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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Joliet

Salsa spots

Salsa that brings actual depth and heat rather than just being a bland tomato dip.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Japos Tacos y Antojitos image 1
Japos Tacos y Antojitos image 2
Japos Tacos y Antojitos image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican tacos with super fresh ingredients and varied meat options. Atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, with reasonable prices that encourage seconds or thirds. It operates with a family-owned vibe and draws a crowd looking for quality after workouts or late nights.

Food arrives hot and fast with authentic flavors that stand out among Mexican options. The dishes consistently deliver delicious and amazing taste experiences.

Salsa offers heat without overwhelming salt, making it stand out from others. The salsa verde shines with fresh, vibrant flavor. Overall, the salsas are delicious and well-balanced.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and super fresh."

"The food here is amazing, truly the best tacos I've had."

"I thought the tacos al pastor were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Japos Tacos y Antojitos is open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

They do take card but there's a 3% charge.

3

Prices are reasonable for individual orders or meals with rice and beans.

02
Azul Celeste Bar and Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern, clean space with a spacious layout and intimate lighting creates a laid-back atmosphere. Latin music and live baseball games add to the upbeat vibe. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican tacos and excellent margaritas in a warm, inviting setting.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a focus on high quality Mexican dishes. Service complements the fabulous food and drinks well, making meals enjoyable.

Salsas here stand out with amazing flavor and come served before the meal. Chips come with a spicy salsa that pairs well with dishes like steak tacos and queso fundido.

People are saying

"The steak and shrimp tacos were amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the food here was just awesome."

"The salsas here are amazing and well-complemented with the tacos."

Good to know

1

Half-price margaritas are available on Thursdays.

2

The restaurant is cash only, so bring cash or use the ATM.

3

They charge a 4% fee for credit card payments.

03
Tonto Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with colorful decor and slot machines creates a lively, cozy vibe. Friendly atmosphere fills the room with good music and ample seating. Regulars enjoy well-seasoned steak tacos and some of the best burritos around.

Mexican food here is authentic and delicious, with burritos that stand out for their flavor. The dishes consistently deliver a satisfying and genuine taste experience.

Three different sauces come made from scratch, including an avocado salsa and a spicy red salsa. They range from mild to hot and all taste very good.

People are saying

"The birria tacos are amazing, tender, and gooey."

"I thought the burrito here was the best I've ever had."

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

Good to know

1

The prices at Tonto Burrito are affordable.

2

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

Breakfast burritos are served all day long.

04
Taqueria Los Paisanos #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a modern design and cozy atmosphere offers a family-friendly environment filled with loud music and close seating. The space feels beautiful and comfortable despite tables being tightly arranged. It stands out for its exceptional steak and birria tacos rarely found in suburban areas.

Authentic Mexican flavors stand out with delicious salsas and quick service. The food feels like a vacation with amazing taste that impresses at gatherings.

Four different kinds of salsa arrive with chips, each tasting homemade and free from chemical flavors. The salsas complement dishes like birria with consommรฉ, adding delicious variety to the meal.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is really good, especially with the chips."

"The shrimp fajitas were perfect, with a good amount of ingredients."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes for the price.

2

Expect a busy lunch crowd if you arrive after noon.

3

In-house made tortillas enhance the authenticity of the dishes.

05
Burrito Guacamole image 1

Restaurant offers salsa and hot sauce bar with a variety of options and a drive-thru for quick service. Atmosphere feels unassuming with simple building design and ample parking. Menu features large portions of authentic Mexican dishes with standout items like steak tacos and quesabirrias.

Food here is absolutely delicious and authentic Mexican with generous portions. The dishes taste great and consistently impress with their flavor.

A self-service salsa bar offers a large variety of salsas from mild to super hot. The salsa includes rich flavors and a perfect spice level, with options like orange salsa and pickled carrots available on a sauce cart in the main lobby.

People are saying

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

"The tacos from the Drive Thru are fresh and delicious."

"I loved the large variety of salsas, from mild to super hot."

Good to know

1

The drive-through makes it a quick trip for lunch.

2

There is plenty of parking space available.

