3 IL Spots Named Among Greatest Mexican Restaurants In U.S. By NYT

CHICAGO — Three Illinois eateries made The New York Times’ recent list of 41 of the greatest Mexican restaurants across the U.S.

“There has never been a better time for Mexican food in the United States,” the Times reported. “A culinary renaissance over the last 15 years has expanded the American palate well beyond Tex-Mex, tacos and game-night nachos.

“Mexican and Mexican American chefs have brought their cooking, in all of its regionality and specificity, to nearly every corner of the country.”

The three Illinois restaurants included on the list are Birrieria Ocotlan, Gorditas Santiago and Mi Tocaya Antojería, all in Chicago.

Open more than 50 years, Birrieria Ocotlan serves up “oven-roasted goat and well-seasoned consomé served with corn tortillas and condiments,” according to the Times.

With a menu featuring over 20 fillings, there’s no shortage of options at Gorditas Santiago, the newspaper reported.

The Times described chef Diana Dávila’s antojería as “cheerful” and “uncompromising.”

See the Times’ full list.