Chicago's vibrant culinary scene extends far beyond deep-dish pizza. The city boasts a diverse and delicious Mexican food landscape, offering everything from casual taquerias to upscale dining experiences. This comprehensive guide dives into the top 20 Mexican restaurants in Chicago, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out. Whether you crave authentic street tacos or sophisticated mole, this list has something for every palate.
Exploring Chicago's Best Mexican Cuisine: A Diverse Selection
Chicago's Mexican restaurant scene reflects the city's multicultural tapestry, showcasing various regional styles and culinary traditions. From the fiery flavors of Oaxaca to the rich stews of Puebla, you'll find a stunning array of options. This list isn't ranked in order of preference; instead, it celebrates the unique strengths of each establishment.
Authentic Mexican Restaurants: A Taste of Tradition
These restaurants prioritize authenticity, often using family recipes and traditional cooking techniques.
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1. Xoco: Rick Bayless's casual eatery offers amazing tacos, tortas, and other traditional Mexican fare. Their commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every bite. They are known for their exceptional carnitas.
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2. Big Star: This Wicker Park staple is a beloved spot for its delicious tacos, extensive tequila selection, and lively atmosphere. Their al pastor is a must-try.
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3. Frontera Grill: Another Rick Bayless establishment, Frontera Grill offers a more upscale experience with creative takes on classic Mexican dishes. Their mole is legendary.
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4. Carnitas Uruapan: As the name suggests, this place specializes in carnitas – slow-cooked pork – and their succulent, tender meat is a crowd-pleaser.
Modern Mexican: A Fusion of Flavors
These establishments blend traditional Mexican techniques with modern culinary creativity.
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5. Monteverde: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined and innovative take on Italian-Mexican fusion. Their pasta dishes with Mexican influences are exceptional.
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6. Mercadito: This lively spot combines Mexican street food with a modern aesthetic, creating a vibrant and delicious experience. Their margaritas are famous.
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7. Dos Urban Cantina: This modern cantina provides a stylish setting to enjoy creative Mexican cocktails and delicious small plates. Their guacamole is highly recommended.
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8. Tzuzul: This stylish restaurant features Oaxacan cuisine, showcasing the region's rich culinary traditions with a contemporary touch.
Regional Mexican Specialties: A Culinary Journey Through Mexico
These restaurants specialize in specific regional cuisines, offering a deeper dive into the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico.
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9. La Tapatia: A true gem for authentic Mexican food. They represent the vibrant flavors of Guadalajara. Try their pozole.
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10. Irazu: This restaurant focuses on Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cuisine, offering a slightly different but equally delicious take on Central American flavors, often overlapping with Mexican influences.
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11. El Milagro: A long-standing institution, known for its extensive menu and dedication to authenticity. They have an extensive selection of tacos.
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12. Tres Sirenas: This seafood restaurant specializing in Mexican cuisine delivers a unique taste of the coast. Expect fresh ceviche.
Casual Mexican Joints: Quick Bites and Great Taste
These are perfect for a quick, delicious, and affordable Mexican meal.
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13. Taqueria Los Comales: This hole-in-the-wall taqueria is beloved for its authentic and delicious tacos at incredibly affordable prices.
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14. Andale Taqueria: Another fantastic taqueria serving up high-quality tacos at very reasonable prices.
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15. El Torito: A classic Chicago institution known for its casual atmosphere and consistently good Mexican food.
Upscale Mexican Dining: A Refined Experience
These restaurants offer a more luxurious and sophisticated Mexican dining experience.
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16. Topolobampo: This award-winning restaurant provides an elegant setting to enjoy expertly crafted Mexican dishes. Their tasting menus are highly recommended.
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17. Ojalá: This stylish restaurant offers refined and inventive Mexican-inspired cuisine.
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18. Bar Takumi: Offers creative dishes that blend Japanese and Mexican flavors, a unique and exciting option.
Hidden Gems: Discovering Chicago's Underrated Mexican Restaurants
These are some lesser-known but equally fantastic spots worth exploring.
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19. Nuevo Leon: This family-owned taqueria is a local favorite known for its exceptional tacos al pastor.
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20. Carnitas El Momo: A hidden gem known for some of the best carnitas in the city.
Finding Your Perfect Mexican Meal in Chicago
This list provides a starting point for your exploration of Chicago's vibrant Mexican food scene. Remember to check restaurant websites for hours, menus, and reservations. Enjoy your culinary journey! Remember to explore beyond this list – Chicago’s Mexican food scene is constantly evolving, with new gems popping up all the time. Happy eating!
