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Guide to the Loop

Mexican food and salsa

Made for those who judge the integrity of a Mexican meal entirely by the quality and heat of the house-made salsa.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Momento Cantina image 1
Momento Cantina image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Space features vibrant Mexican-inspired decor with colorful lights and intricate metalwork. Atmosphere feels fun and lively, enhanced by live mariachi music and reggaeton beats. Unique self-serve tequila and mezcal stations invite guests to sample drinks at their own pace.

Tacos and salsas here offer authentic Mexican flavors that stand out in the city. The menu features delicious, traditional dishes that capture the essence of Mexican food.

Salsas here stand out for their authentic Mexican flavors and freshness. The salsa Verde shines as a highlight, paired well with tacos and other dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is really tasty."

"I found the salsas to be very tasty and spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Friday night features live Mariachi performances starting at 8pm.

3

The venue plans to host live DJ performances in the future.

02
Ayayay - Mexican Eatery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban, modern space with Tulum-inspired decor and stunning interior architecture creates an authentic Mexican canteen vibe. Great music energizes the atmosphere, while seating ranges from stools at larger tables to intimate spots for two. The setting feels like a slice of Mexico City with a lively, welcoming energy.

Tacos stand out with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Margaritas use quality tequila, avoiding watered-down mixes. Nachos with carne asada offer a hearty, satisfying option.

Salsa here delivers a smoky, delicious flavor that starts hot and then mellows. The super spicy salsa pairs perfectly with tacos and cheese, creating a bursting with flavor experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and well-seasoned."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"The salsa here is game-changing and super spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2 to 6 pm.

2

$3 Taco Tuesdays offer great value for visitors.

3

Wednesday features a special margarita deal.

03
Momento Taquerรญa image 1
Taco restaurant

Modern taco restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with authentic Mexican decor and a self-serve tequila and mezcal bar. The space combines a fast-casual setup with a separate sit-down dining area, creating a lively and welcoming vibe.

Tacos taste like Mexico with blue corn tortillas made from real blue corn. Salsas and black beans match authentic Mexico City flavors, offering homestyle dishes and ribeye tacos with horchata margaritas.

Salsas here taste just like in Mexico City, offering authentic flavors that stand out. They pair well with black beans and complement the tacos perfectly.

People are saying

"These tacos taste authentic, like they're straight from Mexico City."

"The habanero salsa here is extremely spicy."

"I loved the tacos; they were so original and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a $10 special that includes a full meal with tortillas.

2

The restaurant is open late for evening dining.

3

They have a vegetarian version of the veggie birria available.

04
La Bamba Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant sits in a hidden food court downstairs, offering plenty of seating and a variety of meat options. Atmosphere is casual with reasonable prices that stand out in a downtown area known for expense. Known for breakfast tacos, large burritos, and house-made salsa, it maintains consistent quality over decades.

Tacos come with excellent corn tortillas and offer unbeatable prices for loaded beef options. Burritos and breakfast tacos stand out for their authentic Mexican flavors and consistent quality.

Salsa has a delicious kick and stands out as very flavorful. It pairs well with chips and guacamole for gatherings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I enjoyed some of the best tacos I've had."

"This salsa has some serious kick!"

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; street parking is the only option available.

2

Tacos are priced around $4 each, making them a budget-friendly choice.

3

The food court is located downstairs, accessible after passing security.

05
Gordo's Tiny Taco Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with Mexican decor and energizing colors creates a lively vibe. Music plays at a loud volume, encouraging a party atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor seating offer views of a nearby park, making it a cozy spot for casual dining.

Tacos come in barbacoa, carnitas, and tinga varieties, all with fantastic flavor. Fresh chips and salsa come free, and refried beans stand out as especially good.

Fresh, crispy chips come with homemade salsa served right away. The salsa verde stands out with bold, flavorful notes that complement the generous toppings.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are seasoned and delicious."

"It's a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Chicago."

"Their salsa verde is out of this world."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $3 tacos, a great deal in downtown.

2

Happy hour runs daily with half-off appetizers from 2-4 PM.

3

Expect a 50-minute wait for large groups during peak hours.

06
La Catedral Cafe - New Eastside image 1

Mexican cathedral-inspired decor creates a stylish, welcoming atmosphere with authentic religious statues and vibrant tiles. Bright windows offer breathtaking views that enhance the cozy, family-friendly vibe. A full juice and coffee bar adds variety to the breakfast experience.

Chilaquiles stand out with green sauce and mole variations that are flavorful and carefully made. Drinks like cafรฉ de olla mixed with horchata add a unique twist to the Mexican food experience.

