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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Waukegan

Authentic seafood spots

There is a specific craving for the taste of the ocean that only a meal prepared with traditional methods can satisfy.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Waukegan CM chicken Bobadod image 1
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Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with K-pop music creating a lively vibe. Seating includes comfortable bean bags and a free Pac-Man arcade game adds playful energy. A mini grocery store sells Korean snacks, enhancing the unique experience.

Korean fried chicken here has authentic flavors and is fresh and well prepared. The food tastes like it does in Korea, making it a solid choice for an authentic Korean food experience.

Jjamppong stands out with a seafood medley and spicy broth packed with more seafood than usual. Shrimp chips and crackers add a nice touch alongside dishes like seafood ramen and chicken rice bowl.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, hot, and tasty."

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

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of free parking available.

2

There was no wait when I visited.

3

The restaurant offers good Korean food, snacks, and bubble tea.

02
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 1

Stylish restaurant with a modern interior and festive decor creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Live Mexican music and DJ sets energize the space, drawing a crowd that enjoys vibrant entertainment. Communal seating encourages a social vibe, making the experience feel special and engaging.

Food respects authentic Mexican flavors while elevating them with fresh, quality ingredients. Decor blends authentic and modern styles with vibrant paints and design.

Shrimp features prominently in several dishes, including shrimp pasta, the Golden 24k Salad with shrimp, and shrimp tacos. These dishes are flavorful and well prepared, showcasing the seafood well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and beautifully plated."

"The authentic food here is bursting with flavor and elevated."

"The seafood here is a great choice for special occasions."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks at low prices, typically around $8.

2

The happy hour menu features a variety of specialty tacos.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour with great food options.

03
Taqueria Guerrero #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cramped space with cozy atmosphere and family-friendly vibe creates a welcoming setting. Renovated decor adds quaint charm, complemented by great music that enhances the experience. Unique Micheladas stand out as a highlight among authentic Mexican offerings.

Offers top tier Mexican dishes with a focus on authentic flavors. Serves some of the most genuine Mexican food in the Midwest.

Seafood broth stands out with its freshness and typical Guerrero flavor. Ceviche and seafood cocktails come highly regarded, though some shrimp cocktails taste bland and overly sweetened.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be the best and most authentic."

"You have to try their seafood broth; it's a house specialty."

"I found the most authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 6:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Prices at Taqueria Guerrero #1 are reasonable for the quality of food.

3

The menu offers a variety of options, including a kids menu.

04
La Jaiba Mariscos image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with authentic Mexican aromas from homemade tortillas. Fresh seafood and flavorful dishes like ceviche and seafood boil create a taste of the Nayarit coast. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, supporting a relaxed dining experience.

Women making homemade tortillas at the front create an authentic aroma. The Mexican food offers great value and stays true to traditional flavors.

Seafood here features original Nayarit seasoning and comes in large portions. Dishes like the seafood boil, squid and shrimp fajitas, and fresh oysters stand out for their taste and freshness.

People are saying

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

"You can smell the fresh, handmade corn tortillas being made."

"I loved the authentic homemade tortillas being made right there."

Good to know

1

On-site parking is limited, but there is a parking garage a block away.

2

Credit card payments incur an extra fee, so bring cash if possible.

3

A 17% gratuity is automatically added to the bill without prior notice.

05
La Mexicanita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior with an outdoor patio creates a relaxed, chill atmosphere filled with romantic music. Authentic Mexican vibe shines through fresh, creative tacos and delicious margaritas served in a well-decorated setting. The place draws families and offers wide variety of reasonably priced options.

Food offers a very authentic Mexican taste that reminds you of home. The atmosphere matches the food, creating a genuine and friendly environment.

Shrimp appears in several dishes, especially on tacos and in fajitas. Fried fish also features alongside sides like rice and beans, with drinks like horchata available.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

"I found this place to be my new go-to for seafood."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a wide variety of options, all reasonably priced.

2

The burrito costs $9.99.

3

They give salsa in a sealed plastic bag instead of a cup for takeout.

06
Toluca's Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with spacious, cabin-style decor and live mariachi music creates a lively atmosphere. The vibe shifts from relaxed to energetic, often accompanied by sports on TVs. It hosts a banquet hall suitable for gatherings and casual dinners.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like green chicken enchiladas standing out. The cuisine is consistently delicious and true to tradition.

Fresh fish melts in your mouth across dishes like octopus tostadas, shrimp empanadas, and fish tacos. Menudo and whole fish dinners stand out for their rich flavors.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here, especially the octopus tostadas and shrimp empanadas, is so fresh and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during busy hours.

2

Menu prices may not match the final bill due to weekly changes.

3

Expect larger portion sizes that resemble platters.

07
Big Ed's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Huge, clean space with a cafeteria-style dining area creates a spacious, casual vibe. Live jazz and a full bar add to the lively atmosphere, while comfy couches offer spots to relax. Known for top-tier barbecue and a variety of sauces, it blends great food with a fun, family-like energy.

Authentic BBQ flavors shine through with dishes like mac and cheese, catfish, and greens that capture traditional tastes. The menu offers a genuine Southern BBQ experience that appeals to all ages.

Shrimp and grits stand out as a solid choice. Wings and fried shrimp also deliver consistent flavor over barbecue options.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's some of the best American food around."

"I heard everyone recommending the delicious seafood dishes."

"I found the BBQ here to be truly authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on menu items as they sell out quickly.

2

Free meals are offered on Thanksgiving Day, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Some menu items are only available on specific days, so check ahead.

08
los compadres de waukegan inc image 1

Mexican restaurant with loud music and live entertainment creates a lively, community-focused vibe. Gaming machines add a casual, fun element to the cozy, authentic setting. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, attracting a diverse, loyal crowd.

Authentic Mexican food shines with traditional flavors and a relaxed, community-focused vibe. The setting feels familiar and genuine, offering a straightforward, unpretentious experience.

Shrimp tacos stand out with incredible flavor. Shrimp cocktail features small, tasteless shrimp that contrast with the otherwise enjoyable seafood and liquor offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be phenomenal and extra delicious."

"I loved karaoke night here."

"I enjoyed the great authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Saturday with a two-drink minimum.

2

Expect longer wait times during busy weekend hours.

3

The restaurant does not allow modifications to orders via delivery apps.

09
La Canoa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining halls with hand-painted decor create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that shifts to a nightclub vibe with live norteรฑa music and dancing. Tables accommodate groups comfortably, and a bar area sits separate from the main dining space. The setting blends authentic Mexican style with lively entertainment.

Food here offers very authentic Mexican and Spanish flavors that stand out in the US. The restaurant keeps a traditional style that has lasted over 30 years.

Incredible selection of seafood dishes includes plates, soups, and fajitas with pulpa. The seafood offers spectacular flavor and good quality with a unique regional Mexican flare.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fantastic and unique, especially the stuffed pineapple."

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

"I loved the live music and dancing."

Good to know

1

La Canoa has live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

2

Children are welcome at La Canoa.

3

Expect higher prices than similar restaurants.

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Waukegan, Illinois

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