THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cantina Laredo Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cantina Laredo Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Within steps of the Grand Blue Line stop on State Street, Cantina Laredo takes advantage of its wide footprint with an oversized, bi-level dining room, plus floor-to-ceiling windows that invite passersby in. The crowd might be a mix of tourists --- several hotels are nearby --- date-nighters or the happy hour set. A modern fireplace and moody lighting create a sultry vibe.

Likes: Some of the best margaritas in the city.
Dislikes: None.

Food & Drinks: Sure, Cantina Laredo is a chain, but Chicago chef Daniel Espinoza (The Drawing Room, Mexique), named R&D chef of the group, brings his own Mexican TLC to the food to ensure that the experience is unique to the city. You can taste the heart in his house-made moles, bright flavors and combination platters. The gluten-free ensalada de mango y pollo is one such star; with chicken served on a bed of greens, it surprises with additional layers of red grapes, jícama, mint, mango, pepitas, queso fresco and honey vinaigrette. This being Chicago, we can't forget the 16-ounce rib-eye (which has been aged 21 days) brushed with Cascabel sauce. Tacos, tapas, fajitas, burritos and enchiladas also dot the menu. For dessert, keep it simple with sugary churros. Approachable, affordable wine bottles under $40 are also available if the house-made margaritas or mojitos aren't your thing.