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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Mexican food in Back of the Yards

You are looking for a meal that prioritizes traditional Mexican flavors over modern reinvention.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
El Comandante Azteca image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and warm, inviting vibe. Decor includes seasonal touches that enhance the pleasant, clean space. Menu features affordable, well-prepared dishes like burritos, tacos, and spicy salsas that appeal to a variety of tastes.

Food comes fresh to order with a diverse selection of Mexican dishes. The offerings are great and delicious, and staff work with customers to improve the menu.

Carne asada torta, sopes, and huaraches stand out as delicious options. Tacos, quesadillas, and burritos also come highly recommended with fresh salsa and complimentary tortilla appetizers.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tortas and tacos, is delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I dreamed about the big steak burrito for weeks."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers breakfast options on weekends.

2

Prices are very reasonable, making it affordable for most diners.

3

The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes to choose from.

02
Restaurant Las Esperanzas Inc image 1

Mexican restaurant with loud energetic music and occasional live performances creates a lively, bar-like vibe. Atmosphere ranges from cozy family-friendly to sometimes too loud for conversation. Freshly made handmade tortillas and authentic dishes stand out as key features.

Food comes out quickly and tastes fresh and delicious. Green enchiladas and handmade tortillas stand out, with soup as a popular choice. The atmosphere feels cozy, matching the quality of the dishes.

Handmade tortillas arrive fresh and set the tone for the meal. The al pastor tacos stand out for their size and flavor, while dishes like chilaquiles keep chips crunchy throughout.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and full of amazing flavors."

"The handmade tortillas here are a perfect 10 out of 10."

"The handmade tortillas and salsa verde are amazing Mexican food staples."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant offers an all-day menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3

Expect complimentary soup and chips with your meal.

03
La Internacional Supermercado image 1

Supermarket with a small taqueria in the back offers authentic tacos with bold grilled aromas of cilantro and onion. Atmosphere feels like stepping into an old country setting where time slows down. Limited parking and seating create a cozy, intimate experience.

Fresh, authentic Mexican food stands out here, especially from the back of the store. Quality is consistently superb and the dishes are delicious and worth trying.

Tacos come packed with flavorful grilled meats like carnitas, pastor, and carne asada. The taqueria in the back fills the air with smells of cilantro and onion, and tacos pair well with a Mexican coke.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were the best in Chicago."

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best tacos in the city."

Good to know

1

Parking is available next to the store for customers.

2

Each taco costs $5, and no limes are provided.

3

You must pay at the counter before ordering more tacos.

04
Restaurante y Taquerรญa Guerrero image 1

Traditional Mexican restaurant offers a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere with authentic homemade tortillas and crispy huaraches. The place operates as a cash-only, family-owned business with a focus on flavorful, well-prepared dishes like tacos al pastor and sopes.

Freshness stands out with every bite, delivering amazing quality and delicious flavors. Meals come at an affordable price without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Tacos al pastor stand out with handmade tortillas that add a fresh touch. Sopes and gorditas come with delicious avocado salsa and other salsas that are always on point.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos here were delicious."

"You have to try the Mexican food; the handmade tortillas are amazing."

Good to know

1

The establishment only accepts cash.

2

This place is BYOB and accepts cash only, with the option of Zelle.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

05
Taquerias Ochoas image 1
Taco restaurant

Small, clean taco spot offers large, flavorful tacos with standout options like tripe and steak. Prices stay affordable at around $4 each, but only cash payments are accepted. The vibe is straightforward and focused on authentic, juicy flavors.

Food here is mostly freshly cooked with a generally good taste. Some dishes come with light seasoning, making the flavor mild at times.

Tacos come very big and are full of flavor and juiciness. Tripa tacos stand out for being clean and hard to find elsewhere, while steak tacos are fresh and tasty. Burritos like the Steak and Barbaco are also notable.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food tacos to be magically delicious and full of flavor."

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

"I found the food here to be really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; no card payments are allowed.

2

Tacos are priced at $4 each, making them affordable.

06
Sofive Soccer Centers La Pershing image 1

Indoor soccer fields with renovated turf create a lively and inviting atmosphere. A family-friendly vibe blends casual play with watching professional matches, supported by a clean bar area serving drinks like beer in soccer boots. The space feels like a comfortable hangout with fun energy and good tacos.

Food offers good quality but comes with overpriced tags. Drink options focus heavily on beer, limiting variety for others.

Tacos stand out here, especially the carnitas variety. Friendly service adds to the experience, with some spots known for consistently great tacos.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and fast during live sports."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was great."

"The food here is really good."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is $5 per person.

2

Food and drinks are available on-site, but options are limited.

3

The facilities are not very clean overall.

07
Tacos Don Cuco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, old-school Mexican taqueria with a no-frills setup and cash-only policy. Atmosphere is quick and casual, with limited seating at a bar-style counter. Known for generous portions and standout shrimp and fish tacos.

Offers authentic Mexican food that is generally delicious and served fast. Prices vary, with some finding them very cheap and others considering them high for the quality.

Tacos come with plenty of meat and include standout options like shrimp tacos with orange sauce and tacos al pastor. Fish and shrimp tacos are especially popular and served with a slice of lime.

People are saying

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

"I thought the shrimp tacos were the best I ever had."

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices for tacos range from $3.99 to $4.50 each.

3

Portions are generous, making it a good value for the price.

08
S2 Grills - Halsted image 1

Cozy space with beautiful decor and a peaceful, friendly atmosphere. Music plays a key role, keeping the vibe inviting and enjoyable. Cleanliness stands out alongside a BYOB policy that shapes the experience.

Food comes out consistently well prepared with great flavor and quality. Service complements the meals, making it a spot for regular orders.

