Top 20 Mexican restaurants in Chicago

Mexican restaurants in Chicago are a culinary delight, serving up authentic and innovative dishes that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine. From street-style tacos and mouth-watering molés to handcrafted margaritas and churros, these restaurants offer a taste of Mexico in the heart of the Windy City. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Mexican food or just looking to try something new, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings.

1. Mercadito

Located in the River North neighborhood, offering outdoor seating

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Downtown Spots

2. 5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria

Homemade tortillas, creative salsas, vegetarian-friendly options

TOPICS

  • Chinese Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots

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3. La Cantina Grill

Features a lively bar area and outdoor seating, Great for groups and events

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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4. El Habanero

Family-owned restaurant with homemade recipes

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Happy Hours
  • Downtown Spots

5. XOCO

Sustainable sourcing, In-house made tortillas, Gluten-free options

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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6. Barrio

Live mariachi music on weekends

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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7. Frontera Grill

Rick Bayless's flagship restaurant, lively atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

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8. L' Patron

Family-owned and operated, friendly service, large portions, great for groups

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats

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9. Tzuco

Chef Carlos Gaytán's contemporary Mexican cuisine

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Social Gatherings
  • Mid-Range

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10. Broken English Taco Pub

Features a rotation of unique and creative taco specials

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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11. Leña Brava

Ocean-to-table concept, sustainable seafood, open kitchen

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

12. La Josie

Family-owned since 1986, Weekly specials, Agave-based spirits

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

13. Gordon Ramsay Burger

Gordon Ramsay's first-ever restaurant in Chicago with a lively atmosphere and open kitchen

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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14. Mi Tierra En La Villita

Family-owned restaurant with homemade recipes

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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15. Su Casa Mexican Restaurant

Live Mariachi music on weekends

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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16. El Nuevo Mexicano

Homemade tortillas, Spacious patio, Agave margarita selection

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

17. Las Fuentes

Homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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18. La Mejikana

Family-owned restaurant with homemade recipes

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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19. Topolobampo

Chef Javier Plascencia's Baja-Med culinary style

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • High-End
  • Downtown Spots

20. Esmeralda's Lounge

Family-owned with homemade recipes since 1979

TOPICS

  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Hidden Gems
  • Vegan Options