Neighborhood Mexican spot with a great patio, strong margaritas, and reliable tacos; expect casual service, good value on basics, and occasional consistency hiccups.
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.
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.
Area vibe: 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.
What's nearby: Across from Logan Square Blue Line, near Sunday farmers market, bars, cafes, and residential blocks.