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Casa Margarita
Master Critic Review
Casa Margarita
7.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
Casa Margarita, a small local group with a Streeterville outpost near Navy Pier, leans into big-format Tex-Mex plates and a deep margarita list in a brightly decorated dining room. Kitchen hours run to around 11–11:30 p.m., making it a convenient option for post-pier dinners and late-night group gatherings along the river.
Must-Try Dishes:
Camarones A La Diabla, Carne Asada, Queso Fundido con Chorizo
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A colorful, TV-lined Tex-Mex spot near Navy Pier that stays open late with big plates and bigger margaritas.
Who should go: Groups leaving Navy Pier who want loud, festive Tex-Mex.
When to visit: Weekend evenings after 9 p.m. when the bar stays lively.
What to order: Camarones A La Diabla, Carne Asada plate, Queso Fundido con chorizo.
Insider tip: Time a late reservation after Navy Pier fireworks to avoid the early rush and snag better patio or window seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest access is nearby paid garages and hotel parking in Streeterville; street parking is limited and competitive on weekends, especially during Navy Pier events.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and casual tops are common, but groups often lean dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Loud — lively music and big groups make conversation possible but raised voices are common late night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer around fireworks and peak summer nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short waits outside convention and tourism rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options across appetizers, enchiladas, and combo plates, but preparations skew cheese- and cream-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable plates (beans, rice, veggie fajitas), but sauces and toppings often include dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-leaning items (grilled proteins, fajitas), but cross-contact is possible; confirm with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for energetic, social outings than quiet conversation — the room is festive and loud, which can overshadow intimate first-date pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially for small parties, but expect waits after 8:30–9 p.m. on weekends and during Navy Pier event nights; arriving a bit later can shorten the queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large booths, shareable combo plates, and a lively atmosphere work well for families; earlier evening hours are calmer than late night.
Best For
Better for: Large, celebratory groups who want big-format Tex-Mex plates, sweet margaritas, and late kitchen hours near Navy Pier.
Skip if: You want refined Mexican cooking, quiet conversation, or strict dietary control — consider more chef-driven or low-noise alternatives instead.