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Carmela's Taqueria

4.0 (295 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican
Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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Carmela's Taqueria Photos

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CARMELA'S TAQUERIA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Divey
Dogs allowed
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Carmela's Taqueria

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Trung V.

No frills and quick service, but the beans in our burritos were unbelievably bland which was a complete letdown because the meats were so rich and tender. I appreciated the salsas provided with our food and the taco was decent as well.

a view of the kitchen
Andrew P.

I'm not sure if people just have low standards for burritos or what, but I decided to finally try this place out given that it's one of the closest restaurants to where I live and kind of regret it. I know I've been wanting to try it out since moving here a while back so I'm glad I did try it finally, but my al pastor burrito really fell short. I was surprised to find sour cream and a wet lettuce inside. The consistency was like a slimy Al pastor burrito all around and it just didn't taste at all what I was hoping for. As an LA transplant, I know this would have lower reviews if this place was in LA, but I still know there are better options in Chicago. I'll have to try Primo Chukis down the street next time.

Al Pastor Taco, Lengua Taco
Jessica S.

My friend and I were going to go the Birria spot next door because we heard good things, but they were closed so we went to Carmela's instead. I really like this taco spot that is super casual and a little bit tucked away! I got 2 Al Pastors and 1 Lengua Taco as well as a Diet Coke for under $15. The tacos were filled to the brim and both the pastor and the lengua were so good. I will definitely stop by again!

Fresh gauc

Best tacos!! We were walking by and saw this hole in the wall spot... best tacos and super friendly staff. The Gauc was so dang fresh and flavorful. We got extra tacos to go to have for lunch the next day. If you want an authentic taco, this is the spot!

Carne Asada Torta
Dave C.

This place was a great spot for a quick dinner before a show at the Riviera. The guys were quick, the place was clean and the carne asada torta was delicious. Hard to ask for much more. A little hidden on Lawrence but definitely worth a stop in!

Johnny I.

Love this place! The food delicious, kind of just wish their Al pastor had pineapples in it ! The sauces the red and green salsa very delicious not too salty ! Just right

two tacos on a yellow plate
Justine P.

Wanted to find a new spot away from my house with good reviews and this place did not disappoint! The staff was great and the food was even better. I can't wait to come back.

Jane V.

Went to Carmela's Taqueria with a relative who swore up and down that many years ago when they lived in the neighborhood, Carmel as had the best al pastor tacos ever. I had high expectations, but, the tacos did not live up to them. The tacos were good, but nothing spectacular. Even my relative who used to go here, was disappointed. The restaurant is very small with only three tables and limited seating at the counter. With close proximity to the Aragon theater, I am told that after concerts, the line for food can stretch all the way around the block.

Dining area
Isaac J.

Carmela's is your classic hole-in-the-wall kind of taqueria. Built into the south side of the old Uptown theater complex, it literally looks like someone carved a box out of the monolithic stone wall and shoved a restaurant inside. These are easily some of the best tacos in the area, rivaled only by primo chukis a few blocks down the street. Carmela's doesn't serve tripas, which is genuinely a bummer, but their al pastor and carne asada are wildly good. I also can't imagine a better location, as they are right around the corner from the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera, the Green Mill (you need to check these places out if you're in the area) and First Ascent. So whether you are climbing, enjoying a cocktail and some jazz, or rocking out to your favorite indie band, you can easily stop in here for a quick bite to eat. The servers are always fast and friendly, the space is clean, and even though it's small, it does have a public restroom. It also has massive windows so you can people-watch whatever sort of unique individuals are waiting in line to get into the Riviera concert that night

Chicken

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6 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

Great Al pastor tacos. No frills but great food, decent prices and great service. Small but decent place and a go to for great tacos.

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1 year ago

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4 months ago

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3 months ago

Best burrito I've ever had. Got the Al pastor with everything on it and it was incredible. Their guac is phenomenal as well.

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2 years ago

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7 months ago

Very expensive. 6 tacos for $30. No sides. No limes. One green salsa for the 6 tacos for $30. 3 asada. 3 pastor.

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3 years ago

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

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10 years ago

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

Most average tacos I have ever had.... Don't waste your time or money. It Lacked flavor and value

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3 years ago

Price wise and taste wise there are far greater options. Tacos were not good and had a bad taste.

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

Best tacos! Great flavor and always mouth watering! Always a pleasure and go to! Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Chicken Taco Dinner!

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9 years ago

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6 years ago

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14 years ago

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Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - Enchiladas Maya

Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine

4.2(120 reviews)
6.0 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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Went here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. Nice atmosphere and music but not too loud…read morefor conversation. I loved the decorations. I ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas they were expensive but excellent! Came out on a sizzling plate. I tried the Habernita drink and sangria. The habernita drink had mezcal, orange, pineapple, and habanero so had a nice kick to it. My friend told server it was my birthday secretly and they came out with a sparkler had birthday music playing and shots of tequila for my table! We had a great time and I will definitely be back! I recommend coming here to celebrate your birthday or just to have a delicious meal

Stopped by Bocaditos Mexican Kitchen in Chicago on a Wednesday night before a Blackhawks game and…read moreit was the perfect pre-game spot. The aguachiles were easily our favorite -- super fresh and full of flavor, with really well-balanced ingredients. You can tell the food is made to order and not rushed. The chips and salsa were also way better than your typical starter. The chips came out warm and crisp, and the salsa was smooth, flavorful, and super addictive. We also tried a few drinks, and they were excellent -- well-made, not overly sweet, and a great way to start the night before heading to the game. Our server was amazing -- friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. They kept checking in at all the right times and made the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable even with the pre-game crowd. Definitely a great spot to hit anytime you're in the area looking for solid Mexican food and a fun vibe.

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Barrio - Quesabirria tacos

Barrio

4.1(1.4k reviews)
5.7 miNear North Side
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Cinco de Mayo at Barrio was EVERYTHINGGG…read more We fully committed to the holiday and ordered honestly the entire menu and somehow every single thing that came out was better than the last. Starting with margaritas (because obviously ‍), queso and chips that were dangerously good, and the chicken empanadas that came out perfectly crispy with so much flavor. We kept looking at each other after every bite like "okay wait... THIS is the best thing here" and then another plate would arrive and prove us wrong again The carnitas fried rice??? I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it. So savory, flavorful, comforting, and packed with crispy carnitas on top with the eggs and pickled onions... literally unreal. And then the skirt steak tacos absolutely stole the show. The steak was cooked perfectly, packed with flavor, and paired so perfectly with all the toppings and sauces. Every single bite tasted fresh and homemade in the best way possible. And can we talk about the ambience for a second because WOW. The music, the energy, the vibe inside, everyone celebrating, the drinks flowing -- it felt like the perfect Cinco de Mayo dinner spot. The service was also AMAZING from start to finish and made the entire experience even better. One of those dinners where you leave already talking about when you're coming back If you're looking for the place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, date night, tacos & margaritas, or honestly just an incredible dinner in general... this is IT

What a fun spot! We had reservations (glad we did) and sat in the bar area at a high-top table…read morealong the window. Perfect seat in my opinion. Views of the city right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. What I tried: + chips and queso - 8/10 + ribeye with rice and beans (was a special) - 7.5/10 + spicy margarita - 8/10 Great service!

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Interior views

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El Xangarrito - Cheesecake

El Xangarrito

4.8(216 reviews)
1.7 miLincoln Square, Ravenswood

Thanks to Yelp El Xangarrito has been on my list for sometime, and I was not disappointed. It is a…read morevery small family-owned Mexican restaurant but the seating does not make you feel cramped. We did make reservations/wait list and was seated immediately. We started off with chips and salsa, and the salsa was a bit too spicy for me, but everyone else enjoyed it. We started with the Chicken Poblano - a savory dish with creamy poblano sauce mixed with chicken and sliced poblano peppers topped with corn. We all enjoyed it. Most of the reviews recommended the enchiladas and we ordered a variety of them. The Enchiladas Poblanos stuffed with chicken and cheese. The poblano sauce was rich and smoky. We also had the Enchiladas Morita. They were filled with shrimp and cheese. It was so flavorful and the morita chile added so much flavor. Each dish was served with a side jicama salad. Their special was a shrimp pasta with lobster. It came with full lobster tail. The sauce was creamy and flavorful. It is also BYOB, which is a nice option. Service was excellent, friendly offered recommendations. This is probably one of my favorite Mexican restaurants and highly recommend.

Xangaritto continues to be a beacon of delicious food and friendly hospitality. They switched…read moreowners about a year ago and the beginning was a little rocky but today was an amazing experience. I love coming here for the tampiquena and the enchiladas. The tamipquena is marinated in something delicious, pretty sure it includes adobo chiles, making the tamipquena flavorful and tender. The enchiladas have some of the best sauces. We especially love then poblano sauce on the chicken enchiladas. The enchiladas have some tender chicken and the sauce is slightly spicy and creamy. Everyone is super friendly, the waiting staff and chef take pride in their work and it shows. I continue to strongly recommend this place for a delicious dinner out. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It s a cozy elevated escape.