Salsa varies in heat and flavor here. The red salsa is spicier than the green, and the salsa chile de arbol builds heat gradually. Chilaquiles come with a crispy, flavorful layer of salsa.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are some of the best authentic Mexican food around."

"The coffee here is delicious, especially the Cafe de olla."

"The chilaquiles with salsa were crispy, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Check in and get on the waitlist before arriving, as it fills up fast.

3

Parking is convenient as it is located in the same building.

07
QDOBA Mexican Eats image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers large portions with variety of sauces and toppings including free queso and guacamole. Atmosphere stays chill and clean, suitable for quick meals or casual dining. Prices remain reasonable, with a focus on fast, tasty lunch and dinner options.

Burritos stand out with various sauces, queso, and toppings available. Tacos surprise with good quality and plenty of fillings like vegetables and rice that feel homemade.

Various salsas including pico de gallo and red onion add fresh flavor options. The combination of vegetables, rice, and salsa creates a home-style feel.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and always a hit."

"The Mexican food portions here are always generous and worth the price."

"The salsa here was a pleasant surprise."

Good to know

1

Expect limited hours due to its location in the Financial District.

2

The prices at QDOBA Mexican Eats are reasonable.

3

There is usually hardly any wait during lunch hours.

08
Senoritas Cantina On Dearborn image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with legit Mexican decor and Latin vibes offers both indoor and outdoor seating on a quiet street. Atmosphere is chill but music inside can be very loud. Known for fantastic margaritas and underrated vegetarian options.

Authentic Mexican dishes like steak fajitas and pork belly tacos stand out for their flavor and texture. Vegetarian and vegan options, including burritos and quesadillas, are solid choices. The salsa and mole offer genuine, rich tastes, complemented by house-made coconut margaritas.

Chips and salsa come out fresh and housemade with no extra charge. The green salsa served with Vegan Tacos stands out as very tasty and authentic.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The ambiance is eclectic and vibey, a great spot for photos."

"The salsa here tastes so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with a 20% discount on drinks.

2

Brunch is now offered on weekends with a special menu.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

09
La Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open, clean space offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere with immaculate vibes. Food features authentic, flavorful tacos and well-seasoned dishes, paired with a limited but fresh drink selection. Seating includes uncomfortable chairs, and the acoustics make the environment noisier than usual.

Tacos stand out with perfect seasoning and corn shells that hold together well. The menu offers authentic Mexican dishes like fish tacos, pastor quesadillas, and veggie enchiladas suiza with tomatillo salsa.

Complimentary chips come with salsa that varies in flavor. Some salsas offer great flavor, like the tomatillo salsa with veggie enchiladas suiza, while others lack depth.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and incredibly flavorful."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is damn good and delicious."

"I found the complimentary salsa to be great."

Good to know

1

Prices at La Cocina are generally affordable compared to other nearby restaurants.

2

Expect to pay around $25 for a meal with drinks and taxes included.

3

The restaurant is usually not crowded, making it a good spot for a quick meal.

10
El Greco's Burritos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a no-frills counter-service setup and fun wall art featuring puns. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, perfect for conversation, accompanied by lovely music. Open late, it offers a fast food feel with home-style food and views of the street.

Burritos and tacos stand out with rich flavors, especially the Al pastor tacos and chicken burrito. The menu also features a chicken quesadilla and guacamole, all served with attentive service.

Salsas here stand out for their bold flavors and variety. The salsa verde pairs well with dishes like the Al Pastor bowl, and the red salsa offers a rich taste worth the extra cost.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food burritos were super good and a lot of food."

"The salsa here is outstanding and has a nice kick."

Good to know

1

El Grecoโ€™s Burritos is open until 4-5 am.

2

El Greco's Burritos had no bathrooms available for customers.

3

The portions are just right for the price.

11
Sugary Chicago image 1
Brunch restaurant

Bright, Instagrammable design with beautiful views of downtown and nearby parks creates a warm, fun atmosphere. Music plays loudly, adding energy but sometimes overwhelming the space. Small size and close seating make the environment feel cozy yet busy.

Chilaquiles verdes stand out with spicy and crispy corn chips, green salsa, and a fresh scrambled egg topped with an edible flower. The salsa is authentic and addictive, paired well with dishes like Chicken Tikka Burrito and Chicken Tortilla soup. Horchata latte offers a genuine, not too sweet taste.

Spicy green salsa delivers a kick and authentic flavor. It pairs well with dishes like chilaquiles, enhancing them with freshness and bold taste.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the breakfast; the food was special and delicious."

"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, is amazing."

"The salsa here is spicy and so authentic, I couldn't get enough."

Good to know

1

A $30 seating charge applies to all tables.

2

A service fee is added for large parties of more than two people.

3

Reservations are not honored; it's first come, first served.

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