CHIReview
Xocome Antojeria
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You always hope that little Mexican spot you noticed on your way to work will have life-changing tortillas and carne asada so tender it will stroke your hair and look deep into your eyes before you eat it. But odds are it won’t—unless that little spot happens to be Xocome Antojeria. Because the food at this small counter-service Mexican restaurant in Archer Heights is as exceptional as your most ambitious food-related daydreams.
If Xocome Antojeria were a movie, then the protagonist would definitely be the unbelievable masa, the base for the restaurant’s incredible tacos, tlacoyos, sopes, enchiladas, tamales, and giant quesadillas (which are really more like machetes). Most of those dishes can be ordered with your choice of blue or yellow masa—the former is a little firmer and nuttier, and the latter a bit fluffier and sweeter. We can’t decide which we like better, and you can’t make us.
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
The fillings aren’t just supporting characters either—they’re stars in their own right. Xocome uses tender filet mignon for their asada, and everything from the rich red mole to the flavorful huitlacoche ongos is perfectly seasoned. The cochinita pibil sauce is tangy and sweet, thickly clinging to melt-in-your-mouth pork. The beef birria has a hint of smoke, and is a wonderful counterpoint to the spicy, herbaceous green salsa.
The menu is long, so plan on having an existential crisis deciding what to get. And everything’s made-to-order, so expect to wait a while for your food. But just sit back in the little dining room, enjoy whatever concert they have on the TV, and get ready for some of the best Mexican food in Chicago.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Tacos
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Tlacoyo
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Enchiladas
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Sope
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Pambazo