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    Buena Vista

    4.2 (423 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Buena Vista Takeout or Delivery

    Buena Vista Photos

    Business Info

    BUENA VISTA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Buena Vista

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    Taco Tuesdays
    Ernie H.

    Outdoor seating when Broadway is pedestrian only is always a plus. Genuine sincere service is also appreciated so is the complimentary chips and salsa. The Asado de puerco was genuinely tasty - good sauce, fair pricing and nice portions. So why the 4 stars? Well I had the Camarones ala Mexicana. The tomato sauce completely overshadowed the shrimps - there is No seafood taste. A good dish but I might as well had chicken with that. Otherwise they still have taco Tuesday those are always good.

    I was given a used lime
    Marissa G.

    My tacos were phenomenal!!! We ordered to go and were given the food within 10 minutes. Inside was clean and fairly empty but well decorated- I love the yellow walls. The steak was well-seasoned and cooked to my taste, the chicken was palatable and tender (I am very picky with chicken), and the pastor was the winner as it was bursting with flavor and melted in my mouth. My only complaints: I wish I had gotten more and when I went to use my lime, I saw it had already been squeezed out. I did not taste any lime in my tacos, so I think I was simply given a used lime on accident. It was a bummer, as I love lime on my tacos. So for this reason alone I have to give 4 stars. Otherwise, I am eager to return.

    Steve B.

    Is trying to eat at all the Mexican places in Chicago doable? I think it's a hard thing to complete. So let me get into it! The food at Buena Vista Restaurant was surprisingly good! My friend and I got the nachos as I have to say it's was great. The temperature and the freshness of the dish made you want to have another plate of it. I got the three taco dinner and I was happy that I got that since I normally get it at other places. The services was as expected as it is a small finally owned business so we had to be patient which isn't a problem for me at all. The atmosphere was like you were back in time. It's refreshing since not many places are like that. I like retro places and to me it felt like back in the day. Overall, I will say give BVR a try if you want authentic food with a charming wait staff.

    Burrito De Mole with some delicious refried beans and rice
    Rick R.

    Casual and homey neighborhood spot for some tasty Mexican eats at reasonable prices. I recently moved from Los Angeles to Chicago and was a bit worried that I would struggle to find some good Mexican food in my new neighborhood. I worried for nothing, because Buena Vista is muy bien. Everything we ordered was fresh and tasty. Good portions and good service added to the overall experience and I'll certainly be back soon!

    enchiladas mix
    Tina L.

    Pretty solid Mexican spot in Lake View. I got the mixed cheese enchiladas with beans and rice & everything was tasty. My personal favorite was the mole enchilada. The service was quick & the workers were friendly. However, I am knocking off one star because, while the flavor was good, the verde and suiza enchiladas could have used more sauce. I like my enchiladas drenched in sauce!!

    Exterior
    Steve A.

    This little space on Broadway features very good Mexican American food in a low-key environment. They do a bustling to-go business, and also have a handful of tables. The nachos were good, and almost like chili on refried bean-covered chips, served with a corn tortilla cop of sour cream and guacamole. The mole sauce is quite good. Perhaps our favorite item was the tamale, which was definitely the most authentic Mexican preparation of anything we tried. Food prep is very fast, and service is friendly. It's BYOB.

    Enchiladas Mix (3)
    Ashley C.

    I got the Enchiladas Mix (suiza, verde, and mole), and it was very good! I got the beef, and I should have gotten the chicken. My order was ready very quickly, and the staff was very friendly!!

    Chips & Salsa
    Melanie V.

    Been waking past this place for the last three years and finally got a chance to grab some tacos. We had the pleasure of taking advantage of the Broadway street closure and eating in the streets. High fives to the wait staff. Having a surge of people to wait on after being takeout only is a major change. They did a great job circulating to get people served and checked out. We got the Chile's rellenos which were excellent and the steak and chicken tacos. Not in love with the steak taco but the chicken was really good. Knocking a star because the tacos needed some type of sauce or crema. I asked for hot sauce and only the salsas were offered. While my husband liked the salsas, the green is made with cilantro and the red has parts of cilantro mixed in. I have that gene where cilantro tastes like soap sooo it's a no go for me. I love a good refried bean, and theirs were on point. Will definitely be back for those Chile rellenos!

    Al Pastor Burrito
    Rachel L.

    Buena Vista is a low-key, well-priced and authentic Mexican restaurant, and would definitely recommend checking it out! I got the burrito with al pastor (just the burrito, not the full meal which comes with sides), and it was really tasty. For only $9, it was more than enough food for one meal, and had a good amount of meat inside along with cheese, tomato, sour cream, lettuce and beans. The restaurant also provides chips and salsa to start. My friend got the taco salad which looked fantastic - it had a great variety of fillings (including guac) inside a delicious looking crunchy bowl. Buena Vista has a good amount of variety on their menu, and I'll definitely be back to try some of their other options!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    One of my favorite spots in Lakeview! Highly recommend their mole and you can never go wrong with their tacos.

