My gf and I saw the reviews so we were excited to check this place out, but we were sorely disappointed. We tried the chicken flautas, and tacos al pastor, carne asada and lengua. First off, they put mozzarella cheese on their tacos - totally taking away the taste of the meats. Second, the meat is pretty under flavored. You taste the veggies and sour cream more than the actual meat. Lastly, we both got sick after leaving. I'd love to say we'd go back to see if this was a fluke, but it's doubtful. If you want more authentic tasting tacos, maybe just get them without anything on them if you're gonna go here. read more

I'm a DePaul Alum. So of course, I've spent many a night at Allende. The team at Allende can whip up some darn good tacos, tostadas, tortas and burritos. I personally enjoy the steak tacos the authentic way, with only onions, cilantro, and a lime wedge. The rice and beans, served on the side, are arguably the best rice and beans I've ever had in a Mexican restaurant. And as long as you order something to eat, you'll get a bottomless basket of tortilla chips with the tastiest salsa this side of 26th Street. The good thing about Allende is that every female working there is named Maria. So you can feel right at home and address these muchachas by their first name. Que bueno. I would give Allende 5 stars, however, it loses 1 star for the uncomfortable run-ins with the drunks of Lincoln Park. After hours, Allende is crowded and awkward. The staff is friendly and fast no matter what, so the service won't change. But if you went to DePaul, be prepared to see some of those "super seniors" who still frequent the bars on Lincoln Ave. and this delicious taco joint afterwards. read more

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place! This is my favorite place to go to get an inexpensive, fresh, tasty Mexican meal. And ... yay, lucky me! ... it's a block and a half from my home. The prices are reasonable and everything is prepared quickly and it's always fresh! The place is not a fancy restaurant. In fact, it's almost a dive. But I don't go there for the decor. :) My favorite is the steak taco with the works. I usually order two with a can of Diet Coke. If you sit at a table to eat it they'll bring you a basket of tortilla chips and a bowl of fresh salsa, which I like a lot (not to be confused with the hot sauce, mentioned by another reviewer, which is thicker and definitely much hotter). The burritos (favored by my boyfriend) are massive and do not contain rice (like those served at Chipotle). The enchilada dinner with refried beans and rice is also very good. The service is good. They bring you your order and then leave you alone. Let's face it, this is not a fancy restaurant with waiters and bus boys. You pay when you're done eating or you can pay up front when you order; it's up to you. BTW, I just read a review that mentioned a lady who works at night who is a scam artist. I'm not sure which person they are talking about but I only know of 2 women who work there. One of them is an older woman who works the afternoon shift and a younger woman who works the evening shift. I don't know either of their names but they are both very nice and always charge me exactly as priced on the menu. And yes, I have gone in there on many a late night, slightly tipsy, and have never been overcharged. read more

To be fair, I'm a big fan of the late night burrito and Allende has long been one of my favorite post-bar stops. BUT BEWARE: I have noticed recently that the woman that works the register every night is a HUGE SCAM ARTIST!!! She will majorly overcharge anyone that looks like they're either drunk OR an unsuspecting first-time costumer. I'm so sick of being ripped off that I won't go to this location anymore. I'll either go to the one farther up Lincoln or Taco Burrito Palace II on Halsted. At those places I don't need to worry about getting charged $20 for nachos and a veggie burrito. read more

The only way to enjoy this food is by numbing your taste buds with a gallon of hot sauce. By the way, the gaucamole was spoiled. I had to spit it out and rinse my mouth. What a dump. read more

Fantastic find for the Mexican food lover. No frills location but delicious, high quality food served VERY fresh and cheap. Excellent spices and fresh quality ingredients plus outstanding salsa bar n the side with a great kick. Staff very pleasant and service-minded. Piccadillo burrito was huge and freshly grilled to a perfect brown, not all tough and chewy from a microwave. I'll be back often read more

Came here after the Nai Palm concert back in October and I thought that the service was pretty efficient and friendly. The tacos were not the greatest compared to most of the other places I order them from, but since this was right next door to the concert hall and we were hungry, this place did the trick! read more

