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El Carrito Mexican Restaurant Specializes in Street-Style Food, Owner Says

 El Carrito, at 6019 N. Lincoln Ave., serves street-food-style Mexican food.
El Carrito, at 6019 N. Lincoln Ave., serves street-food-style Mexican food.
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DNAinfo/Benjamin Woodard

WEST RIDGE — Chicago might not be known for its great street food like other big cities, but Joe Zureikat plans to put a dent in that perception.

The 42-year-old native South Sider opened El Carrito at 6019 N. Lincoln Ave., specializing in street-food-style Mexican food.

"We did this quite honestly because the food around here kinda sucks," said Zureikat, who also owns the liquor store next door. "We wouldn't bring something to this corner that was not only nice but had good authentic street food."


Mole-drenched fries and tacos are the restaurant's flagship dishes. [DNAinfo/Benjamin Woodard]

The new restaurant's chef, Valentine Hernandez, learned to cook in Mexico City. Zureikat said all ingredients are fresh, including the handmade tortillas.

Zureikat said his joint would be a much-needed upgrade to the area's other counter-service offerings.

El Carrito is open seven days a week: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Zureikat said his top dishes are the Tilapia tacos and mole-drenched fries.

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