Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town (60610)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar
Family-run staple since 1973 with big plates and bigger margaritas.
Notable Picks
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Tecalitlan is a multigenerational Mexican restaurant that’s been drawing Chicagoans since 1973, now operating out of a lively Clybourn Corridor space in NEWCITY. Generous portions of classics like quesabirria and fajitas meet a deep margarita list, making it a go-to for birthdays, group dinners, and pre-event meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Dinner, Al Pastor Burrito, Shrimp Fajitas
What makes it special: Family-run staple since 1973 with big plates and bigger margaritas.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
Cilantro Taco Grill’s Old Town outpost brings this Jalisco-inspired fast-casual concept into a high-traffic corner at North and Sedgwick. Fresh-off-the-grill meats, hearty burritos, and surprisingly loaded carne asada fries make it a reliable option for late-night tacos, delivery runs, and casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Carne Asada Fries, Al Pastor Burrito
What makes it special: Fast-casual Jalisco-style tacos and burritos with serious late-night reach.
8.0
Taqueria Express - Mr. Gyros is a tight Old Town counter that blends Mexican taqueria staples with gyro-shop comfort food. Locals lean on it for fast, affordable tacos, burritos, and plates that travel well for delivery.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Tacos, Vegetarian Taco Salad, Chicken Burrito
What makes it special: Compact counter spot where generously stuffed tacos and burritos come out fast and inexpensive.
Worthy Picks
#4
Taco Pros
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Taco Pros Old Town is a quick-service spot focused on mix-and-match tacos, burritos, bowls, and late-night combos. Since expanding from its original Oak Park location, it’s become a convenient neighborhood option for customizable plates and catering-friendly trays.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Taco Combo, Burritos, Nachos Supreme
What makes it special: Counter-service Mexican cocina with a flexible menu built for combos and catering.