Either you love it or hate it. So we went to try it and we loved. Interior is colorful. They have table and booth options. Our waiter was very nice. They have complimentary chips and salsa. They brought more when we finished the chips. Salsa is chunky and is really good. Wasnt spicy. Also had the Guacamole to have with our meals. Guacamole was made fresh. I had the quesadilla gringo with chicken and added rice and black beans. Came with sour cream. Had the appetizer as my meal. It was a good size and was very filling. Had cheese, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Was very savory and chicken was cooked perfectly and wasn't dry. The rice was not soggy or crispy and the beans were not salty. My friend had the taco salad and comes in a crispy fluffy shell. We both ate everything and didn't have any leftovers. read more

See all

I have been going to Front Street Cantina for years. phenomenal. I stopped in on Monday to get the taco plate which included shrimp taco, El Pastor, and then the mahi-mahi, which is phenomenal. My server was Alexander and he recommended the Swirl Margarita, and it was amazing. Not only do you get a frozen margarita, it's topped with a sangria on top. Between the food and the beverage the fact that it is still an affordable meal, which is hard to get nowadays I feel without sacrificing flavor or quality, is why I truly love Front Street Cantina Meal type read more

How can someone make a bad quesadilla? I'm really asking. I mean kids in kindergarten can melt cheese in a tortilla. The thing they brought me was so bad that I took two bites and didn't touch the rest and I'm greedy. I never give bad reviews. I mean never. But a horrible quesadilla? AND a bad strawberry margarita?!? At a cantina? That's just not right. Did I mention that it was like $14? read more

Front Street Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

We decided to stop here for lunch after doing some shopping in the area. We ordered steak tacos, chicken Tacos, steak Torta, Chimichanga and Elotes. The tacos were good, Chimichanga was above average however it was unfortunately soaked in the bean sauce on the plate. The steak Torta was a bit on the dry side. Atmosphere was good with a lot of college games played in the bar. They had a minor mix up with our order but overall service was fair. Thank you read more

See all

Me and my mom loved you guys food. It hads a very good service. It looks very nice in the inside. The server Brayan was amazing. read more

Front Street has reopened with a remodeled interior and updated menu. I was happy to see new items like elotes and kale salad among their classics, taco salad and my favorite, the veggie quesadilla or "quesadilla gringo." We received excellent service from Alex, who was friendly, energetic and excited to highlight the features of the new menu. During our visit, all staff members were wearing their masks and customers were seated at different areas of the restaurant--It was socially distanced and felt safe. Excited to have this restaurant back in the mix of downtown Naperville! Will be back soon! read more

See all

Great bar seating and the elotes were the highlight for me on a warm Spring Sunday afternoon. Lots of foot traffic around the area and we enjoyed drinks and a few shots of tequila! read more

Been going to this place since it opened. Every time we go back, it's like they've improved. The food is very good - particularly the tacos and fajitas. reasonably priced, cool atmosphere inside and cool seating options outside in the back and front of the street. Usually not wait, the food comes out fast and service is awesome. We love this place! It's becoming a staple of downtown Naperville. We go at least once a month! read more

Love this place. My wife and I go all the time. Great food, better service. All very fresh and kid friendly staff too.

My review is mainly for the service received at the restaurant! Thumbs up to the management and staff for the quick friendly service we received last night. The drinks were good, the food was okay not authentic Mexican food but good. Our server Jackie was friendly and attentive. Thanks for letting us enjoy our holiday dinner!! read more

Food is good but the portion size had me a little bewildered, the ingredients however are very much fresh and tasty. Our server was also incredibly kind, funny, attentive, and courteous. They also had the purest tasting water I've ever had in my life. I had like 6 waters read more

I am shocked by the average rating on this one! I have been going to Front Street since before they closed and rebranded during the pandemic (since, at least, 2009). My family grew up eating this Mexican food, amongst other local spots, and we still find ourselves going back. Their chicken enchiladas are still absolutely outstanding (recommend the "Zacatecas": plate of one taco and one enchilada) right alongside their crispy corn shell taco platter (get with shredded chicken;). Everything here comes topped with that rich, thick- shredded Mexican cheese that one must search hard to find. If you know, you know. Their shredded chicken is what they excel at here- always cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Call it nostalgic bias, but I cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Over all just a meh experience. The mahi tacos were not a hit the fish was cooked well but the sauce they put on them was such a strong flavor it covered another flavor. The tortilla soup had chicken bones in it. The shrimp and steak fajitas were both tasty but the steak had way yo many peppers about 2 -3 peppers worth, no onion(stole some from the shrimp fajitas) and really only enough streak for two fajitas . Both the shrimp and steak were very tasty. Before 2 of us where done our waiter started clearing our plates . Just over all very disappointing, with all the choices right there I can say any of us think we will be back. read more

Tacos are minimal, come in two, and will cost you roughly $16. Go to el burrito mex off maple and 53 instead where you'll get much more and way better food for $8. Not to mention, Front streets salsa is chopped tomatoes without much flavor. Bring your own. read more

We were super excited to try out this place bc of the live music and amazing vibes. Had to wait about 15-20 mins to get a table on a Friday night, which is totally understandable. Once we got seated, we ordered drinks and chicken fajitas. The server asked if we wanted rice and beans and we said yes. She also asked if we wanted corn or flour tortillas and we said we wanted both. Took about 20 mins for the food to come. But all we got were fajitas. No rice or beans. No salsa or any other toppings. They only gave us flour tortillas and forgot the corn tortillas. We were not even given any utensils or plates until we asked. The fajitas were really delicious and the rice/beans/salsa were also really good. But the experience up until we ate the food was very subpar. It's understandable because it was a super Friday night but as a first time customer, first impressions are everything. Still giving 3 stars because the food was great and the live music/band were amazing! read more

Front Street Cantina - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

Naperville is desperate for Mexican food, so Front Street Cantina is a welcome addition. The restaurant has recently reopened after being closed for remodeling. The atmosphere is ok, but I would have expected more based on how long it was closed. We ordered Tacos Front Street and Beef Enchiladas. Our food was average. Not great, but not bad either. The one complaint we had was the flour tortillas were ice cold. I did appreciate the large selection of beers. read more

Front Street Cantina - Tacos Front Street - Mexican Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

See all

We were there with a large post-theater group after a nearby performance. Considering the size of the crowd, and that we all descended upon them at once and filled the place, service was great, and the food was delivered quickly. I had the Mexican Pizza, which was delicious. My husband had a combo platter which was huge - he took home at least half of it. The margaritas were good, although a larger size would have been even better, as one wasn't quite enough. We were lucky to find the parking spots in the rear of the building, but there were just a few, so at a more crowded time it probably would have been up to us to find our own nearby parking. We may try to visit again sometime at a regular time, when we don't all descend at once! I'm guessing it will be even better then! read more

The service was good but the food was not, sadly. Would not return again to this place. I tried the steak burrito and did not enjoy it at all read more

Yesterday we visited Front Street Cantina with our autistic grandson. We are trying to teach him how to sit patiently while everyone enjoys their meal. Our server was Vincente who was so kind and encouraging to us. Our visit was very successful, the food was wonderful, and we thank you for your inclusive environment--you made our day! read more

I just ate Front Street for lunch today and it was Awesome. I think it is the best Mexican food in Downtown Naperville.

I do not recommend coming to Front Street Cantina. We went here by default because we were hungry and wanted food on our way home from Chriskindlmart. The other restaurants were full and we didn't feel like waiting. The was one of the only places that could seat us right away (another instance where my impatience bites me in the butt). The inside looked decent, but was nothing special or overly done. It was just standard. Most of the decor is reminiscent of a Tex-Mex restaurant although perhaps a little outdated. The service wasn't great. Our waiter was dead pan with little personality, but it was a Saturday night and I'm sure he would have liked to be anywhere else. I can forgive lack of enthusiasm with prompt service, but waiting 40 mins for a salad and taco dinner just didn't seem right. This is especially true when the couple who got there after us got their food before us. The food was nasty. There is no other way to put it. It tasted like garbage. More than a lack of flavor, but bad ingredients. The lettuce was flimsy and warm (not good). The tostada was devoid of any flavor and the "fresh ingredients" were a little wilted and sad. My boyfriend said the taco dinner was the worst he had ever tasted; so I saved myself the nausea and did not try it. Overall, I would definitely not come here. There are too many other restaurants you can try. read more

