Tamales and Tacos with Margarita Cooking Class at Su Casa

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make authentic Mexican tamales and tacos from scratch, this class at Su Casa Mexican Restaurant in Chicago might just be your perfect fit. It offers a lively, interactive experience where your culinary skills are put to the test, guided by seasoned chefs in a welcoming environment. Our review highlights what makes this class stand out, along with some practical insights to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

Two things we really appreciate about this class are the step-by-step guidance from experienced instructors and the inclusion of tasty, homemade dishes that you get to enjoy at the end. The class also includes a refreshing margarita, chips, and salsa — adding a true Mexican touch to the experience. On the flip side, one potential consideration is that the initial demonstration is more of a guided walkthrough rather than full hands-on participation, which might be a slight disappointment for those craving total immersion from start to finish.

This experience is ideal for food lovers, cooks of all skill levels, and anyone curious about Mexican cuisine’s secrets. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, you’ll find value in mastering a few new recipes while enjoying a lively, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• Authentic Mexican recipes: Learn how to make traditional tamales and tacos from scratch.
• Guided experience: Friendly, experienced chefs provide clear instructions, suitable for beginners.
• All-inclusive: Ticket price of $59 covers food, a margarita, chips, and salsa.
• Limited group size: With a maximum of 25 travelers, it remains intimate enough for questions and personalized tips.
• Convenient location: Starts at 49 E Ontario St, close to public transportation.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

What to Expect at the Su Casa Tamales and Tacos Class

This two-hour experience kicks off at 49 E Ontario Street, a lively spot in downtown Chicago easily accessible by public transit. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a friendly atmosphere, ready to step into a warm, inviting kitchen. The host, or in this case the skilled chefs, will guide you through the process of making authentic Mexican tamales and tacos.

The class begins with a demonstration from the chef, who explains each step clearly — an approach appreciated by those new to Mexican cooking. As one reviewer put it, “It was a fun Saturday morning activity — informative instructor and learned a lot.” The first part is a demonstration, which provides helpful tips and a chance to ask questions. While it’s not fully hands-on initially, you’ll get plenty of guidance, ensuring you understand the techniques involved.

The second part is hands-on, where you’ll roll out your own tamales and fill tacos. Expect to knead, fill, and roll — yes, get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun. The process isn’t overly complicated but does require a bit of patience, especially for those unfamiliar with working with masa or folding tamale wrappers. “You get helpful tips and good points to ask questions,” one review mentions, highlighting the relaxed, educational tone of the class.

What makes this meal particularly rewarding is the delicious result. The tamales are filled with flavorful ingredients, and the tacos are simple but packed with authentic taste. After all the effort, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations alongside chips, salsa, and a refreshing margarita — a perfect accompaniment that enhances the flavors.

The Value of the Price

At $59 per person, this class offers a balanced value proposition. It includes all the food you’ll prepare and consume, plus a drink. Compared to other culinary classes, especially in a city like Chicago, this price point is reasonable given the hands-on nature and the guided instruction. The reviews suggest that participants leave with not just new recipes but also a greater appreciation for Mexican cuisine, adding to the overall value.

It’s worth noting that the booking window averages 107 days in advance, indicating the popularity of this experience and the limited availability, which can be a plus if you’re planning ahead. The small group size (up to 25 travelers) fosters a more personalized experience, which adds to the value and enjoyment.

The Experience Environment

Su Casa’s lively setting makes for a fun, social atmosphere. The location is near public transportation, making it easy to reach without having to worry about parking — an advantage in downtown Chicago. The space is welcoming and family-friendly, with service animals allowed, ensuring accessibility for a variety of guests.

The class starts promptly at 10:00 AM, allowing you to enjoy your morning with good company, good food, and lots of useful tips. The duration of approximately two hours is perfect: enough time to learn, cook, and eat without feeling rushed.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

This class genuinely focuses on authentic Mexican cooking techniques, led by a knowledgeable instructor. Reviewers highlight Oscar, who was “terrific as our tamale coach,” making the experience both fun and educational. You’ll learn practical skills like rolling, filling, and folding, which you can replicate at home.

The demonstration and subsequent hands-on participation are well-balanced. One reviewer summarized, “First part was a cooking demonstration rather than hands-on, but we got helpful tips and good points to ask questions.” This structure allows novices to feel comfortable while still engaging actively.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive early: This ensures you have plenty of time to settle in and absorb the instructions.
• Ask questions: The friendly chefs are eager to share tips, making this a great learning environment.
• Be prepared to get a little messy: rolling tamales can be a bit hands-on, but that’s part of the fun.
• Bring your appetite: You’ll get to taste your creations alongside chips, salsa, and a margarita.
• Consider booking in advance: The class books up around 3 to 4 months ahead, reflecting its popularity.

The Sum Up

This cooking class at Su Casa offers a delightful blend of learning, eating, and socializing. It’s especially valuable for those wanting a practical, authentic introduction to Mexican cuisine in a lively setting. The fact that it includes a drink, chips, and salsa makes it a full experience at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, the guidance from professional chefs ensures you’ll walk away with new skills and a satisfied belly.

The small group size, friendly environment, and focus on authentic flavors make this class a standout option for anyone interested in Mexican food in Chicago. It’s fun, educational, and delivers genuine culinary rewards without a hefty price tag — a rare combination.

Who Would Love This?

If you’re a food enthusiast eager to expand your cooking repertoire, this class offers a hands-on approach with authentic recipes. It’s also perfect for travelers looking for a local culinary experience that’s both informative and delicious. Those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and social interaction will find it especially engaging.

While not a purely advanced cooking course, it’s suitable for beginners and intermediate cooks alike — anyone willing to get a little messy and learn some new techniques. If you’re interested in Mexican culture and cuisine, this class provides a tasty and practical way to bring those flavors into your own kitchen.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed for all skill levels, with clear guidance from experienced chefs, making it perfect for beginners.

How long does the class last?
The class runs approximately 2 hours, starting at 10:00 AM.

Are drinks included?
Yes, your ticket includes one margarita or other drink along with chips and salsa.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the class, allowing a full refund.

Is parking available nearby?
While the experience is located near public transportation, details about parking aren’t specified, so public transit is recommended.

Is the demonstration fully hands-on?
The first part is a demonstration, but the second part is hands-on, allowing participants to roll and fill their own tamales and tacos.

What’s the group size?
The class hosts a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a friendly, intimate environment.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are welcome.

This class at Su Casa offers a genuine taste of Mexican culinary tradition in a fun, approachable setting. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to add a few authentic recipes to their cooking repertoire while enjoying great food and company in Chicago.