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Cafe 28
1800 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613 · 773-528-2883
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LAKE VIEW. Exposed brick walls and quaint marble-topped tables greet diners at this Cuban-Mexican place. Chipotle-grilled chicken, plantains, tacos, enchiladas, and grilled shrimp quesadillas are just a few of the tempting goodies that figure into the menu. Salsa music plays in the background, perfectly setting the stage for a south-of-the-border experience.
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Don Juan
6730 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631 · 773-775-6438
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NORTHWEST. This Mexican eatery is simple and sparse, almost pub-like, without the typical trappings often associated with Mexican restaurants. The innovative, fresh cuisine promises exciting takes on old favorites like enchiladas and tacos. Daily specials are always showstoppers, as seen in six-chili Amish chicken or pepper-crusted filet mignon with blue cheese ravioli. You'll also find lots of tequilas to choose from, in addition to an extensive wine list.
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RIVER NORTH. This eatery, a more casual sibling to fantastic Topolobampo, is considered among the best restaurants in the country. The dining room boasts folk art and vivid colors inside and sunny sidewalk seating outside. The ever-changing menu offers artistic dishes from award-winning chef Rick Bayless, including stuffed poblano peppers, tamales, charcoal-cooked lamb, and desserts like almond cake and buttermilk-lime ice cream.
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Hot Tamales
493 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 · 847-433-4070
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HIGHLAND PARK. Fulfill your cravings for south-of-the-border eats at this unpretentious, festive restaurant. Order a pitcher of passion fruit margaritas to enhance the flavor of spicy entrees, including barbecue chicken enchiladas, duck tacos, and burritos stuffed with salmon, black beans, and goat cheese. As you'd expect, tamales are noteworthy, packed with unexpected ingredients like mushrooms and red pepper sauce or pumpkin. Sidewalk seating allows for a more relaxed experience than does the often-crowded dining room.
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LAKE ZURICH. With recipes coming from South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, this kitchen delights guests again and again. The menu includes a range of beef, chicken, and seafood eats, seasoned to perfection. Try the pork jerk, the chicken paella, or the shrimp Cabo San Lucas. Approximately 50 tequilas, a handful of margaritas, and a nice collection of Spanish and South American wines comprise the drink menu. Outdoor dining available.
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Maiz
1041 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 · 773-276-3149
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WEST SIDE. Maiz might be a tiny restaurant, but the owners have big ideas, and the food has big taste! Carlos and Margaret Reyna's cozy little Mexican restaurant is based on the idea of "pre-Hispanic cuisine." The staples of this diet, and of the restaurant's menu, are maize (corn), beans, chilies, and zucchini. When you dine at Maiz, you first choose one of the six basic tortilla options and then choose your fillings or toppings. The chicken chalupa with rice and the daily tamale special are especially popular. Don't miss the "special sauces" that are sitting out on the tables. They are homemade and pack a kick!
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Salpicon
1252 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 · 312-988-7811
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OLD TOWN. The wild decor of this contemporary Mexican restaurant is the first clue that chef Priscilla Satkoff is set to deliver wonderful cuisine to your table. Satkoff's passion for innovative flavors and fresh ingredients is evident in everything she creates. Grilled pork tenderloin and tequila halibut are house favorites. Bright yellow and blue walls, hot pink tablecloths, high ceilings, and Alejandro Romero paintings – along with personal attention from the owners – give the place a warm, inviting feeling.
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Tecalitlan
1814 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 · 773-384-4285
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WEST SIDE. This friendly Mexican eatery serves heaping helpings of homemade south-of-the-border fare. Try traditional huevos rancheros, any number of enchiladas, or chicken fajitas. Top-notch steaks sizzle as well and go perfectly with one of the specialty mole sauces and a margarita. The comfortable interior features a lovely ceiling mural and a fountain. You'll love the low prices, too!
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Topolobampo
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 · 312-661-1434
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RIVER NORTH. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago according to many fervent admirers, Topolobampo manages to accommodate growing ranks of patrons. The menu changes every other week and always includes great dishes whipped up by famed chef Rick Bayless, who has been named "Chef of the Year" by the James Beard Society. The complimentary guacamole – no chips, only fresh vegetables for dipping – is stellar. After you've sampled it, try the chef's tasting dinner, which offers five courses of exotic creations like trout served in a corn husk and perfect carne asado.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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