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Local picks

Mexican food and taco spots in Elgin

A taco spot that respects the craft of the dish instead of treating it like cheap, fast food.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mr. Cesar’s Mexican Grill image 1
Mr. Cesar’s Mexican Grill image 2
Mr. Cesar’s Mexican Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers a small, friendly dining room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Separate room with slot machines provides a unique amenity while waiting for food. Known for authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and flavorful dishes.

Tacos and burritos feature juicy, well-seasoned meat with standout options like birria tacos and fish tacos. Chicken with mole, chile rellenos, enchiladas, and large tortas also highlight the menu.

Tacos feature juicy, well-seasoned meat with standout options like birria and fish tacos. The steak taco dinner pairs well with other dishes like chile rellenos and enchiladas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has a unique flair."

"I loved the steak tacos; they were so delicious."

"I loved the steak tacos; they were delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, offering unique dishes each day.

2

The restaurant is vegetarian friendly, catering to diverse dietary needs.

3

Prices are very low compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area.

02
Chicago Street Pour House image 1

Sports bar and gastropub atmosphere with plenty of TVs and large screens for games. Vibe stays chill and comfortable, balancing quiet lunch hours with lively evenings featuring a DJ or live band. Known for Detroit-style pizza and a solid beer selection, it offers a casual spot for meals and drinks.

Shrimp tacos stand out with well cooked and yummy Baja fish tacos also featured. Tacos overall offer a delicious taste experience.

Shrimp tacos stand out with their well cooked and yummy flavor. Baja fish tacos also offer a delicious taste that many enjoy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and made with love."

"I loved the Baja fish tacos; they were so yummy."

"I found the Baja fish tacos to be well cooked and yummy."

Good to know

1

Bottomless mimosas are available on Sundays.

2

Bingo nights and game day specials are popular events.

3

Half-price pizza is offered on Mondays.

03
Tere Taqueria y Antojitos image 1

Simple, no-frills setup creates a cozy and cheerful atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavor. The place draws a crowd looking for affordable, generous portions and quick service. It stands out for delivering a clean environment that feels like a slice of Mexico City.

Tacos al pastor and quesabirrias stand out with full-size portions and bold flavors. The green salsa and pozole add authentic touches, while prices stay affordable without skimping on quality.

Tacos come in full size portions with no skimping. The tacos al pastor and tacos de asada stand out for their flavor, especially with the green salsa. Pollo tacos and blue dough sopes add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were phenomenal."

"I found the food here to be really good and authentic."

"I think the tacos de asada are the best Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday special offers 3 tacos for $6.

2

The food comes out in less than 10 minutes after ordering.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

04
Casa Lara Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers great tacos including carne asada and birria, paired with beer and micheladas. Atmosphere supports dancing and lively socializing, with a taco cart outside the late bar adding to the scene.

Tacos stand out with carne asada and birria varieties. A taco cart operates outside the late bar, adding to the Mexican food scene.

Carne asada and birria tacos stand out with strong flavors. A taco cart operates outside the late bar, adding to the casual vibe.

People are saying

"I loved their carne asada and birria tacos."

"I loved their carne asada and birria tacos."

"I thought the food here was the best in town."

Good to know

1

Drinks cost around $12-15 each at the restaurant.

2

A taco cart is available outside the late bar for late-night snacks.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for live music performances.

05
EL FARO MEXICANN CUISINE image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a quiet, warm family atmosphere and diverse Mexican dishes draws steady crowds. The vibe stays chilly inside but service feels welcoming. Late hours and long lines show steady popularity despite modest decor.

Burritos stand out with steak versions noted as especially delicious. Chicken tacos and chimichangas also receive strong praise, while the mole is described as perfect.

Chicken tacos stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. Birria tacos come with a hearty price around 27 dollars for a combo including drinks.

People are saying

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

"I found the steak burritos to be delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is now called Bello's instead of El Faro.

2

EL FARO MEXICANN CUISINE is open late.

3

Parking is available but can be limited.

06
Carmina's Mexican Restaurant and Banquets image 1

Mexican restaurant with a newly remodeled and beautifully decorated space featuring colorful murals and a spacious banquet room. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and pleasant for events to festive and lively with live guitar and DJ performances. Known for excellent margaritas and delicious traditional dishes like enchiladas and chicken mole.

