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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Des Plaines' best

Mexican food

A craving for Mexican food usually means it is time for something bold and familiar.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated April 2026
01
Sofia's Taqueria image 1
Sofia's Taqueria image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with colorful, authentic decor creates a cozy, comfortable atmosphere accompanied by music. The space feels casual chic and intimate, attracting those seeking real, flavorful tacos and traditional dishes.

Food features high-quality ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors. Menu updates keep offerings fresh and the dishes consistently delicious and well-crafted.

Tacos feature perfectly seasoned meats like Al Pastor and Birria, served with fresh toppings and tortillas. The birria matches authentic flavors from Mexico, and salsas and guacamole add fresh, delicious touches.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is seriously delicious and a 10/10."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem with authentic food and taste."

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday special is available every Tuesday.

2

Each taco costs $1.99, but some tacos are priced at $4 each.

3

The restaurant offers catering and takeout services.

02
First Watch image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Bright, modern farm-style design with open seating and a covered patio creates a welcoming, calm atmosphere. Energy stays quiet and cozy, suitable for solo visits or family gatherings. Outdoor area offers a cool, breezy space with views of planes flying overhead.

Food arrives quickly even when busy, with dishes that are full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The menu offers fresh ingredients and well-presented plates in a clean, friendly setting.

Breakfast tacos stand out with flavorful carne asada and fresh, perfectly prepared ingredients. The Carnitas Breakfast Quesadilla and tres leches french toast add variety with rich, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos here are fresh and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be fresh and tasty."

"The breakfast tacos here are flavorful and fresh."

Good to know

1

The wait time at First Watch is typically excellent with no long waits.

2

There is plenty of parking available at First Watch.

3

First Watch offers a variety of healthy breakfast options.

03
Arandas Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a laid back and warm atmosphere with an open kitchen where cooks are visible. It serves authentic, affordable tacos and burritos, with a BYOB policy and reasonable prices. The space suits groups of four or fewer and welcomes wheelchairs.

Food arrives quickly and stays consistently fresh and delicious. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes with handmade tortillas and generous portions at a fair price.

Birria tacos come with a flavorful consome and stand out for their authentic taste. Tacos al pastor and steak burritos offer fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, all served with handmade tortillas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tongue in green sauce."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is exceptionally good."

"I love supporting this Local Spot for tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

Expect reasonable prices for all menu items.

3

Parking is available and convenient for visitors.

04
Mariachi's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic southern Mexican atmosphere with basic outdoor seating that can get crowded. Vibrant vibe includes self-painted walls and windows and family-oriented, friendly energy. Food preparation is traditional, contributing to a genuine, home-style experience.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with made-from-scratch rice and beans. Dishes like tacos, beans, rice, and Horchata come fresh, hot, and consistently tasty.

Tacos come small but packed with flavor and stuffing, especially the chicken and beef varieties. Fajitas with chicken, steak, and shrimp stand out, along with excellent pozole and burritos topped with red sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always well prepared."

"This is a great lunch spot for authentic street-style tacos."

"The pozole is the best Mexican food, available Fridays and Saturdays."

Good to know

1

Pozole is available on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Mariachi's Tacos is a BYOB restaurant.

3

The specials are clear and easy to read, making ordering simple.

05
Los Chapines Tortillería image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant blends authentic Guatemalan and Mexican cuisine with fresh, thick tortillas and large, flavorful tacos. Atmosphere feels warm and homey despite loud noise from multiple TVs. Booths have super high backs, creating a cozy dining space.

Offers authentic Guatemalan and Mexican cuisine with food served fresh and hot. The dishes have a unique flavor and deliver great value alongside excellent service.

Big, delicious asada tacos come with thick, fresh tortillas. Tamales use good masa and have a solid size. Chicharron and queso pupusa serve as a filling meal. Chicken tacos, enchiladas, shuco, and chilaquiles with a slightly spicy green sauce add variety.

People are saying

"The Guatemalan food, especially the corn atole, is delicious."

"The Mexican food here is huge and full of flavor."

"The asada tacos here are big and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 25 to 50 minutes during busy hours.

2

The restaurant offers a combination of Guatemalan and Mexican cuisine.

3

Portions are large and reasonably priced.

06
Andy's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cozy space with warm wooden tables and natural plants creates a family-like atmosphere that feels like eating at home. Skylight adds soft natural light, enhancing the comfortable vibe. Small size and quiet energy make it easy to relax and enjoy a meal.

Food here is consistently delicious and more than enough to eat. The owner personally serves the dishes, adding a special and personal touch to the meal.

Chilaquiles stand out with exceptionally good sauce and homemade flavors. The Al Pastor Skillet and breakfast burrito offer authentic, homemade tastes that highlight Mexican breakfast well.

