My receipt tells the story of excellent food, great service but the restaurant needs a thorough cleaning and makeover: Large Guacamole at $13.95 is cheap; Chips and Salsa at $6.50 was so plentiful that it will spoil before we can eat it all; Caldo De Camarón (Jumbo Shrimp Soup) was a remarkable; and, the Queso Fundido with Chorizo Sausage they got right this time and it was exceptionally flavorful! Add Corn & Flour Tortillas! Yummy read more

This place was recommended to Me. Come to find out. It's less than 5 minutes from where I live.. The Ambiance was Nice, Music Loud, and Clean.. The Staff was Super accommodating and Friendly.. The Food was really Good! I ordered the Chicken Burrito plate.. It was one of the Biggest Burritos I had Ever had.. Lol.. But so good! Flavorful and the meat was Tender.. I will order from here again in the near future.. read more

Cocula Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food was just okay... service was bad .. after receiving our food, I asked for two sets of silverware. Dani(?) , our server completely forgot My mom had to flag her down to remind her we needed to pay the bill . read more

Cocula Restaurant - Inside the restaurant. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Service are great, food not anymore. I just had a torta de asada dinner with beans and rice. I been going there for years even before they branched out they used to be a little hole in the wall restaurant a few doors down from the bank when it was called Calumet bank.. I grew up going there now it's like they have no pride in making the food anymore. The food is can refried beans and the stale hard rice.. i was there a month ago and the food made my stomach upset. I thought nothing of it. But I was there today and it gave me diarrhea as soon as I paid. I had to go straight to the restroom there. It was there for a good 20 minutes, my stomach was in knots when I was able to leave I had to go home and now I'm unable to go out for the night because of what I ate there. Sorry, never going there again. It was a good place at one time... read more

I've been here about 5 times before and I'm never disappointed. I ordered chile relleno and red snapper with Veracruzana sauce. I usual don't order fish but my wife encouraged it and this food was so tasty. The chile relleno is my favorite dish here. It's a can't miss. A great vegetarian option!! Our waitress made sure we were taken care of and we didn't feel forgotten about. The restaurant is setup nicely. I'll be back. Our read more

Cocula Restaurant - Chiles Rellenos Platillo - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Recently I tried their tacos for an event and was impressed. So tonight I decided to have dinner here. I ordered a Michelada drink which was watery and more spicy, not much liquor. The chicken fajitas was wth because it was more of a chicken soup - no flava. Not recommended. My guest order the ground beef tacos which was good. I should have ordered that. Server Miriam was decent. Place was clean, nicely decorated though no Christmas decor(????). That is very grinchy. Restroom was clean. Would I come back? Hmmmm not sure. read more

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Delicious food and excellent wait staff. I took a class of 35 students there for lunch after a trip to the Museum; the service was impeccable. Because we were on a school trip, we had limited time, the staff was able to serve our group delicious food in a timely manner. I would highly recommend this restaurant!!! Go in hungry and leave satisfied! read more

Came here on a whim with a girlfriend because another place we were headed too was closed and I'm so happy we came in! Super affordable, super delicious, and their horchata was a hit! It's not easy finding good horchata and they got it! We ordered quesabirria (3) with a side of rice and beans - meal was around $14... i don't know too many places w that pricing tbh Nice service and thoroughly enjoyed everything from start to finish read more

Food and drinks were so good! I had the steak tacos, quesabirria and mango margarita either a side of rice and beans. Delicious! Prompt service. They have an attached parking lot with ample parking. Great vibes inside as well. Would definitely recommend. read more

