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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lower West Side

Salsa spots

Salsa that provides a complex heat profile instead of just serving as a generic condiment for the table.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Costeño image 1
El Costeño image 2
El Costeño image 3
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Restaurant

Bright colors and traditional Mexican music create a cozy atmosphere with a family feel. Complimentary chips come with spicy, smoky red salsa and two green salsas that add bold flavor. Open, sunny space makes dining relaxed and inviting.

Fresh chips come with spicy, smoky red salsa, a spicy green salsa, and a creamy green salsa at the table. All salsas are flavorful and pair well with every dish on the menu.

People are saying

"The cabeza tacos are tender and juicy."

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

"The salsa here is so good, I could eat it with every dish."

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
De Luna Taco Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican street food with standout steak tacos. Salsas include fiery salsa verde and two unique sauces that enhance birria tacos. Twinkling lights and celestial motifs create a magical, relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dining.

Salsas come with salsa verde plus two other sauces that stand out. The birria tacos paired with salsa bring a fiery kick.

People are saying

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

"The Al Pastor tacos are so juicy and flavorful."

"I found the tacos here to be the best in Pilsen."

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.

03
Taco Loco Of Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small tent on a sidewalk serves authentic Mexican street food with generous portions at low prices. Tacos come with three distinct salsas including hot green and avocado whip, plus a hot pickled pepper topping. Cash-only and no seating means plan ahead.

Three distinct salsas arrive with the tacos: hot green, avocado whip, and bitter chipotle, plus a hot pickled pepper topping. These sauces pair well with the well-cooked meat and enhance the steak tacos.

People are saying

"I had never had a better taco."

"The quesadilla here is so good, you'll be stuffed."

"The salsas here are really yummy and perfect with tacos."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so bring enough for your meal.

2

There is no seating available; it's an outdoor stand.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the neighborhood.

04
Carniceria Maribel image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot offers a friendly Mexican vibe with a large Selena mural outside. Salsas bring perfect heat and saltiness that lift the tacos. Small counter and limited seating create a cozy, happy atmosphere for enjoying flavorful bites.

Salsas offer a perfect balance of saltiness and heat that enhances the tacos. They are consistently spicy and full of flavor, matching the quality of the asada taco.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are to die for, packed with flavor."

"I found the carne asada burrito addictive and craved it often."

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.

05
QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot buzzes with authentic vibe and colorful art. Salsa shines with green salsa heat and guacamole options. Cozy, lively setting feels like a family home with quick meals and loud old school tunes.

Chips come with insane salsa options, including a green salsa with just the right heat and flavor. Guacamole salsa and flavorful caldo add to the variety, making each dip a mini celebration.

People are saying

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

"The consommé for the tacos is rich, deep, and comforting."

"The birria tacos were crispy, juicy, and perfectly satisfying."

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.

06
Parkview Restaurant Grill image 1
American restaurant

Small space with wraparound lunch counter offers cozy, intimate vibes. House-made salsa delivers a divine flavor with a spicy kick, perfect with steak and eggs. Rooftop views and many plants add warmth and charm, making it feel like eating at family.

House-made salsa stands out with its divine flavor and a tad spicy kick. It complements dishes well, especially steak and eggs, adding a rich, balanced taste.

People are saying

"This diner's food is delicious and made fresh to order."

"The homemade salsa here is divine and full of flavor."

"It's so cozy and makes you feel right at home."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they offer a mole platillo special and an enchilada special.

2

The restaurant accepts only cash, but there is an ATM inside.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.

07
El Taco Azteca - Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-concept Mexican spot offers authentic decor and a cozy atmosphere. Vegan menu shines alongside traditional dishes, paired with excellent margaritas. Chips come with fresh puya salsa, and TVs add a lively touch.

Table-side chips and salsa set a high standard with fresh, tasty salsa. The puya salsa stands out as excellent among the options.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is tasty and surprisingly fresh."

