Best meal I've had in a while! We were a table of four, and between us we got about 75% of the taco menu, plus the esquites, molotes, and chips and guac. The chicken tinga taco was my stand out fav, but I also loved how pineapple-forward the al pastor was. None of the tacos were spicy at all, but they came with salsa with a nice bite to it. We all shared the flan and tres leches cake for dessert, and those were fantastic as well! The flan in particular was truly the pinnacle of flan. Beyond the food, the art and ambiance were gorgeous, and our server was very friendly and welcoming. We can't wait to return for brunch, and to try everything else on the menu! read more

Zentli - Art installation behind the bar - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Yummy food. Casual vibe. Try this one out, folks, you won't be sorry. I was there for brunch a few weeks back and the service was welcoming, efficient, and fun. read more

Delicious food! They had a special ceviche tonight that was really good and refreshing. We all got a variety of tacos that were yummy. Our waitress was super friendly and they gave us free guacamole because we had to wait (which we were not even mad about - we waited maybe a few minutes after sitting down!). Ambiance is 10/10, great lighting. read more

The food here is fantastic. You seriously cannot go wrong with ANY of the menu offerings. The interior has a lively vibe to it with colorful decorations. The staff is very friendly and the service is fast & efficient. The one thing I would ask of management is to PLEASE add signage to the outside of the building. It is impossible to know that the building houses this fabulous restaurant. Make it happen! read more

Zentli - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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aprobado!! very autentico drinks food for sure i gone comeback today especia ocasión this place has. Evanston read more

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Good service, delicious food. And now I have to ramble on about nothing in particular because reviews apparently need to be at least 85 characters. Ever hear the term "short and sweet," Yelp administrators? read more

Zentli is an incredible place and Piloto, the owner, is a true artist. You'll have a great experience here!

We had dinner for the first time at Zentli and it was so fabulous! The restaurant is charming. The food was delicious and service very friendly and attentive. We ordered fish tacos, Flautas Palmar and Tiacoyos, along with beans and rice and chips with guacamole. We can't wait to come back! read more

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I have no clue what the excitement is about. Nice staff, though. Decor is nothing to scream about. Kind of low brow. The food was meh. Overpriced for what we got. Did I say nice staff? read more

I went for dinner with a friend, made a reservation earlier in the day. We were seated promptly and our server was wonderful. As she was telling us the "specials" her eyes lit up when describing the special homemade mole- so of course, that is what we both chose. It did not disappoint! The chicken and cheese enchiladas were very, very good. I normally don't like black beans, but my side order of those were delicious, as well. I definitely will go back to try more....I had my eye on the flautas, so they are next on the list. Very nice experience. The restaurant decor was very cute-as the restaurant began to fill up, it did get loud. If you go during peak dining hours you might have trouble hearing your dining companions. There is a really nice parking lot right across the street, too. All in all, our evening at Zentli was lovely. read more

Been to Zentli's twice and can't wait to go back!! Had the tacos both times and the homemade tortillas were great. Street corn side dish is amazing!! Good selection of drinks and beer, and the service is friendly! read more

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Great food at decent prices! Atmosphere is top-notch and staff is super friendly! Can't wait to visit again, but might order takeout from them in the meantime. read more

I recently went to Zentli for brunch. It was a wonderful surprise.....the food was great!! The place is relatively small, very clean and fun to look at, particularly the sculpture on the wall behind the bar. The place was surprisingly full for a Sunday morning. Therefore, the service was slow but very friendly. I did not know what Pambazo was but I ordered it anyway. OMG, was it ever good.....probably great. I'd be happy to describe the taste but I can't.....it was complex. The mole, which I don't usually like, was great. It's a creamy dish but, surprisingly, the shredded lettuce, onions and tomatoes blended right in. I'll order it again but I think they have so many other scrumptious dishes for me to try that it might be a while. If you like Mexican food or just want to try some wonderful Mexican food, you gotta go there!! read more

Big fan of this place, especially in an area that's truly lacking restaurants. The staff is incredible and kind. The drinks were amazing, and they even made a special meal for my 4.5 year old who's a picky eater. I do understand the ambiance may not be for everyone, but I really enjoy the food, drinks and amazing service. read more

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I've eaten at Zentli for dinner and brunch, the drinks, food, and ambiance are amazing! They have some really unique dishes. Prices are also quite reasonable. Parking is available across the street for dinner - go today! read more

Zentli - The amazing art at Zentli! - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Great Mexican cuisine, a bit fancier than most other Mexican restaurants in the area, so it's slightly more expensive, but worth it! It also has a full bar, all entrees are very generous and service is very fast and friendly. The only slightly odd practice, is charging $3 for chips and salsa, something that's usually free at most other Mexican restaurants. read more

This is the definition of a neighborhood gem. As soon as you see this restaurant you'll know it's something special. Walking in you'll see the amazing murals and the overall artistic flair of the restaurant. The menu is small, but that means everything is going to be fresh and special. Our server gave us some great recommendations. We started with some amazing cocktails along with chips and salsa, had the esquites and the flautas stuffed with chicken. We had some tacos and finished with the chocolate tres leches cake. Everything was so delicious and made with love. The blue corn tortillas in the tacos gave such a unique taste and texture. Can't wait to go back! read more

New restaurant! Delicious food and drinks. Street food concept very well executed with an amazing atmosphere and beautiful decor. Must try!!! read more

Zentli - Delicious food, amazing environment. Would recommend to anyone is the area looking for Mexican food. - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

