Salpicon

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1252 N Wells St (at Scott Street)
Chicago, IL 60610

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(312) 988-7811
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Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Salpicon - Chicago, IL
Reviews
( 86 )
( 44 )
( 12 )
( 8 )
( 22 )

Best

Lovely evening, outstanding sauces. I think they really research and develop even the sauces. It's pure, and always consitent!

Worst

My first visit turned out to be terrible. Ordered three appetizers and received the first one quickly. After some time passed we received grilled shrimp and a special appetizer ...

Overpriced 9/12/2008

When we got there the place was empty and stark besides the cheesy retro decor. We wanted a glass of wine but glasses averaged $15+ and the wine list read like a encyclopedia: overpriced and no where to start. We ordered Margaritas at $10 dollars a piece that came in boring 6 oz un-stemmed glasses watered down with ice and most likely tap water as well. My girlfriend ordered a margarita with premium tequila at $12, the waitres recommened it for women, and I ordered a regular margarita for $10.00 with tequila no better than Jose Cuervo. The $7.00 dollar tomale plate was resonable and had a variety of taste of mole chicken Alskan Halibut and pork tomales on banana and corn leaves; I should of ordered it as my main course. A rude Maitre D' interupted us if we have any questions about the wine list and we said "No" . Then he rudely just walked away with no comment to his podium. He was awkward and un-personable older man with a bow-tie. I have received much better personalities at Chili's. The place was empty and all the hosts and attendants stood at the bar just kinda looking at our table. For our entrees, nothing was cheaper than $20.00 a plate. I ordered the Chicken mole and it was good but all it was is rice, two boneless chicken breasts and mole sauce. The cuisine was good and left us satisfied but highly remourceful when I spent $80.00 (tip included) for average Mexican cuisine and two watered down Margaritas and an appetizer. Drinks were terrible and anything on the wine list you need to take on a second Mortgage. I would never go to this place again. In fact I wish I never made dinner reservations for Second City because as I walked around the area my girlfriend and we noticed several other restaurants probably with better food at much better prices we could've gone to instead. We will never go to Salpicon again. Pros: Authentic Mexican Cuisine Cons: Cold Serivce and overpriced more
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Synonyms for HORRIBLE 5/2/2008

Quite possibly the most A to Z horrible dinning experience. RUDE owner and staff, from the reservations, through the entire dinner. Food was brought out cold, order was screwed up, service was terrible, margaritas were watered down - over priced lemonade. They litteraly DO NOT deserve your business for their over priced, nonsensical, wannabe version of an actual Fine Dining establishment. If you just happen to be the luckiest person on earth and get decent food and service, this place is no bigger than a closet! You are on top of the table next to you, forget privacy or comfort, I mean romance is taking your date to a conference with the table on the right and left isn't it? Pros: They have a door to walk out of Cons: They have a door to walk into more
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Synonyms for HORRIBLE 5/1/2008

Quite possibly the most A to Z horrible dinning experience. RUDE owner and staff, from the reservations, through the entire dinner. Food was brought out cold, order was screwed up, service was terrible, margaritas were watered down - over priced lemonade. They litteraly DO NOT deserve your business for their over priced, nonsensical, wannabe version of an actual Fine Dining establishment. If you just happen to be the luckiest person on earth and get decent food and service, this place is no bigger than a closet! You are on top of the table next to you, forget privacy or comfort, I mean romance is taking your date to a conference with the table on the right and left isn't it? Pros: They have a door to walk out of Cons: They have a door to walk into more
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awful customer service, definitely not worth their price 4/19/2008

Me and my friends went to cerebrate my birthday, and UNFORTUNATELY I choose to go to Salpicon, as I always like to try new places. Starting with making the reservation; they take your credit card information when reserving a table, as there is a $75.00 cancellation fee per person? As soon as we arrived, we had to wait 20 min. for valet parking and 30 min. to be seated even though we had a reservation. Let's move forward with awful customer service? the owner instead of greeting was very rude; the servers, would not take an appetizer order unless the full order was placed at once. The prices are outrageous and the food portions are very small, the food is not as tasty, the restaurant is very simple, definitely not worth their price? Unfortunately, they ruin my appetite; I hope this review reaches other people before their appetite gets ruined. If you are willing to have a great experience, try Adobo grill (much less expensive, much better food, great ambiance), Carnival (expensive but worth their price, great customer service, really fancy, excellent chef selection?) and I can go on, but definitely any other place will make you feel welcome. DO NOT GO TO SALPICON! Cons: Ambiance, parking service, prices, customer service more
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awful customer service, definitely not worth their price 4/18/2008

