalisco) and the unrelated Poncitlan Azteca on Armitage & Keeler and Lindo Poncitlan on Armitage & Kostner. Good experience with the tostadas and enchiladas so far, and with three table salsas I can fine-tune the adrenaline kick and flavoring to my liking. The difference seems to lie mostly in the atmosphere... Whereas Lindo Poncitlan casts a clean, family-friendly vibe, Poncitlan Azteca is plastered with Corona posters and margarita specials, clearly targeting a drinking crowd. Laid out like a diner, it seems Poncitlan Jalisco is a bit livelier than both, and has something for all types- solo diners, girls' nights out, dates, intellectual conversationalists. "SIIII, PEEERRROOO [INSERT INCOMPREHENSIBLE INTELLECTUAL SPANISH HERE]!" the second Latino shouted, slamming his fist onto his table and leaping to his feet. All was quiet for a good moment, until a smile slowly came across the first guy's face. "Es lo mismo," (it's the same) he said, softly and gently. The other nodded, "Es lo mismo." The first got up, and they both shook hands. Nothing brings people together like a good meal at a solid Mexican restaurant.

Great food at the right price. Very friendly staff that is always accommodating. Tacos, burritos and quesadillas are spot in. Can't wait to get a torta next visit.

Usually they're very good but today I don't know what was wrong with them. I ordered a burrito 2 tacos and a steak quesadilla dinner. Very simple. They gave me a burrito 2 tacos and a random extra taco that was super soggy with something weird. They didn't even give me my quesadilla dinner. I go back tell them that they forgot my order and when I received my order it was not a quesadilla. It was tacos with melted cheese. The tortilla was a corn tortilla, on their menu it shows a flour one. The tortilla was not even grilled/cooked. I didn't get sour cream, guacamole or pico de Gallo like you're supposed to. They're messing with my food and my money. Does that look like a quesadilla to you?

Had an al pastor burrito, and some tacos + horchata. Crushed me. So good. Great tortilla shells.

So glad I decided to give this place a try! This will now be my new spot! Delicious food, great service, great prices! i will be trying different dishes, but I'm sure the rest won't disappoint either. The meat was perfectly seasoned, the beans were so yummy, and the rice was good too! Their shrimp cocktail was delicious too! Cant wait to order from them again.

One of the best taco places I've gone to in a while! There's always fantastic service, food, and are always clean!

Place has AWESOME fresh made salsa. Great Mexican food if you're in the mood, always busy. Lots of places in Chicago that make Mexican food are NOT good, thisnone however is very good.

Complimentary salsa and chips!! And it's good! Their chicken tacos are my favorite! Very reasonable prices! Not the "fanciest" of places, but it works!

Great food at a very affordable price point, breakfast is quite filling as are the other menu items in this typical neighborhood spot. Always a good experience here

Came here for breakfast with my family on a sunday morning. The place is dingy, but I always had good food experiences. Very authentic mexican food. This time around my dad found a LONG BLACK HAIR on his gordita, mind you he is bald; when we told the waitress she got all offended and my dad had to ask her for a new one. All upset, she took his plate and change the gordita, left the same plate and just kind of threw the plate on the table. "No im sorry, no what I can do for you," just plain rude. A friend had warn me before about how she had gotten sick from eating here, and after this I belive her, and I am never eating here again. No matter how good their tacos are.

I've been there a lot of times, the service is great, the staff.is friendly, and the food is delicious. I love tacos de tripa and tortas. I used to drive all the way to southside(little village) to eat tacos, now I just walk two blocks and enjoy some of the best tacos in chicago.

I am really surprised more people haven't reviewed this place. I had a sopes and a gordita with ground beef. First off this was almost too much food. They used fresh ingredients and The made the sopes and gordita shell fresh as far as I could tell. They don't get a five star cause the seasoning wasn't perfect by my standards, but this personal preference. I can see others totally giving it five stars.

I love this place!! Hands down the best Mexican food. Great service. There skirt steak is awesome. Friendly staff and huge portions.

This is a very good restaurant. Good place for lunch or dinner. I prefer to come here at night to eat dinner. The cook who works here is very good and I like how he prepare my meal. The staff is very nice and friendly AND SUPER FAST. they work fast. I wish that all employees in Chicago was like this. Every time I come here I see a lot of families sitting at the table. This is a really good restaurant and familes with kids are very welcomed in here. Good restaurant!!! Good FOOD!!!!! And good ambience :) LOVE THIS PLACE !!!!!!!!

