Best Regional Mexican Restaurants in Evanston

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Zentli

4.9

Exceptional(63)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Evanston

Booked 4 times today

Step into Zentli in Evanston, Illinois, and immerse yourself in an authentic celebration of Regional Mexican cuisine. This vibrant eatery not only serves up "the best Mexican food and margaritas of my life" according to enthusiastic patrons but does so in a setting that honors the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. From the ingenious use of locally sourced ingredients to the meticulously crafted blue corn tortillas and house-made mole, Zentli offers a genuine taste of Mexican street food. The restaurant's atmosphere, adorned with colorful art and murals, complements the depth of flavors in dishes like the praised Pambazo and mole enchiladas, making every meal a delightful experience. As one diner put it, "If you like Mexican food or just want to try some wonderful Mexican food, you gotta go there!"

A photo of La Victoria Barra + Cocina Mexicana restaurant

2. La Victoria Barra + Cocina Mexicana

4.5

Awesome(277)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Logan Square

Booked 23 times today

La Victoria Barra + Cocina Mexicana in Logan Square, Chicago, is a gem for those seeking a vibrant and authentic Contemporary Mexican dining experience. Praised for its "wonderful food and fun ambiance" and dishes that keep guests coming back, La Victoria sets itself apart by creating a festive Mexican fiesta atmosphere. Guests have raved about the "excellent service" and the culinary delights such as the "best Molé I've ever had" and perfectly seasoned carne asada. The restaurant not only offers a taste of Mexico but does so with flair and exceptional hospitality, making it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic yet contemporary Mexican meal.

A photo of ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine restaurant

3. ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(40)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Lake View

Booked 17 times today

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Oaxaca at ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine, a gem nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Lake View, Chicago. Chef Carlos Lopez Muñoz masterfully crafts dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of his hometown with a unique twist by integrating neighboring international elements. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" presentation and "exquisite" flavors, highlighting the Enfrijoladas and Papas Bravas as must-tries. Reviews consistently praise the "authentic and delicious" cuisine, with one delighted diner exclaiming, "Made me feel like I was eating in Mexico at a fine dining restaurant!" ISTMO's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a standout destination for anyone seeking a true taste of Regional Mexican cuisine.

4. Big Star - Wrigleyville

4.4

Awesome(40)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Wrigleyville

Booked 12 times today

Big Star in Wrigleyville, Chicago, is renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, offering an unbeatable combination of delicious tacos and a vibrant atmosphere, especially popular on Cubs game days. Guests rave about the "fantastic and full of flavor" tacos and the "super good tequila options." The restaurant is celebrated for its "great food and even better margaritas," ensuring every visit is memorable. Patrons particularly love the fish tacos, recommending them as a must-try. With its prime location across from Wrigley Field, Big Star is the perfect spot for pre-game dining, providing "fast service" and "amazing pours" of bourbon at fair prices. This spot is a true gem for anyone seeking quality Tex-Mex in Chicago.

5. Big Star Wicker Park

4.6

Exceptional(38)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 8 times today

Situated in the bustling Bucktown / Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Big Star Wicker Park is a gem for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for its vibrant taco-slinging atmosphere and a commendable single barrel bourbon program, this restaurant is a local favorite. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" food quality and the "excellent handmade tortillas" that make each meal memorable. The eclectic menu features standout items like the pork belly tacos and the much-loved vegetarian-friendly walking tacos. Reviewers consistently mention the "great food, drinks, and people watching," making it the perfect spot for a casual outing. The quick and friendly service complements the delicious dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience. With its great vibes and top-notch margaritas, Big Star Wicker Park is hailed as a "go-to" place for Tex-Mex lovers in the city.

6. Cafe El Tapatio

4.6

Exceptional(331)

Price: Expensive

• Regional mexican • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 5 times today

Cafe El Tapatio in Lakeview, Chicago, stands as a beacon of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, expertly crafted by the Parra family for nearly half a century. This vibrant eatery not only excels in traditional favorites like tacos and burritos but also in unique dishes such as crepas de pollo, inspired by frequent culinary explorations in Mexico. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with one saying, "the food was BEYOND delicious and reminded me of my mother." The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "fun and festive" with a "HUGE outdoor patio," perfect for enjoying their acclaimed margaritas and churros. Cafe El Tapatio is celebrated not just as a restaurant but as a cornerstone of the community, consistently providing a warm, welcoming experience that keeps guests returning for decades.

7. Ceiba

4.9

Exceptional(29)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Lincoln Park

Booked 7 times today

Ceiba - Restaurant & Lounge in Lincoln Park offers a vibrant dining experience with a blend of modern cuisine and relaxed elegance. Enjoy expertly crafted dishes and innovative cocktails in a stylish setting that invites both casual gatherings and special occasions. Join us for a memorable culinary journey where every meal is a celebration.

A photo of Kie Gol Lanee - Logan Square restaurant

8. Kie Gol Lanee - Logan Square

new

5.0

Exceptional(1)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Logan Square

Booked 7 times today

Logan Square is home to our second Kie-Gol-Lanee location with the first one being in the Uptown neighborhood, recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020.Kie-Gol-Lanee is a family owned restaurant, ran and operated by the Mendoza Ramos family since 2016. “Kie Gol Lanee” is the phonetic spelling of “Quiegoloani” and the name of the small village in Oaxaca, Mexico where we are from: Santa Maria Quiegolani, which means “piedra antigua” in our Zapotec language. We take pride in offering a dining experience that connects you with our rich Oaxacan culture. Each recipe comes from our grandparents and parents with a touch of our own flavor inspired by watching them cook while growing up. We've have been fortunate to be recognized by the Michelin Guide, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine among others, but our highest recognition comes when our client smiles and nods after taking the first bite. Join us for dinner or brunch and see what the fuzz is all about!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
BLANCA
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very delicious food and mocktails! I was impressed with all the layers of flavor in the dishes we tried. I didn’t much like the dessert but everything else more than made up for that!
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ISTMO Oaxacan CuisinePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Lake View
•
4.6
J
Jennifervip
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 7, 2024
I live around the corner and this was my first time here. I have seen many places come and go at this location. This was so good, had the brunch menu, took my mom and sisters. I want them to make it and THRIVE. It deserves a crowd. The food is the real deal, delicious and comforting. GO!!!!
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Kie Gol Lanee - Logan SquarePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Logan Square
•
5
S
Shanavip
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 7, 2024
DELICIOUS food and outstanding service. We absolutely LOVED every dish we were amazed. Additionally, the service was exceptional. Our server was so kind and informed, and they ended up taking a few dishes off our bill due to a very minor delay. 10/10 recommend.
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Leña BravaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• West Loop
•
4.8
A
Avivavip
Chicago / Illinois •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Delicious food, excellent service, great ambience. I absolutely loved it.
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ZentliPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Evanston
•
4.9

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Evanston

Regional mexican

Best Regional Mexican Restaurants in Evanston

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Zentli

2. La Victoria Barra + Cocina Mexicana

3. ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4. Big Star - Wrigleyville

5. Big Star Wicker Park

6. Cafe El Tapatio

7. Ceiba

8. Kie Gol Lanee - Logan Square

See what locals rave about

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