Canton Regio brought me back to my roots. Weird to say but isn't, visited Chicago from Houston, Tx for IMTS with my dad and brother who both grew up in Monterrey Mexico. Growing up, I like to say I experienced it all, waking up early to help my family earn money, laundry and cleaning the house on Sundays, visiting the pulgas and segundas whenever. Living in areas "less fortunate" but still appreciating and making the most out of everything given to you. Over time I felt like I sort of lost that connection, I still had the same ambition of hustling (working job) waking up early, etc but always felt like something wasn't there anymore. I do most of my food searches on Yelp but anything more specific Beli is my app. Beli actually recommended this restaurant as I was looking for a restaurant. I mainly chose it for my dad as much as he says he doesn't mind eating at other spots it just felt right picking something he'd feel familiar with (Mexican food) Wait time is okay, if you're from Houston wait times are typically already 20-40mins anywhere, not an issue waiting. Outside environment, felt like living off airline but more extreme, you can see, feel, and even breathe the culture. Guys were walking about waving Mexican flags, smelling Barbacoa/carnitas tacos down the street, and the obvious loud Spanish music going around. A community gathered together with signs of no ICE allowed too. The inside ambience is crazy, fast paced, everyone working together and communicating like it's just regular day. I'll cut it short since I try not to write long reviews, the arranchera was fire, both salsas-- fire, shrimp tacos, fire, horchata, fire. Everything was great along with service and seeing all the customers bringing their own drinks celebrating for whatever reason. It really made me appreciate everything that's lead up to this moment. Cash only too but spot is worth checking out. read more

Canton Regio - Arranchera 1/2 Kilo - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There was quite a long wait when we went, but it was well worth it. They're known for their arrachera, and we ordered the half kilo, which was more than enough for two people. The steak was a little chewy, but still flavorful and satisfying. The free chips and salsa are chef's kiss. The chips are so fresh, and it's hard not to fill up on them before the main event. Heads up that it's cash only, so come prepared. I'd happily come back for another round of arrachera. read more

Canton Regio - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

In the Pilsen section of Chicago, this is a wonderful, out of the way, spot. We came for dinner on a Friday. They don't take reservations. Wait was a little over 30 minutes on this Friday night. There were a bunch of large groups celebrating various birthdays. The wait was worth it, though. Servers on quick, helpful, cooperative in that you can ask any of them for anything and they'll bring it to you. Because it is BYOB, we had picked up a six pack of beer and they put them on ice for us. I had a steak fajita and it was delicious! The sauces for the tortilla chips were spicy. Total bill was very reasonable. We liked it so much we came back a a couple of days later for lunch! If you're in Chicago and feeling adventurous, give this place a try! read more

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A cash only joint, fast service and great portion sizes. Free chips & salsa to start and the horchata is LARGE. Would definitely come back to something new next time. read more

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Been trying to get here for a while. Very good. Good service. Had the kilo of steak and split it. So good . Very nice inside. Cash only parking is a little tight but you can find spots. Cant wait to get back. read more

Decided to take the wifey out for dinner to a place she saw on food reel. And I must say it was a great choice! When we arrived we saw it was a full house and we thought we'd have to wait to be seated. To our surprise we were seated as soon as we came in. No wait at all! It's a small very busy, very fast paced place to eat. The servers were moving at a pace I've never before witnessed. They were getting the job done quickly and efficiently! As soon as we sat down our server had salsa and chips on the table. The wife and I both ordered the arrachera dinner that came with rice, beans, grilled onions & a grilled jalapeno. Our meal came literally in about 10 mins. If that long! The salsa was very delicious! Fresh ingredients and a hint of spice. The chips were still hot, crispy and nicely salted 9/10, the arroz was so flavorful & fluffy a delicious side dish for the steak! 8.8/10. The arrachera skirt steak was cooked perfectly with a nice chargrilled flavor! It could've been a little bit more tender but it was still enjoyable! 9.3/10 I didn't care for the loud music as it was kind of vulgar for a dinner setting. It was a very lively atmosphere. But that's not going to stop me from returning to try out some other dishes! They are cash only so bring cash for your bill and a tip for your server & don't think about paying with a card. And the prices are very reasonable and they don't skimp on the food!! I spent $58.50. The service was also great! If you're in the Pilsen area by all means visit Canton Regio you won't be disappointed! Remember Yelpers ALL reviews are SUBJECTIVE! read more

