La Cocina

This place is always a favorite. The owner is so kind and welcoming, making sure you have a great experience. The food is excellent - authentic eats in the loop! Plus, the drinks are strong and tasty. I loved the fresh strawberry in the margarita, but all the options are great.

MUST VISIT! Quite possibly the best enchiladas I have ever eaten! Our family was in Chicago last month on a break. Happened to find this place. Loved it the first time. Went back. Loved it even more. We are going to be talking about these two meals for a long time!

Tony and team are excellent at what they do. Damn good food. It’s a simple yet hard concept many restaurants in the loop struggle to grasp. The food is affordable , the vibes immaculate and the service top tier. Highly recommend for lunch , dinner or just a post work happy hour!

I ordered the combination chicken and steak fajitas for pickup and it is one of the most flavorful things I’ve tried in a while. It comes with beans, rice, a side salad (with a scoop of guac!!), multiple tortillas and salads. So good. Will be ordering again.

The food is great and it comes out very quick, the servers are friendly. However, there’s one server who screws up my order every time. This is like the third time I’ve been there and she messed it up. Today I asked for 3 beef enchiladas to go with a side of rice and beans, and a side of queso. Was disappointed when I got home to see three enchiladas with 0 SAUCE and only beef and queso??? And then I didn’t get a side of queso. Like cmon how hard is it

Everything we got was well priced and well prepared. The staff was also very friendly

The food was delicious, the drinks were good (we went during happy hour), and the staff was friendly. 10/10 would come back.

I was a little hesitant to dine at this Latin restaurant since I’m vegan, but Emily made the experience so easy and enjoyable. She recommended a delicious burrito dinner and a taco dinner, both topped with fresh veggies and made sure all my orders came without cheese. When I mentioned that my phone was about to die, she kindly checked if I could charge it, and I was able to boost it from 30% to 60%, which saved me a lot of stress. She also helped me pay smoothly using Apple Pay, which I really appreciated. Emily is incredibly friendly and accommodating. Her thoughtful service made a big difference in my dining experience, and she’s a true asset to any hospitality team.

Absolutely amazing food that was fast and affordable! Bartender was great and service was on point!

I visited here a few weeks ago as I am trying to find my go-to hole in the wall Mexican joint. I have eaten at La Cocina years ago way before COVID around 2017 and they changed quite a bit. I thought it only used to be just a fast food breakfast/lunch spot and now it has turned into a full service bar. The ambiance is modern/contemporary with a weird shaped bar and a decent amount of seating. The renovations/conversion to a bar are nice! I ordered carryout, but I was shocked to see the conversion to a bar so I decided to stay for a Margarita. There were some people at the bar as it was around the time of happy hour on a Friday. The Margarita was good and I ordered the steak quesadilla. The portion size was good, but the flour tortillas were a little dry. It needed a little bit more grease and oil. There was a ton of steak on it too, but it was also a tad dry and needed a little bit more flavor. I would recommend getting the corn tortillas and I would try a different type of meat next time. Although the food wasn't amazing, it did hit the spot. Overall, prices are cheap and the portion sizes are big. Service was great and the staff were very friendly. Since there are not really any hole in the wall spots in the West Loop, I will definitely try La Cocina again to support businesses in the Loop. Food is a-ok and the Margarita was good. Overall, if you are craving some good cheap Mexican food in the Loop, then check out La Cocina.

Excellent! Clean and fresh place. The salsas were great and the portions huge. The women's restroom was spotless. The place has a fun vibe. My husband doesn't eat cilantro and the kitchen was able to make accommodations.

I came here for lunch with my coworkers, and I ordered the burrito dinner. "Dinner" just means the plate will be served with rice and beans. Also, if you dine in, they will serve you a basket of chips. The food wasn't too special. The portions are large, but the quality of the food is so-so. My pastor burrito was pretty bland. Also, a lot of the pastor pieces in my burrito were the fatty pieces of pork that I don't really like. Rice and beans were decent, but nothing tasted very flavorful. The service is fine. They were pretty busy during lunch hour, so they didn't check on us, but it wasn't an issue because we pretty much could handle it on our own. Water and cups are at a side table that is self-serve. The ambiance is alright. It's quite loud. And the theme of the restaurant throws me off a bit. It's decorated like a miami-esque bar (i.e. tropical foliage, splattered pink wall paint) with a designated space for a DJ booth to the side. And I get that they appeal more to the "bar feel" at night. But then, during the day, it clashes with the restaurant vibe.

I ordered lunch for 15 people for a work retreat. Antonio Morales was so helpful that I had to write a review!! The food was good. Everyone was happy, which typically doesn't happen. We ordered tacos, burritos, chimmy chungas and enchiladas!! I would definitely be a return customer.

