Huaraches Dona Chio

Andersonville is quickly becoming a little culinary paradise, but perhaps the most undervalued and definitely the hardest to find is Huaraches Dona Chio.

There is plenty to be had on the menu but the distinctive dish is certainly the namesake. When you get your first huarache the first thing you will notice is the size; it is quite literally the size of the platter that it is served on. Then, the smell of freshly made masa grilled perfectly; crisp on the outside but still a little chewy. I prefer mine with tinga and either poblano or nopales, but no matter what you prefer you will not be disappointed.

Credit goes to bjt for the find. I drove by here nearly everyday when I lived in Edgewater and I never would have found it without bjt and LTH forum.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19923

Huaraches Dona Chio
1547 W. Elmdale Ave. (just east of Clark)
Chicago, IL
773-878-8470

Yes, please.

Surprised that I'm the first to jump in here, since this one just seems so obvious. Wonderful, freshly-made, masa-based food (I'm currently on a gordita kick because the huaraches are just too filling) in a tiny, hidden spot (although the locals know). The quintessence of a GNR and richly deserved, even if Dona Chio will have absolutely no idea who these strange people are and why they want her to hang something in her window.

Picadillo and tinga were both justly praised; nopales are quite tasty, as well. I'm also fond of the chorizo + potatoes. Just very good and soul-satisfying.

I had yet another great meal at Huaraches Dona Chio the other day. I gladly add my support for the nomination of this wonderful gem of a restaurant that does one thing extremely well; Huaraches Dona Chio is the best place in town to go for homey, earthy masa preparations. They are in a league of their own.

LTH,

One of my favorite places for masa, love the textured crisp crunch, not to mention the entire huaraches package.

Count me a fan.

Enjoy,
Gary

This place is up for renewal of its GNR. Please post your comments here until 10/10/11.

I heartily support renewal. Stevez put it very well:

stevez wrote:I had yet another great meal at Huaraches Dona Chio the other day. I gladly add my support for the nomination of this wonderful gem of a restaurant that does one thing extremely well; Huaraches Dona Chio is the best place in town to go for homey, earthy masa preparations. They are in a league of their own.

Though that one thing, masa preparation, covers a quite large menu. This is indeed a neighborhood gem.

I agree with what Darren and Steve said. The toppings are nothing special, but the masa is exceptional. It's pressed and grilled to order resulting in perfect huaraches and other masa-based items. Definitely a neighborhood gem.

Agreed. I love this place. Wonderful, handmade masa judiciously topped with well-prepared toppings and tasty sauces. Also, it is a family run, basement hole-in-the-wall that I never would have found without LTH. Classic GNR in my book.
--Rich

turkob wrote:I agree with what Darren and Steve said. The toppings are nothing special, but the masa is exceptional. It's pressed and grilled to order resulting in perfect huaraches and other masa-based items. Definitely a neighborhood gem.

Agree with everything here except: I do think the toppings are definitely better than "nothing special." While they may not be superb examples of a kind, they are above average and pretty much all well worth trying. Absolutely two thumbs up for renewal!

RAB wrote: Also, it is a family run, basement hole-in-the-wall that I never would have found without LTH. Classic GNR in my book.
--Rich

I never would have found it either, despite driving past that corner thousands of times!

Huarches Dona Chio is an occasional stop for us and we are never disappointed. Yes for renewal.

The GP wrote:Huarches Dona Chio is an occasional stop for us and we are never disappointed. Yes for renewal.

My thoughts exactly. I wish I got here more often, but it remains a neighborhood gem for me. I fully support renewal.

I had my first Huaraches Dona Chio experience a couple of months ago and neglected to post on it but I thought the place was a prototypical GNR and, more importantly, the food was terrific. And thanks for the reminder so that, hopefully, I can get back soon for a squash blossom huarache before they're out of season. Yes to renewal!