The vibes were very nice with nice music and lighting but it might be a little loud for some. I went with my friends to try the soft serve margaritas and we got some food as well. Everything was really good quality, I personally really enjoyed the skirt steak as it was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Do expect a bit of a wait time though as there is limited seating. read more

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We arrived not knowing it was a bar crawl happening but we still got in and waited for a table. It took 30 minutes to get a table bc of the bar crawl. As much as it was packed from 2:30 til 3:30 we were still were able to order a drink at bar. Martin was so nice and took our order and brought it to us being we went back to waiting line. The place is small with a hard time to walk around when it's full. It's a nice bar restaurant and didn't realized until we were leaving that there's a back area. The bartenders could be a little more social and happy bc that seem a bit dull and unhappy working there. Unlike Martin he was happy. Mildred was our server and she did phenomenal. The food and drinks were great read more

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There are no reservations here--you show up and get put on a waitlist to be called when your table is ready. We stood at the door for about 20 minutes before someone finally told us the wait would be 1-2 hours. Keep in mind, the place is pretty small and already crowded, so there's barely any room to stand while you wait. After getting on the waitlist, we decided to go to a nearby spot for food--but not even 5 minutes later, we got called back saying our table was ready. When we returned, we were seated along the wall in a very tight space--so tight that if I stretched my arm out, I would've hit the person next to me. We noticed a large table nearby had been sitting for a while without food. When their food finally came out, it made us realize our wait would probably be even longer. After another 20 minutes passed and we still hadn't been able to order, we decided to leave. I'm not sure the space is fully ready for the rush right now--it feels overcrowded and service is slow. I'll give it another try once the hype dies down. I'm happy for their success, though--just be prepared to be patient when you go. read more

This was 10/10 I had stuffed chilaquiles and chicharron ribeye The vibe was also very good here service was on point Definitely visit this spot for a great time and food read more

We waited for a while over 1 hour but got seated once we got in. Be ready to wait some more around 20-30 min for foods but it was good! The soft serve margaritas was amazing!! They even give you an extra shot on the side but you couldn't really taste the alcohol. They make there soft serve homemade and it's so delicious tastes like real fruits. Overall, support local businesses and as we came on cinco de Mayo it was extremely busy. read more

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I really enjoyed the food here. I also love the fact that it's open later than a lot of places. The server was friendly and accommodated us. However, the music was VERY loud. Perhaps we were sat really close to the speaker but we were unable to hear each other talk. I loved their pescadito (battered cod) taco. read more

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My first time visiting, I ordered the wings and my cousin ordered the beef tacos. I wasn't impressed but the customer service was great. read more

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Staff was nice , establishment was clean , drink was phi ! And tacos were decent as well the dj was jamming... def worth a visit read more

La Mejikana - Frozen Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Their seasonal stuffed chilaquiles are amaaaazing. I hope it never goes away. I do wish they put more sour cream on them. read more

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La Mejikana was pretty packed when I went, but I got a seat right away. The place had a lot of energy, the music going, people talking and laughing, just a fun atmosphere. I ordered a few different tacos because I wanted to try a mix: carne asada, lomito, and fish. The lomito ended up being the winner. It's marinated ribeye with a slice of panela cheese and even a thin slice of apple. I wasn't sure how apple would work in a taco, but it actually worked, the sweetness balanced the flavor of the meat and cheese. The fish taco was also really good, fresh, crunchy, and piled with toppings. The carne asada hit that classic taco flavor, juicy and well-seasoned, exactly what I was hoping for. Portions felt just right, filling without being over the top. Service was friendly and pretty fast considering how busy it was. I really enjoyed this spot. Definitely a place I'd go back to and try more from the menu. read more

La Mejikana - Fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Their menu is diverse and inventive. I was going to get carne en su jugo but they ran out so I went with their wings (I know very different choices lol). Wing sauce was delicious, not too spicy and full of flavor. I still think about them. Fancy cocktails but don't expect to get a buzz, didn't taste much alcohol in my strawberry margarita. Will try the tacos next time. read more

