Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Salsa and tortillas in the Lower West Side

Made for those who demand that their meal be accompanied by a salsa that matches the quality of the base ingredients.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
Rubi’s Tacos image 2
Rubi’s Tacos image 3
View all
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.

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

"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.

02
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.

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."

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

"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.

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.

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

"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
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.

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."

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

"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.

05
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.

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."

"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.

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.

Salsas come fresh and zesty with a pico-like salsa and a hot salsa featuring a silky avocado base and balanced spice. They serve salsa on the side alongside tacos, letting the flavors stand out clearly.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tortillas were fresh and delicious."

"The salsa here was the best I had ever had."

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
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.

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 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.

08
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.

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.

09
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.

Homemade salsas add a fresh touch to tacos. The green salsa and guacamole salsa offer decent flavor that complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"I thought the asada tacos were the best."

"The al pastor tacos are perfectly seasoned and tender."

"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.

10
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.

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."

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

"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.

Discover more

Lower West Side, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...