People are saying

"Their Mexican breakfast, especially the Chilaquiles, is a must-try."

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

Expect a wait during peak breakfast hours on weekends.

3

The cafe allows dogs on the patio and provides water for them.

07
Taqueria El Gallo de Oro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with detailed decor and a friendly atmosphere. Loud music sets an energetic vibe while the limited seating creates an intimate setting. Known for flavorful tacos and authentic dishes, it draws those seeking genuine Mexican flavors.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with good quality and fair prices. The dishes deliver delicious flavors consistently.

Tacos stand out with tender steak and Al Pastor flour tortillas grilled perfectly. Quesabirria tacos and flavorful quesadillas offer authentic tastes, paired with rice and salsas that have a real kick.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"The burrito is packed with tender, juicy steak."

"The food here is fantastic and cooked very well."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for seating during busy times due to limited space.

2

Prices are reasonable, especially with the lunch special available.

3

The lunch special includes only two tacos, which may not be enough for some.

08
La Marina Mariscos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior features live mariachi music and a live DJ with music videos on large screens, creating a loud, energetic atmosphere especially during karaoke nights. Decor is colorful and inviting, with numerous TVs showing sports. The vibe blends festive Mexican elements with a lively social scene.

Food here is consistently excellent with great portions and a variety of dishes that are beyond delicious. Every meal impresses with its quality and flavor.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and include options like shrimp and breaded fish filets, though fish tacos can be greasy. Chicken fajitas and strawberry margaritas offer good value, and complimentary starters include ceviche with tostadas and fresh salsa.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the oysters and octopus, is amazing."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the octopus."

"The Mexican food here, especially the seafood like shrimp and oysters, is so fresh."

Good to know

1

On Wednesdays, $5 margaritas are available all day with Hornitos tequila.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1.99 tacos, including shrimp.

3

Happy hour offers half-price drinks from 5 to 7 pm Monday through Thursday.

09
Tamales Oaxaqueños image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a kiddish appearance offers a quiet, warm atmosphere that feels welcoming. Food focuses on authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions and handmade tortillas. The vibe is calm and unpretentious, centered on traditional dishes rather than decor.

Food offers a home-style taste with authentic Mexican cuisine flavors. Dishes arrive quickly and maintain a very delicious quality even after years.

Tamales stand out with green and red varieties and a home-style taste. Freshly made hand-pressed tortillas and dishes like quesadilla with chicharrón prensado add to the authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mexican."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tamales and chilaquiles, is delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The prices at Tamales Oaxaqueños are great for authentic Mexican cuisine.

2

The portions are generous, making it a good value for your meal.

3

The restaurant offers authentic Mexican flavors that are highly praised.

10
Ostras image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a modern, artsy decor with colorful, warm design that creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Upbeat Latino music plays, sometimes with dancing and a private salsa room, adding lively energy. Space feels large and accommodating with a separate party area and speakeasy bar.

Japanese and Latin fusion creates a unique flavor profile. The food is consistently delicious and outstanding.

Menu blends Japanese and Latin flavors with fresh sushi, oysters, and flavorful tacos. Dishes like steak fajitas, chicken tacos, and seafood pozole offer a creative take on Mexican food.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and outstanding."

"I had the best oysters I've ever had here."

"The quesibirra tacos and chicken tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Salsa lessons start at 9 PM on Saturdays, followed by a lively dance party.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 7 PM with special drink and food prices.

3

There is a $10 cover charge for salsa night, even for dinner guests.

11
Guzman y Gomez - Des Plaines image 1

Bright, clean space with a somewhat corporate feel and plastic plants sets a modern tone. Happy, festive atmosphere fills the air, boosted by loud music and occasional mariachi band performances. Families frequent the spot, enjoying the outdoor patio and drive-thru convenience.

Food arrives quickly with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Portions are generous and meals feel filling without tasting like typical fast food.

Breakfast burritos stand out with spicy bacon and brisket options. Burrito bowls and quesadillas offer solid variety. Prices include great deals like free burritos, and margaritas complement the meal.

People are saying

"You have to try their burritos; they're so fresh and flavorful."

"The burritos here are awesome, especially the brisket and chicken."

"I thought the food was amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Drive-thru service is available for quick orders.

2

Expect to pay around $15 for a cali burrito without sides.

3

Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options are plentiful on the menu.

12
Las Asadas Fresh Mexican Grill Taqueria image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a cozy, family-owned atmosphere and outdoor seating. The space feels clean and simple, with a mom-and-pop vibe. Known for authentic steak tacos and flame-grilled steak dishes.

Authentic Mexican food shines with super flavorful and fresh ingredients. Steak dishes stand out as excellent and well-prepared.