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
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Vibrant Mexican decor and loud mariachi music create a lively vibe. Thick homemade tortillas and authentic Latin flavors shine in every dish. Homemade salsas bring bold spice, with the red salsa offering a perfect kick for beef tacos.

Salsas here are homemade and pack a good spice profile with some hitting super spicy levels. The red salsa has a slight kick that pairs well with beefy tacos.

People are saying

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

"The Al Pastor here is unbelievably flavorful."

"I had to put green salsa on the unbelievable Al pastor."

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.

09
Taqueria El Mezquite image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot boasts a covered patio with a lively vibe and cozy feel. Guests rave about the warm salsa served fresh with chips and free tortillas. Made-to-order dishes keep the atmosphere authentic and bustling all day.

Warm salsa served with chips stands out as phenomenal and fresh. Free tortillas and salsa come with dine-in, including a house salsa served separately that gets high praise.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing tacos."

"The outdoor seating here has a great atmosphere."

"The house salsa is phenomenal; I'd put it on everything."

Good to know

1

Taqueria El Mezquite is a BYOB establishment, allowing you to bring your own alcohol.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

Prices for meals can be high, with some items exceeding $20.

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.

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 salsas accompanying the fish were my favorite, so fresh and fantastic."

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.

11
La Mejikana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban Latino spot shines with authentic salsa that pairs perfectly with crispy chips. Live DJ spins old jams and Spanish tunes, creating a lively energy for singing and dancing. Hidden patio offers a quieter atmosphere for relaxed conversation away from the loud indoor vibe.

Salsa here stands out for its authentic flavor and amazing taste. Chips come with excellent salsa that invites ordering more.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's grilled octopus is tender with a flavorful sauce."

"The cocktails are fresh, not too sweet, and made with care."

"The salsa here is amazing and spicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is available on the street next to Ashland, and paid parking is in front.

3

It can get busy after 5 PM, so be prepared for a wait.

12
David's Grill image 1

Booth seating creates a cozy vibe while the quiet atmosphere feels homey and cared for. Menu spans Mexican to Mediterranean with free chips and salsa, though salsa is runny and chips sometimes taste like old oil.

Free chips and salsa come with meals, including small breakfasts and sandwiches. Salsa tends to be runnier than usual, and chips sometimes taste like they were cooked in older oil.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The breakfast here is very good and affordable."

"They welcomed me with free chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

The prices at David's Grill are very reasonable, typically between $10-20 per meal.

2

They have parking available, which is convenient for visitors.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment easy.

13
Manjares Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space fills quickly with live music and a loud, energetic vibe. Family-friendly atmosphere pairs well with fresh salsa de molcajete and traditional Mexican dishes. Large, flavorful margaritas complement the mole-like salsa on enchiladas perfectly.

Steaming hot salsa served with chips features a fresh salsa de molcajete that balances spice well. Enchiladas come topped with a decadent mole-like salsa that enhances the dish.

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.

14
Señoritas Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old-time speakeasy style meets colorful decor and a lively patio. Fresh chips come with spicy salsa that hits just right. A live DJ keeps energy high, creating a vibrant setting with a loud, chill vibe.

Free chips come with freshly made salsa that tastes great and has a nice spicy kick. The salsa pairs well with the fresh chips served quickly by the staff.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos and enchiladas, is really tasty."

"I loved the separate vegan menu with so many delicious options."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Mondays features $8 margaritas.

2

The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu.

3

Free chips and salsa are provided with meals.

15
Carnitas Don Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic carnitas in a lively spot with a laid-back vibe and fresh salsa served with every meal. Indoor seating fills up fast but private parking and takeout make it easy to visit. Locals love the smiling atmosphere and great music.

Salsas come fresh and flavorful, served alongside fresh tortillas, onions, and cilantro. Great salsa is always on the table to complement the tacos.

People are saying

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

"The food here is amazing, juicy, and tasty."

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

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.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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