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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Waukegan

Mexican food

Made for those who seek out the depth and variety inherent in authentic Mexican cooking.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Forastero's Tako Restaurante image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic flavors and fresh corn tortillas. Warm vibe and friendly staff create a welcoming space. Large portions and reasonable prices make it a great choice for genuine Mexican food lovers.

Authentic Mexican food features freshly made corn tortillas and a wide variety of options like El pastor tacos, chorizo quesadillas, and corn tamales. The menu offers reasonable prices and includes drinks like micheladas.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious tacos, especially the lengua."

"The food here is so authentic and fresh."

"I've never had Mexican food this good; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The menu features a wide variety of authentic Mexican food options.

2

Parking is ample across the street from the restaurant.

3

The restaurant only accepts cash payments.

02
Tacos El Vale image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with ample parking and a clean storefront buzzes with quick pick-up orders. Authentic tacos shine with fresh, flavorful meats like al pastor and carnitas. Green chilaquiles and churros add tasty variety to the Mexican food offerings.

Tacos here are fresh with flavorful meat like al pastor and carnitas. Green chilaquiles and churros offer authentic, tasty options alongside excellent tacos and burritos.

People are saying

"The green chilaquiles here are so tasteful and authentic."

"The salsa here is rich, complex, and full of flavor."

"I found this place to be a real hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer $2 tacos, a great deal for budget-friendly dining.

2

Parking is ample and convenient for easy access to the restaurant.

3

The dining area is small, so expect a cozy atmosphere.

03
The Pink Cactus image 1
Restaurant

Bright, festive decor and traditional Mexican touches create a lively vibe. Authentic dishes like perfectly cooked wings and tacos shine. Cozy, modern space suits young crowds despite loud music and tight seating.

Menu features authentic dishes like tacos, chilaquiles, wings, and burritos. Flavors come through strong, with perfectly cooked wings and tropical mules complementing the meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"This Mexican food is a flavor bomb, truly phenomenal."

"It's a kid-friendly spot where the staff is nice and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

An 18% gratuity is added to each check without prior notice.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait before placing your order during busy times.

04
Drip and Culture - Socially Minded Coffee image 1

Coffee shop inside a Mexican grocery store offers a speakeasy vibe with cozy seating and 80s nostalgia decor. Fresh, authentic Mexican food from the lunch counter pairs well with perfect lattes. Community feels warm and welcoming, making it a chill space to relax or work.

Super fresh, authentic Mexican food comes from a lunch counter right next to the coffee shop. Pairing tacos with perfect lattes offers a unique combo of Mexican cuisine and coffee.

People are saying

"I had the best coffee I ever experienced here."

"The unique menu flavors were delicious and creatively designed."

"I was surprised by the authentic Mexican food and coffee pairing."

Good to know

1

Drip and Culture is located inside the Supermercado Gonzalez, at the back of the store.

2

There is easy parking available in the parking lot in front of the grocery store.

3

The coffee shop offers a wide variety of drinks, including many unique matcha options.

05
Liguez image 1
Restaurant

Modern spot serves bold chilaquiles and fresh quesadillas with flor de calabaza. Cozy, family-friendly vibe pairs well with spicy burritos and clean, relaxed space.

Green and red chilaquiles stand out with bold flavors and a spicy kick. Quesadillas with fresh ingredients like flor de calabaza and chorizo offer solid options. Burritos, especially the chorizo and breakfast varieties, come with rich accompaniments like salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and well cooked."

"The bathroom here was spotless and smelled wonderful."

Good to know

1

The bathrooms are very clean and well-maintained.

2

Expect longer wait times during busy weekend brunch hours.

3

There is a parking lot in the back with security cameras.

06
Master Sushi & drive thru image 1

Bright, cozy spot blends Japanese-South Korean decor with a clean, modern vibe. Shrimp tacos with an Asian twist and salmon tacos shine alongside the Master Burrito and fresh guacamole. Drive-thru adds convenience to this welcoming, music-filled space.