Front Street Cantina - Side salad - Mexican Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

See all

This is a big disappointment. Was looking forward to a cool ambiance with better food than potters. It's just a less fun more expensive potters read more

Food is great, serving staff is very nice. Outdoor patios in Naperville is a nice addition. Try the shrimp dishes as they are wonderful. We've been to both locations many many times in the past 25-30 years. The food is bery consistent and the atmosphere is nice, especially in Plainfield. We're thrilled that they finally reopened in Naperville and hope that over time the interior will grow warmer and a little more decorative. read more

Rich is amazing. I was starving, came just after the kitchen closed and they still served me! So sweet! Was one of the only places with Monday Night Football on and at least a few people at the bar. Suburbs are pretty full for football watching but what can ya do. Just grateful they were kind and the food was good. Meant to take a picture but forgot! read more

Front Street Cantina on a Summer night is just nice. Downtown Naperville has a great vibe. --Just minutes from my house but always feels like a vacation destination. I love eating out on the sidewalk. It makes me feel like I'm in one of my favorite European cities. I really wish America would catch onto more of this lifestyle dining. We certainly need more of that! As far as the food... It's not bad. I never come here during the cooler months because it's just not worth it to me if I'm not eating out on the sidewalk. But the chips and salsa are pretty good. --salsa tastes fresh. And I rather like the "tacos on the beach". I've had some entrees that are drowning in oil. --no bueno! But, if you eat outside and stick to what you know you like, it's a nice evening. read more

The chicken fajitas were awesome. They have a great margarita selection, highly recommend the mango margarita with a tajin rim! Our waitress was super nice and attentive. read more

We just finished having dinner at the restaurant. We ordered shrimp enchiladas and steak fajitas. The steak fajitas had no less than 4 black curly hairs in the food. Not sure if someone is in the kitchen cooking without a hair net or what however, there definitely is a problem here that needs to be addressed. read more

Fantastic service. Down to earth waitress, good suggestions. I had the shredded chicken burrito with black beans and rice. It was delicious. Drink prices were good. Lots of great drink options. I loved the strawberry daiquiri I ordered it was very refreshing and didn't taste like syrup. For Mexican food it was pretty standard. I hated the salsa it had a really weird after taste to it, kind of grossed me out. I think this restaurant is slightly overpriced to comparable restaurants. The queso is $9 which is kind of a lot. read more

Front Street Cantina - Shredded chicken burrito - Mexican Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

See all

Seriously how can this place only have 3 stars? I got out to eat ALOT and not only are their drink glasses BIGGER than potters, but the food is way, way better. With the new patio (cool) you can still people watch two doors down. And hear the music while being able to talk and hear yourself think. Be cool or just think you're cool by paying more $ for a smaller drink based on what? read more

My family and I had a lovely time at Front Street. The food was good and our server was excellent. It was a fun atmosphere on Saturday night, definitely will go back. read more

The new manager Alex truly cares & making his customers happy is his main goal. He made some great recommendations. Love the homemade chips and freshly made salsa! Actually everything we tasted was really fresh & we were delighted with are meals. We will definitely be back. Great place to come with your family, such a relaxed atmosphere. read more

Was so excited when they opened back up after the remodel, but after our visit, my boyfriend and I both decided we will not be going back. We decided to sit at the bar and had a friendly but also not so attentive bartender. I ordered my usual chicken burrito, but it was lacking in flavor. My boyfriend said his burrito also was not that great. Unfortunately, we both left feeling underwhelmed, but later on in the evening we both also felt very sick to our stomachs. Needless to say, we are not eager to return in the future and will visit other Mexican food options in the area instead. read more

Been visiting this restaurant since I was a child and it's always fantastic. The new patio is great. Staff is warm and attentive, and the enchiladas are some of the best I've ever had. Highly recommended! read more

We used to loooove this restaurant before they closed for remodeling. The food is still good (although the salsa is now a chunky tomato, green pepper and red pepper-flaked mess. Yuck.) but the atmosphere is GODAWFUL. It's clear that they are now focused on being a bar, as there is an enormous, monstrous square bar smack in the middle of the small space. Tables to dine appear to be an afterthought. A cramped, poorly designed afterthought. The designer took what used to be a pretty bar and a charming eclectic dining area and turned it into something wholly unwelcoming. It was loud and cramped and just not an enjoyable dining experience. I won't dine in again, but hopefully they will have outside seating in the summer. Call me after the next renovation. read more

