A Local’s Guide to Chicago’s Best Mexican Spots
via Mariscos San Pedro
With summer coming up quickly, it’s the perfect time to highlight some of the amazing and authentic Mexican restaurants in Chicago, ranging from finer dining destinations to more casual taco spots…
Elevated Spots for a
Sit-Down Meal:
Mariscos San Pedro (1227 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL; 312.508.4700}
Led by the talented trio of chefs behind some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants (think Le Bouchon, Obelix and Taqueria Chignon), Mariscos San Pedro is a lively Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Pilsen. The menu offers a beautiful blend of Mexican-seafood dishes with highlights like Behemoth Oysters, Snapper Ceviche & Camarones Zarandeados alongside a seriously enviable cocktail, wine + beer list. Sharing a space with music venue Thalia Hall, Punch House cocktail bar, and Tack Room piano bar, a dinner at Mariscos San Pedro can easily turn into an epic night out in Pilsen. They are open for dinner service (every day except Wednesday) as well as weekend brunch.
Cerdito Muerto {1700 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL; 312.933.9168}
Cerdito Muerto is the second iteration of a beloved Pilsen family business formally known as The Poolhall & Tacos Palacio. Owner + founder Emidio Oceguera transformed his family’s business into a new, speakeasy style cocktail bar and Mexican-American restaurant in 2025 showcasing a contemporary menu infused with authentic Mexican staples.
Cerdito Muerto's beverage program is of the highest caliber, incorporating fresh squeezed, clarified juices, from-scratch syrups & cordials, and their famous homemade squirt soda into their cocktails. They are open Wed-Sun for walk-in dinner and drinks.
Mi Tocaya {2800 West Logan Boulevard, Chicago, IL; 872.315.3947}
Located off the bustling Logan Boulevards in Logan Square, Mi Tocaya is a traditional antojera, or a Mexican eatery focusing on “little longings” like appetizers and street foods. Chef and female powerhouse Diana Davila’s menu invites diners to share in her cherished memories of her travels to Mexico, with a thoughtfully curated menu of small, medium and large plates to enjoy, with standouts like Enchiladas Potosinas, Pulpo a la Parilla and Chamorro de Puerco en Mole Negro. They are open for dinner service from Sun-Sat which can be enjoyed in their vibrant interior dining room or on the relaxing sidewalk patio.
Leña Brava {900 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL; 312.733.1975}
Famed Chef Rick Bayless has become synonymous with Mexican food, opening a multitude of beloved Mexican restaurants around the city including West Loop’s Leña Brava. The ownership torch has been passed over the years and in 2024, they welcomed Chef Brian Enyart to revamp the menu, putting Leña Brava back on the city’s radar. The menu focuses on the Baja region exclusively, with a highlight on proteins, using an entirely wood-fired kitchen to cook each dish. Some must-order dishes for seafood fans include the shareable seafood platter, Baja Mariscada, the Baja Parillada and the Coal-Fired Tacos Gobernador and you certainly can’t go wrong with any of the crisp cervezas or Baja wines. Perfect for work lunches, group outings and date nights, Leña Brava is open for lunch, dinner and happy hour daily.
via Tacombi
Casual Taco Stops:
Tacombi {Multiple Locations}
What started as a humble taco stand on the beaches of Yucatán has turned into a beloved taco destination with locations all across the US. Tacombi has two prime Chicago addresses, one in the heart of Wicker Park and the other in the West Loop, making it an easily accessible spot to stop in for some tacos during your neighborhood explorations. Their menu is simple and straightforward, with a unique variety of tacos, like Baja Crispy Fish, Beef Birria and Crispy Chicken Tinga, as well as burritos, quesadillas and a knockout list of fresh margaritas and other beverages. Both Chicago Tacombi locations are open daily from 11am-11pm with breakfast available all day.
QuesaBirria Jalisco {1314 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL; 773.771.2123}
QuesaBirria Jalisco continues to be rated one of, if not THE best birria tacos in Chicago and is definitely a must visit when visiting the Pilsen neighborhood.
The tacos start with a cheese quesadilla shell filled with two corn tortillas that are all dipped in rich, birria broth consomé, and filled with your choice of either beef, chicken, shrimp or veggies. QuesaBirria Jalisco is open Wed-Sun for lunch & dinner and is a cash or Venmo ONLY restaurant, so come prepared!
via Diego
Diego {459 North Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.291.8449}
Diego is West Town’s go-to destination for flavorful Mexican eats, hand-crafted margs and fun patio vibes. Brought to you by Chefs Stephen Sandoval and Oscar Sotelo, their menu features taco platters, a variety of hot plates and an assortment of appetizers meant for sharing. Diner favorites include the loaded Carne Asada Fries, TJ Hamburguesa and Gobernador Shrimp Taco. Sit back and relax on Diego’s corner patio with some authentic bites and a hand-crafted cocktail in hand. Diego is open for dinner service Tues-Sun and weekend brunch.
Tatas Tacos {4929 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL; 773.685.6002}
Female and Latin-owned, Tatas Tacos serves up delicious tacos, margaritas and Mexican specialities in Chicago’s Portage Park. Their tacos are inspired by authentic Latin flavors with Mexican flair, incorporating unique ingredients into the toppings and using only the freshest corn tortillas, made daily in-house.
Taco offerings include classics like Chorizos con Papas and Mole Chicken, as well as unique craft tacos like Sirena (bacon-wrapped shrimp) and Da’Harley (smoked chopped brisket). And because no taco outing is complete without a margarita, make sure to try out one of Tatas 9 different margarita flavors or go big with their 5 liter Margarita Tower. Tatas is open daily for lunch and dinner.
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager