Archer Heights' Goat Birria Specialist
Birrieria Zaragoza on Pulaski is the South Side birria specialist Anthony Bourdain put on the national map. The format is the proper Jalisco birria specialist: slow-roasted goat in the traditional preparation, served with consommé, fresh tortillas, and salsas.
The cooking is uncompromising regional Mexican. The goat is slow-roasted overnight in the traditional manner; the consommé is rich and properly rendered; the tortillas are fresh.
What to Order
Birria de chivo. The goat birria the room exists for. Consommé on the side. Tortillas fresh from the comal; salsas at the table. The horchata is house-made.
The Format
The dining room is small and unfussy. The format moves diners through quickly. The crowd is overwhelmingly local; weekends bring serious queues.
Best Occasion: Solo Dining
Birrieria Zaragoza is one of Chicago's single best inexpensive solo meals. Counter seating handles a single cover; the format is unintimidating; a solo diner can eat exceptionally well for under fifteen dollars and leave understanding why Bourdain made the trip.