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Top picks in Des Plaines

Mexican food

You are looking for authentic Mexican food that stays true to its roots.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sofia's Taqueria image 1
Sofia's Taqueria image 2
Sofia's Taqueria image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic tacos like Al Pastor and Birria with fresh salsas. Colorful decor and cozy vibe create a casual chic feel. Music adds to the intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying real flavors.

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 guacamole to be very 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
El Valle Grocery Store Co image 1

Family owned store shines with homemade chorizo and tacos de canasta. Meat selection is unbeatable and space stays clean. Traditional Mexican foods like vinegar carrots and tasty cheese add to the authentic experience.

Tacos de canasta stand out as a must-try item. Carnitas come out excellent and the cheese is notably tasty. A variety of Mexican food options are available here.

People are saying

"This grocery store has the most amazing chorizo with authentic, robust flavors."

"Their Mexican Food, especially the chorizo, is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The store specializes in a variety of chorizo products.

2

Parking is available nearby for easy access.

3

Credit cards are accepted for all purchases.

03
First Watch image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Bright, modern farm-style design creates a calm, welcoming space with a covered patio and breezy outdoor area. Breakfast tacos feature flavorful carne asada and fresh ingredients. Quiet energy suits solo visits or family gatherings perfectly.

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 place to be clean, bright, and modern."

"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.

04
Arandas Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic birria tacos and handmade tortillas. Open kitchen adds a warm vibe while BYOB keeps prices affordable. Perfect for small groups and wheelchair friendly.

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.

05
Andy's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cozy space with warm wooden tables and natural plants creates a homey feel. Skylight adds soft light, making it easy to relax. Mexican dishes like Chilaquiles with homemade sauce and Al Pastor Skillet offer authentic, flavorful breakfast options.

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."

"The owner Hilda provides such friendly service at this cafe."

"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.

06
Mariachi's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic southern vibe and family-friendly energy. Tacos and fajitas burst with bold flavors, while outdoor seating adds to the lively, cozy feel. Traditional cooking makes every bite a home-style delight.

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.

07
Tamales Oaxaqueños image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a quiet atmosphere offers authentic Mexican flavors like handmade tortillas and tamales with green and red varieties. Generous portions and a calm vibe make it a warm, unpretentious spot focused on traditional dishes.

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.

08
Taqueria El Gallo de Oro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot buzzes with loud music and a friendly atmosphere. Tacos shine with tender steak and grilled Al Pastor tortillas. Intimate seating invites savoring authentic flavors in every bite.

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."

"These handmade tortillas are the best I've had in a long time."

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.

09
Los Chapines Tortillería image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with big asada tacos and fresh, thick tortillas. Cozy booths with high backs offer a warm, homey feel despite loud TVs. Authentic Guatemalan dishes like chicharron and queso pupusa add unique flavors to the menu.

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.

10
La Esperanza Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers authentic Mexican atmosphere with a homey, warm feel. Tamales verde wrapped in banana leaf provide a unique presentation and flavor, while fresh bread and traditional pastries are delicious and affordable. Churros add a sweet finish to the menu.

Tamales verde wrapped in banana leaf stand out with a unique presentation and flavor. A variety of desserts like churros complement the menu, though some tamales can be a bit dry.

People are saying

"These pastries are soft, fluffy, and not too sweet."

"The bread here is amazing, warm, and delicious."

"The Mexican Food tamales here are out of this world."

Good to know

1

Bring cash to save money, as some vendors may not accept cards.

2

The bakery offers a wide selection of baked goods, including gelatins and tamales.

3

Expect a small space with a limited selection of items.

11
Las Asadas Fresh Mexican Grill Taqueria image 1

Cozy spot with authentic steak tacos and a family-owned vibe. Outdoor seating adds charm. Mexican dishes shine with spicy al pastor and flame-grilled steak flavors.

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 found the tacos here to have great flavor and freshness."

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

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.

12
La Marina Mariscos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior buzzes with live mariachi music and a DJ spinning videos on big screens. Tacos feature handmade tortillas with shrimp and fish options, while chicken fajitas and strawberry margaritas offer great value. Colorful decor and multiple TVs create a lively social scene perfect for sports fans.

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 cocktails were refreshing, flavorful, and had the right amount of liquor."

"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.

13
Los Sombreros Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves 100% zabiha halal dishes with authentic birria tacos and Chile relleno tacos. Warm vibe and free chips and salsa make it welcoming and Muslim-friendly. Perfect for fresh, flavorful meals in a cozy setting.

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.

14
Mexico Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with fresh tacos and a rich mole sauce. Spacious patio offers a relaxed vibe and quiet, family-owned feel. Vegan options like the impossible burrito complement a solid tequila selection.

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."

"It's great that they have vegan options, like an impossible burrito."

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.

15
Rand Red Hots image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Old-school hot dog stand offers a 1950s vibe with retro decor and classic cars. Tamales are perfectly steamed and include gluten-free options. Outdoor picnic tables and 50s music create a chill atmosphere for a classic American experience.

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.

16
Guzman y Gomez - Des Plaines image 1

Bright, clean space with a festive atmosphere and mariachi bands energizes families on the outdoor patio. Breakfast burritos with spicy bacon and brisket shine alongside burrito bowls and quesadillas. Great deals and margaritas add value and flavor to the meal.

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

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

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.

17
Restaurant Bar Mexico 2000 #3 image 1

Cozy spot with authentic tacos and fresh tortillas serves up Oaxaca style huevos rancheros and champurrado. Lively bar buzzes with singing and dancing on busy nights. Prices stay reasonable, making it great for families and fun crowds.

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.

18
Ostras image 1
Restaurant

Modern, artsy decor sets a relaxed vibe with colorful design and lively Latino music. Menu offers a creative mix of fresh sushi and flavorful steak fajitas. Large space includes a private salsa room and speakeasy bar for added energy.

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.

19
La Autentica Doñita Oaxaqueña image 1

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic Oaxacan food and homemade tortillas. Pink walls and colorful decor create a cozy, family-like atmosphere despite loud music. Busy vibe adds energy, while photo spots invite fun memories.

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.

20
El Fast Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food shines with crispy tacos and homemade salsas that are both tasty and affordable. Live entertainment on the stage adds a fun vibe despite a chill, slightly somber atmosphere. Watch for pricing quirks to keep your meal budget-friendly.

Burritos come out consistently delicious with options like steak and carnitas tacos that have crispy edges. Homemade salsas and tamales stand out, making the Mexican food here both affordable and satisfying.

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."

"Their homemade salsa is a must-try."

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.

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