Mexican Eats for Cheap

If you're looking for white linen, sparkly silverware and other characteristics of "fine dining" then Nuevo Leon (http://nuevoleonrestaurant.com/) is not the place for you.  But if you are looking for great, authentic Mexican food and a place that feels like an overized family kitchen then this is a place you need to try.  We went for a friend's birthday on cinco de mayo (no, she's not mexican but somehow I think being born on the mexican holiday inclines her to have many mexican themed birthday celebrations throughout her life).  I was a little afraid that going to such a popular restaurant on the holiday would lead to us not being seated.  But we waited in line for approximately 20 minutes (some of our party was also late so the wait would have been necessary regardless as they will only seat you when your entire party has arrived).



We were seated in a corner booth where we were able to see the all the other patrons throughout the room--which ranged from families with small children, couples on dates, girls night outters like ourselves, and groups of students I'm assuming from nearby UIC.  Before we could even consider what to order they brought chips and salsa and everyone received an individual free appetizer of a dish similar to an enchilada with potatoes.  Oddly enough the dish reminded me of the neckbones and potatoes my grandmother made when I was younger, but instead of a soupy like preparation, it was served in a tortilla.



The free "appetizer"



chips w/ three types of salsa varying in degress of spiciness

As you can see from the pics below the plating is far from fancy, but the food was all delicious.  There were no complaints from anyone at our large party of 8.  And the place is BYOB, which additionally cuts down on cost.  My portion of the bill ended up being close to $8 (including tip!) for my enchiladas.  No one's individual bill was over $10 that I can recall, and we all left quite full.  When I am in the Pilsen/Tri-taylor area and craving mexican food (which is 75% of all the time for me), I will definitely be adding a stop to Nuevo Leon on my list.


Burrito





My enchiladas :)





Steak Tacos



Barbacoa