What is the best Mexican restaurant in River North?

Mercadito is our top pick for Mexican restaurants in River North, scoring 8.7/10. High-energy tacos-and-tequila hub with multiple guacamoles and strong drinks.

Any insider tips for Mercadito?

Stick to shared guac, tacos, and ceviche for the strongest value and experience.

What should I order at Mercadito?

Tradicional guac, Pastor or Carne tacos, churros or concha dessert.

When should I visit Mercadito?

Happy hour or weekend evenings before heading out afterward.

Who should go to Mercadito?

Groups prioritizing cocktails, tacos, and a buzzy River North scene.

Any insider tips for Bar Sótano?

Reserve bar seats for the best view of both the cocktail station and open kitchen.

What should I order at Bar Sótano?

Black mole tlayuda, bone marrow esquites, a seasonal aguachile.

When should I visit Bar Sótano?

Later evenings for full bar energy and kitchen in sync.

Who should go to Bar Sótano?

Drink-focused diners wanting serious agave and chef-driven bar snacks.

Any insider tips for Vela Bar y Cocina?

Ask about the Zona Rosa or private spaces if you’re planning a small-group happy hour.

What should I order at Vela Bar y Cocina?

Guac and sikil pak, a tostada, and a tequila or mezcal cocktail.

When should I visit Vela Bar y Cocina?

Mon–Fri 3–6pm to catch the full happy hour menu.

Who should go to Vela Bar y Cocina?

Couples and coworkers wanting stylish, modern Mexican happy hour.

Any insider tips for Barrio?

Book a larger table and center the order on towers and shared plates rather than individual entrees.

What should I order at Barrio?

Taco Tower, Carne Asada, Carnitas Fried Rice for the table.

When should I visit Barrio?

Weekends or game days for maximum energy and crowd buzz.

Who should go to Barrio?

Groups wanting festive tacos, cocktails, and a big-room atmosphere.

Any insider tips for Ghost Donkey – River North?

Arrive early for happy hour to actually snag a booth before the DJ energy ramps up.

What should I order at Ghost Donkey – River North?

Truffle nachos, a classic margarita, and one mezcal-forward signature drink.

When should I visit Ghost Donkey – River North?

Weekday happy hour for deals and slightly calmer crowds.

Who should go to Ghost Donkey – River North?

Drink-focused groups starting a big River North night.

Any insider tips for Moe’s Cantina – River North?

Anchor your visit around weekday taco specials to keep the check in line with the bar-first vibe.

What should I order at Moe’s Cantina – River North?

Fajitas Con Arrachera, carne asada tacos, elotes and chips.

When should I visit Moe’s Cantina – River North?

Taco Thursday or weekend nights for full party-mode energy.

Who should go to Moe’s Cantina – River North?

Friends groups prioritizing drinks, music, and a social atmosphere.

Any insider tips for Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North?

Order tacos at the front counter first, then transition to the speakeasy-style bar in back for drinks.

What should I order at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North?

Taco de Birria, quesabirria, one al pastor taco per person.

When should I visit Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North?

Weekend evenings and late nights when the back bar is busiest.

Who should go to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North?

Groups planning tacos with tequila and a party vibe.

Any insider tips for Zombie Taco?

Use it as a backup plan when River North kitchens close but you still want something hot, quick, and handheld.

What should I order at Zombie Taco?

Jalapeño Bacon or Braised Brisket tacos, Zombie Burrito, chips.

When should I visit Zombie Taco?

Post-bar or late-night cravings when most kitchens are closed.

Who should go to Zombie Taco?

Night owls and hotel guests needing easy tacos at odd hours.

Best Happy Hour Mexican Restaurants in River North (60654)

8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Mercadito

High-energy tacos-and-tequila hub with multiple guacamoles and strong drinks.

Notable Picks

#1 Mercadito

8.7

$ River North

Vibes: Girls Night Out Approved Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots

Mercadito is a long-running River North Mexican spot where happy hour means discounted tacos, guacamole and tequila-heavy cocktails in a lively, tightly packed room. With 2,600+ Yelp reviews and a dedicated weekday happy hour, it’s the go-to for groups who want modern tacos and margaritas before a night out.

Must-Try Dishes: Tradicional Guacamole, Pastor Tacos, Ceviche de Camaron

What makes it special: High-energy tacos-and-tequila hub with multiple guacamoles and strong drinks.

