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Top picks in Illinois

Carnitas and nachos

Carnitas served over nachos that stay crisp under the weight of the meat instead of turning into a soggy mess.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sunrise Brunch image 1
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Breakfast restaurant

Small restaurant with simple but beautiful decor and unique paintings by each booth creates a welcoming vibe. Atmosphere reflects authentic Mexican living room feel, lively with music and dancing in the evenings. Spotless interior and small bar add to the intimate setting.

Juicy carnitas melt in your mouth with rich flavor. Tacos featuring carnitas, chicken, and ground beef come out delicious and satisfying.

Nachos come loaded with generous toppings and are quite filling. The version with carne asada stands out for its flavor and portion size.

People are saying

"You have to try the homemade tortillas; they're so soft and packed with flavor."

"These nachos were so filling, I couldn't finish them all."

"The carnitas were amazing and melted in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The tortillas are made fresh daily.

2

The restaurant is very clean, including tables and bathrooms.

3

Karaoke is available during certain visits, adding to the fun atmosphere.

02
Los Asadores Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with a retro vibe and salsa music playing. Atmosphere is loud and busy, fitting for quick meals but less so for quiet occasions. Space feels cozy and clean, with a local mom-and-pop charm.

Carnitas stand out with rich flavor and a tender texture. They often come as part of a taco dinner alongside carne asada and al pastor.

Asada nachos come loaded with all the right flavors and ingredients. Steak nachos stay solid and pair well with burritos and tacos.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious birria tacos; they were the best I've had."

"I thought the Mexican food here was as authentic as it gets."

"I thought the carnitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers certain tacos at a discounted price.

2

Discounted meals are available on specific days.

3

You line up at the cash register to place your order.

03
Frida's Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines spacious, clean design with fun art and a beautiful mural. Atmosphere blends community vibe with part sports bar energy, featuring American rock music rather than Latino tunes. The place feels welcoming and lively, especially during large gatherings.

Pork shines in the Carnitas Michoacรกn, served with a side of verde sauce and jalapeรฑo. The carnitas tacos offer a flavorful, classic take on this dish.

Nachos come loaded with an abundance of queso that stands out. Only a few shrimps are included, and extra sides of shrimp are not available.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food here; everything was delicious!"

"These al pastor tacos are the best I have ever had."

"I ordered the Carnitas Michoacรกn with a side of verde sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking at Frida's Cocina is easy and accessible.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

3

Prices at Frida's Cocina are affordable and reasonable.

04
Taco Maya image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with hand-painted murals and a vibrant salsa bar offering multiple sauce varieties. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and intimate to lively and welcoming, featuring good music and a friendly vibe. Offers excellent tacos and a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Tacos come with well filled portions and good flavor. Classic carnitas tacos stand out alongside pastor and chorizo options on corn tortillas.

Supreme nachos stand out with loaded toppings and a satisfying crunch. Multiple dishes include Paneer tacos and samosa tacos, but the nachos get special mention for their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be the best I've had in a while."

"I found the carnitas tacos well filled and delicious."

"I highly recommend the supreme nachos here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers buy 2 tacos, get 1 free.

2

$1 taco Mondays feature a specific taco type.

3

Lunch specials provide good value for money.

05
Chicagoโ€™s Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with toys and books for kids. The vibe is casual and peaceful, filled with the smell of grilled perfection. Known for some of the best tacos in the city, it attracts those seeking quick, flavorful meals.

Michoacรกn style carnitas stand out with well-seasoned, tender meat. Carnitas tacos come highly praised for their delicious flavor and satisfy alongside steak and pastor options.

Nachos come loaded with very good quality meat, including options like birria, chicken, and beef. They feature all the fixings and a type of cheese not commonly found in other Mexican restaurants.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious and full of amazing flavor."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be very delicious."

"I found the nachos here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers catering services for any type of event.

2

During the anniversary, the chef gives away tacos or a rose to customers.

3

They have a special Lent menu available throughout the season.

06
Zombie Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant inside a hotel lobby offers a funky atmosphere with old arcade games and live DJs on weekends. The space includes a bar area where check-in happens, creating a lively vibe. Seating areas feature board games and kiosks for ordering, blending casual dining with entertainment.

Pork carnitas tacos come shredded and tender, offering a rich, savory flavor. Both the carnitas and shredded beef brisket stand out for their great taste and satisfying texture.

Fresh nachos come with options like chicken and pair well with guac. Staff prepare nachos quickly for dine-in or to go, making them a solid choice for a delicious snack.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the breakfast burritos."

"I found the nachos here to be delicious and very good."

"I tried the pork carnitas tacos, they were so tender."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

A DJ performs on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing the nightlife experience.

3

Weekend vibe nights at the Moxy Hotel feature lively music and a vibrant atmosphere.

07
Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with low-key vibe and cute outdoor seating. Space inside is limited with a few tables and tight layout. Known for vegetarian-friendly options alongside popular meat tacos, it draws a mix of diners seeking flavorful Mexican food.

Carnitas tacos come crispy and fresh with a traditional style. Some orders show overcooked and dry meat, but others are excellent.

Steak and beef nachos stand out as delicious and great options. Chicken nachos come in a shared platter that goes well with guacamole.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was some of the best I ever had."

"I found the nachos to be great."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were crispy and tasted fresh."

Good to know

1

Taco Shop offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options for catering.

2

Catering orders are ready on time and can accommodate dietary needs.

3

Prices for catering are reasonable considering the amount of food provided.

08
Salsa Verde image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic atmosphere and modern, clean decor offers outdoor seating and plays a mix of classic and contemporary salsa music. The vibe is warm and comfortable, attracting those who appreciate genuine Mexican culture and cuisine. Seating is comfortable, and the patio provides a pleasant dining option during warm months.

Plentiful carnitas come in tacos and tortas, offering a meaty, delicious bite. The carnitas pair well with sides like esquites, enhancing the flavor experience.

Nachos come with a good amount of chorizo and a perfect toppings to chip ratio. Potato nachos stand out as super delicious and the loaded nachos are consistently tasty.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be fresh and delicious."

"I found the carnitas to be plentiful and delicious."

"These nachos are delicious with perfect toppings to chip ratio."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

Margaritas are available for $4 on Taco Tuesdays.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays due to popularity.

09
Tacos & Burritos Rancho Grande image 1

Open kitchen and seating area create a family-friendly atmosphere with loud music that can make conversation difficult. Interior and exterior show beautiful remodeling and look brand new. Drinks like strong frozen margaritas and delicious pina coladas stand out among offerings.

Carnitas appear in a quesadilla with cilantro and onion and also feature in a steak torta. They stand out as a frequent choice any day of the week.

Steak nachos stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. Nachos Grande offers a hearty mix of toppings that complement the crispy chips well.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is really good and authentic."

"I thought the nachos were delicious."

"I thought their carnitas were especially awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is very easy to access.

2

The facility is clean and well-organized.

3

Prices are reasonable for the area.

10
Lola's Tacos and Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a colorful and fun atmosphere with dim lighting and lively salsa and reggaeton music at a comfortable volume. Outdoor seating on a quiet, private patio enhances the relaxed vibe. The place features an extensive margarita menu with large drinks and a strong tequila selection.

Juicy carnitas stand out in the tacos here. They pair well with pastor and birria options for variety.

Generous portions come with toppings throughout the nachos. They fill you up enough to skip ordering extra meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and amazing."

"The nachos here are really good, with awesome portions and toppings throughout."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is a popular time for drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour.

11
Cantina on Madison, Casual Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Voted #1 Tacos image 1

Mexican restaurant with quaint decor and beautiful murals creates a cozy, laid-back vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating offer a chill atmosphere suitable for relaxing after a busy day. The place stays quiet and welcoming, making it easy to enjoy the surroundings.

Carnitas come out moist and flavorful, not dry like at some places. They hold their own alongside other meats like barbacoa and cochinita pibil.

Chicken nachos come in a decent portion and taste delicious. Guacamole pairs well with the nachos, adding to the flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"These nachos are delicious and hit the spot."

"The carnitas here is so flavorful and not dry at all."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday features select tacos for $2 each.

3

Live DJ on Saturday evenings creates a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

12
Guzman y Gomez - Buffalo Grove image 1

Industrial yet modern sleek design creates a friendly atmosphere with bilingual staff enhancing the vibe. Small but clean dining space includes an inviting salsa bar for customizable flavors. $3 frozen margaritas and authentic Mexican beverages add to the experience.

Super tender and extra tasty carnitas stand out here. The Carnitas Bowl has perfectly seasoned meat with moist rice, and the carnitas beat the braised beef in tacos.

Nacho Brisket stands out as a favorite meal. The nachos are generally excellent, though some find room for improvement.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas are super tender and tasty."

"The manager Kenya made sure I had the best experience."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during busy hours, especially at the drive-thru.

2

Prices for meals can be high; two burritos with fries cost $35.64.

3

Vegetarian options are available on the menu.

13
EL Taco Express image 1
Restaurant

Dark and simple space with limited seating and no heat near the order area. Tacos stand out for their seasoned steak and a unique hint of cinnamon in birria, drawing a crowd seeking authentic Mexican flavors. Quick service and affordable prices define the experience despite the modest setting.

Roasted pork stands out in the carnitas taco special. The carnitas taco pairs well with other options like the steak taco dinner.

Steak and chicken nachos come with meat, cheese, and sour cream on one side. Nacho cheese served in a cup is often cold.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was fresh and tasty."

"I loved the steak and chicken nachos here."

"I ordered the carnitas taco special."

Good to know

1

The price of the birria dinner is $13.99 for three tacos, rice, beans, and a soda.

2

Expect high prices for tacos compared to other local options.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for dining.

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