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Chicago's best

Tamales and tortillas

A meal of tamales and fresh tortillas feels like a return to the basics.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Tejupilco image 1
Taqueria Tejupilco image 2
Taqueria Tejupilco image 3
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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.

Tortillas come fresh and are served double-layered with plenty of onion and cilantro. Taco tortillas balance crunchy and soft textures, while burrito tortillas stay crispy and hold their form well.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos to be authentic and delicious."

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.

02
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.

Soft, pillowy tortillas stand out as the highlight here. Both corn and flour options come fresh and pair well with grilled meats and classic sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the tortillas were fresh and delicious."

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.

03
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.

Handmade tortillas stand out with their perfect texture and fresh taste. Both tortillas and tamale masa are crafted by hand, adding to the meal's authenticity.

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."

"I found the handmade tortillas to be authentically fresh."

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.

04
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.

Corn tortillas serve as a gluten-free option and appear homemade in the chicken enchiladas with verde sauce. They come filled with chicken and cheese in the enchiladas with red sauce, paired with tasty salsa.

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 tortillas here are delicious, especially with the salsa."

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.

05
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.

Homemade tortillas stand out here with a fresh, authentic taste. They pair especially well with pastor tacos and bring a nostalgic Sunday breakfast vibe.

People are saying

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

"I tasted their homemade tortillas; they were amazing."

"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.

06
Amatitlan image 1
Guatemalan restaurant

Cozy, family-run restaurant offers authentic Guatemalan cuisine with fresh tortillas and hearty tamales. Atmosphere stays quiet and homey, attracting those seeking a family-friendly dining experience. Space can feel cramped during busy times but maintains a welcoming vibe.

Corn tamales and Tamale Guatemalteca stand out with great seasoning and a unique garnish of plums. They remain tasty even with less meat and a higher price, making them a solid choice to bring home.

Fresh tortillas stand out with their soft, fluffy texture and excellent flavor. Homemade corn tortillas arrive hot and tender, complementing dishes like caldo de res.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"You've got to try the corn tamales; they're delicious."

"The tortillas here are soft, fluffy, and have excellent flavor."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a variety at reasonable prices, including ceviche and plantains.

2

The total cost for everything I ordered was $8.

3

The restaurant delivers, which is convenient for takeout.

07
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.

Handmade tortillas stand out with double corn layers in tacos and a clearly homemade texture in chips. They add a rich flavor that complements well-cooked steak and other fillings.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the handmade tortillas to be delicious and totally worth it."

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.

08
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.

Super thick, handmade corn tortillas come fresh and stay hot for a long time. They pair well with soup and arrive warm alongside tortilla chips and salsa.

People are saying

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

"The handmade tortillas are warm and yummy."

"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.

09
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.

Freshness varies with tortillas being mostly fresh and moist but sometimes stale. Crispy texture appears in some tortillas, especially in quesadillas served like big flour tortilla tacos.

People are saying

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

"The tortillas here are fresh and moist."

"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.

10
Taqueria El Milagro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cafeteria-style setup with minimalistic design and stained glass lighting creates a peaceful, authentic Mexican atmosphere. The place fills with a lively lunch crowd, offering a down-to-earth vibe that feels like home. Known for high-quality tacos, it blends tradition with casual dining.

Tamales stand out with large slivers of chili and a good selection of tamales de rajas. They come across as homemade and delicious, often considered some of the best around.

Freshly made tortillas come out warm and hot from production. Both corn and flour tortillas are available in boxes for purchase, known for their great flavor and consistent freshness.

People are saying

"These tamales are amazing and could be the best in town."

"I found the food to be the most authentic I have ever had."

"I wish the tortillas were crispy with onions and hot salsa."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect limited parking availability near the restaurant.

3

Tamales sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

11
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.

Handmade tortillas come with tacos and the 'Pollo en chile chitipin' plate. Sometimes tortillas arrive a few minutes after dishes like menudo, requiring a short wait.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I found the tacos to be very good with handmade tortillas."

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.

12
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.

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

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 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.

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