Local Foodie Treasures-Mexican Restaurant El Tizon

Because of my love of food, I have met many wonderful people in my life, one of which is Jose Torres. Jose is the owner of El Tizon restaurant at 9014  S. Harlem in Bridgeview. Several years ago I had a taste for tacos and stopped at El Tizon. The steak tacos were SO delicious that I went back the next day for more! I became a frequent customer. I was on a steak taco kick for a while, then I discovered chile relleno tacos (OH MY!), then steak burritos, and on and on. I also grew to enjoy the friendly family atmosphere Jose, his older son Eric and his employees create.

Jose has a heartwarming life story. He was born in Guadalajara, in Jalisco, Mexico. At 7, he began to cook for his brothers and sisters when his mother went out. He got in BIG trouble when she came home and found out, but his passion and love for cooking and food just would not allow him to stop. As a result, his knowledge and skill grew over the years.

After coming to America in 1991, Jose worked all the stations in many different types of restaurants, working his way up from dishwasher to owner of his own restaurant. During those early years, Jose learned about many different cuisines. He took that experience, combined it with his knowledge of Mexican cuisine and created the new taste of Mexican food at El Tizon. Jose’s deep love and passion for food is obvious not only in his words but in the many delicious foods he cooks and serves at El Tizon. He is very proud of his recipes and restaurant.

My knowledge and appreciation of Mexican cuisine has grown because of El Tizon and the many food conversations with Jose. The only Mexican food I ate while growing up was tacos. I didn’t like burritos until I had the El Tizon steak burrito. The menu includes a regular burrito which is perfect for a hearty appetite and a baby burrito for a smaller appetite. Burritos come with rice, refried beans, cheese and lettuce. Jose makes all burritos to order, so each customer gets their food exactly the way they like it. There are many types of burritos on the menu including al pastor (BBQ pork), beef (ground beef), chicken, carne asada (steak) and chorizo. There are many more on the menu but I always seem to order my favorite which is carne asada. The steak is grilled, tender and delicious!

My husband’s favorite burritos and tacos are the el pastor (pork). My husband Ron states,” What's not to like about BBQ pork?! Marinated, roasted, then thinly sliced or chopped. For the most part the meat is juicy and tender, with just a few crunchy crusty bits of the outer layer.  It's got a nice mild "Mexican BBQ" flavor- not spicy hot or overly seasoned- just flavorful. Balanced. As I recall they were originally made from lamb back in the early 60's and originally known as Tacos Árabes. Traditionally roasted on a vertical rotisserie similar to how they make Gyros. Never order this stuff with ton's of cheese and tomatoes- Ask Jose to make it the traditional way with fresh cilantro, chopped onion and perhaps a squeeze of lime, just before you take a bite. Red and green salsas on the side are not necessary because the flavor is perfect just the way it is.”

My 14 year old son enjoys the chicken burritos, tacos and tamales and calls them “amazing!”

When my daughter and her husband come to town from Ohio, their first stop after getting off the expressway is El Tizon. There are no restaurants that serve good Mexican food near their home. They also know Jose and enjoy talking food and family with him while they get to enjoy their Mexican food favorites.

Initially the tacos kept calling me back but I have tried many other items on the menu. I also enjoy the taco salad (the shell is made when you order it), quesadillas, tortas and shrimp tostada’s (only available on Friday’s). The shrimp tostada is made with fresh squeezed lime juice and must be eaten right after it is made otherwise it will become soggy.

There are 2 items El Tizon serves that are extraordinarily delicious-chile relleno tacos and guacamole.  I discovered many Mexican restaurants do not serve chile relleno tacos. If you’ve never had one, I highly recommend it! A chile relleno is a poblano pepper with the skin and seeds removed, stuffed with cheese, battered and deep fried. According to Rick Bayless in his book Mexico, One Plate at a Time, stuffed peppers in Mexico are made for special occasions. This is a very time consuming food to make. The chile relleno taco at El Tizon includes refried beans, rice, lettuce, tomato and cheese. The chile rellenos are not spicy hot but are full of delicious flavor! I have never tasted anything like it. El Tizon offers a chile relleno dinner platter also.

The guacamole from El Tizon is made after it is ordered. It is THE freshest and most delicious guacamole I have ever tasted!! If you enjoy guacamole, this is a must-try! El Tizon makes their own tortilla chips to accompany the guacamole or you can order it to be put on other foods such as tacos, burritos, taco salad, etc. for an additional charge.

I recently found an unexpected treasure at El Tizon. They make a delicious hamburger/cheeseburger and French fries! I never thought to try a burger and fries at a Mexican restaurant. When I go there, I always order one of my usual Mexican food favorites. During a conversation I had with Jose, he told me he makes delicious hamburgers and that I should try one. I went to El Tizon on a Sunday afternoon with my family and ate at the kitchen-side counter seats. The ¼ pound burger is served with shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, cheese if desired, on  bread that is like soft French bread. Jose toasts the bread lightly. When the lettuce, tomato, cheese, meat and bread all come together, the finished sandwich is extremely delicious!  I love the combination of the cool crispy lettuce and hot juicy burger with melted cheese on the toasted bread that gives the sandwich a unique and tasty flavor!

The lightly salted French fries have a very light batter coating on them and were hot and delicious when served! My family thoroughly enjoyed our burgers and fries and can’t wait to go back for another soon! If you like a good burger, I recommend trying one at El Tizon. I think they taste even better when eaten at the restaurant fresh off the grill. There are a large variety of drinks available including horchata, fountain sodas and bottled soda. I enjoy the bottled Mexican Coca Cola which is made the old fashioned way with sugar, not high fructose corn syrup.

El Tizon is small in size but huge in flavor. There are 4 tables and many counter seats for dining in. Allow yourself extra time to either place your take out order or to dine in because all food is prepared as ordered. Phone orders (708-576-8442) are accepted and recommended especially if you cannot wait.

El Tizon has a special for every day of the week and weekend. Every Wednesday, beef, carne asada (steak), cesina(aged beef), al pastor(BBQ pork) and chicken tacos are $1.25 each! This is a great bargain!! The customer has a choice of either corn or flour tortillas. Red and green salsas(sauces) are available on the side. Pickled carrots, onions and peppers are also available on the side.

El Tizon consistently provides fresh, delicious food, a family atmosphere and friendly service. The name El Tizon means “glowing ember” like the bright glow of a burning log when it’s removed from a large campfire. The next time you are in the mood for tasty Mexican food, don’t waste your time or money on one of the chain restaurants, head over to Bridgeview and try real Mexican food. When food is cooked with passion and love you can taste the difference!