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    2 years ago

    Excellent Mexican food. Mini chimichangas are terrific. It's BYOB so bring something most excellent to drink.

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    4 years ago

    Exellent Mexican food. Fresh clean no complaints . We have order from this place and had various dishes

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    17 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food was absolutely delicious! And amazing ambience and service as well. I highly recommend for a nice cozy place to eat.

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    6 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food here is pretty good, service in the restaurant is excellent! Love the prices, perfect for a night in or a night out

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    6 years ago

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    Page 2 of 11

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    La Mejikana - Taco de Lomito

    La Mejikana

    4.3(448 reviews)
    5.8 miPilsen
    $$

    We arrived not knowing it was a bar crawl happening but we still got in and waited for a table. It…read moretook 30 minutes to get a table bc of the bar crawl. As much as it was packed from 2:30 til 3:30 we were still were able to order a drink at bar. Martin was so nice and took our order and brought it to us being we went back to waiting line. The place is small with a hard time to walk around when it's full. It's a nice bar restaurant and didn't realized until we were leaving that there's a back area. The bartenders could be a little more social and happy bc that seem a bit dull and unhappy working there. Unlike Martin he was happy. Mildred was our server and she did phenomenal. The food and drinks were great

    It was not stated anywhere else on their digital menu that they their tacos come individually;…read morecompared to their three taco plate option, but thanks to checking the yelp menu first I was able to make my choice for 2 birra tacos! (inquire about the 4% service charge added) No rice or beans with any of my parties' dishes, not sure if that is an option. Time to be seated was less than five minutes for a party of four around 2:20 PM on a Sunday; busier times or days enforce their 90 minute time limit policy per table. The food was well seasoned, wish I tasted it a little more on the meat itself, yet all the vegetables tasted crisp and fresh. If you are looking to have intimate conversations be prepared to speak a lot louder, the DJ booth by the front keeps it pretty lively, but difficult to hold conversations across the table. Open authentic Mexican soda is always refreshing, and if you're looking for a place that has soft serve margaritas this is one of them. If you notice and unusual wait time or slow service please make your choice accordingly as I started to notice it was a case by case basis like some of the previous reviews had mentioned.

    Photos
    La Mejikana - Interior of Buisness

    Interior of Buisness

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    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - Enchiladas Maya

    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine

    4.2(123 reviews)
    4.0 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$$

    Went here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. Nice atmosphere and music but not too loud…read morefor conversation. I loved the decorations. I ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas they were expensive but excellent! Came out on a sizzling plate. I tried the Habernita drink and sangria. The habernita drink had mezcal, orange, pineapple, and habanero so had a nice kick to it. My friend told server it was my birthday secretly and they came out with a sparkler had birthday music playing and shots of tequila for my table! We had a great time and I will definitely be back! I recommend coming here to celebrate your birthday or just to have a delicious meal

    I'm not one to knock out places that I haven't been for the first time but this one won't be seeing…read moreme ,any time soon. The food was bland and lacked flavor, the enchiladas didn't have the texture and quality you'd expect for a place that's close enough to down town to make its presence known. The service wasn't bad just lacked effort. The server upsold side dishes , but never brought them out. Had them removed from the check. The ambiance is great , nice decor , great music and spacious. The chicken was diced and dry from being reheated so it had those crunchy edges, which don't belong in an enchilada lol. The drinks were sweet and tasty. Overall try if you're gonna be drinking rather than looking forward to the meal.

    Photos
    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - Empty restaurant

    Empty restaurant

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    Sabroso! Mexican Grill - Enchiladas

    Sabroso! Mexican Grill

    4.7(551 reviews)
    3.4 miUkrainian Village, West Town
    $$

    Jesus was the best server I've ever gotten made it his mission to make sure we had everything and…read moreanything we needed definitely needs a raise for such a good service reminded of my grandpa which made it feel just like home definitely had a great experience thank you beautiful atmosphere and delicious food

    Four of us (two adults and two kids) visited Sabroso! Mexican Grill for the first time during a…read moretrip to Chicago. I must admit that I had low expectations because quite frankly, I have not enjoyed Mexican food outside of Mexico or California. However, we were hungry, and it was near where we were staying, so I decided we should check it out, and I am so glad we did! The food was great. Both adults and the VERY picky children in our group all enjoyed our meals. I ordered the green chicken enchiladas and the other adult ordered a chile relleno combo, which I also got to try. Everything was delicious and devoured by all! We were so full but the owner talked us into the chocoflan, and we did not regret trying it. It was soooo good! Speaking of the owner, the service was great. We really enjoyed how he and the rest of the staff were very courteous. It is a small establishment, and it gets a good amount of people, so I assume that there are waits during peak hours. I highly recommend Sabroso! And we plan to return the next time we are in the area.

