We love El Tapatio. My daughter chose to celebrate her birthday with brunch on the patio and it did not disappoint. Service is always top notch, food is great and the fact that they serve brunch daily is terrific. There are plenty of weekend brunches in the neighborhood but not many during the week.
Megan
We love Cafe El Tapatio and so does our 2 year old who requests to for “papatito” at least once/week. ❤️ Amazing authentic Mexican food, yummy spicy margs and the vibe is always on point. The Chicken Tinga is fire. Even our daughter thinks so as she adds it to her quesadilla.
Nicolette
We've been here several times and it's always great! We've never had a time where the food taste different or not the same, this place is consistent. It's is a bit pricey, but the quality is great. The drinks are average, more on the sugary side but not mad. Like you have to have a marg at some point! Service is quick and friendly. It's a bit loud in there between the music and people, but when it's almost 70 degrees in March then hey if you can't beat em, join em.
Cait
Cafe El Tapatio never fails to impress! We brought my grandma here on a busy Friday night, and the host kindly gave us a call when our table was ready so she could wait in the car. Service was prompt and the food was fresh and delicious. We never had and empty glass, which was impressive in a packed restaurant. We had a great time and will certainly be back!
Karina
My husband and I went to dinner. We were rushed out. We weren't asked for dessert. After they took our plates, the check came to our table.
Kathie
Great spot for dinner, cocktails and churros. The service was outstanding. Added this to my favorites list and will visit again
Opentable Diner
10/10! I've had many great nights here and this was no exception. The service is excellent they went above and beyond and the food was delicious and fast.
alyssa
Very lively in here when we went and the owner was great. They are definitely busy all the time even if you have a reservation
Kimberly Deprez
First time trying this place out and was very pleasantly suprised. Margarita was strong and very good (I did the lime one as it is less sweet).. Had two and that was plenty. The salsa is spicy but okay. We love free chips and salsa. The big thing was the quesadilla though - I added chicken and WOW. I was not expecting to love it.. Idk if it's the cheese or the way they season the chicken but it's SOOOO good. And hefty platter sizes.
Food is always on point and drinks, especially the punch bowl [must have]...classic!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dee Santiago
Cafe El Tapatio is a gem for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors paired with some of the best margaritas in town. The moment you sit down, you’re greeted with a basket of warm, crispy tortilla chips and a duo of salsas—one bright and tangy, the other rich and smoky. It’s a simple but perfect start, the kind that sets the tone for a meal that feels like a mini vacation to Mexico.
Their tamarindo margarita is a standout— smooth and balanced with just the right amount of tartness from the fresh lime. It’s the kind of drink you can’t help but sip slowly.
Whether you’re a margarita enthusiast or a lover of real Mexican food, Cafe El Tapatio delivers. Every dish is crafted with authenticity and heart, making it one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Colleen Corcoran
Love this place. Delicious drinks and food. Highly recommend the fundido, flautas, and the De la Costa enchiladas. For drink, try the Piña Poblana. Very cute atmosphere, typically busy on Fridays/Saturdays and cubs game days. Worth the wait. A great neighborhood staple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Martin Hendrickx
Call ahead for reservations as they are busy at dinner time
Parking: Urban neighborhood with parking restrictions on side streets
Wheelchair accessibility: Crowded restaurant, which would make it difficult to menuver around
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Free Chips and Salsa
John LaFoone
Top notch vibes on the patio in the evening. Very cozy. Some say the coziest. I got the Beef Enchiladas with mole sauce and it was DELICIOUS. I left pleased and ready to hop into a pair of sweatpants for the rest of the night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mole Poblano, Free Chips and Salsa, Chips
We love El Tapatio. My daughter chose to celebrate her birthday with brunch on the patio and it did not disappoint. Service is always top notch, food is great and the fact that they serve brunch daily is terrific. There are plenty of weekend brunches in the neighborhood but not many during the week.
We love Cafe El Tapatio and so does our 2 year old who requests to for “papatito” at least once/week. ❤️ Amazing authentic Mexican food, yummy spicy margs and the vibe is always on point. The Chicken Tinga is fire. Even our daughter thinks so as she adds it to her quesadilla.
We've been here several times and it's always great! We've never had a time where the food taste different or not the same, this place is consistent. It's is a bit pricey, but the quality is great. The drinks are average, more on the sugary side but not mad. Like you have to have a marg at some point! Service is quick and friendly. It's a bit loud in there between the music and people, but when it's almost 70 degrees in March then hey if you can't beat em, join em.
Cafe El Tapatio never fails to impress! We brought my grandma here on a busy Friday night, and the host kindly gave us a call when our table was ready so she could wait in the car. Service was prompt and the food was fresh and delicious. We never had and empty glass, which was impressive in a packed restaurant. We had a great time and will certainly be back!
My husband and I went to dinner. We were rushed out. We weren't asked for dessert. After they took our plates, the check came to our table.
Great spot for dinner, cocktails and churros. The service was outstanding. Added this to my favorites list and will visit again
10/10! I've had many great nights here and this was no exception. The service is excellent they went above and beyond and the food was delicious and fast.
Very lively in here when we went and the owner was great. They are definitely busy all the time even if you have a reservation
First time trying this place out and was very pleasantly suprised. Margarita was strong and very good (I did the lime one as it is less sweet).. Had two and that was plenty. The salsa is spicy but okay. We love free chips and salsa. The big thing was the quesadilla though - I added chicken and WOW. I was not expecting to love it.. Idk if it's the cheese or the way they season the chicken but it's SOOOO good. And hefty platter sizes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic and fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food is always on point and drinks, especially the punch bowl [must have]...classic!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cafe El Tapatio is a gem for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors paired with some of the best margaritas in town. The moment you sit down, you’re greeted with a basket of warm, crispy tortilla chips and a duo of salsas—one bright and tangy, the other rich and smoky. It’s a simple but perfect start, the kind that sets the tone for a meal that feels like a mini vacation to Mexico.
Their tamarindo margarita is a standout— smooth and balanced with just the right amount of tartness from the fresh lime. It’s the kind of drink you can’t help but sip slowly.
Whether you’re a margarita enthusiast or a lover of real Mexican food, Cafe El Tapatio delivers. Every dish is crafted with authenticity and heart, making it one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place. Delicious drinks and food. Highly recommend the fundido, flautas, and the De la Costa enchiladas. For drink, try the Piña Poblana. Very cute atmosphere, typically busy on Fridays/Saturdays and cubs game days. Worth the wait. A great neighborhood staple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Call ahead for reservations as they are busy at dinner time
Parking: Urban neighborhood with parking restrictions on side streets
Wheelchair accessibility: Crowded restaurant, which would make it difficult to menuver around
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Free Chips and Salsa
Top notch vibes on the patio in the evening. Very cozy. Some say the coziest. I got the Beef Enchiladas with mole sauce and it was DELICIOUS. I left pleased and ready to hop into a pair of sweatpants for the rest of the night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mole Poblano, Free Chips and Salsa, Chips
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