Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lower West Side's best

Mexican lunch spots

A quick Mexican food lunch is the only way to power through the rest of the afternoon.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
El Costeño image 1
El Costeño image 2
El Costeño image 3
View all
Restaurant

Bright colors and traditional Mexican music create an authentic, cozy atmosphere with a family feel. The space is open and sunny, offering complimentary chips and salsa that enhance the relaxed dining experience.

Lunch feels like visiting a neighbor's home with well priced and good food. No wait shows up for a late weekday lunch.

Torta milanesa de res and tacos de Al pastor stand out with unique flavors and great beef taste. Crispy, cheesy birria quesadillas and tostadas with shrimp combine textures and fresh ingredients well.

People are saying

"The cabeza tacos are tender and juicy."

"I thought the tacos al pastor were the best I'd ever tasted."

"This lunch spot has affordable, delicious food you can't go wrong with."

Good to know

1

El Costeño closes at 9 pm.

2

The prices at El Costeño are affordable.

3

El Costeño offers vegetarian options upon request.

02
Urban Treez Chicago image 1

Coffee shop offers a chill atmosphere with comfortable lounge seating and bar-style workspaces. The vibe suits working, reading, or casual chats, supported by good music and WiFi. Space feels cozy but can get noisy when busy.

Plenty of lunch options and a great selection of coffee and smoothies make it a solid spot. A lounging area in the front offers a nice place to work or read while eating.

Burritos come in a nice size and taste yummy. The breakfast burrito pairs well with a fresh fruit bowl.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"This is a great lunch spot with tasty, fresh food."

"The breakfast burrito was so yummy."

Good to know

1

Urban Treez Chicago offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Breakfast is served all day at Urban Treez Chicago.

3

Expect a wide selection of fresh juices and smoothies.

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.

Cozy ambiance suits both quick and leisurely meals. It works well for a casual lunch with satisfying options that invite repeat visits.

Birria tacos stand out as the main attraction here, known for their rich flavor and tender meat. The quesabirria tacos combine melted cheese with the birria, creating a unique and satisfying twist.

People are saying

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

"This Mexican food's consommé is rich, deep, and comforting."

"This lunch spot has incredibly delicious, juicy birria tacos."

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
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
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.

Lunch offers fresh flavors and satisfying portions. The atmosphere suits a quick, enjoyable meal.

Tacos come with homemade corn tortillas that hold up well and offer a nice size for the price. Pozole is an all-star dish here, served with quality that stays consistent over time.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing with homemade tortillas."

"This Lunch Spot's tacos are amazing, especially the homemade tortillas."

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.

05
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.

Quick lunch tacos make this spot a solid choice for a midday meal. It fits well into a regular lunch routine with consistently fantastic food.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with top tier tortillas and savory tamales that draw people from far away. Tacos and burritos come loaded with tender meats, paired with fresh salsas and housemade sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

"This taco is humongous, stuffed with steak and rice."

"The fresh tortillas here are amazing."

"This lunch spot's tacos are stuffed with big chunks of steak."

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.

06
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.

Lively yet relaxed atmosphere suits casual lunch with friends. Food impresses with fantastic flavors and finishes with flan as a sweet touch.

Tacos stand out with homemade tortillas and authentic flavors like arrachera and cameron. Dishes include chilaquiles, fajitas, salsas, rice, beans, and fresh guacamole.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food service here is attentive and friendly."

"The carne asada here is tender, juicy, and smoky."

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.

07
D'Nuez - Kitchen + Bar - Pilsen image 1

Cozy space with warm wood decor and colorful ambiance creates a relaxed yet energizing vibe. Friendly staff enhance the family-friendly atmosphere, often engaging guests with songs and celebrations. Tables sit close together, making the environment lively and intimate.

Good spot for lunch to go with coworkers. Food feels overpriced for the lunch menu but still worth considering.

Chilaquiles stand out with options like mole, salsa verde, and salsa roja, all very flavorful. Fresh tilapia tacos and a chilaquiles burger add variety to the Mexican food offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and beautifully presented."

"The chilaquiles here are spicy enough yet still enjoyable."

"The lunch spot has a great atmosphere and delicious food."

Good to know

1

The prices are generally considered high for the portion sizes.

2

The menu offers a limited selection of vegetarian options.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

08
Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a bustling, family-style atmosphere with authentic decor and an open kitchen. The space feels cozy and crowded, filled with families and friends enjoying late-night dining. Music plays loudly, creating a lively and energetic vibe.

Lunch offers fantastic value with good service that is not rushed. The spot works well for an early lunch or late dinner hangout with friends or family.

Al Pastor tacos stand out with exceptional flavor, rivaling those found in Mexico City. The menu includes fresh tacos and burritos, a well-seasoned guacamole, and enchiladas de pollo in salsa verde that are favorites.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos here were the best."

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

"The tacos here are moist, flavorful, and cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Finding parking on weekends is difficult due to the location.

3

Call ahead for carry out orders to minimize wait time.

Discover more

Lower West Side, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...