Took a bit for us to get acknowledged while waiting to be seated. Seemingly staff was in a tizzy due to influx of traffic for their soft serve margs. They tasted like soft serve, tasted no liquor...flavor was good though. Enjoyed the mezcal, bestie enjoyed their tacos. Overall not uber impressed. Hopefully they keep their momentum going with the soft margs, that's why most were there I think. However, word to staff please don't assume all patrons are there for the soft serve, we were excited for the food until it was assumed we were only there for the soft serve. Maybe we will try again in a couple months. Also on yelp says they have outdoor seating, when asked we were told Nope! Probably wanna remove that from your yelp page info section. read more

We went what seems like their late night service. Space was moody, dark and eclectic, we were seated right away and our waiter was super attentive. They had a DJ playing a good selection of music, we ordered drinks which were good. The only suggestion i have is the restaurant giving cups with ice when ordering a soft drink. My friends ordered finger ale and received the can , no straw no cup. Their elote and guacamole were really good as well as their shrimp tacos! Looking for a late night Mexican food spot with a good vibe, this is a good choice. read more

La Mejikana - Cupid's Curse - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Small place. Loud music. Food and drinks were amazing. Came in during lunch time on a Saturday. Place was not busy at all and the staff were friendly. They do have the music pretty loud so be prepared. Tacos were delicious and the guacamole is a must try! read more

La Mejikana - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is definitely a hidden gem. But how can it be hidden if it's on the Main Street?? Great question, maybe it's just hidden to me. Well the food and drinks were great, just a plethora of tequila selections. Good service with a smile and on a Friday night, the ambience couldn't be any livelier with a DJ who mixed all genres f music and never skipped a beat. Had my wife dancing on the way out!! read more

La Mejikana - House special margarita!! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing food!! Emilio was really attentive & friendly! Music was jamming! Horchata & Jamaica hit the spot! We'll definitely be back!! read more

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Food was fucjing amazing Al pastor wings a fuckin hit it's live in the mf too great experience read more

La Mejikana - Couldn't even wait to take a pic but fire Al pastor wings - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

An ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, every time! Got the carne asada, al pastor, and pascadito taquitos * chefs kiss*, added a refreshing horchata. Obsessed with the chips as well!!! read more

La Mejikana - Pascadito, al pastor and carne asada, horchata and chips - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This local gem serves killer margaritas that set the tone for an unforgettable meal. The showstopper? Half a grilled pineapple overflowing with velvety cheese and a generous bounty of shrimp, octopus, and imitation crab--far more than just eye candy. This hearty dish was a feast worthy of its own story. The service kept everything running smoothly, while loud punk and rock tunes created an energetic atmosphere that I loved. The space itself--with soaring ceilings and a long bar stretching wall to wall, lined with inviting bottles of mezcal and tequila--delivers a rustic saloon vibe that perfectly complements the experience. read more

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Last night (Thursday night around 10p), my gfs and I were driving around looking for restaurants that were open in the area. We stumbled upon La Mejikana on yelp and we figured, Wtheck, let's go! Upon entering, the music was ridiculously loud. So loud that we hesitated on staying, but we figured, let's give them a fair chance. We ordered the queso birria tacos, aguachile shrimp, Nayarit-style langostinos, guac and elotes. Everything came out in a timely manner. And boy, were we blown away! Every single dish was cooked to perfection and seasoned very well! My favorites were the langostinos and the aguachile! My friend was eating the sauce on a spoon, that's how good it was! I can't wait to come back! Prob earlier in the night before the dj comes. Because of how loud the music was, it was a little hard to have conversation. read more

La Mejikana - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good drinks, decent food, good atmosphere, and great service. Would return, would recommend.

very good birria tacos and very friendly service even in the winter chill. the consommé was delicious although the tacos could've used a bit more cheese. but super yummy overall! read more