Chicken burrito here is Awesome (with a capital A). I always get extra sauce - I don't know exactly what it is, but it is fantastic - smokey, robust, spicy, but not too spicy. Puts Chipotle's burritos to shame. And their prices are right, and reasonable/low, good quantities of food too. Chips & guac are good. Milkshakes, eh... definitely not their strong point. I can't recommend those. In fact, I would say, don't order the shakes, just order more food instead. read more

YAY- for delicious, small business, authentic, Mexican food! I saw locals walk in here mid week and I was surprised it was empty! Working in Lincoln Park, save a few dollars by going here instead of the Chipotle chain across the street. 1.75 for a shredded chicken taco, amazing! Completely filling. Food is cooked fresh in front of you in the kitchen. My friends got tostados and burritos and they loved it. We will return and sit at Table number 4! It's not one of your high quality services but it's a great stop for a quick lunch and the lady that works there is friendly! Menu is huge so take your time deciding what you want! Don't leave this restaurant without trying a Horchata, as Wiki describes it of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley, or tigernuts (chufas). My friend says she has tried many but that one was of her favorites and it was under 2 bucks! It's my new local fav! read more

This is a good late-night place to go to if you're in the area on Lincoln Ave and when you're craving some burritos. Fair prices on tacos. Nothing to die for, but the ingredients are fresh and everything is prepared fairly quick. *CPD's finest also like to dine here every now and then. read more

Very good tacos, it's like what you would get traveling to Mexico . Simple well flavored

Totally dive Mexican joint on Lincoln, near the Victory Gardens Theater, just north of Webster. Awesome tacos and burritos. Haven't tried the other stuff, but I'm sure it is great too. Open very late (4 am?). I never have to worry about not having any groceries in the house, because I can *always* stumble up the block to Allende and find them open. One of my favorite places in town. And VERY cheap. There is also a location further up Lincoln, across from the Biograph, but I haven't tried that one. read more

This is a decent little place. It's not too far from home, and it's a good "I need a taco" place when I'm hungry. I've had better tacos elsewhere, but honestly, I've had much much worse, and this place fits the bill of "OK". One thing I've noticed is that each visit, this place is always empty... not usually a good sign, but I've not been disappointed. read more

For the past few weekends, I've been coming to Lincoln Park to work at a nearby coffeehouse. But when I'm done sipping so much coffee, I always get hungry and look for somewhere good and affordable to eat. Enter Allende Restaurant. This is quite possibly one of the cheapest Mexican restaurants in Chicago - nay, in the entire country - for the amount of food you get. If you don't know what to get, I strongly suggest their tortas, which are a version of Mexican tacos that come in the form of a sandwich. Undoubtedly, the best torta is the al pastor one, but the chorizo and steak ones are awesome too. One of the things that I love about this place is that they cook the food as soon as you order it. That way you know it's fresh and it hasn't been laying around and waiting for next customer. Allende is not necessarily the best place for a date or for any important meeting. But if you're looking for a cheap place to eat something substantive and on-the-go, I can't recommend Allende enough. read more

I love Allende! Inexpensive, but GREAT Mexican food ready in a snap! Plus, they are open from 9 AM - 3 AM on Sun-Thurs and Fri and Sat are open from 9 AM - 5 AM. Not a fancy place for sure, but the service is great and the food is very good. It is perfect for those late nights when everything else is closed, as well as all of the other times they are open. Vive Allende! read more

I'm not giving this place one star only because their horchata is surprisingly good (it's called rice drink on their menu?), but that's the only positive thing about this restaurant I can review. Also, this place has no restrooms so make sure you pee before coming! My friends and I stopped by here because we were tipsy and just wanted to eat whatever was close by/open at 4am. We stumbled upon this restaurant. So Cal people know that after clubbing you either go for late night pho or late night Mexican food. The place was filled up so I figured why not. I ordered two tacos (carne asada and al pastor)...boy...was I sorely disappointed. The meat was burnt to crisp and the salsa was bland. I tried to look for any redeeming pieces, but found none. I couldn't even finish the second taco. I definitely do not recommend coming here for late night drunches. read more

Allende Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

longtime favorite. doing it right. serving up deliciousness for ages. will be back again and again.

