Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport (60616)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Pancho Pistolas
Long-running Bridgeport standby for sizzling skirt steak, combo plates, and margaritas in a lively corner space.
Notable Picks
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
A Bridgeport fixture since the late 1990s, Pancho Pistolas serves homestyle Mexican plates, strong margaritas, and taco dinners that remain relatively affordable for a full-service spot. Locals use it for casual celebrations and family meals where sizzling fajitas, carne asada, and classic combo platters land on big tables and the check still feels reasonable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada, Carne Asada a la Tampiqueña, Steak Fajitas
What makes it special: Long-running Bridgeport standby for sizzling skirt steak, combo plates, and margaritas in a lively corner space.
#2
Casa Tulum
8.4
Casa Tulum brings a Tulum-inspired, seafood-leaning Mexican menu to the South Loop with beachy decor, cocktails, and a more polished dining-room feel. It’s used for date nights and small groups looking for quesabirrias, ceviches, and composed plates rather than basic combo platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirrias, Torta Ahogada, Shrimp Ceviche
What makes it special: Design-forward Mexican seafood spot where quesabirrias, ceviches, and cocktails are served in a Tulum-inspired room.
8.3
Tucked into a corner storefront at Canalport and Loomis, Mary’s Taqueria runs on inexpensive tacos, oversized burritos, and chilaquiles that draw regulars from nearby warehouses and Pilsen’s eastern edge. Prices stay firmly in the budget range, but the cooking—especially the grilled meats and house salsas—gets the kind of praise usually reserved for destination taquerias.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Taco Dinner with Elote
What makes it special: Under-the-radar corner taqueria known for standout tacos, house salsas, and very fair pricing.
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
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.
Worthy Picks
7.6
Steps from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena, La Calle Tacos and Tequila focuses on street-style tacos, simple platters, and tequila drinks for pre- and post-event crowds. It’s a newer, casual option where speed and location matter as much as depth of the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Grilled Chicken Tacos, Pastor Tacos
What makes it special: Arena-adjacent taco and tequila spot geared to fast-prep plates and drinks before or after events.