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Local picks

Seafood and salsa spots in Lower West Side

Made for those who require a sharp, acidic salsa to cut through the richness of their seafood.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated April 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 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.

Tostadas with Shrimp feature a crispy tortilla and chewy shrimp paired with onions and cilantro. Caldo de Camarón offers big, juicy shrimp in a flavorful seafood soup.

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."

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

"The seafood tostadas here are a perfect harmony of flavors."

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
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.

Shrimp shines in the quesabirria and Birria taco, offering a flavorful and unique twist. These seafood options match the satisfaction level of the beef versions.

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.

03
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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with unreal sauce and a perfect Cali style flavor. Chorizo and lengua also deliver solid, authentic tastes.

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 seafood tacos to be the best in the city."

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.

04
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.

Seafood tower offers a unique and vibrant mix of fresh seafood. Dishes like Torre de Mariscos and baja fish & breakfast tacos deliver bold, satisfying flavors.

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.

05
La Mejikana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban Latino spot with a hidden patio and chic dive bar vibe offers live DJ sets mixing old jams and Spanish music. Indoor space feels dark and loud, especially when music peaks, while patio seating provides a quieter atmosphere for conversation. The place fills up with people enjoying singing and dancing, creating a lively energy.

Shrimp tacos stand out with spicy flavor and a single tortilla per taco. Fish tacos come fresh and crunchy, loaded with toppings. Shrimp empanadas, ceviche, and aguachiles add variety to the seafood options.

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 fish and shrimp tacos here are delicious and fresh."

"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.

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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with flavorful shrimp skewers and shrimp tacos that come out quickly. Ceviche features incredibly fresh fish marinated with zesty lime and crisp vegetables.

Chips come with top-notch salsa that bursts with flavor. A special chili sauce called matcha adds a delicious heat, while habanero salsa gives tacos a nice kick and extra umami.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp skewers here are delicious and a great value."

"The salsa here has a nice kick and extra umami."

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
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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with strong flavor and freshness. Fish tacos also deliver a solid taste, paired well with pickled vegetables and sides like chimichanga and Wonder chips.

Salsas come fresh with a good kick that stays balanced and flavorful. Takeout includes plenty of pickled vegetables and salsa, while table jalapeños offer an extra spicy option.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fresh and has a good kick."

"The shrimp tacos are amazing seafood."

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.

08
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.

Tacos feature octopus, shrimp, and al pastor with the shrimp tacos bringing a spicy kick. Shrimp also appears in empanadas alongside steak options.

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."

"The salsa here is tasty and surprisingly fresh."

"The seafood tacos, especially the shrimp, were delicious and spicy."

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.

09
Señoritas Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old-time speakeasy style blends with colorful decor and a nice patio for a vibrant setting. Music stays lively with a live DJ that energizes the space. Crowds pack the place, creating a loud, chill vibe especially at night.

Shrimp ceviche stands out with its excellent flavor. Fish tacos come with generous fish portions but use flour tortillas that are not handmade.

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."

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

"The fish tacos had a lot of fish."

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.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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