By: Coop Daley By: Coop Daley | November 18, 2021 | Food & Drink,
While Chicago is well-known for its pizza, hot dogs and other delicious classics, there is another scene. It's a bit more underground, and it thrives within a diverse community of foodies: Chicago's Mexican cuisine.
Whether it be tacos, burritos or other delicious spice-infused traditions, there is something inherently wonderful about Mexican food—and you don't have to wait for Taco Tuesday to partake.
Whether you're bundling up for another cold winter or taking advantage of sunny summer days, Chi-town's top-tier Mexican restaurants are ready to serve you comfort on a plate. Try one or all of our favorites below.
See also: Tantalize Your Tastebuds At These 7 New Chicago Restos
2914 N Clark St., Lakeview / Website
Whether you're looking for traditional plates, vegan takes, margaritas and sangria, or something completely new, El Nuevo Mexicano has what you crave. Located in the heart of Lakeside, the restaurant features a wide variety of Mexican classics from enchiladas to tacos, burritos and fajitas; as well as noted specialties. Try the tacos de carnitas and salmon chipotle, then wash it down with a variety of margarita flavors.
2800 W Logan Blvd., Logan Square / Website
A recent addition to the New York Times’ best restaurants list, it may be difficult to nab a table at this popular neighborhood staple, but the delicious fusion food is worth the fight. Noted for its colorful combination of traditional and new flavors, the menu offers plenty of options to catch your interest. Main dishes include oyster tortillas made with squid ink, a cactus queso fundido made with juice and traditional melted cheese, and aguachile mexi-peruano with shrimp, sweet potatoes and aguachiles. Mi Tocaya Antojeria also supports the “Todos Ponen” project, which works to protect undocumented restaurant workers and emphasize those in the kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1725 W 18th St., West Side / Website
Currently open for takeout from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, this street corner location is one of the best places to grab lunch if you’re in the West area. Founded in 1975, Carnitas Uruapan promises tastes from Michoacan, Mexico, and has been featured on various foodie television shows. The delicious and authentic flavors are served in large portions. As the name would suggest, the carnitas are the staple, but those pair well with popular horchata drinks, tacos and menudo (Mexican soup, made with tripe). If you can’t make the Westside location, check the shop a little further south!
2500 S Whipple St., Little Village / Website
Don’t let the name fool you. Disguised as an unsuspecting market, this delicious option offers some of the best and most authentic cuisine this side of Lake Michigan. After you find the restaurant, you’ll be treated to a wide variety of options. The tacos are chock full of flavor and feature traditional favorites like carne asada, as well as some you can’t get anywhere else: suadero (a thin cut of pork or beef, sizzled to perfection on the griddle) as well as lengua and brain. What does it taste like? You’ll just have to find out for yourself!
1758 W 18th St., Pilsen / Website
This colorful stop in Pilsen, just off the 18th Street Pink Line stop, holds the key to some of the best Mexican flavors in the region, both sweet and savory. The tacos have been reviewed to perfection offering succulent meats and rich sides. The soup, rice, grilled vegetables and pot roast are all sure to please. The desserts have been highly touted, too. Don't miss out on 5 Rabanitos' plantains, chocolate tamal and more.
5200 S Archer Ave., Archer Heights / Website
This one is closer to Midway Airport than anything else, but the food more than makes up for a loyal customer’s efforts. All the food is delicious, but the crown jewel of Xocome is its birria tacos made with a sort of stew, then filled with spices and goat meat. The modern gem is not the only staple of this menu. Try a wide variety of gourmet dishes, including filet mignon tacos, pambazo (a type of bread dipped in pepper sauce) and even fresh juices. For an authentic taste developed right in store, there is perhaps no better option than Xocome.
1024 N Ashland Ave., East Village / Website
The deal is in the name. This is some of the best seafood in the city. Each order comes with the standard sides of rice, salad, fries and garlic bread, the main emphasis of Alegrias comes from the entrees. From the langoustines prawns to the huachinango red snapper, there’s plenty of traditional Mexican favorites to be found, in addition to other seafood surprises. Don't miss the stuffed lobster, oysters, ceviche and more. Ordering for a group? Try the Alegria’s special; a platter of your favorites for five of your closest friends. The restaurant is BYOB, but they will mix drinks for you upon arrival. A cute loophole for a cute location.
814 W 18th St., Pilsen / Website
No Mexican cuisine list would be complete without tamales. Yvolina's traditional green mole, steak red mole and chicken tamales garner plenty of attention, but the vegan and vegetarian options of mushroom, almond, kale and more are perhaps even more notable. Wrapped in banana leaves and served with homemade salsa, these tamales are a treat and a half.
Photography by: Hybrid Storytellers / Unsplash
