Cantina Laredo

Yes, a small chain, but I'll take it any day. A long time Hacienda/Uncle Julio's fanatic, I'm officially torn! Solid, slightly upscale mexican food. Good for brunch/lunch AND dinner.

Best margaritas in the city, the frozen pomegranate is a must order! Perfect place for a first date or even a large birthday party, there's a great room in the back. The guacamole is made table side with just the right amount of kick. I found myself at Cantina Laredo twice in one week...yes it's that good.

When asked for the cuisine style to avoid when planning a biz lunch, my first response is Mexican. I usually associate this style of food (which I love, by the way) with casual evenings, drinks, and very un-biz like atmosphere. Enter Cantina Laredo, a very Power Lunch worthy selection. Very modern decor with a youthful yet sophisticated vibe. You know I'm all about the atmosphere. This will be a treat for the client who may be tired of the "same old" choices. The only complaint you might hear is that this is one of a chain. True, but it's new to Chicago. Cuisine choices are flavorful, less greasy and more expensive versions of the stuff we love, such as enchiladas, tableside guacamole (a must), fish tacos, etc. See below for my favorite. This is state of the art Mexican and worth the price; of course, money is never a consideration anyway when entertaining a client. Remember that.

Went to dinner here last night- Their chips and salsa are amazing. They give you 2 different kinds of salsa, one is a little spicier but both were very tasty! I ordered the pomegranate margarita which wasn't lacking on tequila and was very good! For dinner I got the barbacoa enchiladas- they were amazing! definitely recommend. The meat was cooked perfectly and full of flavor- it came with rice and zucchini which was actually just as good. I cleared my plate! My friend ordered the chicken tacos, I didn't try them but they looked really good as well.