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    La Bamba

    4.4 (48 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Recommended Reviews - La Bamba

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    Ground beef Taco
    Kelly R.

    Can't beat $2 tacos! Consistently decent & affordable. Always quick with your order. Ample seating, perfect place for carry-out or on-the-go.

    Super Steak Burrito!!
    Zack R.

    I've been eating La Bamba since 1997. Been to many of their locations, but this one is interesting because rather than catering to the weekend late night college crowd, it serves weekday breakfast and lunch to business folk in The Loop. Only open Monday through Friday, and they close by 4pm. The burritos and tacos are as good as ever. And, of course, that hot sauce. It's so great, and no one else makes a sauce that tastes quite like it!! You'll find it in a little food court in the basement of an unassuming building in Madison. It always seems to be the worst kept secret because they're ALWAYS busy! So happy to relive a little bit of my college days and it's not simple nostalgia. The food is LEGIT!!

    3. Three Piece Tacos Combo
    Keith R.

    Great taco joint in Chicago Loop. Would not have found this if it weren't for my Chicago coworker who took me here. Tacos were good, authentic Mexican tacos. Got one of each...chicken, steak, and picadillo. Picadillo was the best. Will get the burrito next time!

    Mini Breakfast Burrito - Chorizo
    Tess R.

    A one and a half day trip to Chicago was made complete by the delicious breakfast I got at La Bamba! The service was quick and incredibly friendly, and the prices absolutely can't be beat. I love a hole in the wall spot, and this place is exactly that. Located in the basement of the Loop, it makes for a very cool tucked away breakfast or lunch spot. I got a chicken tamale and a chorizo breakfast burrito. I ate the tamale inside the food court, and took the breakfast burrito to go on a walk to the park. It was the perfect amount of time to let all the flavors meld together, and to let the burrito cool enough that it wouldn't burn my mouth. Both items were incredibly fresh and flavorful, with the chicken tamale being incredibly moist in the center. Can't forget the salsa, flavorful and hot enough to clear my sinuses and wake me up. A must if you're in Chicago!

    Steak quesadilla
    Tessie E.

    They say the best restaurants are hidden gems and if this is true, La Bamba fits the description. Tucked away, on the lowest level, in a building on Madison you will find La Bamba in the cafeteria. They serve $1.50 beef tacos all day every day. They also have a taco Tuesday special. I went on a Wednesday for once and wanted to try something different. The burritos are as big as your head and the quesadillas are too. What you see is just HALF of my steak filled quesadilla. I too was surprised to find the other half resting peacefully underneath. It also came packed with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. I ate half for lunch and had the other half for dinner. The guac is also very good!

    Cheese Quesadilla
    Janelle S.

    I found this place on the maps and decided to try it. It can be hard to find and you have to go down stairs to get to it, the stairs are kind of small and it can be hard to get up or down. It is almost like a food court. The tables at the food court are very wobbly and the restrooms are decent. I ordered a horchata and a cheese quesadilla. The horchata was kind of watery but decent. On the quesadilla I was asked if I wanted everything with it and I said yes, I figured everything would be on the side but they added it to the quesadilla so it was more like a weird burrito? I think one of those would be able to feed two people easily. I chose not to take the extra home though because I don't like soggy lettuce (which happens after you warm it up)

    Made fresh.
    Brian F.

    In the mid to late 90s, La Bamba was the staple late night (or really any time) spot in Urbana-Champaign if you wanted burritos the size of your head. The line was always out the door after the bars closed and always short on seating. So what does that mean for this location? Well while it's in the Loop, and buried in the basement of a non-descript building, the flavor is EXACTLY as I remember it, instantly bringing back the memories from decades before. I got the chorizo burrito, regular size, everything on it. It was more than enough to satisfy my lunch time hunger. The included homemade, red, hot sauce was as spicy and flavorful as ever, and I emptied out the container and will probably ask for more next time. Pro-tip: The mini size is just enough for anyone and comes in at under $7. Also, water is free and definitely needed if you're going to indulge. Highly recommend and will be back!

    Mark H.

    Tasty taco takeout in a food court. Great hot sauce. Cheese between fresh corn tortillas. Good flavor.

    Breakfast items are such a good deal

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    2 months ago

    Good, affordable option in downtown Chicago with lovely staff! The burritos are a very good size, too!

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    17 days ago

    Great breakfast tacos and one of the best horchatas I've ever had. I'll have to try one of the burritos I always hear good things about.

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    8 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Bought the chorizo and egg burrito and it was good, price is reasonable. Fast service. Friendly staff. Love it! Highly recommend.

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    2 years ago

    Food was great. I had 3 different types of tacos they they all were top tier. I had chorizo, steak & pork. 10 out of 10, highly recommend

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    ASked for steak, was given beef by mistake and it leaked through the bag which got all over the place

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    4 years ago

    Very good authentic food. This is a lunch-time regular and it is always fresh. Suggested for anyone who likes Mexican food.

