50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Barrington

“I randomly stopped at this restaurant, because it was near a store in the area. They make some of the best tacos I have ever eaten! Outstanding tacos at an excellent price. We had ordered pastor (pork), pescado (fish), and barbacoa (beef) tacos with everything on it. All of them were excellent, and the barbacoa were my favorite. The restaurant is hidden gem in a little hole in the wall place. I definitely plan to go back, but wish it weren't so far from where I live. I highly recommend La Mesa. I only write reviews if a restaurant is outstanding, and La Mesa is.“

“Fantastic taco! Tongue was tender and the perfect amount. Ingredients in the burrito was nicely distributed.Rice and beans were average, could do without.Minus one star for the tamale. SO SO DRY. Literally the worst tamale I had in my life. Pork is tasteless, if any. My guess is that the tamale was made way in advance, and so now that it’s old and dry, reheating it made it even drier.“

“My husband divorced me here. Let me tell you why. When I walked in, I was greeted by the cutest host. She was very friendly and welcoming (I think her name started with an S? Sam...Sami....Salmon...Saomi?). She said there would be a little bit of a wait, so I turned to my husband and asked if he was OK with waiting and he said yes. We waited only a few minutes before the same hostess led us to our table, by a window. The waiter greeted us promptly and was an incredible waiter. His named rhymed with Coney: it was Tony. An absolute cutie who was all smiles, and was funny to boot. I asked if Tony was short for something and he said "yea, riggatoni". A good man. Anyway We went through the motions and after ordering, only waited a bit for the food. The food arrived and was let me tell you MIND MELTING never had I had such good shrimp tacos. Sweet Geezums taking one bite felt like diving into a vat of dryer lint-all soft and warm. It was not long before tragedy struck however and as we sat enjoying our food, a sudden and loud THUMP shocked us from our food euphoria. A bird had dove for the window like it was 1915 parachuter whos parachute never opened. The shock was so great my husband jolted his fork and began choking on a piece of his taco. I panicked he turned out being fine. Our waiter had seen what happened and was concerned enough to get a manager who might be able to help my husband. The manager was so sweet and came out but my husband was already fine by then. Her name was Annette and she made sure everyone was OK and then asked how the food was. I joked it was so good I payed a bird to choke my husband so I could get HIS tacos too. Well needless to say my husband didn't like that and now we aren't really talking. Doesn't matter though because I can fill the void of my marriage with the delightful atmosphere and wonderful food of Fat Rosies. I definitely reccomend going here, a great experience!“

“Authentic Tex-Mex food including most favorites, such as tacos, burritos, gorditas, and tomolles. I especially appreciate the well cooked and spiced home-style take of their gorditas.While their portions are not as large as their competitor close by. I believe their dishes more then make up for that with flavor and an authenticity. The homestyle taste rather than the usual standard expected of this type of Mexican restaurant makes them stand out.“

“3.5 stars, but rounded up. Went here for dinner and ordered the 3 tacos with the rice and beans. I ordered the el pastor, beef taco and the chicken taco. My fav was def the el pastor taco. It was delicious. Chicken taco was decent, but I wasn't too crazy about the beef taco.“

“Amazing. It's probably the only place that has sanitizers around 3, paper towels, napkins. The service is great. We didn't know what exactly to order so the guy gave as one tamales for free just to try it. :) He was very kind and patient since we wasted a lot of his time with questions Very good place! Highly recommend it :)“

“What can I say other than I absolutely love this place! I have tried so many things, and everything is so good! Tried the steak with crab cake dinner off the new spring menu and it was so freaking good! My all-time favorite is the brisket crunch taco it is fire! All the drinks are absolutely delicious and all of the servers are so friendly. If you sign up on their email list, they have awesome deals, which they will email you and they usually have some thing that is on special every night… Just a great spot!“

“Delicious food and friendly staff. We visited for the first time for lunch recently and were immediately greeted by friendly host and server. Margaritas are outstanding, and the addition of jalapeño queso and ceviche along with chips and salsa were an unexpected and tasty surprise. Portions are huge. Burritos and fajitas are delish and enough to take home for another meal. We will be back!“

“This is a very small authentic Mexican restaurant. Friendly staff. I had the chicken and steak fajita and it was AMAZING. good flavor, fresh vegetables and good portions. I really recommend this place it's not packed and right off the highway. THEY DO NOT SELL ALCOHOL HERE. but you can get a virgin piña cola. Price was very reasonable.This place is a hole. Easy to find near the highway. The chicken and steak fajita was fantastic. The employees are very friendly, fast service. If you want to eat good Mexican food this is where you get it. They are located in a corner of the square. They weren't very busy when I arrived but got busy when I was leaving. I recommend it to you.“

“The Taco Shop in Palatine is a delightful culinary hotspot that brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of the suburb. This cozy eatery boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a menu brimming with mouth-watering options. From the tender and flavorful carne asada to the perfectly seasoned al pastor, each taco is a masterpiece of taste and tradition, served with fresh, handmade tortillas. The salsa bar offers a range of homemade salsas, each adding a unique kick to your meal. Beyond tacos, their enchiladas, tamales, and quesadillas are equally impressive, showcasing the genuine depth of Mexican cuisine. The friendly staff, fast service, and reasonable prices make The Taco Shop a standout choice for anyone craving a delicious, authentic Mexican dining experience in Palatine. Whether you're a local or just passing through, don't miss the chance to treat your taste buds at The Taco Shop.“

“EXCELLENT FOOD, EXCELLENT & FAST SERVICE! The food is SO FLAVORFUL! You will NOT regret your choice in coming here!Parking: Sometimes a little hard to find parking close to front door but ONLY because they are usually packed cuz they are SO GOOD... BUT there is plenty of other parking.“

“I came in from out of town and was looking for quick take out. I ordered four pork tamales and chips and guacamole, and I was not disappointed! The tamales are so huge, I got two meals out of the four! Delicious with the salsa, crema, and queso fresco provided with my order. The guacamole was also top notch; nice and chunky with lots of flavor.There is either sit down or counter service, depending on what you’re looking for. If I lived in town, I would definitely be a regular!“

“Just the best Mexican food ever. I always order on Uber eats and it’s the most delicious food I’ve ever had. It’s consistently good every time! It comes fresh & authentic. The chicken tacos, birria tacos, and horchata are some of my favorites!“

“4.5 stars on food.Doordashed today a delicious barbacoa burrito packed with juicy, tender meat, beans ( no pork in these beans - yaay! ), and rice that was so tasty;chicken flautas were crunchy and the chicken well seasoned and moist;steak tacos were flavorful and juicy;the large guacamole was seasoned just right and generously packed;the horchata was very good and not to sweet.This is mexican food how it should be done - like homemade!Thank you for making great food!2/15/24Vegetarian options: No lard or pork in the beans“

“The staff was very nice and I would have enjoyed eating there, but I was taking the food home for my family. Nevertheless, it was good service and as I leave this review I'm stuffing my face with their food that leaves me full and satisfied! I'll be telling others! It's kinda tucked in a corner so you won't notice it if you aren't looking. I'm glad I noticed :)“

“Food:I ordered 3 tacos, chorizo, steak & al pastor.So delicious.They had 4 different sauces + a mild salsa.Complimentary chips with the salsa.Service & Atmosphere:Memo (Guillermo) came over to me immediately after I sat down and made me feel right at home. I could sense his passion & joy. He genuinely cared about my experience and it’s clear he cares deeply about the food, service & atmosphere he’s cultivated.“

“The asada tacos were fantastic. I ordered carnita and tripa and they were also delicious, will definitely be back when we are in the area. The restaurant is very small and has threw high tables in the back, a little challenging if you’ve got little ones but the food is great!“

“We had the birria tacos here with consommé and it was sooo good! Everything was hot and fresh even the chips. The owner and our server were very kind and attentive. It was our first time here, but we’ll be back for sure!! It was such a gem of a restaurant. Not to mention the churros are to die for!!“

