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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Mexican food in Near South Side

Mexican dishes that honor regional roots rather than settling for the standard Americanized versions.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Casa Tulum image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and an energetic vibe featuring a live DJ and upbeat music. Two bars with TVs add to the lively atmosphere, complemented by a fire show and flaming desserts. The place draws a crowd enjoying great margaritas and flavorful dishes in a clean, vibrant setting.

Fantastic food stands out with incredible Mexican dishes and excellent service that complements the dining experience.

Offers flavorful authentic Mexican food with a diverse menu. The Tres Leches cake stands out as a notable dessert.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"The service here for Date Spots is attentive and above and beyond."

"The Mexican food here is deeply flavorful and comforting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 3 PM.

2

Ask for the $10 margaritas special on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Street parking is easy to find and free on Sundays.

02
La Calle Tacos y Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with tasteful decor and lively artwork. The space feels comfortable and clean, suited for casual dining and drinks. It draws a crowd looking for authentic Mexican flavors in a modern setting.

Food comes out quickly and stays consistently fresh and authentic. Many find the flavors excellent and the quality very good with a clear focus on authentic Mexican dishes.

Steak tacos arrive quickly and pack great flavor, appealing even to picky eaters. Corn tortillas rival homemade quality, and tortas come perfectly toasted with fresh ingredients. Vegetarian tacos also stand out for their taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and flavorful."

"The steak tacos here are flavorful and juicy."

"The chips and guac here taste incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

The chips and guacamole cost $9, and the side of guacamole is the same size as Chipotle's, which costs $5.

2

Expect a busy lunch rush with potential wait times.

3

The food came out quickly, which is helpful for those needing a quick option.

03
Steve's Bite image 1
American restaurant

Minimal decor and big empty walls create a simple setting with regular chairs only. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming with calming music playing, making it suitable for quick meals or casual chats.

Food comes out fresh and well cooked with consistent quality. Staff prepare meals with care and attention, making the dishes tasty and satisfying.

Steak burritos stand out with perfectly cooked steak and fresh ingredients. Tacos come in chicken and shrimp varieties, both well seasoned and cooked.

People are saying

"I found the gyros here to be fresh, fast, and consistently good."

"The food here is super fresh and tasty."

"I thought the steak burrito was totally worth the price."

Good to know

1

A regular meal costs between $17 and $25 plus taxes.

2

The cheeseburger costs $15.61.

3

All food is halal certified.

04
The Staley image 1
Sports bar

Large sports bar with huge projector screens and plenty of TVs creates a strong focus on watching games. Atmosphere feels like a dark basement man cave with a mix of upscale gastropub dรฉcor. Free arcade games and a mini game room add casual entertainment beyond sports viewing.

Food comes with amazing flavors and pairs well with drinks. Service stays excellent, with helpful seating arrangements for groups.

Birria nachos stand out with rich meat and crispy in-house tortilla chips. Birria tacos come with a generous portion of meat in a half-filled container.

People are saying

"The food here is unique, delicious, and top-notch."

"The staff here is super friendly during live sports."

"The Birria nachos here are delicious and Breezy makes phenomenal drinks."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted on game days; plan accordingly.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills on game days.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

05
Fruitful Delight Smoothie, Juice & Bubble Tea Cafe image 1

Bright space with plenty of seating and soulful music creates a friendly atmosphere. Menu offers all non-dairy options, appealing to vegans and health-conscious guests. Smoothies and wraps stand out as popular choices.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful with a focus on nutritious options. Smoothies and healthy dishes taste delicious and satisfy well.

Beef brisket tacos stand out as a key offering. Taco Tuesday features jerk chicken tacos that add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the smoothies here to be incredibly tasty and delicious."

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

"I tried the creamy and flavorful PB & J Delight smoothie."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a variety of smoothies, bowls, and wraps for healthy eating.

2

Online ordering is available for quick pick-up.

3

The menu features all non-dairy items, catering to vegan and health-conscious customers.

06
Little Branch Cafe image 1

Coffee shop offers cozy indoor tables and a shaded outdoor patio with unique seating options. Atmosphere stays quiet and friendly, making it a trendy, casual spot for breakfast or lunch. Space suits those seeking a relaxed vibe with fresh air and light.

Food arrives quickly, often in less than 5 minutes. The meat and egg platter comes with toast and French toast, offering a well-packaged meal enjoyed with a nice lake view.

Chilaquiles verdes with chicken come with authentic salsa verde and flavorful steak, closely resembling those from Mexico. Breakfast options include a fresh BLT, Lalo's breakfast burrito, and a chorizo/egg plate, all served quickly.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast during my business trip."

"The food here is great, especially the coffee."

"The chilaquiles here are authentic with amazing salsa verde."

Good to know

1

Finding parking nearby is difficult; most options are paid.

2

The cafe is within walking distance of the Hilton in McCormick Place.

3

There was no wait during my visit, making it a quick stop.

07
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar image 1

Big-screen TVs cover every wall, creating a sports-focused environment with rustic charm. Loud music from a live DJ energizes the space, encouraging singing and dancing. Seating is ample, designed for casual family dinners and lively game nights.

Food includes catfish tacos, turkey burger, wings, and pizza. Meals pair well with drinks like 3 Floyd's Gumball Head beer. Service complements the good food and casual vibe.

Fried catfish tacos stand out with a unique taste not commonly found elsewhere. Pairing them with a 3 Floyd's Gumball Head beer enhances the experience.

People are saying

"This deep dish pizza is amazing and straight out of the oven."

"The food here was quick, fresh, and really good."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Parking is difficult; consider using a ride share or park a block away.

3

A DJ performs on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

08
Taco Urbano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers a cozy dining room with see-through kitchen and affordable prices around $3 per taco. The atmosphere stays laid-back with limited seating and fresh-made tortilla chips served with orders. Breakfast items like burritos and tacos are available all day, featuring made-to-order guacamole and flavorful meats.

Food here is authentic and well-seasoned, offering flavors that stand out from typical gas station fare. Prices stay reasonable while the dining area remains clean and cozy.

Breakfast tacos and burritos are served all day with fresh-made tortilla chips on the side. Tacos come juicy with options like al pastor with a kick and solid steak or chicken, all at reasonable prices around $3 each.

People are saying

"The steak taco was solid and the meat was delicious."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

"The food here is great and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Taco Urbano is located inside a gas station.

2

Breakfast tacos and burritos are available all day.

3

Prices are reasonable, around $3 per taco.

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Near South Side, Chicago

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