Our story began in the late 1970s when our founder, Fernando Muñoz, arrived in Chicago from San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco. After working in the restaurant industry, he and his wife, Maria, decided to open their own business. They started with a simple concept: creating delicious, homemade Mexican comfort food. What began as a humble start quickly grew, especially after Maria’s famous cooking caught the attention of locals. From gorditas to enchiladas, her dishes were loved by all. Over the years, the restaurant evolved, but the commitment to high-quality, flavorful food has always remained.

 

The name El Chisme—Spanish for "the gossip"—has an interesting story behind it. Fernando wanted a catchy name that everyone would remember, and who forgets gossip? When his son, Eduardo, asked him about the name’s origin, Fernando told him, "You’ll understand when you visit San Juan." After his first trip to San Juan, Eduardo understood: there, rumors and stories spread like wildfire, just like the reputation of our family restaurant.

 

Today, the Muñoz family proudly operates El Chisme in Chicago, continuing our tradition of serving the same great food that has made us a local favorite for over 40 years. While rotisserie chicken remains our specialty, we also offer a wide range of other classic Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to sizzling fajitas and homemade salsas. Our focus is on providing fresh, flavorful meals that transport our guests back to the heart of Mexico.

 

Our business is rooted in family, and that’s what has helped us thrive for over 40 years. We’re not just a restaurant; we’re a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and good food brings people together. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or celebrating with family and friends, El Chisme is here to serve you the very best of Mexican cuisine.

 

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to serving you for many years to come!

 

The Muñoz Family

Proud owners of El Chisme Mexican Restaurant