Best veggie tacos around. They are loaded with fresh veggies, crisp cold sour cream and perfectly cooked taco shell. Everything is balanced perfectly and you will drool after eating one of these bad boys. Their horchata (for all you Americans out there; rice water) is just fair. Nothing special. But then again, horchata tastes differently each time depending on how much cinnamon and such in there. Their quesadillas are fab, especially if you add sour cream. They add it just enough so it warms it up a tad and its runs out the side of the quesadilla. Amazing. Good for late night eats although the only downside is that is it hard to park...regardless of the time of day. Worse when all the drunks are out. Cheap, tasty, delicious. read more

Inexpensive, and yummy. I had the steak torta, and it was pretty darn good. Next time I come, it's onto the tacos for me - I will be trying la lengua. Maybe I was in a spicy mood, or maybe they just gave me the gringa-style hot sauce, but it wasn't nearly as hot as I would have liked, or would have thought. read more

We stumbled on this place by accident and boy o boy was it yummy. Quick service and delicious Mexican food. Great atmosphere.

Finally, I've found a place in Chicago that rivals the taco shops of Southern California. Perfectly seasoned meats and tacos that are fresh and delicious. read more

Allende Restaurant - two tacos on a plate - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

the BEST mexican food in chicago!!!!! Been eating here since 2004 and have never looked back! Prices have gone up since 2004 but food quality remains the same. Downside is there is no public bathroom and sometimes staff leaves the warm and fuzzies to be desired but the food is great which is what counts. Also chips and salsa used to be complimentary but now it is $2.50 but to be honest I pay it because its SO GOOD! read more

Best burrito in the city. End of story. Steak burrito. Get it. Love it. if you don't like hot sauce, this is not your place. read more

The Mexican Chorizo here is the BEST. Love the flavors. I would skip the chicken as it is usually pretty dry. Stick with the fattier meats - al pastor, steaks, chorizo. Can't go wrong. I usually swing in here as it is down the street for me for a quick dinner option and never am disappointing. I also hear its open till like 4am, which is just absurd. I couldn't imagine what the clientele is like after 1am... FYI, all the bad reviews here are from the drunkies - don't let them stop you from checking out this hole in the wall. read more

This is the only restaurant I go back to time and time and time and time again! My boyfriend and I cannot get enough. We absolutely adore the woman who works there every night and we always leave so satisfied and happy. We just finished our steak tacos as I write this review and we are as full and as happy as can be :) would ABSOLUTELY recommend this place. It is a no frills Mexican joint with delicious food and the SWEETEST woman in the world. She keeps us coming back!!! read more

Awesome burritos and so cheap. Allende is the bomb! Open late for those who need something to absorb all the alcohol they consumed on Lincoln Ave. I am almost ashamed to admit I used to frequent Chipotle which in my opinion is like Americanized Mexican food. Then I discovered this little gem in the neighborhood! Waaaaayyyy better and more authentic too. I love the mural of the little man on the horse. read more

I've been going to Allendes for the past six years and converting loyal followers in the meantime. Their chips and salsa are so delicious - the perfect combo of crunchy tomatoey kick to your tastebuds, and what makes the deal even better is they're free when you eat in. Even though I'd love to branch out to try they're nachos, huevos y chorizo, and other delicacies, I can't seem to get away from their tacos and burritos. Al pastor, carne, pollo --- all of them are so good and filling. Since living in Mexico, I've become quite a stickler for authenticity (in other words, Chipotle is a no go), but these tortillas wrapped around refried beans, avocado, carne, plus salsa put the MMMM in Mexican Food. The horchata is a smooth summer treat and the service is fast without being scary. Looking for a no frills Mexican spot? Look no further than late night Allendes. Oh and get their cheese fries while you're at... no, seriously... you Have to try their cheese fries. read more

No frills Mexican restaurant located about two miles from Lincoln Park Zoo. Complete dinners for $10. Great spot for basic Mexican meals. read more

