Cafe Nuevo Leon

One of my fav Mexican restaurants! The prices are inexpensive and the food and portions sizes are…read moregreat for me lol. They have a super extensive menu (at least 6 pages) so there's something for everyone here. Some of my favs are the shrimp empanadas, you get about 3 and they are huge so perfect for sharing with someone. And the guacamole is also delicious and great for sharing. You get complimentary chips and salsa and the avocado salsa is so good I literally just want to drink it. It's got a hint of spice without being super spicy and it's perfect on top of your tacos, burritos or frankly anything else you order here. The beef stew is tasty and perfect for a quick lunch on a cold Chicago day. My favorite main dishes are of course the steak tacos but I've recently started ordering the steak tostadas and they are delicious! I always ask for my steak to be cooked extra crispy with grilled onions and I can promise you if you order it that way it will not be over cooked but super tender and flavorful. The burritos are huge and have a nice portion of meat on the inside (you know sometimes it's all beans and rice and 1/2 scoop of meat) but they really don't skimp you on that here. The fajitas are also good, I love getting the chicken and steak combo. They have two options for rice, either Mexican or Puerto Rican and both are good. The beans are good here as well but I'm a rice girl so I usually give those to my husband. They have a full bar so you can order a fast cocktail or a nice margarita. I usually opt to get horchata and honestly sometimes it's hit or miss but for the most part it's pretty good. The staff is nice and pretty quick about getting your food about. You can order to go or dine in which is what we usually do. It's a pretty big place on the inside so you can definitely come with a group of friends.

Pricing, authentic Mexican cheese, instead of Italian mozzarella. Pos without the high expensive…read morecredit card fees. Being charged to the customer and better proportions for the price of their food.

My friend big head and the bar

BIRROA TACOS GUACAMOLE REFRIED BEANS SPANISH RICE

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The menu

Sabor de Mi Tierra Mexican Grill

4.7(177 reviews)

3.6 mi

Found with help of Yelp! The chorizo taco was meaty and not overcooked like others I've had. The…read morepastor was juicy and paired well with both red and green sauce. I wished I'd have been warned the Large Horchata came in a quart jar. Overall, good place for authentic Mexican. I'll be back. Try it!

If you are under the weather.....or not........they have some of the best homemade chicken…read moresoup...oh my.......tacos were ok this time.. .know that their tacos are smaller in size...these were "done".....if that makes sense.....overall I love the place..love their service and the supervisor, nice, warm and inviting

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Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Love this place! The food is made from scratch in house, even the corn tortillas for the tacos!…read more Our waitress was super sweet and the place was lit just right for a calm and relaxing dinner. We loved the food and everything tasted so good. Will certainly come back.

Stopped in for a quick business lunch with a colleague. Turns out they have a daily lunch special…read morethat is perfect. Drinks are included for $16. You have a choice of queso or guac as a starter, both are small. Chips and salsa are also gratis. After that you have a choice of two items from a list of about 8 or 9 items. I had the chicken quesadilla and tostada. Upgrade to add bean and rice for a buck. My colleagues fish taco wasn't worth the extra $2 according to her. I thought everything was fresh and delicious. More lunch than both of us needed, I'd pass on the rice/beans in the future. Service was good. Attentive but everything was her favorite on the menu, not very helpful. Seating in indoors or out. They have TVs for the World Cup and a full bar. Highly recommend for lunch and we will be back.

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Primos Locos

3.9(184 reviews)

3.7 mi

Came in as a guest for a private party- graduation- in their second floor. The service was very…read moregood. The server walked around making sure everything was tidy and clean. The bartender made sure to bring coffee as soon as he noticed it was needed. They also kept refilling the chips and food area. The party had a buffet table with rice, beans, tortillas, chicken, and beef plus a toppings table with salsa, sour cream, chips, cilantro and onion. The food is good for Tex Mex food, they use too much cumin for my liking. Overall the service was great and I would come in if I'm in the neighborhood.

Perfect spot for a quick margarita or a family dinner! The food is always fresh and comes out fast…read more Highly recommend the guacamole and chips and the fajitas so good every time. Service is attentive and consistent, and they even have a private event space with its own bar, which is a great bonus. Definitely a go-to local favorite!

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Super Taco Express

4.4(68 reviews)

2.6 mi

Best food and service in the area! I'm not from this state so it's refreshing to see this kind of…read moreexperience

Today was a better day! Order was perfect. Called in and food was ready as promised 15 minutes…read more Carne asada ( they use lomo NOT arrachera ) was cooked and seasoned well. Comes with rice and beans. Steak is topped with grilled jalapeno and onions. REALLY good guacamole and chips. They don't use peppers so it wasn't spicy, which is perfect for me I learned today this location seats up to 110ppl and is rented out for parties for free with food purchase. You can decorate as you like. Also they have another location at 4949 Butterfield in Hillside

Wall decor

Carne Asada Lunch ( cut is lomo not arrachera)

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Front counter

La Penca

4.0(218 reviews)

2.4 mi

It's good. Used to be better. We had green salsa chilaquiles - I like them made to order. My…read morechilaquiles appeared to have been prepared in advance and were soggy. I like to have with some crunch to them. Other than that - excellent service, generous portions.

