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Tamales and salsa in Chicago

Salsa that is treated as a centerpiece of the meal rather than an afterthought served in a plastic cup.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Salsa’s Family Market image 1
Salsa’s Family Market image 2
Salsa’s Family Market image 3
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Small grocery store with fresh salsas, homemade tamales, and a wide selection of spices and nondairy options. Atmosphere feels friendly and vibrant, reflecting a family-owned, neighborhood bodega vibe. Offers kitchen staples, sandwiches, and fresh coffee, making it a convenient spot for everyday needs.

Weekend tamales come fresh and house-made with options like sweet corn tamale. They pair well with salsa verde cruda and drinks like horchata latte or lemonade.

Freshly-made homemade salsas stand out with great variety and flavor. The salsa verde cruda and guacamole receive particular praise for their quality and taste.

People are saying

"I found the homemade salsas here to be outstanding."

"I loved their coffee, especially the horchata latte."

"These weekend tamales are so good, I teared up eating them."

Good to know

1

Salsa’s Family Market offers a great selection of homemade salsas and staples.

2

They have house-made salsas, horchata, coffees, and sandwiches available.

3

Expect a friendly atmosphere with helpful staff at Salsa’s Family Market.

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.

Chips come with fresh salsas that complement the dishes well. The salsas pair nicely with rice, beans, and tacos served here.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are delicious and packed with flavor."

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

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
Taqueria Tejupilco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with only a few tables creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels casual and authentic, with a chill, pleasant vibe. Known for authentic Mexican food and affordable prices, it draws those seeking fresh, flavorful tacos in a hole-in-the-wall environment.

Tamales come out very tasty and stand out among other dishes like tacos and tortas. They hold up well in a menu full of varied Mexican options.

Salsas here have great flavor and stay on the mild side. The verde salsa stands out as especially tasty and pairs well with birria and Al pastor tacos.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best."

"The salsas here are delicious and have great flavor."

"I found the tamales here to be full of flavor and authentic."

Good to know

1

The al pastor burrito costs only $10.

2

They offer different sizes of burritos, including a 'junior' size.

3

The prices at Taqueria Tejupilco are very affordable.

04
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.

Salsa comes fresh and hot with homemade tortilla chips. The Salsa Verde stands out as incredibly flavorful and spicy.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are fantastic, especially the al pastor."

"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.

05
Taqueria Misantla image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Fine dining space offers authentic Mexican tacos with exotic fillings like brain and tongue, alongside Veracruz-style tamales praised for freshness and flavor. Atmosphere feels lively but music volume hinders conversation. Service shows signs of disorganization amid a clean setting.

Tamales come in Veracruz style and Oaxacan varieties, with the raja con queso tamale standing out for its rich flavor. Red tamales with pork ribs offer a fresh, melting texture that many find delicious.

Salsa here is consistently spicy and adds a strong kick to dishes. It pairs well with items like picadita, quesadilla de guisado de huitlacoche, and taco de tripa.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I consider the tamales to be the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 10pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Takeout orders may lack condiments like lemons and salsa.

3

Some menu items like garnachas and gorditas may not be available during busy times.

06
Taco Moro image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space with vibrant colors and entertaining artwork on the walls creates an intimate atmosphere. Lively 80s music videos play, adding to the warm and welcoming vibe. The place draws people looking for authentic tacos and a comfortable setting.

Corn tamales stand out with rich flavor and great texture. The green tamale offers a unique taste that surpasses many others. Overall, tamales here taste really good and are consistently satisfying.

Salsas here are very flavorful with a standout salsa verde that complements tacos well. The red salsa is a favorite and pairs perfectly with steak and beans.

People are saying

"The steak tacos here are made with real, high-quality steak."

"Their salsas are so flavorful and delicious."

"I highly recommend the quesabirria; it was perfect."

Good to know

1

Taco Moro is certified halal, with the entire menu being halal.

2

Dinner costs around $16 for three steak tacos, rice, and beans.

3

Parking is easy with plenty of available spaces.

07
Mix Mex Cue image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with a friendly, laid-back vibe and a cute back patio. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming for families, creating a comfortable and inviting space. The setting is small but visually appealing, encouraging guests to linger.

Green chicken tamale and steak torta stand out as tasty options. Tamales come with a sour taste that might seem unusual. They are popular enough to be worth taking home.

Fresh tortilla chips come with homemade salsa that is consistently tasty and delicious. Multiple salsa options complement dishes like asada and al pastor tacos well.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fresh and has the perfect spice level."

"I found the green chicken tamale delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is located behind the building.

2

They accept card and have a Zelle barcode.

3

They offer a discount if paid in cash.

08
La Josie image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rooftop seating offers scenic views and a laid-back vibe with a welcoming atmosphere. The space feels intimate yet accommodating for groups, blending elegance with casual comfort. Cocktails feature creative presentations and strong flavors, enhancing the overall experience.