Tacos stand out with shrimp tacos featuring an Asian twist and salmon tacos offering unique flavors. The Master Burrito and sides like street corn and guacamole complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and high quality."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I had ever tasted."

"I thought the shrimp tacos were excellent and unique."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a drive-thru for quick takeout orders.

2

Prices are affordable, typically under $15 for a quick lunch.

3

The establishment maintains a high level of cleanliness throughout.

07
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 1

Stylish spot serves upscale Mexican cuisine with unique dishes like Korean tacos. Modern interior and festive decor create a lively, cozy vibe. Live Mexican music and DJ sets add vibrant entertainment that draws a social crowd.

Offers upscale Mexican cuisine with a sophisticated vibe. Features unique dishes like Korean tacos and Flor de Jamaica tacos alongside excellent cocktails.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and beautifully plated."

"The happy hour tacos and margaritas are excellent and a great price."

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

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.

08
Live Star Bar Banquet Hall Inc image 1

Banquet hall shines with flavorful tacos and perfectly cooked enchiladas. DJ music and slot machines create a lively vibe. Pricing offers incredible value for parties and events.

Tacos stand out with packed flavor and perfect cooking. Enchiladas also deliver strong taste and quality.

People are saying

"It's a great time here for a party or just to hang out."

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

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

Good to know

1

The venue offers great packages for hosting events.

2

Karaoke nights are popular and provide a fun atmosphere.

3

Pizza is available by the slice for quick snacks.

09
Cemitas Frida Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy tender carne asada tacos in a lively spot with colorful decor and good vibes music. Freshly cooked dishes like pozole and agua fresca bring authentic Mexican flavors in a cozy setting.

Tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender carne asada, especially on huaraches and sopes. The menu also features alambre tacos, red and green pozole, and fresh agua fresca made to order.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and authentic."

"I found the tacos to be full of meat and flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Cemitas Frida Restaurant offers a variety of menu options including Alambre tacos.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

3

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathrooms.

10
La Fondita Restaurante Mexicano image 1

Cozy spot offers fresh handmade corn tortillas and authentic dishes like birria tacos and squash blossom quesadilla. Quiet vibe suits those seeking a chill meal with heavenly horchata and unique vegetarian options. Family cooking creates a warm, home-like feel.

Fresh handmade corn tortillas stand out alongside authentic dishes like pambazos and squash blossom quesadillas. Drinks such as heavenly horchata complement a menu featuring guacamole, guaraches, machetes, tortas, and burritos.

People are saying

"The handmade tortillas here are amazing with the Mexican food."

"These tacos are amazing and full of tender meat."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The menu features unique options not commonly found elsewhere.

3

Prices have increased recently, so check the menu before ordering.

11
Tamalería Doña Amada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant serves authentic tamales and handmade quesadillas with quick service. Family-friendly atmosphere suits kids and military personnel, offering mild spice levels and affordable prices. Traditional dishes like pozole verde add variety to the menu.

Tamales stand out with their fluffy, meat-filled textures and are consistently hot and flavorful. Handmade quesadillas and tacos offer a homemade taste, while pozole verde and menudo add variety to the authentic Mexican menu.

People are saying

"These tamales are the best I've ever had in the USA."

"These tamales are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I tasted the best handmade quesadillas I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Arrive early as tamales and champurrado sell out quickly.

2

The restaurant offers a full menu beyond just tamales.

3

Prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

12
Taqueria El Primo image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space with a relaxed vibe and cozy modern design fills quickly. Authentic Mexican tacos like lamb barbacoa and carnitas offer unbeatable value, attracting many students. Prices start as low as $1.75, making it a top spot for affordable, tasty eats.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic Mexican flavor and fresh ingredients. Options like lamb barbacoa, carnitas, and beef head tacos come at reasonable prices, with some tacos costing as low as $1.75.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos and quesabirrias, was the best."

"I found the prices here were super affordable."

"The salsa here is spicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost $1.75 each, making them very affordable.

