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La Cantina Grill
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
La Cantina Grill
8.2
La Cantina Grill is a South Loop Mexican staple near McCormick Place, combining a full bar, broad menu, and a sizable vegan offering. It’s where locals, convention-goers, and families converge for fajitas, enchiladas, and margaritas before events or casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Enchiladas, Shrimp Fajitas, Mayan Tamales
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume South Loop cantina with a full bar, broad vegan-friendly menu, and flexible seating near Soldier Field and McCormick Place.
Who should go: Groups needing reliable Mexican near conventions or games.
When to visit: Evenings before or after events for upbeat but manageable crowds.
What to order: Shrimp Fajitas, Traditional Enchiladas, Mayan Tamales.
Insider tip: On nice days, ask for a sidewalk table facing Michigan Avenue for people-watching with margaritas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Michigan Ave and nearby side streets, but it fills quickly during conventions and game days; most guests rely on nearby paid garages and surface lots along Michigan Ave and Cermak.
Dress code: Casual and event-friendly — jerseys, jeans, and casual tops are common; business-casual is typical during convention hours.
Noise level: Lively with upbeat bar energy; conversation is comfortable at smaller tables but can get loud during pre-event rushes.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation on event nights; often shorter on non-event weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with a brief rush around 12–1 p.m.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple veggie enchiladas, salads, fajita options, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Stronger than average for a cantina — dedicated vegan options and build-your-own plates; confirm sauces when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Several corn-tortilla and grilled dishes can be prepared gluten-friendly, but the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date with upbeat energy and shareable plates; less ideal if you want a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially outside event windows; on convention or game nights, arrive early or call ahead to gauge wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly seating, broad menu, and flexible portions; earlier evenings are best for kids before crowds build.
Best For
Better for: Pre-event group meals, flexible seating near McCormick Place, and one of the stronger vegan-friendly menus in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic dinner, highly regional fine-dining Mexican, or free/easy parking during major convention or game nights.
La Cantina Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
La Cantina Grill is a South Loop Mexican bar and grill where burritos share the menu with fajitas, enchiladas, and a deep tequila list. Diners treat it as a pre- or post-McCormick Place stop for burritos, chips, and margaritas in a colorful room with a busy bar and sidewalk patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Sabanero, Classic Steak Burrito, Chimichanga
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Full-service South Loop cantina where burritos meet a serious tequila bar.
Who should go: Groups craving burritos plus margaritas near McCormick.
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 p.m. for smoother service and bar seats.
What to order: Burrito Sabanero, classic steak burrito, chimichanga plate.
Insider tip: Ask about the student or lunch menus for better-value burrito combos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Wabash and nearby side streets is limited at peak hours; most guests rely on nearby paid garages around McCormick Place and hotel decks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and casual tops are common, but many guests dress slightly up for drinks or group dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but the bar and patio can get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation during pre- and post-convention rush periods.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though service can be steady when nearby events are in session.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian burritos, enchiladas, and combo plates can be prepared without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — some burritos and fajita plates can be made vegan if you request no cheese, crema, or butter; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — corn tortillas and some grilled plates can be adapted, but cross-contact is possible and prep isn’t fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than intimate ones — the colorful room, margaritas, and lively bar work well for relaxed conversation, but it’s not a quiet or candlelit setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes outside of major convention windows; during McCormick Place events, expect waits and consider calling ahead or arriving earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, especially earlier in the evening; high chairs and kid-appropriate menu options (burritos, quesadillas, rice and beans) make it workable for elementary-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want burritos plus a full bar and margaritas, patio seating in warm weather, and a sit-down cantina experience near McCormick Place.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic regional Mexican cooking, quiet conversation, or the fastest grab-and-go burrito — quicker counter-service spots may suit those needs better.
La Cantina Grill
8.6
A long-running South Loop cantina, La Cantina Grill draws convention-goers and locals for combo plates, sizzling fajitas, and strong margaritas a short walk from Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place. Late weekend hours, TVs at the bar, and a big menu make it an easy late-night default when you want sit-down Mexican with drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mini chimichangas, Steak fajitas, Chicken enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A South Loop standby for late-night fajitas, margaritas, and big-group Mexican near McCormick Place.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively, sit-down Mexican with drinks.
