Zentli

4.9

65 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for groups

Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space.

Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite.

We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(224) 999-7486
Website
https://www.eatzentli.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201
Neighborhood
Evanston
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 65 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Best Food
Chicago / Illinois
Mexican
North Suburbs
Best Overall
North Suburbs
Best Food
North Suburbs
Best Service
North Suburbs
Best Value
North Suburbs
Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Zentli offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing ambiance" and "even better food," featuring authentic Mexican dishes in a charming setting. Guests rave about the "excellent food" and "phenomenal service," with unique menu selections like house-made mole and blue corn tortillas. The owner, Piloto, adds a personal touch with his artistic flair.

65 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved Zentli. The Owner and his Team were outstanding. The Mole - Drinks - everything was delicious. We now have our favorite Mexican place on the Northshore. The artwork is so well done. Highly recommend Zentli
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J
Jane
VIP
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a fabulous spot Food delicious Owner amazing
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A
Aviva
VIP
Chicago
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious food, excellent service, great ambience. I absolutely loved it.
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k
kendra
VIP
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious, affordable dinner with great service and a friendly and appropriately attentive wait staff. We will be back.
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EC
EvanC
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing art, next level Mexican food. Ask to speak with owner, and he’ll tell you about how he created the murals and sculptures.
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MY
MattY
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. Go support this neighborhood gem. You won't be disappointed.
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L
Leah
Chicago
68 reviews
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at this restaurant. We were going to Studio 5. Just a block away. Great restaurant on its own but also great location for the music and dance theatre.
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S
Sheila
VIP
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautifully decorated, artwork done by owner. Delicious food with vegan options. Food came very quickly but they didn’t push us out.
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T
Theresa
Chicago
22 reviews
3.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The food is really great, but the service is truly in need of improvement. We have never waited longer to get any order in than at Zentli// and we have dined there several times. We had a 6:30 reservation, and didn’t get any attention till close to 6:55… we had water, then guacamole on the house (nice), but another 15 to order drinks and food…just super slow— maybe two wait staff in the place? I want this place to be a success…but we won’t be back for awhile.’
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S
Steve
Jacksonville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We asked our server Ewetina for recommendations, and she did not disappoint. She suggested the flautas to share among the four of us as an appetizer. Then we shared one order of the ensalada Zentli, amazing flavors and textures. Finally, we each had a taco. I had the nopales - black beans, onions, and potato. Great choice. The homemade soft shells are unique and tasty. I should also mention the tangy homemade salsa for the tortilla chips. Introduced to the Victoria beer. Wonderful dining night for $25 per person.
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FAQs

Zentli offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (224) 999-7486.

Zentli is rated 4.9 stars by 65 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

Neighborhood
Evanston
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.eatzentli.com/
Phone number
(224) 999-7486

Zentli

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 65 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Zentli offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zentli restaurant rated?

Is Zentli currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information