I am dreaming of Tamales since La Cocina. This was a recommendation from a colleague of mine quoting .."The best Authentic Mexican" Restaurant. Now, I don't know what that'd be like given I am not most familiar with the authenticity of the food, but I tell you what, the food is here is super good. A decent spaced restaurant, order at the counter and your food will be served to your table. Services was quiet decent, even the wait time. Didn't have to sit for hours for our order to come in. The nachos(Complimentary), to start with are delicious. I know it's basic yet not a lot of places get it right. I've ordered chicken tamales. I have to say, the best tamales I've tasted so far. Probably my history/pick of Mexican places might be poor. This place is not so big so if you are hoping to dine in during lunch, you might have to wait. I'd definitely go again. read more

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Came across this pretty small but okay Mexican place in The Loop. It didn't look like much but it was better than expected if kind of pricy. La Cocina is closer to authentic than you can get from most of these other places it seems. Even so, it's not too authentic for most Americans. The menu has burritos and tacos. A place like this caters to workers downtown. It's only open for breakfast and lunch Mondays to Fridays. That's right, it also has breakfast as in not just the burritos with eggs, but you can order regular burritos and tacos as well. It's $15 for the Burrito Dinner. You get the choice of protein. Has meats such as beef and chicken. I got it with the vegetarian. Comes with sides of beans and rice. The burrito was a massive thing. Even though the plate was kind of expensive, it wasn't too bad for around here. The big ass burrito helped a lot. Has limited hours. It's the worst thing about it except prices. There's a pretty big menu of typical Mexican stuff including things for vegetarians. read more

La Cocina - Burrito Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sadly, not my favorite Mexican experience. I stopped by here since it was around the corner from my hotel and I wanted to try something which seemed more authentic than say a Taco Bell. I was greeted and decided I wanted the chicken and steak fajitas. The woman asked if I mind waiting about 10-15 minutes since they are made on the stop. I didn't so I sat down and waited. And like clockwork in that time they were ready. I hurried myself back to my hotel to dig in. The meal would have been perfectly fine if it wasn't for the chicken. The chicken was so rubbery I couldn't eat it at all. If I had been eating inside the restaurant I would have returned it. The steak was fine and tasty, but not the chicken. I was really let down by that. I liked the chips and the rice and the veggies that were sautéed with the meat but man, I can't get over how bad the chicken was. It totally ruined the meal for me and had it been better, just a little bit even, I'd be able to rate this better, but I'd never get that chicken again. It was too chewy, like you couldn't break it apart chewy. I don't think anyone would like that. read more

La Cocina - a row of tables and chairs in a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The tacos are never a let down. Prices have increased. But they get you in and out. The burrito is good also

Had a taste for huevos rancheros, it was so delicious but kind of pricey. Great service. read more

food was alright the egg had a bit of flavor but not that much. The gorditas didn't taste well and the tacos dorados were way to over cooked. They also have no bathroom you would think by them having a place in the city they would have a bathroom. The service of the person taking our order was ok. This Mexican grill is more of a lunch place then a sit down restaurant. read more

La Cocina - Gorditas - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came here with one of my co-workers for lunch. She had recommended that this is one of the best Mexican place downtown in the loop. It was a bit busy but the service was quick and efficient. I ordered the steak taco dinner comes with 3 tacos beans and rice. I opted out the beans for extra rice. My food was well seasoned and full of flavor. Friendly & Fast Service. The prices are not bad considering it's located right in the downtown Chicago loop area. Family owned business with speedy service and decent menu options. I love Mexican food so I will be coming back to try the chorizo and updating my review. Hopefully, La Cocina can earn the other 2 stars and gain the 5 point star review. read more

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Great veggie burrito. I eat there at least once a week. Yelp says I need to say more, so I'll say I really like la Cocina.

