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Top picks in Arlington Heights

Authentic Mexican food

A craving for authentic Mexican food is hard to ignore when nothing else will do.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria El Comalito image 1
Taqueria El Comalito image 2
Taqueria El Comalito image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic vibe and handmade tortillas. Indoor and outdoor seating is limited, creating an intimate setting. Family owners add to the atmosphere by playing guitar outside, enhancing the cultural experience.

Fresh, homemade dishes capture authentic Mexican flavors closely. Tacos and other offerings taste genuine and affordable, reflecting traditional recipes.

Fresh, homemade tortillas and authentic Mexican flavors stand out here. Tacos like carne asada, pollo, and pastor come with juicy, perfectly grilled steak and excellent salsas including a notable salsa verde.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing seasoned chicken and steak."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're delicious."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant primarily offers takeout service with limited seating available.

2

Prices are very affordable for the quality of food provided.

3

The taqueria serves fresh, homemade, authentic Mexican food.

02
El Tacazo Grill image 1
Restaurant

Large space with bold colorful decor and traditional Mexican music creates an authentic, inviting atmosphere. A huge bar adds an open, casual vibe. The place feels clean and bright, with reasonably priced offerings.

Bold and colorful tones fill the space with woven textiles on the walls and traditional Mexican music playing softly. The menu features authentic Mexican cuisine like Chilaquiles with red hot sauce and Carne Asada, all prepared cleanly and full of flavor.

Quesabirria tacos stand out with their lightly crisped, golden-red tortillas soaked in consommรฉ oil. The steak burrito offers generous portions with fresh, flavorful meat, while the chicken mole ranks among the area's notable moles.

People are saying

"The food here is made and served really fast."

"The Mexican Food here is served with super friendly service."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable and budget-friendly.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

They offer many vegetarian-friendly options.

03
Tamaleria y antojitos chepis image 1

Small space with limited seating and a long table by the window creates an intimate setting. Warm and welcoming atmosphere suits mostly takeout-focused visits. Known for authentic Mexican tamales and standout birria, it offers a distinct taste experience in a modest environment.

Food offers great taste and uses authentic recipes with fresh ingredients. Every dish delivers flavorful Mexican cuisine true to its roots.

Tamales stand out with perfect steaming, rich flavor, and soft texture filled with seasoned chicken and pork. Fresh, homemade gorditas and vibrant salsa add to the authentic Mexican food experience, alongside tasty birria and fried chicken quesadillas.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be perfectly steamed and flavorful."

"The Mexican food, especially the tamales, is delicious and authentic."

"I found the food here to be really authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is primarily for takeout with limited seating for about five people.

2

Prices are competitive, with meals averaging around $40 for two.

3

The menu lacks clear pictures, making it hard for newcomers to navigate.

04
Crazy Quesadilla Mexican restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with a super cute aesthetic and extensive holiday decorations creates a lively vibe. Live music and DJ sets energize the space, especially on weekends with karaoke. The atmosphere feels great for parties and casual dining alike.

Food shows strong authentic Mexican flavors with a menu that stays true to tradition. Decor matches the vibe, enhancing the genuine experience.

Quesadillas stand out with their crispy texture and high-quality ingredients, including a notable 29-inch option. Birria tacos and tortas offer rich, flavorful experiences, while tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays add variety. Horchata water complements the menu with a distinctive taste.

People are saying

"I found the quesadilla to be delicious and loaded with flavor."

"I found the food to be delicious and very authentic."

"I ordered the Cali Burrito; it was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a BOGO deal on tacos.

2

Karaoke happens every Friday and Saturday night.

3

Live music is featured on weekends and select evenings.

05
Taco Maya image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers vibrant atmosphere with colorful decor and a salsa bar featuring various options. Outdoor patio and party room add to the spacious setup. Fusion tacos and margarita flights highlight the menu.

Dishes deliver authentic flavors that feel genuine and satisfying. Every bite bursts with traditional taste that stays true to its roots.

Tacos come out quickly and offer great value, especially with deals like $1 tacos on Mondays and BOGO offers. The salsa bar stands out, and options like steak and shrimp tacos deliver flavorful, tender bites with tasty flour tortillas.

People are saying

"I loved their fusion tacos, especially the Indian-inspired ones."

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The food here is delicious and bursting with authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Taco Maya offers $1 tacos on Mondays.

2

Free taco Tuesdays provide a great deal for visitors.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

06
Cilantro Taco Grill - Arlington Heights image 1

Bright, clean space with fun ambiance and decor celebrating crop pickers creates a lively yet chill atmosphere. Music and vibes contribute to a casual-dining feel that supports authentic Mexican food. The place stands out for its quality ingredients and fair prices.

Rice, beans, and salsas deliver truly authentic Mexican flavors. The food consistently tastes super authentic and stands out among local options.

Tacos come bursting with flavor, especially the quesabirria tacos served with a rich consomรฉ for dipping. The jalapeรฑo salsa stands out as a tasty highlight that complements the authentic Mexican dishes well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is delicious and packed with flavor."

"I found the rice and beans tasted truly authentic."

"The guacamole here is pretty good and awesome with fresh chips."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos, making it a budget-friendly option.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and non-greasy environment.

3

Expect a total bill of around $65 for three adults and one child.

07
Thlaco Taco Tijuanense #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and loud reggaeton music that fills the space. The vibe is authentic and cozy, attracting those seeking Tijuana-style tacos and flavorful dishes. The environment feels lively and welcoming, with a focus on genuine Mexican flavors.

Tacos here have a genuine Mexican flavor and the dishes stay true to traditional recipes. The overall menu and preparation reflect a high level of authenticity.

Al Pastor tacos stand out with their flavorful spit-roasted meat and pineapple. Handmade corn tortillas add a unique texture, and dishes like birria tacos and Asada burritos deliver authentic, rich Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is super authentic and delicious."

"I found the tacos here to be the best I ever had."

"I found the tacos here to be the most authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

Birria tacos are 3 for $10 on Wednesdays, a great deal.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during peak hours.

3

The menu often has items unavailable, so check before ordering.

08
Johnnie's Beef image 1
American restaurant

Small, crowded dining room with old school seating and no frills decor creates an authentic, straightforward vibe. Outdoor seating is covered and plentiful, offering a pleasant alternative when weather permits. Atmosphere feels packed with happy people enjoying quick service and excellent Italian beef sandwiches.

Authentic beef sandwiches come on the right kind of bread with high-quality Chicago Italian beef. Fast service stays consistent and the shop keeps a classic Italian sandwich charm.

Tamales stand out with their homemade quality and generous portions, each tamale resembling four mini ones. They consistently deliver a delicious taste that draws attention.

People are saying

"I had one of the best Italian beef sandwiches I've ever eaten."

"I found the Italian beef and sausage to be the best around."

"I found the authentic beef sandwich to be true to tradition."

Good to know

1

Credit and debit cards are accepted at this location, unlike others.

2

Parking is generally easy to find nearby, making access convenient.

3

Expect a fast turnaround even with long lines, particularly at noon.

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Arlington Heights, Illinois

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