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On Tuesday 02/17/26, my partner and I went to the restaurant. I ordered a shrimp cocktail, and my partner ordered a surf and turf! The service arrived late... my partner's food was cold and salty. My cocktail was disgustingly salty, and the shrimp was frozen. The waitress just looked at us from afar and laughed but didn't come to the table, not even once except to take and drop off the order. When I went to pay, I complained to the cashier, who told me I was right to make a complaint to see if they would improve the service. So here I am! I went there because it was on my way, but honestly, it's my first and last time there. I PAID FOR GOOD SERVICE... AND AT LEAST EDIBLE FOOD!! I think as customers we deserve improvements in the service, since they aren't giving you anything for free! I feel discriminated against because a white man sitting behind my table was checked on every 2 minutes to see if he wanted anything else. I think it's not fair for race to be treated like that! El martes 17/02/26 fuimos al restaurante mi pareja y yo. Yo pedí un cóctel de camarón. y mi Pareja ordeno un mar y tierra! el servicio llego tarde..la comida de mi pareja estaba fría y salada,. Mi cóctel estaba asquerosamente salado.. y el Camaron congelado.. y la mesera solo nos veía de lejos y se reía pero no fue a la mesa. ni una sola vez extra, solo fue para tomar y dejar la orden, cuando fui a pagar.. me queje con el cajero..quien me dijo que hacia bien en hacer una queja para ver.si componían el servicio, Asi que aquí me tienen! Fui ahi por que me quedaba de paso. Pero la verdad es mi primera y ultima vez ahi..PAGUE POR UN BUEN SERVICIO.Y UNA COMIDA POR LO MENOS COMESTIBLE!! Creo que como clientes merecemos mejoras en los servicios..ya que no te están Regalando nada!! me siento discriminada por que a un hombre blanco que estaba atrás de mi mesa cada 2 minutos iban a ver si quería algo mas, Yo creo que no es justo que la Raza Sea Asi de culey!! read more

The waiter was the best! The food is a reason for not returning. Portions are small, the sauces are tasteless. They forgot the chile in them. It reminded me of "Where's the beef" commercial. Frankly, I'm surprised they remain in business. Well the number of cars in the parking lot is generally a good clue. I should have never gone in. There was only one other vehicle in the parking lot. read more

He pedido 3 veces los mismos platos y han estado excelente, lo recomiendo 100% La carne de las quesabirrias suave con nada o muy poco "pellejo" "grasa" tal como me gusta. No incluye frijoles. El Burrito lo pedimos de pastor y esta super condimentado y rico, este si incluye frijoles y arroz. El picante que viene aparte esta rico y suave read more

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Services & Food 10/10 . Love This Place My guy friend introduced me to this place on my birthday, ever since then I couldn't get my taste buds off the chicken tacos/hard shell. We went back & I decided to try the soft tortillas, which were also amazing! I recommend Cocula on California. read more

Cocula Restaurant - 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Get your Imodium AD and Pepto and throw it out! It's not going to help. Ordered the suizo chicken burrito with avocado and my husband ordered the same no avocado. Worse diarrhea of our lives, my husband's food poisoning came with vomiting too. We've been creating a list of places to never order from again. This place just made top of the list. Have the fire department on standby your toilet will EXPLODE. read more

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Hello I was there tonight with my daughter. I had Guisado de Puerco for $13.99, and it was terrible. It was very oversalted! I Should have mentioned it sooner before eating as much to our waitress? But I did let her know.....I'll never have that again....my stomach doesn't feel well. Changed my mind. I'll not go back again. Also, my nephew was there a year ago for his birthday and he said that his Burrito was oily and soggy and the chicken filling was very salty also. Just thought I should share. read more

The steak enchiladas suiza taste like sloppy joe. I found a hair in my food. Had to beg for napkins. I have been going here my whole life. This was my first bad experience. read more

3.5 score The last 2 visits were better than my last one. So that's the reason it's a 3.5 instead of a whole 3 or 4. Food is decent not super authentic but not bad at all. Price point not bad. Their drinks use too be stronger I think people have found out about this spot and not they are changing their way of doing things unfortunately. Now we did go late and it was an hour before closing but still you should treat every customer right or don't take them at all. I'll go back again earlier in the day to see if things change but it won't be no time soon. read more

The service was friendly, the food was tasty, and restaurant looked clean. The decor was dated. I will return

Coculas on commercial been eating here for many years. This evening a huge disappointment. Sent my nephew to pick up dinner he came back in 30 minutes ( i live nearby). Burrito was half the size as usual( no exaggeration) and it was cold. How did they do that? Cold? The chicken quesadilla was greasy. How did they do that? Nephew said there were kids in the kitchen cooking. Been going there for ao many years, i will try again, but if this happens, thats all for me. In all fairness, the chips were crispy and great. read more

