Best Tex Mex Restaurants in Lower West Side

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Texan Taco Bar

4.6

Exceptional(288)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • West Loop

Booked 21 times today

Located in the bustling West Loop of Chicago, Texan Taco Bar is a gem for authentic Mexican cuisine, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional food. Patrons rave about the "best nachos I ever had!" and the "fantastic nacho bites and quesadillas pizza." The restaurant's rooftop setting offers stunning views of the downtown skyline, making it a perfect spot for enjoying "strong and delicious $8 margaritas during happy hour" and "flavorful tacos," including a standout Birria taco. The energetic vibe, coupled with top-notch service, makes Texan Taco Bar a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mexico with a Texan twist. As one happy diner put it, "Great food, great atmosphere, great service!!! Best food!!"

A photo of Dove's Luncheonette restaurant

2. Dove's Luncheonette

4.9

Exceptional(17)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 7 times today

Dove’s Luncheonette in Chicago's vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood is celebrated for its exceptional breakfast offerings, seamlessly blending Southern-inspired Mexican cuisine with the charm of a classic diner. Customers rave about the "absolutely slammin'" taco options and the "dangerously good" crispy potatoes, highlighting the unique and delicious twists on traditional breakfast components. A standout favorite, the masa pancakes, are frequently described as "seriously SO GOOD," ensuring a meal that is as memorable as it is satisfying. With its "old school lunch counter vibes" and a tequila and mezcal-focused bar, Dove’s provides a breakfast experience that is both authentically delightful and refreshingly modern. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Dove’s Luncheonette is a must-visit for an unbeatable start to your day.

3. Big Star Wicker Park

4.6

Exceptional(38)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 27 times today

Situated in the bustling Bucktown / Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Big Star Wicker Park is a gem for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for its vibrant taco-slinging atmosphere and a commendable single barrel bourbon program, this restaurant is a local favorite. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" food quality and the "excellent handmade tortillas" that make each meal memorable. The eclectic menu features standout items like the pork belly tacos and the much-loved vegetarian-friendly walking tacos. Reviewers consistently mention the "great food, drinks, and people watching," making it the perfect spot for a casual outing. The quick and friendly service complements the delicious dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience. With its great vibes and top-notch margaritas, Big Star Wicker Park is hailed as a "go-to" place for Tex-Mex lovers in the city.

4. Big Star West Town

4.2

Awesome(34)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • West Town

Booked 8 times today

Big Star West Town in Chicago's vibrant West Town neighborhood is celebrated for its exceptional seafood offerings. Culinary Director Chris Miller has crafted a menu that shines with fresh ceviche, aguachiles, and Mariscos classics, earning rave reviews for authenticity and flavor. Diners consistently praise dishes like the "best ceviche I’ve ever had" and commend the restaurant for its "unreal deal" on $2 oysters. The lively atmosphere is complemented by an open-air patio and signature tunes, making it a top destination for seafood lovers. Whether it's the unique brunch options or the highly recommended shrimp appetizer, Big Star West Town delivers an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of seafood cuisine.

5. Esta Loca

3.3

Good(14)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • River North (Chicago)

Booked 18 times today

Esta Loca on Randolph is an elevated Tex Mex and Mexican restaurant in the heart of Chicago, just off of Millennium Park. Join us for a bite in the dining room, or take Esta Loca with you for a convenient and delicious meal on the go. Host your next event or special occasion with Esta Loca! Located next to Millennium Park with gorgeous views and a rooftop patio, it’s the perfect venue to celebrate your next milestone or corporate gathering.

6. Big Star - Wrigleyville

4.4

Awesome(41)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Wrigleyville

Booked 15 times today

Big Star in Wrigleyville, Chicago, is renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, offering an unbeatable combination of delicious tacos and a vibrant atmosphere, especially popular on Cubs game days. Guests rave about the "fantastic and full of flavor" tacos and the "super good tequila options." The restaurant is celebrated for its "great food and even better margaritas," ensuring every visit is memorable. Patrons particularly love the fish tacos, recommending them as a must-try. With its prime location across from Wrigley Field, Big Star is the perfect spot for pre-game dining, providing "fast service" and "amazing pours" of bourbon at fair prices. This spot is a true gem for anyone seeking quality Tex-Mex in Chicago.

7. The Old Plank

4.1

Excellent(23)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Logan Square

Booked 5 times today

At The Old Plank in Chicago's vibrant Logan Square, the essence of authentic American cuisine is celebrated through a delightful Tex-Mex fusion. This bar and restaurant is a local favorite, known for its exceptional brunch and dinner offerings alongside an impressive selection of rotating draft beers and craft cocktails. Patrons rave about the value and taste, with one guest exclaiming, "The $2 Tacos were Amazing! So delicious!" and another noting, "the cheese and steak were really good better than the wings." The welcoming atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from Taco Tuesday celebrations to relaxing weekend brunches. The Old Plank stands out as a must-visit spot for its robust flavors and heartwarming local charm.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
BrianVIP
Chicago / Illinois •38 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Always a good experience coming here. Good food, even better whisky and tequila list.
More info
Big Star West TownPrice: Moderate• Mexican• West Town
•
4.2
Z
zac
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
It was our first time trying Esta Loca, even though it wasn't rosebud anymore, we figured we would give it a try. We weren't sure at the door until the manager on duty Scott came and talked to us and explained the change and convinced us to give it a try, and I am glad we did. The service was amazing, the bar area was beautiful, and the steak fajitas were incredible! Definitely will be back.
More info
Esta LocaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
3.3
D
Devon
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Antonio was awesome. He took excellent care of us. Great chips and salsa. Great margaritas. Great vibes.
More info
Big Star Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.6
T
Taline
Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
Great spot for happy hour, took my team for the holidays and would come again.
More info
Texan Taco BarPrice: Moderate• Tex-Mex• West Loop
•
4.6
M
Mike
Southwest Florida •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
Staff was great, attentive and fun , food was amazing. Overall, went above and beyond. Beat all expectations.
More info
Dove's LuncheonettePrice: Moderate• Tex-Mex• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Lower West Side

Tex mex

Best Tex Mex Restaurants in Lower West Side

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Texan Taco Bar

2. Dove's Luncheonette

3. Big Star Wicker Park

4. Big Star West Town

5. Esta Loca

6. Big Star - Wrigleyville

7. The Old Plank

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable