ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Loop
Master Critic Review
Spanglish
7.7
A creative-leaning Mexican counter inside Washington Hall that’s strongest when you treat it like a build-and-go taco stop. The wins are handheld items that travel well and keep lunch moving, with enough variety to satisfy a mixed group.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak burrito bowl, Fish tacos, Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Food-hall Mexican built for fast ordering and mixed cravings.
Who should go: Groups that need tacos without a long sit-down
When to visit: Weekdays before noon for easiest seating
What to order: Fish tacos; burrito bowl; quesadilla
Insider tip: Grab seats first—food hall traffic spikes fast at lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking—use nearby Loop garages (best bet) or metered street parking when available; midday spots are competitive around the food hall.
Dress code: Casual and practical—office attire, jeans, and sneakers all fit the food-hall vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-to-buzzy food hall energy—fine for casual conversation, not ideal for private or quiet meetings.
Weekend wait: Not a primary weekend-dinner destination—expect minimal wait at the counter, but seating can be limited during events or peak crowds.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes typical for ordering/food; seating becomes the bottleneck from ~12:00–1:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—buildable options like veggie-forward tacos/bowls and cheese-based items (ask about beans/rice and toppings).
Vegan options: Limited but workable—order a bowl or taco build without dairy/meat; confirm sauces and beans are vegan before committing.
Gluten-free options: Possible with bowl-style ordering—avoid flour tortillas and confirm any fried items/sauces for gluten exposure (shared kitchen risk).
Best For
Better for: Fast, build-and-go Mexican that works for mixed groups—handheld tacos and bowls that keep lunch moving without negotiating a full sit-down restaurant.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet meal, a true bargain-price taqueria experience, or a long relaxed dinner—choose a dedicated Mexican restaurant when atmosphere and pacing matter.