2

The taco dinner costs $7.99 and includes four tacos with rice and beans.

3

Burritos are priced at $5.99.

13
Isla del Mar # 2 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, crowded spot buzzes with live music and a family-friendly atmosphere. Mexican-style seafood shines in ceviche and spicy salsa verde. Clean space and fair prices make dining easy and fun.

Complimentary salsa verde and ceviche start the meal, with the salsa packing a spicy punch. Tacos come out with rice and tortillas, featuring excellent seafood and solid Mexican flavors.

People are saying

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

"I found the seafood langostinos here to be amazing and finger-licking good."

"You have to try the langostinos; they did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

Parking is available with no complaints from visitors.

2

The restaurant can get packed, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a good option for families.

14
Super Mercado El Mexicano image 1

Grocery store shines with authentic Mexican products and a taqueria serving fresh, affordable meals. Tacos with carne asada and spicy red salsa are a must-try. Clean, comfortable space with plenty of parking makes shopping easy and enjoyable.

Tacos with carne asada and spicy red salsa stand out for their flavor. The taqueria offers homemade elotes, burritos, beans, and rice at affordable prices.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious tacos with carne asada and red salsa."

"I found this grocery store to be a very nice place."

"I found the made-to-order food and tons of options to be great hidden gems."

Good to know

1

The store has a strict no pets policy.

2

The taqueria offers great prices and fresh food.

3

The flauta dinner costs less than $10.

15
Monica's Diner image 1

Compact diner offers a cozy atmosphere with a Latin feel and affordable prices. Known for spicy Mexican breakfasts, especially chilaquiles with crisp chips and salsa verde, it serves generous portions that satisfy hearty appetites.

Chilaquiles stand out with crisp chips and a salsa verde that has just the right kick. Portions come solid, and the rojos version tastes like a traditional family recipe.

People are saying

"This diner has great prices and you get big portions for the money."

"The breakfast staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, tasted like my great grandma's."

Good to know

1

The diner has limited seating, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to wait if you visit during peak hours due to small size.

3

There is a $1.00 upcharge for eggs as of May 2025.

16
La Mexicanita grocery store #1 image 1

Offers authentic tacos and homemade salsas with fresh El Milagro tortillas. Busy spot with a food counter serving hot carnitas and tortas. Shelves stocked with Mexican staples and fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Tacos, carnitas, and tortas come hot and ready with authentic flavors. The store offers El Milagro tortillas, homemade salsas, and a variety of Mexican staples like rice, guacamole, and horchata.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic Hispanic food at this grocery store."

"I thought the tacos here were the best."

"I loved their authentic Mexican food, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

The store has a small bakery with fresh bread available daily.

2

Expect the store to get busy during peak hours.

3

They offer great specials on various grocery items.

17
El Famous Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food shines with meaty burritos and tacos de asada topped with fresh cilantro. The restaurant blends an old building exterior with a clean, peaceful interior and a patio for outdoor dining. Cash-only and featuring a drive-thru, it offers convenience alongside authentic flavors.

Burritos stuffed with Asada stand out for their meaty, satisfying quality. The menu also features tacos de asada with cilantro, salsas that are excellent, and dishes like azada burritos, sopes con chorizo, and tongue tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, well-prepared, and a great value."

"I thought the burrito was the best I ever had."

"I thought the burritos were the meatiest Mexican food I ever had."

Good to know

1

El Famous Burrito accepts only cash payments.

2

The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru options.

3

There is an ATM on site at El Famous Burrito.

18
Paulina's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot serves handmade tortillas and well-seasoned steak tacos under $3.00. Enjoy a homey atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors and exquisite sauces. Prices stay affordable for a casual, local dining experience.

Handmade tortillas and masa-based gorditas in various flavors stand out here. Steak tacos come highly seasoned, and prices stay reasonable with tacos under $3.00.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic, with handmade tortillas and seasoned steak."

"The food here is delicious, authentic, and well-seasoned."