Tacos come in various types like steak and chicken, with options priced at 4 for $12. Some tacos have issues like cheese not melting or sticking to the foil and falling apart when picked up.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing!"

"The Alfredo pasta here is outstanding, especially the jerk chicken version."

"I loved the tacos; they were great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 pm for dine-in customers.

2

Free parking is available in the lot and on the street.

3

The restaurant has a BYOB policy, so bring your own alcohol.

09
Atotonilco Tortilleria image 1

Tortilla shop offers juicy steak and fat tacos served quickly from a gyro burner. Atmosphere is LGBTQ friendly with affordable prices and cash-only payment. Tortilla quality varies but tacos remain a local favorite.

Food comes out fast with pastor straight from the gyro burner. Quality stays high and flavors are consistently fire and delicious.

Al pastor tacos stand out with fresh chopped meat and consistent flavor despite different cooks. Tacos de asada remain a favorite, known for their authentic taste and iconic status. The gordita dough is notable, though the tortilla quality varies.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and good."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were amazing."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were amazing."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

2

The place is LGBTQ friendly, promoting an inclusive atmosphere.

3

Prices are very affordable, making it budget-friendly.

10
ines's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers live music and a clean environment with handmade tortillas featured in many dishes. Atmosphere is casual with a mix of home-cooked meal vibes and some uneven food experiences. Pricing is generally reasonable, with an automatic gratuity applied to smaller groups.

Mexican food here tastes authentic and fresh, with a delicious flavor that feels just like home. Every dish delivers consistent quality whether dining in or ordering to go.

Fresh, handmade tortillas stand out across dishes like burritos, steak tacos, and specials. Menudo, chicken enchiladas, and huevos rancheros all deliver authentic, delicious Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"You have to try the fresh, handmade tortillas here."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

They automatically charge a 15% gratuity for groups of fewer than six people.

2

Hand sanitizer is available on each table for customer safety.

3

Parking is limited on one side of the restaurant.

11
El Sauz Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, authentic Mexican restaurant with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Music adds to the comfortable vibe while serving best tacos with authentic seasoning. Offers drive-through and reasonably priced catering options.

Food stands out for its amazing flavor and generous portions. Dishes cooked in a molcajete add a unique touch to the menu.

Tacos stand out with birria, quesabirria, and tripa varieties offering authentic Mexican seasoning. The menu also features carne en su jugo, enchiladas, and a unique creamy vanilla horchata.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the birria tacos, to be amazing."

"It feels like an authentic Mexican place."

"The food here is amazing, especially the birria."

Good to know

1

They have a drive-through for quick service.

2

Expect to pay extra for cheese on tacos, which costs $2.25 each.

3

Prices for food items have increased significantly recently.

12
Taco Bell image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with a quiet, clean atmosphere and efficient service. Many customers use the drive-thru, and the place is usually not crowded. Offers vegetarian options and features fresh, crisp nacho fries and loaded chalupas.

Food stays consistently fresh and well-prepared. Service ensures orders are accurate, and dishes like the chalupa stand out for their satisfying portions.

Double tacos stand out with meat tasting better than most fast food options. Service stays efficient and friendly, and the food looks fresh and tasty with only vegetarian choices available.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and cooked to perfection."

"The Taco here is always so fresh and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The tacos take about 15 minutes to be served.

2

Drive-thru service is available for quick meals.

3

This location is usually not crowded.

13
Kiki D's image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with wide menu variety and affordable prices draws consistent crowds. Atmosphere is hot and lively, with cleanliness maintained despite high traffic. Food highlights include authentic Mexican street food flavors and special taco deals on select days.

Food offers a delicious taste with a vibe close to street food in Mexico. The main chef and staff check in to ensure the food is on point.

Tacos come meaty and abundant, with carnitas and birria standing out for their flavor. Specials like 99-cent tacos on Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer great value. The salsa is amazing, complementing dishes like Torta del Al Pastor and spicy pork tacos.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos were generously filled and delicious."

"The food here was delicious."

"The carnitas tacos are generously filled and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer a special deal on carnitas tacos on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $0.99 each.

2

There is no table service at the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is clean and has ample parking space.

14
Garfield Gyros image 1
Gyro restaurant

Gyro restaurant offers a clean environment with a menu featuring exceptional tacos and a good burger. Prices lean toward the higher side, especially for full meals with sides and drinks. Staff and menu items have changed over time, including the removal of pizza.

Food here is consistently good and often described as fantastic or awesome. Original owners Jimmy and John set a solid standard with their recipes.

Tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and quality. Chicken tacos, however, tend to be lacking in flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be awesome."

"The Greek food here is fantastic, I was never disappointed."

"The tacos here are excellent and worth stopping for."

Good to know

1

Garfield Gyros no longer sells pizza.

2

Expect higher prices for full meals, drinks, and sides.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

15
Tony's Tacos and Burgers image 1
Mexican restaurant

Narrow indoor space with only four seats and an outdoor area featuring three covered picnic tables. Comfortable and practical atmosphere with affordable prices and a focus on quality bread that stands out. Regulars enjoy flavorful tacos and a variety of tasty options in a clean setting.

Variety includes wings, burgers, and Mexican dishes like Al pastor. Nachos with pork stand out as a tasty choice. Overall, the food is consistently delicious.

Al pastor and carne asada tacos stand out with rich, well-seasoned meat. The chicken Milanesa torta offers a perfect balance of flavors without greasiness, while the tortas and hamburgers bring a memorable mix of tastes.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the tortas and cheeseburgers, is out of this world."

"I found the carne asada tacos really flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has only four seats inside, so expect limited seating.

2

Prices seem to vary depending on who takes the order.

3

The quality of food has improved since the food truck days.

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Back of the Yards, Chicago

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