(2 forks)
1113 Lake St., Oak Park
708-386-6189
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
Credit cards: M, V, DC
Noise factor: Conversation friendly
First impressions
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Los Cazadores, on a stretch of Lake Street a few steps from the glowing marquee of the Lake theater, is packed to its chandeliered ceiling with Mexican-style paintings. Comfy booths and tables, topped with red and green cloths, clear plastic covers and whimsical “learn-a-little-Spanish” placemats, erase any doubt you may have that this is a Mexican restaurant.
On the plate
The restaurant’s name–Los Cazadores, or The Hunters–may conjure up thoughts of venison and pheasant, but the fare is more middle-of-the-road Mexican: Combination plates of dishes like tacos, tostados, burritos and enchiladas dominate. Two shrimp entrees (in garlic or in chili sauce) were priced out of the Cheap Eats range. Queso fundido and quesadillas, guacamole and a shrimp cocktail sit in the appetizer category. Several salads and a torta, a crusty roll plump with meat, beans and guacamole, are also on tap. Steaks and stews fill out the offerings. A firm flan and rice pudding are among the desserts. Portion sizes are generally decent.
At your service
A basket of crisp tortilla chips arrives minutes after we sit down and is joined by a lively tomatillo salsa and a milder, tomato-based cousin. The enthusiastic waitstaff is eager to please.
Second helpings
Order the Milanesa and you’ll get two good-size, crisp and fresh-tasting breaded and fried chicken-breast cutlets (or beef, if you choose) buried under a mountain of french fries, plus the sides of rice, beans, a bit of lettuce and tomato that come with most entrees. Los Cazadores original carne asada dinner delivers a nicely flavored skirt steak. Guisado de puerco en chile colorado (pork chunks in a savory red chili sauce) and the chicken in mole (pollo en mole Durangeno) are welcome, tasty alternatives to the combo platters, though one taster found the mole too sweet.
Take a pass
The quesadilla sincronizada skimps on the cheese, and the guacamole that accompanied it has fine flavor but is way too smooth. The spiced-and-flavored rice accompanying most dishes is too dry. And the beans? Too thin.
Thirst quenchers
A full bar is available, but it’s the margaritas that get a lot of attention, judging by the variety waitresses tote through the dining room. We steered clear of the strawberry, mango, peach, raspberry, coconut and banana, settling instead on Los Cazadores’ basic margarita, which earned only a so-so from our taster, despite the cute cactus-stemmed glass.
Price range
Appetizers, $6.50-$9.50; salads and sandwiches, $5.95-$11.95; entrees, $6.75-$13.95; side dishes, 20 cents-$1.95; desserts, $3-$3.75; drinks, $1.50-$9.95.
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Reviews are based on anonymous visits by Tribune staff members. All meals are paid for by the Tribune.
Ratings key: 4 forks, don’t miss it; 3 forks, one of the best; 2 forks, very good; 1 fork, good