Fast and delicious. If your looking for real Mexican food in the loop go here. This is not Tex Mex or Chipotle. read more

La Cocina - Taco dinner - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Worst burrito I have ever had more lettuce than steak and it lacked flavor. Why not add beans and rice instead of lettuce? Will not come back. read more

The woman that takes the orders has a horrible attitude. Usually that does not stop me from ordering food if the food is great, but the food isn't as good either. Never again. read more

Music is always pumping, dancing in line almost makes you forget about the the hordes of people standing in front of you. Read Rick B.'s review. Jarritos every flavor, which is awesome, imported Coca Cola bottles from Mexico, non-alcoholic Sangria. If you come by noon or later, bring friends and grab a table as soon as people rise from their seat. Busy, packed, understatements. Burrito's are humongous, its a huge wrap, chock full of lettuce, seasoned meat etc, its alot to handle for a measily $6.99. You can ask them to hold the lettuce. instead it will be packed with meat. Do try the enchiladas or tacos, I think steak or chicken is best. The prices on meals can be expensive for a quick weekday lunch, but they also offer single tacos, enchiladas, tortas, etc, and the price per quantity is reasonable. Definitely check them out. read more

La Cocina - Burrito's are enormous. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome casual Mexican dining. Breakfast was fantastic. I'm a big guy and it was too much food. Wonderful though!

Ay caramb-eh. Better than taco bell, not as good as chipotle (which will always have an ecoli laden space in my lower intestines) and I was left feeling heavy, greasy and sad. Decor: College Cafeteria meets Tacqueria. Food: Cheap, but so much grease Overall: meh I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. The food came out extremely fast during the packed lunch hour. I had the carnitas (car grease) taco which tasted delicious but was also drenched in about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. The steak taco was just fine. It might be from the extensive amount of taco's I've eaten, but the lettuce and onions topping these cute little corn wonders just tasted off. I didn't know it was possible, but it is. While the proximity to my office is enticing, I will be passing over to Cafecito or will walk a few more blocks for better Mex in the loop. read more

La Cocina - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had been a loyal customer for a few years. The food was okay, and a little expensive but I still remained a loyal patron. Till now. My colleagues and I went towards the end of lunch hour. No seats were available as we waited to order. So we ordered our lunch to go with a side of chips. As soon as my colleagues and I received our food, tables began to open up. So we decided to sit at a table. Though the other vacant tables were cleaned first before ours, my colleagues and I stuck around to ask the employees if they can clean our table. Once we sat and began to eat our $10 dinners, I asked an employee if we could have complimentary chips since we had the opportunity to sit down now. He told me chips aren't provided to those who initially ordered to go. I didn't argue but stated that a table opened up and we are now sitting. I told him if it was a problem not to worry about it. He told the cashier at front and that was that. Needless to say while other patrons like ourselves were eating at a table with complimentary chips. We were refused because we had initially said to go when seats were not available. As a loyal patron and after considering that my colleagues and I spent an accumulative $35 on lunch, and that because a table opened up and we were given an opportunity to dine in, a simple complimentary request was not honored. At the end of the day, whether my dish was on a plate or styrofoam, I was like any other patron sitting in at their establishment. Except I was refused their complimentary side. The whole ordeal was just simply unfair. It's this lack of gratitude that turns patrons off. To me, it seemed greedy and petty. Considering that Cocina has another location nearby, they dominate the authentic Mexican cuisine over here. Anyhow, it's certainly the last time I will eat at that place. As they say, it's the little things. The little things that go a long way and display the real character of an establishment. I'll take my hard earned money elsewhere. read more

3.5 Stars Lunch time in the loop believe it or not can get pretty boring. My friend suggested we deviate from our usual lunch time selections and go here. We went around 1 so it wasn't too crowded and we were able to have a seat with no problem. I love that they give you chips and salsa at the table. My favorite is the red salsa. I love the hint of saltiness. For my meal I ordered the steak taco lunch which was a little over $8. As usual I requested only cilantro and onions on my taco. It also came with refried beans and rice. It was pretty decent, but I'm used to going to authentic Mexican joints my friend takes me to around the hood, which presents a taste difference when it comes to the seasoning of the meat. For the loop though this place is right on and will join my arsenal of food places to rotate between. read more

La Cocina - Steak taco lunch meal - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Recently stumbled upon this place and it has become my favorite place for tacos in Chicago. Soft tortillas and good steak!!!! Wish you would close later than 3pm. read more

Made the mistake of coming here the lunch hour on Cinco de Mayo. However, I will wait in lines for days for Mexican food--I love it THAT much. I ordered the La Cocina Super Taco (took a pic) with chicken and got a side order of chips and salsa. I love it when they give you a huge bag of chips! They were pretty delish and not too greasy! Gotta love that. I really liked the chicken with the taco and of course the sliced Avocado. The service was great, even on a packed day. I paid less than $5 so I was satisfied. I will definitely go back here again! read more

La Cocina - La cocina super taco w chicken - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love La Cocina and have for several years. It is a honest, authentic Mexican restaurant. It reminds me of my mother's cooking. I brings friends here all the time and they start coming on their own and bringing their friends. It's definitely not upscale but as I said, it is authentic. read more

It pains me to give a low rating to a taqueria. Even at its worst, Mexican food is always a good decision. With my office's move to the city, I have to find a new burrito spot. Sadly, La Cocina isn't it. Their staff was friendly and the service was fast. The burrito, however, wasn't that good. Al pastor is my life blood. Their tortillas were about medium size, not the jumbos other taquerias normally use. This would be fine if it were amply full. Mine was light on all ingredients. I went with 8 coworkers and the verdict was the same for all the burrito eaters. Those who got taco salads were satisfied with the meat portions. Additionally, we had 3 baskets of chips for the table. We asked for another basket toward the end of our lunch and were told it would be $2. That's like an Italian restaurant charging for more bread. Chips are insanely inexpensive to make. Coming in just under $9 for just the burrito, without rice or beans, La Cucina will not be my cucina. read more

La Cocina - Not worth the $9. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Perfectly fine place to get a Mexican fix in the loop. If you eat in, they give you some chips while you wait for your food to come out. read more

La Cocina - Burrito dinner - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

From the outside, this looks like your typical hole in the wall Mexican place (which I am never wary of trying). However, my first visit far surpassed my expectations. The decor is bright with local artists' paintings and techno music. Huh? I thought for sure you'd hear the typical Mexican polka. Despite the odd combination, the food was delicious. I had the taco dinner and they were done just like street tacos...onions, cilantro, lettuce and tomato. Perfect. The beans were also good (aka full of lard) and the service was fast. Oh, and excellent green salsa. Will definitely make this a work-week staple! read more

This place pretty good. Being a Southsider, I'm expecting a lot from a Mexican restaurant so I can't put it up on such a high caliber as the classic joints. But for a downtown establishment, its pretty decent. I got takeout and ordered it online while at work. By the time I walked over here from my office, my food was ready to go; which is a plus. I asked for no tomato or lettuce, just cilantro and onions. Everything was just as I wanted it and the horchata was pretty good, too. My best advice is to try things for yourself. Don't let the bad reviews detir you away from something you might like because this is the first time I had this place and I was impressed. read more

I don't know how this place has four stars. How do you mess up a steak burrito? For almost $8 for a burrito I expect a decent burrito. This was a little on the small side. The burrito was soggy and the meat tasted like it was boiled and over salted. As I was eating I even started developing a puddle. Not good. There is a void of good Mexican food in the loop. Next time I'll settle for Chipotle, may not be authentic but it does the job, read more

La Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My tamales hunt continues. Been to over a dozen places in Chicago looking for the BEST tamales in Chicago. Maybe even Illinois or the Mid West. All have been OK. None worthy of a review good or bad. But these tamales here. Oh lord no. Lord Jesus no. They should try them. Very disappointing. The "snotty" cashier didn't help improve the overall experience. I wish I could post my video of my initial reaction. It's Comedy. For the fact that you can genuinely see, hear my shocking disappointment. Well off to the next location. See you in December Chicago! read more

La Cocina - Blah. Good pork. Bad everything else. Please stop selling these to people. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I heart the quantities and prices of this place. That, plus the fact that it's fast, there is seldom a line, and you can be left alone while eating (as alone as you can be in a seating area that is more cafeteria-esque than relaxing restaurant). Do not expect the restaurant to provide you with a calming respite during your day. They play loud club music, and the place does bustle through extended lunching hours (I've seen lines for lunch as late as 2:00). But, you can plop yourself down with some adequate food, some complimentary newspapers, and build your own quiet space. Or, eavesdrop on your neighbors. The food is completely adequate -- steps up from fast food, steps down from your own kitchen. (Depends on your kitchen, I guess.) But I keep going back. read more

