With a shift for nature vs skyscrapers, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most picturesque neighborhoods. The area’s namesake park has a vast lakefront green space with sweeping views of the skyline and is home to manicured gardens, including a historic indoor botanical garden, a hidden lily pond, and more. You can spend the whole day exploring Lincoln Park Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and Chicago History Museum, and then get some shopping done at the many boutiques in the neighborhood.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, Lincoln Park will impress you with its diverse selection of cuisines as well. Winters in Chicago call for cozy comforts, like Mexican food with its savory meats, cheeses, beans, and carbs along with body-warming drinks and more. Check out 10 hot spots for Mexican food in Lincoln Park below!
2721 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Mayan Palace has your fave Mexican staples like burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and of course, large pitchers of delicious margaritas. The family-owned and operated restaurant opened in 2003, bringing the rich flavors of Mexico to Chicago.
Happy hour specials are all week long and the refreshing, wildly popular margs are a must. If you have a huge appetite, chow down on the Burrito Supreme Dinner, which has a hefty burrito with your choice of meat and all the fixings accompanied with rice and refried beans.
585 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Treat your taste buds to both traditional and unique Mexican and Caribbean dishes and drinks at Cocina Tarascas. Signature items include the Burrito Tarasco, a combination of steak and bacon with beans, cheese, and chopped veggies, and the Cuban Quesadilla, featuring shredded steak, goat cheese, plantains, and Chihuahua cheese in a large tortilla.
Cocina Tarascas is also well known for their margaritas with the Jumbo-Rita as the most popular item. With 45.5 oz. of marg, the Jumbo-Rita is the perfect accompaniment to your meal and will keep you satiated all day long.
1155 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 6061
Open until midnight, Los 3 Panchos is a no-frills, counter-serve Mexican restaurant that will satisfy your late night cravings. Find all your basic Mexican staples here, like tostadas, sopes, tacos, tortas, and burritos. The low prices will tempt you to order a bit of everything on the menu. The delicious, filling food is the perfect way to end the night and help with any hangovers.
2423 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
With a hip industrial setting complete with dope art and decor, Takito Street brings a playful and contemporary take on Mexican street food. Takito Street has innovative menu items like Chorizo Sliders, a perfect start to your meal. Artisanal street tacos are made to order complete with handmade tortillas. The drinks are just as enticing––a variety of fresh fruit margaritas are as refreshing as they are addicting.
1000 W North Ave D-102, Chicago, IL 60642
Established in Chicago in 1995, Burrito Beach has been successfully serving up its distinct style of toasted burrito, taco, nacho, quesadilla, and bowl creations packed with exceptional ingredients for 26 years. Offering a dynamic menu that incorporates superior meats, fresh ingredients, speed-scratch cooking, bold flavors, and unique items, Burrito Beach has something for everyone. Customize your burrito or try their Lincoln Park Only menu items, like the Rosarito Beach Tacos or Burrito Magnífico.
2556 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Burritos are one of the best comfort foods out there and Angela’s is popular for its selections. The casual counter-service restaurant has all your fave Mexican dishes, like tacos, tostadas, burritos, tortas, enchiladas, and more. For something different, try the California Style Burrito, which has french fries in the burrito as well as your choice of meat, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
2558 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Las Fuentes is a local chain with three locations in the Chicagoland area in Lincoln Park, Alsip, and Morton Grove. The restaurant has been dishing out authentic Mexican cuisine since it first opened in 1982. Las Fuentes does both dine in and takeout, but if you’re dining in, the outdoor fountain really adds some intimacy and relaxing vibes to the atmosphere.
The menu has all the traditional Mexican dishes as well as some specialities, like the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, which has black tiger shrimp marinated in a divine garlic-white wine sauce with onion and avocado. For dessert, dig into some fried ice cream, flan, or churros!
2558 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
El Presidente Restaurante is a super casual spot that’s perfect for big groups to get together to start the day or end the night. Chow down on everything from tacos and gorditas to fajitas and quesadillas. The restaurant has a BYOB policy, but serves classic non-alcoholic Mexican drinks like horchata and Jarritos.
When it gets warmer, take your food outside to the colorful courtyard with ample seating, often surrounded by lush greens and florals and decorated with colorful and intricate papel picado banners.
1200 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Old Pueblo Cantina brings to the neighborhood the classic food of Mexico and Arizona served alongside craft cocktails and beer. This is the fourth Chicago restaurant of industry vet Ryan O’Donnell of Ballyhoo Hospitality. His inspiration for Old Pueblo stems from the 10 years he spent growing up in Tucson, Arizona, which borders Sonora, Mexico.
Try some Sonoran classics, like the Mesquite Wood Grilled Skewers, available with flat iron steak, adobo chicken, or chili lime shrimp. The flour tortillas are made in-house, guacamole is made to order, and the seasonal fruity margaritas are available by the glass and the pitcher.
2914 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
El Nuevo Mexicano is a great destination for Tex-Mex staples, like tacos and burritos paired with margaritas and other delicious libations. The restaurant often runs specials, including bottomless mimosas with entrees at weekend brunch, happy hours, and more. Try their specials, like the Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Verde, which has tender shredded chicken stuffed into three corn tortillas, simmered in homemade green mole.
1935 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614
For a more modern take on Mexican cuisine, visit Mesa Urbana, a stylish and contemporary Mexican fusion restaurant and bar. Both the food and drink menus feature a wide selection fit for any taste palate. Give the fish tacos a try, featuring pan-seared cod and grilled pineapple relish on corn tortillas.
As for drinks, cocktails use fresh squeezed juice for an extra refresh. Meanwhile, if you want to taste a few things at once, try one of the two mezcal flights: the Mineral-Driven Mezcal or Fancy Flight.
Featured Image Credit: Takito Street
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