We had the sweetest waiter - super attentive and very kind. The house marg was sweet, but really good (imo strawberry was better than lime which was better than mango). We started with the pork tamales which were pretty good, but I would've preferred a little more sauce. The enchiladas were really good, but the chipotle sauce was a little too spicy for me. Next time would get all salsa verde and probably would've preferred the al pastor over the steak. Only reason I say that is because I reallly liked the al pastor mini burrito!! The rice and beans that both dishes came with were also excellent. read more

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El Nuevo Mexicano is a neighborhood gem! Charming space, excellent food, and service that stays attuned to the diner. There is a small patio that opens during warmer weather. Will definitely keep this restaurant at the top of my go-to list. read more

Holidays are coming and El Nuevo remains the BEST place for a group in the neighborhood! Loved our food as always with lots of veggie options, the patio is so cozy and fun, and the service is always so kind and accommodating! Book for your big family while they're in town :) read more

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Charming neighborhood spot. Delicious traditional Mexican dishes. Dinner started with a slightly spicy, rich, creamy salsa and fresh chips served in a sealed bag to ensure freshness. It was tough to choose from the many options on the menu, so I opted for one of the combination platters. Yum. chicken enchilada suiza, a spicy beef taco and a creamy chille Ellen. This was all accompanied with fresh guacamole, salad, Spanish rice and refried beans. I will definitely order this again. My husband order steak burritos which he let me try. Also excellent. It was a chilly night so the outdoor patio wasn't open but there was comfortable seating indoors. Service was attentive, efficient and food was served piping hot. read more

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Went here to celebrate my birthday and our daughters because it's my fav spot! We had vegan enchiladas, empanadas, shrimp enchiladas and the soppapias! Margaritas! And they brought beautiful flans with candles and sang to us! Great, fun atmosphere and amazing fresh food. Not overloaded with beans and cheese like so many Mexican restaurants. Good, delicious food! And the servers are always fast and well trained. read more

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I don't think I've ever had worse Mexican food. The chicken was bland and flavorless. The beef was filled with potatoes. Nothing really had flavor or seasonings. I thought that it would be saved with cocktails but the margaritas were pure sour mix and the mojito was just lime juice. Even the cokes were gross. They weren't Mexican or American cokes, just flat and sweet. DO NOT GO HERE! read more

I ordered in today. Things have changed and not for the better. The tortillas are now at least 1"-1.5" smaller all the way around. They're like "minis". And they were lacking that homemade flavor that good Mexican restaurants have. The guac wasn't as rich and flavorful as it used to be. Everything was BLAND. I want to continue to love you, but do better! read more

Service at the bar was excellent because of the one waiter. The bartender is was new and still learning how to multi-task. Salsa was disappointing, tortilla chips (no salt...), okay. Pollo Asado en Salsa Molcajete- ordered it because I wanted tomatillo sauce. It was okay, sauce needed more cooking. Like the grilled zucchini. Rice and beans were bland, :( Chips and salsa are extra. Tres leches cake was very good. read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Pollo Asado en Salsa Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here for cinco de mayo and my friends and i had the BEST TIME! A longer wait- which was expected, but the team accommodated an additional add-on person to our party and got sat within 10 minutes after our reso. The ambiance was so amazing with the talented mariachi!! Our server caesar was 10/10 and made our night SUPER SPECIAL! He's SO amazing!! Super friendly, helpful, and fun!! LOVE THE CHURROS :) Will come back again !!! THANKS CAESAR ! Happy Cinco De Mayo!! read more

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This is my favorite Mexican restaurant of Chicago and I can't be convinced otherwise. Their drinks are good and happy hour is fun but their food is delicious. I ALWAYS get their mole because it has to be the best but I have tried bites off of my friend's plates when they are order something and every, single, time it's delicious. Making me believe everything here is great!! read more

Good Mexican food in a nice environment with excellent service. The complementary salsa has a nice kick and fresh cilantro. For brunch I had the Chilaquiles, which were served with a nice green chili sauce, although the chips weren't dried tortillas in the classic fashion. Queso fun dodo was a good appetizer, although it would have been better with the poblanos I ordered rather than chorizo. read more

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A fun spot with ample space to dine in. They have a heated patio. Big, delicious drinks. The shrimp tacos are a hit. I especially love the service because the waiters are super helpful, and they care about the diner's experience. read more

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Came here for restaurant week! Was great to try so much of the menu. The menu even outside of restaurant week has great value. The food was delicious! I also loved that they have so many vegan options! Seems to be family owned? We had attentive service but didn't feel like we were rushed through our meal. So glad I went and I would love to come back! read more

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This is a great local spot for Mexican food! They have a happy hour deal Mon-Thurs from 4-6 pm, so my friend and I each did the bundle to get a margarita with our entree. Our server recommended the enchiladas with mole and they did not disappoint! I've also been here in the summer and love the unexpected patio in the back; it has a great ambiance! read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Enchiladas with Mole - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend and I got to give El Nuevo Mexicano a shot and I will say we both highly enjoyed the experience. I will say the carne asada taco dinner was legit and the vegan option was also very good! The service was great as well as the waiter checked in often to make sure we were enjoying our experience. Definitely will have to come back and try more menu items! read more