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The food was fantastic here! I came here for a birthday dinner, and I will definitely be back again. We ordered the steak fajitas that came with beans, tortillas, and a little side of guac. The tortillas are apparently handmade and fresh, but I was a bigger fan of the corn ones instead of the flour ones. Both still very good though! We also got the shrimp skewers, and it paired so well with the free chips and salsa they gave us. I'm not a huge fan of bell peppers, but they made them so flavorful and tasty here that I couldn't stop eating them. The service was great with the servers and busboys since they brought out the chips/salsa right away and made sure our waters and drinks were always full. The only flaw I have for the place was that we waited nearly 40 minutes even though we put our name and phone number down in the front. The host claims she called us but might of dialed the wrong number, so it was a little bit of a bummer to have to come back and check in when we could have been seated earlier. However, one of the managers stopped by our table to ask how our food was and packed up our food for us at the end. The ambiance was very packed and lively in there! There were so many people celebrating birthdays that they would have signs and cake and even sing to you for your special day. It's BYOB, so there was a lot of people making their own drinks. Additionally, I'd make sure you have cash since it's a cash only place. I definitely want to come back again and recommend it to others; however, you better be prepared for delicious food and an exciting environment!! read more

Canton Regio - Steak Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Second time at Canton Reggio and I'll definitely be back again! If you can, sit on the patio. It's BYOB and they'll even bring out a wine bucket with ice for your bottle. The food is always great and I really love the service here. Such an easy place to keep coming back to! read more

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What a wonderful meal! The service was fabulous and dishes couldn't have been better prepared. Highly recommend the ribeye steak, marbled and flavorful. Great for a simple meal or an extravagant banquet, my new fave go to in Pilsen! read more

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I've heard good things about this place and it didn't disappoint, but bring cash as it is a cash only restaurant. We ordered the queso fundido, horchata, Sabina's tacos, and skewers which comes with three. Next time, I would skip the queso and horchata as the queso got hard quickly and the horchata seemed a little watered down. The Sabina's taco and skewers were delicious! The chicken was not as good the shrimp but we wanted to try it. I recommend getting the shrimp as I feel like it's juicier naturally. The tacos were flavorful and I loved having the refried beans and cheese in the taco. The restaurant is lots of fun as the staff are all busy, playing music, and making sure people get their birthday songs in. I highly recommend this spot as it's good and the vibes are fun. read more

Canton Regio - Sabina's ($12) - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really awesome atmosphere. Delicious food and great service. (An obviously successful place based on the crowd). I loved the decor. There were 12 of us to celebrate my daughter's birthday! She got a couple of different cakes, candles to blow out, and a wonderful birthday song from the servers! Note: This is a cash only restaurant. read more

Canton Regio - Shrimp skewers - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Was in Chicago for work recently for 2 weeks. Came here on a recommendation from a new friend. I was missing Mexican food and really needed tacos. This place didn't disappoint. I got some simple carne asada tacos. But man, the flavor was delicious. My friend ordered frijoles and some queso with chorizo. Everything was flavorful. It is a cash only place but they have an ATM inside. Great atmosphere and wonderful customer service. I would definitely come back if I'm ever back in Chicago. read more

Food was great! Went on a Monday for lunch and it was pretty packed with a good number of people coming in and out. Tried the Tacos Sabinas which were delicious and very filling. The horchata was also muy delicioso. Prices are pretty amazing for the food you're getting, but they are cash only. They also don't take reservations! They do have catering available, but apparently also cash only. There's metered street parking right outside available. read more

Canton Regio - Tacos Sabinas - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love this place. The atmosphere was great. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. read more

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The food was delicious! They were super busy and they had a live mariachi band so it was pretty loud in there. If you're easily over simulated this might not be the place to go. Even though it was busy our server was still very attentive with us. One of the best service we've had. Will be back again! read more

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In Chicago you can throw a stick and hit a Mexican restaurant, but some legendary spots rise to the top, Canton Regio is one of them , i came in early day so it was slow, notably. ive seen it packed on weekends, Looking around i could see it was clean and very well kept space, i asked to sit on the outside deck which was no problem even though there are only 2 tables ,immediately they brought me over 2 different salsas which seamed to be legitimately made fresh, unlike most of the other cookie cutter spots .There was a bit of a language barrier but it all worked out fine, i ordered the Guacamole, i realize guac can change day to day, but this may have been the best Guacamole ive ever eaten , For my Entree, , i chose the Tacos Regio Plate which comes withThree corn tortillas filled with skirt steak topped with bake beans, onions, cilantro,red cabbage and Habanero salsa, THE Habanero had a nice kick , I also ordered rice and beans for an extra 3.50 ( surprisingly they do not come with the dinner) , Saying that, its a must , my rule of thumb about mexican restaurants is , if the Rice and beans suck , theres little hope for the rest of the menu, in this case , This was not the case, the combo was cooked perfectly , Two Thumbs Up , total recommend! read more