Offers authentic Mexican food with dishes like enchiladas, chicken with mole, and mega fajitas. Margaritas stand out as a notable drink choice.

Pastor tacos stand out as a favorite and likely go-to order. Shrimp tacos and steak Alambre also feature as delicious options alongside enchiladas and taco plates.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here has a vibrant atmosphere with energetic music."

"The pastor tacos here were phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

The restaurant hosts special events like Christmas parties with live DJs.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure proper setup.

07
Taqueria Parrilla Azteca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and live singing from staff heard in the kitchen. The vibe is intimate and relaxed, suited for enjoying authentic tacos like al pastor and lengua. Prices lean toward the higher side, reflecting the quality and delicious flavors of the food.

Tacos stand out with Al Pastor, tongue, and steak options that taste authentic and fresh. Chips and salsa come very tasty, and the taco salad features crisp lettuce and non-greasy tortillas.

Al Pastor and tongue tacos stand out for their flavor. Steak tacos come with tomato, lettuce, and cream but vary in quality and price.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tongue tacos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $80 for a meal for five people.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

08
Pueblito Escondido image 1

Restaurant space sits a few steps down with a speakeasy feeling and bright, colorful decor. Atmosphere feels cozy and charming with live Colombian traditional music enhancing the vibe. Guests enjoy authentic Colombian food paired with standout cocktails like mojitos and house margaritas.

Smoky, tender carne asada tacos and sweet, spicy al pastor tacos with pineapple stand out. Fresh tortillas, quesabirria tacos, chicken flautas, and mole add rich, authentic flavors.

Quesabirria tacos stand out with rich, savory flavor and pair well with chicken flautas. Al pastor tacos offer a sweet, spicy, pineapple twist, while carne asada tacos bring a smoky, tender, well-seasoned bite.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are generous."

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

"The quesabirria tacos here have awesome flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect potential wait times during busy hours.

2

The restaurant has a 4% credit card fee not included in menu prices.

3

Menu items may not always be available, so check before ordering.

09
Taqueria La Rosa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a homey atmosphere and booth seating. Tacos stand out as authentic and flavorful, drawing a crowd that appreciates traditional flavors. The space feels dated but clean inside, maintaining a consistent vibe over time.

Tacos stand out with authentic flavors like al pastor and carne asada that taste fresh and remind of Mexico. The menu also features roasted chiles and horchata, adding to the genuine Mexican food experience.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. The al pastor and azada tacos offer a spicy kick with roasted chiles and salsa that remind of Mexico.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Tacos are priced at $4 each, which may be considered high.

2

The restaurant is open late, making it convenient for late-night meals.

3

Menudo is served only on weekends, so plan accordingly.

10
Sammy's Mexican Grill and bar image 1

Mexican restaurant with spacious terrace and impressive bar area offers a fun atmosphere lively with live music and sports on TVs. The vibe blends a vacation feel with friendly energy, attracting groups for drinks and games. Decorations add charm while margaritas and flavorful dishes stand out.

Big burritos packed with meat and Jalisco tacos stacked with steak stand out here. The jumbo fish in Baja tacos and fresh, hot steak fajitas add variety, while the salsa served with chips is notably flavorful.

Tacos here feature juicy, tender steak and plump shrimp packed into generous portions. The Baja tacos come with jumbo-sized fish, and the Tacos de Lomo use thin ribeye for a flavorful bite.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is the spiciest and most flavorful I've ever eaten."

"The fajitas here are huge and delicious."

"I found the quesabirrias and Tacos Jalisco to have awesome, juicy meat."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially after 5 pm.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with meals averaging over $35 per person.

11
Taqueria El Cokito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with homemade tortillas and generous portions creates a charming, family-owned vibe. Quiet surroundings support a relaxed atmosphere, while free chips accompany individual taco orders. Outdoor picnic tables offer additional seating beyond the limited indoor area.

Tacos here burst with authentic flavor and come in generous sizes at a lower price than many spots. Homemade tortillas and both red and green salsa add to the delicious, traditional experience.

Tacos come bursting with flavor and are about twice the size of those at well-known spots nearby. Varieties like al pastor and taco de lengua stand out with amazing taste and generous portions.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is bursting with flavor, especially the perfectly seasoned meats."

"I found the tacos here bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.

2

Expect at least a 15-minute wait for orders if not placed in advance.

3

The tacos cost $3.75 each, which is reasonable for the portion size.

12
La Flor Taco Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open view kitchen and extensive menu offers a clean, no-frills dining experience. Background music adds to a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Known for variety of tacos and authentic Mexican sodas.

Tacos stand out with great flavor and variety like asada, al pastor, and fish. Burritos are well-filled and flavorful, including chile relleno options. Menudo offers a balanced spice profile that is neither too spicy nor bland.

Steak tacos stand out with tender, well seasoned meat and authentic flavors. Fish tacos come hot and crispy, while barbacoa and al pastor tacos offer great flavor and variety.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordably priced."

"The tacos here are incredible, especially the steak."

"I found the steak tacos to be amazing and crispy."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos every Tuesday evening.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $20 per person.

3

The menu includes a wide variety of Mexican sodas and vegetarian options.

13
El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican atmosphere and loud, lively energy that fills the space. Open 24 hours with a drive-through service and a clean, maintained building. The crowd grows jolly later in the evening, creating a vibrant dining experience.

Carne Asada Burrito and steak burritos stand out for their flavor and size. Authentic Mexican dishes like tacos, tortas, and quesadillas come straight from the grill with fresh ingredients.

Huge tacos with steak, cabeza de res, and lengua stand out here. The taco dinner offers authentic flavors and a wide variety of meat and veggie options.

People are saying

"I thought the authentic Mexican food here had the best flavor."

"This place is a great late night spot for cravings."

"The tacos here are huge and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

Expect wait times of 20-30 minutes during peak hours, even late at night.

3

Drive-thru service is quick, with minimal waiting even during busy times.

14
El Paraiso image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with drive-thru service and loud music creates a lively atmosphere. The menu offers wide variety of options, including large, flavorful tacos. Dining options include both dine-in and carry-out, with late hours available.

Tacos come in very big portions and taste authentic and delicious. Burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas offer huge servings with classic sides like rice and beans.

Tacos come very big and delicious, with options like steak tacos the Mexican way and great chicken tacos. The taco maker is friendly, and the tacos offer excellent value for their size.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and amazing."

"The food here is delicious and cooked perfectly."

"I found the tacos and burritos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost around $4 each, which is higher than average for similar restaurants.

2

The drive-thru is convenient for quick takeout orders.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for late-night food.

15
Taqueria Chapala image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with a strong aroma of food upon entry. The space feels welcoming and clean, attracting families and those seeking large portions. Tacos and grilled chicken stand out as popular and flavorful choices.

Tacos stand out with big portions and authentic flavors like al pastor and rotisserie chicken. Burritos, fajitas de camarón, and torta de milanesa de res are well cooked, with grilled onions and serrano peppers adding a nice kick.

Tacos come in big portions with grilled onions and serrano peppers that add a nice kick. Options like asada and al pastor stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"These tacos are excellent and packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"This Mexican food is delicious and authentic."

"The grilled chicken here is slow-grilled with amazing spices and flavors."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for 99 cents each.

2

The half chicken meal with rice and beans costs under $14.

3

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menu.

16
El Faro Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers loud music and a casual, laid-back atmosphere suited for groups. Generous portions and fresh ingredients define the menu, with popular tacos and burritos. Parking can be challenging, but prices remain very reasonable.

Burritos and tacos come in large portions with just the right size for a satisfying meal. The al pastor and steak options stand out, paired well with guacamole and horchata.

Tacos and burritos stand out as popular choices here. A small taco dinner with beans, rice, and horchata costs around $10.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great for the price."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and the staff friendly."

"I enjoyed the tacos and burritos here."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available for under $10 a plate.

2

Parking can be difficult; expect to circle for a spot.

3

Street parking is available on surrounding blocks.

17
El Patio Mexican Restaurant Tequila & Mezcal image 1

Outdoor patio overlooks a river and hosts live music with entertainers. Walls feature colorful murals and tables sit close together. The vibe stays chill and friendly with a great atmosphere throughout.

Carne Asada steak stands out with rich flavor, paired with homemade salsa that is thick and fresh. Tacos and burritos deliver authentic taste, complemented by warm salsas and tasty tortillas.