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The food at El Neuvo was generally decent. We were not the biggest fan of the ceviche as it tasted too sweet and did not carry much lime flavor. We liked the Enrollados de Carnitas better, which had a satisfyingly rich pork flavor. The highlight was the Camarones en Chile Ancho Con Piñones, with shrimps simmered in a rich, zesty sauce that was super flavorful and balanced. The dining vibe here is very cozy, especially in the spacious back room with the decorative lights. The service is also efficient and friendly. read more

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Great spot for a weekly Mexican indulge! We started with chips and salsa (does not come free to the table, $3.50) and queso fundido. Loved the queso as it satisfied all cheesey dreams. We added publano peppers and was the perfect appetizer to share with a table of 4. I ordered the enchiladas crema chipotle which was excellent. Just a hint of kick paired perfectly with the rice and homemade beans. My friends ordered the Al pastor tacos - plenty filling with a lot of meat and the combinacion fiesta. Service was great, our server was knowledgeable of the menu and when we asked for suggestions he did not hesitate. He checked on us often and kept the drinks flowing. Didn't get a chance to head into the back, but looked like there was a nice patio perfect for summer nights and music. Would love to return! read more

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El Nuevo is a hidden gem. They are one of my all time favorite places for authentic mexican food. They also serve 'killer' margaritas and who doesn't love a great rita!!! You will not be disappointed when on your visit. read more

Love this place, great vegan options! The house margs are always lovely. Highly recommend! read more

I had lunch today with my senior Mom. The service was outstanding. My mom's dish was too spicy for her and they changed it out no problem. I had the salmon and it was scrumptious!! They have a great menu and pretty dining room and patio. Some entrees are pricey, but the quality of the food is top notch. read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Salmon in Chipotle - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I highly recommend this Mexican restaurant. One of the best menu items is their tortilla soup which I believe is the best I have ever had in any Mexican restaurant! It is a very large serving full of many vegetables as well as cut up pieces of avocado and large chunks of chicken. It is truly a meal by itself. Kudos to the chef! I also highly recommend their chicken enchiladas mole poblanos which has wonderful complex flavors and is served with refried beans, rice and a salad. This is one of the house specialties that you will enjoy! read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Indoor at El Nuevo - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food and service excellent!! The next time we escape a Western Coast Hurricane we will be back! read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Flan and Chirros - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Step above Mexican food. They treat you like family. Cozy ambiance. We've been coming here about three years. Great thought out food. They dohave tbe tradjonal Mexican dishes ut tben expand to tbe gourmet taste. And not price prohibitive at all. All with great musical ambiance. Wee worth going! read more

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Came here since Tuk Tuk Thai down the street was packed. What a great decision. Originally wanted the enchiladas mole poblano but our waiter advocated for the carnitas chipotle. Not really knowing what to expect, my expectations were more than met. The pork was so tender and juicy. Didn't really taste the plantain but the mango and plantain pico provided just enough sweetness to complement the chipotle sauce which had the perfect level of spice. Finally, the flour tortillas weren't anything special but a great vessel to consume the dish and soak up the sauce. Decided to get something different and it paid off as this is the best Mexican food I have had in the city. read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Carnitas Chipotle - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food 4/5, Drinks 3/5, Atmosphere 4/5 *Vegan Menu* Food - I ordered the vegan enchiladas and they were absolutely amazing!! I have no complaints or improvements. The texture, flavor, and portion sizes were perfect. Drinks - I was very disappointed by the margaritas. After 3 attempts they were finally just okay. Atmosphere - Very cute, quaint restaurant. The service was a little slow but overall good. read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Enchiladas Veganos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came here for a quick lunch on a cold Chicago afternoon. I wanted to eat light but also something warm. The inside is small and cozy with an excellent server. I saws on Yelp for tortilla soup but didn't see it on the menu. I asked the server if they had tortilla soup and he said of course. It was perfect for the cold. It came with shredded chicken and slices of avocado with tortilla strips. A very flavorful broth and would definitely be returning to order this again and try a few other items off this menu. I of course came during lunch so I didn't order any drinks but I also would mind trying a margarita next time. I'll definitely be returning. read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Chicken tortilla soup. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food was good, service terrific and the ambiance cozy and comfortable. My wife and I went there for her favorite tortilla soup. She was not disappointed. It is consistently top notch, well balanced and filled with chicken chunks. I had the mole enchiladas. I am Mexican American and grew up with this and the mole was fresh, home made and delicious. Better than some I have had at the "better" Mexican restaurants here and in the states. We enjoyed a couple of margaritas with premium tequila and no mix, genuine lime and Cointreau. The fried ice cream dessert was a great finishing touch. Just as good was the service in this cozy 12 14 table restaurant. It was snowing outside making it feel very comfortable to be inside. The service could not be better. Knowledgeable, nice and efficient waitstaff made it a very pleasant experience. read more