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Delicious food exquisite desserts shrimp Delicious homemade pintos bean and CHICKEN ROASTED OUTRAGEOUS DELICIOUS read more

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Love this place. Don't forget to bring cash as it is a cash only restaurant. You need to order the Arrachera. The steak is tender and flavorful. When you dine in, they give you complimentary chips, salsa, and soup. Everything tasted so fresh and the portions were huge. The grilled onions were so tasty. Went on a Thursday for lunch and it was packed inside. It's a higher end casual spot that impressed me. Would highly recommend this place. There's lots of street parking nearby and it's close to the pink line stop. I'm mentioning it a second time, don't forget to bring cash. read more

Canton Regio - Arrachera - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food is good but too overhyped in my opinion. Idk maybe I'm being biased because the service is TERRIBLE. And also didn't the owner beat his staff a couple years ago? read more

Top tier meals and an awesome community vibe. The dining area is definitely a bit cramped, but the amazing live music makes the tight space totally worth it. Just a heads up that it's a cash only spot. Highly recommend visiting! read more

The best steak tacos in Pilsen. It is crowded, and it can get loud, so if you want to dine in and experience it, be patient and kind with staff. They work hard. It is something worthy of the experience, but you need to be in the right mindset. If it is too much, just take your tacos or your steak by the kilo to go. Did I mention the steak? These are the best steak tacos in Pilsen. Period. read more

Great food, service and atmosphere at great prices. Celebrated a family member's birthday.

Waiters are attentive and food was great. Gave it a 4 because it's cash only and wished the made it more visible as soon as you walked in. I would go better prepared. read more

Canton Regio - Arrachera(skirt steak) and Agua de Jamaica - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yesterday, my friends and I went to lunch at Canton Regio in Pilsen, a place I've been to several times and have always enjoyed the food. But yesterday I finally came to the realization that good food alone isn't enough to keep me coming back. Every single time I've been there, the service has been awful. The restaurant is always uncomfortably warm, and from the moment you sit down, you feel rushed. Yesterday was no different. Our server had a very dismissive, almost cocky attitude that made the entire experience feel uncomfortable and honestly just bizarre. I've given this place several chances because I genuinely like the food, but dining out is about the entire experience--not just what's on the plate. In Chicago, good food and good restaurants are the norm, so that alone isn't enough. I even noticed yesterday that the quality of the arrachera was not the same as before. I shouldn't be spending my money somewhere that consistently makes me feel rushed, uncomfortable, or unwelcome. Yesterday my friends and I made the decision that it would be our last visit to Canton Regio. Good food can bring you in, but good service is what brings you back. read more

Paid street parking was available. It was packed but we were able to be seated immediately. (Party of 4) Staff was very friendly and attentive. We were given fresh corn chips with salsa and guacamole. OMG that guacamole was one of the best I've ever had in a long time. We ordered the skirt steak which was big enough for the 2 of us along with flour and corn tortillas, which were good as well. They provided our table with potatoe tacos which were good as well. This is a place I'd definitely return too but know this is a CASH ONLY establishment. ATM is inside. read more

We had a really great experience at this Mexican restaurant! The flavors of the food were amazing across the board. The beef, chicken, and shrimp were all perfectly seasoned and cooked, each with its own rich and delicious flavor. The guacamole was especially outstanding fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with high quality ingredients. The interior design of the restaurant is beautiful and welcoming, with a great atmosphere that makes it a nice place to sit down and enjoy a meal. The servers and waiters were also very kind, attentive, and professional throughout our visit, which made the experience even better. The portion sizes were generous, and the prices were very reasonable considering the quality and quantity of the food. It definitely felt like great value. One small issue was that our appetizers arrived after the entrées, which was a bit unusual. However, the staff was friendly and the food was so good that it didn't take away much from the overall experience. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit and would definitely come back again. Great food, great atmosphere, friendly service, and very fair prices. Highly recommended! read more

