Los Gallos #2 [Carne en su Jugo]

I’d like to nominate Los Gallos #2 for a GNR because:

1) It’s the (G)reatest bowl of carne en su jugo in Chicago right now.
2) It’s in a (N)eighborhood (Brighton Park).
3) And because it fulfills the requirement of being a (R)estaurant.


(Photos courtesy of ReneG)

I’ve done my bitching in the recent past about the Lilliputian-sized bowls being served at their 26th St. restaurant (but never, as far as I know, at either Archer St. locations) and also grumbled a bit about their raising the price from $7.50 to its present $9 a bowl—the highest in town. But despite these shortcomings, I think Los Gallos serves the finest traditional clear or natural rendition of CESJ in Chicago. As their storefront sign boldly states, carne en su jugo is their specialty and one should yield to that claim whenever visiting. It’s what you go there for…along with their fabulous tableside pickled vegetables. Not the tortas or the tacos. Whenever an out-of-towner or fellow food nerd asks me where to go for the best bowl of carne en su jugo today, Los Gallos is my answer.

Los Gallos’ clean, pure beefbone-based broth, well-carmelized chopped steak (asada), crispy bacon (eliminate or ask to cut back the bacon - it can be a bit much for some who are salt-sensitive), and just the right amount of bean make for one of the best bowls of soup of any kind in Chicago. Many I’ve dined there with think their outstanding homemade mole-esque chili oil takes this bowl to another level completely.



Nothing strikes a chord more for me than when a restaurant is a specialist creating one particular dish or product that was likely learned back in the Old Country or, at a minimum, a craft learned through years of experience and hardwork. Expert pizzaioli, xiao long bao makers, whole hog BBQ pitmasters--for me, these are examples of the true masters of the culinary world. I believe that the folks at Los Gallos fall into this league of committed artisans.

Here are links to a few threads pertaining to Los Gallos #2:

CESJ Thread

Annual ronnie_suburban Black Friday Food Crawl - 2011 Edition

Da Beef Praise

Taqueria Los Gallos #2
4252 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 254-2081

This is a brilliant nomination and one I can fully support. Warm weather is coming, but during the winter months, there is not a more satisfying meal than a bowl of CESJ form Los Gallos #2. I agree, the mole like salsa macha is a great version and really enhances the bowl of soup.

GNR=YES

Great nomination! This place is how I first heard of LTH. A friend (lurker) told me about the CESJ here because of the above thread when I was visiting from WI. It is amazing stuff. I haven't gone as much as I would like to but the few times have been stellar.

One of those places you can taste the care that goes into the dish. I support this nomination.

A fantastic nomination and one I fully support. The greatest example of this dish I know of in Chicago and a place run by very friendly folks.

=R=

This is indeed a really good bowl of carne en su jugo, and a place I'd be happy to see recommended by our community to visitors and comparison-adventurers. I may just be lucky with sympathetic servers, but have gotten a less expensive small bowl on request (as at other spots), something that may be worth trying if any visitors don't have a full hunger (or, like, if it's 80 degrees out in early March).

Stopped at Los Gallos #2 yesterday as part of a mini lunch crawl and the carne en su jugo was sensational. I don't think PIGMON was exaggerating at all when he called it "one of the best bowls of soup of any kind in Chicago." I wholeheartedly agree and expect it to be on my best of 2012 list. I'm just a bit sad that I waited this long to try it.

Los Gallos #2 screams GNR.

--Rich

Although PIGMON did say it was one of the best bowls of soup of any kind in Chicago, his nomination otherwise seemed a bit nonchalant. Don't let that fool you, this soup (and fiery chili oil) is really something to get fired up about! This is seemingly one of the lesser traveled to or talked about Nominations this year, but after my first visit, I would say it's amongst the most exciting dishes on my of 2012 as well. If you haven't gone yet, go tonight!

I've had Carne en su Jugo a few times, thanks to PIGMON previous endeavor, and I frequented Veloz for CESJ, which ranked high on his list, but this bowl at Los Gallos really blew those away. It's just too bad that it took a GNR nom to get me out there years later. I wish i had gone sooner. A clear GNR in my book!

Have had a few excellent bowls here but nothing in the last couple mos. I'm a bit gun-shy about posting about someplace I haven't been recently as a result of being bitten in the ass by Tony Hu on my nomination. My dance card has been full lately and won't be able to get to this one until tomorrow, post discussion, but wanted to be on board as supporting this nomination.