Serving everything from authentic fare to Tex-Mex, these are the top Mexican restaurants in Chicago.
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445 N. Clark St. / Website
Since James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless opened his iconic fine-dining Mexican restaurant Topolobampo in 1989, the spot has offered a tasting menu experience with high-end wine pairings and reserve spirits. Its menu features the Los Santos, a stinging nettle tamal with creamy achiote filling, pistachio pipian, wild mushrooms, salt-cured nopales and micro herbs, and the Unexpected Parade with crystal blue prawns, grilled Spanish octopus, herby cucumbers, beauty heart radish, smoked ramp mayo, green vinaigrette, finger lime and edible flowers. Bayless’ next-door flagship, Frontera Grill, serves specialties including the Carne Asada al Guajillo with Grilled Creekstone beef tenderloin, guajillo chile sauce, queso añejo mashed potatoes, winter spinach and Bayless garden pak choy.
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720 N. State St. / Website
This upscale restaurant is the place to try traditional Mexican specialties, with a menu helmed by the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star, Carlos Gaytán. Visit to try the chile relleno with stuffed poblano pepper, ratatouille, roasted squash spaghetti, tomato fondue and panela cheese. Or, indulge in the slow-cooked Traditional Lamb Neck Barbacoa, wrapped in charred maguey leaf and served with mint-infused jocoque, smooth pinto bean puree and sweet pickled vegetables.
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2800 W Logan Blvd. / Website
Mi Tocaya Antojería’s menu features a progression of small, medium and large plates with unique twists on familiar Mexican favorites, lesser-known regional specialties and innovative new recipes. Take your time ordering—the menu features thoughtful commentary on the nature and inspiration of each dish. Visitors can try the Pescado con Mole Blanco with market fish, roasted sunchokes, fennel, grapefruit and mole blanco; or the Pulpo a La Parilla, grilled Spanish octopus with clam salsa coctelera, avocado wedges, radish pico de gallo and dill, among many other offerings.
See also: The Hottest New Restaurants In Chicago
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449 N. Clark St. / Website
Mexican cafe XOCO offers contemporary versions of the country’s beloved snacks and street food—think flaky empanadas, frothy Mexican hot chocolate and tasty churros. Try the Tlayuda, an iconic Oaxacan dish with a wood-fired corn masa tostada with Samuel’s jack cheese, tomatillo salsa, poblano rajas, anejo cheese and a black bean spread.
900 W. Randolph St. / Website
Visit Leña Brava to try the tomahawk ribeye—basted with beef fat and Oaxacan pasilla-porcini “steak sauce.” Or, sample the wood-fired oysters and Pacifico striped bass, perfect for seafood lovers. Don’t forget to check out the curated mezcal and agave menu.
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2101 N. California Ave. / Website
Head to Lonesome Rose for all-day breakfast burritos and tempting margaritas made with agave nectar and hand-squeezed lime. The menu boasts all the classics: empanadas, tacos, rice bowls, burritos and more. Plus, the Lonesome Rose Market lets you stock up on cheese dip, guacamole, specialty salsas and more.
See also: The 8 Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Chicago
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4852 S. Pulaski Road / Website
This family-owned spot has garnered acclaim for its birria, a tender marinated goat dish accompanied by diced onions, cilantro and housemade salsa. Served bone-in, with tortillas and consomme or in a taco, this dish is a must-try.
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1725 W. 18th St., Pilsen; 2813 W. 55th St., Gage Park / Website
This Pilsen restaurant is known for its Uruapan carnitas, made from a treasured family recipe. Diners can also snack on pork carnitas, chicharrones and fried tacos dorados with your choice of potato, chorizo and spicy pork fillings.
Ready for more tasty eats? Check out our list of The 11 Most Highly Anticipated Restaurant Openings this year.
Photography by: REBECCA PEPLINSKI; ALLIE FASZCZEWSKI