"The steak tacos here have the most seasoned steak I've had."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost less than $3.00, making it an affordable option.

2

The chef emphasizes fresh ingredients, which may lead to longer wait times.

3

The restaurant is known for its clean environment.

19
Chicken Miche image 1
Restaurant

Colorful decor and beautiful artwork create a warm, welcoming vibe. Tacos and a standout chimichanga offer authentic Mexican flavors. Spacious interior and outdoor patio make it great for groups and pets, while the spicy salsa bar adds unique zest.

Tacos feature excellent flavor and come in both hard shell and soft varieties. The authentic Mexican dishes include a standout chimichanga and some of the best salsas around.

People are saying

"The tacos de tripa were fantastic and crispy."

"You'll love their salsa bar; it's authentic and spicy."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, excluding al pastor.

2

The restaurant has a salsa bar and daily specials.

3

Indoor dining is available for guests.

20
Los Perez Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lively Mexican spot serves authentic handmade tortillas and dishes like chilaquiles bomba and mole. Large portions fill a colorful, busy space that feels warm without air conditioning. Expect a vibrant dining experience with bold flavors and hearty meals.

Authentic Mexican dishes like handmade tortillas, chilaquiles bomba, and mole stand out here. The menu features flavorful options such as carne asada, tacos, tamales with red mole, and sope of tinga, all prepared with care.

People are saying

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

"The breakfast here is flavorful, especially the chilaquiles."

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

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Sunday evening.

2

The restaurant charges $4 for card payments.

3

Takeout orders are accommodated well, especially for longer drives.

21
Mi Jacalito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide space buzzes with loud band music creating a lively vibe. Authentic Mexican dishes like al pastor tacos and pozole shine with fresh, bold flavors. Cozy, quiet corners offer a unique contrast to the energetic sound, making dining both fun and relaxing.

Tacos stand out with fresh ingredients and no hidden fat, especially the carne asada and al pastor varieties. Pozole and authentic enchiladas also impress, while chicken flautas and crunchy chips served with custom salsa cups add to the experience.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos outstanding and so good."

"I thought the pozole's flavor was a perfect 10."

Good to know

1

Tuesday is Taco Tuesday with a great sale.

2

The prices are fantastic and the specials help.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

22
Euforia Café image 1

Cozy café offers chilaquiles with green and spicy red sauces, perfect for Mexican food lovers. Zodiac-themed decor and soft jazz create a calm atmosphere ideal for relaxing or working. Dog-friendly policy and comfortable seating make it great for casual meet-ups.

Chilaquiles stand out with both green and spicy red versions that get consistent praise. Freshly made bagels and a variety of food options complement the menu well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and top-notch."

"I found the coffee here to be delicious."

"The green chilaquiles here are really yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so street parking may be necessary.

2

Expect wait times of 30-40 minutes during busy hours.

3

Euforia Café is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

23
Mariscos Mi Pueblo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large space buzzes with live bands and dancing, perfect for lively nights. Menu shines with shrimp tostadas and vegetarian burritos full of fresh flavors. Families and party groups enjoy energetic dining and authentic Mexican tastes.

Vegetarian burritos come packed with fresh ingredients and strong flavor. Horchata drinks balance sweetness well. Tacos, quesadillas, and shrimp tostadas offer solid, authentic Mexican tastes.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the vegetarian burrito."

"I found it to be a great rental for parties."

"I found the shrimp tostadas to be the best seafood."

Good to know

1

Weekend dances are available at El Pueblito Restaurant.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events at El Pueblito Restaurant.

3

They charge $1 for takeout containers.

24
American Place Casino image 1

Spacious casino offers easy parking and a lively vibe with DJs and live bands. Mexican food shines with quesabirra tacos and fresh guacamole. Multiple dining spots and a vibrant bar scene complete the experience.

Tacos stand out with quesabirra and Asian-Mex twists. Guacamole and chips come fresh and flavorful. Flautas and enchiladas with green sauce offer solid traditional options.