Me and my friends went to cerebrate my birthday, and UNFORTUNATELY I choose to go to Salpicon, as I always like to try new places. Starting with making the reservation; they take your credit card information when reserving a table, as there is a $75.00 cancellation fee per person? As soon as we arrived, we had to wait 20 min. for valet parking and 30 min. to be seated even though we had a reservation. Let's move forward with awful customer service? the owner instead of greeting was very rude; the servers, would not take an appetizer order unless the full order was placed at once. The prices are outrageous and the food portions are very small, the food is not as tasty, the restaurant is very simple, definitely not worth their price? Unfortunately, they ruin my appetite; I hope this review reaches other people before their appetite gets ruined. If you are willing to have a great experience, try Adobo grill (much less expensive, much better food, great ambiance), Carnival (expensive but worth their price, great customer service, really fancy, excellent chef selection?) and I can go on, but definitely any other place will make you feel welcome. DO NOT GO TO SALPICON! Pros: NONE Cons: Ambiance, parking service, prices, customer service more
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One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago! 3/24/2008

Salpicon has to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city of Chicago- and believe me when I say, I go to A LOT of great restaurants. Let me first say, this is no taco bell. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but this is true authentic Mexican Food......not a Tex Mex shack you stop into before a night of drinking. The food is EXCELLENT, the staff are friendly, quick, helpful- I am always greeted with a smile when I walk in the door and always seated very quickly. The restaurant is cozy- make sure to make reservations. It is always a pretty full house, which speaks to its popularity among foodies. For an upscale restaurant, I think the price is right- REMEMBER, this is not a taco and burrito joint, but a restaurant for ""in the know"" diners. Try any of the fabulous weekly specials- there is always something for everyone to enjoy. I love their Margaritas too- I recommend the Margarita made with the Herradura Reposado- if you want some tequila that leaves you with a headache from hell, wondering how you got home....this is not the place for you. If you are a wine person- they have one of the best lists in town. Ask recommendations from the very friendly sommelier. Top picks for me are the ceviche, the crab cakes, the camarones al mojo de ajo, and the excellent pork chop!!! Get ready for an excellent dining experience!!! Believe me, you won't be disappointed!!\r Pros: Great food, friendly staff. Cons: Go early and make reservations more
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Excellent, authentic, modern Mexican fare!!!! 3/24/2008

This fabulous Old Town restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. Warm, cozy, with fantastic and friendly staff, Salpicon's menu has something for everyone. I come back to the restaurant at least once a week!! Check out all the wonderful awards the restaurant has won- appropriately on display by the host desk. The wine and tequila list is tremendous- not to mention the staff are extremely knowledgeable about food and wine pairings. Try any of the wonderful weekly specials (particularly the duck when it is on the menu). The ceviche as a starter is wonderful! The tenderloin filet and camarones al mojo de ajo are amazing. If you want excellent, authentic, modern Mexican fare, Salpicon is an absolute must visit!!!! Pros: Fabulous menu, something for everyone! more
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One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago! 3/23/2008

Salpicon has to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city of Chicago- and believe me when I say, I go to A LOT of great restaurants. Let me first say, this is no taco bell. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but this is true authentic Mexican Food......not a Tex Mex shack you stop into before a night of drinking. The food is EXCELLENT, the staff are friendly, quick, helpful- I am always greeted with a smile when I walk in the door and always seated very quickly. The restaurant is cozy- make sure to make reservations. It is always a pretty full house, which speaks to its popularity among foodies. For an upscale restaurant, I think the price is right- REMEMBER, this is not a taco and burrito joint, but a restaurant for "in the know" diners. Try any of the fabulous weekly specials- there is always something for everyone to enjoy. I love their Margaritas too- I recommend the Margarita made with the Herradura Reposado- if you want some tequila that leaves you with a headache from hell, wondering how you got home....this is not the place for you. If you are a wine person- they have one of the best lists in town. Ask recommendations from the very friendly sommelier. Top picks for me are the ceviche, the crab cakes, the camarones al mojo de ajo, and the excellent pork chop!!! Get ready for an excellent dining experience!!! Believe me, you won't be disappointed!! Pros: Great food, friendly staff. Cons: Go early and make reservations more
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Excellent, authentic, modern Mexican fare!!!! 3/23/2008

This fabulous Old Town restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. Warm, cozy, with fantastic and friendly staff, Salpicon's menu has something for everyone. I come back to the restaurant at least once a week!! Check out all the wonderful awards the restaurant has won- appropriately on display by the host desk. The wine and tequila list is tremendous- not to mention the staff are extremely knowledgeable about food and wine pairings. Try any of the wonderful weekly specials (particularly the duck when it is on the menu). The ceviche as a starter is wonderful! The tenderloin filet and camarones al mojo de ajo are amazing. If you want excellent, authentic, modern Mexican fare, Salpicon is an absolute must visit!!!! Pros: Fabulous menu, something for everyone! Cons: NONE more
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Horrendous, Awful, Terrible, etc. 2/24/2008

Ever seen the 'Soup N*zi' episode of Seinfeld?! Just like that, but MUCH worse: \r \r Very rude manager and owner, not accomodating to any request. \r Very small and cramped restaurant. People always bumping into you or your table. \r $25 per head if you cancel a reservation.\r Very overpriced food that is mediocre and in very small quantity.\r Screwed up a vegetarian order entirely, wouldnt even comp the dish.\r \r \r Salpicrap...... in sooo many ways. Cons: Too many for this small line more
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Horrendous, Awful, Terrible, etc. 2/23/2008

Ever seen the 'Soup N*zi' episode of Seinfeld?! Just like that, but MUCH worse: Very rude manager and owner, not accomodating to any request. Very small and cramped restaurant. People always bumping into you or your table. $25 per head if you cancel a reservation. Very overpriced food that is mediocre and in very small quantity. Screwed up a vegetarian order entirely, wouldnt even comp the dish. Salpicrap...... in sooo many ways. Pros: None Cons: Too many for this small line more
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BAD! 2/15/2008

THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE. WE STARTED OUR NIGHT AT OUR FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT UNCLE JULIO'S HACIENDA, AND THE WAIT WAS TOO LONG THAT WE DECIDED TO GO ELSEWHERE. I WALK PAST SALPICON ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND WE THOUGHT WE'D TRY IT. FROM THE MOMENT WE STEPPED IN THE DOOR, OUR MOODS CHANGED. THE ARROGANT, UNGRACIOUS HOST COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE DISRESPECTFUL. SINCE WE DIDN'T HAVE A RESERVATION, HE LOOKED AT US LIKE WE DIDN'T BELONG THERE. EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE SEVERAL OPEN TABLES, HE ""DID US A FAVOR"" AND SAT US. WE WERE HESITANT TO EVEN GO ANY FURTHER, BUT YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, HOWEVER IN THIS CASE THE COVER TELLS YOU EVERYTHING. WHEN WE DIDN'T WANT TO CHECK OUR COATS, WE THOUGHT THEY WOULD INTENTIONALLY ADD A LITTLE ""FLAVOR"" TO OUR FOOD. WE FELT LIKE WE WERE BACK IN JUNIOR HIGH AND THE WAIT STAFF WAS GOSSIPING ABOUT US IN THE CORNER. WHEN I PAY $7 FOR CHIPS AND SALSA, I EXPECT A LITTLE MORE THAN 6 CHIPS AND HALF A SPOONFUL OF SALSA. THIS IS A HORRIBLE DATE PLACE, BECAUSE NOT ONLY ARE YOU SITTING RIGHT ON TOP OF THE COUPLE NEXT TO YOU, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO PAY A FORTUNE TO FEEL CLOSE TO SATISFIED. I HAVE A GOOD JUDGEMENT OF GREAT FOOD, AND THIS JUST WASN'T IT. IF YOU CAN'T TELL BY NOW, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT TO EVEN MY WORST ENEMY. Pros: THE WATER WAS COLD..... Cons: EVERYTHING ELSE more
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BAD! 2/14/2008

THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE. WE STARTED OUR NIGHT AT OUR FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT UNCLE JULIO'S HACIENDA, AND THE WAIT WAS TOO LONG THAT WE DECIDED TO GO ELSEWHERE. I WALK PAST SALPICON ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND WE THOUGHT WE'D TRY IT. FROM THE MOMENT WE STEPPED IN THE DOOR, OUR MOODS CHANGED. THE ARROGANT, UNGRACIOUS HOST COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE DISRESPECTFUL. SINCE WE DIDN'T HAVE A RESERVATION, HE LOOKED AT US LIKE WE DIDN'T BELONG THERE. EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE SEVERAL OPEN TABLES, HE "DID US A FAVOR" AND SAT US. WE WERE HESITANT TO EVEN GO ANY FURTHER, BUT YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, HOWEVER IN THIS CASE THE COVER TELLS YOU EVERYTHING. WHEN WE DIDN'T WANT TO CHECK OUR COATS, WE THOUGHT THEY WOULD INTENTIONALLY ADD A LITTLE "FLAVOR" TO OUR FOOD. WE FELT LIKE WE WERE BACK IN JUNIOR HIGH AND THE WAIT STAFF WAS GOSSIPING ABOUT US IN THE CORNER. WHEN I PAY $7 FOR CHIPS AND SALSA, I EXPECT A LITTLE MORE THAN 6 CHIPS AND HALF A SPOONFUL OF SALSA. THIS IS A HORRIBLE DATE PLACE, BECAUSE NOT ONLY ARE YOU SITTING RIGHT ON TOP OF THE COUPLE NEXT TO YOU, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO PAY A FORTUNE TO FEEL CLOSE TO SATISFIED. I HAVE A GOOD JUDGEMENT OF GREAT FOOD, AND THIS JUST WASN'T IT. IF YOU CAN'T TELL BY NOW, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT TO EVEN MY WORST ENEMY. Pros: THE WATER WAS COLD..... Cons: EVERYTHING ELSE more
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bad bad bad 2/11/2008

I went at 5:30 on a week day. My friend and I were told that since we did not have a reservation that we could have a table but that if someone with a reservation showed up we would be asked to give up our table. There were maybe 4 people at this time dining and maybe 30 empty tables. The host or manager was so rude to us. We sat down and just the lingering attitude left a bad taste in our mouths. All we could talk about was how nasty he was. Then our appetizers came, lets just say they were not very good. We asked for our check and left. Pros: nada Cons: the food and the service more
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bad bad bad 2/10/2008

I went at 5:30 on a week day. My friend and I were told that since we did not have a reservation that we could have a table but that if someone with a reservation showed up we would be asked to give up our table. There were maybe 4 people at this time dining and maybe 30 empty tables. The host or manager was so rude to us. We sat down and just the lingering attitude left a bad taste in our mouths. All we could talk about was how nasty he was. Then our appetizers came, lets just say they were not very good. We asked for our check and left. Pros: nada Cons: the food and the service more
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Best New Year's Eve ever! 1/8/2008

Came here on New Year's Eve with my husband. Everyhing was perfect; from the valet service to the chocolate truffles with tequila)! My husband had the crabcake and I had the scallop app with bacon. Both were well-conceived and tasted fresh and yummy. For entrees we had the lamb chops and the filet with huitlacochi (sp)? sauce. The lamb melted in my mouth and my husband's filet was delicious on its own but was superbly matched with the huitlacochi sauce. For dessert I had the pear and mago tart with goat's milk ice cream (yum) and Jim had the chocolate espresso cake with vanilla ice cream Both tasted as good as they looked. Their wine list is extensive and very impressive and Henry, the sommelier, picked out a great bottle of wine for us that went well with what we ordered (I think it was an Australian Grenache). Our server Mark made us feel very welcome. We can't wait to return! Pros: excellent food, great wine list, professional service Cons: not close enough to our home! more
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Best New Year's Eve ever! 1/7/2008

Came here on New Year's Eve with my husband. Everyhing was perfect; from the valet service to the chocolate truffles with tequila)! My husband had the crabcake and I had the scallop app with bacon. Both were well-conceived and tasted fresh and yummy. For entrees we had the lamb chops and the filet with huitlacochi (sp)? sauce. The lamb melted in my mouth and my husband's filet was delicious on its own but was superbly matched with the huitlacochi sauce. For dessert I had the pear and mago tart with goat's milk ice cream (yum) and Jim had the chocolate espresso cake with vanilla ice cream Both tasted as good as they looked. Their wine list is extensive and very impressive and Henry, the sommelier, picked out a great bottle of wine for us that went well with what we ordered (I think it was an Australian Grenache). Our server Mark made us feel very welcome. We can't wait to return! Pros: excellent food, great wine list, professional service Cons: not close enough to our home! more
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Won't be going back 12/29/2007

The food here was just ""ok"". It was nothing special at all. The prices were outrageously high for Mexican food though and I won't be going back because of this. The portions are just average and the service was good. The prices you pay are not reflected in the food or the atmosphere so I can only guess that customers are paying the rent. The host on the night we went was very rude. I think her name was Maria. There was only one other group in the place but she insisted on sitting us at a table that was too small for our group. The table didn't even sit level on the floor and when the last member of our party arrived there was no where for him to sit. Maria huffed and puffed about getting an extra chair, then when she did she just left it there without preparing a setting for the extra customer. He literally had to sit and eat on his lap. All this while there were only 4 other people in the place. Our waitress was nice and competent, but that didn't save the meal or the bad host. Pros: Nice neighborhood Cons: Overpriced, average food more
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Won't be going back 12/29/2007

The food here was just "ok". It was nothing special at all. The prices were outrageously high for Mexican food though and I won't be going back because of this. The portions are just average and the service was good. The prices you pay are not reflected in the food or the atmosphere so I can only guess that customers are paying the rent. The host on the night we went was very rude. I think her name was Maria. There was only one other group in the place but she insisted on sitting us at a table that was too small for our group. The table didn't even sit level on the floor and when the last member of our party arrived there was no where for him to sit. Maria huffed and puffed about getting an extra chair, then when she did she just left it there without preparing a setting for the extra customer. He literally had to sit and eat on his lap. All this while there were only 4 other people in the place. Our waitress was nice and competent, but that didn't save the meal or the bad host. Pros: Nice neighborhood Cons: Overpriced, average food more
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Great place for Tequila drinks!! 12/13/2007

I just went here last night with a friend who is a regular. The staff were great and let me use my Spanish :) I had a fun time trying new drinks. The decor was nice but the floor made me a little dizzy! j/k! The foods yummy. A little pricey but what can you expect for the neighborhood!! I plan to go back before the end of the year! Pros: Great Tequila! Fodds yummy! Cons: pricey but worth it! more
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Menu for Salpicon


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Upscale and intimate, this colorful Mexican restaurant draws Old Town regulars with its authentic fare and wine/tequila list.

Owner Message

  • Salpic?n, Priscila and Vincent Satkoff's colorful, intimate restaurant in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, has established itself as one of the city's finest upscale Mexican restaurants. A true joint effort, Salpic?n is a balance of Priscila's traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine and Vincent's knowledge of fine wine and management. Menu highlights include grilled tiger shrimp with avocado-tomatillo sauce, poblano chilies stuffed with huitlacoche and fresh vegetables and grilled lamb with pasilla chile sauce. Sunday brunch offers a chance to try Chilaquiles Rojos or other brunch specialties.The notably professional and friendly service staff offers knowledgeable explanations of menu items and nightly specials as they help diners navigate the restaurant's Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence-winning wine list and selection of more than 100 premium tequilas and mezcales.

Editorial

  • In Short
    Brightly colored and casual, Salpicon teems with fans of Priscila Satkoff's authentic Mexican fare. Dishes are dazzling and memorable: queso fundido with onions, tiger shrimp and...

  • 3/3/2005 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm
  • Payments: Master Card, Discover, Visa, American Express, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
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