What is the best Mexican restaurant in Gold Coast & Old Town?

Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar is our top pick for Mexican restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town, scoring 8.2/10. Family-run staple since 1973 with big plates and bigger margaritas.

Any insider tips for Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar?

Hit weekday happy hour for discounted nachitos and house margaritas before settling in for a full meal.

When should I visit Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar?

Weeknight dinners or early weekend evenings before peak rush.

Who should go to Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar?

Groups celebrating over classic Mexican plates and cocktails.

Any insider tips for Cilantro Taco Grill?

Build your own taco lineup, then add carne asada fries as a shared side instead of extra individual sides.

When should I visit Cilantro Taco Grill?

Late nights Friday–Saturday or anytime you need quick tacos.

Who should go to Cilantro Taco Grill?

Old Town locals craving reliable tacos and delivery.

Any insider tips for Taqueria Express - Mr. Gyros?

Ask for tacos Mexican-style with cilantro and onion, then add house salsa on the side instead of over-saucing at the counter.

When should I visit Taqueria Express - Mr. Gyros?

Lunch or early dinner for the shortest lines and wait.

Who should go to Taqueria Express - Mr. Gyros?

Budget-minded locals needing quick, filling tacos or burritos.

Any insider tips for Taco Pros?

Use the 3 Taco Combo to test different proteins, then lock in your favorite for future burritos and bowls.

What should I order at Taco Pros?

3 Taco Combo, burrito with your protein, Nachos Supreme.

When should I visit Taco Pros?

Evenings before the late-night rush on Wells Street.

Who should go to Taco Pros?

Groups and roommates wanting easy taco combos and bowls.

Best Happy Hour Mexican Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town (60610)

Q: What should I order at Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar?

Quesabirria dinner, Al Pastor burrito, shrimp fajitas.

Q: What should I order at Cilantro Taco Grill?

Carne asada tacos, carne asada fries, al pastor burrito.

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar

Family-run staple since 1973 with big plates and bigger margaritas.

Notable Picks

#1 Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar

8.2

$ Old Town

Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots

A lively sit-down spot in the NewCity complex that’s built for margaritas and a focused run of crowd-pleasing Mexican staples. It works best for happy hour when you keep the order tight: one margarita lane, one shareable starter, and a taco or enchilada plate that holds up under volume.

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.

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#2 Cilantro Taco Grill

8.0

$$ Old Town

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites Late Night Legends

A fast-casual Old Town stop that hits during happy hour hours when you want speed, value, and repeatable orders. Treat it like a tight taco-and-quesadilla run, and it delivers a dependable, no-fuss meal before you move on.

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.

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#3 Taqueria Express - Mr. Gyros

8.0

$ Old Town

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven

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.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Taco Pros

7.7

$ Old Town

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Group Dining Gatherings Late Night Legends

A late-night Old Town taco shop that works best as a quick, predictable value stop rather than a sprawling menu mission. Keep the order focused—classic street tacos, one side, and you’ll get the cleanest, most repeatable result.

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.

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