Best of 17 Mexican restaurants in West Loop
West Loop, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, is home to a diverse range of culinary experiences. Among the many options, Mexican restaurants in West Loop stand out for their authentic and inventive dishes. From traditional tacos and tamales to modern twists on classic Mexican fare, these restaurants offer something for every palate. Come and explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine in the heart of Chicago's West Loop.
- 1. La Josie in West Loop
- 2. Leña Brava in West Loop
- 3. Federales Fulton
- 4. Tacombi
- 5. Bar Takito in West Loop
- 6. Velvet Taco
- 7. Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant
- 8. Cruz Blanca Brewpub
- 9. Taco Lulú
- 10. Bocaditos Chicago
- 11. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
- 12. Taqueria Mexicana
- 13. La Lagartija Taqueria
- 14. Costera Cocina Tulum
- 15. Dosbros Fresh Mexican Grill
- 16. Texan Taco Bar
- 17. Buen Apetito
1. La Josie in West Loop
Extensive tequila and mezcal list, Beautiful rooftop dining

Our restaurant, La Josie, is an award-winning establishment that offers an upscale-casual Mexican dining experience. We have three agave bars, one of which is located on our rooftop, providing a modern and comfortable atmosphere for our patrons. Our restaurant is known for its traditional Mexican flavors, which we present in a modern and innovative way.
La Josie's dining experience is not only delicious but also vibrant and energetic. The atmosphere is modern, yet comfortable, and our three agave bars offer a great selection of drinks to complement your meal. Whether you're looking for authentic Mexican flavors or a modern twist on traditional dishes, La Josie is the perfect spot for a fantastic Mexican dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Leña Brava in West Loop
Beautiful rooftop bar with views of the city

The service provided by this establishment received mixed reviews, with some customers praising it as great while others found it to be just okay. The food offerings of this service are highly rated, with a notable influence from Mexican and Asian cuisines. Popular menu items include Al pastor tacos, chips and guacamole, pineapple and goat cheese aquachile, classic ceviche, and wood fired oysters.
Customers have expressed their satisfaction with the unique and culturally diverse food options. The Al pastor tacos, in particular, have been a favorite among customers. The combination of the classic Mexican dish with Asian influences has been a hit. Additionally, the chips and guacamole, pineapple and goat cheese aquachile, classic ceviche, and wood fired oysters have also received high praises from customers. However, despite the positive feedback on the food, the service has received mixed reviews.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
3. Federales Fulton
Fresh ingredients, local sourcing,community engagement

Federales Fulton is a festive restaurant with a well-decorated interior and an impressive selection of drinks. The breakfast quesadilla is a standout dish, but the steak and egg tacos were found to be rather basic. However, the cinnamon allspice margarita is an absolute must-try, especially for tequila lovers. It's the perfect holiday drink and the restaurant has perfected its recipe.
Some of the taco dishes, like the shrimp and spicy chicken options, are delicious and highly recommended. On the other hand, the barbacoa chicken could benefit from more seasoning. While there were some inconsistencies in the food, the lively atmosphere and great drink options make Federales Fulton a worthwhile destination.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Tacombi
Colorful VW bus serving as the kitchen, Casual and lively environment

Authentic Mexican cuisine and ambiance can be found at this establishment, where Aaron is credited for providing some of the best tacos in the West Loop. The fish tacos are a must-try, featuring fresh and flavorful fish. The salsas are also delicious, adding to the overall taste experience.
However, while the tacos are tasty, the prices are notably high. A single fried fish taco, cooked to perfection, costs more than expected. Similarly, the seared fish taco offers an interesting mix of textures, but at a premium price. The shrimp taco is also delicious, but it comes at a cost. A street taco-focused meal, including a happy hour beer, guacamole, and six tacos, added up to $70, with tip.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Lunch
5. Bar Takito in West Loop
Located on the river with a beautiful patio, offers a unique urban atmosphere

The author had an incredible dining experience during their first week in Chicago, praising the great margaritas and exceptional octopus dish. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the staff provided excellent service. The author is eager to return for another visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
6. Velvet Taco
Gourmet street-style tacos with global influences, open late

The service at this establishment is noted for its speed and efficiency. Guests have consistently provided positive feedback about the employees, highlighting their positive attitudes and excellent customer service skills. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and friendly.
In terms of the food, opinions are mixed. While some guests have criticized it for lacking flavor and vibrance, others have praised it, using words like "delicious" and "phenomenal" to describe their dining experience. It appears that there is room for improvement when it comes to the consistency of the food's quality.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
7. Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant
Extensive tequila and mezcal menu, lively atmosphere, and authentic Mexican decor.

Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide selection of tequila. While the self-seating policy may initially lead to a slight delay in service, guests can look forward to a positive experience once they are seated. The restaurant offers delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine that is well-loved by patrons. Fresh tortilla chips and salsa are a popular starter, and there is a plentiful range of options for main dishes and beverages.
Skinny margaritas are a favorite beverage choice among guests, complementing the tasty food offerings. Blue Agave prides itself on using fresh and high-quality ingredients in their dishes, resulting in a truly authentic Mexican dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, enchiladas, or something else entirely, Blue Agave has got you covered. With its extensive menu and inviting ambiance, the restaurant is a great spot for a night out with friends or a special celebration.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
8. Cruz Blanca Brewpub
Features a rooftop beer garden and offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The restaurant, visited for lunch on Saturday, offered immediate seating and boasted a lively atmosphere. The attentive staff and fun vibe contributed to an enjoyable dining experience. The fresh guacamole and chips were a bit pricey at $11, but were worth it. The tlayudas were large and easily shareable, and the restaurant week tacos were also a generous portion. The variety of food offered was impressive. The ceviche and cucumber salad were both fresh and delicious.
The restaurant provided a great outdoor seating option, and the small pour beer selection allowed for sampling of many different beers. The guacamole was a highlight, but the salsas were too smoky for some tastes. Overall, the restaurant offered a nice atmosphere and fresh, tasty food, although the salsas could be improved.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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9. Taco Lulú
Family-owned with a lively atmosphere and friendly service

Taco Lulú is a casual restaurant with order-at-the-counter service that provides a exceptional dining experience. The tamales are a must-try, but the al pastor taco is the star of the menu, highly praised for its freshness and flavor. The tacos are made to order, allowing for maximum customization and taste.
The service at Taco Lulú is friendly and efficient, with a build-your-own tacos setup. The food is described as Americanized Mexican, although some guests found the chicken to be too salty. Despite this, the tacos have earned the restaurant a positive reputation for their taste and quality.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Bocaditos Chicago
Handmade tortillas, Homemade salsas, Vegetarian and gluten-free options

Bocaditos Chicago is a restaurant that provides a cool atmosphere and delicious food, particularly known for their chips and guacamole appetizer featuring crispy chips and full-flavored guacamole. The menu boasts noteworthy dishes such as the Salmon Azteca, carne tacos with a tasty sauce, chicken enchilada with verde, and chicken tacos with spicy salsa. Daily specials are available, including $4 tacos and $11 tequila cocktails on Tuesdays. However, some visitors have noted subpar service but still enjoyed the overall dining experience. Additionally, Happy Hour runs from 3-6 PM, further enhancing the appeal of the restaurant.
Bocaditos Chicago is a Mexican restaurant situated in the West Loop that offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. While margaritas and tacos are available, the menu also provides a wide array of seafood options and entrees like enchiladas and poblano fettuccine. It is worth noting that food may take some time to arrive, but when it does, it is generally of good quality. Although there may be occasional issues with dry chicken or salty carne asada, the soft tortillas, creative drinks, and freshly made taste of the food make up for it.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
11. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Features a lively atmosphere with a spacious patio, perfect for socializing and enjoying delicious Mexican cuisine.

The food from this newly opened establishment is enjoyable and reasonably priced, making it a place I would visit again. While I enjoyed the meal, I did notice that the birria sauce has a sweeter taste than I expected, but it was still appetizing. The 'queso' served was not the typical melted cheese I was anticipating. Instead, it was more like a cheeze sauce, which was an interesting alternative.
This new eatery opened its doors on Randolph St during Cinco de Mayo weekend, leading to a chaotic scene on its opening day. Despite the initial rush, the food offered is satisfactory with potential for improvement. The ambiance and service were both impressive, making for an enjoyable dining experience. The unique flavors and reasonable prices make this a place I would recommend to others looking for a new spot to try.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
12. Taqueria Mexicana

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
13. La Lagartija Taqueria
Serves authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients

La Lagartija Taqueria is a popular Mexican restaurant, well-known for its delicious tacos and burritos. The food served is consistently flavorful and satisfying, while the delivery services are reliable and timely. These qualities have earned the restaurant a loyal customer base.
The menu at La Lagartija Taqueria boasts a wide selection of Mexican dishes, including tacos and burritos filled with a variety of ingredients. Customers rave about the quality of the food, which is both delicious and generously portioned. Moreover, La Lagartija Taqueria has established a reputation for delivering orders on time, providing a convenient option for those looking to enjoy their favorite Mexican dishes from the comfort of their homes.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
14. Costera Cocina Tulum
Chic coastal Mexican restaurant in the heart of Chicago

Costera Cocina Tulum is known for its attractive, comfortable, and unique decor, which contributes to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The menu offers delicious food and drinks, including standout dishes like their fish, shrimp, and chicken tacos, which come in generous portions perfect for lunch.
Diners have mixed feelings about Costera Cocina Tulum's service, with some suggesting it could be better. However, others rave about the beautiful interior, great vibes, and exceptional food. A visit can be elevated by a knowledgeable and attentive server, making it an ideal spot for a fun night out with friends or a memorable date.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
15. Dosbros Fresh Mexican Grill

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
16. Texan Taco Bar
Casual atmosphere with a lively bar scene

Recently, I dined at Texan Taco Bar, a place with a great location and a whimsical, industrial atmosphere that seems to cater to a young crowd looking for after-work drinks. The ambiance was striking, with a secret door disguised as a refrigerator adding to the intrigue. However, the food and drinks were a letdown. The name "Texan" suggests authenticity, but the sauces tasted canned, and the piña colada was disappointing. The food quality did not justify the pricing.
On the positive side, Texan Taco Bar offers a flavor fiesta that is sure to excite your taste buds! The unique and quirky atmosphere, complete with a hidden door, created a memorable dining experience. However, the bar falls short when it comes to delivering authentic Texan cuisine. The sauces seemed canned, and the piña colada was far from satisfying. Moreover, the food prices did not align with the quality of the dishes served. Therefore, while Texan Taco Bar offers a fun dining experience, it falls short in delivering authentic and high-quality Texan food.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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17. Buen Apetito

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots