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Tortillas and empanadas in Illinois

The crisp pastry of an empanada and a warm tortilla make for a satisfying meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Pupuseria Cheros image 1
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Salvadoran restaurant

Small restaurant with colorful Latin American decor creates a warm, authentic atmosphere that feels like home. The space is clean and inviting, filled with friendly energy and low-volume music that encourages conversation.

Homemade tortillas stand out with fresh, tasty flavor. They pair well with dishes like scrambled eggs and carnitas, showing authentic, handmade quality.

Empanadas come in perfect size with enough vanilla custard in the sweet version. The carne empanadas stand out with rich, savory filling.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes homemade."

"I found the empanadas and quesadillas tasted great."

"I found the homemade tortillas to be yummy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Expect a wait for tables during peak dining hours.

3

The horchata contains peanuts, which may affect those with allergies.

02
El Sazon de Edmar image 1

Small restaurant offers authentic Mexican street food with handmade tortillas and fresh masa-based dishes. Atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, with a limited menu focusing on quality over variety. Food is affordable and consistently fresh, attracting those seeking genuine flavors.

Handmade tortillas stand out for their freshness and delicious taste. They consistently complement the dishes well.

Empanadas stand out with rich, satisfying flavors. They come alongside other dishes like pupusas, molotes, and quesadillas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always made with lots of care."

"I loved the chicken quesadillas; everything I ate was very tasty."

"I really liked their empanadas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early due to limited seating.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

3

The menu features handcrafted items, but the variety is limited.

03
Un amor image 1
Latin American restaurant

Bright, open space with sleek, clean decor and upbeat DJ music creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. The restaurant fills quickly, offering a family-friendly vibe and welcoming pets. Drinks like margaritas and espresso martinis complement a menu featuring standout dishes such as mole and chilaquiles.

Blue tortillas stand out on the tacos. All tortillas are made in house for freshness.

Empanadas come in rich beef cheek with bone marrow and classic ham and cheese varieties. Each one is flavorful and fresh, with prices around five dollars for the beef cheek option.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is amazing and the portions are generous."

"The empanadas here were flavorful and fresh."

"They have these amazing blue tortillas on the tacos."

Good to know

1

Un Amor offers bottomless mimosas on the weekend.

2

They offer bottomless mimosas during 1.5 hours of seat time.

3

Happy hour specials include empanadas for $3.50 and margaritas for $8.

04
Maiz & Barro Mexican Grill - Cantina image 1

Mexican grill with colorful dรฉcor and a warm, inviting atmosphere offers a full-service bar and a beautiful outdoor patio. Music plays loudly, creating a lively vibe, while seating includes comfortable booths and tables. Authentic flavors and standout margaritas complement the engaging setting.

Fresh, handmade tortillas stand out here. Corn tortillas accompany dishes like Carne Asada steak, and the chorizo is made in house along with the tortillas.

Empanadas here have a fantastic aroma and a delicious taste. They pair well with margaritas and stand out among other dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and delicious."

"The handmade tortillas here are excellent and taste like they're straight from Mexico."

"I thought the empanadas were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect to pay extra for additional items or modifications to your order.

3

The menu features a limited selection focused on tacos and fajitas.

05
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

Fresh handmade tortillas come straight from the kitchen and look as good as they taste. They pair well with dishes like pollo a la leรฑa and mole, adding a solid homemade touch.

Wagyu Carne Seca empanadas come with a poblano jocoque dressing that stands out. These empanadas serve well as an appetizer and offer a rich, savory bite.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"The empanadas have a golden, flaky exterior and a tender, flavorful center."

"The tortillas here are handmade and taste amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

06
Lily's Taste image 1
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.

Handmade tortillas stand out with flavorful corn and flour options. The tortillas pair well with tasty taco meats and come with rich tomatillo salsa.

Empanadas come hot and fresh with a delicious taste. They pair well with tacos and tamales and stand out as a great choice on the menu.

People are saying

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

"The homemade tortillas here are delicious and flavorful."

"I found the empanadas to be delicious and satisfying."

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.

07
Casa Tulum image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and an energetic vibe featuring a live DJ and upbeat music. Two bars with TVs add to the lively atmosphere, complemented by a fire show and flaming desserts. The place draws a crowd enjoying great margaritas and flavorful dishes in a clean, vibrant setting.

Homemade tortillas use quality ingredients and come warm and fresh. They pair well with dishes like Steak Fajitas and chorizo fundido, adding to the flavor and texture.

Shrimp and chicken empanadas come with cheese and offer a fried texture. Shrimp empanadas pair well with mole and quesabirrias, making them standout choices.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're not dry or dark."

"You have to try the shrimp and cheese empanadas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 3 PM.

2

Ask for the $10 margaritas special on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Street parking is easy to find and free on Sundays.

