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Salsa spots in Waukegan

A bowl of spicy salsa is the essential companion to a meal of Mexican food.

Based on 493 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Liguez image 1
Liguez image 2
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Restaurant

Modern restaurant offers a clean, cozy atmosphere with tasteful decoration and pleasant vibes. The space feels family-friendly and relaxed, making it suitable for casual dining. It maintains a spotless environment that enhances the overall comfort.

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.

Salsa roja stands out with its spicy kick and accompanies dishes like chilaquiles and breakfast burritos. Salsa verde also appears as an option, adding variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

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

"The salsa roja here is spicy and amazing."

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.

02
Tacos El Vale image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area offers a cozy atmosphere with a clean storefront and ample parking nearby. The place buzzes with efficient pick-up orders, attracting those seeking quick, flavorful Mexican food. Tacos stand out for their authentic taste and fresh, flavorful meat.

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.

Salsas include a delicious salsa verde and a couple of spicy options. Staff offers extra salsa samples to help choose. Two main salsa choices are solid but adding more would be nice.

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
Taqueria El Primo image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space fills quickly with a relaxed vibe and cozy modern design. Affordable prices attract a steady crowd, especially students from nearby high school. Known for authentic Mexican tacos and unbeatable value, it offers some of the best tacos and tortas in the area.

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.

Salsas here are consistently tasty and very spicy with an authentic kick. The rice and green salsas stand out as favorites.

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.

04
La Fondita Restaurante Mexicano image 1

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a home-like atmosphere created by family cooking. Quiet and chill vibe with authentic, fresh dishes like birria tacos and squash blossom quesadilla. Unique menu offers vegetarian options and handmade specialties not commonly found elsewhere.

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.

Chips come with fresh salsa that looks light but packs a spicy kick. It pairs well with birria and Gorditas served with beans and rice.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is excellent and the service is great."

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.

05
Chicken Miche image 1
Restaurant

Colorful decor and beautiful artwork create a relaxing atmosphere with a warm, welcoming vibe. Spacious interior and outdoor patio accommodate groups and even pets. Micheladas and spicy salsa bar add unique flavors to the dining experience.

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.

A salsa bar offers a variety of authentic and spicy salsas. The salsas stay fresh and complement meals like the family combo well.

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.

06
Mi Jacalito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide space fills with loud band music creating a lively atmosphere. Authentic Mexican dishes like huaraches and al pastor tacos stand out for freshness and flavor. Cozy, quiet vibe contrasts with energetic sound, offering a unique dining experience.

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.

Crunchy chips come in custom ceramic salsa cups. Salsas are delicious and flavorful, standing out from typical Mexican spots. Extra salsa comes with a charge.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos outstanding and so good."

"The salsa here is delicious and flavorful."

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.

07
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.

Steak fajitas and mixed fajitas with chicken, steak, and shrimp come in great portions and taste authentic. Complimentary appetizers include fresh ceviche, tostadas, and salsas, with a notable homemade tortilla aroma from women preparing them at the front.

Salsas come in a variety of heat levels, including a very hot salsa that servers warn about and milder options. The salsa verta stands out as a chef specialty, and the chip salsa offers a unique spicy flavor different from typical dips.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp and squid fajitas were super tasty with great portions."

"The salsas served with the ceviche were good."

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.

08
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.

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.

Fresh chips come with an assortment of salsas that cover a wide range of flavors. Salsas arrive in a sealed plastic bag to avoid spills during takeout.

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 loved all the fresh, homemade salsas and chips."

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.

09
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.

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.

Spicy salsa in the red plastic bottle delivers a perfectly spicy kick that burns the tongue in a good way. Other salsas vary, with some tasting bland while overall they are pretty good.

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.

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Waukegan, Illinois

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