Thanks to Yelp El Xangarrito has been on my list for sometime, and I was not disappointed. It is a very 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. read more

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Xangaritto continues to be a beacon of delicious food and friendly hospitality. They switched owners 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. read more

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We had a great time this NYE at El Xangarrito. We had a 9pm reservation with a fairly large group and they were able to accommodate. Overall, the restaurant is a tiny place - it probably has total seating for 25-30 people. Nice cozy little place. The staff was very friendly and the took care of us. To start, they start you off with chips and salsa. Chips were great, though the salsa that it comes with was kind of OK. Not our fave. The chips baskets are kind of tiny - again, we had a large group, so that was a challenge, but they brought more eventually. Then we ordered some snacks. Oh.. the place is a BYOB, so I was surprised when they weren't asking us about drinks but when we found out, then it made sense. So yes, we had some guacalmole, veggie quesadillas, and this house salad. Interestingly, the house salad (probably the best item on the menu). It's so flavorful and fresh - we loved this. The veggie quesadillas were fine and the quac was also fine. Then as most of us were vegetarian, mostly we had these mushroom tacos and the cheese enchiladas. I think both were quite good. I think the cheese in the enchiladas would've been even better if they came out hotter, but it was probably a challenge to bring everything out piping hot. The taco was good too. Then we had a couple of desserts, because it was a a bit of a birthday celebration. The tres leches was pretty decent. I didn't care for the lava-style cake. So yeah, overall, we had a great time and it was a great find and fun evening. read more

I just had really delicious tacos pastor. Sweet onions and pineapple a fabulous supplement to well seasoned meat. And a very refreshing salad with a sweet vinaigrette which was perfect for me. I highly recommend having a meal 11/26/25 This place never disappoints ! Terrific shrimp dish tonight, also tried the shrimp tacos, which were so flavorful. It's BYOB now! Service was wonderful It's quite a bit smaller than before, but we were able to have a table of five comfortably. read more

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Amazing all around! This adorable Roscoe Village matchbox-of-a-restaurant brings everything I love about dining out: great food; festive and intimate ambiance; kind responsive service (thanks Dayana); and absolutely delicious homemade Mexican/cuisine. This place gets my strongest recommendation. read more

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A tasty hidden treasure of a Mexican restaurant! I had the steak enchilada mole, OMG! Delicious is an understatement! Very warm, cozy, and intimate. Great for dates and groups of 4, but you may be waiting to be seated if you have a larger group. Call ahead and see how busy they are. It is also BYOB, so make sure to pick up your favorite beer or wine before getting there. read more

El Xangarrito - Very cute decor, and perfect date night lighting. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food and service never disappoints! I had the chicken fajitas and asked for no rice and extra beans and the rest of the table (3 others) had specifications for their orders too and she did not write down any of this. We were unsure if she would remember everything and she did, amazing!! The tres leches was one of the best I've had! Also, this is a byob which is a plus! Btw, when I walked out she also said thank you, Holly! She also remembered my name! These extra touches did not go unnoticed. We will definitely be back! read more

Phenomenal food, staff and service. We have come back many many times with close friends and always leave happy.

Service- Felipe, Food- poblano cheese dip sin pollo, Ambiance- cute interior. Love BYOB option read more

Really delicious and service was great! Tiny spot but they make the most of the space. BYOB!

This review is based on poor customer service received. We initially made a reservation for 2 at 7 pm on Friday 03/21/26. My friend was coming in from Indiana & looking forward to eating there. Several days earlier, we received an apologetic call asking if we could change the reservation to 6pm because they had a party of 8 coming in at 7pm & apparently had over booked. We agreed to come in at 6 pm. We arrive exactly at 6pm and are told that all tables inside were full & that the 2 empty 4 tops were reserved for a party of 8. We were asked to sit outside but we still had to wait for a two top table. We chose to wait to sit inside. A father and son (2 people) finish eating, leave from a 4 top. Personnel refuse to sit us there because they have a 6:45 reservation for 4. The restaurant is small and has limited seating for 2. While we understand that profit margins are slim and maximizing their seating is how they'll turn a higher profit; how rude to not honor your reservation system. Mismanaged it is. Why bother taking reservations if you're not going to honor them; you might as well be first come first served. We ended up leaving and ate somewhere else. Xangaritto you owe me my pay to park parking fee and an apology. read more

This was another fantastic Yelp find when looking for a spot on the northside. We've been here maybe 10-15 times and the food and service is always great and the prices are very reasonable. We regularly get the tampiquena, chicken poblano app and the first shrimp dish listed on the menu (I forget the name). As for their specials, they always have really creative dishes - our absolute favorite was the mussels dish they had over the summer. We went twice in a week, it was that good. It's small spot with indoor seating (for ~20) so reservations are always a good idea, but they also have outdoor seating which is nice in the summer. If you're looking for a chill environment with really great food, definitely check it out! read more

Always a winner! From the friendly, welcoming service to the delicious homemade food, we come back to El Xangarrito again and again and are never disappointed! read more

This is truly a hidden gem. Tucked into a tiny little space on Rockwell Street, you'd miss this place if you didn't look for it. My favorite items are the ceviche, ribs, and enchiladas. They have two different kinds of moles and will let you sample both. It's BYOB, so bring some drinks! Parking is easy! read more

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C and I have been dining at El Xangarrito since 2021. It's a lovely little restaurant with excellent cuisine, outdoor seating, and friendly service. A big plus is that it's BYOB. The ownership changed at some point in the last year or so. The expansive menu is essentially the same and the quality of the food remains excellent. Indeed, we were there twice in the last two weeks. The only noticeable change is that service has been reduced. In the past, there were two servers attending to tables, but now there is only one highly efficient and extremely energetic server who has to double as busboy. Since we're never in any rush, I'm not bothered, but I imagine some patrons get stressed, having to wait for attention and their food. I just hope the super-server never has to call in sick. read more

The food was good. It's BYOB which we did not realize in advance. There is a liquor store down the street which is handy if you need to get drinks. The outdoor seating was nice. The service was good. The Mole sauce was delicious. I have never had rice in my chicken tacos before. That was unusual to me but they tasted good none the less. read more

El Xangarrito - Pollo Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best salad I've had in years. I live in the south suburbs and I will be driving back up here for the apple salad with chicken (minus the goat cheese) and extra house dressing. I wish I had taken a photo because I was debating getting the salad but didn't see a photo on Yelp so I felt like I was taking a risk. That risk paid off. Next time I order it, I'll make sure to snap a picture. I ordered online and picked it up all within 10 minutes. The restaurant space inside is small but they also have patio seating. Parking is residential and it might be hard to find a spot on the street. read more

Everything I've tried on the menu is exceptional. I'm not a vegetarian but I craveee the mushroom tacos.

Six stars. Adorable space, friendly service, and the kitchen succeeds on the MOLECULAR level. Sauces. Grill work. Magic. Make reservations. Accept the waiter's recommendations. Enjoy each bite. Also dessert. Lava cake was every bit as delicious as every other delicious thing. If not more so. read more

Food was delicious. Restaurant was nice, cozy and staff was awesome. All very polite and quick. BYOB so they had no liquor but there's a store right on the block that took 2 minutes to grab some beers. The horchata was also great read more

El Xangarrito - Quesadillas Al Gusto - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Where do I begin? This has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants. I've been here several times but had to add to my review! Everything here is spot on! The service is always incredible. This past Saturday we had Hector as our server and he was attentive, informative, and went the extra mile to make our dining experience extraordinary. El Xangarrito is on the smaller side which adds to the intimate feeling. The lighting and decor is A plus in my book. This time I had the Tampiquena. I substituted the cheese enchiladas for chicken. I also asked for rice instead of plantains. The steak was cooked perfectly with a nice char. The enchiladas were amazing and one of my favorite items on the menu. For dessert we went with our usual, chocolate lava cake. It never disappoints. But this time they had guava ice cream to go with it and it was a pleasant surprise. We decided to partake in the BYOB for the first time. There is a cork fee but they bring you glasses, will chill it and even pour it for you. Previous visits we've had the carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, and ceviche. All 10/10. Can't recommend this place enough and I've already made my reservation for the end of this month! read more

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The food was excellent. By wife absolutely loved the homemade margarita mix they made for us for her birthday (it's BYOB). The guacamole was pretty standard, very god though. The steak I had was excellent (though a little undercooked). I asked for medium, but received a rare steak. But I didn't want to complain so I ate it anyway. My son had the steak tacos. They were pretty standard. He says they were good. But my steak looked better! My wife had the enchiladas (with red sauce). She thought they were delicious. She was very happy I chose a new place for her birthday. We would definitely go there again. We loved the ambience as well. But it was on the small side. There were only about 6 tables. But you really didn't feel cramped. The food was the headliner here. Very good. read more

Man. We started going here right after they opened, whenever that was. Years ago. Always liked it a lot. Absolute complete miss and disaster of a meal 8/20. Didn't have stuff (which happens), but outright cold food and (critically) undercooked pork ribs, which I paid another price for yesterday. Service was super slow and not sympathetic. No response from management after contacting them directly, so, I dunno, here you go? They were swamped with to-go orders, and we were definitely a afterthought. read more

This is not a hole in the wall. It's a real restaurant beautifully decorated with a lovely atmosphere. Small outside dining, too. Best medium rare carne asada we've ever had anywhere at any price point. Ceviche, mole fried plantains, fabulous jimaca themed salad. What a find! Make reservations; they're very busy read more

What a treat for the family! El Xangarrito in Chicago's Ravenswood Manor delivers authentic, homemade Mexican cuisine in this lovely neighborhood spot. Ample patio seating & super friendly staff. Your chips never go empty. Highly recommend - Fried plantains - sweet, crispy, caramelized goodness - Shrimp enchiladas in creamy shrimp sauce with jicama salad - Chicken mole is their signature dish with one of the best dark, rich mole sauces!! read more

If you love mole , and I LOVE MOLE, I have found my new favorite #Mexican restaurant in the city right near Lincoln Square. They have a delicious pollo en mole dish which is one of the best I have had . The mole is so rich you don't want to waste any of it. It is served green beans and Mexican rice which is the ideal accompaniment. Service is great here and servers are so thoughtful and friendly . They even brought out tortillas to eat my dish in. Highly recommend you call for reservations since they have limited space inside and outside. BYOB . #mexican #northside read more

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Recently had an amazing dining experience here. Service was absolutely impeccable. The atmosphere in restaurant is small yet beautiful. I didn't feel cramped and loved the lighting. Food was amazing. We had the ceviche (you must order this), fundido (delicious), steak/enchiladas (must order) and blackened salmon in mole (also great) the price point was so reasonable with quality of food and byob made it an even better deal. I can't wait to come back read more

El Xangarrito - Steak/enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Second time coming here and it's just as good as the last! First time we sat outside in the summer and last night we got to sit inside. LOVED the ambiance they do such a great job with decorations making it feel warm like spring but with a touch of winter. For food I ordered the Enchiladas Morita and omggg this may be one of the best dishes I've had in the last year. Super filling yet light, delicious but not overly acidic, honestly the perfect combination of flavors. Make a reservation online in advanced or order pickup, you won't be disappointed. FYI the BYOB fee is $4 read more

El Xangarrito - a chandelier hanging from the ceiling - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I ate there for the first time last night and it was excellent. The staff was so accommodating and nice. The food was delicious. We sat outside which was cute and had heaters so it was cozy. Have the key lime pie. The best I've had in a long time. read more

Delicious food, cute atmosphere, small place so be sure to book a reservation. They were super friendly and accommodating of all our dietary needs and reservation timing. I will be back. read more