It's great. Authentic, great service, owner and staff are awesome! It's not super complex; good…read moreMexican food presented well, salsas are simple and flavorful, could be spicier. Chips are fresh and warm. I've tried lots of the menu but I go back to the steak burrito or tacos usually. Awesome specials--pozole, menudo if that's your thing!

Chicken tortilla soup

Fried Quesadilla

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Little bar area

El Alegre Burrito

3.7(67 reviews)

1.0 mi

Best Mexican Food in Chicago. I highly recommend everyone try it. The tacos al-pastor are better…read morethan anywhere else I've tried.

Great little hole in the wall mexican place. I've only had the steak burrito and it is great…read moretasting and a great portion size. Not too expensive either. Highly reccomend!

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Updated menu

Taqueria Mi Jerez

4.3(9 reviews)

2.5 mi

This place opened in Sept 2019. I never kneW. It was recommend by a frIend so I stopped by…read more I was pleasantly surprised. Very clean , brightly lite, lovely staff, very attentive. Food selection is standard Mexican food with loads of specials. For our first visIt we opted for two tortas. My son had the carne asada torta and he suggested I rate a 4.5. I had the Milanesa de res. All I have to say is we made great choices. The food was fresh, fast and delicious. ThIs is definite new favorite. Ample parking in a small strip mall. Next to a laundromat. I told them to put a flag sign on the curb but they said the villagee did not allow it. It's up to you fellow Yelpers try it out and spread the word. I will add pics next time we ate the food before pics LOL

Tacos are outstanding! The guacamole is freshly made and absolutely amazing! Service is quick and…read moreprices are reasonable! One of the best Mexican food places in the area.

2021 Menu

Menu

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Nuevo menú... Taqueria mi jerez Bellwood ill

Guac N Tacos

3.9(225 reviews)

3.8 mi

I'm a huge fan! The margaritas were fantastic, tacos were on the cheap side and absolutely…read moredelicious, and service was super sweet! We went for a weekend lunch and it was pretty empty, which we didn't mind because we dragged our 3 month old along haha. My only critique was I ordered pastor, which should have come with pineapple and other appropriate toppings, but did not. Other than that, I would 100% come back!

The tacos are about $3.75 each which would be fine except the tacos are about 4 inches, like street…read moretacos. They were ok on taste, chicken was dry. They charge a 3% credit card surcharge even when you pay with debit. I paid $24 for four small tacos and a drink. I come from Texas where I would have paid half the price and the tacos are twice as big. I should have taken the lack of patrons as an indicator that I should go some place else.

Inside

Shrimp taco

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Inside

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3 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Elmer F.

0

23

0

1 month ago

Been there many times and at least once per week for breakfast. I won't go back. First they give a discount for cash. While I'm not too happy about it so many others are doing it (usually a credit card surcharge but essentially the same thing) I know so pay in cash. I went and got a burrito. $15.75 with cash. I gave them a $20 and got $4 change. What happened to my 25cents? Oh we don't give out quarters and the waitress was confrontational and seemed offended that I would ask. I guess it's okay to expect me to give out quarters. I won't to them any more. On top of this latest nonsense the food wasn't good. The meat was dry and overcooked. They are getting greedier and their quality is declining. Much better choices around in terms of quality and actually a little cheaper. Keep going the way you are going greedy Cafe Nuevo Leon you'll be Cafe Nuevo Gone read more

Phil M.

3

5

1

2 years ago

I have to admit I had my doubts, after having been a regular at the original location on 18th St for many decades! My expectations were high...well I am so happy to say that my ecxpectations were exceeded!! I love the new Cafe Nuevo León!! Special shoutout to Miranda for making our first visit in her grandfather's restaurant so delightful and delicious!! We will be regulars...again!! Buen provecho!!! read more

Jessica R.

75

3

0

2 years ago

Service was excellent. Food was delicious and truly authentic. Will become a favorite!

