3 Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago, IL

Expert-recommended Top 3 Mexican Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois. All of our mexican restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

12+ YEARS IN TBR
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XOCO

67 West Illinois Street,
Chicago, IL 60654 Directions

Since 1989

Specialty:

Carnitas and Pipian Baja Chicken Ahogada Pepito Shrimp a La Diabla Herby Cauliflower Shrimp and Camote Oaxacan Fish Beef Barbacoa Chicken Tinga Glazed Churros Carnitas Tacos Guacamole S Chips-Guacamole Just Made Short Rib Tacos Mexico City Thick Champurrado Wood-Roasted Chicken Pozole Michelada Pistachio Churro Oaxacan tlayudas Caldos

"XOCO provides authentic flavors of Mexican food at reasonable prices. The menu features comforting favorites like flaky empanadas, crispy churros, frothy Mexican hot chocolate, crusty tortas, and hearty caldos served piping hot. Enjoy their famous tortilla soup, which features a rich pasilla chile broth with roasted, crispy tortilla strips, tender chicken breast, creamy avocado, artisan Jack cheese, and a dollop of homemade crema. XOCO is the ideal place to enjoy a mouthwatering menu with family and friends. The restaurant also provides a happy hour and a cocktail menu. XOCO offers unique gift cards.

2026 Update: XOCO emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, echoing the spirit of a Mexican marketplace. Guests can watch the culinary team prepare dishes in an open kitchen, adding to the lively and transparent atmosphere. XOCO restaurant practices sustainability through local sourcing and environmentally conscious operations."

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Best New Restaurant in 2010 by Time Out Chicago
Good Food 100 in 2017-2019

Price:

TACOS:
Crispy Mushrooms, Salsa Macha $16
Chipotle Shrimp $18
Oaxacan Fish $18
Beef Barbacoa $17
Chicken Tinga $15
Carnitas $15
TLAYUDAS:
Tender Mussels, Local Ramps $22
Traditional $14
Add House-Made Chorizo, Grilled Or Crispy Chicken +$3
Caldos (Meal-In-A-Bowl Soups)
Our Famous Tortilla Soup $14
Pozole $14
Smoked Chicken Or Pork Carnitas
Platillos (Served After 4pm)
Chicken Milanesa $22
Wood Oven Flank Steak $24
Roasted Veg Enchiladas $20
Carnitas Enchiladas $20
SNACKS:
Oaxacan Spicy Peanuts $5
Chicharrones $7
Papas Rancheras $8
Sikil Pak $10
Chips & Salsa $7
EntréEs
Guacamole Breakfast Sandwich $12
French Toast $12
Add Bacon +$3
Huevos Rancheros $13
Add Chorizo +$3
Chilaquiles $13
Add Pork Belly +$3
Breakfast Tlayuda $16

Contact:

(312) 723-2131 (312) 661-1434

Tue,Wed & Sat: 11am - 9pm
Thu: 8am - 9pm
Fri: 11am - 10pm
Mon & Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

12+ YEARS IN TBR
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BIG STAR

1531 North Damen Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60622 Directions

Since 2013

Specialty:

Al Pastor Barbaco Papas Con Rajas Panza Camarones Fritos Krab Tostada Pollo the Walking Taco ENSALADAS: Big Star Brussels Sprout Caesar SIDES and EXTRAS: Frijoles Charros Vegetables En Escabeche Habanero Hot Sauce Crema BITES: Fundido Burrito Dorados Chilaquiles Chorizo & Potato Hash Big Star Nachos Margarita Togo BTL

"Big Star is a lively bourbon and late-night honky-tonk establishment located in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. It features a spacious dining room where you can indulge in delicious Mexican street food, along with other refreshing drinks. With over a decade of experience in the Mexican food industry, Big Star is helmed by Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Chris Millers, who curate an authentic menu of Mexican street food favorites. The restaurant also offers a well-stocked bar for your enjoyment. Big Star excels in providing outstanding catering services for various events and occasions, including private events and food truck services. Additionally, on the first Tuesday of every month, you can join the lively atmosphere with a live DJ spinning tunes at Big Star Wicker Park. To enhance the experience, they offer beer for $3 and shots for $3. If you prefer to dine outdoors, Big Star provides comfortable outdoor seating where you can savor your food in a delightful atmosphere. They are also available to cater to your special events and functions. Bookings are now being accepted at Big Star Wicker Park, and they also have another location at 3640 N Clark Street, Chicago,IL.