The previous owners had a much more authentic ambiance as well as menu selections, not to mention a proprietary Margarita recipe. The only thing the current owners have over the previous is the fact that they were able to get the landlords to allow them to have a rear outside dining area. Other than that I'm disappointed with new look which has lost all the charm of the previous. read more

Wonderful Service. Great Food. Highly Recommend. I grew up going to Front Street Cantina with my family. I was nervous it wouldn't be the same with the recent renovations but was pleased to find they still had my favorite menu items (front street cantina salsa with warm fresh tortilla chips and shredded beef chimichanga) and the atmosphere was so fun with live music. The staff were super friendly and helpful! Our server Alex was very nice and accommodating for my guest who had specific food requests. He was super attentive and knew what we needed before we even had to ask. Look forward to visiting again soon. read more

Hate to say it, but since reopening, this just isn't the same place. As others have noted, the ambience is stark and Formica-like, a departure from the charming church pews that used to seat patrons and give it an antique-y cantina vibe. The garish wallpaper with cactus imprints tries to make you feel like it's not just another sports bar. But that's hard to overcome. The salsa tastes like someone just rough-chopped some tomatoes and threw them in a bowl. Our fish tacos were cold and tasted very fishy (fresh?), and a second pork torta didn't come out of the kitchen for 10 minutes following our other dishes. Anna, our server, was great - and did her best to single-handedly help 9 or 10 tables. Sadly, the food experience wasn't just 'meh,' it was bad. So if up for some Mexican, our stand-by's (including places like El Burrito Parrilla) will be a smaller group. read more

They may have remodeled during Covid, though, the place is filthy, service was fine and their food is worse than before. Skip this place and don't waste your $. Too bad - we expected better. read more

Front Street Cantina is a pretty standard Mexican restaurant if you ask me. The food is good, service is friendly, and the downtown Naperville location is nice, but there's really no wow-factor. I've been here a couple times. The first was when I popped in for a solo late lunch during the week and sat up at the bar. The second time my husband and I had lunch outside and posted up with our laptops. There's a couple tables right outside in front and they're great for people watching on a nice day! Like I said, their food is good it's just not anything special. I do think you get plenty of food for the value though. The gringo-quesadilla is pretty tasty ($9-12.50 depending on filling). This 10" tortilla is filled with Monterey Jack cheese, poblano peppers, sautéed onions, and mushrooms. You get your choice of grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp and your quesadilla is served with sour cream and guacamole. Burritos are a classic as well! You get your choice of shredded beef, chicken, ground beef or beans with cheese, and it's all wrapped in a flour tortilla and baked with tomato, green onions and cheese on top. It's served with cheesy beans and Mexican rice. Plenty of food for once person! Their menu has a bunch of items that are clearly marked as gluten free which is nice. Front Street Cantina also offers daily lunch specials which will save you a buck or two on the featured item. If you're craving Mexican food and downtown Naperville, their are only a couple options so definitely give FSC a shot. read more

Front Street Cantina - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

I feel like Naperville residents have really high standards for just about everything, so it's really surprising that Front Street has been as successful as it has. Don't get me wrong, it's not...terrible. There's just nothing exciting about it at all. And I don't know about you, but if I'm going to fight the downtown Naperville crowd, I want more than just so-so. The chips and salsa are relatively underwhelming; I'm a fan of salsa that's heavy on cilantro and garlic, but unfortunately, Front Street's is lacking both. Menu-wise, it's pretty standard Tex-Mex food, so most patrons are likely to find something they'll like. You'll find the generic combo dishes along with "traditional" (I use that term loosely) Latin offerings. I've visited Front Street several times and selected a few of the combo plates. While they weren't terrible, I wasn't impressed with the seasoning or flavors of the dishes. My enchilada tasted like the burrito, which tasted like the tamale, which tasted like the taco. You get the point, right? Generic, bland Mexican food. Service was acceptable: not terrible but not outstanding. They have a decent full bar and drinks are fine. I wasn't overly impressed any of the times I visited Front Street, so I can't recommend it very highly, in all honestly. read more