Carne asada and birria tacos stand out for their flavor. The cachetada tacos offer a unique taste, and the steak tacos come with flavorful chips and salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is full of flavor and tastes like it was made with love."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Karaoke nights are popular on Thursdays, starting at 10pm.

3

Menu prices are higher than average for similar restaurants.

18
Emily's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with glowing paint skulls and dope wall art creates a unique visual vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and friendly, often feeling empty but welcoming. Known for tasty tacos al pastor and reasonable prices, it offers a calm dining experience with a full bar and sports on TV.

Tacos al pastor stand out with their flavorful and delicious taste. Birria tacos and loaded steak burritos also feature as must-try dishes, with burritos generally praised for their quality and size.

Tacos stand out with birria, al pastor, and carne asada varieties. Birria tacos offer rich flavor, while al pastor and steak tacos pair well with green salsa.

People are saying

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

"The al pastor tacos tasted like Mexico."

"I thought the tamales were amazing and all the options were great."

Good to know

1

Chips are not complimentary and cost 50 cents each.

2

Dipping sauce for birria tacos incurs an extra charge.

3

The restaurant opens later than advertised, often around 10:20 am.

19
Las Gorditas De Don Angel #4 image 1

Small space fills with casual, family atmosphere and background music that adds to the cozy, welcoming vibe. Tables are close together, creating an intimate setting. The place offers authentic Mexican dishes with a focus on gorditas and burritos.

Gorditas stand out with their freshly made, generously filled quality and bold flavors like chorizo and potato. Burritos and tacos also deliver consistent, great taste with a balance that avoids excess oil.

Tacos feature tender, juicy meat with flavorful fillings like carne asada and chicharron prensado. Options include taco pirata varieties that stand out for their taste.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and fresh."

"I thought the Mexican food gorditas here were the best I ever had."

"The tacos here are tender, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Barbacoa is available only on weekends.

2

Menudo is only served on Sundays.

3

Parking was a hassle at Las Gorditas De Don Angel #4.

20
Bellos Restaurant of Elgin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small interior creates an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere with a warm, inviting vibe. Quiet setting suits relaxed meals, often busy despite limited space. Entrance features a large step, which may challenge accessibility.

Offers a wide range of authentic Mexican dishes beyond typical tacos. The Alambre Steak with in-house corn tortillas and combo enchilada dinner stand out for their flavor and quality.

Tacos feature rich flavor with options like tacos al pastor and Birria tacos. Beef is used consistently across dishes including grilled tacos and burritos.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic."

"The tacos al pastor had great flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging due to congestion in the area.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a 4% fee applies for card payments.

21
Casa Tequilas Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful skull murals and neon signs creates a vibrant atmosphere. Music varies from quiet to loud, influencing the energy and conversation ease. Many booths and a kids' movie channel make it suitable for families.

Grilled chicken tacos offer very flavorful meat, while the fajitas come with three meats and shrimp on a sizzling hot skillet with balanced vegetables. The queso cheese dip and crispy chips pair well with salsa that balances spice and freshness.

Tacos here feature super flavorful chicken and a standout El Diabla steak taco that mixes chorizo with ground jalapeño for bold taste. Shrimp tacos and quesadillas also deliver excellent flavor and solid value.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and totally worth it."

"The chicken tacos here are super flavorful and juicy."

"I found the chicken tacos to be super flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not yet serve alcohol due to pending liquor license approval.

2

Tacos are priced around $4 each, but quality may vary.

3

The menu offers a variety of food and drink options, including alcohol once the license is obtained.

22
Los Comales Elgin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican-themed restaurant with a spacious dine-in setup and a drive-thru window for quick service. Atmosphere ranges from super chill to very lively, attracting taco fans looking for fast, late-night options.

Steak tacos stand out as a favorite, especially on Taco Tuesday with great deals. Burritos, tortas, and tacos deliver authentic Mexican flavors paired with drinks like horchata and lemonade.

Steak tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Taco Tuesday offers a great deal on a variety of delicious tacos including asada and especiales.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, delicious Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"The Drive Thru tacos are the best I've had in town."

"I thought the tacos here were fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos, making it a popular night.

2

Drive-thru and curbside pickup are available for convenience.

3

Expect a chaotic pay-at-the-counter system during busy hours.

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