I'm very disappointed I ordered the Mexican breakfast which was scrambled eggs with green peppers and onions.. it was more like green peppers and eggs ! The green peppers were chopped so big barely cooked hardly any eggs. The beans were awful they tasted like bean dipped from the can. Rice tasted like a day old.. the Green salsa is good but the red is horrible!! Won't be going here anymore! read more

I love this place, great Mexican food for the price in The Loop. But the owner really needs to get it together with the take-out materials. Styrofoam, plastic bags, plastic utensils. Plastic takes a minimum of 500 years to break down. It's hard to justify eating here when the owner does not make any effort in the area of environmental sustainability. read more

Eh....my Gordita dinner was ok. The rice and beans were flavorless. The Sope for the Gordita was over cooked. The only thing I enjoyed was the salsa verde. They do however have good service and friendly employees. read more

La Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best Mexican in Chicago. All the Mexican restaurants in Bucktown/Logan Square cannot compete with this place. 3 steak tacos, spanish rice, and refried beans will put you back $7, but where can you even get a decent hot meal for $7 in the Loop? When I go out with co-workers to eat, we generally come to La Cocina on Wells for lunch. The service is also fast and we get seated quickly. Food is also very fresh. I have never tried the Franklin St. location, but I heard it is not as good as this Wells street location. read more

Ever since I introduced one of my co-workers to this place, I feel like we're here weekly. Guess I can't complain too much...it's the best Mexican I've found in the loop, but when your competition is La Bamba (while sober) and Chipotle (more American than Mexican), it's not that tough. The food's pretty tasty, but almost universally unhealthy. You can't fool me taco salad, we all know you're not really a salad. I advise to go off the beaten path and try something non-burrito...the enchiladas were eh, but I liked the torta and gorditas. Service is pretty quick and good for a Loop lunch. Even if all the tables are full, spots usually open up before your food is ready anyway. Oh! And Mexican Coke! Pop's always best out of glass bottles. read more

mmm MMMMM! three steak tacos on corn w cilantro and onion. SO GOOD. read more

La Cocina - steak cilantro onion lettuce - perfect - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very solid spot in the loop for a quick place to get some tacos and sit down. You order at the front and they bring out your food in about 5 minutes. It is quick and convenient for anyone that wants solid tacos during lunch. read more

La Cocina - 2 steak tacos, 1 pork, 1 al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yummy!!!! Really enjoy this place! Fast, delisted, what more could you want?! #tacotuesday

This is one of very few taco joints in the Loop. It's a shame that with all of the great Mexican restaurants scattered around this city, there are none downtown. I was really craving steak tacos and decided to come here. I've been here before but it has been a while. I ordered 4 steak tacos for dine-in. They get an extra star because they give complimentary chips & salsa when dining in. The tacos are a good size, but the corn shells are always hard/stale. The toppings are fine (cilantro, lime, and onion) but the streak is more like barbacoa. When I want steak, I want steak, not braised beef. I do love barbacoa when done right, but this is neither steak or barbacoa and has a weird aftertaste. My only other option really is Taco Burrito King or La Bamba for a taco lunch in the loop and neither of those are quite authentic enough. Chicago being home to one of the largest Latin populations in this country, it's surprising that it's this hard to get a good taco in the Loop. read more

La Cocina - 4 Steak Tacos with Chips & Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been working in Loop and eating here several times per year for more than a decade. It's always been a friendly, reasonably-priced place for some seriously fresh and authentic Mexican food. I will eat some Chipotle, and if that's what you consider high-quality Mexican food, stay there. It's good. La Cocina, however, is authentic Chicago family restaurant Mexican, done right. They get the cilantro ratio right. The steak quality is good on tacos and burritos. Yes, it's powdered refried beans and entry-level Spanish rice, but I kinda want that sometimes. A lot of times, actually. To me, if the choice is high-end Mexican (Frontera?), corporate mexican (Chi-bloat-le) or local independant Mexican, I'll take the last all day. And as the only good loop-based version of that option, La Cocina really hits the spot. read more

