The name Gringo & Blondie is a nod to the American Mexican cross-border fiesta that is the restaurant’s menu. Now that new owners have taken up the banner at 7514 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, the offerings have expanded and modernized, keeping quality at the core.
When Frank Georgacopoulos and his three partners bought the Restaurant Row staple last year, it was a homecoming of sorts for him.
“I grew up in Elmwood Park and went to high school around the corner,” Georgacopoulos said. “We fell in love with the vibe, with the colors, the feel, the food.”
The partners didn’t need to change much. The brightly colored dining room closely matches the food’s playful spice and rich flavors. They did transition from counter ordering to a fast casual approach. Waiters now serve diners at their table and strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone gets an “hola” as they enter.
“We give you what we call five-star service. The way it should be, a little bit more personal,” he said. “We only wanted to enhance a new age, Mexican type of cantina. We added tamales. We added a pork and a chicken and then we also added, because it was requested, a ground beef taco, which is a surprising hit. And then there’s chicken tinga.”
Another add to the menu started off as a limited time offering but was so popular that it now has a whole section on its own: birria. This rising star of Mexican food was first served in Tijuana, based on stewed meat recipes from Jalisco. In 2016 this tender, stewed meat, folded with cheese inside a tortilla and served with a broth-based dipping sauce, became an internet sensation. Here you can get it five different ways, even a birria pizza!
With these and all the other menu items, like tortas, cemitas, burritos, salads and even desserts there is a common through line.
“Quality, quality, quality. That’s all we stress here,” he said. “Every single bite is consistent. That’s what I think separates us from everybody else.”
The full bar features all the standards, margaritas, beer, specialty cocktails – and an extensive list of tequilas. Every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., it’s happy hour featuring deals and specials.
Customers asked for earlier hours on the weekend, so a brunch menu made its debut.
Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays you can get your Mexican on early with a mimosa, bloody mary, Michelada, Bellini or Bailey’s coffee in hand.
“A lot of Mexican cuisine has that note of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast!” Georgacopoulos said. “French toast on the weekends. Our batters are made from horchata that we make in house. It’s great and people are receptive to it.”
The brunch offerings have you covered both savory and sweet: chilaquiles, crunch wrap, huevos in many styles, biscuits and Nutella stuffed French toast.
During the week it’s Taco Tuesday, which features six different taco fillings for $3 each.
And there are daily lunch specials.
As the days warm up patio season will bring tables and chairs out onto the sidewalk.
“I’m excited about that. People love to sit out there at night,” he said. “This is the best time of the year now from May ‘til about the end of September, weather dependent. There’s beautiful planters out there. The village cares so much about the businesses, which is very rare nowadays, but also very endearing.”
That goes for the free, village provided parking at the back of the restaurant, too.
Know before you go
7514 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