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    7 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

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    Sabroso! Mexican Grill

    Sabroso! Mexican Grill

    4.7
    (549 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Jesus was the best server I've ever gotten made it his mission to make sure we had everything and…read moreanything we needed definitely needs a raise for such a good service reminded of my grandpa which made it feel just like home definitely had a great experience thank you beautiful atmosphere and delicious food

    Four of us (two adults and two kids) visited Sabroso! Mexican Grill for the first time during a…read moretrip to Chicago. I must admit that I had low expectations because quite frankly, I have not enjoyed Mexican food outside of Mexico or California. However, we were hungry, and it was near where we were staying, so I decided we should check it out, and I am so glad we did! The food was great. Both adults and the VERY picky children in our group all enjoyed our meals. I ordered the green chicken enchiladas and the other adult ordered a chile relleno combo, which I also got to try. Everything was delicious and devoured by all! We were so full but the owner talked us into the chocoflan, and we did not regret trying it. It was soooo good! Speaking of the owner, the service was great. We really enjoyed how he and the rest of the staff were very courteous. It is a small establishment, and it gets a good amount of people, so I assume that there are waits during peak hours. I highly recommend Sabroso! And we plan to return the next time we are in the area.

    Photos
    Interior din6
    Interior din6
    Enchiladas
    Enchiladas
    CHICKEN TAQUITOS

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    CHICKEN TAQUITOS
    XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant

    XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant

    4.8
    (363 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    $$

    My second time here, the first time for my dinner companion. Everything was incredibly good, from…read morethe greeting we got when we arrived, to the service and the food...oh my, the food! Appetizers were quac and chips, and shrimp ceviche. The guac was really good, but the ceviche was the star. Served on a bed of cucumbers, it was visually beautiful, and the flavor was fresh and complex. There was also a LOT of it. We ended up taking some home. Entrees were steak and shrimp for me, and Tampiquena for my friend. In both dishes, the steak was done to perfection. The sauce that came with my shrimp was spicy and deep--lots of flavor layers there. Both of us took home portions of our meals because there was a lot of food on the plates. Finally, the service--the servers are attentive without hovering. If we needed something, they were there, but never intrusive. It is hard to believe this is a little neighborhood spot, given the service and the quality of the food. It was not too busy tonight--we ate early--but I recommend reservations. It is very popular with the neighborhood. Bottom line, we each had 2 margaritas, appetizers, and entrees, and our bills with tip were around $105.00 each--totally worth it! Try this little gem--you won't regret it.

    Top service and incredible food. Everything was delicious and the staff is super nice!!!read more

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Pineapple special. Simply the best.
    Pineapple special. Simply the best.
    Pollo en Mole

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    Pollo en Mole
    5 Rabanitos

    5 Rabanitos

    4.2
    (842 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    The chef who owns this restaurant trained with Rick Bayless for 19 years and it really comes out in…read morehis cooking. All of the food was absolutely delicious. We came later on a Monday night so we did not have to wait to get a seat although it was still pretty busy. The place is decorated nicely. Well on a block with many other Mexican businesses. Located right off the pink line it is very easy to get to and also noted to be near the Mexican art Institute. The chicken mole enchiladas were delicious. Spicy and bitterness of the chocolate balanced super well. rice was also cooked perfectly. The shredded beef dish was short rib and mashed potatoes. They were meant to be assembled into a homemade tortilla - a very interesting concept. The homemade tortillas were so warm and fluffy. I have never had such good tortillas. I took a tamale plate home. It was large and had a good portion of shredded pork. Super flavorful, but also I felt the texture might've been firmer than I would've expected.

    5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria delivers bold, well-executed Mexican flavors in a lively,…read moreinviting setting. The guacamole was fresh and vibrant, though the chips were fairly standard. The enchiladas de mole were the highlight--tender chicken coated in a rich red mole that balanced gentle heat with a subtle sweetness beautifully. The house-made shrimp empanadas were another standout, crisp and golden with juicy shrimp inside, paired perfectly with a smoky chipotle dipping sauce. My only miss was the horchata, which had an unpleasant sourness. Overall, a flavorful and memorable experience. Arrive early--the dining room fills up quickly.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Chips & Guac
    Chips & Guac
    This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

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    This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!
    Manchamanteles Restaurant

    Manchamanteles Restaurant

    4.4
    (147 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Manchamanteles is as fun and exciting on the inside as its boldly colored outside would lead you to…read morebelieve. The staff are donned in themed regalia, and will gleefully sing you a happy birthday song even if you're quite far from adolescence (and also a few days out from your actual birthday). The moles were all phenomenal, and the mezcal margarita pitcher more than satisfied our group. The interior is a bit bright and skews somewhat family oriented, so I wouldn't recommend it for every crowd. But for my group of friends and I, Manchamanteles more than delivered in food, service, and fun alike.

    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.

    Photos
    Manchamanteles Restaurant
    Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious
    Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious
    Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

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    Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

    La Bamba - mexican - Updated August 2026

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