The food? Omg! Order anything and everything. Loved the Floutas!!! The enchiladas poblanos is a favorite too So this place has the best staff. They are great at what they do and kind! Love the restaurant itself is well decorated and comfortable. Go eat here! Order the food and bring it home!!! read more

El Xangarrito - The restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We all loved our entrees as well as the plantain and mole appetizer. Service was professional as well as friendly--ambiance was cozy and BYOB is a plus. read more

By luck we came across this place while walking by. El Xangarrito is a small place that's easy to miss because it's just a hole. It was at lunch and luckily it was open for a quick bite and more. Has some pretty good ass chips and salsa, but the rest of the menu is pretty meaty with things like beef and chicken. The prices are pretty okay for around here it seems. Coming here the first time, we didn't know it was BYOB. It means they have no alcohol, including margaritas. That sucks, and we were tempted to leave, but stuck around and got a few things. It's about $2 for Jarritos. There's also Mexican Coke and other imports of familiar products. Also this place isn't exactly vegetarian friendly. There was little to choose from, and we had to settle on the Chips And Salsa. It's about $5 for a modest amount. Totally better than we thought it would be, and made a good thing to munch on. Even though there's no alcohol, we could come here again. It's great for a light lunch. There's popular items like ceviche but there's not much besides the some appetizers for vegetarians. read more

El Xangarrito - Jarritos With Chips And Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've eaten here often and every time, it's delicious. I love all the vegetarian options! Their specials are also fantastic; I love the variety week to week. The service is some of the best I've had in Chicago: friendly, knowledgeable, and timely. Small, welcoming and warm atmosphere. Also, the horchata is so good!! read more

El Xangarrito - The stuffed poblano special - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is SO good! We loved our server and he did a great job explaining the dishes and providing suggestions. We unfortunately didn't get any pictures because we dug in immediately when we saw the food. This is a small place with a few indoor seats with more patio room and BYOB. I cannot express what a fun time we had here with our server and how good the food was. You can tell how passionate the staff are and how much they care about their craft. read more

First time trying El Xangarrito. Awesome experience from the courteous person who took my reservation, to the person who called to confirm the reservation to the hostess and server. Everyone was super nice and very appreciative of our business. We started with the guacamole which was excellent. Usually we have to salt restaurant guacamole but this was perfectly seasoned. Just the right amount of everything. I got the Pollo en Mole for my entrée. I've been wanting to try an authentic mole for a while and jumped at the chance to try it here. The mole was very rich but a little bitter to me. Maybe it's an acquired taste and maybe I need to need to try it again. My wife got the carne asada tacos and she said they were very good. The restaurant itself is a little cozy but they have ample outdoor seating. I think I'd request that next time. And once again, the service was impeccable. Will definitely be back to try different dishes. read more

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We had a delicious dinner here! They went over and above. I accidentally left my credit card there and they kept it secure for me until I realized and called and stopped by to pick it up. read more

Amazing food. Before ordering I read the Yelp review that stated the mole was not spicy enough. The owner wrote a kind response asking the diner to return and request the mole be spicier. As he wrote, it's easier to spice up a dish than make it more mild. So I asked for the three flautas with mole to be "spicy un poco" (limited characters in online order form). It was perfect. A nice kick and a deeply flavored mole. There's no lack of great Mexican food in the neighborhood but this place is head and shoulders above the rest. Although I ordered take out the outdoor seating area was very nice and the inside looked very nice as well. And BYOB! The accompany beans and rice were also filled with flavor. My new favorite Mexican! Will be trying all the entrees. read more

El Xangarrito - Three chicken flautas with mole, rice and beans. Key lime pie. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Another mexican restaurant in the city Is byob charge $2 glass fee We order Mar negro Flautas for appetizer And Tampiqueńa And mole negro cheese enchiladas for me Was good Service on point Patio available read more

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We went in the late fall of 2024 and sat on the heated patio. Service was good, and the server offers us an ice bucket for our BYO beers. All the food was incredibly tasty. I really loved the shrimp dish I ordered. read more