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La Mexicana Grill
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
La Mexicana Grill
7.8
A casual Wrigleyville Mexican option that’s best used for a straightforward sit-down meal with familiar hits and dependable portions. Stick to tacos or a combo plate and keep the ticket tight—this is where simplicity tends to win.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken enchiladas, Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Straightforward sit-down Mexican in the heart of Wrigleyville.
Who should go: Families and casual group dinners
When to visit: Early evening before the rush
What to order: Carne asada tacos, chicken enchiladas, chips and salsa
Insider tip: Order one lane (tacos or enchiladas) and don’t sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but fill quickly after 6pm and on game days
Dress code: Casual; jeans, sneakers, and Cubs gear all fit right in
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak hours but still workable for table conversation
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak dinner hours, longer on Cubs game nights
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos, enchiladas, and sides make it easy to build a meal
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications (no cheese/sour cream), but not clearly marked
Gluten-free options: Some options available (corn tortillas, grilled proteins), but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want something casual and low-pressure, but it’s better for comfortable conversation than romance or wow-factor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays. Expect waits during weekend dinner or before games.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome, portions are approachable, and the menu sticks to familiar flavors that work for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Reliable sit-down Mexican meals for families or groups who want familiar classics and steady portions without surprises.
Skip if: You’re looking for standout regional Mexican cooking, late-night taco energy, or a trend-driven, cocktail-heavy experience.
La Mexicana Grill
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
A counter-service Wrigleyville option that works best for fast tacos and burritos before or after the stadium rush. Stick to one main plus one add-on so the order stays quick, and treat the fried sides as the value play when you’re hungry.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer-battered fish tacos, California burrito, Mexican fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos and burritos steps from Wrigley Field.
Who should go: Game-day crowds wanting fast tacos
When to visit: Late afternoon off-peak, before the Cubs rush
What to order: Fish tacos, California burrito, Mexican fries
Insider tip: Go after peak game exit to avoid the slowest waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and very limited on game days. Plan to walk from a few blocks away or use transit during events.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and game-day gear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially around games; fine for quick conversation but not a quiet sit-down.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during non-game weekends; longer spikes before and after Cubs games.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, rice, cheese-forward tacos and burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with beans, rice, veggies, and salsa; confirm no dairy per item.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn-tortilla tacos are an option; cross-contact is possible in a fast counter-service setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet-up than a romantic first date. It’s quick, informal, and efficient, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Order at the counter and grab seating when available; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menus, quick service, and familiar flavors make it easy for kids, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos and burritos near Wrigley when timing and value matter more than atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a sit-down taco experience, cocktails, or a quieter room—look elsewhere for a slower, more polished meal.
La Mexicana Grill
8.4
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A Wrigleyville late-night workhorse that hits when you want full plates instead of just “one more taco.” The menu runs deeper than most counter spots—tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas—so the best move is to pick one lane and keep the order coordinated for fast, hot delivery.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burrito, Taco Dinner, Chicken, Steak and Shrimp Fajitas
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Big late-night menu depth with reliably fast execution.
Who should go: After-bar groups and hungry locals
When to visit: After midnight, weekends
What to order: California burrito, taco dinner, fajitas
Insider tip: Choose tacos OR burritos for the table—avoid menu sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking; metered spots nearby but fill fast late. Nearby paid garages are the most reliable option on busy weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and post-bar attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late at night; easy for group conversation, less ideal for quiet one-on-one talks.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after midnight on busy weekends
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a late-night spot with minimal waits on weeknights
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, rice-and-bean plates, and customizable burritos
Vegan options: Limited—can build bean-and-veggie tacos or burritos if you skip cheese and sour cream
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortilla tacos and rice plates; cross-contact possible in a busy kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates or second meetups—it's lively and fast-paced rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is mostly walk-in friendly. Late-night turnover is steady, especially if you keep the order simple.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes. After midnight it skews adult and rowdy, so late-night visits are better for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Full late-night plates and variety when you want more than just tacos—great for groups with big appetites.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down experience or ultra-specialty tacos; smaller taquerias are better for focused taco crawls.
La Mexicana Grill
8.0
A Wrigleyville option that’s useful when your taco night needs a slightly bigger menu and a bit more sit-down flexibility than the pure counter spots. It lands best when you keep the order coordinated—tacos for one lane, a shared side for the table—so everything arrives hot and on pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito suizo, Shrimp tacos, Steak tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Wrigleyville Mexican with enough menu depth for groups to stay happy.
Who should go: After-game groups and hungry locals
When to visit: Later evenings when you want a fuller menu
What to order: Shrimp tacos, steak tacos, burrito suizo
Insider tip: Keep the table in a taco lane to avoid slow, scattered orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight around game times and late evenings, so rideshare is often easier.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are common, especially on game nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is possible, but expect background energy, especially with groups and sports on.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, longer on Cubs game nights
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable tacos, bean-based dishes, and customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortillas and rice-based dishes available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a quiet or intimate one — the lively atmosphere takes pressure off conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays, but expect a short wait during weekend peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes — the menu works for kids, but late nights skew adult and louder.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want tacos plus a broader menu and sit-down flexibility compared to strict counter-service taquerias.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic street tacos, a quiet meal, or the fastest possible late-night bite.
