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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Northwoods

Mexican food spots

You want authentic Mexican food that fits into your regular dining rotation.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Manny’s Biscuits & Gravy Cafe image 1
Manny’s Biscuits & Gravy Cafe image 2
Manny’s Biscuits & Gravy Cafe image 3
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Casual cafe with homey atmosphere and friendly, family-oriented vibe offers a calm setting enhanced by live violin music and slot machines. Walls display local artwork, creating an unassuming yet pleasant space. The place attracts families and solo diners seeking a relaxed breakfast experience.

Food offers rich, flavorful tastes with generous portions. Dishes come across as super yummy and satisfying.

Chilaquiles verdes stand out with a great amount and rich flavor, especially with chicken. Huevos rancheros offer a simple but fantastic taste that feels like home cooking.

People are saying

"These biscuits and gravy are some of the best I've ever had."

"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the food here was the best breakfast around."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak brunch hours.

2

The cafe now serves burgers under the name EL SOCIO.

3

The menu features a wide variety of American and Mexican dishes.

02
Javi Mexican Grill Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a traditional atmosphere and friendly, welcoming environment. Music videos and a prank channel play on TVs, adding a casual vibe. Known for authentic, flavorful tacos and burritos with reasonable prices and good portion sizes.

Food comes out quickly with great flavor and quality ingredients. Dishes taste very authentic and offer excellent value.

Birria tacos and tacos de asada stand out with authentic flavors. The salsas complement dishes like Carne Asada a la Tampiquena and huevos rancheros well.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the steak tacos were the best."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Parking is free in the lot, making it convenient for diners.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

03
Sky Banquets image 1
Banquet hall

Banquet hall offers spacious, beautifully decorated rooms with unique, elegant themes like Paris and Eiffel Tower motifs. Lighting and décor create a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for dinners and dancing. Ample parking and high-quality service support smooth, memorable events.

Birria stands out as a flavorful dish here. Drinks like piña colada and margaritas complement the Mexican food well.

People are saying

"The staff here really made my party feel special and saved me stress."

"The food was delicious and beautifully presented."

"The Mexican food here is an exquisite treat."

Good to know

1

Sky Banquets offers full service, making it suitable for all types of events.

2

Parking at Sky Banquets is ample, unlike several other banquet halls.

3

The venue experienced a power outage that lasted over an hour during an event.

04
Gorditas Liselena image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, spotless Mexican restaurant offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with a shaded patio. The vibe stays consistently good throughout the day, evoking a homesy taqueria feel. Known for authentic gorditas, spicy salsa, and unbeatable prices, it stands out for cleanliness and a welcoming environment.

Food here is authentic Mexican with exquisite seasoning and consistently delicious flavors. Meals come at an affordable price and the hygiene and preparation standards are high.

Gorditas stand out with their authentic, delicious flavors and good size, letting you try many kinds. Tacos and quesadillas also impress, paired with fire salsa and very affordable prices.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and freshly made."

"The Mexican food here, especially the gorditas, is really tasty."

"You've got to try their handmade gorditas; they're not greasy."

Good to know

1

$1 Taco Day happens every Wednesday, making it a busy time.

2

The menu is limited to gorditas, tacos, and burritos.

3

Expect a clean environment with spotless floors and tables.

05
Carnitas La Central LLC image 1

Small local grocery store offers authentic Mexican food with well-stocked shelves and fresh, flavorful carnitas served hot. The atmosphere is busy with lines forming regularly due to its popularity. Prices are high but considered worth it for the quality and variety available.

Food features authentic Mexican dishes including fire-prepared options and a variety of side dishes. Gorditas stay warm in the oven rather than on display, and some dishes can be salty.

Carnitas come fresh and hot with rich, satisfying flavor. Gorditas de carnitas and chicharrón offer delicious variety, and the menudo on weekends has a well-balanced taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food carnitas were the best I've ever had."

"I found the carnitas to be the best I have ever had."

"I found the carnitas to be the best in all the suburbs."

Good to know

1

Mojarras are only available on Fridays.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are generally higher than average for similar food options.

06
Carnicerias Jimenez image 1

Large supermarket with Latin American products and a taqueria offers a lively atmosphere filled with the aroma of fresh hot food and produce. Bright, clean aisles stay well-stocked, attracting many customers who appreciate great deals and a wide variety of exotic foods.

Exotic Mexican foods and fresh hot food fill the air with appealing aromas. Many different dishes and bakery items are made fresh daily, all offered at reasonable prices.

A large store with a taqueria offers exotic Mexican foods like tamales and menudo on weekends. Salsas range from mild to hot habanero, and steak tacos come with guacamole and refreshing Tamarindo drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and fresh."

"This grocery store has an amazing selection of products."

"I enjoyed the tamales, it's a Sunday morning ritual."

Good to know

1

The store has a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

2

Expect amazing deals at the butcher counter.

3

Carnicerias Jimenez offers a broad selection of Latin products.

07
La Cocina de Maria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, homey atmosphere with a charming patio that seats larger groups. The vibe is warm and welcoming, reflecting a local community feel. Large, tasty margaritas complement authentic dishes like flavorful tacos and traditional horchata.

Food features authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and a variety of salsas in different heat levels that enhance the dishes. The meals deliver a taste experience that feels like being in Mexico.

Tacos stand out with authentic flavors and a variety of salsas that range in heat to boost the taste. Dishes like birria ramen and pozole offer rich, traditional Mexican profiles, complemented by drinks such as horchata and margaritas.