    Photos
    Sabroso! Mexican Grill - Interior din6

    Interior din6

    Sabroso! Mexican Grill - Enchiladas

    Enchiladas

    Sabroso! Mexican Grill - CHICKEN TAQUITOS

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    5 Rabanitos - Chilaquiles verdes

    5 Rabanitos

    4.2(852 reviews)
    5.8 miPilsen
    $$

    The chef who owns this restaurant trained with Rick Bayless for 19 years and it really comes out in…read morehis cooking. All of the food was absolutely delicious. We came later on a Monday night so we did not have to wait to get a seat although it was still pretty busy. The place is decorated nicely. Well on a block with many other Mexican businesses. Located right off the pink line it is very easy to get to and also noted to be near the Mexican art Institute. The chicken mole enchiladas were delicious. Spicy and bitterness of the chocolate balanced super well. rice was also cooked perfectly. The shredded beef dish was short rib and mashed potatoes. They were meant to be assembled into a homemade tortilla - a very interesting concept. The homemade tortillas were so warm and fluffy. I have never had such good tortillas. I took a tamale plate home. It was large and had a good portion of shredded pork. Super flavorful, but also I felt the texture might've been firmer than I would've expected.

    I was introduced to the place by a Mexicans from Chicago and it's such a hidden gem. She suggested…read morethe we try the sopes and i don't regret it at all. I got the chicken tinga and carne asada and it was really good. We had the verde ceviche (not pictured) and it was a table fav. We also got the elotes which were good but nothing special. It was my first time have queso fundido and i really like its. The staff was really friendly and the place is so cute. Most places are going for a minimalist look not but the bright blue, green, and yellow works really well today as well as the various artwork!

    Photos
    5 Rabanitos - Interior

    Interior

    5 Rabanitos - Chips & Guac

    Chips & Guac

    5 Rabanitos - This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

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    This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

    Manchamanteles Restaurant - Enchiladas Potosina

    Manchamanteles Restaurant

    4.4(151 reviews)
    2.6 miBucktown
    $$

    Manchamanteles is as fun and exciting on the inside as its boldly colored outside would lead you to…read morebelieve. The staff are donned in themed regalia, and will gleefully sing you a happy birthday song even if you're quite far from adolescence (and also a few days out from your actual birthday). The moles were all phenomenal, and the mezcal margarita pitcher more than satisfied our group. The interior is a bit bright and skews somewhat family oriented, so I wouldn't recommend it for every crowd. But for my group of friends and I, Manchamanteles more than delivered in food, service, and fun alike.

    Came here on Valentine's Day with a reservation, there were three of us, one kid. It was full of…read morefamilies, some couples. The had a tasting menu but we opted out of it. They give you a complimentary spicy trail mix. We started with the guacamole, it was okay. Then I got a traditional margarita, my partner got a pina colada with strawberries, and my kid got a pink lemonade (Marz Brewing made). The margarita was good, not strong but not too watery. For dinner I got the chicken fajitas, the waiter asked if I wanted just chicken which I though was odd because I ordered the chicken fajitas and I wasn't sure what he meant or if he meant no veggies, it came with veggies luckily. It also came with tortilla, corn, and a side of refried black beans with cojita, and rice. It was all okay. My partner got the lamb mole, it was sweet and savory, not spicy. And it came with tortillas. They have a lot of mole options, so if you're into that definitely come here to try! Overall it was just okay.

    Photos
    Manchamanteles Restaurant
    Manchamanteles Restaurant - Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

    Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

    Manchamanteles Restaurant - Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

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    Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

    Frontera Grill - Trio Ceviche

    Frontera Grill

    3.9(2.8k reviews)
    3.4 miNear North Side
    $$

    The vibes were really nice for casual Mexican food. Dim lighting, candles on the table, and a cozy…read moreatmosphere. 8/10. The Chicken Taquitos (8.5/10) were perfectly crispy with tender, smoky chicken inside paired with fresh guac. The Corn-Masa Quesadillas (8/10) were more like crispy cheese-filled turnovers. The cheese pull was crazy, and the tomatillo salsa added a nice tangy kick. The Enchiladas de Birria (8/10) had tender, savory birria with a nice crunch from the cabbage and radish. The chile-sesame salsa added a great depth of flavor. The Barbacoa (7/10) was tender. I wasn't a fan of the salsa borracha, but the consome was delicious with a nice kick. The Fried Sweet Plantains (8/10) were soft and caramelized. The crema and cheese were a great addition. Overall, a solid spot for Mexican food when you want something a little nicer than a casual taco spot.

    It's a terrific still solid stalwart of restaurants in Chicago's legendary portfolio of amazing…read moredining experiences. Creative authentic Mexican specialties and delicious specials. The service is impeccable warm and welcoming! The restaurant interior and adjoining dining experiences are beautifully art directed from Rick Bayles's brilliant eye for art culture and food. The mole is lendary and the branzino was delicious. Beautiful food great full bar and drinks.

    Photos
    Frontera Grill - Back room, additional eating area at the bar

    Back room, additional eating area at the bar

    Frontera Grill - Duck carnitas

    Duck carnitas

    Frontera Grill - Pork shank

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    Pork shank

    Buena Vista - mexican - Updated September 2026

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