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El Xangarrito - Veggie Pastor Tacos

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Manchamanteles Restaurant - Enchiladas Potosina

Manchamanteles Restaurant

4.4(143 reviews)
3.8 miBucktown
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Chef Geno Bahena is back in business, and his world famous moles are as complex and satisfying as…read moreever. I had the rack of lamb in mole negro, and it was delicious. Get it medium rare. Kelly had steak fajitas and deemed them amazing. The sopa Azteca is spicy and loaded with complex flavors. Huge portion, too, enough to share or take home. For dessert, the chocolate mole tart and the strawberry ice cream are superb. Palomas and margaritas are good, and the wine list is all very affordable. Get the Rioja or the Cotes du Rhone.

Came here on Valentine's Day with a reservation, there were three of us, one kid. It was full of…read morefamilies, some couples. The had a tasting menu but we opted out of it. They give you a complimentary spicy trail mix. We started with the guacamole, it was okay. Then I got a traditional margarita, my partner got a pina colada with strawberries, and my kid got a pink lemonade (Marz Brewing made). The margarita was good, not strong but not too watery. For dinner I got the chicken fajitas, the waiter asked if I wanted just chicken which I though was odd because I ordered the chicken fajitas and I wasn't sure what he meant or if he meant no veggies, it came with veggies luckily. It also came with tortilla, corn, and a side of refried black beans with cojita, and rice. It was all okay. My partner got the lamb mole, it was sweet and savory, not spicy. And it came with tortillas. They have a lot of mole options, so if you're into that definitely come here to try! Overall it was just okay.

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Manchamanteles Restaurant
Manchamanteles Restaurant - Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

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Frontera Grill - Trio Ceviche

Frontera Grill

3.9(2.8k reviews)
5.6 miNear North Side
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Delicious food, friendly waiter, militant hostess…read more We came to dinner before a standup performance downtown (Mateo Lane was hilarious, by the way). I arrived at the restaurant on time (4:30) and checked in with the hostess, who said I could only be seated when the entire group of three arrived. This seemed weird given the restaurant was pretty empty at this time, and ordinarily I'd order a drink while waiting at the table. Regardless, I went to Starbucks instead because I knew the other two were a few minutes behind. When I got back to the restaurant, my friend said the hostess told him we absolutely had to leave within 1.5 hours because we were late... which seemed odd because he may have checked in 15 minutes after our reservation, to an empty restaurant, that already refused to seat me on time. Regardless, the food was delicious. I had the Pollo in ChiChilo-- the mole was delicious, and I loved the chicken and sweet potato. I ordered the mole on the side, which seemed like a nice balance. Since the hostess wouldn't previously seat me, I had a lovely iced matcha latte with oat milk and half a pump of vanilla from Starbucks, which was a nice pairing. The waiter did ask if I wanted a shot of something with it, which seemed odd. Ambiance was cute, probably due for a renovation but seemed appropriate for most dining out occasions- dates, families, a day out in town. Note: the restaurant charges an automatic 20% gratuity which may explain the service. Keep this in mind to avoid tipping more than you intend. Overall, I would definitely come back, and the food and wait staff made up for the abrasive welcome.

Food - pork tacos - excellent execution of tender pork belly. Every piece was so succulent and…read morefull of crisy pork goodness. Warm, homemade tortillas added to the perfect bite on top of flavor town green tomatillo salsa. The black beans was a good balance the rich pork flavors. Also, if the standard salsa was room tamed for.your liking; they have a good habanero salsa for the asking. Maybe too much foe most. Dessert- ice cream with fudge.. Great tasting of vanilla and chocolate, but wasnt quite over the top. The ice cream was nice and thick, but was a bit gritty for ice cream at an upscale place. Partly why I couldnt give it a perfect score. Service - attentive and intuitive. The waiter seems to know what we like and need without asking too much. Spicy pineapple Cocktail- good, strong, but not great. Couldn't really taste any pineapple. Cleanliness- clean and organized. Cost - affordable for special occasion. Restroom - fancy and clean. Ambiance - warm and relaxing, but a bit cheap with the vinyl or cheap wood veneer tables.

Photos
Frontera Grill - Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Frontera Grill - Duck carnitas

Duck carnitas

Frontera Grill - Pork shank

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Pork shank

Carmela's Taqueria - mexican - Updated May 2026

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