This Family-Owned Illinois Mexican Restaurant Has Been Serving Generations Of Locals
Nestled in the heart of Illinois, a beloved Mexican restaurant has become more than just a place to eat – it’s a community landmark.
For decades, Los Comales has been dishing up authentic flavors that keep locals coming back time after time.
The secret to their success isn’t just in their mouthwatering recipes, but in the family bonds that have kept this culinary treasure thriving across generations.
1. A Family Story That Spans Generations
When the González family opened Los Comales in 1973, little did they know they were creating a legacy that would endure for half a century. Founder Camerino González started with just six tables and family recipes tucked safely in his pocket.
Today, the third generation of the González family greets customers by name while preparing the same authentic dishes that put them on the map.I’ve watched children who once needed booster seats return years later with kids of their own.
The walls, adorned with family photos spanning five decades, tell a visual story of how one immigrant family’s dream became a Chicago institution that has long served and employed people across Chicagoland.
2. How Los Comales Won Local Hearts
The secret recipe at Los Comales isn’t just in their food – it’s in their connection to the community. Since opening their doors in the 1970s, the González family has greeted customers by name and remembered their usual orders.
Children who once came with their parents now bring their own kids, creating a beautiful cycle of loyalty. The restaurant has weathered economic ups and downs by maintaining affordable prices without sacrificing quality.
Many longtime regulars say the taste hasn’t changed — like stepping back in time in the best possible way.
3. From Al Pastor To Late-Night Chilaquiles
Thinly sliced pork, marinated for 24 hours and spinning slowly on a vertical spit, creates the hypnotic centerpiece of Los Comales’ open kitchen. Their al pastor tacos (my midnight craving since college) balance sweet pineapple against smoky adobo spices on warm tortillas.
Morning brings the hangover-curing magic of their chilaquiles verdes, where yesterday’s tortilla chips find new purpose swimming in tangy salsa and topped with a perfect fried egg. No fancy plating tricks here, just heaping portions that satisfy both belly and soul.
The core menu has evolved over time, but Mexico City–style tacos remain at the heart of what they do.
4. Craft, Consistency, And The Sizzle Of The Plancha
Stepping into Los Comales’ kitchen reveals the secret behind their decades-long success: unwavering dedication to craft. A well-seasoned plancha has been the heart of operations for decades, developing a seasoning that new equipment can’t replicate.
Each day’s prep reflects hands-on techniques and careful attention to doughs, salsas, and proteins, a touch that keeps traditions alive.
Nothing leaves the kitchen without meeting the family’s exacting standards, a consistency that keeps regulars coming back three times weekly for their “usual.”
5. Birthdays, Ballgames, And Everyday Gatherings At Los Comales
The corner booth at Los Comales has witnessed my life’s milestones: first dates, job celebrations, and the tearful goodbye dinner before college. Last month, they surprised my mom with a sombrero-wearing mariachi rendition of “Las Mañanitas” for her 60th birthday, just as they did for her 40th.
After Cubs games, the place fills with blue-clad fans debating plays over steaming plates of fajitas. The restaurant’s walls have absorbed decades of laughter, heated political debates, and countless “¡Salud!” toasts.
What makes Los Comales special isn’t just the food—it’s how they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of local lives, becoming the reliable backdrop for both special occasions and Tuesday night dinners.
6. Big Flavor, Neighborhood Prices
Generous portions at fair prices keep Los Comales packed even on weeknights. Their signature carne asada plate delivers satisfying value without compromising on quality.
The kitchen focuses on from-scratch touches and careful marination that show up in every bite. Regular customers know to arrive early for weekend specials that often draw a crowd.
As many locals put it, you get strong value for the quality—one more reason for the loyalty.
7. How The Next Generation Protects A Chicago Classic
Members of the González family now balance tradition with thoughtful updates, adding conveniences like online ordering while keeping the warm, name-by-name hospitality intact.
A growing social media presence has introduced younger diners to a place their grandparents frequented, even as the core recipes remain unchanged at their foundation.
The family’s commitment is clear: preserving the spirit of a neighborhood classic while guiding it into the future.