Cocula Restaurant - Tiny cold burrito and a greasy chicken quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cocula is a nice restaurant to have drinks with family friends or if you just want to decompress with your coworkers. The price is right! I've been here three times and I must say the customer service was great. My Food came out hot and my drinks had me ready to do some dancing . My meal of choice is the QuesoBirria tacos and my drink of choice is the Magarona. Check out the pics below. read more

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This was some of the best (and most authentic) Mexican food we've had! My husband and I ordered (and shared) the carne asada plate which includes a cheese enchilada. It was amazing and plenty to split! Also, the service was amazing- very attentive server. And we didn't feel rushed to finish; a very relaxed and enjoyable meal!! read more

Cocula Restaurant - So delicious!! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fast setting, friendly service, food never disappoints and completely authentic. Family and kid friendly, menu has more than plenty of gluten free options. Shrimp cocktails are loaded with shrimp, steak tacos are tender and flavorful. read more

My all time favorite spot to get Mexican food in the city. I can't recall a time I've ever dined at any of their establishments and wasn't satisfied. I know that not everyone will always have the same experiences when dining out but the consistency I've experienced from this establishment in particular is always on point. I started coming here in the 6th grade and ever since have been hooked. Needless to say a few of the servers working here are still here from when I originally started coming to this location 15+ years ago. It's certainly has made it's mark and is a South Chicago staple. There's plenty of seating, hardly ever a long wait time and they even have the old fashioned (updated version) of the jukebox so you can pick some tunes while dining. If you dine in on the right day you just might be lucky enough to see the mariachi band live. Good food , warm welcoming vibes and an easy to get to location with ample parking space. This will forever be my all time favorite place for Mexican food. read more

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Omg. Gross gross GROSS!!! The service is fine. The food is so disgusting!!! The shrimp was definitely spoiled. It smelled spoiled and tasted even worse than it smelled. The beans tasted like they had beef in them and the rice was very salty. This place is overpriced for the quality of food. SMH. Never ever ever never again. read more

Cocula Restaurant - Terrible shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Please exercise EXTREME caution while eating here. My food tasted off and it didn't sit right so I checked thoroughly and found a maggot cooked into the rice. If I wasn't being paranoid and checking it would've easily been missed under all those grains. I cannot imagine the conditions for this to happen... read more

Overall i enjoyed my food! They forgot my steak and I cancelled it and she bought it out late anyway and charged me! I will go again cause I haven't been here since '91 i want to try 7 seafood soup! read more

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I was on the hunt for menudo because I always seem to be wanting that, but "timing" is often off and likes to play games with me! In other words, menudo is an item that's typically offered on Saturdays and Sundays only. As a retail professional, having to work on the entire weekends is just what the business demands. However, I was "awarded" for having a Saturday off. In order to prepare this "menudo" feast, I counseled the Google search engine. I found out that the menudo from "Cocula Restaurant" was top-rated in Chicago. This time, Mr. Timing was on our side since hubby was finishing up a service call in Highland, Indiana. I suggested him to come here for lunch. Haha, he took the bait! Where Cocula Restaurant is located isn't in the best hood, yet it's not definitely the worst I've seen in Chicago. Many of you may disagree with me on this point that I'm about to make: I don't mind citizens drinking in public or using illegal substances on middle of the streets. You may pursue your happiness whatever way you desire, but the consequences and responsibilities are on you. That's how libertarian I am as an individual. Well, let's delve into the food that we consumed happily in Cocula. Parking is more than plenty, so you stay safe there, my friend (and police do pop in a lot to place orders). Menu from Cocula was one of the most extensive ones I've ever seen. They had an entire page of Mariscos! While trying my best to not be distracted by my BFF (seafood), I stuck with my original choice, menudo. On the other hand, hubby requested chilaquiles with huevo only without any meat. The service was attentive. The young lady even asked if I preferred my menudo with or without bones! I usually like mine without the bones since science has told me that the dropping of heavy objects in the soup tends to cause splashes. Ten (10) minutes after the deliveries of salsa/chips and two (2) large horchata on our table, hubby's chilaquiles arrived. Chilaquiles are versatile and can be made with different kinds of meat or without meat. Who doesn't like crunchy salsa chips mingled with fresh veggies, avocados, eggs and beans? The young lady friendly informed me that the menudo was coming soon, while preparing the condiments (fresh-chopped white onion, poblano peppers, and oregano). Wow, that menudo (dreaming about lovely tripes dancing in my mouth...) didn't skimp on the amount of tripes. Every single scoop until the last bite was tripe-ful! The tripe tasted tender and was easy to chew and swallow. The broth was also flavorful, and there was no need to boost the acidity by adding lime juice. The Italian soccer game on TV and lively Mexican folk music kept us busy. After some intellectual conversations about soccer between hubby and I, our food was steadily transported to our stomaches. The price points were also reasonable. Our total with two (2) grande horchata, huevo chilaquiles, and menudo came to under $23 before tip. I wish that heavenly menudo was offered everyday of the week. Now you should know Rosa J.'s best companion on the weekend is menudo. We will be back, as least I will certainly lure hubby to service more calls in this direction of the city. I want to try their Mariscos next time when I come in. read more