3

Portion sizes are generous for the price.

06
Mi Rancho Mexican Food image 1

Small, cozy space offers a warm and homey atmosphere with authentic Mexican cuisine featuring handmade tortillas and flavorful steak dishes. The vibe is inviting and casual, attracting those seeking genuine flavors and homemade desserts. Food quality stands out as above average in the area.

Food here stays hot, fresh, and flavorful with a menu full of authentic Mexican dishes. Service is quick and friendly, making the overall experience consistent and satisfying.

Salsas here have a nice kick and the perfect amount of spice. Options include green and red salsas plus fresh Pico de Gallo and salsa Verde that add great flavor to dishes.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so flavorful, like eating tacos in Mexico."

"The Salsa here is always served by friendly and helpful staff."

Good to know

1

Free chips and salsa are provided for first-time customers.

2

Food is typically ready within a few minutes of ordering.

3

Portion sizes are generous, often enough for two meals.

07
Puerto Escondido image 1
Mexican restaurant

Interior features traditional Mexican pottery, leather chairs, and a small fountain, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The space feels like a late 1890s Mexican ranch study with authentic decor. It attracts those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh seafood and handmade tortillas.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with handmade tortillas and a homemade style. Dishes are consistently tasty, satisfying, and well-prepared.

Handmade tortillas come with mild green salsa that is flavorful and red salsa with a balanced kick. Both salsas complement the dishes well.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas here; they're exceptional."

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

Good to know

1

Expect large portions that offer great value for the price.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean and spotless environment.

3

Prices are fair considering the quality of food served.

08
Taqueria Los Paisanos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with authentic decor featuring old restaurant pictures creates a cozy atmosphere. Food focuses on Mexican specialties like birria and quesabirria tacos, praised for quality and flavor. Prices remain very affordable, attracting those seeking good value in a compact setting.

Food here is genuinely authentic Mexican with standout dishes like menudo and chicken tray served with handmade tortillas. The flavors stay consistently delicious and excellent across visits.

Salsas here have a thick texture and a tangy flavor that stands out. They come with house-made chips and complement dishes like the half-chicken platter with rice and beans.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be genuinely authentic."

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

Good to know

1

There isn't a lot of parking in the area around Taqueria Los Paisanos.

2

The prices at Taqueria Los Paisanos range from 10-20 dollars.

3

The portion sizes are small but good.

09
Los 2 Carnales Mexican Restaurant & Bar image 1

Dining area offers a clean, inviting atmosphere with friendly energy and music that encourages dancing. The space includes ample off-street parking and a large open layout. Food features generous portions with standout tacos and strong margaritas.

Food stands out for its delicious and consistently good quality. Service is friendly and attentive, complementing the large open dining area and ample parking.

Salsas here stand out for their excellent quality and great flavor. The tomatillo salsa offers a mild spice that pairs well with the chips, especially the chip salsa.

People are saying

"The steak dinner here is so flavorful and juicy."

"The salsa and pickled vegetables here are excellent."

"The food here is delicious and really tasty."

Good to know

1

Half-priced tacos are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

The restaurant has a large open dining area with off-street parking.

3

They automatically add a tip starting at 18% to all bills.

10
El nuevo Supermercado y carnitas Jose image 1

Supermarket offers wide variety of traditional Mexican foods with freshly made tortillas and authentic spicy salsas. Atmosphere is clean and well-stocked with affordable prices. Limited parking affects convenience but does not impact the overall experience.

Food stays fresh and includes made-to-order options like carnitas, sweets, and bread. Cooked dishes offer delicious flavors consistently.

Salsa comes in a molcajete, offering a spicy and authentic flavor. The Salsa Roja de Molcajete stands out for its balance between mild and hot.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas and salsas to be extremely good Mexican food."

"I found the carnitas here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The carnitas here are delicious and the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; consider street parking in the neighborhood.

2

Handmade tortillas are available on weekends, a must-try.

3

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

11
Ta Canijo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setup inside a gas station creates a convenient location with cool decor. Atmosphere feels unwelcoming with indications of poor customer service. Tacos and burritos often receive praise for freshness and flavor, though portion sizes and pricing raise concerns.