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My wife and I have now been here twice in the past month or so. Every time we are in the loop, we plan to stop here for late lunch or dinner. The restaurant itself has an incredible atmosphere. Fun, high energy, and fast paced. The service has its moments that it can be chaotic and you don't get things in the right order. That doesn't matter because when the food comes, it's some of the best Mexican food I can find anywhere. read more

Canton Regio - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food amazing as always. Friendly staff and just amazing all around. Some of the best Mexican food you'll have. get the flour tortillas read more

Canton Regio - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm from Los Angeles & was with a friend visiting Chicago for the weekend. We met up with a friend from Chicago & he recommended we go to Casa Regio in Pilsen. From the street looking at the restaurant, it looks like a hole in the wall establishment. However, as you enter the place is fairly large with upstairs seating. Casa Regio has an old school Mexican restaurant charm. The owner, Danny has family from La Puente & Hacienda Heights. He made us feel at home. Brought out three different salsas & guacamole with chips. All were delicious. I ordered Chorizo & huevos with tortillas de maiz. My buddies ordered Bistec, eggs & arroz. The food was delicious & I mean delicious. I was always of the opinion that LA serves the best Mexican food outside of Mexico. Well, Chicago isn't too far behind. And the prices are outrageous! My plate was $12.00 & was told that it was previously $8.00!! Unreal! If you are ever in Chicago, visit this place! You won't regret it. read more

Canton Regio - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've always passed by and usually stop next door for taco's and decided to give Canton Regio a try. Table for 4 and were given a two round tables next to each other (shaped like a 8). We ordered shrimp kabobs which hung on a stand. the kabobs were actually really good, 3-5 well cooked shrimps and sandwiched between grilled onions and peppers. Next entree was the 1/2 roasted chicken which comes with yellow rice and scoop of red beans, also was good as the white mean was pretty juicy. The last item we ordered was the trio steak taco's (three corn taco's topped with steak with no cilantro or onions). There is an ATM onsite as you know this place does not accept any credit cards and only accepts cash. Plenty of metered parking and for sure I would come back for more. read more

Canton Regio - Shrimp kabob - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wonderful, courteous staff; immediate seating; food was fresh and amazing. Beautiful atmosphere. Nice BYOB option as well. Will return! read more

Canton Regio - Shrimp skewer! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow... There are not many Mexican restaurants I give 5 stars, but this might just be the best Mexican food I've ever had. To say everything is perfectly cooked, seasoned, spiced, and presented is not an understatement. Seriously, no notes!! Order the arrachera, shrimp skewers, and rice and you'll be set. Just be aware it is cash only, but totally worth it. I can't wait to come back. read more

Canton Regio - 1 kilo Arrachera - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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An excellent spot to enjoy great service in a warm environment with great food. The family style choices are spectacular for groups and the BYOB is awesome for keeping costs down while enjoying yourself to the fullest. read more

Canton Regio - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Visited this place in January and ordered the 1/2 kilo (serves 2-4 people). It came out to about $30-$35 after taxes. I'm a generous tipper because I've worked in bottle service, bartending, and serving myself. In my last review (attached pic to this one), I mentioned Joel and Noah. The server who helped us during that January visit -- the one who wears glasses and has a buzz cut/very short hair -- was amazing. He provided excellent service, and I happily left $60 and told him to keep the rest. There was no auto gratuity added and no BYOB charge that day. We brought our own liquor since it's BYOB. Before going that time, we called to ask if there were any limitations or fees, and the lady on the phone didn't mention anything. We came back yesterday for Valentine's Day and were served by the other server I mentioned previously -- the one with long, black, straight slicked-back hair. His service wasn't terrible -- he was attentive -- but our shrimp skewers were cold. They came out within seconds of placing the order, which surprised us at the time, but now it makes sense; they were likely sitting out for a while. What's crazy is that I gave him a positive review the last time and we specifically came back for both of them. I was actually excited when we saw he was our server again. That's why this experience was even more disappointing. When we received the check, the total didn't add up. We were charged for a flan we didn't order -- we assumed it was complimentary -- but since we ate it, I had no problem paying for it. However, there was also a $10 BYOB charge that I had never seen on previous visits, and there was no communication about it -- not at the entrance, not on the menu, nowhere. I understand it was Valentine's Day and places get busy, but that's exactly when communication should be clear. The tab should have been $53 before taxes ( 1/2 kilo meat $30 + added nopales $3 + shrimp skewers $20). With 10.25% tax, that would have brought it to about $58.43 before tip, and we should have been able to leave our desired gratuity. I still would have tipped generously. Instead, the bill showed $96. It included the $10 BYOB fee and an $8 flan, plus automatic gratuity -- with no signage or prior notice that gratuity was being added. The previous time we visited, there was no auto-grat added. I didn't even discuss it with the server. I went directly to the lady at the register, and she seemed almost baffled that I noticed when I questioned it. There was no apology. They removed the $8 flan without issue, and we ended up paying $88. Even after removing the flan, that still left about $29 taken as tip after tax. Honestly, it felt like the server -- or even the establishment -- was adding charges assuming people wouldn't notice because it was busy and people were drinking. Had everything been transparent, I would have tipped willingly and generously like I did before. But this felt undeserved. Transparency and consistency go a long way. Always read your bill at this place. If you go, ask the right questions before ordering or avoid it all together. Will no longer be coming here and I truly hope they learn not to do this before the power of social media gets to them. The fact that there is also other reviews with similar statements is mind blowing to me. read more

Canton Regio - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went on a very hot day and no air conditioning. Service was very slow for it only being a week day. Shame all the customers they have coming in this place and for there not to be no air condition also ordered our usual and prices also went up read more

What a find in Pilsen. This little hidden gem was discovered by my husband. We don't live too far so we are excited. We get to come back whenever we want. Amazing fresh delicious savory meats and seafood skewers with rice, handmade tortillas, and delicious salsa. we had the shrimp skewers in the video and then we also had sliced steak. No alcohol however BYOB , and even pointed us to the liquor store across the street. Cash only.. Was more than enough for my small family of 3. read more

My partner and I had an extremely uncomfortable and upsetting experience at this restaurant. We felt openly discriminated against for being part of the LGBTQ+ community. While we were sitting at our table, the owner personally came over and told us to stop holding and embracing each other. We were not being inappropriate in any way--just showing the same level of affection that heterosexual couples show every day without issue. Being singled out like that was humiliating and made us feel unwelcome and unsafe. No one should be treated this way simply for who they are or who they love. Because of this behavior, we walked out and refused to give our money to an establishment that promotes discrimination. I strongly do NOT recommend this place to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community or allies. Support businesses that treat everyone with respect and dignity--this is not one of them. read more

Great food at great price. It is byob and there is wine store across the street. It is also cash only, so be ready. If you need a receipt, mention ahead of time. read more

The food is always fresh and the waitstaff is very attentive. There's somewhat of a short wait but it's worth it.

Canton Regio is a direct flight to northern Mexico without ever leaving Chicago; step inside and you're instantly in Monterrey, surrounded by cowboy hats, ranchera music, and the hypnotic spin of a trompo stacked with sizzling carne asada. This is steak the way God and vaqueros intended. The arrachera is grilled over mesquite until it's charred, smoky, and so tender you barely need a knife. Order the parrillada mixta and watch your table transform into a glorious battlefield of costilla, chorizo, quail, and molten queso fundido bubbling with chorizo grease. The cabrito (if they have it) is fall-off-the-bone perfection, seasoned only with salt and fire, just like in Nuevo León. But the real star? The flour tortillas. They're made fresh every thirty seconds on a giant comal right by the entrance; puffy, slightly chewy, with that irresistible toasted aroma. One bite and you'll never look at store-bought again. Wrap some carne asada inside with a spoon of their salsa roja (bright, smoky, and dangerous) and a squeeze of lime, and you'll understand why people drive across state lines for this. Everything else is perfect too: the frijoles charros swimming with bacon and chorizo, the grilled cebollitas, the icy micheladas served in frosted schooners with a Tajín rim. Service is fast, no-nonsense, and genuinely proud; the staff know they're feeding you some of the best Mexican food in the country and they want you to feel it. The vibe is pure weekend celebration: families, couples, big groups tearing into massive platters, kids running around, and nobody in a hurry to leave. Cash-only at the counter, but there's an ATM inside and it's worth every penny. Canton Regio isn't just the best steakhouse in Chicago; it's one of the most soul-satisfying restaurants in the entire Midwest. If you leave here hungry or unhappy, check your pulse. Every time I walk out smelling like mesquite smoke and happiness, I'm already planning the next trip. See you Saturday morning for cabrito and Sunday night for parrillada. Forever. ¡Puro pa'lante, Canton Regio! read more