Mesa Urbana / Lincoln Park

Highly Recommended ***** It has been several years since we visited Mesa Urbana, a wonderful Mexican Fusion restaurant that was in a strip center in Northbrook ( just where it meets Glenview on Milwaukee Avenue). It was a bustling atmosphere, but a delicious experience. In fact, we went back a few times with friends and family so they could enjoy the flavors and tastes that the brothers Taleb ( Moe, Billy and Ash) have created. Over the years, the brothers felt that they wanted to bring their fare to the city. They looked at Portage Park, now undergoing a re-birth and some gentrification, but felt they might be a bit early. They then found a marvelous space in Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park is an ideal location.

In their new home at 1935 Lincoln Park West, they are surrounded by Chicago at its finest. They are just blocks away from the Old Town area, a half block from Park West, a few blocks from The Zoo and of course minutes away from the loop  travelers can hop a cab and be there in minutes). They are nestled in a space that has the warmth of the suburbs and lots of space for outdoor patio dining in what appears to be a park like setting. Many of you might not know this street, but it Lincoln Park West is divided by Clark Street. You can go North from Clark Street at Armitage. The section where Mesa Urbana sits is reached from Lincoln Avenue and is on a cul-de-sac, adding to the specialness of this eatery.

Now that you know how to get there, let me tell you why to go there. Amazing menu. While they do not have a huge menu, they do have one that  has flavors galore and items that will appeal to everyone in your party. We began our evening ( loving the spacious and well spaced dining area) with cocktails. Jane had the La Pina Fresca ( citrus and Mezcal) and I veered away from my typical old fashion or vodka martini to enjoy their specialty, the Margarita de la Casa ( premium reposado tequila, lime and agave) that was served with style and production by our server, Linda. By the way, she is a delight with a bubbly personality and a thorough knowledge of the Mesa Ubana menu. The wine list is also great and they have select beers and of course, a spirit free menu of drinks as well.

For starters, we enjoyed , from the small plates menu, the Shrimp Ceviche (passion fruit habanero, citrus, jicama, mango, avocado and cilantro) a wonderful zesty tasting treat and the Brussel Sprouts (almonds, dates, fresno pepper) which of course is one of Jane’s favorite veggies. While I am not a sprout lover, I do have to say that I enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. There are several other small plates to select from and the portions are perfect for sharing. The salads are with the Large Plates on the menu, probably because they are very large and definitely can be shared or a meal. We selected the Beet Salad ( arugula, onion pecan, feta, poblano dressing) Jane is not a beet person, but she did partake of this one and enjoyed it. (one small step for mankind- thank you Taleb Brothers). The other salad was their Caesar Salad (baby gem,lettuce,crostini, cilantro and parmesan-no mayo in their dressing) which again was more than ample for sharing.

The entree list was where we turned to Linda. We had heard the story of the meat supplier search and so we knew that we would be having the Carne Asada ( USDA prime Allen Brothers skirt steak, nopales empapelados, beans 36) TERRIFIC! This steak was as tender as one could ever want. It is grilled to perfection ( we said medium- it WAS medium). As we ate this steak, Jane kept saying the names of all of her friends that she needed to call so they could taste what we did. Putting it on a shell or eating it off the fork adding the spices of Mexico made no difference. This was TERRIFIC!

We also had their Salmon Al Carbon (tamarind, mango, papaya and an avocado puree). Again, every bite was flavorful and the serving was ample enough to be shared. They have chicken and shrimp menu items and for those who have that hamburger person in their family, a wonderful looking burger. Both Jane and I stared at each one leaving the kitchen, headed for other tables. This is on our next time list, for sure!

Desserts are limited and to be honest we were pretty full, BUT nothing stops us when it comes to dessert, so we enjoyed their specialty Cinco Leches. They also have a flourless cake ( also on our next time visit) and a bowl with assorted ice cream scoops. In addition, and NOT on the menu ( so pay attention or ask), a Chocolate Almond Tart- WOW!  Under normal circumstances, when it comes to dessert, we do more of a tasting than an eating. In this case, we just kept cutting strips of the tart until we had an empty plate ( and then we knew it was time to say goodnight).

Mesa Urbana, a modern fusion of Mexican and American flavors is a terrific place to entertain a client, a friend visiting from out of town or someone special in your life. The staff is “familia” and treat you as if you are as well. From start to finish you will enjoy the experience. For those of you coming from the North Shore, who knew them there, this is a warmer atmosphere, a quieter bar area ( much more private) and when the weather turns, a great outdoor location allowing one to view the city in a park like setting. While parking may be a slight problem, the  Taleb brothers are working on their own valet parking and there is street (metered) on Clark Street and Armitage

The hours at Mesa Urbana are :Wednesday and Thursday 4:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday   4:30 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Sundays  4:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAY and TUESDAY

To make reservations or find out about catering call 773-312-7040 or visit their website at  www.mesaurbana.com

ENJOY!

note: Linda wore her mask the entire meal ( as did the entire staff) we had her step back six feet before our dessert so we could show you her smiling face. What a personality!

Secondary Note: In May, Mesa Urbana will add a new dimension to their restaurant.

They will open 7 days a week at 8 a.m. during which time, neighbors and visitors will be able to get a cup of coffee AND ( donuts, pastries etc) or at noon, perhaps one of the fabulous burgers mentioned above

This will be a daily event and perhaps week-end brunch will be added. The dinner hours will remain but I believe they will add Monday and Tuesday- we will keep you informed. The brothers Taleb saw that the area needed something special for the morning and day, so they are working out the details and wanted to have me let you know!