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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the Lower West Side's best

Mexican food and tortillas

Tortillas made with the traditional process, not the mass-produced rounds that fall apart the moment you pick them up.

Based on 899 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mole Village Restaurant image 1
Mole Village Restaurant image 2
Mole Village Restaurant image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like visiting family. The space is cozy and vibrant, though it can get a little warm without air conditioning. Known for authentic mole dishes, it serves food with a homemade flavor that stands out in the city.

Custom-made corn tortillas are soft, chewy, and perfectly seasoned. Everything is fresh, with handmade tortillas adding a real Mexican touch to dishes like sopes, huaraches, and quesadillas.

Mole here stands out with deep, complex flavors that avoid the usual cloying sweetness and come from scratch, not jars. Soft, custom-made corn tortillas complement dishes like pozole verde and chilaquiles de mole, which taste clean and bright.

People are saying

"The pozole soup here is clean, bright, and restorative."

"The homemade corn tortillas are fresh, soft, and seasoned perfectly."

"The mole on these enchiladas is homemade, balanced, sweet, and has a hint of heat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Sunday buffet, perfect for trying a variety of dishes.

2

Meals are made from scratch and take time to prepare.

3

Portions are generous, ensuring good value for the price.

02
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.

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.

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."

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

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
Carnitas La Michoacana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers family-friendly and low-key atmosphere with handmade tortillas and Michoacan-style carnitas praised for quality and flavor. Parking is limited, and wait times grow on weekends. Prices remain decent and food suits those who enjoy spicy, savory dishes.

Handmade tortillas come piping hot and in generous amounts. They play a key role in elevating the taco experience and make the meal enjoyable.

Carnitas here stand out with Michoacan-style preparation and handmade tortillas. Tacos de barbacoa and gorditas de chicharron also offer authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas here to be the best in Chicago."

"I thought the Mexican food carnitas were moist, flavorful, and succulent."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find.

2

They prefer cash payments, with an extra surcharge for credit card use.

3

Dine-in and takeout options are available, with large portions for families.

05
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.

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.

Tacos feature carne asada grilled to perfection and al pastor with pineapple for a sweet twist. Handcrafted tortillas hold big, delicious portions with salsas that stand out.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I've had."

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

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.

06
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.

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.

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."

"I thought the tortillas were fresh and delicious."

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.

07
Casa Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a chill atmosphere with an open back that enhances the ambiance. The space feels welcoming and transparent, often filled with people enjoying homemade tortillas and traditional dishes.

Fresh homemade tortillas fill the air with a delicious smell. They appear in dishes like beef stew and quesadillas, adding authentic flavor and satisfying hunger.

Homemade tortillas and generous portions stand out across dishes like tacos, chile rellenos, and gorditas. The menu features spicy chilaquiles verdes, tender carne asada huarache, and versatile tortas with various fillings.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served by the friendliest staff."

"You have to try the homemade tortillas; they're amazing."

"I was lucky to find parking available right in front."

Good to know

1

Parking is sparse, but street parking is sometimes available right in front.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions for the cost.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours due to a large menu.

08
Carniceria Maribel image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot sits at the back of a liquor store with a small counter and limited seating. Mexican atmosphere feels down-to-earth and friendly, highlighted by a large Selena mural outside. The place has a happy vibe that makes waiting for orders enjoyable despite the simple setup.

Two thick, handmade corn tortillas hold generous amounts of meat in each taco. Tortillas come freshly grilled and piping hot, larger than typical tacos in NYC.

Tacos here stand out for their generous portions and authentic flavors like al pastor, carne asada, and beef tongue. The corn tortillas hold up well, and the meat options like lomo and cecina come packed with flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the steak tacos were well seasoned and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've had in a while."

"These handmade corn tortillas are packed with flavorful meat."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs around $5 but is larger and loaded compared to average tacos.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 PM, two hours before the liquor store.

3

Calling your order in advance is recommended to avoid long wait times.

09
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.

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.

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."

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

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

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.

10
Raymond's Tacos on Damen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy vibe and welcoming atmosphere that gets very crowded. It operates as a cash-only spot with an ATM inside, popular for late-night dining. Known for distinctive tacos with unique flavors, it draws a steady crowd seeking classic Mexican fare.

Tortillas come grilled with American cheese between layers, creating a creamy texture without changing the flavor. They fill the tortillas with meat and sometimes fry them with cheddar cheese inside, making the tacos almost like quesadillas.

Tacos stand out with generous meat fillings and varieties like steak, lengua, and alpastor with American cheese. Burritos and horchata also feature as solid options in this neighborhood classic spot.

People are saying

"I thought the asada tacos were the best."

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

"The tortillas have cheese grilled between them, making it like a quesadilla."

Good to know

1

Raymond's Tacos on Damen accepts only cash payments.

2

They have an ATM inside for cash withdrawals.

3

The restaurant is open until 1am for late-night dining.

11
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.

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

Tacos al pastor and quesibirria stand out with authentic flavors and careful presentation. Homemade tortillas offer great texture and size, while margaritas, including a mezcal option, come with tasty happy hour specials.

People are saying

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

"I found so many delicious vegetarian and vegan options here."

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

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.

12
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.

Housemade tortillas stand out with perfect cooking and great texture. They hold up well in dishes like Shrimp Gobernador Tacos and quesabirria quesadillas.

Tacos stand out with Shrimp Gobernador and soft shell crab options on housemade tortillas. Desserts shine, especially the flan and lime pie. Tostadas come fresh and generously topped, like the King Salmon Tostada.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The tuna tostada is a standout Mexican Food dish."

"The shrimp gobernador tacos are cheesy, crispy, and flavorful."

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.

13
Pollo Express image 1
Chicken restaurant

Charcoal-grilled chicken offers authentic flavor with generous portions and affordable prices. The space stays clean and simple, with a cash-only policy and an ATM inside. Specials on certain days attract regulars despite limited parking.

Fresh tortillas come warm and soft, suitable for making tacos with flavorful chicken and fantastic salsa. Portions are decent, enough for two meals, but occasionally tortillas may be moldy.

Chicken dishes feature New Mexican flavors like pickled onions and charred jalapeños. Burritos have a toasted, browned outside that keeps them from getting soggy while maintaining great flavor and consistency.

People are saying

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

"I found the grilled chicken here to be amazing and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Pollo Express only accepts cash payments.

2

There is a Monday special for a whole chicken with sides, plus an extra half chicken.

3

The restaurant offers specials on Tuesday and Thursday for $28.

14
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.

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.

Carnitas stand out as exceptionally tender and flavorful, often described as the best in the city. Tacos feature fresh tortillas and generous portions of pork, delivering an authentic Mexican taste.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were really good."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the carnitas, was amazing."

"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.

15
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.

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.

Carnitas stand out with authentic, flavorful pork available in white or dark meat options. Menudo and chicharron also show careful preparation and traditional flavors.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are amazing, juicy, and flavorful Mexican food."

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

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.

16
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.

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.

Freshly made handmade tortillas and salsa de molcajete start the meal with authentic flavors. Dishes like enchilada de mole estilo Guerrero and Cecina tacos showcase traditional Chicago Mexican cuisine with well-balanced spices and home-cooked style.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're the size of your face!"

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.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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