13 Of Chicago's Best Mexican Restaurants That Locals Swear By

Chicago's relationship with Mexican food runs deeper than hot sauce and “Taco Tuesday” memes. Here, family-run tamalerías and splashy seafood joints rub elbows on street corners. Whether it's masa pastries at sunrise or a BYOB feast lasting until midnight, these are the real-deal spots—the ones folks drive across town for, the ones you whisper about to friends because you don't want the wait to get any longer. Ready? Let's torment your willpower, neighborhood by neighborhood. --- ## 1. Santa Masa Tamalería (Portage Park) Santa Masa is where cold weekends and long workdays meet their carb therapy. What started as a home-grown “pop-up” is now a storefront with a line down the block. Tamales—the fluffy, olive-oil rich kind that remind some folks of grandma—are the move here, with cheeky vegan and veggie treatments alongside the classics. Extras? Try a taco adobada slicked with smoky red sauce or spring for a guajolota: a tamal jammed into a crusty roll for the ultimate Mexico City power move. If you're feeling adventurous, keep your eye out for the Trecena supper club, a monthly deep dive into Chicano foodways and stories you'll retell all year. ## 2. Chilam Balam (Lakeview) Think of this as the basement party you always hoped your chef friend would invite you to. Chef Natalie Oswald's kitchen is a playground for masa, moles, and seasonal produce—her gooey black-bean memelas and roasted squash with hazelnut mole could convert even the most skeptical carnivore. The room is small, with painted walls and an underground, communal buzz. It's BYOB (cash and Venmo only), so hit the ATM on the way and bring something to sip between forkfuls. Be sure to check their website, as there are specific drink restrictions, but that just adds to the offbeat fun. ## 3. Carnitas Uruapan (Pilsen & Little Village) If you're the sort who would chase a perfect piece of pork across the city, you probably already know about this institution—celebrating half a century this year. Carnitas Uruapan still rules with Michoacán-style carnitas served by the pound, with crunchy chicharrón, pickled veggies, and tortillas warm from the press. This place is lively and familial, with lines of regulars ordering for Sunday feasts, but brain tacos, cactus salad, and pints of cold Mexican beer keep the adventure seekers happy too. Bonus: A bar-heavy Little Village location featuring mezcal, charanda, and collab beers with Casa Humilde. ## 4. Mi Tocaya Antojería (Logan Square) Chef Diana Dávila makes food for her city and her ancestors—with a side of fearless creative energy. Her menu bounces from delicate masa tetelas stuffed with mushrooms and red mole to spaghetti squash “elote-style,” drenched in a buttery, guajillo broth packed with heirloom corn. It's friendly and boisterous, with nods to Mexican nostalgia and a drinks menu that's anything but predictable. Beard nods and critic praise aside, this is simply a joyful, ambitious neighborhood spot, and it shows. ## 5. Frontera Grill (River North) Rick Bayless is a divisive figure in Chicago food circles, but there's no denying this: Frontera keeps the classics coming. This room is always buzzing—families, first dates, the occasional out-of-town food nerd hoping to catch the scent of cochinita pibil from the open kitchen. Regional specialties come and go alongside their legendary moles, and if you're looking to impress a visitor (or prove that you actually do love the city), a meal here always delivers familiar comfort. ## 6. Baha Restaurant (Belmont Cragin) Every day is beach day at Baha, where seafood heads come to indulge in platters inspired by the costa—think grilled whole snapper with charred limes, creamy shrimp tostadas, and empanadas zipped with ocean brine. Real show-stopper status comes via the “ceviche towers”: layered, visual stunners packed with shrimp, scallop, avocado, and spicy red sauces that could liven up any TikTok feed. Not just for pescatarians—tables groan with meat- and cheese-loaded parrilladas and sides meant for sharing. ## 7. La Chaparrita Taqueria (Little Village) If you're looking for Mexico City street food without leaving the city, head to Little Village's half-storefront, half-hidden-gem. César “El Molusco” Castillo slings tacos straight from his comal con sombrero—a spaceship-looking grill that ensures every bite of al pastor or crispy tripe is smoky, juicy, and slightly charred. The aguas frescas are next-level (look for flavors like guanábana or even alfalfa with local berries). Traveling? Grab some “tacos de canasta”—they're engineered to be delicious even after a car ride. ## 8. La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant (North Lawndale, Little Village, Brighton Park, Lake Shore East) Waking up early just got way more fun. Under stained-glass lamps and holy iconography, La Catedral's crowds come for chilaquiles—olive-green with tomatillo or a wickedly spicy chilaquiles a la diabla with smoky chipotle. Choose from at least fifteen combos (no joke). Jalisco-born chef Bocho Gonzalez leans into generous flavors and religious kitsch, but the real devotion is for tastes of home. Bonus: one-off coffee drinks, crepes, milkshakes, and a growing citywide mini-empire. ## 9. Cerdito Muerto (Pilsen) Candles flicker. Mezcal cocktails clink. Vegetarians nudge carnivores aside to get the last crispy potato flauta. Cerdito Muerto isn't the average taquería; it's a moody, speakeasy-style dining room with a habit of dishing out unexpected vegetarian-leaning hits (carrot tacos have a fanbase) and a slow-cooked branzino that regulars plan date nights around. Owner Emidio Oceguera's fine-dining background shows up in details—and don't sleep on the tequila-laced Espresso Martínez. This is where you want to linger on a Friday. ## 10. Pan Artesanal (Hermosa) Concha lovers, line up. Pan Artesanal cranks out the fluffiest, sugar-dusted Mexican sweet breads all weekend (including vegan conchas that won't disappoint). Sandwiches hit the spot—imagine a chorizo-and-egg creation on freshly baked bread, or a steak/chilaquiles/egg torta that's your entire weekend summed up in one sandwich. Gorditas and handmade-tortilla tacos round out the short but memorable food menu. Pro tip: They often sell out early, so pre-order online, and consider parking in the free lot nearby. ## 11. Tzuco (River North) If there was such a thing as a Mexican-French bistro, chef Carlos Gaytán's Tzuco would be it. Every dish feels like a coy wink to the places he's called home—guajillo-bathed octopus with punches of salsa macha, shrimp aguachile so good you may forget about steak altogether. The vibe? Sleek but warm, with service that celebrates nostalgia—especially for folks from Guerrero, Mexico. ## 12. Alegrias Seafood Chicago (West Town) BYOB parties and seafood platters as big as your kitchen table. That's what fans love about Alegrías, a cheery spot serving up oceans of Nayarit-style camarones, tender lobster tails, snow crab legs, and enough salsas, lime, and garnishes to keep things interesting. Complimentary ceviche and a fiercely loyal following mean crowds, but the staff keeps things moving. Gather friends and make a night of it. ## 13. Au Levain Chicago (North Center) Imagine a bakery run by a Mexico City expat—then turn up the craftsmanship. Au Levain looks like a neighborhood pastry stop, but chef Ángel Chávez's conchas compete with anything in the region, and rosca de reyes or pan de muerto show up when the season calls. Bag a sourdough sausage-egg sandwich or the hearty breakfast wrap and hang by the window. Pro move: grab a few extra loaves for weekday breakfasts that actually motivate you to get out of bed. --- ## Know Before You Go ### Reservation Status - **Hot Tables:** Mi Tocaya, Tzuco, and Frontera take reservations—and they're highly recommended, especially on weekends. - **Casual Vibes:** Santa Masa, Carnitas Uruapan, and Pan Artesanal mostly operate counter-service or takeout—walk right up or order ahead online. - **BYOB:** Alegrías and Chilam Balam are both famous for this (bring your favorite bottle but double-check guidelines—Chilam accepts only what fits their restrictions). ### Price Check - **Budget Champions:** Carnitas Uruapan, La Chaparrita, Pan Artesanal—$10-20 will leave you stuffed. - **Mid-Tier:** Mi Tocaya, Chilam Balam, La Catedral, Cerdito Muerto—expect $20-40 per person. - **Splurge Land:** Frontera, Tzuco, Baha, Alegrias—seafood platters and chef's menus can run to $50+ depending on your appetite. ### Gluten-Free & Plant-Based - Gluten-averse diners, rejoice: Chilam Balam, Mi Tocaya, and many taquerias feature masa and corn as the backbone, not flour. Several of these spots have clearly marked vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. ### Hours & Payment - Weekend-only hours at Pan Artesanal mean plan ahead. Chilam Balam is cash/Venmo only (no cards), and some spots close early if they sell out. Always give their socials a peek before heading over. ### Parking - Most are street parking. Pan Artesanal has a neighborly free lot (a blessing). ## The Bottom Line From pulsing taco joints to contemporary bakery-cafés, Mexican food in Chicago is still a choose-your-own adventure—and it's only getting better with time. Next time someone asks for the “best Mexican spots in the city," hand them this list and tell them to start at the top.