Mexican Food in Chicago (2025)

Chef-driven Mexico City–style tacos with adventurous fillings, hand-pressed tortillas, and a lively West Loop energy. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and recently highlighted for its 2025 expansion, it’s a current must. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/taqueria-chingon?utm_source=openai), [chicago.eater.com](https://chicago.eater.com/restaurant-news/160880/michelin-guide-2025-chicago-restaurant-additions?utm_source=openai))

Family-run temple to Jalisco-style goat birria, with tortillas pressed to order. The Uptown location is open; the Archer Heights original is rebuilding after a June 2025 fire, as reported by local media and the family’s site. ([birrieriazaragoza.com](https://www.birrieriazaragoza.com/?utm_source=openai), [chicago.eater.com](https://chicago.eater.com/restaurant-news/160453/birrieria-zaragoza-fundraiser-fire-chicago-mexican-the-bear?utm_source=openai))

Five decades of Michoacán-style carnitas, now showcased in a 26th Street flagship that opened in 2025. Celebrated by the Michelin Guide and featured in credible local reporting on the new location. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/carnitas-uruapan/?utm_source=openai), [blockclubchicago.org](https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/07/carnitas-uruapan-opening-long-awaited-flagship-restaurant-in-little-village/?utm_source=openai))

Inside a small grocery, César “El Molusco” Castillo turns out tacos that channel Mexico City—suadero, crispy tripa, canasta, and more—on a classic comal con sombrero. Frequently praised by Eater Chicago and local critics. ([chicago.eater.com](https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-tacos-chicago-map/antique-taco?utm_source=openai))

Chef Diana Dávila’s heartfelt antojitos—nostalgic, regional, and creative—anchor one of Logan Square’s defining Mexican dining rooms. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and widely covered by reputable outlets. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/ae-du/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/mi-tocaya?utm_source=openai), [mitocaya.com](https://www.mitocaya.com/?utm_source=openai))

Oaxacan cuisine from a family team: tlayudas, tamales oaxaqueños, rich moles, and chapulines. A perennial Bib Gourmand honoree with steady neighborhood love and media recognition. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/jp/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/kie-gol-lanee?utm_source=openai), [kiegol.com](https://kiegol.com/?utm_source=openai))

A masa lover’s dream: blue and yellow heirloom corn become tacos, tlacoyos, huaraches, and pambazos, all made to order. Lauded for exceptional quality by The Infatuation and spotlighted by ABC7. ([theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/xocome-antojeria?utm_source=openai), [abc7chicago.com](https://abc7chicago.com/hungry-hound-mexican-independence-day-restaurants-chicago/5537358/?utm_source=openai))

Chef Alfonso Sotelo’s Pilsen favorite serves regional staples and market specials steps from the National Museum of Mexican Art. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and trusted local editors. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/5-rabanitos?utm_source=openai), [5rabanitos.com](https://5rabanitos.com/?utm_source=openai))

Modern marisquería inside Thalia Hall delivering whole fish, inventive tostadas, and seafood platters. Applauded by Chicago Magazine and covered by Eater and Time Out for its 2024 debut. ([chicagomag.com](https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/april-2025/best-new-restaurants/?utm_source=openai), [chicago.eater.com](https://chicago.eater.com/2024/6/26/24186485/san-pedro-mariscos-thalia-hall-photos-images-open-obeliex-taqueria-chingon-pilsen?utm_source=openai))

Chef Clementina Flores’s Northwest Side stalwart is famed for soulful, seasonal moles and regional dishes. A long-running Michelin Bib Gourmand selection and a favorite of local writers. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/sol-de-mexico?utm_source=openai), [soldemexicochicago.com](https://soldemexicochicago.com/chicago-belmont-cragin-sol-de-mexico-about?utm_source=openai))

Little Village’s brunch icon with exuberant décor and a deep chilaquiles bench, plus café de olla and sweet breakfasts. Featured in Eater’s essential Mexican lists and profiled by ABC7. ([chicago.eater.com](https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-mexican-restaurants-chicago-map/?utm_source=openai), [abc7chicago.com](https://abc7chicago.com/catedral-cafe-mexican-food-near-me-little-village-chicago/12218812/?utm_source=openai))