Bites Nearby: Authentic Mexican Cuisine Spices Up Countryside's Hacienda Cocula

If you’re looking for a sit-down Mexican restaurant, you don’t have to look very far since there are plenty of options in the area. Hacienda Cocula (pronounced ko-KOO-lah), located at 5452 S. LaGrange Road in Countryside, is one of the newer options. It’s their sixth location in the Chicago metro area and definitely worth a try.

Named after the town in Mexico that is the birthplace of mariachi music, you would think that you would hear some of it playing in the restaurant. Surprisingly, the answer is no. You do, however, hear the television with whatever is playing on Univision, usually a soccer match or a telenovella. The décor is Mexican southwest with heavy wood furnishings and several rod iron light fixtures.

Like at most Mexican restaurants, you are quickly given chips and salsa.  The salsa is on the hotter side and very tasty. All the drinks come in huge glasses. Their small would be most restaurants' large. Kids will love their lemonade; it is ultra refreshing. The adults can get their margaritas in pitchers, which is always more economical.

The colorful presentation of the meal is most impressive. Hacienda Cocula appears to put a little more effort in their plating, garnishing with a beautiful green roasted jalapeño, char-grilled scallions and sliced avocado. The Carne Asada was extremely plentiful. Not only was the meat portion generous, but the amount of sides were generous too. If you’re not a fan of refried beans, they’ll offer their homemade baked beans. Even though they have the usual tacos and burritos, it may be worth trying something from their extensive seafood selection.

For the quality they’re providing, the prices are more than fair. The service is quick and very friendly. Even though there are several other options on LaGrange Road, Hacienda Cocula provides a more authentic flavor in the neighborhood.