Cafe Nuevo Leon - mexican - Updated August 2026

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Brother's Mexican Grill

3.5

(120 reviews)

One of my fav Mexican restaurants! The prices are inexpensive and the food and portions sizes are…read moregreat for me lol. They have a super extensive menu (at least 6 pages) so there's something for everyone here. Some of my favs are the shrimp empanadas, you get about 3 and they are huge so perfect for sharing with someone. And the guacamole is also delicious and great for sharing. You get complimentary chips and salsa and the avocado salsa is so good I literally just want to drink it. It's got a hint of spice without being super spicy and it's perfect on top of your tacos, burritos or frankly anything else you order here. The beef stew is tasty and perfect for a quick lunch on a cold Chicago day. My favorite main dishes are of course the steak tacos but I've recently started ordering the steak tostadas and they are delicious! I always ask for my steak to be cooked extra crispy with grilled onions and I can promise you if you order it that way it will not be over cooked but super tender and flavorful. The burritos are huge and have a nice portion of meat on the inside (you know sometimes it's all beans and rice and 1/2 scoop of meat) but they really don't skimp you on that here. The fajitas are also good, I love getting the chicken and steak combo. They have two options for rice, either Mexican or Puerto Rican and both are good. The beans are good here as well but I'm a rice girl so I usually give those to my husband. They have a full bar so you can order a fast cocktail or a nice margarita. I usually opt to get horchata and honestly sometimes it's hit or miss but for the most part it's pretty good. The staff is nice and pretty quick about getting your food about. You can order to go or dine in which is what we usually do. It's a pretty big place on the inside so you can definitely come with a group of friends.

Pricing, authentic Mexican cheese, instead of Italian mozzarella. Pos without the high expensive…read morecredit card fees. Being charged to the customer and better proportions for the price of their food.

Taco Amor

4.3

(29 reviews)

Great food, service, and price! Taco Amor emphasizes family flavors, and you can tell that all…read moretheir food was homemade and freshly prepared. You get free chips and salsa (very tasty homemade salsa) when you dine in. Their chips and tortillas are made with beet juice, which provides a unique red color without altering the flavor. We ordered a quesabirria taco, a cajun shrimp taco, a chicken burrito dinner, and elote. The tacos were super flavorful, the burrito was the size of my forearm, and the elote was tasty. All the food totalled to $30, which is a great price nowadays. The interior is clean, and the owners checked in with us every now and again to see how we were doing.

I was waiting for a train after going to the zoo, and saw this place across the street. I hadn't…read moreeaten lunch, so I thought why not try it? When I entered, the place was pretty much empty. I was greeted right away. I decided to order the spicy chicken tinga bowl. The bowl was definitely smaller than something you'd get at chipotle, but it was pretty good! The chicken was not spicy at all, but had good flavor. Solid place to check out when near the Hollywood/Zoo metra stop!

La Cabanita

3.4

(183 reviews)

Legit love this hidden gem. Gotta get the homemade tortillas they're amazing - al pastor taco…read moredinner is where it's at! Super nice people here too. Would give 10 stars if I could.

Food was average. Service was good. The breaker came when the bill arrived. 6 of the 8 items…read moreordered were overcharged from what was listed on the menu - plus an admin fee. When asked what the admin fee was for he said credit card fee. Said we were paying cash. I deducted the amount from our bill - minus the over charges - and tipped on what we were supposed to be charged. Unfortunate, but reading other reviews, this deception is a common occurrence. Won't be back. Too many other good restaurants that want your business and are on the up and up. Check your bill when you go here!

Rikys Mexican Grill

4.2

(319 reviews)

The place here is affordable. Their food is good …read more Respect to the owner and staff. Good job keep up the good work!

would not recommend anymore. We've come here since the…read moreopened as Tony's but we've been sitting here for over 15minutes and have not been waited on. They are not busy but the servers are off on the side chit chatting This used to be our go to place but never again. I used to be a server and always acknowledged customers but this has never happened to me. Their food quality is good, their prices are ok, but service has gone downhill

El Alegre Burrito

3.7

(67 reviews)

Best Mexican Food in Chicago. I highly recommend everyone try it. The tacos al-pastor are better…read morethan anywhere else I've tried.

Great little hole in the wall mexican place. I've only had the steak burrito and it is great…read moretasting and a great portion size. Not too expensive either. Highly reccomend!

Tamales Don Misael

4.0

(81 reviews)

Ordered two burritos & the steak was hard & really salty. Not sure because I ordered an hour…read morebefore they closed. Never again

Decorated & organized very well. As a first timer, I was pleasantly surprised with how everything…read moregoes so well with each other. I can't wait for more yumminess!!! Salsa wasn't too spicy. Chips could have been fresher, but it's good. My sope & huarache was fantastic!!! Champurrado was at the perfect degree of heat for me!! Only issue I had was the lack of parking. Lot has about 13 spots. I can't imagine how bad that would be if there was a line of people waiting.

Casita Cocula

4.1

(14 reviews)

Good food & fast service! Picked up lunch a few times while visiting the tile store nearby. Would…read morerecommend. Free parking behind & in front of store.

Bought three steak tacos and meat was chewy, and also it would be nice if they were to put a lemon…read morefor each taco, I only got one lemon on an order of three tacos, also bought an horchata and horchata was delicious, and I liked the fact that you could refill.

Taco Stop

4.1

(85 reviews)