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El México Moderno

1247 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
$
Mexican

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Master Critic Review

El México Moderno 7.7
West Town
El México Moderno is a late-night Mexican bar and nightclub that opens only on weekend nights, running to 4–4:30am with drinks, dancing, and bar-style Mexican plates. It’s more about the music and atmosphere than a full sit-down meal, but it fills a specific niche for Spanish-language nightlife with food available.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak Tacos, Chicken Nachos, Enchiladas Verde
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Weekend-only Mexican nightclub with food, live music, and 4am hours.
Who should go: Late-night dancers who also want tacos and drinks.
When to visit: After midnight on Fridays and Saturdays when bands play.
What to order: Steak tacos, chicken nachos, enchiladas verde.
Insider tip: Arrive on the earlier side if you want a table near the dance floor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight late at night so allow extra time
Dress code: Trendy nightlife attire; dressy-casual or clubwear fits the vibe
Noise level: Very loud — conversation is difficult near the stage and dance floor
Weekend wait: Arriving after midnight often means waiting for a table or bar space
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — open only late on weekends
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some meat-free options like cheese or veggie tacos may be available
Vegan options: Limited — request modifications but expect few true vegan choices
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla–based items are often naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely in a nightclub kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a high-energy, nightclub-style setting. It’s not ideal for long conversation or a quiet meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is walk-in, but tables near the music and dance floor fill quickly after midnight.
Is it kid-friendly? No — this is a late-night bar and nightclub environment best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dancing, Spanish-language nightlife, and bar-style Mexican food after most kitchens close
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, refined dining, or an early-evening family meal