It’s a Story about Family & Community

We are a Family Business rooted in good food and a love of Logan Square. We’re open for every meal from brunch to midnight snacks. We serve up savory bites and sweet drinks in a stylish and comfortable atmosphere.

From the cozy space we share every day to the spice and sweetness we savor together, El Cid captures the best of Mexico with Chicago’s unique and diverse immigrant roots.

Here’s how it all began.

When Juan Gonzalez Sr. and his wife Amalia arrived from Cuba in the 1970s, Logan Square was a vibrant Spanish-speaking barrio. The community was made up mostly of Cuban, Puerto Rican and Mexican families. Like so many Chicago immigrants, Juan and Amalia came in search of opportunity—their American dream was to live in a diverse community where they could provide for their family.

Food is important in Juan’s family. The dining table is where friends, neighbors and family come together to celebrate and enjoy one another. That’s really the heart of our story. El Cid #1 opened its doors to Logan Square in 1969. The most authentic dishes were the most popular—nopalitos, pozoles, and menudo just to name a few.

Changing With the Growing Neighborhood

Over the years, people change and grow—the same is true for our homes. By 1995, El Cid #1 had outgrown its space, so Jose, his son, decided to open a new location. Still a community staple, El Cid 2 made changes to the original menu that reflected the diversity of a changing neighborhood. You may not be able to order the menudo anymore, but we’re still serving up huachinango, homemade mole sauce, and skirt steak tacos with cilantro and fresh salsa. You can also get a taste of Havana when you order our authentic Cuban sandwich!

El Cid was born in Logan Square, and we’re still here. We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant community of families and businesses. We are grateful to be members of the Chamber of Commerce and to work with so many of the same wonderful staff over the years. When you see the Gonzalez Family around make sure you stop by and say hello, we’re all one big family at EL Cid.

Here at El Cid, nuestra casa es tu casa—our home truly is yours too.