Restaurantji unveils Prospect Heights' must-visit Mexican dining spots.
“Very tasty and abundant portions. Tried the carnitas, al pastor and cecina tacos. Carnitas looked delectable but were probably the least flavorful of the trio. The cecina was well seasoned and served with a smear of beans and caramelized onions. The al pastor was something else. Can something have too much flavor? Wow! The meat was smoky, slightly charred and served with nice chunks of equally charred pineapple. So good! Probably the most different and best I've had in the area. Beans were a bit salty. Overall the food was great and I can't wait to come back and try some of the other varied offerings.“
“Ok, let me say this: the chips and that salsa! That salsa should come with a straw!!The service is quick and efficient. The atmosphere has two levels, loud and louder. Birthday celebrations bring the noise to an almost unbearable level.The food is standard Mexican fare. No real standout. It’s good with large portions but not as memorable as the mood and character of the restaurant.Absolutely perfect for a party or after hours meal. Don’t bring a book, first date or a baby needing a nap and you’ll have a good experience.“
“Sergio was our waiter and was very nice,always asked if we needed anything overall good waiterParking: There is another restaurant near by and it was a Friday so that is probably why it was difficult to find parking but found a spot nonetheless“
“The food was delicious, my husband loved the burritos and the slaw.Also, I don't know the name of the person who served us today. But there were quite a few people and he was alone, with one person in the kitchen, he still kindly served us all, thank you very much for that.“
“I will absolutely be returning to this restaurant. Highly recommend it either for a date night or a fun group outing. Their drinks and margaritas were all delicious and not too sweet. The flight of Mezcal was a great experience. I love mezcal but never had tried different kinds before. The waitress was attentive and nice. The chicken poblano enchiladas were delicious, highly recommend! We also ordered the guacamole trio and ceviche appetizers which isn't pictured because we devoured them pretty quickly.“
Seafood •
“3.5 stars, but rounded up. Went here for dinner and ordered the 3 tacos with the rice and beans. I ordered the el pastor, beef taco and the chicken taco. My fav was def the el pastor taco. It was delicious. Chicken taco was decent, but I wasn't too crazy about the beef taco.“
“This was a great find!!! The service was outstanding! The drinks were phenomenal. The food was seasoned well, perfect temp and large portions. My husband and I just stopped in for lunch. He ordered traditional combo fajitas and I ordered 2 steak tacos and one shrimp taco. We also ordered a side of black beans, I do not recommend the black beans. The guava margarita was soooo good. This guacamole was the best in lake county, hands down!!!!“
“Have ordered take out on multiple occasions. The quesadillas are my favorite; chorizo is not on the menu but it's available. I order the regular size not the lunch portion. Salsa is excellent. Edit to add GET THE FLAN. Guacamole is ok. Always consistent and delicious. Will return.“
“How has this place not blown up and why isn’t there a line out the door!? Their tamales are amazing!!!! Literally the best Tamales I have ever had and I came from Pilsen! The carne puerco in salsa verde tamales were fire!! The mole tamales were super super tasty. The rajas were delicious— but the salsa verde were just perfection. Such s hole in the wall so glad to find this place.“
“Came in again to try out their pizza special. I got the 2 slices and a drink last time, and it was too much for me. Just got a slice of sausage, and my usual soda can. Place is usually nice and clean. Everyone is friendly and acknowledges you when you walk in. It was cooked nicely and great crust. It wasn't too hard or soft, but just the right amount of crunch. The best part is that it's not really greasy like others. Big plus in my book. I definitely would come back if I'm in the area. Perks of working out in the field and trying new places.“
“This is the absolute peak of Mexican food in the Buffalo Grove/Deerfield area. I've never had better tacos or a better burrito. Their horchata is top-notch, and it is freshly made every morning. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this place. The folks who work here are also real cool.“
“This place could easily be passed by, it doesn’t look like the quality food and excellent service establishment that it is. The workers could not be nicer or more efficient, and the food, OMG the food is AMAZING! Highly recommended and cannot wait to go back. Oh yes - their tortilla chips are a must taste!Dietary restrictions: The vegan tacos!????Wheelchair accessibility: Easily accessible and they had the table set up to accommodate our guest in a wheelchair before we arrived.“
“This place is an absolute gem! The food has just this amazing flavor and substance. The ceviche was flavorful and crisp, the quesadillas were so full of cheese and chicken, each bite was fantastic, and the chicken bowl was delicious. Highly recommend this place! As a side note, the staff were so kind and friendly, and it was spotless. Even the restrooms. All decorated beautifully. Five star service for sure. Don't hesitate, just go!“
“If you are a fan of Chilaquiles as much as I am, look no further. This family owned business has the best Chilaquiles, red or green salsa, topped with cecina meat, cilantro, onion, queso fresco, sour cream, and for a small charge you can add eggs. The tortilla chips still come out fresh and crispy, unlike other places.Let's not forget the amazing hard workers who prepare our meal. The staff there are very welcoming, friendly and overall amazing.I've been coming here for a good while now for my lunch break almost every week and will continue to do so.P.sThe fresh guayaba water is also a must try if you never had it.“
Mexican • $
“This is a very small authentic Mexican restaurant. Friendly staff. I had the chicken and steak fajita and it was AMAZING. good flavor, fresh vegetables and good portions. I really recommend this place it's not packed and right off the highway. THEY DO NOT SELL ALCOHOL HERE. but you can get a virgin piña cola. Price was very reasonable.This place is a hole. Easy to find near the highway. The chicken and steak fajita was fantastic. The employees are very friendly, fast service. If you want to eat good Mexican food this is where you get it. They are located in a corner of the square. They weren't very busy when I arrived but got busy when I was leaving. I recommend it to you.“
“The Taco Shop in Palatine is a delightful culinary hotspot that brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of the suburb. This cozy eatery boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a menu brimming with mouth-watering options. From the tender and flavorful carne asada to the perfectly seasoned al pastor, each taco is a masterpiece of taste and tradition, served with fresh, handmade tortillas. The salsa bar offers a range of homemade salsas, each adding a unique kick to your meal. Beyond tacos, their enchiladas, tamales, and quesadillas are equally impressive, showcasing the genuine depth of Mexican cuisine. The friendly staff, fast service, and reasonable prices make The Taco Shop a standout choice for anyone craving a delicious, authentic Mexican dining experience in Palatine. Whether you're a local or just passing through, don't miss the chance to treat your taste buds at The Taco Shop.“
“This place isn't very big, but the flavor of the food is! I normally post a picture of what I get. Unfortunately, it looked and smelled so good I couldn't wait. The ingredients were fresh and only took a few minutes to prepare. The cashier and the cook were both very friendly and you could tell they keep it clean here too. If you're in the area and have $5 to spare run in and grab a taco. Try something different and let me know how your experience was.“
“I stopped in for lunch and had a carne asada Burrito. It had fresh ingredients and was good. This was my second visit to the place. The service was good. Order at the counter, take a seat and then your food is prepared and brought out to you.“
“Last week I was on my way to take my son for a haircut and decided to stop and eat here. It was my first time. Service was great and food delicious. I was not having a good day but tried my best to not show it. As I'm eating I saw a man come in. Eat by himself and then left. My surprise when I went to go pay. This man had paid for my food. Who ever it was Thank you so much if this is ever read. That was a beautiful gesture and completely made my day. I got my son his haircut and took him for some ice cream afterwards. I will definitely pay it forward“
“We were in the area checking out a place for tea (we live an hour and a half away) and decided to stop here for lunch. My husband and I were soo glad we did. Staff greeted us promptly, served fantastic chips and salsa. We both got the asada burritos with a side of rice and beans. Everything tasted fresh and full of flavor! We’ve tried many Mexican food places and this one is top on the list. We are already planning a trip back to try more food! Thanks for the love and care you put in the food!“
“Food was very good. I ended up with chilaquiles (with chicken breast) and my friend got the pupusas and dobladas. Really solid, and I appreciate the subtle differences in flavors between the Guatamalan dishes and standard Mexican fare. However, only 4/5 because ordering (in English) was difficult. I tried to get grilled skirt steak and a green chicken enchilada (as a single item, listed that way on the menu) but what was originally brought out was 3 green chicken enchiladas. I explained the issue and thought it was clear but ended up getting brought the chilaquiles. My friend got his pupusas but the dobladas was not brought and had to be ordered again. The food was delicious and I'm not a picky eater so this wasn't a huge deal, but others that need to order a specific thing, in English, may have trouble. I will be back though, and I will brush up on my Spanish.“
“Don't be fooled by the somewhat unassuming outside, this restaurant has some of the most deliciously authentic Latin food one can find in the suburbs. I ordered chicken, bean/cheese pupusas with a side of yucca con chicharron and it was definitely worth the wait. HIGHLY recommend.“
Mexican • $
“The asada tacos were fantastic. I ordered carnita and tripa and they were also delicious, will definitely be back when we are in the area. The restaurant is very small and has threw high tables in the back, a little challenging if you’ve got little ones but the food is great!“
“My OG go to. It's not a great place for a beer selection, so don't come here for that, but the food is good, and the staff are great, very attentive and very friendly. There are some good deals like the 20 taco tray. I love the Birilla de Borrego. Latin music is lit, and it's a very comfortable vibe.“
Mexican •