When to visit: Weekend evenings before or after games, shows, or conventions.
What to order: Mini chimichangas, steak fajitas, chicken enchiladas.
Insider tip: Sit toward the back dining room for a slightly quieter late-night experience than the front bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and can be difficult during events; nearby paid garages and surface lots around McCormick Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to casual-dressy; jeans and sneakers are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Lively and loud near the bar; conversation is easier in the rear dining room, especially later in the evening.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation during games, concerts, and convention weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except during large convention surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie enchiladas, quesadillas, and fajita-style plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified (hold cheese/sour cream); confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-leaning options (fajitas, grilled proteins), but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, social dates than intimate ones — the vibe leans lively, with TVs and bar energy, especially on weekends.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect waits during event nights; smaller groups are seated faster, and the rear dining room opens up more availability later in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly earlier in the evening with large booths and familiar combo plates; it becomes louder and more bar-forward later at night.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, late-night Mexican with drinks, and pre-/post-event meals within walking distance of Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place.
Skip if: You want quiet, fine-dining-style Mexican, boutique mezcal programs, or a low-noise environment for intimate conversation.
La Cantina Grill
8.4
La Cantina is a South Loop Mexican restaurant and tequila bar where steak tacos, enchiladas, and burritos share space with a full vegan menu and strong margaritas. Open to 11 p.m. on weekends, it doubles as a late-night taco stop for convention guests and locals walking back from Soldier Field or McCormick Place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Tacos, Chicken Enchiladas, Guacamole with Chips
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Bustling tequila bar and Mexican kitchen where classic and vegan tacos run late on weekends.
Who should go: Groups mixing taco cravings with margaritas near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Pre- or post-game Friday and Saturday nights for late kitchen hours.
What to order: Steak tacos, chicken enchiladas, chips with guacamole to start.
Insider tip: Ask about the vegan taco options if your group mixes omnivores and plant-based eaters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited during events; nearby paid garages along Michigan Ave and McCormick Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are common on game days, but many guests lean slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderately loud during peak evenings with music and bar traffic; conversation is comfortable at smaller tables but group tables can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during conventions or Soldier Field events.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during business lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian plates and taco options are available.
Vegan options: Yes — a dedicated vegan menu section is offered, but availability may vary by night.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free (tacos, salads); ask staff to confirm substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-adjacent dates than intimate ones — the energy is lively, the menu is broad, and the bar scene keeps things social rather than quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening — but expect waits on game nights, concert nights, and convention weekends; calling ahead helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — booths, shareable plates, and a relaxed dining room make it workable for families; evenings later in the night skew more bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Mixed-diet groups, margarita-focused outings, and late-evening taco stops within walking distance of McCormick Place and Soldier Field.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or highly regional Mexican cooking — choose a more specialized spot instead.
La Cantina Grill
8.6
Since 2006, La Cantina Grill has been the go-to South Loop sit-down Mexican spot near McCormick Place for big plates of fajitas, enchiladas, and quesabirria with generous complimentary chips and salsa. Portions are large, the margarita list is long, and pricing stays reasonable for the area, which is why convention-goers and locals keep it in rotation for group dinners and pre-game meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria with consomé, Steak or chicken fajitas, Enchiladas suizas
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume South Loop Mexican standby with big portions and a lively margarita-driven dining room.
Who should go: Groups wanting sit-down Mexican near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early pre-game slots before peak crowds.
What to order: Quesabirria plate, steak fajitas, enchiladas suizas.
Insider tip: Ask for the patio in warmer months for a slightly calmer experience than the main dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Michigan Ave and side streets; nearby paid garages around McCormick Place are the most reliable option during events.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and team jerseys are common; slightly dressier is typical for evening groups.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but group dinners can feel lively and energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during conventions or game nights; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during major event rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — veggie enchiladas, tostadas, salads, and customizable fajitas.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some veggie dishes can be modified; confirm preparation and dairy add-ons with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-leaning plates (fajitas, corn tortilla tacos); no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or segregation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than intimate ones — the vibe is lively, portions are big, and it feels more like a fun dinner spot than a quiet, romantic restaurant.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays — but during conventions, concerts, or games, expect a wait and consider arriving early or calling ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large booths, shareable platters, and a relaxed atmosphere make it suitable for families; earlier seatings are best for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, budget-friendly group meals, and reliable sit-down Mexican near McCormick Place with strong margaritas and fast pacing for pre-event dining.