Food comes out fresh and hot with fantastic taste. Prices stay reasonable while delivering consistently amazing quality.

Salsa comes in a single spicy but flavorful option with orders. Only three small salsas come free, and extra ones cost $0.25 each. Chips and salsa offer good value.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and reasonably priced."

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

"The tacos here are authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Ta Canijo is located inside a gas station next to Dunkin'.

2

The restaurant opens at 10am, limiting breakfast options.

3

Prices are reasonable, but portion sizes have become smaller.

12
Habanero Mexican Fine Cuisine image 1

Wooden chairs and booths with engraved words create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere complemented by outdoor seating. The place offers authentic Mexican dishes like mole sauce and habanero steak, paired with notable margaritas. The vibe stays friendly and fun with very low background music.

Food here is consistently fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine. Service is friendly and complements the great taste and quality of the dishes.

Salsa here comes with free house chips and offers free refills. The salsa de arbol stands out as extremely spicy and flavorful, while all salsas are fresh and tasty.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and well seasoned."

"You have to try the chicken enchilada with mole sauce; it's the best."

"Their salsa is delicious, spicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 11am to 4pm.

2

Tuesdays feature half-price house margaritas.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment throughout.

13
Machetes Puebla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a family-friendly, homey atmosphere with moderate music volume and a cook who sings loudly. The place draws groups for its generous portions and authentic machetes and salsas. It feels like eating at a relative's house, combining comfort with lively energy.

Food arrives hot and flavorful, showcasing authentic Mexican dishes made with care. The menu offers consistently delicious and well-prepared options in a small, welcoming setting.

Salsas come with roasted onions and peppers adding depth to the flavor. Warm salsa served with chips stands out as a favorite. Each salsa offers a distinct taste that complements the chips well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of authentic flavor."

"The Mexican food here, especially the machete, is massive and perfect for sharing."

"I loved the warm salsa they served with the chips."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $4.00 each.

2

The restaurant charges an 18% gratuity for groups of four or more.

3

There is plenty of parking available.

14
El Gallo De Acero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers ample, well-lit dining space with a clean, non-pretentious atmosphere. The menu features large portions of authentic grilled meats and tortillas, attracting crowds for takeout. Prices remain very reasonable, making it a popular spot for hearty meals.

Food arrives promptly and is well-packaged. Meat cooks to medium well with some char on request, offering authentic Mexican flavors with excellent taste and good value.

Salsa here is flavorful and spicy, served on the side to add extra heat. It stands out as a sleeper hit that complements dishes well.

People are saying

"The takeout pollo adobado was marinated to perfection."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The salsa is flavorful and nice and spicy."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, making it an affordable option for meals.

2

Expect a wait time of about 20 minutes during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

15
El Molcajete Mexican restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with loud music and TVs playing American shows in English creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Tacos and margaritas stand out for their authentic, bold flavors. The setting resembles a fast food style spot but offers big flavor in its dishes.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with tasty tacos and consistently delicious dishes that stand out for their quality and flavor.

Chips come cold and salsa arrives in to-go cups. Each sauce offers a unique twist, ranging from tangy salsa verde to spicy red salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is really good."

"This burrito's tender pork and Fritos offer an explosion of savory goodness."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Monday and Tuesday offer special deals on tacos.

2

Bring cash to avoid ATM fees, as some vendors may not accept cards.

3

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours on weekdays.

16
El Primo Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with casual, authentic vibe and colorful indoor decor featuring a bar and large dining area with heaters. Outdoor seating offers a cute, enclosed space during colder months. The atmosphere stays chill and lively, though music volume can be high.

Food comes out well cooked and real hot with authentic Mexican flavors. Portions are generous and the overall quality is consistently excellent.

Chips come with flavorful salsa that is far from bland. Pickled carrot and pepper add a zesty kick to the start of the meal.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday and Thursday offer $1 tacos and $5 margaritas.

2

Parking is available, but the lot has some big potholes.

3

Lunch specials are available for $8.99, including a steak burrito.

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Joliet, Illinois

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