When it comes to Mexican restaurants, Chicago has it all, ranging from amazing tacos folded in handmade tortillas to plates of grilled meat and seafood flavored with rich mole.
So, we are here to help you out finding some of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago without wasting your time ( and your bennies)!
1. XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant
XOchimilco is a family-owned restaurant, where you’ll be enjoying authentic Mexican food in such a home ambiance! The interior is rustic and the atmosphere is filled with the happy sounds of contented diners enjoying their tasty meals.
People keep returning to this place for their famous Lamb Shank made out of braised lamb shank marinated & cooked with annatto, served over bean soup with bacon.
Or the Tampiquena with charbroiled skirt steak served with a mole-cheese enchilada topped with sour cream & guacamole. They are just phenomenal!
In case you want something heartier, get the Dobladas Potosinas made out of corn tortillas stuffed with chicken tinga, topped with guajillo sauce, avocado-tomatillo sauce, sour cream, and queso fresco. It might get a little messy when you eat it but trust us, it’s all worth it!
What to order: Lamb Shank, Tampiquena, Dobladas Potosinas, Salmon Taco Dinner
Address: 2030 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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2. Mas Alla del Sol
If Mexican fare with a creative twist sounds nice to you, then you need to head to Mas Alla del Sol!
This Edgewater eatery in Lincoln Square is serving Mexican hotness from traditional dishes like carne asana and chicken mole to creative takes like ancho baby backs in a pineapple-tequila sauce.
You can find sorts of Mexican favorites like enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and cactus salad. They have them all! But if you do want something unique, try the Carne Mas Alla del Sol.
This goody is packed with grilled skirt steak, served over a chile morita-tomato sauce, which is super juicy and saucy to enjoy!
Camarones Al Chipotle is also our favorite choice for dinner, which comes up with jumpo shrimp covered in a creamy chipotle sauce, paired with some white rice and grilled cactus salad.
Or you can make a try with Carne Asada y Camarones, which is replaced with grilled skirt steak. No less stunning!
What to order: Caldo De Mariscos, Carne Mas Alla Del Sol, Camarones Al Chipotle, Carne Asada Y Camarones
Address: 5848 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
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3. Mercadito
Being voted a top Mexican restaurant in Chicago, Mercadito is your next go-to joint for an extensive array of items, especially award-winning tacos.
What we love most about Mercadito is their items made from scratch such as their homemade tortillas and seasonal guacamole, served in a quaint patio, front lounge, and main dining room with garage windows for an indoor-outdoor feel.
Mercadito just checks all the boxes!
Start off with their Guacamoles, of course, which are made of pineapple jalapeno and bacon habanero. You can choose to add some sautéed chile serrano or mango, interesting and tasty!
Then comes the taco journey! Must-try includes Camaron Taco, Pastor Taco, and Carne Taco.
The Camaron is a shrimp taco with roasted garlic, avocado, and chipotle mojo, the sauce tastes like heaven! The Pastor is filled with well-seasoned chili ancho-rubbed pork with grilled pineapple, which adds an interesting touch.
And Carne Taco comes with skirt steak, creamy leek potato fundido, and habanero avocado salsa. Those may catch you off guard, in a good way!
What to order: Guacamoles, Fried Plantains, Camaron Taco, Pastor Taco, Carne Taco, Estilo Baja Taco
Address: 108 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
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4. Dos Urban Cantina
In search of an upscale Mexican fare with date night-worthy vibes? Dos Urban Cantina in Logan Square is a must-try!
This place is always bustling with people who know good Mexican food, and they are vegan-friendly too!
For a popular choice, get the Spicy Shrimp & Coconut Rice, classic but flavorful as ever! It is garlicky, buttery, citrus, and a bit spicy all served on coconut rice.
For a Midwest-inspired dish, you can grab the mushroom toast soaked in a red mole, tastes extremely rich, nutty, sweet, and earthy.
Do not pass on dessert because they have the best Sugar Pie! This sugar pie is sweet, but not overpowering. The crust is light and flakey and it’s truly in a league of its own.
What a way to end the night!
What to order: Spicy Shrimp & Coconut Rice, Chicken Verde Taco, Baja-style Fish Taco, Sweet Corn Tamal
Address: 2829 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
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5. XOCO
Pronounced as “SHO-ko,” this well-loved River North restaurant made our list with critically acclaimed Rick Bayless at the helm.
The Aztec word for “little sister,” XOCO is nowhere little — in fact, it’s a paradise overflowing with outrageously good flavors from classic and inventive signatures.
Whether you’re dining inside an enclosed blue-and-yellow space or outside a lovely patio, prepare to be swooned by your feat with the trifecta of delectable offerings, spotless service, and a comfortable atmosphere.
The Ahogada torta is golden pork carnitas bathing in a rich tomato soup; imagine all the flavors and umami dancing in delight.
Meanwhile, XOCO’s Churro Chicken Sandwich features a sweet bun tucking a spicy crispy sandwich in a tight embrace so you can get the best of both spicy and sweet ends.
Oh, and you would be insane not to take a sip of their Aztec bean-to-cup chocolate drink: a meltdown for freshly ground chocolate, chile & allspice. Simply out of this world!
What to order: Ahogada, Spicy Churro Chicken Sandwich, Aztec Chocolate
Address: 449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
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6. Mis Moles Restaurant
Mis Moles Restaurant stays true to its name, which is an upbeat Mexican spot in North Center specializing in moles. As soon as you settle down, you’ll be presented with chips and a complimentary flight of their three incredible sauces: rojo, pipian, and verde.
The space is brightly lit and colorful with a spacious main dining room with lots of tables for small groups. Perfect for any friend or family gatherings!
We assure you that you’ll enjoy everything you have at Mis Moles, from the enchiladas baked in the aforementioned moles to tacos made with pliable handmade tortillas.
But the stars of the show are definitely the Albondigas Al Chipotle, which comes with meatballs and spicy chipotle cream sauce. A rich yet round taste that you won’t forget!
The Mole verde Fish Tuna is also one of them, a classic green mole that gets its color from an assortment of herbs and seeds, consisting of a complex sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, epazote, and pumpkin seeds. One of the subtlest, most elegant dishes on the menu!
What to order: Albondigas Al Chipotle, Carne Asada, Mole Verde Fish Tuna, Callos de Hacha en Xikil Pak
Address: 3661 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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7. Cantón Regio
Make your way past a charming brown stone-like exterior and set of heavy wooden doors to arrive at Canton Regio! Once enter, you’ll be amazed by the appetizing aroma of meat charring and the sounds of people cheering and talking, how amazing!
Good food in a good ambiance, what can be better?
Go for the norteño-style steak or arrachera available by the kilo or half, they are to die for!
Or try to settle down with their Chilaquiles Verdes, a traditional Mexican dish made from lightly fried corn tortillas covered in a bright and flavorful salsa verde, the best way to start your meal!
Keep going on with their Machacado con Huevo y Frijoles Charros, a mouth-watering soup where meat, vegetables, and strong flavor elements are combined. Or the Mollejas de Res has a very distinct flavor! Those gems won’t let you down.
What to order: Chilaquiles Verdes, Machacado con Huevo y Frijoles Charros, Mollejas de Res
Address: 1510 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
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8. Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant has long been the locals’ favorite for good reasons! This place is where you’ll be immersing yourself in their menu focused on carnitas with fantastic homemade tortillas on the side.
It can get pretty busy during weekends and those pros can quickly be sold out, so make your way to Carnitas Uruapan right after you read this post!
For a safe choice, settle down with their traditional cactus salad, pickled chilis, chicharrón, and brain quesadillas.
If you’re looking for something to unwind, get those tacos right away! Papa Tacos, Sesos Tacos, or Chorizo Tacos has always been a crowd-pleaser!
For a light yet buttery one, get the Papa Tacos with a potato filling and drenched in tomato sauce. Sesos Tacos is that kick-your-taste-bud one with spicy pork brain, onion, and jalapeño, a true flavor bomb!
And Chorizo is packed with warm spices and a vinegary tang gets stuffed into soft warm corn tortillas and topped with salsa verde!
What to order: Pork Carnitas, Chicharron Guisado, Menudo, Tacos
Address:
– 1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
– 2813 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60632
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9. Topolobampo
Topolobampo is famous for being a pioneer in creating refined Mexican cuisine for three decades, feasting on your palate with original Mexican food with an upscale twist. P
ay a visit to their vibrant art-filled dining room and enjoy one of three tasting menus that showcase authentic ingredients given the haute-cuisine treatment!
If this is your first time here, start with the Classic Tasting Menu, simple but full of surprises! you’ll find some Sopa Azteca with wood-grilled chicken and hand-made Jack cheese, lightly cooked Pacific King salmon, and wood-grilled imperial Wagyu.
The dessert is lovely with Pinata Dulce, which comes with crisp meringue, tart cherry, and lychee sorbet, lemon verbena ice cream.
Or you can try the Seasonal Tasting, which is rotating every month. What we love most about this tasting experience is their wine pair.
Each dish will be accomplished with different types of wine, which is super cool, and don’t hesitate to ask about their wine information!
What to order: Trio, Trio, Trio, Seasonal Tasting, Classic Tasting
Address: 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
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10. Barrio
Whenever you think of a casual spot to enjoy tacos & margaritas or a more upscale night on the town, Barrio is the perfect destination!
Located in the heart of River North at the prominent corner of Clark & Kinzie St., this lovely, authentic place has something for everyone served in a lively atmosphere.
You can’t go wrong with their signature Barrio Nachos, which come with aged jack cheese, pickled red onion, charred tomato salsa, and pico de gallo. Perfect to start any meal!
The Grilled Lobster Quesadilla is delicious, flavorful filled up with savory Maine Lobster and crisp bell peppers for the ultimate quesadilla!
Their Grilled Octopus Tacos is a huge crowd-pleaser too. The octopus has a soft-chewy texture and is perfectly seasoned, then balanced out by the buttery avocado. Yummy!
In case you want something sweet, spicy, and smoky, get the Braised Jackfruit Tacos with big juicy jackfruit texture and crisp salty bbq style edges. All tucked into a soft corn tortilla!
What to order: Barrio Nachos, Grilled Lobster Quesadilla, Grilled Octopus Tacos, Braised Jackfruit Tacos
Address: 353 North Clark, 65 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
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11. Mi Tocaya Antojería
Mi Tocaya Antojeria is a crowded and upbeat Mexican Logan Square restaurant, where you’ll be trying traditional dishes with a creative twist.
The decoration is lively with bright artwork, the chef is helpful and friendly, the food is excellent, and the cocktails beautifully highlight the flavors of Mexico!
First thing first, tacos! Though there are a lot of unusual items await for you to try but tacos are definitely a must when you visit Mi Tocaya, especially the campechano with a spicy blend of pork and beef.
Also get the Steak Burrito filled with chela-marinated grilled skirt steak, avocado, grilled onion, and sour cream. Each bite feels like heaven!
Grab some more of the Peanut Butter Y Lengua with tender pieces of beef tongue served with a spicy peanut sauce and pickled onions. And don’t forget to save some room for desserts!
There are only two desserts on the menu, and we recommend you try the Flan De Queso, which is rich, creamy, and topped with a little cheese and caramel.
What to order: Peanut Butter Y Lengua, Espeghetti Con Crema Poblana, Campechano Taco, Flan De Queso, Steak Burrito
Address: 2800 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
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12. Taqueria El Jardin
Where to find the best tacos in Chicago? Taqueria El Jardin! Everything about this place is top-notch tacos with affordable prices, all served in generous portions, and you can find any kinds of tacos your tummy is craving here.
Plus, they have a selection of vegetarian options too, which are no less stunning!
Our love of a great burrito knows no bounds, and Taqueria El Jardin has the best Chorizo Burrito in town! There’s nothing better than the combination of a fresh tortilla, hot protein, cold veggies, and a kick of spice.
You’ll soon find yourself becoming a repeat customer because of this!
Their Chicken Taco is also a hidden gem, but no dish is completed without their famous Divine Salad! This is a delicious treat starting with hearts of romaine or baby greens, grilled chicken breast, huge chunks of bacon, cucumber, red onions, croutons, and boiled eggs.
They are all tossed together with a creamy garlic dressing that you can’t get enough of!
What to order: Divine Salad, Chicken Taco, Chorizo Burrito
Address: 1303 W Huron St #1, Chicago, IL 60642
Chicago has more top-notch quality Mexican restaurants than you think it will, and we hope you have chosen the right one for your next trip! Keep your food journey going with these best restaurants in Chicago Riverwalk now!