There are restaurants you go to because they're must go's. There are others that are simple watering holes for families and the working class to enjoy a nice meal. This is the latter and it is one of the best of its kind. This is a no frills interior. The booths are old, as are the plates and silverware. But it is well kept and comfortable, like a family couch. The food however is something else. By no means is this place gourmet. But it is homestyle mexican comfort food that you look forward to getting from your friend's abuela if you stayed over after school. I got the #5, which has a little bit of everything. First came the tamale, which while plain, was utterly delicious. Moist and full of a well seasoned and slow cooked pork that only loving hands can make. Then the rest which was an enchilada covered in delicious mole, a tostada and a taco. The former was amazing. The latter two, better than most but nothing truly special. Regardless, the price is more than affordable and the feast would make any grandmother feel like her children had a full meal. So if you're on ashland or working at Prescott elementary, swing by. It's worth a pit stop. And if you're a neighbor, come over here more. It's absolutely worth patronizing. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Honestly, this place is amazing If you're looking for a great neighborhood Mexican spot - this is your spot Low key, great service, classic and absolutely delicious food Chips and pico de gallo to start were delicious. We ordered guac - it was huge and we used it as a side for our other entrees I got the mole enchiladas with chicken - I ate the entire plate - I had to take a 2.5hr nap when I got home My kid got chicken quesadillas and inhaled them Was *slightly* nervous, but I realized all the negative reviews were from people complaining about their cheeseburgers (WILD). I would stick to the Mexican food, but this place was amazing and we will definitely be back to check out the rest of their menu No pics because we ate way too fast read more

Presidente has the best pozole on the north side! So good, service is always great. Highly recommend authentic Mexican food forsure read more

This place is directly across the street from where my team plays softball. I am not sure why we don't come here more often because its a great family run place. Seriously, we got the entire family pitching in to make an excellent little Mexican restaurant. Since the weather is still nice, I will say that their patio is severely underrated. As for the food, its pretty good, but basic Mexican food which has a pretty high bar in Chicago. I would say the thing that puts this place over from the rest is the service. Excellent and friendly service by a local family. This is what we want more of! A family run business with family recipes. read more

The staff were super friendly as soon as we walked in. The authentic Mexican decoration really set the mood and gave a welcoming aura to the restaurant. I ordered the carne asada taco dinner. While the steak could have been juicer, I really enjoyed its flavor. Their house sauces were also really spicy which I enjoyed. The portions were very large and worth the price. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Everything most authentic chilaqieles just like my mom from Jalisco used to make. Been a customer for over 40 years, will continue to be their customer. read more

I've been eating at El Presidente since 1984. I have loved it for all those 40+ years. Originally at the Lincoln Ave location and then at the Ashland Ave location. They have never disappointed. The food has been exactly the same all this time. I always get the Piccadillo Burrito Suizo with a Coke.Outstanding. read more

Came across this hidden jem and was pleasantly surprised. Good food with big portions

Good food and reasonable prices. We got carry out and the order was correct and on time. I'm looking forward to going back.

Unfortunately I was disappointed last night. I ordered a chicken taco (3) dinner. I did carry out. When I ate my food, they were all steak. I was at work and there was nothing I could do. I rarely eat red meat so this was a problem for me. read more

Yesterday we went out to dinner with the family. Im a cheeseburger guy & will order it if available on the menu. Cheeseburger was smaller than white castle burgers. I was the second person to place my order of a party of 12. The folks that arrived late after everyone placed there order received thier food before me. This makes me think I was targeted as being the only black person with the family. Cheeseburger looked like it had been dragged through the floor served & placed on the plate. If they would of at let me now no cheeseburger for the day. I would have ordered something else instead of bringing out this shit! read more

El Presidente Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had dinner last night & we ordered a cheeseburger & this is what we got! If this is something that customers don't order frequently than they should takeoff the menus. Clearly a simple cheeseburger was the hardest thing to cook, if they even cooked it! We would've appreciated if staff would have informed us that they didn't have any cheeseburgers. Instead of given us the last crushed burger buns that have been in your pantry for months with the frozen Pattie's from last summers BBQ. Cheeseburger looks like it was grilled a couple of days ago or maybe last summer! Honestly I don't even think they cook any of the food when you place your order they microwave your food to heat & bring out. As we sat in the restaurant it didn't even smell like they were cooking. If I could it would be a zero rating! read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Cheese Burger - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ordered 2 $15 Steak Burrito Suizo de Carne Asada. Service was excellent, very polite and prompt. Gave us free unlimited homemade chips & pico de Gallo. They do not skimp on the steak filling. Well priced items. Free side of guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, and rice. Whoever comes to an authentic Mexican restaurant and complained about the cheeseburger should walk into heavy traffic. BYOB! Fave hidden gem. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Steak Burrito Suizo de Carne Asada. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great outdoor patio. Service was a tad slow for not being super busy but the food did not disappoint. Our chips and salsa was always full which is a plus! read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This used to be one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. So when I moved back to the city, I decided to give it a try, but it was horrible! My burrito only had meat in it :/ I should've known it wasn't gonna be good because it was empty while it used to be packed all the time. I do not recommend this place. Plenty of great options elsewhere! read more