2026 Update: They feature one of Chicago’s most popular and spacious outdoor patios, making it a favorite warm-weather destination. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Big Star hosts regular DJ nights and music events."

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Price:

STARTERS:
Big Star Nachos $16.95
Add Al Pastor, Grilled Chicken +$3.95
Add Marinated Skirt Steak +$4.95
Chips & Salsa $5.95
Cheese Sauce $3.95
Queso Fundido $12.95
Handmade Guacamole $6.95
Big Star Salad $12.95
Add Meat +$3.95
TACOS:
Al Pastor $4.95
Pollo $4.95
Carne Asada $6.95
Pescado $6.95
Camarones Fritos $5.95
Panza $5.95
Papas Con Rajas $3.95
The Walking Taco $3.95
Sprout Tostada $4.95
Quesabirria $10.95
BURRITOS:
Carne Asada Burrito $14.95
Pollo Burrito $12.95
Bean Burrito $6.95
Crunch Star Supreme $11.95
KIDDOS:
Kids Quesadilla $4.95
Kids Nachos $4.95
Kids Burrito $4.95
SIDES:
Elotes $4.95
Rice & Beans $5.95
Vegetables Escabeche $2.95
Hot Sauce $0.95
Crema $0.95

Contact:

(773) 235-4039 (773) 252-7767

Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 10pm
Fri: 11:30am - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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FRONTERA GRILL

445 North Clark Street,
Chicago, IL 60654 Directions

Since 1986

Specialty:

Enchiladas Suizas Enchiladas De Mole Pescado en Mojo De Ajo Verde Carnitas De Pato Camarones en Escabeche Pollo en Pipian Chamorro Pibil Oaxacan Carne Asada Carne Asada Brava Tacos Árabes Carnes Al Carbon Para Tacos Trio of Carnes Al Carbon Classic Frontera Ceviche Aguachile De Salmon Cóctel De Camarón Ceviche Trio Oysters Seafood Tower

"Frontera Grill is an authentic Mexican restaurant led by Rick and Deann Bayless. The restaurant is located on Clark Street, just south of Illinois Street, in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The restaurant is decorated with colorful Mexican folk art on the walls and Mariachi music playing. Frontera Grill offers mouthwatering Mexican flavors to its guests. Savor their tender-braised Creekstone short rib served with homemade Oaxacan black mole, queso añejo mashed potatoes, and wood-grilled knob onions. Frontera Grill has three private event rooms. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating.

2026 Update: Frontera Grill is a James Beard Award winner and is frequently recognized as one of the finest Mexican restaurants in Chicago. They offer private dining spaces and custom menus for special occasions and group events."

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License #CORP_54330081

Price:

CLASSIC MEXICAN STARTERS:
"Enchiladas" Potosinas $15
Our Famous Tortilla Soup $14
Corn-Masa Quesadillas, Mexico $15
Sopecitos Rancheros $15
Classic Frontera Ceviche $20
Frontera'S Classic Queso Fundido $15
Smoked Chicken Taquitos, Guacamole $16
Tamales De Elote, Esquites Fritos $15
Guacamole & Chips $19
Individual Appetizer Sampler $21
LUNCH FAVORITES:
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas $23
(Sub Beef Short Rib Or Shrimp Add $4)
Chicken Tostadas $21
(Substitute Shrimp Add $4)
Baja Fish For Tacos $21
Crispy Carnitas For Tacos $23
Carne Asada Brava $38
Oaxacan Carne Asada $48
SalmóN En Salsa De Cacahuate $45
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo Verde $36
Enchiladas De Mole $27
Enchiladas Suizas $27
Enchiladas A La Plaza $23
Wood-Grilled Tacos
Tacos áRabes $27
Carnes Al Carbon Para Tacos $27

Contact:

(312) 661-1434 (312) 595-1625

Tue-Thu: 11:30am - 2pm| 4:30pm - 9pm
Fri: 11:30am - 2pm| 4pm - 10pm
Sat: 10:30am - 2pm| 4pm - 10pm
Sun: 10:30am - 2pm| 4pm - 9pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report: