Chicago’s Best Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond

From laid-back chips and guac joints and birria-fueled cantinas to cheffy takes on south of the border staples.

Taqueria Chingon
Photo courtesy of Taqueria Chingon
Photo courtesy of Taqueria Chingon

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, y’all, and that’s good news for Chicago. Because with crowd-pleasing cocktails, laid-back vibes, and plates packing big and bold flavors, there’s much to love about Mexican restaurants—and luckily, the city is home to plenty of them across its 77 neighborhoods. Whether you’re dining onsite or ordering in, raise a glass to our southern neighbor’s diverse geographical landscape and storied culinary traditions at these standout Chicagoland spots.

Old Pueblo Cantina
Old Pueblo Cantina | Photo courtesy of Alexis Cohen

Old Pueblo Cantina

Lincoln Park
$$$$

This corner cantina has been quick to gain a loyal following for its approachable fare, upbeat environs, and attention to detail like an open-flame grill and guac made to order. Kick things off with an order of chicken or steak skewers, then head straight to the venue’s signature dish: the Sonoran Cheese Crisp, an open-faced quesadilla in a medley of variations (e.g. three-cheese, green chile, and spicy chorizo, to name a few). Pair any of them with a round (or two) of margaritas, which rotate seasonally and span flavor combos like watermelon and jalapeno, pineapple and cilantro, and hibiscus and mint.
How to order: Order takeout and delivery via Toast.

Available for Reservations
Mi Tocaya Antojería
Mi Tocaya Antojería | Photo by Marisa Klug-Morataya

Mi Tocaya Antojería

Logan Square
$$$$

Chef Dana Dávila helms the kitchen at this neighborhood favorite, where she honors her Mexican heritage through striking takes on regional classics. The menu is a thoughtfully composed progression of plates that draw on Davila’s upbringing, from Peanut Butter y Lengua (peanut-based salsa and braised beef tongue) to Enchiladas Potosinas (chile-spiced masa with queso ranchero and salsa). As for cocktails, opt for the “Chicana,” a melding of tequila reposado, concord grape shrub, and cinnamon.
How to order: Order takeout and delivery online.

Available for Reservations
tzuco
Tzuco | Photo by Neil Burger Photography

Tzuco

River North
$$$$

After a year of reconnecting with his native country, chef Carlos Gaytan returned to Chicago in 2019 to open Tzuco, a restaurant that approaches Mexican flavors with honed French techniques. Find the two styles interwoven throughout the menu in optionslike Guajillo-roasted Octopus, Steak Tartare with pickled jalapeno, andGuerrero-style Pork Shank with black bean pureé, pickled red onion, and habanero salsa. Whimsical finales include Sweet Cornbread with caramel popcorn, honey toffee, and saffron ice cream and Rice Pudding served with toasted white chocolate and pink peppercorn ice cream. Brunch is just as exciting, with standouts like Mushroom Cazuelawith salsa macha and goat cheese andFrench Toastwith orange-infused sponge bread, lemon and orange glaze, and fresh berries.
How to order: Order takeout and delivery via Caviar.

Available for Reservations

Mesa Urbana

Lincoln Park
$$$$

This artsy destination boasts a sprawling patio in the heart of Lincoln Park, just steps away from some of the neighborhood’s top attractions. The menu features Mexican dishes with seasonally informed spins, like guacamole with watermelon radish and yellow beets or Pechuga de Pollo with farm-raised chicken and rainbow carrots. Visit for dinner or Sunday brunch, when orders like Chilaquiles and Queso Fundido reign supreme.
How to order: Order takeout and delivery via Toast.

Available for Reservations

La Chaparrita

Little Village
$$$$

If you’re in search of the city's best taquerias, look no further than this Little Village hangout. Perched on the corner on 25th and Whipple away from the hustle and bustle of 26th Street, this joint started out as a true hidden gem—but these days, any taco-lover worth their carnitas has it firmly on their go-to lunch list. And if you somehow missed the memo, you're sleeping on the closest thing Chicago has to an authentic Mexico City taco stand, where nothing costs more than $5 and everything is on point.
How to book: Stop by for counter service.

Available for Delivery/Takeout

5 Rabanitos

Pilsen
$$$$

Owner Alfonso Sotelo came to this neon-splashed Pilsen outpost from Xoco, where he trained under Chicago mega-chef Rick Bayless. So when you eat here, expect long-standing family recipes and contemporary renditions alike, from stuffed jalapenos and enchiladas de mole to goat adobo barbacoa and cochinita pibil. And, of course, it’s all delicious.
How to book: Reserve online or order takeout via Toast.

Taqueria Varitas

Bronzeville
$$$$

This South Side mom-and-pop shop offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner picks with adventurous flavors, plenty of vegan options, little to stress over budget-wise. Bring along a buddy and go dutch on an order of the fully-decked-out al pastor nachos—you’re welcome.
How to book: Stop by for counter service.

Big Star
Big Star | Photo courtesy of H2 Public Relations

Big Star

Multiple locations
$$$$

When this late-night honky-tonk first came to Wicker Park, diehards immediately flocked to the space for bourbon, beer, and dynamite tacos. So when the team announced a second location in Wrigleyville, folks were almost as excited as when the Cubs took the 2016 World Series (almost). The food menu is curated by executive chef Paul Kahan (of icons likeThe Publican and avec) alongsideculinary directorChris Miller, and their Queso Fundido and Pork Belly Tacos are must-trys.
How to book: Reserve via Tock or order takeout and delivery via Toast.

Available for Delivery/Takeout

Cafe Tola & Dona Tola

Southport Corridor
$$$$

There are several locations of this empanada mainstay, but the OG opened its doors on Southport Avenue mere steps away from the team’s more recent debut, Dona Tola. Named after owner Victoria Salamanca’s grandmother, the menu covers all the “abuelita-inspired” bases, from Taquitos al Pastor and Enchiladas del Mar to succulent Pollo Poblano, served alongside a fleet of fancy libations like Tamarind Negronis and smoky Mezcal Old Fashioneds.
How to book: Reserve via Tock or order takeout online.

Blind Barber
Photo courtesy of 1800 Tequila

Aged in both American and French oak barrels and finished in port wine casks, 1800 Cristalino Tequila is an ultra-premium, crystal-clear añejo meant to celebrate life’s special moments with taste. So, this Cinco de Mayo, elevate your experience and raise a glass with 1800 Cristalino instead—your taste buds will thank you.

Dos Urban Cantina

Logan Square
$$$$

For upscale Mexican fare with date night-worthy vibes, this Logan Square stunner is a must (along with their Dos Taqueria location at Revival Food Hall). Try the quesadillas and tacos (Baja-style Fish and Carnitas, respectively), then peruse an array of veg-friendly options like Crispy Cauliflower “Wings” peppered with sesame and cilantro. Post-supper, Coconut Tres Leches is calling—and maybe throw in a slice of their Chocolate Cake, too, touted as one of the city’s very best.
How to order: Order takeout and delivery via Toast.

Available for Reservations

Xoco

River North
$$$$

Chef Rick Bayless is the driving force behindfourof the city’s Mexican mainstays,plus the newest Tortazo at Willis Tower.At Xoco, he offers contemporary takes on regional marketplace staples including tortas,tacos, Oaxacan Tlayudas, meal-in-a-bowlCaldos, and—perhaps their greatest claim to fame—Churros, fried to crispy perfection and dusted with cinnamon-sugar. Try them with a side of chocolate or cajeta (i.e. goat’s milk caramel), or spring for glazed variations like pistachio, hazelnut, or chocolate-peanut.
How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or order takeout via Toast.

Available for Delivery/Takeout
Baha Restaurant
Photo courtesy of Baha Restaurant

Baha Restaurant

Belmont Cragin
$$$$

After years spent working in the food industry (including opening grocery stores Lindo Michoacan and Morelia Supermarkets), brothers Jose H. Mejia and Gustavo Mejia launched their first restaurant last summer as a way of bringing to life the dream of their late brother Carlos. The team specializes in all things mariscos, and orders are as fun as they are flavorful—take, for example, the Torre Sears, a seafood tower honoring Chicago’s architecture comprised of shrimp, crab meat, and mango habanero sauce; or the Chile Relleno Estilo Baha, a play on the classic poblano pepper dish, stuffed with seafood instead of meat or cheese. Pair them up with the Mezcalita Flight (a line-up of four mezcal concoctions) or the Cazuela Tlaquepaque, a dram of tequila reposado, orange and grapefruit juices, and diced fruit served in a colossal clay pot.
How to book: Reserve via Google or order takeout and delivery via Uber Eats.

Available for Delivery/Takeout
Soho House
Photo courtesy of Sueños

Sueños at Soho Friends

Fulton Market
$$$$

After garnering a strong following for his Entre Sueños Experience pop-up dinners, chef Stephen Sandoval debuted this six-month endeavor as part of Soho House’s Soho Chance, an initiative spotlighting local entrepreneurs. The team showcases “borderless Baja” cuisine, with options like tostadas, fish tacos, and wood-fired seafood across the menu. Expect high-quality ingredients and flares of bold flavors throughout, from Snapper Ceviche with smoked leche de tigre and salsa macha to Grilled Bass ladled with green adobo, coconut, and serrano. Drinks don’t disappoint, either—Danielle Lewis helms the cocktail program, a collection of mezcal tipples, sangrias, Margaritas, and Mexican beers. Join for Sunday brunch, when Sandoval serves dishes like the Chilaquiles Rojo and Chorizo Potato—odes to his late grandmother’s recipes.

Available for Reservations

Amor Y Tequila

Roscoe Village
$$$$

This northside newcomer has been turning heads with top-shelf Margaritas, homestyle Mexican eats, breezy patio seating, and a festive atmosphere complete with colorful decor and roving mariachis since landing earlier this year. Menu highlights include Queso Fundido with roasted poblanos and Street Elote to start, followed by tacos served on housemade corn tortillas, and a Molcajetes service for two, presented fajita-style in a traditional hot stone bowl. Pair it all with signature cocktails like the Hamilton (mezcal, basil, fresh lime) or an impressive array of agave-based spirits.
How to book: Reserve via Tock or order takeout via Toast.

Taqueria Chingon
Photo courtesy of Taqueria Chingon

Taqueria Chingon

Bucktown
$$$$

When he’s not whipping up some of the best French food in the city as chef-owner of Le Bouchon, Oliver Poilevey is in the trenches alongside chef and partner Marcos Ascencio (NoMI, Guildhall, Bar Lupo), serving some of the city’s best Mexican fare at this Bucktown taqueria. Inspired by some of Mexico City’s top taco joints, the two opened a space primed for carry-out but welcoming to diners, too, thanks to what will soon be a year-round patio festooned with mural work from Chicago native Rocio Urbano. Take your pick from a medley of signature tacos—namely the Duck Carnitas, a riff on duck a l’orange with date puree, sunchoke-habanero salsa, and Cara Cara oranges, or the Morcillo, a blood sausage taco with
red onion-apple slaw and macha salsa. For dessert, don’t miss the Churros, covered incinnamon-sugar and served alongside crème Anglaise.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order takeout and delivery via Toast.

Family-owned since its 2007 launch, this near-suburban institution recently picked up a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod thanks to its hyperfocus on one singular, unbeatable dish: birria. The fall-off-the-bone goat stew arrives in several different ways—bone-in or boneless, on a platter, in a bowl, or in a tortilla—each buttressed by a heaping helping of cilantro, onion, lime, hot sauce, consomé, and arbol chiles. Lean into the comfort food vibes and snag an extra cheesy Quesabirria or two for the table—you won’t regret it.
How to book: Reserve via Google or order takeout online.

Available for Delivery/Takeout

Perhaps Chicago’s most famous pork-slinger, this venerable Pilsen storefront has been peddling game-changing Carnitas by the taco or the pound since 1975. They’ve picked up a slew of accolades along the way, and while the outpost has tidied up a bit in recent years, the food remains the same: Utterly delicious chunks of crispy on the outside, velvety on the inside, melt-in-your-mouth Carnitas, accompanied by crunchy Chicharrones still warm from the fryer, potato-stuffed Tacos Dorados, and a weekend-only Menudo fit to annihilate even the heaviest of hangovers. Just remember to get there early—once these pros sell out for the day, you’re SOL.
How to book: Stop by for counter service or order takeout and delivery via Uber Eats and Caviar.

Available for Delivery/Takeout

La Luna

Pilsen
$$$$

Mexican comforts get a contemporary twist inside this vibrant Pilsen eatery by way of eye-opening shareables like Ceviche de Camaron, imported Oaxacan Tlayuda with queso cotija, Tempura-fried Red Snapper with chipotle tartar sauce, Mole Lamb Chops flecked with pomegranate and cilantro, and tacos stuffed with everything from slow-cooked birria and cochinita pibil to roasted cauliflower studded with romesco sauce and pistachio. Further stimulate your senses with classic cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas, or ratchet it up a few notches with a fiery Big Mich Mango Pineapple Habanero Michelada (local michelada mix, beer, lime, salt).
How to order: Order takeout and delivery via Toast.

Available for Reservations
Nicole Schnitzler is a Thrillist contributor. Follow her on Twitter at @write_to_eatand Instagram at @WriteToEat.
Meredith Heil is a Senior Cities Editor at Thrillist. She's originally from St. Louis, now lives in Chicago, and in between has been to all 50 states (that's boots on the ground, no airport BS). She enjoys all things cocktails, crosswords, and women's soccer. Challenge her to a game of Hoop Shot at @mereditto.