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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lake View East's best

Authentic Mexican food

The specific, familiar flavors of traditional Mexican cooking are what the appetite demands.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated April 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.

Tacos here have authentic Mexican flavor with corn tortillas that stand out. The spot offers affordable, genuine Mexican cuisine in a small, no-frills setting.

Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh guacamole, crispy chips, and well-seasoned tacos. Affordable prices and a small, casual setting highlight the genuine flavors and balanced vegetarian options.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious; I'd lick my fingers."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really 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
Amici-Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy space with a warm and welcoming atmosphere creates a homey vibe. Clean and unassuming interior hosts a friendly, family-owned environment. Energy feels heartfelt and calming, suitable for casual dining or to-go bites.

Fresh food features authentic flavors that taste really good. Dishes offer great value and stay true to traditional recipes.

Birria arancini come with a rich sauce and pair well with the mole dip. Dishes like jerk chicken and quesadillas add variety to the Mexican offerings.

People are saying

"These Arancini have phenomenal, innovative flavors from around the world."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

On Saturdays, they do a dine-in special that offers great value.

2

A full-size arancini costs $8 and comes with a side.

3

You can get five smaller arancini with two sides for $20 and mix and match.

03
Buena Vista | Mexican Restaurant Lakeview image 1

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with a retro vibe and homey warmth. Atmosphere feels intimate and immersive, with Latin music and a relaxed, friendly mood. Cozy setting invites a sense of sharing and comfort, like eating with family.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with a fair price point. Wait staff adds a charming touch to the experience.

Fajitas, tacos, and chips with red salsa stand out here. The mini chimichangas and mole dishes also draw repeat visits. Customers can bring their own wine or canned margarita to enjoy with dishes like burrito suizo and pozole.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are delicious, especially the red one."

"I thought the Mexican food here was really authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing you to bring your own drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday offers a variety of tacos for $2-3 each.

3

Prices are reasonable, with many dishes around $11.

04
Taco Max Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy, friendly atmosphere and a bar offering a wide range of margarita flavors. The place draws a lively crowd and features authentic dishes like fish tacos and carne asada with generous portions. Music complements the vibe, creating an inviting and energetic setting.

Tacos and other dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors with every bite. The menu stays true to traditional recipes, making the food consistently genuine and delicious.

Steak and al pastor tacos stand out with bold flavors and great seasoning. Burritos come packed with flavor and are very filling, while shrimp and chorizo tacos add variety. Rice, refried beans, and horchata complement the authentic Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The margaritas here are well-balanced and decently spicy."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentically delicious."

"I found the steak burrito to be the best Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Currently, the restaurant is BYOB while waiting for their liquor license.

3

They do not serve margaritas yet due to the pending liquor license.

05
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.

Food offers authentic Mexican cuisine with well seasoned dishes. Three different flavorful salsas come with the meal.

Tacos stand out with Al Pastor, asada, and lengua varieties all well seasoned. Tamales and tortas offer authentic flavors, paired with homemade salsa and free chips that complement the dishes.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic Mexican food, it was delicious and well seasoned."

"I had their whole fried fish and it was delicious."

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.

06
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.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with a fun twist. Quesadillas come in a smaller, traditional size, not the oversized flour ones often called authentic.

Steak tacos feature well-seasoned, quality meat and the mole wings stand out as a delicious specialty. The chips and salsa are notably good, and the horchata offers a sweet, authentic touch to the meal.

People are saying

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

"It's the best late night spot for satisfying cravings after a night out."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

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.

07
Taco & Burrito House image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with charming decor and fluorescent lighting. The place draws a late-night crowd seeking authentic tacos and homemade salsas, making it a popular spot for casual, affordable Mexican food after hours.

Steak tacos offer authentic, tasty flavors. The menu features hearty Mexican dishes with a mom and pop feel.

Steak tacos stand out with authentic flavor and supreme quality. The chili relleno burrito and pork tamales offer incredible taste complemented by well-made sauces and refreshing horchata.

People are saying

"I've never been disappointed with their amazing Mexican food."

"This is a great late night spot for food after drinks."

"I found the steak tacos to be authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant stays open late until 1am or 2am.

2

Parking can be difficult; avoid certain areas to prevent tickets.

3

It costs $170 to remove parking boots if you park incorrectly.

08
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway image 1

Mexican restaurant offers lively atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating and a shaded outdoor patio. The space features a unique interior layout with multiple sections and views overlooking Broadway. Music tends to be loud, creating a noisy environment that energizes the crowd.

Strong, authentic Mexican drinks complement dishes like birria beef tacos and carne asada fajita. Shrimp tacos also stand out with genuine flavors.

Birria torta and tacos stand out on the menu with authentic flavors. The margaritas come in many options, are strong, and pair well with the food.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the chicken birria."

"Our server Sarah made our dinner so much fun."

"The margaritas here are strong and taste really fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features one flavor of margarita at half price.

2

Miss Foozie bingo event occurs the first Thursday of every month.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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