I was craving a good Mexican breakfast for about three years now. Which was the last time I was here. This was a great way to start my morning. I flew in to Chicago today and my parents took me straight to their favorite Mexican breakfast place. Poncitlan has been here for years. They have become good friends with my parents. Jose the owner of Poncitlan jokes with my dad about which soccer team they root for. The place is pretty big. I mean it is no Kissimmee. This has much room and the staff here are working hard in the kitchen making every order as quickly as possible. Guacamole. I love going to good Mexican restaurants and ordering this. All of the ingredients nice and fresh. Just what the doctor ordered. Salsa and Guacamole. Elvia was our server today. When we walked in the table was set and the menus laid on the table. Elvia knew my parents would be coming today since they come every Sunday. The place gets full quickly with all the locals. By the time we left people were waiting outside to be seated. Now lets talk FOOD!! Desayuno Poncitlan. The Poncitlan breakfast. 3 over easy eggs, topped with ranchero sauce and ribeye. Desayuno Poncitlan. This is the same dish with no ranchero sauce. My mom and dad like it plain. I enjoyed it with the sauce on top. Chilaquiles Rojos. I was very hungry after a short flight from Orlando. I always have to order one more thing just to have something extra. I ordered this as a side. It tends to come with eggs and steak as well. Elvia y Jose, Gracias for todo. Mis papas siempre hablan de ustedes y que siempre los tratan muy bien. Se los agradezco mucho.

Tasty fast food! If you leave in the area you must check out this place, they have tacos,tortas burritos, and delicious Mexican plates. I have ordered the gorditas de aguacate for when I'm feeling vegetarian and the lengua en salsa verde and skirt steak when I'm feeling carnivorous. I'm never disappointed! It comes with a salad rice and beans which are not bland. Try it out and thank me later.

Amazing food and service. The only decent Mexican restaurant around my neighborhood that's for sure. The Gorditas and the agua de Horchata are a must try. I don't like that you have to walk pass the kitchen side to use the co Ed bathroom but other than that, the place is great! Keep up the good work!

Best chorizo and eggs in Chicago. M and I are gonna miss this place when we leave for California next week!!

This place is a hidden gem. The whole staff is very friendly and the cooks can move 100 mph. When you sit down you're greeted with complimentary chips and salsa and given a huge menu. Personally I get the steak burrito or tacos and it's always on point. I work down the street and usually end up getting lunch here 3 times a week. Great place for takeout as well, food comes very fast! Overall a great place to munch!

Awesome Mexican food and waitress service is excellent good cooks and you get alot of food for money. You definitely will leave full and happy the burritos are enormous the steaks are great juicy and tender hot sauce is awesome chips and salsa is awesome . Also the dining area gas tables and chairs that came from Mexico hand painted .

Love coming here, great food, great atmosphere, and it may not look as wonderful as other restaurants but it's at least peaceful without the noise of other places... My favorite would have to be the gorditas with there red sauce that's given with the chips.....

Love this place. I come here every day after work. Get Horchatas and many different things on the menu. The magical red sauce is the best.

great food and authentic as it gets. I would highl recommend this to anyone who like an authentic experience.

Loved it! Three massive plates with 3 drinks for a total of $25. The service was fast, the food was great, and the price was perfect.

Love this place! Been my favorite neighborhood Mexican place for years now. They recently put in new tables and chairs. Food is well priced and the staff is friendly. Cannot go wrong with the gorditas! My favorite is steak. Wished they served alcohol lol

Delicious, inexpensive & not to mention authentic! Horchata is so good, even had my boyfriend hooked! And that says a lot from a man who dislikes the stuff. Me? I would love to chug it down right this minute. I always order a steak burrito with everything in it. Quick and delicious! My boyfriend eats tortas and gives the place an A. I live 7 minutes away so it's great for when I am hungry or just quenching for Horchata with my boyfriend! A hidden gem for sure!

They make the best Menudo in town, good service, excellent food! If you ask for things in a certain way they accommodate it to your taste! Love this place! Recommend it 100%

I've eaten here several times. The food is quick, delicious, and authentic. I do not eat meat, but I love their chile rellenos and their avocado tacos. They also have an amazing guacamole. After you order, you can watch your food being made, because the grill is right behind the register. It's fun to watch them make the guacamole right after I order it. People I know who have eaten meat there have claimed it as one of the best taquerias in the city.

Easily the best tacos I've ever had. They are inexpensive and huge. They give you twice as much meat as anywhere else I've had tacos. I eat here a minimum of 2 times a week, up to 6 times. They make most everything in house. There's usually a large pot on the stove where they're making their latest batch of soup or ranchero sauce or hibiscus tea (aka jamaica). My usual is an al pastor taco and a ground beef taco. Also their cheese is fantastic.