50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago

“BEST TACOS IN CHICAGO“

“Lugar acogedor, el pulpo exquisito. Procuren ir a la hora de la apertura (4 p.m. ) a esa hora es menos concurrido lo que permite que la atención sea aún más espectacular.“

“Outstanding! Highly recommended Knowledgeable, friendly staff and incredible experience“

“The food was great and the atmosphere perfect Im from Monterrey and I felt I was there!!!!“

“Thank you Fernando and Ismael at 5 rabanitos!! Great food, great drinks and great service. Can’t wait to go back!“

“Excellent service very clean very delicious food well recommended 100%“

“Estimados encargados de El Solazo: Espero este mensaje les encuentre bien. Me dirijo a ustedes como un cliente frecuente y admirador de su restaurante, en el cual siempre disfruto de una comida deliciosa y un servicio excepcional. Sin embargo, en mi última visita, experimenté una situación que considero importante señalar para su atención y mejora. El día de hoy, martes 26 de noviembre, llegué a cenar a las 8:45 pm confiando en la información publicada en sus redes sociales, donde claramente se especifica que el horario de cierre es a las 11:00 pm. No obstante, a las 9:30 pm ya se estaba anunciando el "último llamado" para bebidas alcohólicas. Además, durante mi estancia, fui testigo de cómo dos familias fueron rechazadas para cenar por el mismo motivo: el restaurante estaba cerrando antes de tiempo debido a "la falta de clientes". Entiendo que puedan surgir situaciones operativas, pero considero que este tipo de decisiones impacta negativamente en la experiencia de sus clientes. Cuando se anuncia un horario de cierre, los clientes planeamos nuestras visitas en base a esa información. De no ser posible mantener el horario anunciado, sería más transparente ajustarlo oficialmente en sus plataformas para que las personas puedan planear con anticipación y, en caso necesario, optar por otras opciones. Por último, quiero mencionar que esta inconformidad fue compartida con nuestra mesera, quien nos escuchó con amabilidad. Sin embargo, creo que esta situación requiere un ajuste desde la gerencia para evitar malentendidos en el futuro. Agradezco de antemano su atención a esta situación y espero que se tomen las medidas necesarias para garantizar que su excelente servicio sea consistente en todos los aspectos. Atentamente, Jesus Jesse Hernández“

“Very nice family run spot!
The birria tacos were around $18 and they were very good. My only complaint is that the meat itself could have had more flavor, I think it was not properly salted. But it was cheesy, meaty, and crunchy. They gave me a ton of consume, too much. That didn’t have as much flavor as I would have wanted either, and salt would have helped. But you could just add salt and everything would be 2x as good.
The rice and beans were pretty good.
Also, the salsas that they have are unfortunately not to my taste. They are very spicy, and I love a spicy salsa, but they lack balance and are very one note. They are spicy without any depth or acidity. You may like this kind of salsa.
But the family was very nice and the food was all very good depending on your tastes. Very high quality and I will be coming back again.“

“Great taco restaurant, great food and service. Edil, thank you for the great service, very kind and timely service. The best.“

“Best taco on the menu is the shrimp with the avocado sauce being the star but everything ordered was delicious from the rice and beans to the birria tacos and corn. Drinks were a little strong but hey can't complain when prices are what they are. Definitely will return when in the area.“

“the food is always delicious and service is always so kind! I've ordered something different each visit and have never been disappointed! margaritas are great too! love this place so much!“

“The food, drinks, service and recommendations were excellent. We were celebrating a birthday, and everything from the Oaxacan tlayuda to the Cornish hen with mole and the margaritas made with mezcal from the owners’ hometown in Oaxaca made for a great meal.“

“5 star food, 5 star horchata, 5 star service!!! This is my weekend splurge almost every weekend.“

“I highly recommend Manchamanteles Restaurant! My dining experience was exceptional from start to finish. The food was outstanding, with each dish expertly prepared and presented. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure we felt welcome. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for any occasion. I will definitely be returning when in town!“

“Wonderful food, great for a group of 5-6 to do the chef’s selection where they select dishes for the table. They were able to accommodate vegetarian dishes and the service was great. I’ve walked past this restaurant so many times and I wish I had gone sooner!“

“Tacos con sazón muy buenos . Y servicio excelente. Precio justo .“

“Great food/drinks Great service Great prices We will be back.“

“Overall great experience. We ordered the guacamole which was very flavorful and had the right amount of spice. The chilli oil and flakes with fresh mini jalapeños were the perfect touch. The coal fired tacos were amazing. Lobster and shrimp with an avocado habenero salsa. This was probably my favorite small plate. We also go the cooked oysters. They were good too and the main dish we did was the short rib which was extremely tender and the pairing with mashed cauliflower prevented "the itis" from kicking in from a heavy meal. I tried the charred pineapple plantation rum cocktail (I cant remember the name of it) and it was like a beach vacation in a glass. It gave Pina colada flavors and was too easy to drink. Can't wait to come back and try some other dishes!“

“The food was OUTSTANDING! Best mexican food I have ever had. The chips and warm salsa were delicious. We had the shrimp and chicken fajitas and those were so tasty. The margarita was sooo yummy! They even had kid's options for our daughter. Very accommodating and the atmosphere was perfect. Hope to return sometime! Thank you!“

“We were in town for a few shows and we stopped by and were not disappointed. the owner was out greeting every guest and was so kind and even offered us a free chicharrón when he realized we were from out of state! the carnitas were excellent along with the iced cafe de olla. the taste and experience is so authentic. I am looking forward to visiting again next time I am in Chicago!“

“Stopped quick before shopping at Costco and was not disappointed. Delicious Steak Taco and Steak Burrito. I must say the place was busy with customers for it being so early in the morning. Food was made fresh to order, it was definitely worth it!“

“Don't let the fact that its in a gas station fool you! Best Chilaquiles east of the Chicago River!“

“Katie was our server and omg she was amazing. Half of our group was a lil buzzed from the cubs game and she handled it like a pro!!! Food was amazing but the service was better!! We will come back because of her!! Thank u Katie!!“

“Very good food. I highly recommend this place.“

“The food was fantastic. We got small plates and enjoyed them very much, especially the tuna tostada and cobia collar. If you drive, and there's a concert about to start in Thalia Hall... good luck. I waited over a half hour just in the valet line, and that was after I was able to maneuver around the crowded streets to get into the valet line. Maybe don't drive.“

“Great food and wonderful atmosphere!!“

“Food is fantastic .. the steak torta is soooo good Definitely a place to visit when you are in Chicago. I will be back“

“I’ve written several reviews about this restaurant because I just can’t say enough. Best Mexican food, excellent service. Cute, intimate setting you must try for yourself. BYOB. I’ve gone on record to say that I had the best steak I have ever had, with their skirt steak in their Tampiquena dish.“

“Fresh and good flavor. Not a big menu but burrito was outstanding.“

“Fan of Rick Bayless on PBS. \nFood is authentic Mexican, locally sourced ingredients, seasoned well but more warm, smoky flavors than water-chugging heat. \n\nOrder the guacamole. The chips are sturdy and not overly salted. \nOut table ordered the steak tacos, mole chicken enchiladas, and tortilla soup. Everything was presented incredibly - especially the soup. That broth alone will make you weak in the knees. That good!\n\nDecor is delightful. Dia de muerta even more so.\n\nHow did I miss the multiple Michelin plaques?! Don't be put off by the prices or gratuity added for service. Must try!“

“Lonesome Rose is one of the most underrated spots in Chicago in my opinion. I’ve never had a bad experience here. This is an ideal brunch destination as I think they have the best breakfast burrito in town. Perfectly packed, holds together well, and the queso dip on the side compliments it so well.

Their biscuits and gravy and fish tacos would be my other top choices. Well worth checking out!“

“Try as many tacos as you can! The fish tacos are a much but the birria tacos blew me away!“

“Pueblo Nuevo is an amazing Mexican restaurant that truly captures the heart of authentic Mexican cuisine. The food is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every dish tastes homemade, from the perfectly seasoned meats to the delicious salsas. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. If you’re looking for real Mexican food with great service and a cozy vibe, Pueblo Nuevo is definitely worth visiting. Highly recommended!“

“The best birria I have ever eaten in my entire life. I've just been there for the first time and it's simply incredible. From the first place, I was involved in something difficult to explain, so many years passing and never having given them a chance or knowing the goodness of their food.“