Enchiladas: 2 carne asada with mole and one suiza with verde! All were the bomb. I would love to try so much more of their menu. Next Chicago trip maybe. Good margaritas too!

I get the steak and chicken fajitas, man are they awesome! Good amount of food for the price. My order is always correct also. I get it with only rice and shredded cheese added. Thank you for a great lunch, every time.

When you place an order through Yelp, be aware that the menu might surprise you! It's not quite the same as what you'll find at the restaurant.

We were craving a Mexican-style breakfast and found this neighborhood gem near the L. My wife ordered Huevos Rancheros and I had Eggs with Chorizo. Both came with a side of refried black beans and rice. The beans tasted homemade and the rice tasted like it was made in a cast iron pan - both reminded me of my abuela's! The huevos rancheros were made with a roasted adobo sauce and were so good! You can't go wrong with chorizo and theirs is good. Service was fast and friendly. We would have given 5 stars but they don't have coffee, only canned or bottled drinks. Not that big a deal; there is a coffee shop next door and I just walked over and got coffee to go.

Very rude manager did not pass the vibe check. Made us uncomfortable! He yelled at us for moving the table 1 foot from where it was it was crazy I don't think it was that serious

This place is phenomenal. Honestly, I've only ever had the pastor, because it's so good I can't bring myself to order anything else. Conveniently located in the loop, La Cocina brings real, authentic Mexican flavor to the table. Once seated, you're greeted by friendly faces from behind the bar and immediately served chips with 2 different salsas. The pastor is packed with flavor, the sweetness of pineapple and the perfect amount of sautéed onion. Served on fresh house made tortillas, you won't find anything better in this area. Right by my work. I've gone twice and will continue to go. Reasonably priced, incredibly fast and friendly service and delicious food. Support small businesses!!!

Ordered a burrito dinner from here an hour ago. I asked for extra salsa on the side, which they provided. two of those little sauce cups. AFTER THEY CHARGED ME AN ADDITIONAL 6.00. Barely even salsa, it's Franks Red Hot. Lol. What a joke. The burrito was also a loosely wrapped, wet, sloppy mess. Waste of money and Worst Mexican food I've had.

Stopped by because I was craving tacos on my lunch. I ordered the Fish taco dinner which came with 3 tacos, rice and beans. I felt that the beans were kinda plain, and the rice was lacking flavor. The salsa verde however was good as service was quick and welcoming. Fish tacos were a little dry but the salsa helped. Vibes and atmosphere are cute though.

This review is only for weekday lunch but let me start by saying I'd love to come back for an evening meal or even happy hour! Considering there are at least three other other Mexican joints in the vicinity, La Cocina has some competition. But the awesome food, service and crisp interior of this particular joint will certainly have me coming back. The menu is fairly simple, and I love how you have the option to order either as a dinner or ala carte. Wanting to try multiple different things I went w the latter, and tried Steak tacos, a quesadilla and chicken tamale. All were excellent! My photo probably doesn't do it justice... The place is popular for carry out during lunch, but you can also dine in and if you do, you receive chips and salsa at your table and they bring the food to you after ordering at the counter. All the staff was super friendly and efficient. They have a little bar as well which was empty at lunch tho I felt it was a somewhat tempting me to order a margarita...on a Wednesday haha Overall an awesome place, highly recommend!

Great lunch spot, very quick and efficient. Service was good and food was delicious! guacamole was one of the better guacs I've had in Chicago.

Delicious!!! Reasonably priced for the city and the portion sizes are good! The food was fresh, the music was good, and the atmosphere was fun with the cool murals and pink lighting! Stumbled upon a gem out of hunger and now I have a new fav in the city! The bartender that served us was delightful and very helpful with menu recommendations too

As Cali girl and fan of Mexican food, I can assure you that this is as close to the real deal as it gets. I was CRAVING gauc and chips, and tacos and flautas...so I gave La Cocina a try. I'm usually skeptical about restaurants with a low number of Yelp reviews, but I threw caution to the wind and went for it. I am glad I did! The guacamole was bursting with flavor, and chips were crisp and fresh. I also had the fish tacos. MUY DELICIOSO!!!! I'm talking authentic flavor galore. I had a veggie flauta as well-also awesome. I ordered delivery-fast and friendly. The price was right too. Give it a try. You will not regret it.

Just walking in Antonio greets you with a smile and ready to serve.. you're delicious Mexican cuisine is prepared by Romerio. The food the service the atmosphere is a must see

I finally stopped in to the new La Cocina location and was pleasantly surprised. Improvements all around! A larger location, more fun and updated interior and higher quality food. Oh, and now they have a bar. I won't be getting a drink on my lunch break, but it gives it more of a restaurant feel than a "faster" food-type of Mexican restaurant. You order up at the bar, and they find you a table while you're ordering. The chips & salsa on the table was nice to munch on before our food arrived. They call your number but then they also bring the food right to your table. It was busy when we got there, but there were a few open tables so we got seated right away. I ordered the taco dinner with different 3 tacos (chicken, steak and pastor). All tasty! I put a little of the green salsa from our table onto my tacos and it provided the perfect bit of flavor and spice to my meal! I also loooove that they have refried BLACK BEANS and rice. I normally don't eat the beans and rice at these types of places because of how dried out and pasty they are, but these are soft and so good with a little salt and cheese on them. I'll be back!

I've missed having their food since they'd left Franklin St. It's definitely great having them back in the neighborhood. Food is better than I remember (great al pastor tacos) and they offer Amazing cocktails in this much larger space.

the service was amazing with a very nice person to greet me.I. Would say pretty cheap for Mexican food , also very good.and the vibes of this diner was just amazing.!!DEFINITELY COMING BACK!!!

Came here for dinner tonight and ordered a breakfast burrito with a side of rice and beans, as well as a TNT (Tecate and Tequila - a Mexican spin on a Chicago handshake). Food was delicious, service was equally great. They serve breakfast all day, which rocks. Definitely a solid spot to grab a bite if you find yourself in the Loop.

La Cocina is a nice family owned restaurant. Pleasant music hits you as your walk through the doors. walk in. The started me off with complimentary chips and salsa. They have a full bar and delicious margaritas. IMexican food that taste amazing. Nice not to have to go to the chains. The have vegetarian options to. I ordered a taco dinner with mixed veggies and Pablano peppers. Was very tasty.

It is cinco de Mayo. This clown restaurant gave me 3 tiny tacos WITH NO SALSA. On top of paying for avocado, cheese and sour cream they left it all off and never gave it to me. I ALSO PAID for 2 horchatas and never received ONE! They need to lay off the salt cuz the taste is horrible and over cooked. They should be shut down for this mockery! This was through grub hub nevertheless this has never happened with any other restaurant you can see the lack of care for their customers through their product!

We met a large group here on a weekday after work and the place had plenty of seating and very good service. The fish taco has a double corn tortilla and featured a generous portion of fish and fresh veggies. The sauce on the table went well with the chips and with the tacos and I would rate these tacos as a 8.5/10. The rice and bean portion was generous as well and the enchiladas were delicious with a beautiful verde sauce on top with lots of cheese and lettuce. Cool little spot right off Lake street that I would definitely recommend or dine at again.

La Cocina is awesome. Plain and simple. The bf and I eat lunch here probably once a week. The service is good, the food comes out quick, and you get chips and salsa at your table if you dine in! The bf loves the steak taco dinner and I tend to switch between tacos (all flavours are awesome but steak and fish are my favs), enchiladas, and quesadillas and with a small side of guacamole. I've also tried the fajitas which was delicious and huge! It's an awesome spot to get your Mexican hit mid-week! Highly recommend!

Best Mexican in Chicago - If you want to debate then @me adamdavidn on IG. The food is the best, and the bar is beautiful, custom art work interior custom built bar and Antonio is the Man. He's not trying to be Fado, BUT may be able to convince him to play some EPL, or La LIGA during the days if the work from home crowd is looking for a chill spot for lunch and some entertainment. (They also cater and catered for my company for several years so @them and get some awesome Mexican food in Chicago!) right by the L tracks downtown Lake St. Why not? ;)

This place is nothing and I mean nothing but a ripe off..... I ordered an order of chips & salsa they charged 4.00 then have the nerve to give you the same small salsa's they give when you buy tacos. Now if you know you know that at any Mexican Restaurant when you order chips & salsa they are NOT and I mean they are NOT giving the small salsa's they give with the tacos!!

Not sure if this is affiliated with the La Cocina on 45 N Wells but this is definitely an upgrade. It's a much bigger space, better decorated and has a bar. Although I went there to meet up with a colleague for lunch so we didn't have any drinks but we were able to order quickly thru the Ritual mobile app and we decided to eat there since there were tables available. We were able to have a nice conversation and my chicken burrito was very good and filling. It was a decent sized burrito and there was a side of rice and beans. The beans were a little sweeter than other mexican restaurants which I liked. The price was a just a tad more expensive for a burrito at $10.50 but still not bad. It's a good find and I'm glad it's close by so I can stop in again for a good mexican lunch.

I knew that La Cocina would be busy on Cinco de Mayo, but we thought how bad could it be. It was one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. Yes, I know about staff shortages, but what happened here is inexcusable. One of the busiest days of the year for Mexican restaurants and they had one cook, one cashier and one other person trying to help out in all areas. We received our order numbers 59, 61 and 63. After we sat down they called number 39. A warning from the cashier that they were behind would have been nice. 45 minutes later they were on number 50 and my friend still hadn't received her Margarita. It was her birthday by the way. Happy birthday, hope you like crap! Thirty minutes later my friends food arrives. Fifteen minutes later I still don't have my food. I ask for it to go and five minutes later I am still waiting. I ask for a refund as they are now on number 70 and obviously forgot about my order. After five more minutes they gave me $15. I paid with my card and the order was $15.61. Here's some advice La Cocina, on your busiest day of the year when you only have one cook and limited other staff, maybe limit carryout and take care of the dine in customers first. Thoughts of tacos quickly became me eating a day old salami sandwich at my desk. Scratch quickly, it was almost two hours.

Cute spot! La cocina is great! Went here for the first time for drinks and happy hour and everything was fantastic. The staff is great and knows how to take care of their customers. Would recommend!

I just had some wonderful tacos and a burrito delivered, fresh vegetables and the best flour tortilla I've had in town. Was still even hot. Definitely recommend this hidden gem of Chicago.

I was really skeptical of La Cocina, having been to the other restaurant (same name) on Wells. This was a pleasant surprise! Food was really tasty and the space was exceptionally good. I've only been for lunch, but I can imagine it would be a nice space for margaritas after work. I had the tacos - 3 different meats - all were delicious. I like that if you dine in, you get chips and salsa at your table. There are two salsa options - I prefer the green. It really feels like a hybrid between a fast-casual (i.e. Chipotle) and a real sit-down restaurant, and I kind of liked that. It's not exceptionally convenient to my office, but worth the walk, at least when the weather is nice!

I couldn't be happier to see La Cocina back in the neighborhood close to my work. Best authentic Mexican food in the loop. They're back in a new location only a block away from their old spot with a chic updated look, more seating, an expanded menu, and a liquor license. Do yourself a favor and stop waiting in a long line at Chipotle down the block and go get some REAL Mexican food here. Without a doubt, hands down, the BEST chilaquiles in River North, and they serve them all day long! Great tacos, excellent burritos, tasty enchiladas, and now they have booze too! Plus, the owner is just about the nicest dude ever.

Great place for drinks/happy hour! I can only speak to their drinks menu since we didn't order any food, but the cocktail (Pina de la Nina or something like that?) I got was fantastic! They also have a few beers on tap. The decor/atmosphere is really cool, it's not too loud and there's lots of seating. The perfect combo for an awesome happy hour.

First time here but i will defs be back!! The drinks were amazing- i got the margarita and the chicken quesadilla. The server was great and very friendly. They give you free chips which is great.. who doesn't like free chips. Great happy hour.

Let me start by saying this is a review of the Lake St location. All other La Cocinas have been wonderful. I will never go back to Lake St. The worst: they're painfully slow, they have no efficient methods of doing anything (god help you if you have a to go order), and a team member with waist long hair continually plays with it behind the bar. They put it up in a bun, take it down, over and over, all while packing orders, tending bar, cleaning, etc. Disgusting. The menu isn't posted anywhere. Clearly they are a bar first, a dine-in place second, and a to go lunch spot DEAD LAST. Hope you like long hair in your food.

Incredible! Such a fun place to go! The margaritas are delicious - I especially like the spicy pepino (cucumber). Try it!

Love the food The atmosphere is not to be missed Happy hour is awesome 5.00 draft, 3.00 Tecate cans and 6.00 cocktails. Wednesday only And DJ fusion is awesome. Cocktails are amazing

Love La Cocina, good food, good atmosphere, great service. Will keep coming back. Keep it up!

This spot is casually fun and their food is yummy. My favorite are the tacos, especially the veggie tacos and their fish tacos!! Their cocktails are good too!! Their palomas are super refreshing. They really make their drinks loaded, so you get what you pick for!! We always return here for the happy hour after work on Fridays!! The owner is really nice too, he is a fun down to earth guy!!

Like had them cater my wedding that's how much I like this place. Best things are probably everything but authentic Mexican food. Pork tacos, steak anything, and the eggs and chorizo are my favorite things here. Everything with onions and cilantro or the way they suggest everything. Flautas yummy

The steak is good. They don't give you enough of it in the torta. Dine in service is pretty negligent. There aren't many options for Mexican food in the area, but this is below average for Chicago.

Amazing! Love the food and the owner is awesome. We love this place. I wish I could buy their green salsa by the bucket!

Great atmosphere and the chips are amazing! Just a fun dinner place! And the classic margarita is amazing!!!!

Reasonable priced happy hour in the loop. Good margs, good tacos, good guacamole. Will definitely be back!

Ordered a taco and enchilada and they were both so salty I ended up tossing them in the garbage.

Good, well seasoned reasonably priced choices- choose as little or as much as desired. Don't plan on hearing your dining partner, music is way too loud.

Great food and happy hour in the Loop! The staff is nice and attentive too. I go to the location on Lake St. that opened up recently and I'm impressed by how much better it is compared to some other nearby spots.