What is the best Mexican restaurant in River North?

Mercadito is our top pick for Mexican restaurants in River North, scoring 8.5/10. 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 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 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 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 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 Late Night Mexican Restaurants in River North (60654)

5 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

8.5

$ River North

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

Mercadito runs a loud, cocktail-heavy room built around shareable tacos, guacamoles, and ceviches. It’s a staple for pre-club dinners and group outings where guests want modern plates, pitchers of margaritas, and a party-forward River North feel.

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 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.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North

7.9

$$ River North

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

The Miami-born Bodega brand’s River North location pairs a casual front taqueria with a tequila-heavy bar and late-night energy. Tacos de birria, al pastor, and quesabirria headline a menu built for pregame bites, cocktails, and DJ-fueled nights in a space that leans more party than quiet sit-down.

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 →

#4 Moe’s Cantina – River North

7.7

$$ River North

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

Moe’s Cantina River North is a sprawling bar-restaurant geared toward game days, Taco Thursdays, and big-group nights out. Expect solid tacos, fajitas, and shared appetizers rather than chef-y experimentation, backed by loud music, TVs, and plenty of tequila.

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.

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#5 Zombie Taco

7.6

$ River North

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

Operating out of the Moxy Chicago Downtown, Zombie Taco is a nearly all-day, late-night counter for tacos, burritos, and breakfast items. It’s more about convenience and fun flavors than purist tacos, but long hours make it a reliable option after bars or before early flights.

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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