“Food:I ordered 3 tacos, chorizo, steak & al pastor.So delicious.They had 4 different sauces + a mild salsa.Complimentary chips with the salsa.Service & Atmosphere:Memo (Guillermo) came over to me immediately after I sat down and made me feel right at home. I could sense his passion & joy. He genuinely cared about my experience and it’s clear he cares deeply about the food, service & atmosphere he’s cultivated.“
“I can't remember having Mexican food THIS GOOD. The minute you step inside this cozy spot you are warmly greeted and the menu is explained to you. One of the many things that sets this place apart is that the offerings are made from scratch, believe me you'll taste the difference. I can't wait to return to this gem.“
“Food was okay, atmosphere is cool, and the service was great. The food wasn't as flavorful as the other Mexican restaurants I'm used to from around the area. I had the pollo tacos and shared a platter of the nachos. Both were just okay - nothing to rave about. The restaurant itself is clean. Reminded us of a diner! The staff were also super kind and helpful, which is awesome. This hasn't replaced my go-to Mexican restaurant in the area, but I'd still visit again to try something else on the menu!“
“It's not completely authentic but it is definitely a very good place to eat. It's so good and the horchata is amazing. I ordered the burrito diner and honestly the rice was a little dry but it was good. The beans were good too. The burrito itself was very good just needs a little more flavor. The sauces were very good and I'm glad that the chip salsa wasn't spicy at all. A lot of places make it spicy for no reason. I'm supposed to enjoy the chip salsa before the main come out. This place definitely did good on the salsa. The other salsas were amazing. Flavorful and very enjoyable. The customer service was 10/10 and the waiter was definitely good. I would definitely come here again and eat here. I work nearby and I would definitely recommend everyone here because this is the best burrito parrilla Mexicana that I've been too. Renovated and amazing atmosphere. Thank you for the service.“
“I really liked the place. The restaurant is very cute inside and has a nice bar. We ordered a couple margaritas which were good. The all you can eat chips were amazing along with the salsa. My only complaint was my dinner was so spicy and it was just fish tacos. My other friends also complained about the same thing. One had shrimp tacos and the other shrimp enchiladas. I've been to many Mexican restaurants and don't remember those types of dishes being that spicy. All in all I would come back again as drinks and chips were very good.“
“After googling many places in our area my husband found this place to get us some Quesabirrias. And my husband and son went to order some dinner. They were on point very good the meat was tender and it was not greasy. The consume was perfect for dipping. Everything was hot. The dinner comes with three and some rice and refried beans. The tamales were very good and moist not dry.Overall the place was great and the food was excellent, we found a new taco joint to go to. I usually love to add photos. Sorry but this time the food was gone so next time I’ll post pictures of the food.“
“The weekend quesabirria is what got me hooked! If you're ordering for pickup, online doesn't give you the option so call. All the other tacos I've tried are also delicious. It's a small location, so be prepared not to dine in. When weather is good they have tables outside.“
“This place is always my go-too for lunch. My coworkers & I would choose this spot over several other Mexican restaurants near by. Food is always fresh & they never forget to give salsa or utensils in the to-go bag like other places do.Vegetarian options: This place customizes well for vegetarian people.“
“I am so upset we didn't discover Mia's Cantina sooner! The food here is absolutely top notch. Even my picky as heck kid begs to go there (he's a fan of the steak tacos). For me, the Tacos Norteños are the winner, I've never had anything like it anywhere else. The flavor of the sauce, the fresh meat and toppings, absolutely stellar. Great beans and rice too. The service is always quick and friendly, the man who has taken care of us both times seamlessly runs the bar and waited on us as well. The restaurant is clean and large, would be great for big groups, and my husband plans to bring his work colleagues for a meal there soon! Decorations are bright and fun. We are huge fans, now we are telling everyone to check it out! 5 stars without hesitation.“
“First time stopping into this establishment i can tell you write away you will be in for a treat,owner and staff are very friendly and you can tell they care for their clients every need , the food is by far delicious and fresh! Anyone that wants REAL authentic mexican food i suggest to stop by and order!“
“I found this gem while looking for tacos near my friend. I am so glad we agreed on this spot. The service is amazing and the decor is so beautiful. I got the taco dinner plate with two steak tacos and a birria taco - the meat was really good and flavorful. I live an hour away from this place, but I’ll definitely be back if I’m in the far north suburbs again.“
“Not the best but far from the worst. Was impressed with the taco tortillas they were soft, fresh and delicious thick enough to be a little chewy and hold the ingredients well. Shrimp tacos were acceptable, was disappointed they didn't have fish. Ordered take out and it was ready fast, packaging could have been a little better. Cashier was not friendly or welcoming but I don't expect that, it's just nice when it happens. Last time I ordered from here it was delivery and I wasn't happy with the tortas, but I'll probably give them another try.“
