Cinco Rabanitos (5 Radishes)

 

If you want out of the ordinary creative Mexican food you can't find anywhere else head out to 5 Rabanitos in Pilsen (5 Rabanitos, 1758 W. 18th St., 312-285-2710).  The food is not expensive and the setting might not be the fanciest, but make no mistake this is a classy well managed neighborhood restaurant that compete with the finest ethnic restaurants in Chicago.  Here we have Rick Bayless veteran chef Alfonso Sotelo, with creative interpretations of Pozole ($10). The first thing you notice is the color, an intense verdant green. Each sip is rich and meaty, with the hearty hominy only adding to the depth. The toppings add a texture to the soup that is amazing and a riot of colors.  Not just for hangovers this is a soup to order for any occasion you want to treat your mouth to a celebration of flavors. 

 

There is mole that is indescribably good, some of the best carne asada tacos (with homemade tortillas!) in the city.  There is too many good things on the menu.  The food is well made without the greasy oily taste some other restaurants are known for. 

 

Open: Lunch, dinner Tuesday to Friday; breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday.  This place gets crowded during typical eating times so try to come on off hours.  BYOB (local Mexican liquor store just east of the restaurant on the same block).