08
Mich Big Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with brightly colored decorations and nostalgic signage creates a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Kitchen sounds come through swinging doors, adding to the lively yet soothing vibe. Seating includes small tables and a private nook, offering cozy dining options.

Homemade tortillas stand out with their fresh texture and generous size. They hold plenty of filling, especially in the big steak taco and fajitas.

Big pastor empanadas look perfect inside but need more seasoning. Other empanadas and tacos de asada come with great flavor.

People are saying

"I found the quesabirria tacos to be possibly the best I've ever had."

"The big steak taco on a homemade tortilla was so good."

"I loved their pastor empanadas, they looked perfect inside."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a 3 taco deal for a great price.

2

Bargain lunch specials are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

3

Karaoke night happens every Thursday at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

09
Casa Humilde Cerveceria & Cocina image 1

Large, airy space with an industrial vibe and Mexican flare creates a welcoming atmosphere. Music stays at a comfortable volume, supporting conversation and occasional live performances on the spacious patio. The crowd includes families and people seeking a relaxed yet vibrant setting for drinks and casual dining.

Handmade tortillas stand out as the only good thing here. They hold fillings well without getting soggy, but each taco comes with just one tortilla and costs around $7 to $8, which feels steep.

Empanadas come with chorizo and discada fillings. They pair well with guacamole and chips for sharing.

People are saying

"I thought the beer here was excellent and full of flavor."

"The empanadas here are fresh, simple, and delicious."

"The queso burrito is packed with flavor and so cheesy."

Good to know

1

Casa Humilde has its own parking lot, which is convenient during cold weather.

2

Expect high prices, with tacos costing around $8 each.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added for groups of four or more.

10
Chilango Mexican Street Food image 1

Mexican street food spot offers a cozy, homey atmosphere with bright chairs and a small, inviting space. The vibe stays lively and casual without feeling crowded, accompanied by fantastic music that enhances the experience.

Burritos come with thick, flavorful tortillas. Tacos use soft corn tortillas doubled up for strength, though the double wrap on the veggie taco feels unnecessary.

Empanadas come fresh and hot, with a roasted filling that stands out. Varieties like chicken mushroom and spinach offer distinct flavors, paired well with sauces like the Puerto Rican mayo-ketchup.

People are saying

"The Mexican food empanadas are loaded with bananas and Nutella."

"These tacos are loaded and bursting with flavor."

"The tortillas here are flavorful and thick, perfect for loaded burritos."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available on a late Saturday afternoon.

2

The process of placing a pickup order is super easy and smooth.

3

Expect a wait during busy times due to to-go orders.

11
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style interior with thoughtful decor creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Loud Mexican and Latin music fills the space, making conversation challenging amid the busy service environment. Tables often sit close to kitchen activity, adding to the lively, energetic vibe.

Housemade tortillas stand out with perfect cooking and great texture. They hold up well in dishes like Shrimp Gobernador Tacos and quesabirria quesadillas.

Crab Rangoon empanadas stand out with a crab filling and come with a hot sauce that many want to take home. Ham and cheese empanadas offer a tasty combo that complements the seafood options well.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The shrimp gobernador tacos are cheesy, crispy, and flavorful."

"The crab rangoon empanadas were amazing."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

12
Pollo Bacano image 1
Restaurant

Vibrant tropical decor and lush greenery create a serene getaway atmosphere with a fun patio vibe. Live DJ adds energetic ambiance while the space feels sophisticated and inviting. The setting blends South of the Border flavor with a clean, modern makeover.

Homemade tortillas stand out with their fresh texture and authentic flavor. They come with meals like chicken dinners and pair well with avocado salsa and sides.

Empanadas come out perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with a packed flavor inside. They match well with tostones for a solid Colombian snack.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tasty."

"The salsa here is really good and fresh."

"These empanadas are so savory and tasty."

Good to know

1

They have a $10.00 lunch special available between 11AM and 3PM.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers.

3

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

13
Cafe Tola #3 image 1
Taco restaurant

Tiny space with a cozy vibe and a cute outdoor patio captures a street vendor feel. A toppings bar offers customization, attracting those who enjoy varied flavors. The atmosphere suits casual, flavorful taco and empanada experiences.

Tacos come with double-sized tortillas that are homemade. Occasionally, the tortilla can be stale.

Empanadas stand out for their flavorful fillings like green pork, ropa vieja, and chicken mole. The crusts stay crispy while the guava and cheese and chicken tinga options add a sweet and savory mix.

People are saying

"These empanadas are delicious, with flaky, crispy shells and generous fillings."

"I had one of the best burritos I've ever experienced."

"The tortillas here are double the normal size and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for a meal, which includes an empanada and drink.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian empanada fillings.

3

Catering services are available for events, but inquire in advance.

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