“This is hands down my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area! They use fresh ingredients, the food is always delicious, and it's a great value-for-money. Service is also really good. If you're interested in filling your belly, try their Torpedo Burrito and get a homemade tres leches cake while you're at it!“
“I've been coming here for the last few years, and I can proudly say that this place has the BEST Mexican food ever. The food is so delicious and the staff are amazing! I love this place so much! thank you to our waiter Angeles for such amazing services! I will be coming agian. Best food ever!.Kid-friendliness: Its super kid friendly!! amazing food for the kids and such a amazing vibe“
“Good, no chips or salsa for free, but the salsas and guacamole everything was delicious when you don't feel like cooking at home place is small but there's a few tables to sit at and enjoy we came at 2pm on a Saturday it wasn't too crowded the waitress was very pleasant food was out fast which was nice but obviously because there's wasn't a crowd. They have Bathrooms which is nice overall 10/10. Parking is ok as well it's in a small Plaza so we were able to find parking upfront“
“Was staying nearby and decided to come here. What a welcome surprise. The tacos may be the best I have ever had… grilled chicken and carne asada were both fantastic! Liked my chips and salsa too. Highly recommend it all! I even ordered a 3rd taco!“
“When they say taco pros they really mean it. This place and taco my eyes. Probably the best places for tacos right now. Yes, they're super expensive but you get quality over quantity and they load it with cilantro instead of just using it as a garnish. So if you're not a fan of that you should tell them. Other than that it's fire. My boyfriend's a big taco connoisseur and I'm telling you it's fire.“
“Waitress was nice, order was quick. Portions were great. We tried the flautas and enchiladas. It was nice they actually included avocado without asking. We also tried the steak tacos, they were good and tortillas were fresh. The salsa served was REALLY good, we didn't realize there was salsa bar until later. Fur next time!“
“Literally ordered 2 tacos to try the place out and was made fresh within 3 or 4 minutes. Need to use bathroom anyway so literally came out and sat down and basically had my order ready. Tasted good and met expectation. Good spot.Parking: Small lot on very busy corner“
“Food was a 7/10. The prices were downtown Chicago prices. $15 for a burrito bowl that was about half the size of Chipotle. And $5 for a standard size taco is absurd. Loses a star for price alone. The food was good but again for the price you start to compare it to other places that are cheaper and equal in quality or better.“
“It is a nice place, adaptable to the English - Spanish language, excellent service and a very calm atmosphere.Parking: Approximately 20 to 25 parking spacesKid-friendliness: Yes, with child seatsWheelchair accessibility: It is totally adequate“
“Steak anything at this specific location is great. Burrito, torta or tacos you cant go wrong with the steak here. Beans and rice are good, rice water is great.If you get it to go make sure it's not a far drive back or else you'll get soggy tortilla or bread. Staff is super friendly and it's a great place to get some food. Only problem is the price, not really a problem but if your budget conscious then in comparison to other taco spots it is higher.Get cheese on your tacos. It will add to the cost but it's worth it.Friendly staff is super cool you can be picky with the toppings if you want too.I could ask for 3 small pieces of chopped onion only and they will probably do it. Like if you're one of those OCD people.Maybe idk haven't tried but they seem like they would.Great steak food. ?“
“I'm embarrassed to say I've ate here 4 times within 2 weeks. It took me a while to find my favorite neighborhood taco spot, (down town des plaines) but this place did not disappoint! I got the steak tacos, generous amount of meat, good flavor. I also tried the pork, also very good. Love love the sopes. Typically for me if a place has good tacos there rice and beans seem to be mediocre, however they were one of my favorite things I ate from here, very flavorful, and delicious. I don't leave reviews, however a girl loves her tacos, and these were delicious, I had to spread the word, to my fellow Mexican food lovers ❤️“
“Personally, Im a sucker for polish food. I get very particular when is comes to my favorite dishes. When i say these dishes were spectacular, i mean it. Definitly will be back again and might bring a couple of my friends. Service and Atmosphere was wonderful. Im am so amazed by how well these entres were prepared. Im so happy that i have now found my new favorite spot.“
“I would say they have the best Mexican food in Northwest Suburbs, or may be in Whole Chicago area they maintain the same good taste all the time you get the food ready on time and their packing is very presentable clean I would definitely recommend this placeVegetarian options: I love the vegetarian burrito they have“
“Excellent restaurant. The huevos rancheros are incredible. Tacos are excellent . Fresh OJ, perfection. Used to eat here weekly then moved away but always try to stop in when in town. The staff is friendly and the vibe is good. The quality of the food is as good as I remember it and I always leave very satisfied. Highly recommend!“