The Quest for the Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago

I love Mexican food that makes it easy for me to explore any new Mexican restaurants in Chicago and surrounding suburbs that I hear about! I am always looking for a good Mexican restaurant for tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas. So, I have decided to start sharing my opinion on GoVisitChicago.com, whenever I visit any Mexican restaurant in Chicago. I will keep updating this post every time I visit any new Mexican restaurants in and around Chicago suburbs.

My quest for the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago is all about trying out new Mexican restaurants and writing my personal honest experience considering the quality of food, authentic traditional taste and something special about the place.

Following list is a collection of the Mexican restaurants in Chicago and surround suburbs that I have tried and liked, since I started writing my experience. If your favorite place is not listed that means I have not been to that restaurant. I request you to tell me about your favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago by leaving a note in comment section.

Chicago is one of the best cities to enjoy Mexican foods. You will have great time enjoying sizzling tacos on neighborhood corners to high-end restaurants.

Over the years, I have learned that now here we have growing numbers of good Mexican restaurants in Chicago.

If you’re exploring Chicago or living in Chicago trying to find the best Mexican restaurants around Chicagoland, I have created list of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago.

I have tried to categorize by experience such as fine dining, neighborhood favorites, and late-night taco joints that define the city’s soul.

Here is the list of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Chicago….

Fine Dining Mexican Cuisine in Chicago

Topolobampo – River North

Address: 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Topolobampo is one of the upscale and modern Mexican restaurant located in River North neighborhood. Overall dining experience at Topolobampo is elegant, artistic and unique.

Personal take: Every bite tells a story. The mole sauces and seasonal ingredients reflect deep respect for Mexican traditions.

Frontera Grill – River North

Address: 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Frontera Grill is located next to Topolobampo in River North neighborhood. Frontera Grill is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Chicago. I really loved the ambience and of course the authentic food. Food at Frontera Grill was amazing in taste. We ordered guacamole, tacos and enchiladas. Everything was flavorful and great in taste. They server handmade tortilla, that was so fresh.

What to try: Carnitas, ceviche, and the legendary margaritas.

👉 Related read: Chicago’s Iconic Pizza Scene: Deep Dish vs Tavern-Style

Mi Tocaya Antojería – Logan Square

Address: 2800 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Mi Tocaya Antojeria is located in Logan Square. This restaurant serves Mexican food with modern twist.  We enjoyed food at this place from guacamole to Coliflor Ahumado Fundido.

Personal take: The handmade tortillas and rotating menu keep things fresh. Perfect for date nights or small groups.

Tzuco – River North

Address: 720 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Restaurant servers fusion of French technique and Mexican inspiration. We went there for dinner and left happy and satisfied with great service and most importantly flavorful food.

We ordered Mahi Mahi and Pollo, both dishes were great and flavorful made with unique salsa or sauce.

What stands out: If you are open to try different dishes then go for the octopus and short rib dishes as they are masterfully seasoned and beautifully presented.

La Josie – West Loop

Address: 740 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
This Mexican spot is very lively and gives the modern vibes in the West Loop. I love their enchiladas and of course house margaritas.

It is little pricey but worth for a strong cocktail menu and flavorful shareable plates. I would say this Mexican spot is perfect for weekend brunch or evening drinks.

Personal take: Great place for groups or casual celebrations.

Neighborhood Favorites & Local Gems

5 Rabanitos – Pilsen

Address: 1758 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
5 Rabanitos is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Chicago. Especially during summer months I prefer the patio to enjoy the great vibe for a lunch.

At the time of writing this post, they have two locations one in Pilsen and second in Hyde Park.

5 Rabanitos menu is classic serving all authentic Mexican food. Their Chicken Tinga tacos are my favorite dish on the menu.

Overall, everything is made perfectly and paired with amazing salsa. Personal take: The flavors are as lively as the atmosphere. Great for lunch after exploring Pilsen’s murals or shops.

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Carnitas Uruapan – Pilsen

Address: 1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Since 1975, this family-run taqueria has perfected the art of Michoacán-style carnitas. At Carnitas Uruapan dishes are influenced from the owner’s home town Uruapan, Michoacán.

This place is perfect for lunch. It’s the vibe and authentic flavors makes me keep going there over and over.

Now they have multiple locations in Chicagoland. But, I prefer to go to Pilsen location.

Personal take: The atmosphere is casual but filled with character. This is pure delicious comfort food.

El Nuevo Mexicano – Lakeview East

Address: 2914 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
A Lakeview institution since the 1980s, El Nuevo Mexicano blends homestyle comfort with classic dishes. From enchiladas verdes to fajitas and tamales, every dish feels lovingly crafted.

El Nuevo Mexicano is kind of Tex-Mex tequeria serving all classic dishes such as tacos, burritos and Margaritas since 1980s.

Their food is delicious and gives the authentic Mexican flavors. Overall, from enchiladas verdes to fajitas and tamales, every dish feels like authentic Mexican style.

Personal take: A perfect dinner spot before catching a show in the neighborhood.

La Chaparrita Taqueria – Little Village

Address: 2500 S Whipple St, Chicago, IL 60623
Like always, I find the best food at hidden places. Yes, La Chaparrita Taqueria is hidden inside a small grocery store.

Trust me, La Chaparrita Taqueria is as authentic as it gets. The tacos, burritos and all classic dishes are made with perfectly grilled meat and ingredients. First time I went there I was surprised with the perfect authentic food complimented by salsa and spices.

What to try: Al pastor tacos, tripas, and their smoky house salsa.

Pueblo Nuevo Mexican Restaurant in Portage Park

Mexican Tacos are the main menu item at Pueblo Nuevo. This Mexican Restaurant is one of those neighborhood small places, offering authentic Mexican food. I loved their Chicken tacos the most. Everything is made using fresh ingredients. I would also recommend you to try their one more menu special item, it is called stuffed pepper made with eggs and spices. Personally I didn’t like it but it is worth trying as something different food that you cannot find at any Mexican chain restaurants in Chicago.

Pueblo Nuevo is located at 4342 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 in Portage Park.

Cafe El Tapatio in Glenview – One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago

Cafe El Tapatio has made to my list of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago. They have two locations in Chicagoland – one on Ashland Ave in Chicago city and second location they recently opened on Milwaukee Ave in Glenview. Being close to my my home, recently I visited Cafe El Tapatio in Glenview. Excellent food and service. I must say, you will never go wrong with any menu item. My enchiladas and quesadillas were perfectly made using fresh ingredients at Cafe El Tapatio. Not to mention, their drinks menu including Margarita menu is very tempting. Quite possibly the perfect Mexican restaurant for a dinner date.

Cafe El Tapatio is located at 9707 N Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL 60025.

Mom’s Old Recipe Mexican Restaurant

Mom’s Old Recipe is family owned and operated Mexican restaurant in Chicago. At this restaurant, all Mexican traditional dishes are made using fresh authentic Mexican spice and ingredients. You will enjoy everything from chips and salsa to main course. Overall, at Mom’s Old Recipe restaurant, you are assured to get good service and quality food. Do not forget to try their Mexican hot sauce, called Chile de arbol with chips. I visited Mom’s Old Recipe Mexican restaurant for lunch but it would have been more fun if I had went there for dinner.

Mom’s Old Recipe Mexican Restaurant is located at 5760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

Los 2 Pollos

Los 2 Pollos Mexican restaurant in Rolling Meadows is one of those neighborhood restaurants to enjoy usual Mexican dishes. Overall it’s a perfect place to enjoy affordable authentic Mexican food in Chicago suburb.

Los 2 Pollos Mexican Restaurant is located at 2216 W Algonquin Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Salsa 17 Grill & Margarita Bar

Salsa 17 Grill & Margarita Bar is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago to enjoy gourmet dishes and wide variety of drinks, featuring different kinds of Margaritas. My chicken tacos and chicken enchiladas dishes were perfectly made as I expected. Try their fresh guacamole made to your taste right on your table. Overall, place is modern upscale restaurant with full of energy. In my opinion, Salsa 17 Grill & Margarita Bar is perfect for a weekend dinner.

Salsa 17 Grill & Margarita Bar is located at 17 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Taco Joints & Late-Night Spots

Taqueria Chingón – West Loop

Address: 817 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
This taqueria brings creative energy to West Loop with a Mexico city inspired menu that goes well with classic flavors. Taqueria Chingon serves very good tacos in Bucktown.

We tried shrimp tacos and chicken torta for lunch. Everything was perfectly made with flavorful meat and salsa.

Also, their duck carnitas tacos have been popular as well.

Personal take: Expect bold flavors, modern presentation on thick tortillas, and of course an upbeat vibe.

Big Star – Wicker Park

Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Big Star has become my favorite place in Wicker Park during summer months. The outdoor patio fills up fast in summer but worth enjoying the vibe and of course good food.

This place is amazing to enjoy the good tacos, cocktails and of course good music under the lights.

Why go: Perfect stop after exploring Wicker Park or before bar-hopping.

L’Patron – Logan Square

Address: 3749 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
A family-run spot is popular for their variety of tacos, roasted poblano and fresh guacamole. This place tends to get very busy so if you are visiting during busy time then be ready to wait before you get food.

We tried Pollo Adobado and Poblano Rajas. Both were perfectly cooked and made with fresh ingredients.

Trust me, food is worth the wait!

Personal take: Great for quick, affordable eats that never disappoint.

Taqueria El Milagro – Little Village

Address: 3050 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
Yes, it is the part of the famous tortilla brand’s legacy, this taqueria serves some of the city’s best tortillas and tacos.

I stopped there for lunch and never forget the flavors and vibes. Pure authentic Mexican street food in Little Village. Our Chicken tacos and tamales were made perfectly and served hot.

Why go: You will get 100% authentic Mexican food. I must say that the kind of place locals swear by.

El Taconazo “El Tio”

Address: 3529 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
If you are looking for late-night tacos and burritos then you can put El Taconazo on your to go restaurant list. It has become a Chicago classic for night owls.

Personal take: Perfect for a post-game or late-night food run.

Taco Nano – Northfield

Address: 1743 Orchard Ln, Northfield, IL 60093
If you are staying in north suburbs of the city or exploring surrounding suburbs from the city then I recommend to try Taco Nano for lunch or dinner. Taco Nano serves modern, fresh tacos with a farm-to-table twist.

Why go: Great for suburban visitors or locals exploring beyond downtown.

When to Go & Insider Tips

• Lunch Specials: Many taquerias offer combo deals before 3 p.m. so budget-friendly travelers or locals can take advantage of these combo deals.
• Weeknight Dinners: Upscale spots like Topolobampo and Tzuco are less crowded during midweek.
• Neighborhood Hopping: Combine food stops with local attractions during trip. For example, visit 5 Rabanitos while exploring Pilsen’s murals, or Big Star after browsing Wicker Park boutiques.
• Transportation Tip: Most neighborhoods in Chicago city are easy to reach via the Blue or Pink Line. If you prefer car then utilize rideshares over driving your own car. Because sometimes it gets hard to find parking in the city during peak hours.

What’s loved most about Chicago’s Mexican restaurants is that they reflect the city’s bold character built on proud, diverse, and community-driven.

Whether it’s a taco stand in Little Village or a Michelin-starred high end restaurant in River North, you will have great time enjoying authentic Mexican food in Chicago.

And the beauty? You don’t have to choose just one. Try a taco joint one night and a fine-dining experience the next. Chicago’s Mexican food scene is full of flavors.

Know of any good Mexican restaurants in Chicago that I haven’t tried yet? Please comment below to let me know about your favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago. I would be more than happy to visit the place and add to my Mexican restaurant guide!