Chicago’s Mexican culinary scene has undoubtedly positioned itself as one of the best in the country — one that draws, surprises, and delights locals and tourists alike.
And it’s no wonder why: Being home to the second-largest Mexican immigrant community
in the U.S. after Los Angeles and geographically protected from the immediate impact of bordertown influences, Chicago is a place of distinct culinary convergence, creativity, and discovery.
This guide spans some of the beloved classic, family-run restaurants and regional flavors that define Chicago’s Mexican food scene, while making room for exciting newcomers and a few of the blends that take shape when cultures live side by side. From traditional flavors, techniques, and ingredients to modern takes on popular dishes and brand-new creations, Chicagoans have it all.
As the city’s Mexican food offering continues to grow in both depth and breadth, this list is intentionally finite. The difficult cuts made to it include restaurants that remain very good.
In this update, we’re adding Itzchel by Peke’s, Mazor, and Matilda to the list. We’ve removed the well-established Frontera Grill, Baha, Alegrías, Diego, Amor y Tequila, and Au Levain. Find these restaurants and more great recommendations in the Eater app for iOS.
At a moment when many of the people who make Chicago’s culinary culture so uniquely vibrant are the target of profiling, and many live in fear for their communities’ safety, please remember that they need our support — both with dollars and beyond the plate.
