Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Salsa Spots in Des Plaines

Salsa that actually brings the heat instead of just tasting like watered-down tomato sauce.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sofia's Taqueria image 1
Sofia's Taqueria image 2
Sofia's Taqueria image 3
View all
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.

Salsas here stand out for being fresh and delicious. The red salsa is especially great and pairs well with tacos and guacamole.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is so fresh and delicious."

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
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.

Fresh and delicious salsa roja comes with complimentary chips. The salsas pair well with tostadas Picadillo and breakfast burritos.

People are saying

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

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

"The al pastor tacos are worth returning for."

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.

03
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.

Homemade salsas stand out with a salsa casera that pairs well with Quesabirria. The green salsa offers a delicious, fresh flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their green salsa; it had such a great sazรณn."

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.

04
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.

Complimentary starters include a small ceviche, fresh tostadas, and spicy salsa served with saltines. Oysters come with a smoky salsa in the middle, adding a unique flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"The complimentary salsa was a smoky, spicy starter I loved."

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.

05
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.

Salsas come in a good selection with standout options like salsa verde, salsa negra, and a spicy red salsa. Lime and red salsa pair well with steak and asada dishes.

People are saying

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

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

"Their burritos with salsa have a perfect ratio of ingredients."

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.

06
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.

A self-serve salsa station offers three different salsas with a wide selection of mild and spicy options. Freshly sliced onions and cilantro add to the great salsa and thick guacamole available.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is so friendly and genuinely welcoming, making the nachos a great experience."

"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.

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.

Salsa comes with a real kick and a medium-spicy flavor profile. Bottled salsas offer customizable heat and taste, and the served salsa is consistently delicious.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa they served at the beginning was delicious."

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
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.

Salsa varies from house-made with fresh cilantro and onions to watered-down and pasty. Some batches bring a spicy kick, while others feel bland and thin.

People are saying

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

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

"The tacos were packed with flavor and stuffing."

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.

09
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.

Salsas come in two varieties, both delicious with one being a dark red and very spicy. Chips pair well, and salsa often gets poured over enchiladas.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is delicious and spicy."

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.

10
El Fast Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a stage for live entertainment and karaoke offers a chill atmosphere despite a somewhat depressive vibe. The menu features affordable tacos and burritos praised for their quality and size. Pricing inconsistencies appear, so checking orders is advisable.

Food comes out fast and stays reasonably priced. Mexican dishes and salsas are consistently good and satisfying.

Homemade salsas stand out with perfect flavor and pair well with generous servings of chips. The salsa complements the Mexican food and is a highlight of the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food tacos were the best I ever had."

"I could eat this burrito every day because it was so good."

"I thought the food here was really good and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait if you arrive as a walk-in.

2

Menu prices may not reflect what you are charged.

3

Check your order before leaving to avoid extra charges.

Discover more

Des Plaines, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...