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Top picks in Irving Park

Mexican food and salsa

A Mexican meal where the salsa is crafted with as much care as the main course.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
No pasa nada image 1
No pasa nada image 2
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Restaurant

Small, humble spot offers outdoor seating with a shady back patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere stays chill despite nearby traffic, making it a relaxed place to enjoy meals. Known for flavorful tacos, it draws a steady crowd during lunch hours.

Tacos stand out with carne asada, al pastor, and lechon options that are fresh and flavorful. Burritos and guacamole come in generous portions, and the red salsa tastes homemade.

Red salsa tastes like homemade and pairs well with the burritos. Salsas serve as a perfect complement to the meals.

People are saying

"These tacos are delicious and I've never had better."

"I thought the tacos were a 10/10 and so delicious."

"The tacos are delicious and taste just like home."

Good to know

1

One taco costs $5, which is a good deal.

2

The restaurant offers large portions for a reasonable price.

3

Outdoor seating is available for those who prefer to eat outside.

02
Harding Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Spacious cafe with natural lighting and simple, clean decor creates a calm, conservative atmosphere. Light music plays quietly, supporting a low-key vibe without much warmth or liveliness. Seating offers privacy between tables, making it a relaxed spot for breakfast or lunch.

Breakfast dishes feature Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles Divorciados with a notably good green sauce. The breakfast burrito includes well-cooked eggs, crispy potatoes, and flavorful salsa.

Salsas come in red and green varieties that complement dishes well. They taste fresh and flavorful, enhancing eggs and potatoes without overpowering.

People are saying

"This breakfast sandwich is a genius creation unlike any other."

"The chilaquiles here are pretty good, especially the green sauce."

"The chilaquiles here are outstanding, the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Harding Cafe has several dedicated parking spots reserved exclusively for customers.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Expect a wait during peak brunch hours, especially on weekends.

03
Cascabel Taco Joint image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, local Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and authentic flavors. The space stays neat and comfortable, often quiet as many prefer takeout. Known for killer pastor tacos and a huge menu variety.

Tacos here have authentic seasoning and a perfect balance of flavors with just the right heat. The menu offers a huge variety including al pastor, birria quesadillas, and steak tacos, all cooked well and extremely flavorful.

Both salsas stand out with good spice and strong flavor. The Salsa Verde and Salsa Roja complement dishes like tacos de pastor well.

People are saying

"I tried the tacos al pastor; they tasted like I was in Mexico."

"The guacamole here is really good, especially the chunky style."

"The salsa verde here is really good and has some spice."

Good to know

1

$2 Taco Tuesdays offer great deals on tacos every week.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

3

There is plenty of free parking available on nearby side streets.

04
El Tezcal Authentic Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic, welcoming vibe and roomy interior featuring eclectic decor. Atmosphere feels like eating at a family home, lively and comfortable. Known for large portions and reasonably priced meals that attract a loyal crowd.

Authentic Mexican food shines with homemade chorizo and salsas, plus standout dishes like al pastor tacos, burritos, and enchiladas suizas. The mole and horchata also deliver strong traditional flavors.

Salsa here has a strong kick and is far from mild. The homemade chorizo pairs well with the crazy delicious salsas and mole.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here has a delicious kick to it."

"I had the best pastor tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

2

Parking is limited directly at the restaurant; consider walking a block if needed.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option for dining.

05
La Taqueria El Primo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Classic taqueria with a simple, clean setting and a welcoming family-run vibe. Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with handmade quesadillas, well-seasoned meats, and flavorful sauces. Prices stay reasonable, making it a popular spot for tacos and late-night bites.

Burritos and tacos stand out with large portions including rice, beans, and fresh sides like avocado and jalapeรฑos. Chips and salsa come with a fiery chile de รกrbol salsa, and drinks like horchata and agua de Jamaica are complimentary.

Red house salsa stands out as a highlight with a rich, bold flavor. Chips served alongside are consistently crispy and fresh, pairing well with the chile de รกrbol salsa that adds a spicy kick.

People are saying

"Their Al pastor and quesabirrias with flavorful consommรฉ are amazing."

"The steak tacos here have fantastic flavor and are juicy."

"The red house salsa here is amazing and a highlight."

Good to know

1

$2 tacos are available on Tuesdays.

2

BYOB is recommended for dining in the restaurant.

3

The portions are generous, so come with a big appetite.

06
El Michoacanito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small local Mexican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico City and operates as BYOB. Portions tend to be generous, with standout items like pastor tacos and well-seasoned quesadillas. Salsas, especially the mild tomatillo and smoky chipotle, receive consistent praise.

Burritos come in palm-sized portions with good seasoning. Pastor tacos stand out as amazing, and chicharrones with salsa verde taste delicious. Green salsa is mild tomatillo, red salsa has a smoky chipotle flavor, both are very good.

Green salsa offers a mild tomatillo flavor while red salsa delivers a smoky chipotle taste. Both salsas are consistently very good and well balanced.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsas here were very good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

Expect large portions; you won't leave hungry.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a good value.

07
Taco Pros Montrose image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area with covered outdoor seating and a drive-thru offers flexible options. Loud background music contrasts with generally quiet seating, creating a mixed atmosphere. Known for excellent tacos and green salsa, the place features a remodeled, updated look with incredible views.

Tacos stand out with al pastor and veggie options that pack flavor. The green salsa and horchata add a tasty touch to the Mexican food offerings.

Green salsa stands out with its outstanding flavor and pairs perfectly with tacos. Staff often serve this exceptional salsa consistently, making it a must-try alongside the nachos.

People are saying

"The food here is hot and fresh."

"I thought the tacos were fire."

"I loved the green salsa; it went perfectly with my tacos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers two tacos for $4.99.

2

Drive-thru service is available late into the night.

3

The Taco Tuesday special is not available on third-party apps.

08
Burrito Arceliano (El Burrito Rapido) image 1

Mexican restaurant with late-night hours and a small dine-in space offers a busy atmosphere where free chips and salsa accompany table orders. The vibe suits those seeking fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos with standout green and orange salsas. It draws a crowd quickly and serves as a solid option for takeout in the neighborhood.

Tacos feature soft, tender cabeza meat and a steak torta sandwich stands out. Salsas, especially the orange salsa, are flavorful and come with free chips for table orders.

Salsas come with a good kick and strong flavor. The orange salsa and creamy green salsa verde stand out. Free chips and salsa come with table orders.

People are saying

"Their tacos and burritos are fantastic, especially with the green sauce."

"It's a great late night spot for a bite when you have munchies."

"I found their orange salsa to have a good taste and kick."

Good to know

1

Burrito Arceliano is open until 3am, making it a great late-night option.

2

Expect the restaurant to get busy around 10pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Each taco costs almost $5, which may be considered pricey.

09
Carnitas La Esquinita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Very small space with about 5-6 tables creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels humble and drab, with a focus on carnitas that many find juicy and flavorful. Energy is low-key, suited for those seeking straightforward Mexican fare without frills.

Carnitas stand out as juicy and delicious, often paired with red and green salsas that complement the flavors well. Tacos like al pastor and carne asada offer solid options, and menudo soup is also available.

Red salsa has a unique shrimp soup base flavor. Green salsa pairs well with Carnitas for a great combo.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are insanely good and juicy."

"I found the carnitas to be juicy and delicious."

"I found the carnitas to be pretty good."

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Irving Park, Chicago

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