People are saying

"This Mexican food felt like being in Mexico."

"The food here is great, especially with the outdoor seating."

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices at La Cocina de Maria are very reasonable.

2

Outdoor seating and live music are available during warmer months.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness.

08
Carnitas Chepa & Groceries image 1

Grocery store offers authentic carnitas known for being melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned. Family-owned spot features a takeout-only setup with a steady line that moves quickly. Weekend menus include tortas and menudo, creating a lively, flavorful experience.

Food quality varies widely here. Some dishes show top tier preparation, while others come off as horrible and overpriced for what you get.

Melt-in-your-mouth tender carnitas come with warm handmade tortillas and fresh salsas. Portions are generous and the red salsa stands out for its flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I’ve ever tried."

"The carnitas here are melt-in-your-mouth tender and delicious."

"I fell in love with their carnitas; they were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

You don't sit down; you order by the pound and take your food to-go.

2

The place only offers takeout (carry-out).

3

There was a line to place my order, but it moved quickly.

09
Mariscos El Vallartazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with loud live music and tight seating creates a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere. Weekend bands play regional tunes, often making conversation difficult. Seafood offerings are fresh and diverse, though some dishes include imitation ingredients.

Food stands out for its great taste and big plates. The menu offers a variety of drinks alongside consistently delicious dishes.

Mexican food here offers a range from very spicy to mild dishes. Free appetizers like ceviche and tostadas come with meals, and margaritas complement the enchiladas well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and never disappointing."

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

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

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times for food during busy weekend hours.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to your bill.

3

Prices can escalate quickly, especially with drinks.

10
Los Girasoles Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small spot with limited seating offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere that feels family-like. Authentic traditional Mexican dishes include best breakfast tacos and notable pozole, served in a welcoming setting.

Food here is well-seasoned and delicious with a quick Mexican style. The atmosphere feels cozy and the service is friendly.

Burritos and tamales stand out with authentic flavors and generous portions. Tacos like chicken and el pastor come with salsa, rice, and beans that hit the mark for classic Mexican food.

People are saying

"I loved the rice and beans with their dinner deals."

"I'd go back for the burritos."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no prices listed on the menu, making budgeting difficult.

2

Expect to pay around $35 for a meal for two.

3

The restaurant is small with limited seating, so arrive early.

11
El Coco Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant offers a family-like atmosphere with a comfortable, welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds to the experience when weather permits, accompanied by enjoyable music. Known for amazing margaritas and authentic dishes, it provides good value and unique specials.

Authentic Mexican dishes deliver great flavor and excellent quality. Food pairs well with margaritas, creating a satisfying meal experience.

Pork Pastor burrito offers great value, especially on Wednesdays. Half-price tacos and margaritas on Tuesdays and Thursdays make for affordable authentic Mexican food. The mole sauce stands out as some of the best, and dishes like chile relleno tacos and hard shell chicken tacos are solid choices.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the $1.50 tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

"The Date Spots here have amazing steak tacos and chile relleno."

"I thought the food here was delicious and hot."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

Half-price margaritas are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

3

Burrito prices are reduced on Wednesdays.

12
El Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint Mexican restaurant offers a large menu with reasonable prices and a pleasant atmosphere. Popular for Taco Tuesday specials, it serves standout dishes like carne asada tacos and cubana tortas.

Food offers great flavor and a variety of tasty options. Prices are reasonable and the overall quality is consistently good.

Salsa served as appetizers is amazing and always on point. Tacos, especially the carne asada with cilantro and onion, and the cubana torta stand out as very good. Chilaquiles and carne en su jugo are also notable dishes here.

People are saying

"You have to try the carne en su jugo and chilaquiles."

"I found the food here to be great and flavorful."

"I loved the delicious carne asada tacos with cilantro and onion."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos and drinks.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays due to popularity.

3

Prices for tacos are significantly lower on Taco Tuesdays.

13
Food Market La Chiquita image 1

Grocery store offers modern floor tiles and a privatized game room for comfort. It maintains a spotless, well-organized environment with fresh produce and a wide variety of Latino and international foods. Bakery and restaurant areas stand out for quality and cleanliness.

Offers a great variety of foods, especially Latin-based dishes and international options. Food quality is consistently very tasty with friendly, excellent service.

Tacos come with a good amount of rice and beans but are on the smaller side. Handmade quesadillas, large sopes, and freshly made carnitas stand out, along with a pico de gallo salsa that packs flavor.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of Latin food here."

"This grocery store is spotless, from the floors to the vents."

"I thought the Mexican food here was delicious, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

The car show features activities suitable for all ages.

2

The grocery store offers a wide variety of international foods.

3

Expect clean and organized aisles throughout the grocery store.

14
Don Javi Taco Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers modern, clean decor with both indoor and outdoor seating that suits warm days. Atmosphere stays quiet and trendy, attracting a steady flow of customers. Food features in-house made chips and tortillas, with a focus on authentic tacos and salsas.

Food offers authentic Mexican taqueria flavors with consistently great taste and outstanding quality. Meals look as good as they taste, making it a spot worth returning to for lunch or dinner.

House-made tortillas and chips stand out alongside shrimp tacos with onion and cilantro. Burritos feature fresh ingredients like steak, egg, and avocado, while refried beans have a unique, rich flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was really good."

"I loved the steak burrito, packed with tender meat and fresh ingredients."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves carnitas and menudo on weekends.

2

The grand opening is scheduled for this Saturday.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for a meal.

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Northwoods, West Chicago

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