Ambiance is very low key and neighborhood type of Mexican restaurant. The place hasn't changed since I recall coming here, outdated, specially the bathrooms... Nonetheless, food is as good as I recall. Beans are on point. Meats are good quality, service is good - beware of the menu items that don't explain exactly how the food is served. I ordered a steak suizo burrito but it came with a sweet, almost ketchup style sauce. Rice comes on the side, but I don't eat that. Anyway, just order what you think you know and ask exactly how they come. The server was good to switch the burrito because I cannot eat sweat burrito. Not here! read more

I have not been there since it was open 24 hours. I'm sad to see it 9-9. But I don't bar hop any more or even drink alcohol and that's when I loved to go, after bars or drinks for some steak tacos and margaritas. ¡Olé! read more

Not a bad hole in the wall Mexican spot. I like that it's byob and has a cool patio out back! Apparently this is a drunk food central, because it's open 24 hours, but it's not a bad idea to get Mexican food for a casual dinner and bring some beers along. The service was quick and to the point too. The complimentary chips and salsa were great, especially because it came w some pico de gallo. We ordered the shrimp fajitas and chicken mole. Both were pretty hefty dishes and difficult for two people to finish. I can definitely see how drunk people would get their fill of food from this. However, I would say quality and taste were pretty average if you were sober like me. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Chicken mole - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is open 24-7 so it's super convenient if you are looking for something open late night. They have street parking available everywhere so it's not hassle to find a spot.If you dine in you get complimentary chips and salsa with a pico de gallo. The menu features options from tacos, burritos, tortas, ect . I would say the prices are little bit more pricey for a taco dinner but that's just my personal opinion. I ended up ordering chicken taco dinner with rice and beans. The food was okay to be honest, will say that I liked that they had shredded chicken. Other than that tacos were okay. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Taco Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On the one hand, they are a block away from my house and open 24 hours. On the other hand, they seem confused when a drunk, single lady wants to eat a couple tacos by herself at 3am with an unlimited supply of chips and salsa. Prices are high for the quality, but I suppose you're also paying for them to be open at your beck and call. read more

Came here for lunch and although the atmosphere was nice, the women who was serving at that time was less than helpful. Also, paid with cash and handed the woman a $20 dollar bill for change, she gave me $10 ones thinking I wouldn't count it. When I called her out, she got instantly nervous and panicky. This is a cheap trick and is always unfortunate to see, especially at a nice family spot. Food was fine. Had chicken tacos. read more

I used to have an apartment just a few blocks away when I went to DePaul. This place was my staple for a torta de Milanesa. The bread is buttery and soft and the milanesa is crispy. The red salsa is fire which I love. I visit anytime I'm in the neighborhood! It's my favorite torta anywhere. read more

I have been going to El Presidente since I was in kindergarten, I am now 38 and live out of state. Every time I come to town this is my first stop. Been so fun brining my kids and seeing the same waitress that has been there since I was a kid. Love this place. read more

The queso fundido was very good. The enchiladas came out and the cheese inside and outside wasn't even melted. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Enchiladas Verdes - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Use to come here all the time like 20 years ago. Still great tacos. Neighborhood has changed some, but the restaurant and food are still as I remember. read more

The best family owned mexican restaurant. The workers are extremely kind and the place has been around forever! Great food and BYOB

One recent Saturday night around midnight, I'd had a few glasses of wine and asked my boyfriend if he'd take me to a certain popular taco chain on Clybourn for a snack. We hopped in the car, filled with excitement for the promise of a Baja Blast, and when we arrived, we learned it was closed for construction. As we drove away, disappointed, we saw the bright, 24-hour shining lights of El Presidente, and were instead excited for the chance to try a new spot! There was easy street parking nearby, and we were seated immediately smack-dab in the middle of the colorful restaurant. It was surprisingly empty for a Saturday at midnight, because it didn't seem like too many places around there were open. This could've been because there wasn't too much foot traffic from the bar scene, but 24 hour Mexican food is totally my jam, so my excitement could've been biased. El Presidente is BYOB, which was probably better for me at that point in the night since we didn't bring any drinks. Food would be our main focus. While we perused the menu, our waitress brought out chips and salsa. After some contemplation between a taco salad, tacos, tostadas, or a burrito, I went with a cheese-covered burrito with picadillo (ground beef). It came with rice, beans, guac, lettuce, sour cream, and tomato. My boyfriend ordered tacos. We didn't have to wait long before she brought our our meals, and she was very sweet and continued to bring out water as we ate. My burrito was topped with so much cheesiness and I loved it, and it was so filling that I only ate half and brought the rest home in a box! But it truly was very great. Even though El Presidente is open 24 hours, I kind of enjoyed how relaxed it was, because for the night it felt like our little secret. I'm so glad I got to spontaneously try out a new spot! read more

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They have menudo and it's great, which means it's legit. Other things I have ordered though are bland. It may just be that like a lot of food in the midwest it is intentionally blander here than it is elsewhere. I like that there is outside seating, and service is quick and friendly. read more

Favorite mexican food for 30+ years! Love all the staff! Steak tacos, enchiladas, pork burrito suiza. Yum!

