A new family owned restaurant has opened its doors on the South Side, bringing authentic homemade Mexican food to the community.

El Buen Sazón, located on State Street, has quickly become a local favorite. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere invite passersby to experience the rich aromas of fresh Mexican cooking.

Inside, the commitment to authenticity is evident. “Everything is from scratch,” said Yvette Nava Hernandez, who helps run the kitchen. “We buy the food, we prepare it, nothing pre-made.”

Customers often pause upon entering, captivated by the enticing scents. “People walk in, smell it cooking, and stop in their tracks, ‘Okay, that smells good,’” Hernandez shared.

The menu features bold, comforting favorites like carne asada fries and smothered green chili burritos, each dish infused with the family's signature seasoning. “It is basically my mom’s sazón, my mom’s seasoning,” Hernandez explained.

Founder Nester Nava Chavez has realized a decades-long dream with the opening of El Buen Sazón. After arriving in the United States in the late 1990s and working in California and Arizona, Chavez always aspired to own a restaurant. “I said someday I am going to own a restaurant, and 38 years later, the dream came true. That is my American dream,” he said.

Beyond serving food, the restaurant has become a gathering place for the community. “We are a family here,” Chavez said. Hernandez echoed this sentiment, stating, “Anyone who walks through those doors is instantly our family. They are home, and they can try a good dish.”

El Buen Sazón is more than just a place to eat; it's a space where the community comes together, one plate at a time.