Xochimilco

2941 W. Iles Avenue., 546-3116 • 3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206 • 6901 Preston Dr., 483-1006BEST CHIPS AND SALSA & BEST MEXICAN What else is there to say about the restaurant that year after year dominates the categories of best Mexican Restaurant and Best Salsa and Chips? Well, we say head to Xochilmilco, where the freshly made salsa and chips will have you licking the bowls and looking around for more. In fact, the chips are so good that if you don’t pace yourself, you’ll fill up on them long before your meal arrives. And the entrees, along with the colorful Mexican décor will, for a moment at least, make you feel as though you’ve arrived at the other side of the border. The beauty of it all is you won’t have to spend a day’s wages to enjoy the savory dishes. Though you may be tempted to head to Xochimilco for the very affordable lunch specials (most cost $5.49), the hefty portions just may leave you in need of a siesta, which may not bode well with your boss.

BEST WAITSTAFF Now with three locations to serve you, the once seemingly impossible name to remember and pronounce of Xochimilco (So-She-Milco) rolls off the tongues of central Illinoisans like the freshly learned English of the many friendly and helpful waiters at the popular Mexican restaurantismos. Readers didn’t specify which site specifically hosted the Best Waitstaff so we can only assume that all are equally el mejor. Customers claim prompt service, polite servers and a chance to practice a Spanish word or two with the staff make for the best bunch of food deliverers and order takers in town. It sure doesn’t hurt to have delicious fare, luscious drinks, an extensive menu and plenty of seating when basing a decision on the finest servers, but all that can be for naught if the point players at the table aren’t the best. Viva los meseros!

BEST MARGARITA With no particular way to discover which location sports the finest margarita in Springfield, we’re inclined to believe all the Xochimilcos serve the best concoction of tequila with just the right amount of sweet and sour, rimmed in special salt. Not content with your usual stock margarita, our amigos at Xochimilco offer several flavored varieties including peach, mango, strawberry and raspberry. All varieties come either as a standard on the rocks or frozen like a delectable, alcoholic slushy. Sizes vary too, from a pitcher to two glass sizes. Combine that with good service and tasty salsa to boot and no wonder IT readers picked the Xochimilco margarita as the best in town.