We are from out of town and haven't been to El Nuevo in a while. We forgot how good this place is. The Mole Poblano is one of the best I've ever had, and mole is my key indicator of a good Mexican restaurant. Authentic food, friendly service and great atmosphere. read more

Went here for dinner with a friend. The restaurant is much bigger than you can tell from the street. They have an enclosed heated patio in the back area where which we sat. They give you as many orders of fresh chips and salsa as you wish. Salsa is kinda spicy, but I prefer it that way. We ordered Al pastor enchiladas which were very good and got the churros for dessert. There are cheaper Mexican restaurants in the area but this place isn't overpriced. Service was also very good and attentive. Will be visiting again. read more

Overall: El Nuevo Mexicano is a fantastic casual Mexican experience. The good: To start off, the food here is fantastic. Chips and salsa are great, as are the nachos (every bite had a healthy portion of toppings!). The drinks are flavorful and there's plenty to choose from menu-wise (for both food and drinks). The enchiladas were bomb - the chicken was tender and juicy and the chipotle crema sauce was spicy but forgiving. The rice and beans, which are typically forgotten about, were also great. And, I'd be remiss not to mention COVID, but they have a decent-sized patio which was perfect. The not-so-good: In the past, the chips and salsa used to be free, but now it looks like they charge for it. Prices are high but the quality of food meets the expectation that's set. Atmosphere: 9/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 9.5/10 read more

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I've been going here years and each time it is delicious. Gracious & professional service, a savory menu to choose from and well made cocktails. The main dinning room gets lively when crowded but there is an enclosed patio on the rear to enjoy in warmer weather. Their Happy Hour is a great value, it's difficult not to have another Margarita! The dishes are attractively presented & tasty . So after an afternoon movie or shopping in the area - stop by to enjoy it all. read more

The location was great with plenty of street parking, the food was so good, friendly staff, good drinks (recommend the sangria). We had the enchiladas which were so good. I had the chicken crema and my friend had the steak enchiladas. We were both extremely happy. read more

El Nuevo Mexicano - Enchiladas Crema Chipotle - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

YUM!! The food at El Nuevo Mexicano was delicious. We have not had Mexican food like this before. Everything was super flavorful, especially with the habanero hot sauce. And the vegan options were amazing! read more

Me and my friends have been coming here for years!!! We love it. They have great food & margs. Also they have friendly service. And the food comes out quick! read more

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A real find!!! Lovely room, terrific welcoming service and wonderful food and cocktails. Do yourself a favor and go. You will not be disappointed. read more

Food was mid. Queso fundido was good but everything else was blah. Won't be returning

Such a great spot for frozen margaritas! We came on a whim on a Friday night for dinner and got seated right away. They checked our temperatures and everything was clean with socially distant tables. The server we had was David and he was so sweet and funny. He did a great job taking our orders. We had 2 classic frozen margaritas (mango and strawberry) and I had a 3 steak taco dinner with rice and my boyfriend had an enchilada dinner platter. My strawberry frozen margarita was a little more on the liquid-y side, but still delicious overall. My steak tacos were packed with the meat which I appreciated and were so good! We also got the chocolate churros which topped off our yummy meals. It was a great time and highly recommend trying their margs! read more

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Terrible service. My dish included tortillas per the menu. When it arrived without them I mentioned that all was well except for the tortillas missing. Dismissive server told me it didn't come with them but I could "get it extra." Politely, I declined. When I mentioned that to the manager when the check came he said in a crude manner "Well, you have to ask for it." The quality of the food left a lot to be desired. read more

This was excellent. I had skirt steak with chimichurri with a sweet potato mash and veggies and it was outstanding. The margaritas were great too. Service was good. They have a lot of gluten free and vegan options on the menu too. I'll be back for sure! read more

Okay, not to be too modest, but I know my Mexican food. I lived in Tucson for 10 years and Albuquerque for another 5 - some of the best Mexican/New Mexican food in the known universe. Classics, from tacos and enchiladas, chile relenos and fajitas. But then let's delve into the other items like guacamole, rice, beans, mole sauce and margaritas - all essential to the Mexican dining experience, if you ask me. I've had some of the best, in the most authentic places ever. And El Neuvo is seriously solid. Sure, you're in Chicago, so you already have a higher hurdle to get over. But these guys don't seem to have an issue with that. The food is solid - good portions, great quality, phenomenal flavors. No, not the best Mexican food that I've ever had, but seriously good. Even for Chicago with some serious epic eats, this place is right up there. Nothing fancy or floofy, just good food at reasonable prices. Oh, on the margaritas, the house is okay but it is definitely made with sweet and sour. Splurge a bit and get the margarita made with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur. Totally worth it. This is my go-to sit down Mexican in Lakeview. read more