Taqueria Los Comales is a traditional Mexican style restaurant that has been around since 1973, when Camerino Gonzalez founded the Little Village on 26th St.
Gonzalez was a sixteen-year-old immigrant who came to the United States through California from Guadalajara. While working three jobs, he held on to his dream of owning his own business.
Once Gonzalez fulfilled his dream it became important to him to give back and help others fulfill their dreams too. According to Christina Gonzalez, daughter of Camerino, the Gonzalez family would sponsor immigrants for internships.
Olivia Gonzalez, granddaughter of Camerino Gonzalez, stated “He wanted to help other people who were in his position: the people who came to America with nothing in their pockets that missed their home food.”
These internships gave immigrants the opportunity to understand the work force and gain experience at a restaurant. When they were properly trained, they were given a chance of pursuing the American dream where they would open their own location with the help of other managers.
Los Comales has now grown from one small restaurant with two tables and six stools to having seventeen locations around Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs, along with locations in Wisconsin and Texas.
They also grew by catering and ordering online. Catering has been a big aspect as they have catered to large corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft and even weddings.
Ever since their founding in 1973, Los Comales has been known for serving traditional and high quality Mexican food.
When Los Comales first restaurant opened, the menu consisted of high-quality mini tacos that consisted of not just chicken and steak but other types of meat such as Barbados, tripa (which is the small intestines of any farm animal) and liver.
Their menu has expanded by adding breakfast such as eggs served with rice and beans. Burritos, quesadillas, platillos and seafood have also been added to their menu that can now be seen at the restaurants.
When I visited their Evergreen Park location, I was blown away by how welcoming the restaurant was, and how good the food smelled.
Many guests that visit recommend the Quesabirria because of the crispy tortilla shell. Others recommend the classic mini tacos because it was the original dish that started Los Comales.
The food served at Los Comales is passionately cooked and served by its employees.
Camerino’s daughter Christina stated “I love serving this food because it’s a representation of who we are, where we came from, the hard work and dedication that my dad started for this family.”
As Camerino was the heart of Los Comales, he lives on through his family’s business and continues to inspire people just like him with the message that the American dream is still possible.
Los Comales is a restaurant created by immigrants to inspire everyone by spreading their story through traditional Mexican food. Camerino Gonzalez created a legacy by touching the hearts of those who knew him and those who had met him through his food.
The website loscomales.com is where many aspects of these restaurants are located such as where you can find locations, view their menu, book catering for events and parties, and even read about the story of Los Comales.