Rick Bayless Michelin-starred fine-dining Mexican that proves Mexican cuisine belongs at the highest levels. The tasting menu is a deep dive into regional Mexican traditions with produce from Bayless ...
The best birria in Chicago -- slow-braised goat served in a tiny South Side storefront that Michelin inspectors discovered and the rest of the city followed. The consomme is deeply flavored, the torti...
92
3
Frontera Grill
Mexican · River North · James Beard Award
Rick Bayless flagship Mexican restaurant that introduced Chicago to the depth and sophistication of regional Mexican cuisine. The moles are complex, the salsas are vibrant, and the margaritas are dang...
91
4
Mi Tocaya Antojeria
Mexican · Logan Square
Diana Davila creative Mexican that earned universal praise and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The esquites with bone marrow are unforgettable, the mole is complex, and the cocktail program is excellent. One...
91
5
Tzuco
Mexican Fine Dining · River North
Carlos Gaytán (first Mexican-born chef to earn a Michelin star in the US) French-Mexican fine dining in River North. The Sonoran-inspired tasting menu blends indigenous Mexican ingredients with French...
91
6
Cariño
Modern Mexican · Uptown · Michelin 1 Star
Modern Mexican from chef Edgar Gonzalez in Uptown that earned a Michelin star with dishes rooted in his Guerrero heritage. Moles built from 30+ ingredients, hand-pressed tortillas, and a mezcal progra...
90
7
Carnitas Don Pedro
Mexican / Carnitas · Pilsen
Pilsen carnitas institution for over 40 years serving pork that is braised to falling-apart perfection. Order by the pound with handmade tortillas, pickled onions, and salsa verde. The chicharrones ar...
89
8
La Chaparrita Taqueria
Mexican / Tacos · Little Village
Little Village hidden gem using a charola (flat metal grill) for some of the most flavorful tacos on the Southwest Side. Sweetbreads, brains, and tripe for the adventurous, carne asada and al pastor f...
88
9
Xoco
Mexican / Tortas · River North
Rick Bayless fast-casual Mexican torta and churro shop. The tortas are built on fresh-baked bread with fillings like braised short rib and roasted chicken, and the hot chocolate is bean-to-cup. The ch...
88
10
5 Rabanitos
Mexican / Oaxacan · Pilsen
Pilsen Oaxacan restaurant with moles that take days to make and memelitas that are handmade to order. The mole negro is complex and earned, the tlayudas are crispy and loaded, and the mezcal selection...