Best of 19 Tex Mex restaurants in Lake View
Lake View, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, is known for its diverse culinary scene. Among the many options, Tex Mex restaurants in Lake View stand out, offering a unique blend of Mexican and American cuisine. These establishments serve up classic dishes like fajitas, quesadillas, and enchiladas, along with margaritas and other festive drinks. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Tex Mex restaurants in Lake View are sure to satisfy.
- 1. Mixteco Grill (Lakeview)
- 2. Buena Vista Restaurant
- 3. Tuco And Blondie
- 4. El Mariachi Restaurant in Lake View
- 5. Cafe El Tapatio
- 6. Barcocina Lakeview
- 7. El Nuevo Mexicano in Lake View
- 8. Las Mañanitas Restaurant
- 9. DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill
- 10. Que Rico Mexican Restaurant
- 11. La Biznaga
- 12. Fernando's Tequila Bar & Restaurant
- 13. Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway
- 14. Los 3 Panchos
- 15. Chilam Balam in Lake View
- 16. Tatas Tacos - Cantina Lakeview
- 17. El Jardin
- 18. Burrito House
- 19. Papacito's Mexican Grille
1. Mixteco Grill (Lakeview)
Family-owned, Authentic Oaxacan recipes, Wide variety of vegetarian options

Mixteco is a Mexican restaurant that consistently provides excellent service, ensuring each customer is treated with respect. The staff is friendly and the owners demonstrate a genuine concern for their patrons. Mixteco's food is not only healthy but also delicious, making it a great choice for takeout, catering, or dining in.
In particular, Mixteco is well-known for having the best tacos in all of Chicago. The restaurant's reputation for serving exceptional tacos has spread, with many locals and visitors alike praising its offerings. In fact, all of Mixteco's customers, including my friends, rave about the food and the positive experiences they've had at the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Buena Vista Restaurant
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, homemade recipes and fresh ingredients

Buena Vista serves some of the most authentic Mexican food in the neighborhood, and I can never resist their chicken tacos. I've been going there regularly with my fiancé, and we always look forward to our weekly visits. The chicken is prepared to perfection, unlike any other place, and I highly recommend trying it.
I've been to many Mexican restaurants in the city, but Buena Vista stands out as my absolute favorite. I've lost count of the number of times I've been there, and I always have a great dining experience. The servers are amicable, and the food is delicious and reasonably priced. I particularly appreciate their BYOB policy, which adds to the overall experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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3. Tuco And Blondie
Family-owned and operated for over 20 years, unique decor and lively atmosphere

The food at this establishment is delicious and always fresh. The standout dish is the steak fajitas, which are a must-try for any visitor. The tender and flavorful meat, combined with the perfectly grilled vegetables and warm tortillas, make for an unforgettable meal.
The service at this restaurant is top-notch. The servers are extremely kind and accommodating, always going the extra mile to ensure that guests have a positive dining experience. They are knowledgeable about the menu and can offer helpful recommendations for those who are unsure of what to order. Their attentive and friendly demeanor adds to the overall enjoyable atmosphere of the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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4. El Mariachi Restaurant in Lake View
Authentic Mexican decor, Friendly staff, Daily specials and happy hour

Appetizers are a highlight at the weekend brunch and weekday happy hour, featuring a range of options that are popular among guests. The trio queso fundido, a sampler platter of appetizers, and Sopes Oaxaquenos are among the offerings that have received particularly positive feedback.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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5. Cafe El Tapatio
Family-owned with a welcoming atmosphere and generous portions

The drinks at this establishment are highly regarded for their strength and quality. However, some guests have mentioned that the service can be slow, resulting in long wait times to receive their orders.
In terms of food, the quality is inconsistent. Some guests have raved about the flavorful steak fajitas and delicious pastor, while others have reported receiving cold food or incorrect orders. These inconsistencies in food quality and service could affect the overall dining experience and customer satisfaction.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Barcocina Lakeview
Spacious patio, creative cocktails, and live music on weekends.

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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7. El Nuevo Mexicano in Lake View
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years

The restaurant in question has earned the loyalty of its customers, including the speaker who has been visiting for the past seven years. The establishment is known for its excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere, which continue to improve over time.
The margaritas and mole enchiladas are among the most popular items on the menu, and the wait staff are friendly and efficient, providing consistently good service. The food is a highlight, with every dish prepared and presented in a way that keeps customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
8. Las Mañanitas Restaurant
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, featured in multiple local and national media outlets

The food at this establishment is highly praised for its quality and delicious taste, with margaritas being a particularly popular choice among customers. The service can be quite variable, however. At times, it is excellent and efficient, with staff going out of their way to accommodate patrons. Unfortunately, there are also instances when the service can be slow or subpar.
This restaurant offers an array of traditional Mexican dishes from different regions, as well as some Tex-Mex style options. One standout dish is the Mole Chicken, which has received rave reviews from multiple customers who have tried it. Overall, the food is delicious and worth trying for any fan of Mexican cuisine.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
9. DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill

TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
10. Que Rico Mexican Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a lively ambiance and homemade recipes.

Que Rico is a lively restaurant with a festive atmosphere and generous portions of tasty cocktails. The guacamole and chips starter was delicious, and the menu offers a variety of options, including steak enchiladas and tacos bistec. The steak enchilada was enjoyed thoroughly, while the tacos bistec were found to be merely okay.
As a top-notch Mexican restaurant, Que Rico boasts an owner who greets patrons on the dog-friendly patio. The star of the show was the enchiladas verde, and the margaritas were also highly recommended. Overall, the restaurant offers a great dining experience with delicious food and attentive service.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
11. La Biznaga
Colorful outdoor patio, extensive tequila selection, and delicious homemade salsas.

