Smart move, Masa Azul, picking up the up-and-coming chef Jonathan Zaragoza, whose family owns Birrieria Zaragoza. This guy makes tremendously juicy cochinita pibil (braised pork settled into fresh tortillas and brought to life with a drizzle of habanero salsa) and puts considerable care into a chunky, complex roasted-tomatillo salsa. Shareable snacks like these are perfect for Masa Azul, which I’ve always felt would do itself a favor to err on the bar side of bar/restaurant. That’s due to its fascinating collection of tequila and mescal and to the cocktails Jenny Kessler creates from them, which are mostly excellent (the refreshing Lola, served with a Stiegl Radler) and occasionally ham-fisted (the Autumn, heavy-handed with spices). Though the proteins in the entrées (salty steak, bland quail) were of little interest compared to their accompaniments (roasted peppers and a chorizo-breaded Scotch egg, respectively), it was worth sticking around for dessert, light and crispy twirls of churros that ended an uneven meal on solid footing. 2901 W Diversey Ave (773-687-0300, masaazul.com).
Masa Azul | Tasting notes
The Logan Square spot brings on a new chef.
An email you’ll actually love
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
An email you’ll actually love
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
An email you’ll actually love
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Discover Time Out original video
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!