Taqueria El Primo

We arrived not knowing it was a bar crawl happening but we still got in and waited for a table. It…read moretook 30 minutes to get a table bc of the bar crawl. As much as it was packed from 2:30 til 3:30 we were still were able to order a drink at bar. Martin was so nice and took our order and brought it to us being we went back to waiting line. The place is small with a hard time to walk around when it's full. It's a nice bar restaurant and didn't realized until we were leaving that there's a back area. The bartenders could be a little more social and happy bc that seem a bit dull and unhappy working there. Unlike Martin he was happy. Mildred was our server and she did phenomenal. The food and drinks were great

It was not stated anywhere else on their digital menu that they their tacos come individually;…read morecompared to their three taco plate option, but thanks to checking the yelp menu first I was able to make my choice for 2 birra tacos! (inquire about the 4% service charge added) No rice or beans with any of my parties' dishes, not sure if that is an option. Time to be seated was less than five minutes for a party of four around 2:20 PM on a Sunday; busier times or days enforce their 90 minute time limit policy per table. The food was well seasoned, wish I tasted it a little more on the meat itself, yet all the vegetables tasted crisp and fresh. If you are looking to have intimate conversations be prepared to speak a lot louder, the DJ booth by the front keeps it pretty lively, but difficult to hold conversations across the table. Open authentic Mexican soda is always refreshing, and if you're looking for a place that has soft serve margaritas this is one of them. If you notice and unusual wait time or slow service please make your choice accordingly as I started to notice it was a case by case basis like some of the previous reviews had mentioned.

6.5 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

Interior of Buisness

Fish taco

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Chicharron de Ribeye

Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine

4.2(124 reviews)

•$$$

The service is outstanding. The drinks are on point. The food is delicious. I've been here a couple…read moretimes now, and I always leave happy. Bocaditos is one of my favorite spots.

I'm not one to knock out places that I haven't been for the first time but this one won't be seeing…read moreme ,any time soon. The food was bland and lacked flavor, the enchiladas didn't have the texture and quality you'd expect for a place that's close enough to down town to make its presence known. The service wasn't bad just lacked effort. The server upsold side dishes , but never brought them out. Had them removed from the check. The ambiance is great , nice decor , great music and spacious. The chicken was diced and dry from being reheated so it had those crunchy edges, which don't belong in an enchilada lol. The drinks were sweet and tasty. Overall try if you're gonna be drinking rather than looking forward to the meal.

Empty restaurant

El Cafecito

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Oro verde our Traditional Guacamole

Barrio

4.1(1.4k reviews)

6.9 mi•Near North Side

I had a great time! Tiyana was the best! I went for a lowkey birthday celebration and she made it…read morefeel very special! I will be back!

Barrio - Chicago Strawberry mint margs + Saturday happy…read morehour = YESSS Chips + dip trio with queso, salsa & guac = all 3 were delicious Steak + shrimp tacos = so flavorful & a must try Cornbread skillet = surprisingly SOOO good, so glad we got it 5/5 Loved the fun patio vibes, nice service, clean bathrooms + such a good Chicago happy hour spot! Happy hour is EVERY DAY 4-6pm Check out the full review on IG: @ratedbyaleena_

5.5 mi•Ukrainian Village, West Town

Interior views

Chicken fajitas

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Margarita time!

Sabroso! Mexican Grill

4.7(551 reviews)

Jesus was the best server I've ever gotten made it his mission to make sure we had everything and…read moreanything we needed definitely needs a raise for such a good service reminded of my grandpa which made it feel just like home definitely had a great experience thank you beautiful atmosphere and delicious food

Four of us (two adults and two kids) visited Sabroso! Mexican Grill for the first time during a…read moretrip to Chicago. I must admit that I had low expectations because quite frankly, I have not enjoyed Mexican food outside of Mexico or California. However, we were hungry, and it was near where we were staying, so I decided we should check it out, and I am so glad we did! The food was great. Both adults and the VERY picky children in our group all enjoyed our meals. I ordered the green chicken enchiladas and the other adult ordered a chile relleno combo, which I also got to try. Everything was delicious and devoured by all! We were so full but the owner talked us into the chocoflan, and we did not regret trying it. It was soooo good! Speaking of the owner, the service was great. We really enjoyed how he and the rest of the staff were very courteous. It is a small establishment, and it gets a good amount of people, so I assume that there are waits during peak hours. I highly recommend Sabroso! And we plan to return the next time we are in the area.

Interior din6

Enchiladas

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CHICKEN TAQUITOS

Carniceria Maribel

4.7(207 reviews)

7.9 mi•Pilsen

If you're looking for authentic tacos, this place is absolutely worth the trip. Between the…read moreincredible Selena mural outside and the fact that it's tucked inside a liquor store, the whole experience feels like discovering a hidden gem. I eat a lot of tacos, and this was, without question, the best pollo (chicken) taco I've ever had. I was expecting the usual dry, bland, or overcooked chicken, but instead it was incredibly juicy, packed with flavor, and generously loaded with meat. Every bite was outstanding. The only downside was the wait time, but once the food arrived, it was easy to see why people are willing to wait. If you're a taco lover, this is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back.

On the hunt for delicious tacos and decided to check them off my list! I walked in and was a little…read morelost as the front was a grocery, I hadn't read the reviews, but the smells drew me to the back to the restaurant lol. I placed an order for 4 tacos. 2 carne adada and 2 ribeyes. It took about 7-10mins during the lunch run at around 12pm, so not too long. Everything was fresh and hot, prepared correctly. I would rate them a 3.5, but the setvice got them a 4. I would return if in the area for sure.

The kitchen. Order here and take ticket up front to pay

Tacos de asada

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Tacos de asada y al pastor

XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant

4.8(364 reviews)

2.4 mi•Ravenswood

Top service and incredible food. Everything was delicious and the staff is super nice!!!read more

Fabulous place. The enchiladas and steak tacos are standout. Service is also lovely. They have…read morediscounted margaritas on Tuesday, so worth checking out then.

1.8 mi•Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

Dining Room

Pineapple special. Simply the best.

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Pollo en Mole

El Xangarrito Mex Restaurant

4.8(223 reviews)

A great BYOB spot for high quality Mexican…read more Excellent mole negro, ceviche, fried plantains, and enchiladas. It is supposedly tiny inside but it has a lovely outdoor patio in front of the restaurant.

Such a cute place. They have a huge patio area, too. Food…read morewas very flavorful and the enchiladas options were really good. Several different types to choose from. Sauces very authentic and served with a smile from our server. She checked in on us several times and really seemed like she wanted to be making our dining experience a good one. Free chips and salsa on the table at the beginning and the BYOB solidified the fact that me and my girlfriends will be back for sure!!

They seem to have a bunch of take out business, also.

Traditional Pastor Tacos

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Steak Enchiladas Mole. A generous portion to share or to take some home with you for a late night snack.

5 Rabanitos

4.2(851 reviews)

7.6 mi•Pilsen

The chef who owns this restaurant trained with Rick Bayless for 19 years and it really comes out in…read morehis cooking. All of the food was absolutely delicious. We came later on a Monday night so we did not have to wait to get a seat although it was still pretty busy. The place is decorated nicely. Well on a block with many other Mexican businesses. Located right off the pink line it is very easy to get to and also noted to be near the Mexican art Institute. The chicken mole enchiladas were delicious. Spicy and bitterness of the chocolate balanced super well. rice was also cooked perfectly. The shredded beef dish was short rib and mashed potatoes. They were meant to be assembled into a homemade tortilla - a very interesting concept. The homemade tortillas were so warm and fluffy. I have never had such good tortillas. I took a tamale plate home. It was large and had a good portion of shredded pork. Super flavorful, but also I felt the texture might've been firmer than I would've expected.

I was introduced to the place by a Mexicans from Chicago and it's such a hidden gem. She suggested…read morethe we try the sopes and i don't regret it at all. I got the chicken tinga and carne asada and it was really good. We had the verde ceviche (not pictured) and it was a table fav. We also got the elotes which were good but nothing special. It was my first time have queso fundido and i really like its. The staff was really friendly and the place is so cute. Most places are going for a minimalist look not but the bright blue, green, and yellow works really well today as well as the various artwork!

Interior

Chips & Guac

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This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

Manchamanteles Restaurant

4.4(152 reviews)

3.5 mi•Bucktown

Manchamanteles is as fun and exciting on the inside as its boldly colored outside would lead you to…read morebelieve. The staff are donned in themed regalia, and will gleefully sing you a happy birthday song even if you're quite far from adolescence (and also a few days out from your actual birthday). The moles were all phenomenal, and the mezcal margarita pitcher more than satisfied our group. The interior is a bit bright and skews somewhat family oriented, so I wouldn't recommend it for every crowd. But for my group of friends and I, Manchamanteles more than delivered in food, service, and fun alike.

