Best Mexican Restaurants in Avondale & North Center (60618)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Taqueria El Asadero
Skirt steak is grilled nonstop for some of the area’s most beloved carne asada tacos.
Notable Picks
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A North Center staple for more than three decades, Taqueria El Asadero focuses almost entirely on grilled skirt steak tacos, burritos, and other no-frills standards. The constantly sizzling plancha, fresh tortillas, and cash-only counter setup keep the line moving for both quick lunches and late-night takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Lengua tacos, Steak burrito
What makes it special: Skirt steak is grilled nonstop for some of the area’s most beloved carne asada tacos.
XOchimilco is a family-owned Ravenswood spot known for its polished dining room, strong margaritas, and a menu that runs from chilaquiles and enchiladas to house steaks. Locals treat it as a neighborhood go-to for sit-down dinners and special-occasion brunches that still feel relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo en mole, Chilaquiles verdes, XO steak
What makes it special: Family-run Mexican restaurant pairing hearty plates with a cocktail-focused dining room.
8.5
Mis Moles in Irving Park centers its menu around deeply layered moles and slow-cooked Yucatecan dishes in a comfortable, modern room. The kitchen takes a from-scratch approach that makes this one of the city’s most compelling stops for exploring regional Mexican sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole trio tasting, Pollo en mole verde, Cochinita pibil
What makes it special: A mole-focused kitchen where multiple regional sauces share the spotlight.
#4
Tepalcates
8.4
On the edge of Roscoe Village, Tepalcates draws repeat lines for tacos, carne en su jugo, and quesabirria served in a cozy, always-busy space. It leans toward homestyle Jalisco cooking with generous portions and a steady flow of carryout and dine-in regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de lomo, Quesabirria, Carne en su jugo
What makes it special: Jalisco-style plates and tacos that feel straight out of a family kitchen.
8.3
Amor Y Tequila is Roscoe Village’s lively Mexican restaurant and bar, pairing a deep tequila list with tacos, mariscos, and shareable appetizers. The colorful room and patio make it a go-to for casual celebrations and cocktail-heavy dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Guacamole, Aguachile
What makes it special: Tequila-driven bar program matched with a broad menu of tacos and mariscos.
#6
Traspasada
8.1
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This compact Avondale taqueria is a fixture for late-night tacos, burritos, and tortas ordered at the counter and eaten quickly at tight tables. Its straightforward menu and extended hours make it a reliable stop after work or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy tripas tacos, Al pastor tacos, California-style burrito
What makes it special: Small, always-open-feeling taqueria known for late-hour tacos and burritos.
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
El Tezcal anchors a stretch of Kedzie with a broad menu of fajitas, combination plates, and seafood dishes in a casual, family-friendly room. It’s the kind of spot where neighborhood regulars settle into booths for big platters and pitchers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada dinner, Chicken fajitas, Guacamole
What makes it special: Neighborhood sit-down Mexican spot with big combination plates and fajitas.
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Run by a Salvadoran-Nicaraguan family, this tiny North Center storefront specializes in griddled pupusas alongside tacos and other antojitos. The space is simple, but the masa work and house salsas draw a steady stream of regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese and loroco pupusas, Revuelta pupusas, Tacos de asada
What makes it special: Compact counter-service spot where fresh pupusas and tacos are griddled to order.
7.8
Aztlan Mexican Grill sits on Montrose as a small counter-service spot for tacos, burritos, and plates that skew toward everyday neighborhood meals. The focus is on well-seasoned fillings and house salsas rather than atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco dinner, Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito
What makes it special: Straightforward taqueria with well-seasoned fillings and a loyal local following.