NEWCITY Welcomes Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar

A favorite restaurant of Chicagoans has a new home in the Lincoln Park area of the city. Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar or ‘Tec’ as it’s affectionately called by foodies, will officially open on Friday, July 9th at NEWCITY. This nearly five-decades old, family-owned restaurant brand has a reputation as the “go-to” spot for Mexican fare continues to grow exponentially amongst both native Mexicans and newcomers. Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar prides itself on sharing delicious and authentic Mexican food, coupled with a love for the Mexican culture and heritage with a new generation of guests.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar has chosen NEWCITY as their new location and we appreciate the strong legacy and incredible offerings they boast,” explains Jennifer Wojcik, General Manager for Bucksbaum Properties.

Founded in 1973 by immigrant brothers Carlos and Jose Garcia from Jalisco, Mexico, Tecalitlan quickly made a name for itself as a “lively hacienda” on Chicago Avenue in West Town. Years later, Jose would return to Mexico and leave the business to Carlos and his wife Maria, who worked hard to make Tecalitlan successful while also raising their kids to learn about the restaurant industry.

As the Tecalitlan brand grows in popularity so does the menu, incorporating some timeless Mexican favorites as well as margaritas. Popular dishes include fajitas, mole chicken enchiladas, chiles rellenos, carne asada dinner, shrimp enchiladas and chicken flautas among others. The restaurant has appeared on numerous lists celebrating the best margaritas and burritos in Chicago while also being featured in media outlets such as Sauté magazine, Latina magazine, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and CBS Chicago.

Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar is run by Juan Carlos and Karla, two of the four Garcia children. Having grown up in the family business, they enjoy managing the restaurant as much as their parents did, which means it’s never a dull day at Tecalitlan.

“We are on our third generation of customers, and we love seeing them come through our doors,” explains Karla. “Some clients are so loved by our staff that we consider them family more than customers. The same goes for some of our team members that have been with us for 30 years or more.”

Loyal customers have traveled near and far to dine at Tecalitlan and to take back burritos to their friends and families back home.

“Our burritos have gone as far as France!” explains Juan Carlos. “They have also made it to Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, Puerto Rico, Delaware, New York, Indiana, Oklahoma and even Texas.”

In addition to food, the Garcias have tequila makers in the family who produce a brand of tequila under the label Tequila 3Garcias. Made in the highlands Tequila region in Arandas, Jalisco Mexico, the tequila has a sweeter finish and is made with 100% blue agave with no additives, coloring, or sugars. The Tequila 3G Reposado is aged for 8 months while the Añejo or “aged Tequila” is rested for 18 months - which is 6 months more than the minimum required time. The Ultra Añejo, which is typically left untouched in barrels for a minimum of 3 years, is aged to 12 years and has the body, flavor and taste like no other.

“Tequila is a beautiful spirit, the longer time in the barrel, the better body, taste, flavor, and nose for the consumer,” explains Karla. “The Ultra Aged is a one-of-a-kind tequila collector’s dream for sure, perfect for sipping. But we normally use 3G Blanco and 3G Reposado in our margaritas and cocktails.”

NEWCITY is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Ideal for all ages, NEWCITY features a variety of community events, stores, restaurants, movie theaters, grocery store and bowling alley.

Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar is located at 1538 North Clybourn Avenue within NEWCITY. For more information, please visit www.experiencenewcity.com or FB @tecchicago.