People are saying

"The dealers and staff here are so friendly and make it fun."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

"The Mexican food here is great, thanks to Bella's excellent service."

Good to know

1

The casino regularly hosts fun activities and promotions throughout the year.

2

Karaoke night occurs every Thursday, starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

3

Friday promotions include games like cornhole with chances to win free play.

25
Lucky Scottie Restaurant image 1

Historic building hosts a lively speakeasy-style bar with live DJ music and a fun vibe. Enjoy $2 Taco Tuesdays with fresh tacos and complimentary chips and salsa. Cocktails like superb Negronis add to the flavorful food and inviting atmosphere.

$2 Taco Tuesdays offer a great deal with tasty tacos. Enchiladas and tacos come out delicious and fresh. Complimentary homemade chips and salsa add to the meal experience.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Italian food here is so delicious and creamy."

"The enchiladas here are so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with $5 drinks available.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer $2 tacos, making it a popular night.

3

The kitchen closes early on show nights, so arrive in advance.

26
Taqueria Guerrero #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cramped space offers a cozy atmosphere with a family-friendly vibe. Tacos shine with bold flavors, especially al pastor and lengua. Unique Micheladas and great music complete the authentic Mexican experience.

Tacos here feature tender meat and bold flavors, especially the al pastor and lengua tacos. The ceviche tostadas are homemade and fried by hand, adding a fresh seafood option with a crispy texture.

People are saying

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

"The meat in the tacos and torta is so tender."

"I considered this the best place for ceviche."

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.

27
El Rey Del Pollo Asado image 1
Mexican restaurant

Narrow space inside an old pizza hut creates a cozy atmosphere with a family-friendly vibe. Flame-grilled chicken shines alongside authentic tacos priced well at $6.50 for two. Busy spot known for Latin-style roasted chicken and flavorful carne asada burritos.

Tacos come with authentic seasoning and a good price of $6.50 for two. The menu features flame-grilled chicken, carne asada burritos, and steak quesadillas that stand out for their flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection."

"The food from the drive thru is fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours; takeout is recommended.

2

The restaurant charges a fee for credit or debit card payments.

3

Lunch specials offer great value, typically around $10 for a meal.

28
La Mexicanita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior and outdoor patio create a relaxed vibe with romantic music. Authentic Mexican dishes like huge steak tacos and fresh guacamole shine alongside creative margaritas. Families enjoy wide, reasonably priced options in a well-decorated setting.

Huge steak tacos and fresh guacamole come in large portions. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes like mole de olla, fajitas, and cheese quesadillas with rich flavors.

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 ordered the steak tacos dinner and considered them the best tacos I have ever had."

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.

29
Riviera Nayarit Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood shines with octopus tostadas and generous shrimp cocktail. Decor features fish nets and large fish displays creating a lively, family-friendly vibe. Weekend energy peaks with live music and multiple TVs showing sports and wrestling.

Octopus tostadas stand out with good flavor. Shrimp cocktail and fish tacos come in generous portions. Mixta tostadas mix jaiba, shrimp, fish, octopus, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Quesadillas taste like typical homemade with store-bought meat.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp empanadas were really tasty seafood appetizers."

"The live music here was energetic and took requests."

Good to know

1

Prices at Riviera Nayarit Seafood are subject to change without warning.

2

The menu does not specify differences between cash and card prices.

3

Expect to pay more than the listed prices on the menu.

30
El Sabrocito Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant serves well-seasoned tacos and hearty menudo in a cozy atmosphere. Prices stay very affordable, perfect for quick meals. Burritos come with beans and cheese, with options to add rice or fillings.

Tacos come in a nice size and are well seasoned, though some like the tongue tacos can be flavorless. Burritos include beans and cheese by default, with extra fillings costing more, and rice can be added.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"This Mexican food is really good and well seasoned."

"I thought their tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant mostly caters for takeout.

2

The burrito only comes with beans and cheese; other fillings cost an extra dollar each.

3

Prices are generally good compared to other restaurants.

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