Tamales de Mama Josie stand out with rich flavor and creativity. The Al pastor sope and Rojas con queso tamale offer bold, tasty appetizers.

Salsa here features freshest ingredients with a memorable flavor and heat, especially on the lomo de res tacos. The trio of salsas, including a standout verde, pairs well with housemade tortilla chips.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic."

"The salsa here is flavorful and delicious."

"The tamales here are amazing and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are available until 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

Pricing is premium, with tacos costing $9 each and entrees starting at $35.

09
Santa Masa Tamaleria image 1

Small tamale shop with diner-style counter seating and authentic Mexican decor creates a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend's home. The space is lively and welcoming, energized by attentive owners and regulars focused on fresh, flavorful food preparation.

Soft, moist handmade masa forms the base of tamales with great flavor. Unique options include a strawberry dessert tamale and a pork tamale topped with sauce and pico, plus tasty vegan choices with poblano peppers and onions.

Sampling includes a make-my-eyes-tear-and-nose-run salsa that stands out for its heat. Chips and salsa score a 10 out of 10 with handmade tortillas enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was off the charts delicious."

"You have to try the Italian beef tamales; they're Chicago on a plate."

"You have to try the Italian beef tamal; the masa texture is great."

Good to know

1

Pozole is only available on weekends at Santa Masa Tamaleria.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Everything is made to order, so be prepared for a short wait.

10
Tacos Castillo #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area with limited seating encourages takeout and quick visits. Menu offers extensive variety including burrito bowls and authentic tacos with flavorful options like al pastor and chicken. Prices stay affordable, and cash payments receive a discount.

Weekend tamales come with a spicy sauce but often show signs of being burned and dry around the edges. They are made only on weekends and sometimes sit too long in the pot.

Creamy verde salsa comes as a complimentary cup and works well as a taco topping. Salsa roja offers a nice spiciness level that complements the tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I found the green salsa to be a great topping for the tacos."

"I loved the spiciness of the sauce with the tamales."

Good to know

1

They offer a discount if you pay with cash instead of card.

2

There is a small seating area, and most people get their food to go.

3

Tamales are made on weekdays, so plan accordingly.

11
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 small containers of salsa that include both red and green spicy varieties. The homemade salsa verde stands out and pairs well with tacos and chips.

People are saying

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

"The street tacos and chips with salsa were great."

"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.

12
Estrella Negra image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space filled with colorful local art on walls and tabletops creates an intimate, vibrant atmosphere. Loud and lively, it feels like an underground art party with a modern Mexican and Chicano vibe. Busy weekends call for reservations.

Extremely good elote tamales stand out with their delicate masa and lime addition. Creative options include vegan spinach and artichoke and classic pork, all with incredible flavor.

Salsas here come spicy and pair well with chips. They stand out alongside great pozole and fantastic refried beans.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and made with fresh ingredients."

"The elote tamales are the greatest thing I've ever had."

"The elote tamale is the greatest thing I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Margaritas cost $7 on Tuesday nights.

2

Estrella Negra hosts lotería and brunch events regularly.

3

Live jazz band plays on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

13
El Milagro Tortillas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cafeteria style setup featuring food behind glass and self-service ordering. Atmosphere feels authentic and lively, reminiscent of a local taco shop in Mexico with warm details and historic facade. Popular spot known for affordable, big portions and some of the best tortillas and tamales.

Savory and sweet tamales come in excellent variety with authentic flavors that remind of childhood. Chicken and pork tamales stand out as delicious and addictive offerings.

Salsas come fresh and zesty with a pico-like salsa and a hot salsa featuring a silky avocado base and balanced spice. They serve salsa on the side alongside tacos, letting the flavors stand out clearly.

People are saying

"This taco is humongous, stuffed with steak and rice."

"I found the tamales authentic and reminiscent of childhood."

"The salsa here was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Get there early as they sometimes run out of tortillas by 11:30 AM.

2

To guarantee tamales, call ahead and pay in advance.

3

Expect big portions at reasonable prices.

14
Mr. Taco Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican diner-style restaurant with a recently remodeled interior and clean, comfortable dining area. Atmosphere is family-friendly and quiet, with plenty of seating space and a modest crowd. Known for authentic dishes like crispy beef tacos, albondigas, and tamales, it offers a solid, traditional Mexican dining experience.

Tamales come in unique flavors with a noticeable chicken filling. Mixing tamale choices is not allowed, and the recipe has changed recently, leading to higher prices and less chicken.

Salsa comes with a perfectly spicy kick and solid flavor. Chips and salsa serve as a good starter while waiting.

People are saying

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

"The crispy tacos here are delicious with juicy meat and fresh toppings."