La Mexicana Grill
7.6
A Wrigleyville-area Mexican spot that’s best treated as a straightforward sit-down meal with a focused order. It works when you keep the ticket clean—pick tacos or one main plate per person—so the kitchen can stay on rhythm. The vibe is casual and functional rather than destination-driven.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Steak tacos, Margaritas
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Casual sit-down Mexican that fits group timing near Clark Street.
Who should go: Groups who want tacos plus drinks
When to visit: Early dinner or before/after neighborhood plans
What to order: Birria tacos, steak tacos, a margarita
Insider tip: Keep the whole table in one taco lane to avoid slow, scattered pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Clark Street and nearby side streets are possible but fill quickly during evenings and game days.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and game-day attire all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours, but you can still hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak Wrigleyville traffic, longer on game days.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice-and-bean plates, and cheese-based options are easy to order.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortillas and simple protein plates work if you order carefully.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a low-pressure, casual first date, but it’s better suited to conversation-focused meals than romantic impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, familiar flavors, and flexible ordering make it workable for kids, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Easy group coordination, straightforward sit-down tacos, and a reliable pre- or post-plan meal near Clark Street.
Skip if: You’re looking for standout regional Mexican cooking, a destination-worthy dining room, or a quieter, more intimate experience.
La Mexicana Grill
7.6
A Clark Street option that’s most useful for a casual sit-down taco dinner with late hours and a broad menu. It performs best when you keep the table aligned—tacos for everyone or one shared plate—so pacing stays clean during busy stretches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Al pastor taco dinner, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Late-friendly sit-down Mexican that fits Clark Street timing.
Who should go: Groups who want tacos plus drinks
When to visit: Early dinner or after-event meals
What to order: Steak tacos, al pastor taco dinner, churros
Insider tip: Keep the whole table in one taco lane to avoid slow pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; plan on metered side streets or rideshare on busy nights.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at the table, but it gets louder during peak hours and game nights.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak Clark Street traffic; shorter if you arrive early or late.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian tacos, sides, and rice-and-beans plates are easy to build.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with veggie tacos and modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — corn tortillas and simple taco builds work, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-pressure, casual first date, especially if you want tacos and drinks without committing to a long meal. Not ideal if you’re looking for something intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm. Expect a short wait during peak dinner hours, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable menu, simple tacos, and flexible seating make it workable for kids, though it gets louder later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Reliable sit-down tacos with drinks when you want flexibility, late hours, and group-friendly pacing near Clark Street.
Skip if: You want destination-level tacos, fast counter service, or a quieter, more focused dining experience.
La Mexicana Grill
7.7
A late-hours, quick-order Mexican kitchen that works as a practical happy-hour-adjacent bite when you want tacos or a burrito without turning it into a full sit-down production. It’s strongest when you choose one main and one crunchy side, then stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burrito, Flautas, Shrimp Taco Dinner
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Fast, late-night-friendly Mexican staples with a big menu range.
Who should go: Groups needing a quick, budget-friendly bite
When to visit: Weeknights for the cleanest ordering flow
What to order: California burrito; flautas; shrimp taco dinner
Insider tip: Do one main plus one starter—skip stacking multiple heavy sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tougher near game nights. Rideshare or walking from nearby blocks is usually easier.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and game-day gear all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is easy earlier, harder late-night.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak or post-game rush
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-based burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, and veggie fillings if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas available, but shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date, but fine for a casual, low-pressure bite before or after drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — ordering is fast and seating turns over quickly, especially earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Okay for older kids who can handle counter-style ordering; not designed as a family destination.
Best For
Better for: Quick, budget-friendly tacos and burritos when speed and price matter more than atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a polished sit-down Mexican meal or a quieter, linger-longer happy hour.
La Mexicana Grill
7.7
A late-leaning Clark Street Mexican counter-style stop where happy hour tacos work when you treat it like a quick, no-drama order. Go street-taco-forward, add one heavier item if you’re hungry, and keep the ticket simple for the best consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Street tacos, Fish taco dinner, Mexicana burrito with steak
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Quick, budget-friendly tacos with late-hours flexibility.
Who should go: Anyone who wants fast tacos
When to visit: Early evening for quickest pickup
What to order: Street tacos, fish taco dinner, steak burrito
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then decide on one add-on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm and on game nights, so rideshare is often easier.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and game-day gear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — ordering and quick conversation are easy, but not ideal for long sit-down chats.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak bar rush; faster if ordering counter-style
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese tacos, veggie-forward options, and customizable street tacos.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications (beans, rice, salsa), but not clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet-up than a traditional sit-down date. It works if you want tacos and a quick vibe, not lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in and counter-driven. Seating turns over quickly, especially earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos, but it skews late-night and bar-adjacent, so it’s not a family-focused spot.
Best For
Better for: Fast, budget-friendly tacos when you want something filling without committing to a full restaurant experience.
Skip if: You’re looking for a polished taco program, strong margaritas, or a relaxed sit-down happy hour — nearby full-service Mexican spots will deliver more atmosphere.