“Oooooorale’! We found another hidden gem! (Well not really hidden, lol) este restaurante está riquísimo! For all of you non-Spanish speakers, this place is delicious! It looks small from the outside, but it’s enormous in flavor! It’s a very cute and nicely decorated place. Staff is incredibly nice and helpful. But the food… it rocks! We ordered the Orden de Quesobirria and a Carne en su Jugo and a Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus water) and a Horchata (rice water). The Carne stew was delicious! So many levels of flavors. The birria was fantastic! Levels and levels of flavor. Will definitely be back for the Menudo this weekend. See you all here!“

“The vibes of this place was a real throwback! And the taco combo- YUM! Comes with a side of guac, chips, rice, beans, and chicharron! My favorite is the chicken tinga and al pastor 🔥 Shoutout to Luz that took our order, she is incredibly sweet!“

“Iris was such a wonderful waitress! Amazing drinks and food. 10/10 will be back and recommend. 💓“

“the best food in town 😋😋😋“

“Excelente food and great service“

“Muy rica la comida y buen trato“

“I stopped by with my toddler and was immediately greeted by staff. Ordered the breakfast burrito and a taco and rice for my daughter and the food was delicious. The rice was flavorful, the tortilla was fresh and the best part was the agua de Mango. Will definitely have to stop in again and try other items on the menu.“

“I’ve been coming here for a very long time and I’ve got to say, I never get tired of the food. Once you walk in, you get this nice quaint and cozy atmosphere and a nice aroma of that Mexican cuisine. You can’t go wrong with the agua frescas because they are out of this world and always taste homemade. The horchata is unlike any I’ve ever tasted (in a good way) and each sip from the agua de maracuya made from passion fruit is a genuinely splendid. I got the Torta and lemme tell you, it was one of the best tortas I’ve ever bitten, the carne is nice and juicy while also seared to perfection, and along with the freshly picked ingredients. I also got the Nacho fries which were very nice and dedicate (but make sure to eat with a fork). The service is always nice and very welcoming. This restaurant checks off all the boxes and it’s surprising that it has not earned a Michelin star, yet. Onions & Cilantro is one of the best Mexican Restaurante in not only buck town but in all of Chicago itself.“

“Best Carne Asada in the Midwest!because it’s al carbon! My family has been coming here since before I was born 🫶🏼“

“The flavors and structure of the dishes were so unique and delicious. Such a fun “special” date night spot. We probably over ordered so make sure to ask your server how much to get! We sat at the bar and watched the chef and cooks work - they are so talented. Music was loud but I liked it, made for a very fun and inviting atmosphere.“

“I had a wonderful experience coming here. As soon as I walked in I was greeted and giving a menu. The options here are easy to understand. The categories here make it simple to choose. You don't have to speak Spanish to place your order but it is a plus. Everyone in the eating area to the staff all the way to the cook had a positive attitude. They have bathroom here and they were clean. I would definitely recommend coming here for good Mexican food. I certainly would come back. Payment here will be in the form of cash or credit card.“

“I visited this place on yesterday randomly looking for breakfast spots. As soon as we entered, all of the employees greeted us with a smile, and a hello the atmosphere was extremely welcoming and made us extremely excited.. We let our waitress. Maria know that it was our first time she assured us that we would be satisfied. We were indeed satisfied I highly recommend this place. Please go check them out.“

“Tried the lengua, birria, and chicken tacos. They come with traditional cilantro and onion, finely minced.
The chicken taco was ordered with lettuce and cheese added and my son thought it had very little flavor and added their house sauce to help, which is WARM♡. The other 2 tacos had guac added. The lengua was very fatty. The birria was AMAZEBALLS :D I added the guac and hot house sauce to it and it was perfecto♡
They are all stuffed and it is a great, quick, traditional taco for the price of about 5-7 bucks each.“

“😋 muy deliciosa la comida buen servicio les doy 5 estrellas muy recomendado“

“the best Taco of Al Pastor I've ever tried and phenomenal service . I'll be back !“

“We came here for both a private dining event and a brunch and we were blown away both times. Great flavors and a wonderful staff. The chef made an effort to speak with us on both occasions and really puts a lot of effort and thought into his dishes. A new favorite and would highly recommend to anyone considering coming.“