Steak burritos and tacos stand out with rich, meaty flavors and tender textures. Al pastor and barbacoa tacos offer spicy and melt-in-your-mouth experiences, enhanced by red sauce and black garlic sauce.

People are saying

"I considered this the best burrito I had ever eaten."

"I had the best Super Burrito, it's a perfect ratio."

"This food is the best burrito I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site for customers.

2

Expect to pay around $4 per taco.

3

The establishment has limited indoor seating.

13
Rand Red Hots image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Old-school hot dog stand with 1950s vibe and retro decor including car plates and classic cars. Atmosphere is chill and fun, featuring 50s music and outdoor picnic tables. Drive-thru offers cash and card payments, with dog treats handed out, creating a classic American experience.

Food features hot dogs with a nice snap made from Vienna beef, delivering amazing taste at an affordable price. Meals offer great value and generous portions suitable for families.

Tamales here come perfectly steamed and delicious, with options including gluten-free varieties. They often appear alongside hot dogs and Polish sausage on the menu.

People are saying

"I thought the hot dogs and fries were amazing."

"I thought the food here was great and a good value."

"The tamales and hot dogs here are excellent."

Good to know

1

Rand Red Hots hosts a classic car show every Tuesday night during the summer.

2

Cash payments are required inside Rand Red Hots; credit cards accepted at the drive-thru.

3

Hot dogs and fries cost just over $5, making it an affordable option.

14
Los Sombreros Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers 100% zabiha halal menu with authentic Mexican products. Warm and inviting atmosphere fills the space with about 6-8 tables. Free chips and salsa accompany meals, highlighting its Muslim-friendly focus.

Food features fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned qualities with a focus on zabiha halal Mexican options. Dishes offer traditional Mexican flavors that are consistently tasty and well-priced.

Zabiha halal Mexican food offers fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned dishes. The birria tacos and Chile relleno tacos stand out for their authentic taste and care in preparation.

People are saying

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

"I thought the gyro tacos were unbeatable and amazing."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tortas, is amazing and huge."

Good to know

1

The entire menu is zabiha halal, making it Muslim-friendly.

2

Expect generous portions, especially the BBQ beef nachos.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

15
Mexico Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a spacious patio with a relaxed vibe and family-owned atmosphere. The place stays quiet and uncrowded, featuring a good tequila selection and several vegan options. Lighting feels unusual but the back patio provides a pleasant outdoor setting.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors that are consistently very tasty and reasonably priced. Owners stay involved to keep food quality and service on point.

Fresh tacos come with steak, al pastor, chicken, and chorizo options. Mole sauce stands out as rich and authentic. Plenty of vegan choices include an impossible burrito and veggie burritos. Salsas are spicy and chips are very good.

People are saying

"I tasted the tradition and passion in every bite of their Mexican food."

"I enjoyed the tasty chicken enchiladas."

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers vegan options for many dishes, including enchiladas.

2

Generous portions are served, but some dishes may seem pricey.

3

The restaurant is family-owned and has been a local staple for decades.

16
La Autentica Doñita Oaxaqueña image 1

Mexican restaurant with pink walls and colorful decor creates a cozy, family-like atmosphere despite loud music and a busy vibe. The space feels welcoming and offers spots for photos. Authentic Oaxacan food and handmade tortillas stand out as key features.

Food features authentic Oaxacan ingredients and handmade tortillas. Dishes offer delicious and flavorful Mexican flavors.

Homemade tortillas stand out as a key feature. Dishes like enchiladas de mole, tacos de asada and lengua, and the molcajete dinner offer authentic Mexican flavors with excellent taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very authentic."

"I thought the handmade tortillas were the best."

"The mole enchiladas here are really, really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 35% surcharge on your bill.

2

A transaction fee applies for credit card payments.

3

The restaurant charges an 18% service fee at checkout.

17
Restaurant Bar Mexico 2000 #3 image 1

Simple Mexican restaurant with a bar offers a cozy, warm atmosphere and loud music on busy nights. The place attracts families and lively crowds who enjoy singing, dancing, and authentic tacos. Prices remain reasonable compared to similar spots.

Food here is consistently excellent and delicious with good prices. Service and drinks also match the high quality of the meals.

Tacos come in good size with great flavor and fresh tortillas. Chilaquiles, champurrado, and fruit waters stand out alongside dishes like carne asada, pozole, and huevos rancheros Oaxaca style.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is so tasty."

"I thought Taco Tuesday would be a perfect Kid Friendly dinner for my toddler."

Good to know

1

Karaoke sessions are family-friendly and happen every Thursday night.

2

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.50 each, but you must request the deal.

3

Expect a lively environment with singing and dancing on karaoke nights.

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Des Plaines, Illinois

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