My husband and I just finished our first dinner at Old Pueblo Cantina, and I am honestly still glowing. I've dined at many places in Chicago, but I can truly say I have never been treated so nicely at a restaurant. The service wasn't just good; it was amazing. From the moment we walked in, the staff and manager Carlos made us feel like regulars. It's rare to find a place that balances professional service with such genuine warmth. As for the food and drinks: * The Vibe: Cozy, welcoming, and perfect for a date night. * The Food: We took the recommendation to try the mini beef chimichangas, and wow--they were incredible! Crispy, flavorful, and definitely a must-order. * The Drinks: The tequila here literally warmed my soul. You can tell they use quality ingredients in their cocktails. We left feeling full, happy, and already planning our next visit. If you're looking for a spot with delicious food and staff that actually cares about your experience, this is it. We will definitely be coming back! read more

Good food! Great service! If we don't sit at the bar, we like sitting with Victor. He's very friendly and attentive! Definitely don't skip the adobo chicken skewers - comes with rice, beans, flour tortillas, and a mix of corn/peppers that are sizzling! We also enjoy the carne asada tacos (3 per order). You can get any taco as a single taco fyi! read more

Very average Mexican restaurant but it is popular in Chicago. It's on lists where people are saying you must try. We came here on a Friday around 5:30pm. There were three of us (1 child included). We had a reservation, and we were sat at a high table against the wall. It was very tight and we had to move the table to fit our small child on that side. The staff didn't really help and seemed annoyed but other people also had to do this at other tables. It was okay, I got a burrito, it had chicken, and grilled vegetables. Very average. We also got the guacamole and my partner got the shrimp skewers which came with rice and beans. He liked it. He also got the elotes but it was in a bowl without any chips. He liked it. I got a margarita and my partner also got one they were good not great. My son got a taco. There were a lot of kids in the place. The staff served politely and were mostly efficient. read more

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Drinks were strong!! Margarita was delicious and a good time. Low-lit ambiance so great date spot or friend hangout if you're looking for some good Mexican food. Service was quick and very attentive. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Last Friday we had a long work day so decided to search for a happy hour between where we work and the kid's school. We had driven by Old Pueblo Cantina many times and but never stopped in. We were just in the mood for a good drinks so we had the seasonal marg and a watermelon cocktail. Both were really good. We sat at the bar but there were a lot of tables. The decor was very traditional rustic Tex mex Southwestern feel. If we were hungry we may have tried one of their infamous cheese crisps which looks like a fusion pizza. The bartenders took good care of us. I'll probably stop in again at some point. read more

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Such a multipurpose restaurant where you will surely have a good time and eat well. My whole family came for an early Saturday dinner and the joint was jumping. Our server was so accommodating towards my toddler niece. This spot is great for families of all ages. Ambiance is lively and full of welcoming chatter. Lots of tables of friends catching up over margaritas. Everything I ate was tasty. I'd order the chicken tacos and elote again. Chips were excellent too - nice and thin and salty. read more

Some of the best tortilla chips I've ever had. Tacos were good too. Will definitely be back.

Reservations are a must if you want to dine at Old Pueblo Cantina. Food : I would give 4 stars. The chips were extremely oily. Otherwise the food was pretty good. The Salsa had a cilantro and spicy kick which I loved. The cheese crisp was good, but the portion sizes are so big I don't think I would order it again. I ordered the shrimp burrito and it was packed full of cheese, shrimp, and peppers. Definitely order if you like burritos. The shrimp quesadilla could be split by two people it was so big. Service: 5 stars. Waitress was really good and checked on us often. The restaurant is deceivingly big. read more

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My first visit to Old Pueblo Cantina was everything I hoped for--and then some. The weather was perfect, so we grabbed a table on the patio and soaked in the Lincoln Park sunshine. Victor took great care of us from the start--attentive, friendly, and full of great recommendations. Right away, we were greeted with fresh chips and salsa. You could tell the chips were handmade--still warm, perfectly crisp, and lightly salted. A strong first impression. We kicked things off with a round of Lobo Loco Margaritas, and wow--this drink lives up to the hype. Made with 100% blue agave tequila, cucumber, jalapeño, and lime, it's bright, spicy, and super refreshing. It's no wonder it made Modern Luxury's list of Top 10 Margaritas in Chicago. For starters, we shared the Chorizo Queso Fundido--a bubbling bowl of melted chihuahua cheese, sweet corn, roasted poblanos, and crumbled chorizo, served with soft flour tortillas. It was gooey, rich, and completely addictive. From there, we dug into the: - Chicken Skewers - Tender chunks of chicken with grilled peppers and onions, all glazed in their smoky, slightly sweet arbol sauce. Big flavor and beautifully charred. - Queso Enchiladas - A comforting, cheese-lover's dream. Loaded with longhorn cheddar and chihuahua cheese, then topped with crisp lettuce, cabbage, pico, and crema. A perfect bite of creamy and crunchy. The menu focuses on Sonoran-style cuisine, and it really shines with bold flavors and fresh ingredients in every dish. Old Pueblo Cantina delivers a memorable mix of warmth, quality, and a bit of southwest magic. read more

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We had a good experience for dinner here last night. I was here with family and was finally able to try all the vegetarian items. We had a cheese and pepper crisp. It was like a crispy shell pizza. It probably would've been better with some beans or something on it. It's pretty big and we took some home. It was pretty good. Then we had the cerimi mushroom tacos, which were pretty decent. Lastly the cheese enchiladas, which we had Christmas style and they were fine. Interestingly the red sauces were both sweet in this trip. Meaning, the normal salsa that comes with the chips and also the enchilada red sauce had a sweet tang. The green enchilada sauce was better. Overall the enchiladas were ok. That's about it. No dessert or anything like that. read more

I am so happy my friend suggested getting dinner here! They have a great Taco Tuesday special - $13 taco platters which include 3 tacos, rice, and beans. It was a great deal! The rice and beans were spicy and delicious. This special is also available on to-go orders. Their chips and salsa that they give the table is also delicious. I was a huge fan! I also got the Lobo Loco margarita, which is a spicy margarita with cucumber. It's unique and so refreshing! Definitely one of the best margaritas I have ever had. The interior is cozy. Our server was very helpful. I would definitely come back! read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Red Chile Beef Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Honestly, great takeout! This place has a great vibe and the takeout was very quick. The steak tacos were delicious and on Tuesdays, they are an absolute steal! Guac is a great portion size and very flavorful with tomato and a hint of lime. Highly recommend and will plan on going back to enjoy eating on the patio. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Solid happy hour drinks. Taco Tuesday as well so felt that it was a good value and very family friendly. No downside really. If you want Mexican American this is a great spot. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Happy hour bites - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Shout out to Benjamin, who made my chile beef tacos happen, even though they were taken off the menu! What's with that?!

Came here for taco Tuesday and the service was phenomenal ! The ambiance did not disappoint! I want to come back for brunch for sure but this is a very cute little restaurant read more

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I went here last night and was pleasantly surprised at how good this place was. The service was great and so was the food. The homemade tortillas are really what makes this place shine to me. We ordered the fundido, burrito, and I got a Cadillac margarita. All three were delicious! read more

Walked in without a reservation and seated right away. Vibe was pretty chill for a Saturday but crowd started to pick up. We didn't order much but our waitress always seemed to be in a rush when it came to our table. We got guac, queso fundido, their sunrise cocktail and the churros. I wish she had walked us through our options I over heard another waiter provide more insight to the table next to us, but by then we were getting ready to pay. read more

We came in recently for dinner with friends and gladly ordered the Taco Tuesday special. Since we couldn't mix the platters, we each ordered a different type, then switched with each other for variety. We had mahi mahi, mushroom, al pastor, and carne asada. All came with rice and some delightfully spicy beans. What a fun twist! I really enjoyed carne asada and al pastor best. It was really good quality and filling! We also tried a half and half cheese crisp - green chile and short rib. Something fun and different. Also, their chips are homemade and the salsa is tasty. Service was great. Bathrooms were stinky but it's Lincoln Park so likely a very old building. Would be fun to come back and try more and some cocktails. Enjoy! read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Cheese crisp - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped in for a quick drink in this quaint section of Lincoln Park. Spicy frozen margaritas were very good and slushy, not icy. Tortillas and salsa were homemade. read more

I think you can judge a Mexican restaurant by the quality of chips and salsa. Old Pueblos were fire and the pitcher of margaritas that followed was equally strong. We had a chimichanga, Mahi Mahi tacos, and carnas tacos, all of which were flavorful light and tasty. Would definitely make it a local stop. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Mahi mahi tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've passed by this spot so many times and finally got the chance to try it. Came by without a rez on a random Monday evening and got sat quickly. It was warm and cozy inside. Our table of 5 ordered 2 salads, 1 cheese crisp (half cheese/half spicy chorizo), and tortilla soups for everyone (it was a super cold night). The food was solid, the tortilla soup had a nice kick to it, very warming and delicious. The salads were great, and the cheese crisp was a delight. Service was great as well. I'm a bit mad it took this long for me to come here, we will definitely be back! Finding street parking on Racine was not a problem. read more

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Very nice location with pleasant outdoor seating and an upbeat vibe; relatively easy side street parking. Food in general was well above average, though arguably slightly unimaginative and a tiny bit bland. Spicy guacamole could have used a tad more kick; Caesar salad was creatively executed. Mahi mahi tacos were good, but could have used some additional spice. Service was attentive and spot on. Tab was reasonable--a good value in the grand scheme of things. read more

Stopped in here for a drink and walked away very pleased with the food, service and drinks. Sat at the bar and had a few margaritas - Cadillac, loco lobo, Sandia and Anejo old fashioned. Everything was prepared well and tasty. For food the Al pastor tacos were very good and queso fundido was tasty. Definitely would stop in again. read more

We ordered a feast one night for five people. Atmosphere is wooden booth and Mexican decor so cozy. We had the shrimp skewers, tinga salad, rice bowl, tampequena, birria plates and a few other things I can't remember:) chips and salsa are amazing!! All the dishes were amazing and delicious with lots of leftovers! Server was sweet young guy that was very personable. Would come back when in town. read more

4 shrimp in the shrimp chopped salad is just ridiculous in my opinion, especially for a $22 salad. I would not return. Margaritas were not great. Overall disappointing experience read more

Do yourself a favor and don't order this over priced mids food. Got the steak burrito that came with no sauce and tasted like cardboard. I've honestly had microwave burritos that have hit harder. I also got the smallest portion of shrimp ceviche for $15 that came with one singular chip. Maybe it's my fault for ordering this on Uber Eats. Maybe this place is better in person. But if you're thinking about getting this delivered just hit Chipotle instead. read more

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Great dining experience at Old Pueblo Cantina. Made a reservation for 5:30 on a Saturday and service was phenomenal. Ordered the Al Pastor and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Overall tasty but the al pastor was very dry. Margaritas were awesome. Lots of seating options and a great place to go for a dinner with friends, birthday celebration, casual date, or a quick bite to eat. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We happened to be in the area and decided to stop by Old Pueblo--it had been way too long due to our hectic schedules. The moment we walked in, we saw Carlos, and to our surprise, he not only remembered us, but also remembered our names. That truly meant so much and instantly made us feel valued as guests. As always, the food was absolutely on point--consistent, flavorful, and exactly what we remembered. But what truly keeps us coming back is the hospitality. Carlos has a warmth and genuine kindness that you just don't find everywhere. There's something about his demeanor and the way he treats guests that draws you back every time. His entire staff is just as pleasant and welcoming. We'll be in the area again this Saturday, and even with so many dining options around, our choice is already made--we'll be dining here. Every single time. read more

Went here over the weekend and wasn't overly impressed by anything I ordered. The famous cheese crisp had short rib on it that was overcooked and was like beef jerky. The chips with salsa were also rather overcooked and mostly broken pieces. The shrimp tacos were good but not great. Overall an average experience at best. read more

We decided to go to Pueblo Cantina after coming back from downtown chicago. The inside was nice but we decided to sit outside. The outside seating was also great and there were lights hanging which made it really pretty. I will say some of the tables were slanted, so we moved tables because we ordered drinks. Our server introduced himself as was super nice! We had ordered grilled chicken tacos, and the chicken quesadilla. When the food came out, the quesadilla was a big portion, but the chicken tacos were SO small and didn't fill anyone up at all. The food was good tasting and service was good but for the price it just wasn't worth it. read more

I have to say do bottomless margs at your own risk! You can choose between skinny, classic or spicy. I started off with classic and ended up with spicy. Tajin on the rim always. The chips and salsa are so good. The salsa has a bit of a kick to it. Loved it. Such an unexpected surprise. For my entree i mixed and matched tacos. I got the mushroom, steak and mahi-mahi. Beans and rice come on the side. The beans are a pinto bean instead of black or refried. The mushroom and mahi mahi were ok. The steak was cooked beautifully. Very juicy and the crunchy shell set it off. The server was so nice and gave suggestions. I paid via the qr code on the table. Just a heads up there is an additional charge when you pay this way. I was charged $2.50. read more

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Delicious food!! We got tacos and burritos. Chips and salsa is even more delicious. Very accommodating staff read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Crispy Shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great service, patio, and happy hour margaritas! It was a beautiful day, and the patio was nicely in the sun. We were given complementary chips and salsa, however the chips were clearly the last bit of pieces in the batch but otherwise would've been good. The salsa was tasty. My lobo loco margarita was delicious and refreshing and a steal at $8. I also got the skinny margarita which was nice and light. We tried the short rib cheese crisp as well, and this was tasty but basically like a flat nacho. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Carne Seca cheese crisp - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had a birthday here and the vibes were great, the server Victor was amazing and the food was incredible! Please thank victor for us for being so personable! read more

I chose to celebrate my 31st birthday here over dinner and drinks with a friend, and I have no notes. They treated me like absolute birthday royalty. I think seven different employees wished me a happy birthday while in the restaurant! Additionally, they all signed a card for me and printed a menu with a personalized happy birthday wish for me! I've never felt so special at a restaurant. They even brought us birthday churros with a candle at the end of our meal! The manager Carlos checked in with us several times as well to make sure we were having a nice time. The restaurant itself is really nice as well, and service was really excellent. You can tell they work as a team there. We had the quesadilla, corn esquites, and chips/guac! All of which, were amazing. The quesadilla serving size is huge, so you'll have some great leftovers. If you want to share something, you could easily do that with this plate as well! Overall, the food and atmosphere were great. I will absolutely come back here again (even when it's not my birthday!). I have no notes! read more

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Do NOT order the tortilla soup to go. It's a RIP off. Got two large soups to go, pictured. $25 total. It doesn't even fill up a small bowl. When you go in and eat, the soup comes in a very large bowl. This is ridiculous that management would allow the discrepancy. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Tortilla Soup. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been wanting to write this review for a while. This year I've been making an effort to try new places in the area and support local businesses. Here's the rundown: Service: The host was very friendly and greeted us with a smile. Our server was good as well--solid service, though not necessarily warm hospitality. Drinks: If you're into sweet, artificial flavors, this might be your spot. The sandía cocktail tastes exactly like watermelon candy, artificial and sweet. One of my friends loved it, but just be aware: it's sweet. I went with a margarita. Nothing bad, nothing great--just an average margarita. Food: We ordered their famous "cheese crisp," which is essentially a flour tortilla with cheese, presented like a pizza with some dried beef on top. It could be a decent snack at $5, but at $16, I didn't quite understand the price point. Now, the tacos. I had the chicken, and my friend had the steak. I get that their intention seems to be "upscale,"or maybe not, I guess it is hard to tell what they are doing and I absolutely believe tacos can be elevated--I've traveled to Mexico City and am a fan of Rick Bayless, so I've seen it done really well. Unfortunately, these were average at best. I understand this isn't meant to be traditional Mexican food, but there wasn't anything creative or memorable about the flavors either. The chicken tasted like it had been reheated from the day before, and the steak tacos were just okay but not $23. Overall: For the price and what you actually get, it was disappointing. I'm all for paying a premium when the quality matches, but when it doesn't, the higher price point only makes the experience feel worse. read more

While the atmosphere is nice, and the service is good, the food was absolutely subpar. There is nothing authentic about this food. The Carne Asada tacos were room temperature. The cheese quesadilla was bland and flavorless and barely had any cheese in it. The burrito was average at . At these prices this is quite an embarrassment! read more

Throughly enjoy every visit to Old Pueblo! They have great daily happy hour specials during the week that make their tasty margaritas a good deal. They also have daily specials, most notably Taco Tuesday where any of their taco platters are discounted (dine in only I believe). The ambiance is pleasant and service is always friendly and attentive but sometimes does feel a little rushed. For example we ordered apps and within 5 mins our mains were brought out. Then as soon as they cleared the entree plates the server brought the check without us asking even though we had most of our margaritas left. Not a huge deal when they're busy I understand but it was not the case this particular night. There's street parking in the area but can be tricky depending on the time of day. read more

Old Pueblo Cantina - Chips & Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The experience we had here was beyond amazing! The manager Carlos greeted us at the door and made sure our entire evening memorable. Celebrating my dad's 80th birthday will always be remembered because of the service we received. Marcus our waiter was wonderful. The food was superb, service 10/10 and the ambiance was perfect. The hospitality secured our decision to celebrate a birthday here! Gracias read more