Best Bite: Lasagna birria in a parking lot
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At last I was able to try the lasagna birria in the AutoZone parking lot. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
👋 Hey, Monica here. Last November, Axios reader Brian W. wrote in raving about the quesabirria tacos sold from a tented cart in an AutoZone parking lot.
- Brian had me at "AutoZone parking lot!"
- But I was really sold when he mentioned that Antojitos La Esquina also sells "lasagna birria."
Why it matters: Chicago's full of great quesabirria tacos, stuffed with hot chihuahua cheese and stewed beef or goat. But birria lasagna is a new rare find.
The journey: I visited the Rogers Park stand four times before I was able to try it.
- Chef Raul Estrada kept telling me he'd run out and would have more tomorrow.
The goods: Lasagna birria ($12) turns out to be a deconstructed quesabirria taco featuring melty cheese, tender stewed beef and diced onions between three layers of thick crispy tortillas.
Bottom line: It may be fun to say "lasagna birria," but the actual nacho-like dish is too unwieldy — especially for car eating.
- You're better off getting Estrada's wonderful quesabirria tacos (three for $12). They're so much easier to dip in his rich birria consomme.
Plus: While you're in the parking lot, you can stock up on auto supplies.