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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lake View East

Mexican food

You are looking for authentic Mexican food that meets your standards for quality and preparation.

Based on 690 Opinions
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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 spot offers authentic Mexican food with fresh guacamole and crispy chips. Casual vibe and affordable prices make it perfect for a relaxed meal. Intimate setting with few tables creates a hole-in-the-wall charm that feels genuine and welcoming.

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."

"It's a no frills, affordable spot for a quick meal."

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
Taco Max Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with a lively crowd and wide margarita selection. Enjoy bold steak tacos and filling burritos with authentic sides like rice and horchata. Energetic music adds to the friendly vibe.

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.

03
Amici-Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers birria arancini with rich sauce and mole dip. Family-owned vibe feels warm and welcoming. Perfect for casual bites or to-go with jerk chicken and quesadillas adding tasty variety.

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."

"You must order the corn salad; it's incredible."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and flavorful."

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.

04
Buena Vista | Mexican Restaurant Lakeview image 1

Small, family-run spot offers fajitas and mole in a cozy, retro setting. Latin music adds to the intimate atmosphere where guests feel at home. Bring your own wine to pair with burrito suizo, making meals both tasty and relaxed.

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."

"It's a small, well-run, family-owned restaurant."

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.

05
Matisse Tavern & Grill image 1

Gastropub shines with shrimp tacos and pork wontons that pack bold flavors. Cozy, heated patio invites guests to linger late into fall. Craft cocktails and warm lighting create a brilliant patio space with an intimate vibe.

Shrimp tacos stand out with a phenomenal taste. Pork wontons and quesadillas also get strong recommendations.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the rosemary chicken."

"The food and drinks here are fantastic, especially the creative cocktails."

"The shrimp tacos here are phenomenal and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

The kitchen stays open late until around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off appetizers on Sunday and Monday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

06
Esencia Urban Kitchen image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a charming atmosphere and tight seating. Enjoy crispy chilaquiles verdes with a spicy kick or flavorful breakfast tacos. Outdoor patio adds fresh air to the relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Chilaquiles verdes stand out with their crispy texture and spicy kick, costing about $25. Breakfast and lunch tacos, especially the breakfast tacos and Taco Papas conrajas, offer satisfying and flavorful options.

People are saying

"The coffee here has a hint of cinnamon, which is welcoming."

"I found the breakfast here to be pretty good."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait for a table on weekends.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, which can lead to longer wait times.

3

Parking on the street can be difficult; consider public transport.

07
Mixteco Grill (Lakeview) image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright dining area with touch screen ordering offers a modern vibe. Authentic Mexican dishes like chicken tomatillo soup and well-executed tacos shine. Loud music keeps energy high, attracting a casual crowd often working on laptops.

Offers authentic-tasting Mexican food with fresh ingredients. Features well-executed tacos, burritos, and fajitas, plus standout items like queso and chicken tomatillo soup.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and fresh."

"The queso here is really great and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and takeout is usually ready in under 10 minutes.

2

Customers can order directly from touch screen machines for convenience.

3

You can bring your own drinks inside the restaurant.

08
La Biznaga image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic tacos like Al Pastor and lengua. Warm, inviting atmosphere features adorable decorations and lively, loud music. Large seating fits families well, serving excellent portions with free chips and homemade salsa.

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.

09
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar with oak detailing offers a warm, friendly vibe. Shrimp and Baja tacos deliver delicious flavors that pair well with excellent beers. Multiple TVs and games create a chill spot for groups and events.

Shrimp and Baja tacos stand out with delicious, tasty flavors. The tacos pair well with the excellent beers offered.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The food here is delicious and always hot."

"The Mexican food here is served with such lovely and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

10
El Taco Cart image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant buzzes with upbeat energy and candlelight ambiance. Steak tacos and mole wings deliver bold flavors. Walls adorned with unique decor and lively music create a fun, festive vibe.

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 vegetarian burrito was amazing, heaven on a plate."

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.

11
Seoul Taco image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers bold, spicy tacos with a Korean twist in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Large portions and standout queso and steak quesadilla deliver great value. Eye-catching mural and iridescent windows add to the unique vibe.

Big portion sizes come with a unique mix of Korean flavors in the meat and rice. Burritos and tacos pack bold, spicy tastes with solid value and memorable queso and steak quesadilla options.

People are saying

"The food here is awesome and incredibly flavorful."

"I found the Bulgogi burrito to be life-changing."

"I believed these were the best tacos in the city."

Good to know

1

Seoul Taco offers big portion sizes for a satisfying meal.

2

Expect to wait about 5 minutes for food to be served.

3

The dining room can be quite cold, so dress accordingly.

12
Taco & Burrito House image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for late-night visits. Steak tacos deliver authentic flavor with supreme quality. Homemade salsas and refreshing horchata add to the affordable Mexican food experience.

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.

13
El Mariachi Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with folk-art walls and a cozy patio creates an intimate vibe. Rich flavors shine in mole sopes and chicken enchiladas, paired with warm chips and fresh guacamole. Popular margaritas add to the lively, authentic Mexican cantina feel.

Mole sopes and chicken enchiladas stand out with rich flavors. Warm, homemade chips and guacamole complement fresh salsas, beans, and rice. The steak burrito and torta also offer solid options.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted homemade and was amazing."

"I thought the mole enchiladas were rich and savory."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect wait times during busy periods due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Prices are on the higher side for Mexican food in the area.

14
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway image 1

Mexican restaurant buzzes with a lively atmosphere and offers a shaded outdoor patio. Birria torta and tacos deliver authentic flavors while strong margaritas complement the meal. Multiple sections provide views overlooking Broadway amid loud, energizing music.

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."

"I loved the covered outdoor seating and the margaritas."

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.

15
Las Mañanitas Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers chill patio vibes with Latin music and candlelit ambiance. Inside feels snug with an authentic, family-run look. Margaritas are freshly squeezed and strong, pairing well with carne asada and juicy chicken mole enchiladas.

Carne Asada stands out as a delicious meat option, paired well with juicy chicken mole enchiladas and a unique salsa verde. The margaritas come in generous pitchers with a strong kick, complementing flavorful burritos and incredible tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has incredibly strong margaritas."

"These enchiladas are seasoned, juicy, and you can't stop snacking on them."

"This is a great spot for a date night adventure."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $23 for a burrito, which is higher than average.

2

Extra charges apply for salsa, which may surprise larger parties.

3

Weekly specials are offered, featuring innovative dishes.

16
Stolen Saddle image 1

Multi-leveled bar with mechanical bull and live music offers a lively, spacious vibe. Tacos with brisket and shrimp shine alongside fresh margaritas, including a spicy watermelon twist. Crowd enjoys games and dancing, creating a vibrant country-themed club feel.

Tacos feature brisket, steak, fish, and shrimp cooked perfectly and plump. Drinks include fresh, balanced margaritas and a spicy watermelon margarita. Happy hour offers tacos, quesadillas, chips & salsa, margaritas, and espresso martinis.

People are saying

"The bartenders here make great drinks and keep them flowing."

"The atmosphere here is so cool with its rustic cowboy vibe."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, thanks to the attentive and friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes tacos, quesadillas, chips & salsa, margaritas, and espresso martinis.

2

Food and drink specials are available during home games.

3

Children are welcome until 8 p.m.

17
Hacienda D’Suarez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Loud music with intense bass and a live DJ creates a club vibe perfect for dancing. Mexican dishes like the 10 taco platter and quesadillas offer solid flavors, though chips can be hit or miss. Expect lively crowds and lines after 10 PM for a fun night out.

The menu features a guacamole and salsa trio with chips that sometimes come stale or undercooked. A 10 taco platter and quesadillas offer solid options, while burritos can be pricier than expected due to billing quirks.

People are saying

"The DJ played a great mix of salsa, reggaeton, and rap."

"The bar's atmosphere was really good with dope lighting."

"I loved the guacamole and salsa trio with my family."

Good to know

1

Expect a line after 10 PM on weekends; arrive early.

2

Drinks cost around $14 each, which is on the higher side.

3

No cover charge is required for entry.

18
Taco Bell image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy fresh, hot food like the cheesy gordita crunch in a clean dining space with friendly staff. Portions are slightly larger, making it a great neighborhood spot with quick, accurate service.

This spot serves fresh, hot food with quick service and orders that are always correct. The cheesy gordita crunch and fresca style spicy potato taco stand out as flavorful options in a clean, friendly setting.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the food feel like a neighborhood treat."

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

"I found the Taco Bell to be the cleanest."

Good to know

1

The soda machine is often out of service, affecting drink availability.

2

Sauces may not be restocked regularly, so ask if needed.

3

The dining area is consistently clean and well-maintained.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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