Extremely lazy staff. Turn customers away so they can close early and go home. I am so done with going to this place and seeing this. Obviously owner is not present. Glad you turned the guy that eats at your restaurant three days a week away thirty minutes before close. Place deserves to go under. read more

I get a text from my best friend, "What are you doing?" I replied, "Improving humanity by being so smartly pretty." He answered, "Duh! I mean for lunch." So a rainy, dreary humpday found us trying this spot conveniently nestled under the L. I had been under the weather so good food and company seemed like just what the doctor ordered. We were lucky because there was no line or wait. After we sat we got a complimentary basket of chips with red and green salsa. These chips were corny. Not sentimental or cloying, but very strong taste of corn. The salsas are both really good with plenty of kick. They just seem too runny. I kept dripping it on the table and my plate. I know, I'm smooth. He got the steak torta meal with rice and beans, no lettuce and extra cilantro. He seemed satisfied but found it a touch small. I got the steak taco platter with rice and beans. I also got a small guacomole which came with some chips. I have to say, I was pleased. I also like they used two tortillas on each taco. I think the shining stars for me were the sides and guac. The rice was soft. The beans were rich and had cheese. The guac had plenty of seasonings and spice. It was very fresh and a good portion. The servers were constantly rushing to tables to wipe up or check on you. They were so attentive I felt like I was watching ball boys darting at Wimbleton. Slight criticisms: The decor was bland. It's not that unique or romantical. It starting getting packed like a human ant farm as we dined. After we ate we got ice cream. So maybe they should serve ice cream or some desserts. After I left I felt mucho better. I had a spring in my step when I previously felt like ABC gum. I will be be back to this quaint Mexican food cove under the L. read more

Tacos, tamales and tortas - oh my! This little place serves up some highly edible Mexican eats at a reasonable price. Nothing that Rick Bayless has to fear will steal his thunder, but it's decent and serviceable fare of ample portions served on the quick. Sometimes that's all you're looking for. In addition to tacos, tamales and tortas, they also have quesadillas, sopes, enchiladas, burritos and tostadas on the menu. Most items come with your choice of protein and toppings (cheese is extra). The staff is quite friendly and it's a well-oiled machine. The line moves fast and they clean the dirty tables immediately for the next patrons to sit down. I also like the fact that they will put my and my coworkers food on the same ticket so our food comes up at the same time. So many occasions, I've been halfway done eating before my coworkers have gotten their food, or worse, waited to eat for theirs to come while mine gets cold. Extra cool points for having Mexican Coca-Cola in the bottle. read more

The food and drink here gave me a serious case of the sads. Instead of sporting a lazy, satisfied smile after my meal, I was sporting a furrowed brow and a frown. So, what meal brought such an unwanted expression to my face? A taco dinner platter (three tacos of your choice, rice, refried beans) and an horchata. My tacos al pastor were basically two tiny tacos filled with flavorless chunks of meat that had a sweet after taste. My mind was flooded with disappointment, and I wondered how anyone could have the nerve to call that "al pastor." My taco bistec was a tiny taco filled with what appeared to be juicy morsels of meat, but it was in appearance only as it, too, was rather flavorless. Although, it was actually better tasting than my other tacos. The additional lettuce, tomato, onion and cilantro did little to add to the tacos' flavor profiles. I had to add green hot sauce to my tacos in order to distract me from the utter failures that I held in my hands. The rice and beans were also bland. There was melted cheese atop the beans, but, alas... not rich-tasting at all. How the heck did the melted cheese not help at all? Cheese makes everything taste good! I sipped my horchata to wash away the disappointing flavors in my mouth, but it only caused further mental and gustatory assault. It basically tasted like overly sugary, milky cinnamon water. For the love of all that is good and pure, that is not what good horchata tastes like. I am completely flabbergasted by the rave reviews. It makes me sad that anyone could think that this food tastes good. I can only assume that the chef has changed... or that none of you have tasted authentic Mexican food made with heart. I am sorry, La Cocina, but your kitchen is not for me. read more