View Full Review →

#2 Bar Sótano

8.6

$$$ River North

Vibes: Girls Night Out Approved Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Late Night Legends

Bar Sótano is Rick Bayless’s subterranean mezcal bar behind Frontera Grill, serving market-inspired Mexican small plates with a deep agave list. With 500+ combined Google and Yelp reviews and a dedicated happy hour, it’s where cocktail-focused diners pair oysters, tacos and snacks with serious mezcal before or instead of dinner.

Must-Try Dishes: Black mole tlayuda, Bone marrow esquites, Shrimp and scallop aguachile

What makes it special: Mezcal-centric basement bar where inventive Mexican small plates match the cocktails.

View Full Review →

#3 Vela Bar y Cocina

8.4

$$$ River North

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings

Vela Bar y Cocina brings a sleek, candlelit take on Mexico City dining to the former 3 Greens Market space, with a weekday happy hour built around cocktails and Mexican plates. It’s newer and lower-volume than the big River North stalwarts, but its focused menu and 3–6pm happy hour have quickly made it a date-night and after-work option.

Must-Try Dishes: Guacamole and sikil pak duo, Tostadas de atún, Carne asada or grilled fish entrée

What makes it special: Mexico City-inspired cocktails and plates in a polished, candlelit room.

View Full Review →

#4 Barrio

8.3

$$ River North

Vibes: Girls Night Out Approved Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Birthday & Celebration Central

Barrio is a sprawling, rustic-industrial space for creative tacos, big-format platters, and a deep tequila list. It leans social and loud, functioning as a go-to for birthdays, office outings, and game-day groups that want shareable plates and approachable flavors.

Must-Try Dishes: Carne Asada, Carnitas Fried Rice, Taco Tower

What makes it special: Large-format Mexican spot with build-your-own tacos and strong tequila service.

View Full Review →

#5 Ghost Donkey – River North

8.1

$ River North

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Trendy Table Hotspots Late Night Legends

Ghost Donkey is a mezcal-and-tequila lounge modeled after Mexican speakeasies, known for neon-pink lighting, party energy and a happy hour built around margaritas and nachos. With a focused snack menu and strong cocktail program, it’s more of a drinks-first stop than a full dinner but functions as a high-energy happy hour destination.

Must-Try Dishes: Truffle nachos, Mole chicken or chorizo nachos, House margarita or mezcal cocktail

What makes it special: A mezcal-heavy, neon-lit lounge where happy hour centers on nachos and cocktails.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#6 Moe’s Cantina – River North

7.9

$$ River North

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Sports Bar Central Happy Hour Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved

Moe’s Cantina is a multi-level Northern Mexican restaurant and bar where happy hour means discounted margaritas, beers and nachos in a space packed with TVs and clubby lighting. Thousands of Google and Yelp reviews back its role as a rowdy pregame spot, even if the food leans more straightforward than chef-driven.

Must-Try Dishes: Fajitas Con Arrachera, Carne Asada Tacos, Elotes

What makes it special: High-capacity cantina mixing tacos, fajitas, and tequila with sports-bar energy.

View Full Review →

#7 Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North

7.8

$$ River North

Vibes: Girls Night Out Approved Birthday & Celebration Central Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila pairs a fast-casual taco counter with a hidden-back tequila bar, offering happy hour specials on tacos and cocktails. With under-500 reviews but a growing profile, it works best as a quick, flavor-forward stop for tacos and a couple of drinks before heading elsewhere.

Must-Try Dishes: Taco de Birria, Quesabirria, Al pastor tacos

What makes it special: Nightlife-focused taqueria-tequila hybrid where birria and cocktails anchor the experience.

View Full Review →

#8 Zombie Taco

7.6

$ River North

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Happy Hour Hotspots

Attached to the Moxy Chicago Downtown, Zombie Taco is a counter-service taco window and casual seating area that runs both a weekday happy hour and late-night hours. Reviews highlight it as a convenient, hotel-adjacent option for quick tacos, nachos and breakfast burritos rather than a destination restaurant.

Must-Try Dishes: Jalapeño Bacon Taco, Braised Brisket Taco, Zombie Burrito

What makes it special: Hotel-side taco counter slinging breakfast and late-night tacos every day.

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