I recently had dinner at this location, the food was ok, but looking around i noticed the location…read moreappeared unclean, my group paid the tab, and as we walked to our parking spot I noticed rats running through the property. When I got home I immediately looked up this location on the city of chicago food inspection reporting system, there i found since just April of 2026 it has been written violations for rat dropping, and a live rat seen by a customer in the restaurant. On the web site above you will also see so many violations for other violations due to lack of cleanliness. I will in the future consult the chicago food inspection reporting system to find what these restaurants are hiding from there customers!

Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

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Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

Frontera Grill

3.9(2.8k reviews)

6.9 mi•Near North Side

The vibes were really nice for casual Mexican food. Dim lighting, candles on the table, and a cozy…read moreatmosphere. 8/10. The Chicken Taquitos (8.5/10) were perfectly crispy with tender, smoky chicken inside paired with fresh guac. The Corn-Masa Quesadillas (8/10) were more like crispy cheese-filled turnovers. The cheese pull was crazy, and the tomatillo salsa added a nice tangy kick. The Enchiladas de Birria (8/10) had tender, savory birria with a nice crunch from the cabbage and radish. The chile-sesame salsa added a great depth of flavor. The Barbacoa (7/10) was tender. I wasn't a fan of the salsa borracha, but the consome was delicious with a nice kick. The Fried Sweet Plantains (8/10) were soft and caramelized. The crema and cheese were a great addition. Overall, a solid spot for Mexican food when you want something a little nicer than a casual taco spot.

It's a terrific still solid stalwart of restaurants in Chicago's legendary portfolio of amazing…read moredining experiences. Creative authentic Mexican specialties and delicious specials. The service is impeccable warm and welcoming! The restaurant interior and adjoining dining experiences are beautifully art directed from Rick Bayles's brilliant eye for art culture and food. The mole is lendary and the branzino was delicious. Beautiful food great full bar and drinks.

Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Duck carnitas

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Pork shank

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Shameika S.

Elite 22

828

581

3030

8 years ago

I stumbled upon this while looking for a place that delivers in the area. I was using yelp and ordered thaaaat way. My cousin didn't feel like going out to get food and she was half asleep so guess what, I found this gem. Ordering on the yelp app was nice and simple. I ended up getting the Combinaion Tierra y mar dinner. It was $15.99. Which is steak and shrimp lol. The delivery came really fast & the delivery man was very nice. It was nice to read that everything was made to order. I feel like the best part was the grilled onions. The way that they had it, I never had it cooked that way before so that was new. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the steak. I mean it's the main part of the meal, but it was dry. I asked for medium well, and I got well LOL. I ate it anyway. It's kinda hard to be like "This is wrong, come pick up the delivery that you dropped off". Everything else in the order good. The riiiice. I loved it. It's the simple things yanno? read more

Jeremy G.

272

179

161

2 years ago

I recently visited Taqueria El Primo and had a mixed experience. The red house salsa was amazing and really stood out as a highlight of the meal. However, the service was a bit slow, which was disappointing. As for the food, the steak tacos were served in large portions, but unfortunately, the meat was flavorless, mushy, and chewy. On the other hand, the ribeye tacos were made with better quality meat and had a better flavor, but they still lacked that desired char on the outside. The rice and beans were okay, but nothing remarkable. Overall, the restaurant was just okay, but it didn't offer anything particularly special. While the red house salsa was a hit, the rest of the experience was underwhelming. read more

Joseph D.

27

77

4

14 years ago

NICE people who own and run this restaurant especially the waitress (VERY SWEET) and they give you a LOT of food. BUT, I don't think the food was excellent. It was ok at best. I'd go elsewhere.............. read more

Alfred H.

1

22

0

7 years ago

This place I have been coming for the last 3 years it's been my favorite taco place but there other food is good to

Jenny M.

2

7

0

10 years ago

I absolutely LOVE this place. Their food is excellent and reasonably priced. It's great that they deliver as well.

Kevin C.

105

2

0

2 years ago

amazing food and great service highly recommend if you like Mexican food this is the place to go!

Sara D.

84

10

9

1 year ago

delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim G.

1

6

0

9 years ago

GREAT neighborhood place. I have yet to have anything bad from this place. Perfect.

Rich D.