“Tucked away in the charming town of Fox River Grove, El Sombrero stands as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico. The menu is a delightful showcase of Mexican flavors. Each dish, from the tangy and tantalizing Alambre to the heartwarming Siete Mares, bursts with authenticity. The Fajitas De Cameron are a must-try - perfectly seasoned, with a balance of sweet and spicy that dances on the palate. And let's not forget the fresh made guacamole, adding a light touch to your meal. The service deserves its own accolades. The staff at El Sombrero are not just servers; they're ambassadors of Mexican hospitality. Their recommendations are spot on, and their attention to detail is impeccable. You're never left wanting for anything, yet the service is never intrusive. For those in Fox River Grove and the surrounding areas, El Sombrero is more than a dining spot. It's a local gem where the flavors of Mexico are served with love and pride. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you'll leave with a satisfied belly and a longing to return. In short, El Sombrero is a testament to the richness of Mexican cuisine and the warmth of its people. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic, flavorful, and joyous dining experience.“

“I was in the neighborhood and decided to try this place which looks kind of bad outside. I am glad I tried it and this review is only my "to-go" experience. Food and service were both top-notch.I ordered 3 tacos just to try: Carnitas, Steak and Chorizo. The carnitas were juicy and well seasoned, The chorizo taco was pretty big and the tasted really good. The steak taco was just average and the meat was a bit dry for my taste.I was pleasantly surprised in general with the taste and how fresh and authentic the salsa was.I will need to stop by again to try a full dish and the quality of the guacamole which looked pretty good when I saw it served at one of the tables. The place is very small (about 10 tables max) and I am wondering if they actually can keep up with the service if they are at full capacity.“

“I can't remember having Mexican food THIS GOOD. The minute you step inside this cozy spot you are warmly greeted and the menu is explained to you. One of the many things that sets this place apart is that the offerings are made from scratch, believe me you'll taste the difference. I can't wait to return to this gem.“

“: “The restaurant offers an incredible experience, with delicious food and a very clean place. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the tacos have an authentic Mexican flavor that you can't miss. “The quality-price ratio is excellent.”And in English: “The restaurant provides an amazing experience with delicious food and a very clean environment. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the tacos have an authentic Mexican flavor you shouldn't miss. “It offers great quality for the price.”Kid-friendliness: high chair“

“First time stopping into this establishment i can tell you write away you will be in for a treat,owner and staff are very friendly and you can tell they care for their clients every need , the food is by far delicious and fresh! Anyone that wants REAL authentic mexican food i suggest to stop by and order!“

“Used to go here when it was El Meson. We went on a Thursday night - not too crowded. The indoor dining space is renovated with a long bar, big screen TV’s for sports and nice tables. Less seating than before but great not to be on top of the table next to you anymore. Outdoor patio wasn’t being used anymore but still a great space for warmer weather. Service was excellent. Margaritas were huge and tasty. Food was very good. My husband had enchiladas and I had the fajitas. Good size portions. Chips are good salsa is meh. We would go back.“

“It's not completely authentic but it is definitely a very good place to eat. It's so good and the horchata is amazing. I ordered the burrito diner and honestly the rice was a little dry but it was good. The beans were good too. The burrito itself was very good just needs a little more flavor. The sauces were very good and I'm glad that the chip salsa wasn't spicy at all. A lot of places make it spicy for no reason. I'm supposed to enjoy the chip salsa before the main come out. This place definitely did good on the salsa. The other salsas were amazing. Flavorful and very enjoyable. The customer service was 10/10 and the waiter was definitely good. I would definitely come here again and eat here. I work nearby and I would definitely recommend everyone here because this is the best burrito parrilla Mexicana that I've been too. Renovated and amazing atmosphere. Thank you for the service.“

“This one-stop shop for everything from toiletries to spices, baked goods and ice cream to jewelry, also offers some of the best Mexican food in this area. The lengua, barbacoa and chicharron were flavorful, sauces spicy and atmosphere was generally friendly. I say generally because my mixed race family did get stared at for quite some time by a few of the patrons. That cannot be held against against the store though, which is why I'm giving this establishment a well-earned 5-star rating.“

“Good, no chips or salsa for free, but the salsas and guacamole everything was delicious when you don't feel like cooking at home place is small but there's a few tables to sit at and enjoy we came at 2pm on a Saturday it wasn't too crowded the waitress was very pleasant food was out fast which was nice but obviously because there's wasn't a crowd. They have Bathrooms which is nice overall 10/10. Parking is ok as well it's in a small Plaza so we were able to find parking upfront“