La Biznaga is a restaurant that is known for their delicious food, featuring Mexican cuisine with options such as tacos, tortas, and a breakfast menu. The restaurant has a friendly and attentive server, and they provide complimentary tortilla chips and salsa which adds a nice touch to the dining experience. However, there may be a wait for the food, particularly if ordering something other than tacos or burritos.
The Mexican food served at La Biznaga is both delicious and authentic, with a variety of options to choose from. The restaurant has received praise for the taste of their dishes, and the quick service is an added bonus for customers. Worth noting is that, although the food is usually served fast, orders that are not tacos or burritos might take a little longer to be prepared.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
12. Fernando's Tequila Bar & Restaurant
Extensive tequila selection, fun murals and decor, outdoor seating

The Quesadilla and Enchiladas are two standout dishes that should not be missed. The Quesadilla is a delight, featuring melted Chihuahua cheese that adds a unique and delicious flavor. For those seeking a stronger taste, the Enchiladas are an excellent choice, with their rich and savory sauce.
In addition to these Mexican favorites, the menu also offers street cart classics like the Tamale Colado and Tex-inspired dishes such as Smoked Chipotle BBQ Ribs. These options are perfectly complemented by the restaurant's strong Margaritas, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
13. Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway has a fun and stylish rooftop bar

The establishment is better suited for hot beverage enthusiasts than diners, as the salsa was spicy but the food lacked flavor and there was no hot sauce available. However, the Tex-Mex cuisine served is still enjoyable and satisfying.
During our visit, the flautas stood out as a highlight of the meal. They were fried to perfection without being greasy, making for a tasty and satisfying dish. Although the meal was good and not particularly extraordinary, the Tex-Mex offerings were still worth trying.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
14. Los 3 Panchos
Handmade tortillas, Wide tequila selection, Outdoor seating

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant and bold flavors, and this restaurant certainly lives up to that reputation. The steak tacos are a customer favorite, with their tender and juicy meat, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. The burritos are also a popular choice, stuffed with hearty ingredients and served at a reasonable price. Overall, the food at this restaurant is both delicious and affordable, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy some authentic Mexican food.
In addition to the high-quality and flavorful food, this restaurant also offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere. With its street taco vibe, customers can enjoy their meals in a laid-back setting, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or dinner with friends. Whether you're in the mood for a burrito or a plate of tacos, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out for its tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
15. Chilam Balam in Lake View
Spacious patio, live music, and extensive tequila selection

I am fortunate to be the first to review Chilam Balam, a cozy and rustic restaurant known for its contemporary Mexican cuisine. My table and I ordered everything on the menu, and we were particularly impressed with the memelas, which were similar to sopes and topped with fresh, thick, and only slightly sweet Wisconsin goat cheese.
Chilam Balam's menu offers an exceptional range of dishes, from the must-try pistachio tres leches to the standout pork belly tostada. The restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience, with dishes that are full of flavor and prepared with high-quality ingredients. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a special night out, Chilam Balam is a great choice.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
16. Tatas Tacos - Cantina Lakeview
Cozy and lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and a great selection of tequilas.

Considering this location, there are mixed feelings regarding the food and service. On a positive note, the Tex Mex options are a highlight, with exceptional tacos being a standout feature. The al pastor tacos, specifically, are a must-try. However, the service quality is inconsistent and can sometimes be slow.
Despite the service issues, the food here is still worth visiting for. The tacos, in particular, are exceptional and a definite recommendation. The al pastor taco is a customer favorite. Just be aware that the service may not always be prompt, but the delicious food offerings make up for it.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
- Social Gatherings
17. El Jardin
Family-owned and operated since 1975, friendly service, and live mariachi music on weekends.

If you're seeking a dining location that offers delicious Mexican food and perfect margaritas, El Jardin is the place to be. This family-owned and operated restaurant is known for its high-quality dishes, excellent drinks, and friendly staff. It's a great spot to show your support for small local businesses while enjoying a satisfying meal.
During my recent visit to El Jardin, I found the Mexican food to be authentic and full of flavor. The cozy décor of the restaurant added to the dining experience, making it a pleasing and comfortable environment. I was impressed with the well-sized portions, ensuring that I left feeling satisfied. El Jardin has been a dining destination for me for many years, and I was happy to return after almost 15 years. The food and atmosphere have remained consistently excellent, making it a place I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a taste of Mexico.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
18. Burrito House
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Burritos are a popular and highly sought-after menu item, known for their generous size and delicious taste. Customers consistently rave about the high-quality and varied options available, praising the excellent blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
The food at this establishment is widely appreciated for its freshness, taste, and speed of service. Burritos, in particular, are a favorite choice among patrons, who love the combination of tasty ingredients and the convenience of a quick, satisfying meal. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or light, there's something for everyone on the menu.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
19. Papacito's Mexican Grille
Family-owned and operated with a friendly staff and authentic decor

The meal, ordered via Delivery.com, included chips and salsa, and trio tacos with ground beef, chicken, and steak. The regular red salsa was a highlight, although it was somewhat liquidy. The tacos were well-received, with all three varieties deemed delicious. However, the chips were criticized for being too thick and overly fried. Overall, the meal was enjoyed.
As for the extras, the service was commendable - friendly and fast. The chips and salsa were notable, especially the hot salsa. The standout element of the meal was the beans, which were described as fresh and not soupy. Despite the slight issues with the thickness and frying of the chips, the dining experience was positive.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots