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Best of Illinois

Tamales and chips and salsa

A tamale plate that comes with chips and salsa worth eating, rather than the stale, store-bought filler that usually fills the basket.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated April 2026
01
Lily's Taste image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Unassuming spot with American-style Mexican decor and handmade tortillas stands out for authentic flavors and budget-friendly prices. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and welcoming to slightly uneasy when tables rearrange frequently. Offers a family and social vibe with plenty of indoor seating.

Moist masa stands out with a little spice in the tamales. The Jalapeรฑo Tamale offers excellent flavor and freshness that makes it hard to stop at one.

Free chips and salsa arrive fresh with a little heat. The salsa tastes very fresh and the chips are crispy and delicious.

People are saying

"The homemade tortillas and tamales here are the best I've ever had."

"The tamales here are moist and have excellent flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh and have a little heat."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature special pricing on tacos.

2

The menu includes cecina tacos priced at $5.50 each.

3

Expect a $2 charge for mole sauce with your meal.

02
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with quirky warm decor and intimate indoor seating plus a noisy street-side patio. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, with staff engaging in celebrations and live entertainment. Guests often bring their own tequila to complement the homemade margarita mix.

Tamales come big and meaty, with pork and chicken options. The chicken tamale with green sauce stands out as especially flavorful.

Free chips and salsa arrive right after seating. Salsas have fresh, rich spicy flavors that stand out.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are the biggest and most flavorful I've ever had."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

You can bring your own beer, making it a BYOB spot.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price you pay.

03
La Biznaga image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with adorable decorations and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music ranges from loud to extra loud, creating a lively vibe. Large seating area suits families and casual meals, with excellent portion sizes and amazing tacos and salsa.

Chicken tamales arrive hot and packed with spice and fiery heat. A salad helps balance the strong flavors.

Complimentary homemade chips and salsa start the meal with fresh, flavorful bites. The chips are crispy and the salsa has a balanced, vibrant taste that stands out.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; the al pastor and nopales are the best."

"The chips and salsa here are top notch."

"These chicken tamales are packed with spice."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday evening.

2

La Biznaga is a BYOB restaurant, so bring your own drinks.

3

The restaurant has a 3% surcharge added to the bill for tax and tip.

04
Tziri Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors and a clean, calming atmosphere with soft Spanish music playing in the background. The environment feels friendly and chill, suitable for family meals and casual dining.

Red tamales stand out with moist, flavorful fillings. Pork tamales also deliver a rich taste, never dry, making them a solid choice alongside the Lengua Taco.

Chips come with a small portion of salsa that tastes more like juice than a traditional dip. They arrive alongside meals and often accompany burritos.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always prepared fresh."

"I thought the tamales here had great flavor and weren't dry."

"I craved more of their chips and salsa's unique flavor and kick."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and organized.

2

The kitchen staff wears hair nets and gloves for hygiene.

3

The pricing at Tziri Tacos is reasonable given the quality and quantity of food.

05
El Taco Cart image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with fun, festive vibe and unique decor featuring pictures on the walls. Music plays a key role, creating an upbeat energy that complements the candlelight ambiance. Space is small and cozy, attracting a lively crowd especially late at night.

Chicken and pork tamales come with verde sauce and deliver solid flavor. The tamales pair well with other items like taquitos and veggie quesadillas.

Chips come with very small containers of salsa, usually just two tiny 1-ounce cups. The chips and salsa combo costs $7 and feels limited in portion size despite being paired with street tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here tastes like Mexico, especially the steak tacos."

"The chips and salsa here are the best I ever had."

"The pork tamales here are delicious."

Good to know

1

El Taco Cart is open late, making it ideal for late-night cravings.

2

Expect to pay around $5 for a taco, which some consider pricey.

3

The ingredients used are fresh, enhancing the quality of the food.

06
Antigua Mexican Grill (Crystal Lake) image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with loud music and warm decorations inside, plus an outdoor dining area. Families enjoy weekend magic shows and casual fun with video games. Handcrafted margaritas stand out as a signature feature.

Homemade tamales stand out with options like Tamales Con Crema Y Salsa that taste rich and flavorful. Vegetarian tamales sometimes come with chicken, which can be a serious health concern.

Fresh chips and salsa arrive quickly and are served complimentary. The salsa pairs well with the crispy chips, making a solid starter.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the steak tacos, is delicious."

"The chips and salsa here are perfect and served quickly."

"The tamales here are phenomenal and delicious."

Good to know

1

Monday Drink Special offers discounted drinks all day.

2

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

07
Su Casa Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor and a mural telling cultural stories create an authentic Mexican atmosphere with a cozy yet open layout. Outdoor seating is abundant, and a bar with televisions adds a lively touch. Complimentary group photos and occasional live Mariachi music contribute to a festive vibe.

Tamale making classes include hands-on instruction with a friendly guide and cover making tamales, salsa, and tacos. Participants enjoy pork tamales and take home several boxes after a long cooking process.

Chips come out crispy and fresh with salsa that hits a perfect spicy note. They often stand out as the best part of the meal here.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious and authentic."

"The chips and salsa here were so good and fresh."

"I learned to make Tamales in a fun, structured class."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, valid only at the counter.

2

Couples special available on Valentine's Day.

3

A parking garage is on the same block, with SpotHero reservations.

08
Jefa Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with vibrant Latino decor and bright murals creates a friendly, lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, sometimes featuring a mariachi band, adding to the energetic vibe. Popular for authentic tacos and michelada specials, it draws a steady crowd despite limited seating.

Tamales here have a large selection and sell out quickly. They come highly recommended and pair well with the guacamole.

Warm homemade chips arrive as a complimentary appetizer with a delicious twist in the salsa. Both chips and salsa come out fresh and flavorful, making a solid start to the meal.

People are saying

"The quesabirrias here are absolutely amazing, a must-try."

"I found the shrimp tacos to be freshly made and tasty."

"You have to try the tamales; they're amazing and sell out fast."

Good to know

1

The tacos are 2 for $5 on Friday.

2

Their 2-for-$5 Taco Tuesday deal is unbeatable.

3

Most recently, they offered a $5 michelada special on Thursdays.

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