Food was average. We went after zoo lights. They have a children's menu online but when we asked for kid's menus-they said they didn't have kids menus which made the meal way overpriced. They were not accommodating for the kids at all. Throw some kids tacos on the menu at least especially if it's on the website. Service was poor. Would not recommend. Have been before during the summer, sat on patio and had much better experience.
MariaH
It was our first time dining at Mesa Urbana. We had a show to catch and told our host and head server, Carlos, who was pleasant and accommodating and got us out of there on time. The food and cocktails were flavorful and delicious. They have small and large plates that you can share tapas-style. We had the scallops, queso fundido, roasted cauliflower, and salmon al carbon. For drinks, we had the El Chico Guapo, Ginger Pom Margarita, and Beso de Guava - all excellent. I really liked the salmon, but one of my friends did not. We were there around 5 pm, so it wasn't loud or crowded. Ambience is okay. A little pricey, but if you know that going in, then it's all good. I would definitely return!!
Diane
This was our first time for dinner at Mesa Urbana. We really enjoyed our meals. The guacamole appetizer was very good and the roasted corn appetizer was out of this world! We shared branzino for our main course and it was the best we have ever had. We definitely will be back to Mesa Urbana and we highly recommend it to those looking for a really great meal!
DanF
We were looking to find a place to grab a bite to eat right near the Park West. This was a great choice! The food was outstanding, and the service was excellent. Definitely would go back.
Sharon
Second time to Mesa Urbana this week! The food is excellent - we had the roasted squash, beet salad, guacamole with fresh sliced veggies, short ribs, salmon, mussels, and scallops - everyone was VERY happy and satisfied with their choices. The ice cream for dessert was the best. We'll be back again!
Tina
The flavors of the food were all delicious and the portion size for the entrees were generous = to the cost. The drinks were tasty too and service was superb. I wish they had a few more lighter fare options to pick from too such as fish tacos or an elevated nachos or even tortilla soup. Overall, I would recommend it.
Elisabeth
Mesa Urbana is consistently a great experience. The service, atmosphere and food are all excellent. We ate outdoors and their patio is so peaceful. The chef gets the flavors right and all of us enjoyed our meals. It's a neighborhood gem and I'll look forward to returning soon.
David
Really, really delicious food. A group of us shared small and large plates including scallops, cauliflower, butternut squash enchiladas and carne asada. Everything was complex, flavorful, delicious. We'll definitely be back!
We opted to eat inside and basically had a private dining room because everyone else wanted to sit in their lovely outdoor dining area. Cocktails were great. The food was really yummy but I wasn't as into butternut squash the way their chef was. Would definitely return.
LivestoEat
We were dining with friends in the outdoor patio on a beautiful summer night in Chicago. The guacamole with fresh radish, beets, and tortilla chips was delicious and a unique twist on the typical chips & guac. The scallops in butter sauce were very tasty but needed something in the dish in addition to just the scallops. What was most impressive was how the staff responded to a potential allergy issue with my husband. He mistakenly ate a piece of shrimp in the queso (not the fault of the restaurant) and forgot his epi pen. The owner rushed out to get Benadryl and made a special queso for him sans shrimp. The next morning the owner called to make sure he was OK. He was fine, but we really appreciated the attention and urgency the staff showed with this potential issue. We will be back!!!
I love this restaurant. Such good vegetable options and such a great twist on Mexican food. It's beautiful outside. Service is always excellent. Drinks and dessert are also so good!
MargotS
We were a group of six and had an absolutely delicious meal! The cocktails were fabulous as well. The wait staff were knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients and adept at timing the different courses. This is definitely our favorite upmarket Mexican restaurant in Chicago!
David Pakman
Food is probably a 3.5 star, but the service and patio are good. We tried a number of dishes, including queso fundido, tuna crudo, roasted cauliflower, and others. Everything was "pretty good" but not mindblowing.
LincolnParkMVC
Love the restaurant's food, but found it incredibly expensive. For example, the wines I liked on their wine list were more per glass than what you would pay for the entire bottle at places like Binny's: Example: D.O. Rias Abellio Albariño 2020 Spain 15 per glass /60 bottle. $18 guacamole.... I get the need for profit, but prices like these are driving people away from eating out.
spidername
This is a terrific restaurant. The food is elevated beyond as what one would normally expect a Mexican restaurant to serve. The glazed salmon is outstanding. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Food was average. We went after zoo lights. They have a children's menu online but when we asked for kid's menus-they said they didn't have kids menus which made the meal way overpriced. They were not accommodating for the kids at all. Throw some kids tacos on the menu at least especially if it's on the website. Service was poor. Would not recommend. Have been before during the summer, sat on patio and had much better experience.
It was our first time dining at Mesa Urbana. We had a show to catch and told our host and head server, Carlos, who was pleasant and accommodating and got us out of there on time. The food and cocktails were flavorful and delicious. They have small and large plates that you can share tapas-style. We had the scallops, queso fundido, roasted cauliflower, and salmon al carbon. For drinks, we had the El Chico Guapo, Ginger Pom Margarita, and Beso de Guava - all excellent. I really liked the salmon, but one of my friends did not. We were there around 5 pm, so it wasn't loud or crowded. Ambience is okay. A little pricey, but if you know that going in, then it's all good. I would definitely return!!
This was our first time for dinner at Mesa Urbana. We really enjoyed our meals. The guacamole appetizer was very good and the roasted corn appetizer was out of this world! We shared branzino for our main course and it was the best we have ever had. We definitely will be back to Mesa Urbana and we highly recommend it to those looking for a really great meal!
We were looking to find a place to grab a bite to eat right near the Park West. This was a great choice! The food was outstanding, and the service was excellent. Definitely would go back.
Second time to Mesa Urbana this week! The food is excellent - we had the roasted squash, beet salad, guacamole with fresh sliced veggies, short ribs, salmon, mussels, and scallops - everyone was VERY happy and satisfied with their choices. The ice cream for dessert was the best. We'll be back again!
The flavors of the food were all delicious and the portion size for the entrees were generous = to the cost. The drinks were tasty too and service was superb. I wish they had a few more lighter fare options to pick from too such as fish tacos or an elevated nachos or even tortilla soup. Overall, I would recommend it.
Mesa Urbana is consistently a great experience. The service, atmosphere and food are all excellent. We ate outdoors and their patio is so peaceful. The chef gets the flavors right and all of us enjoyed our meals. It's a neighborhood gem and I'll look forward to returning soon.
Really, really delicious food. A group of us shared small and large plates including scallops, cauliflower, butternut squash enchiladas and carne asada. Everything was complex, flavorful, delicious. We'll definitely be back!
We opted to eat inside and basically had a private dining room because everyone else wanted to sit in their lovely outdoor dining area. Cocktails were great. The food was really yummy but I wasn't as into butternut squash the way their chef was. Would definitely return.
We were dining with friends in the outdoor patio on a beautiful summer night in Chicago. The guacamole with fresh radish, beets, and tortilla chips was delicious and a unique twist on the typical chips & guac. The scallops in butter sauce were very tasty but needed something in the dish in addition to just the scallops. What was most impressive was how the staff responded to a potential allergy issue with my husband. He mistakenly ate a piece of shrimp in the queso (not the fault of the restaurant) and forgot his epi pen. The owner rushed out to get Benadryl and made a special queso for him sans shrimp. The next morning the owner called to make sure he was OK. He was fine, but we really appreciated the attention and urgency the staff showed with this potential issue. We will be back!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
I love this restaurant. Such good vegetable options and such a great twist on Mexican food. It's beautiful outside. Service is always excellent. Drinks and dessert are also so good!
We were a group of six and had an absolutely delicious meal! The cocktails were fabulous as well. The wait staff were knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients and adept at timing the different courses. This is definitely our favorite upmarket Mexican restaurant in Chicago!
Food is probably a 3.5 star, but the service and patio are good. We tried a number of dishes, including queso fundido, tuna crudo, roasted cauliflower, and others. Everything was "pretty good" but not mindblowing.
Love the restaurant's food, but found it incredibly expensive. For example, the wines I liked on their wine list were more per glass than what you would pay for the entire bottle at places like Binny's: Example: D.O. Rias Abellio Albariño 2020 Spain 15 per glass /60 bottle. $18 guacamole.... I get the need for profit, but prices like these are driving people away from eating out.
This is a terrific restaurant. The food is elevated beyond as what one would normally expect a Mexican restaurant to serve. The glazed salmon is outstanding. Highly recommend this restaurant.