Jesse Valencia knew that the opening of the Cocina Alebrijes Mexican Restaurant in Palos Hills was going to be worth the effort.
Valencia, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side and now resides in Crestwood, was receiving feedback that there was a need for this restaurant in the local community.
“A lot of people have been coming up to us and have been asking when we are going to open?” said Valencia, who will serve as manager of the restaurant. “We want to provide Mexican food for everyone here again.”
The official grand opening of Cocina Alebrijes, 10164 S. Roberts Road, took place on Oct. 10. Valencia was surrounded by staff, many of whom are relatives. Valencia said this is a family-run business and chef Gabriel Montes brings a wealth of experience.
Valencia has served as manager at other restaurants so he provides experience to the venture. Montes has served as a chef at a downtown restaurant and will provide a wide array of Mexican favorites, along with recipes that may be new to customers.
The new restaurant replaces El Gallo, a Mexican restaurant that closed a couple of years ago. With this location becoming available, Valencia figured it was time for a new Mexican restaurant for the community.
Valencia said that he has been working on opening Cocina Alebrijes for the past year that he admits was an extensive process. But he is confident that now that the restaurant is officially open, residents and nearby businesses will visit.
Cocina Alebrijes will offer tortas, various burritos and a burrito bowl, dinners, appetizers and breakfast. The appetizers range from guacamole, cazuelitas (four mini shells with meat, rice, beans, pico and queso fresco), nachos and nachos supreme, and loaded fries. Soups are also on the menu, along with gorditas and tostadas.
The menu also includes specialty tacos along with regular tacos. They will also provide cheeseburgers, double cheeseburgers, and chicken wings.
Valencia said the restaurant will serve tlayuda, which he explained is an Oaxacan dish made by tossing a large corn tortilla over an open flame until crunchy and brittle. Tlayuda can be served with a skirt steak, chorizo, a quesillo or Oaxaca cheese at the restaurant.
“We just want to introduce people to some other dishes to try along with their favorites,” Valencia added.
Along with the tacos, various dinners and appetizers, Cocina Alebrijes also offers desserts, including cheesecake slices, carrot cake slices, tiramisu slices, and churros with ice cream.
Cocina Alebrijes also offers weekly specials, including a reduced price on burrito and torta dinners on Monday, Taco Tuesday, a sope or tostada dinners on Wednesdays, and a reduced price for taco or quesabirria dinners on Thursday.
Valencia said there are 10 tables for dining at the restaurant. Carry-outs are also offered. Valencia will provide delivery service through Uber Eats and Door Dash.
Cocina Alebrijes is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Valencia reminds residents and people who work at local businesses that they are open. More information can be obtained by calling 708-927-3916.
“It has taken a while to open but we are happy to be here,” Valencia added.
