Diners' Choice: Mexican restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mexican cuisine in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Kie-Gol-Lanee - Uptown

4.8

4.8 (188)

$30 and under

Mexican

Uptown

About the restaurant

Opened in 2016, this Uptown Mexican eatery continues to gather accolades, including a spot on The New York Times' recommendations "36 hours in Chicago" and four straight years of being a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant right up to the present.

An immersive experience of Oaxacan cuisine featuring layudas (a.k.a. Mexican pizza), tamales oaxaqueños, enchiladas de mole, cornish hen and tacos de birria just to name a few. Their selection of margaritas made with homemade agua frescas with no artificial syrups and mimosas on the weekends is a must! Diners know to leave room too for the Oaxacan nicuatole (a flavored flan) and tres leches cake.

Kie-Gol-Lanee comes from the Zapotec dialect meaning "Piedra Antigua" (old stone). Its Spanish version "Quiegolani" is the name of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, where the owners and siblings are from. Maria and Reynel Mendoza run this operation with their spouses, Leo and Sandra, whose mission is to preserve their family’s original recipes.

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Soups were delicious...pork chop a little dry....friendly attentive service

Leña Brava

4.8

4.8 (996)

$31 to $50

Mexican

West Loop

About the restaurant

Located in Chicago's West Loop, Leña Brava is a culinary gem celebrating the dynamic flavors of Baja California Norte. Our kitchen, devoted to the art of live-fire cooking, breathes life into dishes that embody the essence of Mexican culinary traditions and the diverse tastes of Baja. Influenced by a fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines, our menu transcends conventional boundaries, offering an array of vibrant ceviche, tantalizing agua chiles, succulent flame-kissed Pacifico seabass, and hearty steaks.

Under the skilled guidance of Chef Brian Enyart, with over two decades of innovation in Mexican cuisine, we showcase seasonal ingredients, capturing the essence of Mexico and Baja Norte's culinary landscape. Complemented by our open-plan kitchen and curated beverage program, spotlighting an immense mezcal collection and an array of Baja, New and Old World wines, Leña Brava invites guests on a culinary journey, where Mexican tradition harmonizes with innovation.

Top review

Bonita

Dined 2 days ago

The food was EXCELLENT! We will definitely go again with our business clients.

Mirra

4.7

4.7 (105)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Mirra is centered around the excitement of exploring the South Asian and Mexican culinary and collaboration that is really an unknown story up north.

A la carte service, wine-focused with a small curated cocktail menu. Our chef's counter will offer a casual prix fixe experience for guests to enjoy. Mirra is a space that is warm, cozy, and comforting, whilst simultaneously executing a bold and vibrant food and beverage program. Mirra is a unique representation of how 2 different cultures can be 1 presented to you by Rishi Kumar, Zubair Mohajir, and David Mor.

Top review

DanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Second time dining here in less than a month. The food and service are both outstanding. I can't recommend Mirra enough (food is somewhat spicy, fyi).

Cafe El Tapatio

4.7

4.7 (332)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

The Parra family has owned and operated this cheerful restaurant for 46 years and make frequent trips to Mexico for menu ideas and cook up several family specialties. Beyond the standard tacos, burritos, and chimichangas are dishes such as crepas de pollo.

Top review

MaryVIP

Dined 6 days ago

One of our favorite restaurants. Reliable, the food is excellent as are the cocktails.

La Luna

4.5

4.5 (808)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Pilsen

About the restaurant

About La Luna
Luna stays true to the communities cultural, ever-evolving roots and offers a place for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy traditional Mexican recipes in a creative space that pays homage to the diverse, artistic vibe of the neighborhood.

Nice to Know:
Walk in Friendly (please call ahead)

Please have your complete party present before checking in to be seated. As a courtesy, reservations are held for 15 minutes past the reservation time.

Top review

Saundra

Dined 6 days ago

Absolutely loved the entire experience! The service, the food, the atmosphere was amazing! The ONLY reason why my overall experience is 4 stars is because of the parking. There is NO close parking. We had to walk several blocks, after locating a park.

ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.6

4.6 (42)

$30 and under

Mexican

Lake View

About the restaurant

We celebrate the culinary connections between the Oaxacan region in Mexico and a neighboring international cuisine. It highlights the vibrant flavors, traditional techniques, and unique ingredients of Oaxaca, while also incorporating elements and influences from a neighboring culinary tradition.

Meet Carlos Lopez Muñoz, a culinary virtuoso hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Oaxaca, Mexico. His gastronomic odyssey began in the heart of his family's kitchen, weaving a narrative steeped in the rich culinary tradition of "El Istmo."

Top review

donaldVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food - we had the Scallops for an appetizer- Sea bass for the entry- Potatoes as a side Great tasting cocktails Carlos the owner was great to talk too about his restaurant

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Experience

ISTMO NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER

Tzuco

4.7

4.7 (794)

$30 and under

Mexican

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.

Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.

Top review

Helen

Dined 1 day ago

Lovely place for a nice birthday dinner! The queso fundido was to die for and the rest was also very good.

Pilsen Yards

4.7

4.7 (1597)

$30 and under

Latin American

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Pilsen Yards is a vibrant and lively restaurant in the heart of Pilsen, offering a unique dining experience with its bar-centric and music-driven atmosphere. The open-air vibe and one of the largest patios in the city create a welcoming and inviting space for guests to enjoy delicious Latin-inspired street food and handcrafted cocktails. Executive Chef Juan Carlos Gutierrez's menu features a variety of creative and flavorful dishes, from tacos and ceviches to hummus and carne asada. The menu is designed to share and encourage guests to try a variety of flavors. The bar program, curated by beverage director Lance Bowman, boasts an extensive selection of mezcal, tequila, whiskey, and other spirits, along with a variety of craft beers and cocktails. Pilsen Yards is the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends, a lively weekend brunch, or a special occasion. The restaurant's spacious interior and expansive patio can accommodate large groups and private events. With its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and extensive bar program, Pilsen Yards is sure to provide a memorable dining experience.

Top review

Angelica

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Jeremy was a great host! He was very welcoming, the food, drinks and ambience were all great! Will return!

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Popular dish

SHRIMP

Popular dish

HEIRLOOM CARROTS AL PASTOR

Popular dish

SWEET CORN TAMALES

Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

4.6 (913)

$30 and under

Mexican

West Loop

About the restaurant

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had such a wonderful time here to celebrate my cousin the other night. Our server was absolutely phenomenal and so attentive. The food was amazing and it’s such a beautiful restaurant! I am dreaming of my short rib! I will definitely be back ASAP!

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Mini Trompo Al Pastor

Mercadito - River North

4.6

4.6 (6284)

$31 to $50

Mexican

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.

Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

Top review

felipeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

I’ve been a guest since the day they opened the doors and it’s amazing to see this place still be busy delivering some of the best food in the city. Great job to the team behind this operation.

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