Seemor
El CidB+Worth Trying
2645 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (843 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Neighborhood Mexican spot with a great patio, strong margaritas, and reliable tacos; expect casual service, good value on basics, and occasional consistency hiccups.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
El Cid delivers dependable Mexican comfort food with strong execution on tacos and quesadillas and a genuinely appealing back patio that anchors its neighborhood appeal. Warm, attentive service and owner presence build loyalty, but occasional quality variation on certain dishes and slower patio service during busy times prevent a higher grade. It's a solid Logan Square standby worth visiting for casual dining and margaritas.
Restaurant Summary
El Cid feels like a Logan Square standby where the back patio steals the show and the margaritas come on strong. Servers are generally warm, and one diner noted, "they kept the waters coming and helped us choose well." Regulars mention the friendly owner stopping by tables, which adds to the neighborhood vibe. The cooking sticks to classic Mexican comfort more than flashy fusion. Expect steak tacos with real sizzle, cheesy quesadillas, chiles rellenos, and big plates like carne al carbon. There are hits and a few misses—most praise tacos and quesadillas, while a couple of diners found fajitas or fish tacos underwhelming. It suits casual meals, patio hangs, and people who want traditional flavors rather than experimentation. For families, it works well: the menu has kid-friendly staples like quesadillas, tacos, and fries, and portions are approachable. Vegetarian and even some vegan-friendly options (soups, salads, sides) make it easier for mixed groups. No kids menu is called out, but the basics should keep most young eaters happy.
At a Glance
- Great patio and easy Blue Line access
- Tacos and quesadillas earn consistent praise
- Friendly vibe with owner presence and regulars
- Drinks can feel pricey or sweet for some
- Occasional service delays during patio rush
What Sets It Apart
- hidden_back_patio
- owner_greets_tables
- Blue_Line_across_street
What People Love
- Relaxed patio atmosphere
- Reliable steak tacos and cheesy plates
- Warm greetings from staff and owner
- Transit-convenient location
Points of Concern
- Margaritas can taste overly sweet and cost more than expected per some guests
- Inconsistent execution on fajitas and fish tacos reported by a few
- Occasional slow service when the patio is busy
- One report of undisclosed upcharge for mix-and-match tacos
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose taco dinners for best value; pair with black bean soup or queso fundido to share; verify margarita pricing before ordering pitchers.
Perfect For
- Casual patio dinner with friends
- Weeknight taco cravings
- Pre- or post-market bites in Logan Square
- Family-friendly group meetups
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, transit-accessible Logan Square strip attracting locals for casual meals and drinks, heavy patio usage in warm months.
Safety: Generally safe, lively foot traffic near Blue Line; typical urban caution late night.
Nearby: Across from Logan Square Blue Line, near Sunday farmers market, bars, cafes, and residential blocks.
Logan SquareLogan Square is a trendy and rapidly gentrifying neighborhood known for its lively dining scene featuring a mix of hip cafes, innovative restaurants, and traditional eateries. The area attracts a creative crowd and food enthusiasts who appreciate artisanal and locally sourced cuisine, alongside a strong sense of community and active nightlife.
Kedzie CorridorThe Kedzie Corridor within Logan Square is characterized by a more residential and community-focused atmosphere with a growing number of casual dining spots and small businesses. It maintains a slightly quieter vibe compared to the bustling Logan Square boulevard area but benefits from steady foot traffic and neighborhood loyalty.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–21:00
Tuesday16:00–21:00
Wednesday12:00–21:00
Thursday16:00–21:00
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →