If you ask any Chicagoan where to find real Mexican food, chances are they’ll point you to Tecalitlan—or just “Tec,” as our regulars call it. For nearly five decades, our family has been serving up authentic Mexican flavors, and now, we’re proud to bring that same tradition to a new home in Lincoln Park at NEWCITY.

Our story began in 1973 when my father, Carlos Garcia, and his brother, Jose, came to Chicago from Jalisco, Mexico, with big dreams and a passion for sharing the flavors of home. They opened Tecalitlan on Chicago Avenue, turning a small restaurant into a neighborhood favorite. When Jose returned to Mexico, my mother, Maria, stepped in to run the business alongside my father. Together, they worked tirelessly—not just building a restaurant, but creating a space where people felt at home. My siblings and I grew up in the kitchen, learning the heart and soul of what makes Tecalitlan special.

Over the years, we’ve watched generations of families walk through our doors. We’ve seen first dates turn into anniversaries, kids grow up and bring their own children, and longtime customers become part of our family. Some of our team members have been with us for 30 years or more, and to us, they’re family too.

Food is at the heart of what we do, but it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the experience, the traditions, and the connections we create. That’s why we’re proud to bring a piece of our heritage straight from our family’s roots in Jalisco with Tequila 3Garcias—crafted by our own family members in Arandas, Mexico. Made with 100% blue agave and aged to perfection, it’s a labor of love, just like everything we do at Tecalitlan.

So whether you’ve been dining with us for years or are stepping into our restaurant for the first time, welcome to the family. We can’t wait to share a meal, a margarita, and a piece of our story with you.

— The Garcia Family