Skip if: You want quiet, chef-driven Mexican, a highly curated mezcal program, or a slower, more intimate dining experience.
La Cantina Grill
8.3
A longstanding South Loop cantina, La Cantina Grill pairs combo plates, fajitas, and vegan-friendly options with a deep tequila list and a busy bar. Happy hour runs on rotating drink and appetizer specials, drawing convention-goers and locals before games at Soldier Field or events at McCormick Place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Suizo, Fish Tacos, Steak Fajitas
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume South Loop Mexican standby with strong margaritas and daily happy hour.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively Mexican and tequila near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoons for easier seating and happy hour pricing.
What to order: Burrito Suizo, shrimp or fish tacos, sizzling steak fajitas.
Insider tip: Head early for happy hour then stay for entree-sized plates to stretch value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding South Loop blocks; spots can be scarce during events at Soldier Field or McCormick Place. Several paid garages are within a short walk; no on-site valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean a bit dressy for evening drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour and game nights; conversation is doable at tables but the bar can be lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for larger groups during peak pre-event windows; faster if you’re flexible with seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — enchiladas, quesadillas, and customizable tacos/salads can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few tacos, beans, and veggie plates can be prepared without cheese or crema on request.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options (corn tortillas, fajita platters); cross-contact is possible, so confirm with staff if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates than a quiet first date — the energy is lively and drink-focused, which works well if you want a fun, relaxed vibe over intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays — arrive early during happy hour or before major events to avoid waits; the bar area can seat walk-ins sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early meals and daytime visits — high-energy evenings skew more adult; booths and combo plates work well for families with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and pre-event meetups where margaritas, shareable plates, and value-driven happy hour pricing matter more than chef-driven presentation.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic Mexican dinner or highly regional, fine-dining Mexican — choose alternatives with calmer rooms or more specialized menus.
La Cantina Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
Operating since 2006, La Cantina is a South Loop staple near Soldier Field where big plates of tacos, fajitas, and combo dinners meet a bar stocked with 150-plus tequilas. Taco Tuesday and happy hour specials draw groups for pitchers and shareable plates before games, conventions, or nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Avocado Taco Dinner, Fajita Steak Taco Salad, Mini Chimichangas
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running South Loop cantina with hefty taco plates, a deep tequila list, and weekly Taco Tuesday and happy hour deals.
Who should go: Groups wanting sit-down Mexican, pitchers, and strong margaritas.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or Taco Tuesday before peak dinner.
What to order: Fried Avocado Taco Dinner, Fajita Steak Taco Salad, Mini Chimichangas.
Insider tip: Ask for patio or window seating when the weather cooperates; it softens the noise level and makes happy hour feel more relaxed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and nearby paid garages; availability tight during Soldier Field events and conventions
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are common, but many guests dress up slightly for evenings
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but bar and group sections can run loud during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer before games or concerts
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with faster seating at the bar and patio when open
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options (salads, cheese enchiladas, veggie tacos, sides); customization is generally accommodated
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable taco and salad builds, but most mains rely on cheese or crema
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-leaning dishes (fajitas, salads, taco plates) — ask staff for modifications; no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for a casual, upbeat date or pre-event meetup — the atmosphere is social and high-energy rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at off-peak times, but expect waits on Taco Tuesday, weekends, or before nearby events; the bar and patio can be good walk-in options.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly at earlier hours with large combo plates and flexible seating; evenings can be louder when groups and pitchers dominate.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, pre-game gatherings, strong margaritas, and generous taco and fajita platters with happy hour and weekly specials
Skip if: You want a quiet, chef-driven Mexican dinner or strictly vegan/gluten-controlled menus — choose a more focused, low-noise restaurant instead