Big Star
$ | Wicker Park + Wrigleyville
Mexican street food, plus margaritas + other drinks fuel a lively scene at this funky hangout.
Lonesome Rose
$$ | Logan Square
Creative Mexican and Tex-Mex fare + craft cocktails in a stylized warehouse setting with two bars.
Flaco’s Tacos
$ | Edgewater + South Loop + River North
Stylish counter-serve taqueria serving Mexican standards, including a half-dozen varieties of tacos.
Broken English Taco Pub
$$ | The Loop + Lincoln Park + Old Town
Hip, mural-filled hangout featuring a compact Mexican menu, mezcal cocktails + a seasonal patio.
Federales
$$ | West Loop
Mexican barbecue-style tacos, ceviche + tequila in a funky warehouse setting with a beer garden.
Barrio
$$$ | River North
Rustic-industrial spot for creative Mexican fare with Japanese influences and creative cocktails.
La Josie
$$ | West Loop
Classic dishes of Jalisco are featured at this intimate Mexican eatery with 3 bars, one on the roof.
Frontera Grill
$$ | River North
Chef Rick Bayless’ always busy flagship where creative Mexican fare is served in a festive space.
Blue Agave Tequila Bar & Restaurant
$$ | Gold Coast + River North
Standard Tex-Mex fare, American bar bites + margaritas fuel a lively scene at this casual joint.
Antique Taco
$$ | Wicker Park + Bridgeport + Revival Food Hall
Seasonal menu of gourmet tacos + Mexican appetizers doled out in a shabby-chic, counter-serve space.
Lalo’s
$$ | Little Italy + Navy Pier
Lively Mexican cantina with a menu of rustic fare + jumbo margaritas plus live mariachi tunes.
Masa Azul
$$ | Logan Square
Contemporary cantina offering modern Mexican fare + gourmet tacos plus huge artisanal tequila menu.
Las Fuentes Restaurant
$$ | Lincoln Park
Local chain serving a menu of Mexican classics + cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.