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La Catrina Restaurant
Master Critic Review
La Catrina Restaurant
8.5
La Catrina is a sit-down Mexican restaurant in the Diversey corridor known for birria, lengua, and other taco plates paired with strong margaritas. The room leans colorful and lively rather than hushed, making it a neighborhood choice when you want a full dinner built around tacos and shared appetizers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Lengua tacos, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Colorful full-service spot where birria and margaritas anchor taco-focused dinners.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos, tequila, and a louder dining room.
When to visit: Evenings for full energy; earlier weeknights for shorter waits.
What to order: Birria tacos with consomé, lengua tacos, queso fundido.
Insider tip: Watch for weekday margarita specials and build a meal around shared starters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Diversey and nearby side streets; it can be competitive during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy in the evenings
Noise level: Lively and upbeat — conversation is possible, but it can get loud during peak service
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait, depending on group size
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of meatless tacos and appetizers, though the menu is still meat-forward overall
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and customizations possible, but few fully vegan entrées
Gluten-free options: Some tacos and plates can be made gluten-friendly; confirm tortillas and sauces with the server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, higher-energy date than a quiet, intimate one — the colorful room and cocktails work well if you’re looking for a lively vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights — on busy weekends expect a wait and consider arriving earlier or sitting at the bar if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly earlier in the evening, with approachable plates and booths — it skews louder and more adult-oriented later at night.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down taco dinners with strong margaritas, shareable starters, and a festive group-friendly atmosphere
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, strictly traditional taqueria pricing, or a menu with extensive vegan and gluten-free options