OMG! came back for dinner and Drinks were AMAZING!!! My local bartender mention the drinks were good at Zentli in Evanston, and she was right so much so I asked bartender what brand of tequila they used. Mole was so rich I am bring friends from out of town here to try it! PS the huge skull has TVs for Eyes so creative and fun place! I took pics! read more

Zentli - Mexican Restaurant Evanston Zentli - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Food was excellent and creative. Service was great too. Pretty space and easy to get to and park

I felt welcomed and the food was delicious! They have a great vegan menu available It does get busy at night and does not open till 4 pm so maybe make a reservation ! read more

Food was very average for Mexican food. The chips were super dry and hard. Liquor license was under review or not available so they could not serve alcohol. Won't be back. read more

Great service, nice ambiance and delicious food! Food was fresh and authentic - we had the flautas and enchiladas. We will be back! read more

We've been to Zentli twice now (big fan of Libertad!) and both times were great! The flautas are flavorful - we had them both times we visited. We had several of the tacos as well and they were just as yummy. The tinga pollo, chorizo y papas, and alambre were a highlight for us. There are also lots of vegetarian and vengan options available. The first time we went and we tried the esquites which was not my favorite because it seemed like it was canned or frozen corn, but now that corn is in season, they may be using fresh. However, everything else was delicious, so I can overlook that one. Service is great and has a similar set up to Libertad. Plenty of space, cool art, and amazing staff! read more

Food was delicious. Ordered takeout but wish we had dined in because the interior space is stunning. Staff were very friendly. Will return every time I'm in town for sure! read more

Last weekend was my second time at Zentli and I had a wonderful experience. I came with a friend and we shared several types of tacos, flautas and flan. The food is simple and delicious, I love the taste of blue corn tortillas. The ancient Heirloom corn motives are depicted in the art, beautifully crafted by one of the owners. I appreciate the connection between food, tradition and culture, blended with a casual vibe. I will be coming back and bringing more friends to Zentli. read more

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This restaurant is amazing, It reminds me of a restaurant that would be in LA. Very chic , yet unassuming. The food is spectacular! read more

Best salad I've had in a long time!! Everything was good. The tinga de pollo was so good read more

Zentli - Special Barbie cocktail - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love even just "ok" Mexican food. my food however was inedible. I never have had super bad Mexican but this was a first. it was mushy, parts were cold, it was covered in overwhelming mole sauce for simple enchiladas. I could not distinguish tortilla from filling from sauce. I ate two bites and paid and left. sorry but my husband something equally bad. won't go back read more

Zentli has fantastic and attentive service. The interior is well decorated and provides a nice ambiance. Once you try the food, you'll wish you had room to try more of the menu; definitely a must return spot. I recommend adding the quesataco option for all tacos you order. read more

An exciting menu and excellent service. But the flavors did not deliver. The fish taco special (cod: $9 for one taco) was filled with exciting ingredients, but I could not taste the cod. The mango and shrimp ceviche special was devoid of mango, and it was hard to taste the shrimp due to quantity of tomatoes and the spiciness. And the special mole with cheese enchilada ($2 extra for cheese?) was so spicy that my teenage son could not finish it. I suggest that the chef focus on the main ingredients, rather than the embellishments (as a side note, I like spicy food, but not when it overwhelms the other flavors in the dish). read more

Wish I had taken pictures of the beautiful dishes we had. Everything looks as great as it tastes. It's hard to find vegan food done healthy and well. They have non-vegan choices as well which makes it a good spot for dinners with friends. Everything we've had is delicious 10/10. The flautas are amazing and my favorite (ask for mole on the side). Service is friendly and helpful. The interior was all designed and hand painted by the owner who comes around checking on folx. You really have to go and take in the whole experience for your senses. You won't be disappointed. read more

I don't like it the service is not good and l do not like this place because it's not clean

Ordered for a family get together of 12. Everyone raved. We ordered the salad and various flautas and tacos. Fresh ingredients in authentic Mexican flavors. One in our party is actually from Mexico and rarely likes anything and he wen back for thirds. I highly recommend. read more

This restaurant is a scion of one of my all-time favorite places, Libertad. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. I've been twice, gonna bring a vegan friend with me because this place is very vegan friendly. Great drinks as well, just an all-around awesome experience! read more

Zentli - Margaritas and guacamole with house made tortilla chips - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Happened to find this place via search. After seeing that it was part owned by the folks from Libertad, it was a no brained. Food was amazing. Drinks were great. Guacamole was well flavored and fresh chips. I went with a few tacos. The seafood taco special was fantastic. We have a new favorite place. read more

Yummy food, awesome staff, and lovely space. Get a mezcal margarita with tajin type spices on the rim.

First, the staff is very kind and I'm hopeful that this place makes it. I will not return. Upon walking in, you are overwhelmed by the noise level. All the customers were leaning towards the table shouting just to be heard. Imagine a screaming baby amped by a microphone next to a jack hammer. They made no effort to baffle the ceiling, walls, or flooring. It's a concrete box full of noise. Of course the irony was when the waitress asked how things were, I responded, she said, "I can't hear you, please say that again." She was also a kind person. The food? The tacos were good, better than taco bell and worse than Taco Nano. The enchiladas had minimal fillings and undercooked potatoes. It's as if the owners did not bother to taste their own food. Their other restaurant in Skokie, Libertad is good ... Reduce the noise level, improve your food, and Zentli has potential. read more

What a find!! Great service and very cool vibe. Loved the vegan mushroom tacos & cocktails were incredible!! Must go read more

Zentli - Mural wall! - Mexican Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This joint has vegan Mexican food with some fun and creative drinks. It's obvious they put alotta thought and care into their menu. Nice!