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New Yorkers 1st Choice
West Town's best

Salsa spots

Salsa that brings real depth to the table instead of just acting as a filler for the chips.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 1
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 2
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with quirky warm decor and intimate indoor seating plus a noisy street-side patio. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, with staff engaging in celebrations and live entertainment. Guests often bring their own tequila to complement the homemade margarita mix.

Food here stands out for its authentic Mexican flavors and consistent quality. The menu offers delicious dishes served with friendly service in a laid-back setting.

Chips come with fresh salsas that complement the dishes well. The salsas pair nicely with rice, beans, and tacos served here.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be incredibly authentic and delicious."

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"The salsas here are delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

You can bring your own beer, making it a BYOB spot.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price you pay.

02
Bàrbaro Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with intimate, charming decor and vinyl record music creates a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating adds to the experience when weather permits. The place fills with lively energy but can get noisy when busy.

Food here is authentic Mexican with a focus on elevated flavors. Dishes consistently deliver delicious quality that stands out.

Five samples of fresh chips come with salsas chosen by the chef. The salsas range from fiery hot chile to a spicy habanero on the pescado tacos, all with very good flavor.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fresh, delicious, and amazing."

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"The tacos here are insanely good, especially the carne asada."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great drink specials.

2

The patio is dog-friendly during the summer months.

3

Reservations are not required, and the restaurant can accommodate large parties.

03
Los 3 Compadres de Guerrero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a homey atmosphere and family-friendly vibe offers authentic tacos and complimentary chips and salsa. The space feels clean and cute, inviting for casual dining. Prices are generally reasonable, with large portions and short wait times.

Bold, authentic Mexican flavors define the menu. Dishes come fresh and packed with rich, delicious taste that stays consistent across visits.

Free chips and salsa arrive crispy and fresh. The homemade salsas stand out, especially the salsa verde, which is a highlight. Chips and guacamole also match the quality of the salsas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best I had in a long time."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The homemade chips and salsa here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

2

Expect a short wait time during peak hours.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes.

04
Zócalo Bar & Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant, funky decor and a colorful bar creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Pleasant house music plays consistently, sometimes with a disco ball enhancing the energy. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option for guests seeking a chill vibe.

Food shows quality and care in preparation with consistently amazing flavors. Service complements the dishes well, creating a solid dining experience.

Fresh chips come with red and green salsas that stand out. The jalapeno salsa offers an amazing flavor profile, while the avocado salsa ranks as extremely good and memorable.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The house salsa was delicious and picante."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos all day.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

05
La Sandwichera Cafe image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with bar-style seating and a sidewalk patio offers a vibrant, warm atmosphere filled with friendly, welcoming energy. Music and TVs create a lively backdrop, while the space feels like a family gathering. Crowds gather often, drawn by the cozy vibe and flavorful food.

Food features authentic Puerco Rico dishes with huge sandwich portions. Breakfast sandwiches like ham and cheese with scrambled eggs offer comfort food with heart.

Salsa Loco delivers a spicy kick that works well on sandwiches or as a side. The homemade green salsa and Chancleta offer fresh, bold flavors that complement quesitos and other dishes.

People are saying

"I had the best, freshest sandwich I've ever had."

"The food here is flavorful and made with serious love."

"You've got to try the salsa loca for an extra delicious kick."

Good to know

1

Salchichon soup is only available on Saturday and Sunday.

2

The cafe can get very crowded, especially during peak hours.

3

All sandwiches are priced the same and are very filling.

06
Taco Firme image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with limited seating and a quiet vibe. Known for authentic, affordable tacos with standout Al Pastor and smoky red salsa. Space feels unassuming yet cozy, creating a hidden gem experience.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with great quality and quantity. Takeout orders come hot and well-packaged on time.

Salsas here are spicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor. The salsa roja is super spicy and complex, while the verde salsa is tart and flavorful. Free chips and salsa come with your order.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"The salsa here is smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Dinner at Taco Firme costs around $19.

2

The wait time is fair despite food being made to order.

3

Taco Firme allows customers to bring their own beverages.

07
Diego Chicago Restaurant | Dinner, Late Night, Weekend Brunch image 1

Mexican restaurant with a heated all-year patio and a DJ playing lively music creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space features cozy decor and a chill outdoor patio on a quieter street, making it suitable for drinks or a date night.

Food features great quality with well seasoned and spicy flavors. Drinks include strong cocktails that complement the menu.

Chips come with a trio of authentic Mexican salsas that balance flavor and spice well. The salsa macha, salsa de árbol, and salsa tatemada stand out for their perfect balance and not-too-hot heat.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here pair perfectly with the sunshine on the open roof patio."

"The salsas here are so flavorful and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great food and drink specials.

2

Asada Sundays offer unique dining experiences worth checking out.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for patio seating.

08
Tacos & Burrito Express #3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a clean, bright, and open space with plenty of natural sunlight and welcoming atmosphere. The vibe stays calm and inviting, making it suitable for quick meals or casual dining. Consistent quality and generous portions define the food experience here.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with every dish, offering exceptional flavor and generous portions at a great price. Food arrives consistently on time and tastes truly amazing.

Green salsa stands out with a solid flavor, while the red salsa offers a superb taste. Both complement burritos, tacos, and enchiladas well.

People are saying

"The tacos and sopes here are amazing."

"I had the best steak burrito I ever had."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

2

The restaurant is BYOB and offers $2 espressos.

3

Portions are large enough for two meals.

09
Aztec Dave's Cantina image 1

Bar and grill with stunning Aztec art and a community feel creates an intimate, lively atmosphere. Music features a DJ set that keeps energy high while multiple big screen TVs show games. Known for fresh margaritas and flavorful Mexican-inspired food, it blends a hipster dive bar vibe with quality offerings.

Food here is authentic Mexican cuisine with flavorful dishes cooked to perfection. The menu is not extensive but every item is delicious and outstanding.

A variety of house-made salsas offers bold flavors, with one rotating weekly. These salsas pair well with dishes like quesabirria, chicken torta, and chips with guacamole.

People are saying

"These tacos are dynamite, smoky, and packed with flavor."

"The house-made salsas here are incredible, especially the pineapple and mango."

"The food here is amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, starting at 9pm.

2

The restaurant has a parking lot across the alley for guests.

3

Tacos come with cilantro and onion only; additional toppings are available for an extra charge.

10
Doña Naty's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic local atmosphere with warm, welcoming vibe and laid-back energy. Outdoor swing benches provide a unique casual dining option. The interior is simple and cozy, focusing on genuine Mexican street food experience.

Food here is fresh, perfectly seasoned, and offers authentic tripa tacos that remind of Mexico City street food. Portions come at a great price with consistently high quality and taste.

Chips come with spicy, flavorful salsa that stands out. Fresh tortillas and complimentary tortilla soup add to the experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh, delicious, and packed with authentic spices."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and packed with authentic spices."

"The steak torta's salsa was flavorful and the bread was soft."

Good to know

1

Credit cards incur an extra surcharge; cash is preferred.

2

The price of $7 for a torta con todo is a good deal.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment, including the bathrooms.

11
Taqueria El Jardin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with an attached market store offers authentic tacos and affordable prices in a low-key neighborhood setting. The atmosphere is casual with visible food preparation and a clean kitchen, attracting those seeking fresh, flavorful Mexican food on weekends.

Mexican food here is authentic and fresh, with flavors that capture classic neighborhood style. The kitchen stays clean and food preparation is visible, ensuring high quality and affordability.

Salsas come in verde and roja varieties, with the green salsa being delicious and not spicy. They serve great salsa that stands out as a key part of the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"The salsa here is great, especially the verde."

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait at the register during peak hours.

2

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The menu features a variety of Mexican selections and products.

12
Mariscos La Costa West Town image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open dining area with outdoor patio creates a lively, family-friendly atmosphere filled with pleasant music and a buzz of conversation. Fresh seafood dishes and generous portions draw a steady crowd, while complimentary parking adds convenience.

Food arrives promptly with substantial portions and fresh ingredients. The taste is consistently very delicious and pairs well with good beers.

Salsas come with dishes like crab and house ceviche, offering two top-notch options as a welcome touch. They are flavorful and authentic, complementing tostadas, seafood, and veggies well.

People are saying

"The seafood here is authentic Mexican style, especially the ceviche."

"The food here was delicious and full of flavor."

"Their salsas were amazing and on point."

Good to know

1

There is complimentary parking right next door, accessible through the alley.

2

The meal is affordable, with each taco costing $5.

3

Reservations are not required on Thursday nights due to ample seating.

13
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill image 1

Interior walls showcase vibrant street art, creating a hip and lively atmosphere. Seating includes a window-opening area that blends indoor comfort with outdoor vibes. Popular for generously filled burritos and tacos, the place operates on a simple counter-order system with a focus on takeout.

Food here is fresh and tasty, with a focus on healthy Mexican options. The quality stays consistent, making it a solid choice for American-Mexican dishes and tacos.

A wide variety of salsas comes with the dishes, including house-made green tomatillo salsa and a roasted red pepper creamy sauce. Each salsa offers a distinct flavor that complements the meals well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and unbelievably tasty."

"This burrito is huge and packed with juicy steak."

"I loved the variety of salsas, each one was good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a counter-order system for quick service.

2

Expect popular items to sell out quickly, especially the pastor burrito.

3

Serving sizes are generous, with 1lb of meat in burritos and large tacos.

14
Carnicerias Guanajuato image 1

Supermarket combines in-house butcher and modest taquería with counter service and spacious seating. Atmosphere stays clean and vibrant, offering a wide selection of authentic Mexican products. Prices fluctuate but generally provide great value for flavorful tacos and burritos.

Tacos come with plant-based meat options for vegan choices. Food stays clean and tastes amazing.

Store-made salsas add strong flavor to dishes. The salsa Verde stands out as a top choice in the area.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food's chicharrón is spiritually disruptive and wildly crunchy."

"This food is spiritually disruptive; the chicharrón is impossibly tender."

"I whispered about the chicharrón; it's seasoned like a pact with the gods."

Good to know

1

They serve food during lunch hours.

2

On weekends, the place becomes lively with pancita, barbacoa, and carnitas.

3

They only accept cash.

15
Super Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with an open kitchen and outdoor tables creates a homemade, authentic vibe. Friendly atmosphere features family-owned charm and giant, flavorful burritos alongside some of the best tacos made by abuelas. Fair prices and a casual setting make it popular for take-out and late-night dining.

Food here tastes like authentic Mexican cuisine made with home-cooked love. A Mexican grandma cooks meals that feel like they come straight from a family kitchen.

Salsas here stand out with super-spicy red salsa and salsa rojo that pack strong flavor. The food pairs well with these, especially alongside the steak and horchata.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were the best I've ever had."

"I found the best burrito in Chicago."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The super burrito costs over $17 but is worth it for its size.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

3

The restaurant offers take-out options, but leftovers are not allowed.

16
La Condesa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and retro decor reminiscent of the 1960s. Loud music from a DJ creates a lively but noisy atmosphere. Offers an extensive menu with authentic dishes and amazing margaritas.

Authentic Mexican food features fresh handmade tortillas and is prepared by real Mexican cooks. The dishes are consistently delicious and affordable, welcoming everyone regardless of background.

Red salsa stands out with good spice and a homemade quality. Chips come with salsa that is very delicious but it is charged separately.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with juicy, tender meat."

"The food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"I thought their homemade salsa was very good."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Friday at 8pm.

2

Parking is available with about 8 to 10 spaces on the side.

3

Prices for meals are generally affordable, with tacos and horchata costing $21.

17
Taqueria Traspasada 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with limited seating creates an exclusive feel. Atmosphere is no-frills and straightforward, focusing on authentic Mexican street food. Cash-only setup with a busy takeout scene complements the casual, unpretentious vibe.

Food here is 100% authentic Mexican street food served with quick preparation. The quality and taste stand out as delicious and genuine.

Salsas here offer a perfect kick with both green and red varieties tasting delicious. The salsa Negro pairs well with tacos, but some dishes come with a metallic tasting salsa that feels uninspired.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"I thought their Mexican food tacos were some of the best in the city."

"I found the salsa to be excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

They are cash only, but there is an ATM on-site.

2

Prices are higher than typical for similar Mexican food.

3

You can call ahead to order for pick up if preferred.

18
Chavas Tacos El Original image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with counter seating and outdoor patio offers a 24-hour Mexican food option. Atmosphere feels like a safe haven despite tight, smoky indoor conditions. Crowds gather quickly, especially on weekends when security is present.

Food arrives in less than five minutes and stays consistently excellent and authentic Mexican cuisine. Prices stay great and the menu suits late-night cravings well.

Salsas come with a perfectly spicy kick and pair well with tacos de asada. Chips and salsa offer a delicious start with amazing flavors.

People are saying

"This is a great late night spot for satisfying tacos."

"The salsa here is amazing and perfectly spicy."

"The food here is great and offered at a great price."

Good to know

1

Chavas Tacos El Original is open 24 hours a day.

2

Parking is available next door, accessible through the alley.

3

The dining area has limited seating.

19
Casa Tequila Chicago image 1
Mexican restaurant

Warm, vibrant decor creates a welcoming atmosphere with low lighting and live mariachi music enhancing the experience. Outdoor dining areas offer a vibrant patio setting that complements the lively indoor space. The crowd gathers for well-crafted margaritas and a festive vibe that fills the room.

Great food shines with authentic Mexican flavors and consistent quality. Excellent service complements the dining experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Salsa tastes homemade with a fresh, authentic flavor. It pairs well with birria tacos and chips, enhancing the overall meal experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the birria tacos were the best I had."

"The salsa and chips were the best thing I ate."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday, 4 pm to 6 pm.

2

Margarita Mondays offer special pricing on margaritas.

3

Girls Night is a popular event at the restaurant.

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