Julie Parra was one of Chicago's innovative restaurateurs. At the age of 26, with zero experience in the hospitality industry, she opened Cafe El Tapatio with her husband, Jose Parra. That was in 1974.
"When you have a drive, it doesn't really matter how old you are," said Mauricio Parra, who now runs the restaurant his parents opened.
Parra was a young woman from Mexico with a passion for her home cuisine. What she lacked in experience, she made up for in hard work and dedication. As she and her husband worked daily at the restaurant, Parra continually experimented and explored how to best serve her gastronomic roots from Guadalajara, Jalisco México.
"Our culture shines through our gastronomy. Even though, back in the early 70s nobody really knew what Mexican food was," said Parra.
Last year Julie passed away, but her influence on Chicago Mexican cuisine lives on in Cafe El Tapatio. It's said that her restaurant brought Enchiladas de Mole con Plátano and la Sincronizada de Papa to the Mexican food scene in Chicago. These vegetarian dishes were unheard of in the mainstream food scene.
AnnMarie Welser
"I'm trying to keep my mom's legacy of the vision she had and to continue properly representing what culturally and gastronomically Mexico means to her," said Parra.
Now, Cafe El Tapatio has made itself a staple in Chicago. The establishment has been serving a taste of traditional Mexican dishes in the heart of Lakeview for over four decades. The restaurant is well known for its delectable tacos and margaritas. The menu includes the traditional carne asada, chimichanga, chile rellenos and much more.
"The biggest reason we've been around for 49 years is because we've been true to our roots," said Parra.
The restaurant also has the Churro Parlor, an add-on serving delicious desserts. The space opened in 2019 with its own vibe, serving up a variety of churros, gelatos and more.
AnnMarie Welser
"I actually went down to Guadalajara where my mom is from in Mexico and hung out with a bonafide street vendor and was his apprentice for a week. He taught me how to make legit Mexican street churros," said Parra.
This family-owned restaurant is serving up a taste of authentic Guadalajara as well as the history of a strong Latina businesswoman. The business is one of hundreds in Chicagoland you can visit to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, and all year-round. For more information visit their website.
