50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Lake Forest

“Very good fresh Mexican food. The usual menu choices were offered along with a few specials. My drink was strong, friends margaritas were pricey for the size but ok. Their chips and salsa were nothing special. We enjoyed the fried calamari but the sauce was a bit odd and we would’ve enjoyed a cocktail sauce more. The empanadas were tasty but I wasn’t sure there was actually any beef inside. \n\nMy chicken fajitas were very good but could’ve used a bit more flavor. The chicken, peppers and onions were grilled just right. The beef tacos were a hit as well as the taco special. Beef fajitas were so so. \n\nService was excellent but the room was very loud and made it hard to converse. Eating outside might be nicer! I’d return.“

“The girl at the register was really nice and she helped me out with figuring out what i want. Speaking of what i want, my foods was absolutely packed full, I've never been to a taco bell with such full tacos, and it was still really good 100/10 amazing experience“

“We had an awesome girls afternoon out with some great drinks and an awesome server than was full of suggestions and fun entertainment. Jorge G did a great job!“

“Wonderful to work with Jay to support BMS girls lacrosse. Donated 40 tacos for pre-game meal!“

“Delicious house-made salsas - some with a great kick if you’re up for it. Lovely people.“

“On top of the food being more then exceptional, the staff, (especially the lady that helps at the register are amazing.“

“Simply AMAZING! Ochoa’s is easily one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. We recently used them for catering (25 people), and everything exceeded our expectations. Communication was top-notch, portions were huge, and the food was incredible. Guests couldn’t stop talking about the juicy chicken and steak, the homemade chips and salsas, and guacamole that could honestly be eaten by the spoonful. Mr. Ochoa truly takes pride in his food — you can taste the love in every bite. Highly recommend for both dining in and catering!“

“Recomendado 100% Todo muy delicioso!“

“Delicious Mexican food and creative cuisine.“

“Guacamole was good The shrimp tamale was good The service was good The churo could have been softer and fresher…… I will be back when in the area.“

“We had such a genuinely great time visiting this location over the long weekend. Everything was super straightforward, easy to navigate, and exactly as it was originally described. It is just a really nice, relaxing spot to spend a little bit of your afternoon. I will absolutely be coming back here again soon to experience it all over again.“

“The owners are so nice and they treat you with respect. A very good place with very, very good food. My family and I love this place.“

“They’re amazing! Great food, strong drinks, reasonably priced & fabulous staff.“

“Wonderful to work with Jay to support BMS girls lacrosse. Donated 40 tacos for pre-game meal!“

“Yo recomiendo este lugar por muy buen servicio y deliciosa comida.“

“I recently started working right across the street from this place! I’ve never had their food but today I decided to give them a try and I got myself the Picadillo Torta and it was exceptional. The cashier was so nice and gave me a complementary small drink since I didn’t have enough money to pay for it.

Definitely will be recommending them💗✨“

“Tacos de carne asada are the best around! And their walking taco is a fave too. Staff is always friendly, highly recommend this family-owned restaurant.“

“Delicious! We saw the recommendation on Dine In/Dine Out Lake Bluff /Lake Forest Facebook page. So we decided to try it tonight. We were NOT disappointed. Service was friendly, nice casual dining spot. Great bar choices. The meal was delicious - we had the skirt steak and the flavor was top notch. My meal came with 4 shrimp and prepared well, not spicy. The flavors were yum and truly can’t wait to go back. From reviews the seafood looks delicious. We will try that next time!“

“I haven't gone to eat in the restaurant yet but we have ordered several times and the food is so good. Definitely would recommend!“

“Súper recomendado 😋 Toda la comida está deliciosa Y sus aguas frescas excelente sabor sin tanto dulce y un sabor único y especial ♥️el mejor restaurante mexicano en estos alrededores 🤗“

“Delicious food and exceptionally friendly service. A charming addition to Winnetka’s local, family dining scene.“

“First time there. The salsa is the best salsa I have ever had so if I return I will be getting that. I was with one other person and we split the “Nacho Mama Nachos” which were really good, but had the tiniest scoop of guacamole which was not impressive. The watermelon frozen margarita was the WORST margarita I have ever had and I had to send it back because I couldn’t continue to drink it and I just had water for the rest of the night. They have quite an extensive drink list so I would try a different margarita but not that one.“

“The food is always fresh and well prepared with great portions. The restaurant is always super clean and well maintained. The customer service is great as well. There is a reason El Famous has been around forever. They are consistently excellent.“

“Went with my son, he had the steak tacos, I had a steak torta. Food was really good and fresh! Staff is friendly & courteous! Place is very clean! Highly recommend! We will be going again!“

“I placed an online pickup order, but someone else accidentally took it. The cashier immediately apologized and made me another bowl right away. She genuinely seemed to care and handled the situation really well. Great customer service at this location.“

“Great authentic food, nice service, and a hidden gem in Waukegan. Best consome I’ve had in a long time“

