Thanksgiving was over for only three days, I was running out of turkey leftovers, and I was planning to come home to a nice, fairly healthy bowl of canned soup for lunch. Oh, what I good girl was I! But I had a bit of a downfall, and I blame my boss.

 

As a Christmas gift last year, I was given a collection of the best food writing of the previous year. The silly editor of this book put three articles about taquerias and taco trucks in a row! The pressure was too much. The ever-present voices in my head screamed taco! taco!

 

On the way home from work, I spotted 4 Hermanos Too, the second location of the storefront Mexican diner in Jefferson Park. This location is much smaller than the original, but just as homey and welcoming. I never really noticed this location before, which sits directly across from Target and the Leaning Tower of Niles. (It’s like the Leaning Tower of Pisa but smaller and more mysterious. The reason for its existence is the mystery).

 

The prices are the best part of 4 Hermanos. I decided to try two tacos—one chorizo and one seasoned pork—and the total came to $3.31 with tax. They may be small (about 4 inches in diameter), but they pack a wallop. They are piled so high with meat, fresh onions, and fresh cilantro that you can’t close the tortilla around the filling. Do not attempt to eat these on the car ride home. Trust me.

 

The pork was quite good, but the chorizo was definitely the highlight – drippy, highly seasoned, and a perfect match for the onions and cilantro. This particular nosh was what brought me back with a group of friends in tow. The special of the day, three tacos with rice and beans, came to a grand total of $5.51. The beans and rice could have used more seasoning. But the portions were huge, much bigger than you’d expect for lunch, and the tacos were as good as they were the first time.

 

4 Hermanos Too

6145 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago

(773) 775-2550 or (773) 775-3130

 

4 Hermanos

5239 N. Central Ave., Chicago

(773) 545-2294 or (773) 545-9596