“We went to El Molino last night and the food was delicious. My husband ordered the combination fajitas, steak and shrimp. I ordered the chile relleno with shredded chicken. It's one of the only places I've been to that you can choose your filling in the pepper and not just cheese. You can choose shredded beef, chicken, cheese or ground beef. Highly recommend it, so good! We also got a half pitcher of margaritas which had about 4-5 drinks in it. Perfect for two people. On top of that we ordered some food to go for my parents. Stephen our server was so accommodating and on top of everything. He timed our take out perfectly so it was finished when we were paying the bill. My parents ordered a taco salad with Shrimp and the amount of shrimp was very generous. Dimly lit, fun Mexican flare to the decor. Once again Stephen was a wonderful server, thank you for a great date night!“

“This is an absolute hidden gem of Mundelein!!! Everything is seasoned so well, delicious food, priced fairly, great service. We have tried so many Mexican restaurants all over town and this is hands down the best. We’ve eaten here lots of times- the tacos are always amazing, tortas, burritos too. I’ve had a few of the Mexican classic dinners. Never any complaints. Check it out!!“

“My daughter was sleeping in my husband's arms and one of the waitresses came with a big comfy chair so we could lay our daughter and eat peacefully. My heart melted with such kindness ? BTW FOOD IS AMAZING AND SO IS STAFFMy daughter was sleeping in my husband's arms and one of the waitresses came out with a large, comfortable chair to put the baby to bed so we could eat in peace. It was such a kind act ? DELICIOUS FOOD AND INCREDIBLE SERVICE ?“

“Food is consistent with Mexican cuisine the service is above average they could definitely bring the lighting down and warm it up. Maybe fix the booths. They serve a great Margarita all in all we enjoy going thereVegetarian options: We just say no meat lots of veggies to choose from“

“The size of the tacos alone here compared to everyone else is a huge difference, and I feel like people don't take that into account when saying it's "pricey".The birria tacos are complete ???The meat is sooo tender, and that consumme, cheese & slight crunch to shell all combine to perfection!*Wednesdays you get (4) vs (3) birria in your order ?Todo está delicioso!“

“We had seen the restaurant when patronizing La Michoacana so we decided to try it out. The restaurant is very clean and bright. I had enchiladas suiza with chicken that was excellent. My companion had the pechuga with vegetables and she could not stop eating it. Even after she said she wanted to "save some". The only "bad" thing is that my diet Coke came in a can and I assume refills would cost more. Otherwise, a great lunch experience and we will be back!!“

“Love the food here, great quality at reasonable prices. The owners are very polite and work hard to get every order done properly. We never have had a problem with their service. I highly recommend the fish tacos and the Tortas.Dietary restrictions: My son has a gluten allergy and this is one of the rare places where he doesn't get sick due to cross contamination. Big reason why we still go here.“

“I've been coming here for the last few years and let me tell you I've had yet to find a place that makes a better burrito. Best burrito place I've been too, it's well balanced and lots of food for the money. It's all fresh ingredients, everything is made there. I always get the El Pastor and the marinate they use is perfect for burritos since it's not sauce heavy. Not the greatest place to sit down and eat but takeout 100%.“

“Food was a 7/10. The prices were downtown Chicago prices. $15 for a burrito bowl that was about half the size of Chipotle. And $5 for a standard size taco is absurd. Loses a star for price alone. The food was good but again for the price you start to compare it to other places that are cheaper and equal in quality or better.“

“I would say they have the best Mexican food in Northwest Suburbs, or may be in Whole Chicago area they maintain the same good taste all the time you get the food ready on time and their packing is very presentable clean I would definitely recommend this placeVegetarian options: I love the vegetarian burrito they have“

“If you have not visited this place you really should, if only to try out their pork stew!!! It is absolutely lick your plate clean delicious. Traditional Mexican dish that is a rare find in the area. The owners are super friendly, and care about you whole experience at their restaurant.“

“I stopped by for the first time at this little shop for a quick bite. Got myself my usual favorite choice, steak burrito. Turns out this shop is a must have! Food so good, felt like it was imported straight from Mexico, no layovers. It was soooo good. It's been over a week and I still think of this little shop.“

“Fantastic food! Among our favorites are the corn tacos, the tortas, burritos, and enchiladas. Service is very fast. Like many Mexican restaurants they have rice and beans on the side, but this is some of the best rice I have had. Very flavorful. They even can do a hard corn shell taco! Everything has been so good so far we are going to try everything on the menu.“

“I went out in a blizzard and came here and honestly, one of the best quesadillas I’ve ever had. The new manager is very sweet, personable and knowledgeable on everything that is upcoming for the restaurant. While I waited(the whole 5 minutes) he talked to me about menu and scenery changes and seemed very passionate about this business. Strongly recommend for a quick meal.“

“The best Mexican food around. NOW. 3 years after my original review I just need to confirs- still tge best mexican cuisine around. Always a great experience, the staf and owner always super helpful and nice to customers. My only regret is that I have to watch my weight ;-) A++++“

“The food is excellent here. I ordered the 3 soft taco plate and the b/f had the Chile rellenos and the Barbacoa chimichunga. You get fresh made chips with homemade salsas. Sooo good. We also ordered the guacamole and more chips. Everything is homemade and very good. Highly recommend!“

“Nice little place I like to stop in for lunch or dinner on the way home from work. My favorite by far is the grilled chicken combo that includes rice, beans, grilled green onions and a drink. The chicken is cooked to perfection with the right amount of marinade/seasoning. The beans are more of a soup and is very good. Also included are a few tortillas that I like to mop up the juices from the chicken with... so delicious! Always looking forward to eating here!“

“It's kind of an older place, but food is great. Excellent burritos served fast at an average cost. Real authentic Mexican food. It's a little awkward to park, but well worth the trip.Parking: Spaces are a little awkward to use, there is plenty of spots thoughWheelchair accessibility: Handicap spaces in front easy to use.“

“This is a great Mexican restaurant in the Chicagoland area. If you're in the neighborhood on Montrose off Oak Park Ave, this is a must. They make their own tortillas right in the restaurant. Always fresh. Interesting to watch also. The restaurant has excellent stained glass windows. The staff are always friendly, accommodating, and quick. I have loved this place every since we installed a new gas service in the restaurant. The owner came out with food for whole crew. Chips and salsa, guacamole, peppers. Tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas for everyone. It was so kind of him. We loved the food and many of the crew came back to eat with their families. It is my wife's favorite. So we come there regularly. I can't say anything bad. This is a restaurant that does it right. God bless. Viva la Mexico.“

“I have passed this place for years while living in the area and it wasn't until I was searching for pupusas recently that it came up for me to try. This is your typical small Mexican taqueria that can fit maybe ~30 people comfortably in there at their tables. A small family owned business where you see the whole family working in back and front. We stopped in randomly because I really wanted pupusas for dinner (you pick your own seat) and were greeted right away by our server. He took our drink orders - horchata was yummy! - and then came back for our dinner selections. I got 1 pupusa of: cheese, beans and cheese, chicharron (pork rind) and cheese. The chicharron and cheese was my favorite. It was flavorful and the slaw accompaniment that is standard with pupusas had a good vinegar amount. My only wish is that there was more cheese in the pupusas overall. They were good but just lacking in the cheese amount, in my opinion. My husband got the carne asada dinner which wow- look at that full plate! While the carne asada was more of a thin sliced bistec instead of thicker asada, it was still flavorful. Most carne asadas come with just grilled onions but they provide an onion and jalapeño grilled mixture. Rice and beans were freshly made. Overall, we'd try this place again! I'd want to try their huaraches the next time.“

“Have ordered from Taco Jerez twice now and both times the food has been delicious. we have had many of the menu items and enjoyed all of them never been disappointment. There are many Mexican restaurants in the area but Taco Jerez is definitely the best.“

“Been coming here for 25 years. Always good. Always friendly. Always casual. By far the best mole in the area. And horchata is just right. Caldo just like my grandmother used to make. Migas like my grandfather used to make. Also, good margaritas.“

“I got a coconut banana smoothie. It was really good, I liked it a lot. Perfect level of sweetness and as by the picture, you can tell it's pretty natural. It isn't neon colored and it tasted authentic. I'm going to definitely be returning to try other flavors as well as try their other items“