5

21

18

12 years ago

Good food

Taqueria El Primo - mexican - Updated September 2026

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taco dinner plate got 2 carne asada + 1 birria all w…read morecilantro & onion + rice & beans on the side meat was juicy, seasoned sooo well, and the birria... did its thing tortillas held up, everything tasted fresh queso + salsa w chips = MUSTTT get, my favorite part 5/5 Loved how filling & flavorful everything was, food came out hot, and overall just hit the spot fr Check out the full review on Instagram @ratedbyaleena

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The ONLY bad thing about this taqueria is how long it took me to realize #1 how close it was to my…read morehouse, and #2 how DELICIOUS all of their food is!!! This last summer I couldn't wait to sneak out of the house for a quick taco and a good book and their cute little patio section, which I did every chance I got. The staff are all super sweet. They are a cash only establishment. My three go-to tacos are: #1- The Texano - Shrimp cooked with chorizo with cabbage.... the shrimp is always fresh and tasty, and never rubbery #2 - The Arriero - Steak, black beans, peppers, cheese, and nopales, all a perfect combination with one another! #3 - The Happy Taco - Pork with onions, jalapenos, and zucchini My husband loves their burritos, but I almost ALWAYS get one, two, or all three of these options when I go. Two tacos generally fill me up because they do a great job of not skimping on ingredients. The inside sit down area is very small, and looks like it could maybe accommodate 3 people at the window area. Still a perfect to-go spot when it's cold. I know I saw another location not too far away, so I'm curious to check them out as well. I usually walk over, but parking finding street parking doesn't seem to be a huge problem either.

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We just ordered from Simón Tacos, today…read more The Taco salad de carné asado it's the best that my mom and I have tried from the sorounding area. My dad had the burrito dinner. It was bigger than anticipated. We will definitely be ordering from here again.

Wow! The quality of their food has really gone down. I ordered the three steak taco meal. The tacos…read morewere so greasy and the meat was not good. This place used to have quality tasty meat. It was so greasy and the meat tasted like greasy ground beef. The rice and beans was the best part. The steak burrito was the same as the tacos. Greasy and had that greasy chopped beef flavor. Not only that they have gotten lazy . There was literally a whole leaf of lettuce in the burrito. not even chopped. Prices went up and the quality went down. This was really disappointing because it was my go to neighborhood Mexican establishment I frequented.

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food is eh. but the service is always on point. the vibe is feel good and welcoming. Tortas are way…read morebetter than the burritos I can say that

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I stopped in for lunch at El Auténtica de Guerrero and ordered the pozole verde. Unfortunately, my…read moreexperience was a bit underwhelming. The first thing I noticed when I received my plate was that the pork was falling off the side. When I went to clean it up, I realized the pork was cold, which made me think the meat was pre-cooked separately from the hominy and broth--possibly from a previous day. That definitely took away from the overall freshness I was hoping for. Alongside the pozole, they served two tostadas and a chicharrón. I didn't try the tostadas, but the chicharrón tasted very stale. Service also left something to be desired. As soon as I walked in, I was handed a takeout menu and was asked to order within a minute--not exactly the warmest welcome. When I asked for a to-go box, the woman just walked off to get it without saying a word. It felt a little rushed and impersonal. Overall, both the food and the service fell flat for me. I'm on the fence about returning, as neither made a lasting impression.

Updated menu prices as of 9/15/2024. I was told no go to menus still…read more Still decent.

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This was my go to place for tacos and I was a loyal customer for years so it hurts me to say…read more.. I WILL NEVER ORDER FROM HERE AGAIN! I placed a pickup order for 26 tacos through grub hub and instantly notice the increase in price but proceeded to finish placing the order and received a alert from my bank for the amount paid. After about 15 mins without a confirmation from the restaurant, i decided to call to make sure they received my order. A man picked and I let him know i placed an order through grub and wanted to confirm it was received. He confirmed that it was received and told me he was very busy but will have it ready in 15 minutes. I wasnt in a hurry so i told him i would be there in 30 so he can have more time because he was busy but before I hung up,I specifically asked him for 10 green salsa and ten red, he said yes. I arrived 30 mins later and he did not even start cooking my food. He told me it would only take 15 so I patiently waited 25 mins. After he hands me the food, i asked him if the 10 green salsa and 10 red was in there, he said yes. I got to my destination to open a tray of 26 tacos with no onion or cilantro!!!!I was absolutely appalled!! Someone needs to report them to the Taco Authorities cause any mexican restaurant serving tacos with no onions or cilantro should be shut down immediately!! To make things worst he only gave me 5 green and 7 red salsa for 26 TACOS!!! Needless to say I was extremely embarrassed to serve this to anyone. It looked so low budget and un appetizing I done with this place.!!! *Wiping my hands* They can be stingy with their onion and cilantro and salsa all they want, im taking my business to a real mexican restaurant. Nobody has time to worry if they gonna get onion and cilantro or salsa with their tacos. Theres way too many taqueria in Albany that will do it right!! Its funny how the price went up but quality of service and food goes down. Please do not waste your money here.

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