My husband takes me here as this has been his go to spot since he was in high school. He always orders a combo plate with steak tacos, rice, beans. It is great! Today I ordered a combo with one beef taco (beef differs from steak remember this! It is a ground beef) not too bad tasting. A enchilada -it had chicken in it and cheese on top it was delicious and a tamale- I was not a fan of the tamale. The staff are all super friendly and the food comes out extremely quick! The waitress always brings fresh tortilla chips to the table with a great tomato/onion mixture to dip into (im not sure what it's called I'm sorry) but it's delicious. Pop is by the can. They do accept credit. Decor is suitable for a Mexican restaurant for sure. They try to spice the decor up on holidays for example Easter they will have little Easter eggs everywhere which I find cute. Booths available I love the comfort of booths ! read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Tamale Beef taco Enchilada combo plate - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My fiancé and I came here last night and ordered two steak burritos to go. I thought the burritos were pretty good, they had melted cheese on the top and came with a little bit of rice and guacamole. Two burritos was $22, which is a little pricey compared to most Mexican restaurants that I frequent. I thought it had a lot of flavor though and was a good portion. read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My favorite restaurant in Chicago. The chilaquiles are superb! The salsa and pico de gallo - all home made and delicious. God Bless Lupe and her staff- Viva El Presidente! read more

Food was disgusting under cooked meat. The worst Mexican food I have ever had. The food get me sick and when I called back to speak to the owner Rosa and ask for a refund, she refused and said she didn't care because I was only one customer that didn't mean anything to her.Carne Asada and Steak Burrito. read more

Truly the pinnacle of exotic cuisine in the Windy City. We were told they receive their meat from the same suppliers as Gibson's Steakhouse and I believe it. I ordered the Burrito Suizo (pictured below) and it was incredible. Be sure to ask for Esperanza, she was great! 11/10 I WILL be back read more

El Presidente Restaurant - Burrito Suizo - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Your standard Mexican fare. I've come a few times with friends, coming for protein after a long volleyball session. I appreciate that it's open late. They've got a range of appetizers to big plates, although I don't like that the menu isn't the best organized. You'll randomly see tacos under the appetizer section, but then see it again as a dinner, served with rice and beans. There is also a tamale dinner (x3), which isn't available itself as an appetizer (which I was able to order only one, upon request.) These slight things make it a bit more difficult to order.. but not the end of the world, by any means. comes with standard chips an salsa, including a pico de gallo sort, as well as a spicier red. chips are fine. Service isn't the best, and can be slower, although the ladies serving are quite warm and welcoming (with little English. My friends, fortunately, speak plenty Spanish. They understand, but there may be communication barriers.) Expect slow refills on water, and calling attention. With larger groups, not all meals come at the same time. We don't mind as much, but just be prepared, if this is something important to you. In terms of payment for large groups, they include gratuity, and also will only accept up to 2 cards for payment (and the rest must be cash). Receipts are outdated, written in paper, so have fun deciphering and splitting the bill, when it's handwritten, and not necessarily in order. The food is fine and decent. Ambience is okay. pricing is appropriate. More just a great fall-back plan when we need food late, but I wouldn't necessarily say I'd go out of my way for it, or have a craving for this spot particularly. If you're in the area, this is a decent spot to get the job done, though. read more

Here's another example of why drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea. I came in here like a bull in a China shop. I was a complete mess. The wonderful overnight staff at EL Presidente still served me with a smile. The waitress was very cool and had a bit of fun with us. As for the food, it was actually quite good. It wasn't just a drunk palate that thought so. The meat was tender and juicy, and the tortillas where soft. Come on in late night, but be nice to the staff. They have to try and decipher what the hell we drunkards are ordering late at night. read more

Best nachos and chicken enchiladas mole. Love this place. Such nice staff too. Try it out

Been here a few times for lunch. Never crowded or busy yet all three times the steak burrito was overcooked and dry. Perhaps adding lettuce, tomatoes and onions would help with the dryness. read more

I feel so bad for saying this cause maybe its because its Corona and they don't have supplies but soo badd. Complete cafeteria food. So bland no flavor and there's actual mexicans cooking. Even chipotle has done better. No music just silence and the other tavles conversations. This isn't the way to keep a business going. Gotta put in some effort guys. read more

Been coming here since I was a kid and never disappoints. Food is always delicious! Always recommend for anyone looking to eat good Mexican food. read more