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Top picks in LWS

Authentic tortillas

Made for those who understand that the quality of a meal begins and ends with the freshness of the handmade tortilla.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
Rubi’s Tacos image 2
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Restaurant

Small space with vibrant Mexican decor and loud mariachi music creates a lively, energetic atmosphere. Seating fills quickly and feels communal, resembling a fast-food setup more than a cozy family restaurant. Thick homemade tortillas and authentic Latin flavors define the food experience.

Tacos come with authentic Mexican flavor and tortillas taste truly genuine. The menu stays simple with multiple choices of authentic Mexican food that feels very Latin.

Homemade corn tortillas hold up well and do not fall apart. They are made by hand and stand out as the best part of the meal.

People are saying

"I loved the tacos, especially the homemade tortillas."

"The tortillas are homemade and add so much to the tacos."

"The tortillas are authentic, fresh, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Rubi's Tacos makes chicken pozole on Thursdays, a must-try dish.

2

The restaurant is closed from Monday to Wednesday.

3

Seating fills up quickly, so expect to wait during peak hours.

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.

Freshly made tortillas and authentic Mexican food create a genuine home-cooked vibe. The place offers authentic burritos and a clean, caring atmosphere that feels true to tradition.

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 thought the tortillas were fresh and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be very authentic."

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
QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, authentic vibe with eclectic colorful artwork and old school house music playing loudly. Atmosphere feels like a family home with a hole in the wall charm. Limited seating encourages quick meals or takeout, creating a lively, intimate setting.

Every bite delivers authentic flavor with a blend of spices and seasonings that feels traditional and homemade. The beef birria taco offers a savory taste of Mexico done with care.

Tortillas come out crispy and crunchy, perfectly holding juicy birria and melted cheese. They have a nice fried texture that pairs well with the rich fillings and consomé.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and bursting with flavor."

"The tortillas were perfectly crisped, chili-stained, and packed with juicy beef."

"The authentic consommé is rich, deep, and perfect for dipping."

Good to know

1

QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos is primarily a takeout spot, with limited seating available.

2

The price is $5 per taco, making it affordable for most visitors.

3

Parking is limited; expect to park a few blocks away on busy weekends.

04
De Luna Taco Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setting with twinkling lights and celestial motifs creates a magical, relaxed atmosphere. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican street food with standout steak tacos and flavorful salsas. Cash-only policy and occasional sidewalk lawn chairs add to the casual, inviting vibe.

Tacos deliver authentic Mexican street flavors from Guadalajara with a comforting, genuine taste. The food stays true to traditional recipes and textures.

Handcrafted tortillas provide a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that complement fillings well. Classic style tortillas pair with meat, onion, and cilantro, while some dishes like birria tacos might benefit from a flour tortilla option.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"These handcrafted tortillas are the ideal vessel for perfectly grilled steak."

"The Mexican street tacos here are so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

They accept CASH ONLY; bring enough cash to try everything.

2

Prices have increased; burritos now cost $10.

3

I spent around $20 for four tacos, which is a great deal.

05
Cantón Regio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic ranch-style decor and live mariachi music that creates a family-friendly atmosphere. The space feels crowded with close tables, making conversation difficult during busy times. Guests bring their own drinks thanks to a BYOB policy that adds to the casual vibe.

Steak tacos and guacamole stand out with authentic Mexican flavors. Homemade tortillas and ranch-style decor add to the genuine experience.

Fresh hot tortillas harina come out thick and hearty, holding up well to fillings. Flour tortillas made in house add a tasty base for steak tacos and other dishes with eggs, potatoes, and salsas.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted super good and fresh."

"I confirmed the cuisine was truly authentic and excellent."

"The fresh flour tortillas here are like homemade."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

2

Bring your own beer or wine, as the restaurant is BYOB.

3

An ATM is available on-site for cash withdrawals.

06
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot with authentic Mexican atmosphere and best carnitas in Chicago. The space feels like a bar and offers fresh, delicious tacos with affordable prices. Owner greets guests with Cajeta lollipops, adding a personal touch.

Carnitas stand out with their authentic Mexican flavor. Tacos and menudo deliver a super authentic taste true to traditional recipes.

House-made tortillas stand out with their fantastic corn texture and flavor. They pair well with carnitas and tacos, making the dishes delicious and affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were really good."

"The carnitas here are loaded with rich, fatty meat."

"The carnitas and tortillas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant is strictly a takeout-only establishment.

2

They close at 5:00 PM on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals under $40.

07
El Taco Azteca - Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-concept Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Offers an elaborate vegan menu alongside traditional dishes and excellent margaritas with diverse flavors. Small space includes TVs for games, creating a dynamic yet relaxed vibe.

Stews have authentic Mexican flavor matching those in Mexico. Dishes combine gourmet presentation with exquisite taste true to traditional recipes.

Homemade tortillas stand out with their flavor, texture, and presentation. Blue corn tortillas hold juicy, flavorful al pastor tacos well.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and sophisticated."

"You'll want to eat these obviously homemade tortillas by themselves."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food here; the flavor is exquisite."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 7 pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect a 75-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

08
Carnitas Don Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic carnitas with a laid-back, no-frills vibe and enjoyable music. Indoor seating can get hot and busy, attracting a mix of locals who create a smiling, lively atmosphere. Private parking and takeout add convenience to the straightforward dining experience.

Carnitas here are authentic and tasty, with options for white or dark meat and all the sides. The tacos and overall atmosphere feel classic old school Mexican, simple and delicious.

Fresh-made tortillas arrive warm and soft, served alongside dishes with cilantro, onion, and lime**. They come with flavorful carnitas and sides like nopales, rice, and beans, enhancing every bite.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas to be juicy, tender, and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open from 5 AM to 5 PM and closes when they sell out.

2

They only accept cash, but now also accept credit and debit cards.

3

The wait time is usually around half an hour during busy hours.

09
Manjares Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space fills quickly and features live music with a guitarist, creating a loud, energetic vibe more like a club than a quiet dining spot. Atmosphere leans toward family-friendly despite the noise, with traditional Mexican dishes served alongside large, flavorful margaritas.

Homemade dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors with a home-cooked Chicago style. Plates come full of rich, genuine taste reflecting traditional recipes.

Freshly made tortillas come in both corn and flour varieties. Handmade tortillas are notably large, about the size of a face. Flour tortillas are used in dishes like flautas, which hold up well.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so welcoming."

"The salsa here is served hot and tastes delicious."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant has its own very spacious parking lot.

2

They charge for chips and salsa.

3

They charge an extra percentage for using a credit card.

10
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.

Dishes deliver authentic taste with a genuine touch. They offer great value for those seeking real flavors without high costs.

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 pozole verde and tacos here are so flavorful and satisfying."

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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Lower West Side, Chicago

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