"The salsa here is perfectly spicy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Mr. Taco Mex closes at 7 pm but stops serving at 6:15 pm.

2

They charge an extra 4% fee for using a credit card.

3

Prices are generally higher than average, with meals costing around $37 for two.

15
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.

Duck tamale comes with mole sauce and is served alongside rice and beans. Mole flavor is rich but can overpower the tamale itself.

People are saying

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

"The salsas accompanying the fish were my favorite, so fresh and fantastic."

"The duck tamale in mole was rich in flavor."

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.

16
Tacos Los Primos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, casual space with authentic Mexican food and loud Mexican music sets a lively tone. Families and diverse diners gather, enjoying plentiful parking and an open patio. Shrimp and steak tacos stand out as local favorites.

Tamales come fresh and warm right off the pot with moist, meaty fillings like green salsa chicken and red pork. The chili pepper tamale stands out as extremely good and flavorful.

Complimentary chips come with spicy red and orange salsas that are both tasty and affordable. The orange salsa pairs especially well with steak tacos.

People are saying

"I loved their Mexican Food, especially the tacos."

"I found the tamales here to be moist, meaty, and flavorful."

"The carne asada tacos here are flavorful with lots of meat."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at Tacos Los Primos.

2

Queso birria is the house specialty according to the menu.

3

All additional baskets of chips and salsa cost $3 each.

17
El Quetzal Guatemalan Restaurant image 1

Colorful space filled with Guatemalan art and marimba music creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Authentic Guatemalan flavors stand out, especially in beef soup and tamales. Seating is ample but can feel crowded during busy times.

Tamales come in banana leaf pork and chicken varieties, served hot and fresh. Vegetarian options include veggie tamales alongside cheese pupusas and eggs.

Complimentary chips come with zesty salsa that is homemade and flavorful. The salsa has a little spice and pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and reminds me of home."

"The homemade salsa was delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the tamales tasted really good and were flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, but may require some searching.

2

An automatic 15% gratuity is added for parties of five or more.

3

Expect to pay high prices; a simple meal can cost around $24.

18
Traspasada Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining area opens with accordion-style windows for fresh air and natural light. Atmosphere stays cozy and vibrant with lively energy and good music. Known for authentic Mexican cuisine featuring standout items like black salsa and cecina tacos.

Tamales come in spinach cheese and green chicken varieties, with the chicken one being milder than expected. Quality varies, with some finding them good and others rating them poorly.

Black salsa stands out with its rich savory flavor and mild spice. It is house-made and served alongside complimentary chips and soup.

People are saying

"I loved the crunchy tripa tacos with onions and cilantro."

"I loved their black salsa; it had a rich, savory flavor."

"I thought the tamales were great."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay extra for cheese and toppings on your order.

2

Complimentary chips and soup are provided when dining in.

3

A to-go box incurs a $2 charge, which is not disclosed upfront.

19
Taco Lulú image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with rustic decor and vibrant colors creates a fun, cozy atmosphere despite often feeling hot inside. It operates as an order-at-the-counter spot with indoor and outdoor seating, including a bar area. Music tends to be loud rap and hip hop, adding to a lively but sometimes intense vibe.

Green tamales stand out as a preferred choice over red, offering a tasty option. The tamales come with delicious guacamole and include chicken varieties that complement the menu well.

Cold green and red salsas sit at every table, kept refrigerated for freshness. The owner offers a drunken salsa with a nice kick that elevates tacos into an unforgettable experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is so flavorful."

"The arrachera tacos were juicy, smoky, and perfectly charred."

"I enjoyed the chicken tacos and tamales here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm daily, Monday to Friday.

2

The restaurant has kiosks for ordering to avoid waiting in line.

3

Expect to pay around $22 for three tacos and a drink.

20
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.

Fresh-made salsa arrives with the chips, offering a spicy kick that stands out. The salsa and guacamole pair well, making the chips and salsa a phenomenal combo.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious and authentic."

"The chips and salsa were so good."

"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.

21
Zacatacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with recent remodeling offers a loud music atmosphere that feels familiar and comforting. The vibe is casual and packed with memories, attracting those who appreciate a nostalgic setting. Seating is limited, creating an intimate but lively environment.

Tamales come in pepper and cheese flavors and have a hot, spicy kick. They sell out fast, so arriving early helps to get some to take home.

Salsas come with a tangy heat that lingers, especially the red salsa. The green salsa hits a perfect balance and pairs well with chips and nachos.

People are saying

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

"The carne asada burrito is flavorful and satisfying."

"I only got two salsas for my tacos and carne."

Good to know

1

Zacatacos stops taking orders an hour before the posted closing time.

2

Expect to pay over $4 for each taco.

3

They charge $5 for a small portion of guacamole.

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