Cocula Restaurant - Chilaquilles (requested no meat just huevo) - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My family and I dined in at this restaurant for the 1st time after church and the food was delicious. The Birria Tacos with the dipping gravy on the side was amazing!!! read more

Good food, but EXTREMELY OVERPRICED!!!! They charge for extra chips and salsa for dining in and your first "basket" of chips isn't even in a basket, it's in a little french fry cardboard container. read more

Ok ok, let me start by saying Mexican Cuisine is my 2nd favorite type of food to eat. I am a Chicagoan to the fullest so everyone knows when you want authentic Mexican food go to Coculas! There are two locations, but this one is in Chicago and located on commercial st. which is one of Chicago's big Mexican areas. When you first arrive there is a full parking lot waiting for cars. Now if that parking lot is full there are 4 streets you can park on and two of the 4 are free. When you first walk in you get the smell of purple Fabuloso and clean bleach. once you enter into the restaurant you are greeted with the native language of Spanish, HOLA!!! then the waitress proceeds with English where would you like to sit? you are hit with the multiple color tables and even a large wicker chair which is a staple piece of furniture in the Mexican culture. The diner at night is lit pretty well but still give off a dim light look. They have tv's that are always on Telemondo and even a juke box that you pay $1 to here the latest mariachi band. let me warn you, the owner speaks OK English but all of the workers do not speak English. the waitress know enough to help you thru the menu and that's it, so be patient because the food is worth it trust me. There is plenty of seating to hold at least 100 people seated and the price is $-$$. I have been eating here since I was 5 years old, I am now 28 and it is still a good past time. The food is fresh off the grill and sometimes steaming so watch out for you plates. I always buy burrito, taco dinners with only rice sides, and TORTAS!!! when I say the steak tortas is SO GOOD believe me. if you want real Mexican this is it. Your chips and salsa are free with the choice of green hot sauce or red hot sauce. Over all, you will not be disappointed! read more

This is the second time I have ordered the Red Snapper and it is cooked as hard as a brick, both times.

This used to be a good place many years ago ! I wonder what happened the service gets a 3.5 Food , defenitily a 3.0 , cleaningness a 3.5 , I just wish some one would step up and bring this gem back to what it used to be ! Ah , best agua de Horchata anywhere ! Margaritas are ok , anyways ! I hope management steps up and takes care of the problems. read more

I visited Cocula first time w/family (3/3/18). I knew it was a good sign as we approach the restaurant around 8pm on Saturday; several cars were turning into it's alright packed private parking lot. Scored parking space as we drove in. Entering the restaurant it was packed. I was a bit confused, Open area with "carry out" station but no visible host station for "dining in". We seated ourselves. A server quickly came over w/menus, another w/chips & salsa. Warm corn tortilla chips & thick slightly smoky/spicy salsa. Great starter. The piña colada (see photo)served small/big-I ordered the big. This drink is served thick/creamy & they are Not shy w/rum. We ordered Beef Taco platter, a combination platter w/beef taco/tostada/chicken Tamale. And Mexican enchilada platter this one includes corn tortillas dipped in mole sauce before being stuffed w/tender shredded chicken & covered w/enchilada sauce. Each platter also includes Mexican yellow rice & refried beans & salad of iceberg lettuce, red onions, cucumbers & avocado. Topped w/what taste like French dressing. Unfortunately they serve no desserts. Otherwise delicious meal & professional courteous service. read more

