When Federico Camacho opened the original Café Azteca at 210 W. North Avenue on May 11, 1957, it was one of only three sit-down Mexican restaurants in Chicago. Camacho, who had migrated from Oaxaca, Mexico to Chicago in 1946, served as the restaurant's founder, proprietor, chef, original head-waiter, and entertainer. In February 1969 Camacho was forced to close Café Azteca due to an urban renewal street-widening project, but four months later opened Café Azteca II at 215 W. North Avenue, across the street from his original location. Café Azteca II remained in operation until 2004.

Creator: Café Azteca II
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-50827)