“El mejor lugar para tacos al pastor,además muy exquisita toda la comida.“

“Fue mi primera ves en este lugar y la verdad pedí unas costillas de res y la verdad estaban súper deliciosas“

“This is one of the best Mexican Cuisine Restaraunts I have ever had , very authentic. We had the quesabirrias and they were so good. Fresh food served here . Our server Gina was the best . Since we walked in she had a smile on her face , Her attitude and positiveness caught my attention. I had a wonderful fast service with Gina . I will definitely recommend this place to my friends . Thanks to Gina and the restaraunts amazing food I will definitely come back !“

“Súper recomiendo !. Buen servicio Amabilidad y ambiente espectacular !. Nos atendió la Sra. Alejandra muy amable !. Un excelente lugar .“

“We went to their location in Libertyville all the time. Heartbroken when it closed. So glad they have this location. Best chimichanga ever. No on come close.“

“This restaurant will be a new fresh Mexican cuisine favorite for us! From the outside you wouldn't know the clean, open, friendly atmosphere inside. Everything ordered at our table was delicious. Our waitress, Carmen, was fantastic - so attentive, friendly, thorough and helpful. Food came out quickly and perfectly. Compliments to all!“

“great customer service and food is really good“

“This is a beautiful place with authentic delicious Mexican food in a perfect location. The chilles rellenos that Í ordered were absolutely delicious along with my margarita made my day. My friend ordered the typical carne asada which was served with rice and beans and she was delighted. We are for sure coming back during the summer to enjoy more of these authentic Mexican dishes.“

“This is a hidden gem. I wasn't aware of this restaurant until recently. I like the many options available for meats, salsa, toppings, corn or flour tortillas, etc. I've had the burrito bowl most recently. The chicken is moist and not overcooked and dry, the Pico is fresh, a wide variety of salsa choices from mild to hot. It's so nice to have a great go-to restaurant that's not the usual fast food fare and a really good Mexican restaurant nearby.“

“Great food. Love their steak tostadas.“

“Straight fire. Been here many times and never had a bad experience. They recently added birria and $3 margaritas which is an insane deal. If they push more for it to be a bar spot with those prices it would be packed 24/7. Will continue to come here for awesome food.“

“The food here is flavorful and freshly made, with generous portions that make it worth the price. The tacos are packed with taste, and the pizza has a nice crisp crust with plenty of toppings. Service is quick, and the staff are welcoming, making the dining experience even better. The place is clean and has a comfortable, casual vibe. It’s a great spot for grabbing a quick meal or enjoying dinner with friends“

“Tolucos is easy to find and has plenty of parking, which is always a plus. The space inside is a bit on the smaller side, but they are expanding, so that says a lot about how well they are doing. Now let’s talk about the food. Flavor. Real flavor. Everything tasted authentic and thoughtfully made. I had the pozole flight, and it was honestly a treat. Every single bite delivered. You can tell this is comfort food done right. The tacos dorados were hands down the best I’ve ever had. I went with the papa ones, and they were perfectly crispy, flavorful, and not greasy at all. I also tried a birria taco, which was amazing and packed with rich flavor. Their salsas and chiles deserve a shoutout too. Bold, fresh, and on point. Nothing watered down. Prices are very reasonable for the quality you get, and I would absolutely come back without hesitation. Highly recommend if you’re looking for authentic Mexican food done right.“

“Got a barbacoa burrito to go, that thing WAS stuffed with meat. I say was in all caps because that burrito was not long for this world and has found a new home in my stomach. Last meal level burrito that came with enough meat in it for you to cry at the idea you ever considered going to any of those other half-butt “burrito” restaurants. Not to mention the cashier warned me about the burrito being a little messy?? Absolutely not. The tortilla held strong against my vicious attacks to. the. last. bite. Amazing food awesome service. Dope barbacoa“

“Best tacos ever!! The taco selection is authentic and a great price! Only place to him for tacos in my mind!“

“Had a fantastic night at a painting event they had. The staff was super friendly and very attentive. The food was delicious and so were the drinks. It's a very fun and welcoming environment.“

“Very, very good lunch menu! Family owned, I will definitely be back!!!“

“Great food all around and fast service. Will definitely return.“

“great restaurant very good food and service“

“Muy amables y las gorditas están riquísimas. También tienen opciones vegetarianas. ¡Vamos a regresar pronto!“

“Karla at Cilantros is truly a gem! She’s always so sweet, welcoming, and incredibly hardworking. No matter how busy it gets, she handles everything with a smile and makes every customer feel appreciated. Her positive energy and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Cilantros is lucky to have her!“

“Absolutely loved visiting Mis 3 Tesoros for the first time! 1000 recommend! Food was delicious 🤤 large portions!! Mint mojitos are AMAZING! Ask for en extra kick🫶🏻“

“Plancha Loca offers excellent service and incredible food quality. Their shrimp tacos are the best! There’s a wide variety of options for everyone, and the customer service is outstanding. The food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this place!! definitely worth a visit! 🌮✨“