Allende Restaurant - Chicken burrito for $6.50 - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you're a drunk college student this may be your place. Otherwise don't go. Period. Seek Taco Bell. Dry enchiladas strange beef cheese not melted on refried extra charge for sauce to make dry enchiladas edible creamy not chunky Guacamole sauce extra hot not for dipping and comes in a squeeze bottle. Prices $10 for enchiladas $4.95 for Guacamole and chips. I didn't finish and left after one bite of enchilada. After 20+ years in CA I can't believe Chicago doesn't have a decent Mex restaurant. And I've tried many here Don't post 4-5 stars when they don't deserve any. It's Fake News! read more

VERY GOOD FOOD, but the dining experience can be lackluster. I've eaten here 50+ times after work (not late night). 1. Again, the food is quite good; I love the enchiladas and the chips and salsa are good too. 2. The dining area has for many months smelled like bleach with a hint of sewage. 3. Some of the waitresses are very nice; but others will nickel and dime you on anything that you ask for after receiving your order. If they got rid of that smell (which has caused me to go here twice a year instead of 30 times a year); I would bump this up to 4 stars. And if one of their servers stopped nickel and diming their customers, I'd bump it up to 5 stars. read more

I love there nachos it's so good and filling!! They don't skimp on the toppings! My boyfriend always orders the chicken burrito and he loves it... There food is good and prices are pretty decent as well. read more

Allende Restaurant - Best Nachos ever - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Steak tacos are sooo legit. Chicken tacos are also good. Both chicken and steak nachos are delicious as well. Customer service is rough but who cares when the prices are low and food is great! Highly recommend. read more

You can go anywhere in Chicago and not find better tacos for the price. Most everything on the menu is pretty solid, but the tacos are as good as it gets, period. They are ultra generous with the cheese and sour cream and it all comes together every time. I have been everywhere and late night taco places do not get any better than allende. read more

Allende is the Jam! I live around the corner and have hit this place up for years for fast, inexpensive, and delicious food. Goto menu items: Steak burrito(no lettuce, add avacado) & fries :) The tostadas are really good The nachos are unique and delicious! Awesome hot sauce too! read more

I usually eat here after partying along the strip of bars down the street. The burritos are BOMB and I am always in the mood for one. My go to is the steak with everything in it. Delish! The only downfall that I do not like for this restaurant specifically is that they do not carry green salsa AT ALL. No salsa verde in a Mexican restaurant ?!?! I literally will never understand. It makes absolutely no sense to me and it is my favorite kind of salsa. It compliments all Hispanic foods perfectly ! This is the only place I will eat a burrito without green salsa. The red is very VERY hot but not unbearable. GET SOME GREEN SALSA YOU GUYS !!!!! read more

This place is getting 3 stars because of the prices and very friendly service. Unfortunately the food is just not good and I would not go here unless I was extremely stoned. DePaul students, there are other Mexican food places, expand your horizons!! The meat is dry, the nachos are soggy, and mozzarella cheese on tacos, no thanks. read more

It was SO salty as if salt didnt cost a dime. This place is def a hit or miss. But the way it missed, id rather smack mtself against another dish 300 times than facing it alone. read more

The steak tacos are as authentic as it gets. Best tacos I've had in a long time and certainly in Chicago. I don't come for the decor but this place should be the busiest place in town. read more

I would never go there if I had any other options. I ordered a burrito and asked for extra sauce. Did not know they charged for extra sauce. The horchata tasted like some instant made horchata. The burrito is overloaded with lettuce, little meat, and less cheese and beans. When she handed me my change, she made a comment about forgetting to charge me for the extra sauce. She grabbed the change out of my palm. Food sucks, service sucks. Maybe if I was drunk, I'd go there for food, but again, everything tastes decent when one's drunk. read more

At least this place FINALLY takes credit cards!!! Allende is the best place for Mexican food in this area of Lincoln Park. Portions are huge, food is excellent, and prices are low. I love the veggie burrito here...... its my fave work-time lunch. This location can get a little crazy at lunchtime with Lincoln Park High kids... so avoid between11-1 for the most part. read more