Cocula Restaurant - Piña colada!! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been sick and the only thing that I can taste and haven't gotten more sick from eating is the chicken soup and rice they add in tortillas. The rice idk what they add innto season it but it's sooo good! I've taken the chicken soup to go each time but I can't wait to be healthy again so I can try other dishes. While waiting I saw so many delicious plates idk what they were but it look both appetizing as well as pretty artistically plated. read more

i made an order to go mention over the phone I have allergy to raw onion mention multiple times and was given onions with my food, I call them immediately and was told I could not get the refund unless I brought food back I inform them I couldn't since it was late and I didn't have my car for the rest of the night but they could come get it, that I could drop it off tomorrow morning at 6am since I have a 12 hour shift tomorrow but they said no, and then hung up and no longer pick up the phone, worst customer service ever and horrible experience, if I would've taken a bite o would've been hospitalize, i understand mistakes happen but this was preventable again I mention multiple times my allergy. this is not a place on my way to work or close to me and or a place I frequent visit i should've gone with my gut and gotten pizza read more

The food is normally fine. My suggestion is to order take out. The service at this location isn't the best. They are very slow and not really attentive. I saw a couple tables around us that were lacking silverware or menus. Or ppl going long periods without getting things they requested. To make matters worse... at the end of our dining experience... the waitress over charged my card by at least $5. She made up prices for things to try to rationalize it and then just asked that I adjust/take it out of her tip because she knew she had messed up. Thee absolute worse!!! Either avoid this location all together or bring cash for carry out. I have been patronizing this business for a while now but this will change. I'll be looking for a New Mexican restaurant to dine at because I will NOT accept someone trying to get over on their customers! read more

Nope, nope, nope, NO! Stopped here after visiting a farmer's market in the area this summer. Usually Yelp is on point but not this time. Walked in and was COMPLETELY IGNORED! Like three different waitresses looked at me and walked passed as if I was invisible. I finally walked up to the bar for assistance. The bartender was sweet. He greeted me and asked what I wanted to order. I wasn't sure so I grabbed a menu. Settled on a couple of tacos that I could eat on the go. Went to the restroom to wash my hands and it was old and a bit dirty. What pissed me off is that they had the hand soap in a Styrofoam cup! Why not just go to the 15 stores on the block to by a soap dispenser?! How gross. To make matters worse a waitress came in and instead of waiting for me to finish washing my hands, she left out of the stall and straight out the door! Fully discussed and seeing red. I came out the bathroom prepared to ask for the manager only to see her behind the bar washing her hands. I was simultaneously relieved and more upset. I was happy she was washing her hands but couldn't help bit think of the things she contaminated behind the bar. Ugh, by that time my food was ready. Took it to eat outside before I hopped back on my bike. Unfortunately, the tacos were meh. The meat (carne) was tough and bland. Every place has an off day but just on sanitation alone, I will not return. read more

Ate here late on Friday night in May. Most restaurants in the area closed early due to COVID restrictions still in place. Cocula was open later and accepted to go and dine in orders. Our food was prepared in about 10 mins and was good. We ordered a tamale combo meal and a steak burrito to go. Nice size portions and they got our meal selections and add ins correct! I would definitely go back! Thanks Cocula! read more

Mexican anyone?. Let me start by saying this is not your taco bell. It's a restaurant. It's not fast food. We had a huge order for takeout. A chicken and veggie burrito, shrimp dinner, and tacos-soft and hard, chicken, steak and ground beef with a side order of rice and beans. Please note, the rice and beans are separate and not one dish. I was trying to get a drink while we waited but the bartender wasn't working. I really wanted a margarita but it's ok. The veggie burrito was so darn good. It was huge. The flavors were on point and it was basically beans rice, tomato, lettuce and cheese. As for the chicken burrito. Use your imagination, and just add the chicken. This was good as well. The hard shell tacos remained crunchy and the soft tacos were soggy. All the flavors were great. As for the rice and beans, I could have eaten bowls of this. The beans are served with melted cheese on top. The flavors were just great. I recommend driving down commercial to try it out. read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed my meal today. The flavor was outstanding. The only issue that I had was that our waitress rarely checked on us and took a little long to bring the bill and to-go containers. But I will undoubtedly be back. Hopefully soon. I had to come back and update my review. My leftovers were just as delicious as the day I originally ordered. And I really got to see how fresh the ingredients were. I want another burrito right now. read more

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