La Mejikana - Quesa Birria Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here for dinner again 2nite and ordered the same thing I did years ago. Service is still good. The only probs 2nite is that they still charge that Surcharge fee, see receipt and I smelled sewer. Either it's their problem or the city's but it is horrible in the men's restroom. read more

La Mejikana - The damage - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The best the cocktails I try micheladas ,vampiro and more Food i try the beef jerky got other name but taste like jerky I want try the stuff chilaquiles and the cemita read more

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This place was soooo good! I came with a friend on a wednesday night around 5/6pm, it wasn't very crowded so we were seated right away (it did start getting a little more full later though). The server was super friendly, the ambiance was nice, chill vibes. We both ordered the quesabirria tacos, which were delicious and had great flavor. I also got the tamama-rindo cosmo cocktail which really surprised me. The tamarind flavor was really pronounced, with just the right sweetness to balance it out. I also asked for mezcal instead of vodka, which I think was the right choice. Honestly, I don't think my usual cocktail bars will ever taste the same anymore because this was just so much better. This is a place I would go back to, both for the food and the drinks. I would definitely recommend it and hope to be there again. read more

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We ordered: 1. Tacos: Carne Asada - Charbroiled Arrachera Skirt Steak, Cilantro-Chimichurri, Pico De Gallo Al Pastor - Pork Shoulder, Homemade Guajillo-Adobo Marinade, Pickled Red Onion, Habanero And Grilled Pineapple Pescadito taco - Battered Cod Fish, Lettuce, Chipotle Mayo And La Mejikãna Garnishings 2. La Stuffed Piña - Charbroiled Pineapple Stuffed With A Creamy Seafood Mix Of Shrimp, Octopus And Surimi I got the tacos and my friend the stuffed pineapple. I felt the tacos were excellent. I would prefer corn tortilla but not a big deal. The meat was tender, good flavor combo overall, and generous portions across my three tacos. My friend liked his stuffed pineapple. I tried a little and it didn't taste overwhelming and the seafood was properly cooked. The guacamole and free chips were both very good. Service was good. Decent amount of seating inside. read more

In 2023, I set a goal to visit one "new-to-me" Mexican restaurant each month. These restaurants have been around for years, but for some reason, I've never visited.  La Mejikana in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood was a fabulous choice for the list! The food was so good, I visited twice within one month. There's a nice local neighborhood vibe. The best part about going during the weeknight is there's tons of street parking. If you arrive after 6pm on a weeknight, chances are you'll miss the meter maid and you could try to skip paying the parking meter.  One issue I did have at the restaurant is they use QR codes to access the website. Even though I have the latest iPhone and on the Verizon cellular network, I had no cellular service. That happened during both visits. My husband has the latest Android, but is also on the Verizon network, and he had a very slow connection, but eventually was able to access the menu.  Since I didn't want to wait, I asked the waiter to provide us a printed menu.  On to the food - again, everything was great and the flavors were bursting. I ate the Tampiqueña, which is a medium-well charbroiled skirt steak garnished with chimichurri salsa, and includes the papa frita (spiraled potatoes) and frijoles charros. This meal also include a traditional cheese enchilada. My husband ate the Pollito Ahogado which includes a prosciutto and chihuahua stuffed grilled chicken breast in creamy poblano salsa, Mexican styled rice, black beans and the papa frita. La Mejikana is a great place to go for happy hour or date night. There's only a few entrees on the menu, but there's plenty of shareables that would allow you to taste the whole menu. read more

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THE TACOS ARE AMAZING. GET THE FISH TACOS AND PASTOR AND ASADA, holy finger licking good. The servers are amazing too, they gave some water to the homeless. They have great music playing and the ambiance is great. read more

Great spot just a few steps off the main strip of 18th Street. We came on a holiday and they were open and weren't too busy, we were seated immediately. The music was authentically Mexican and the vibes were great. Their cocktail menu was great with several mezcal mixed drinks, as well some rotating seasonal drinks. My appetizer of corn in a cup was slightly underwhelming but my main entree was incredible. I ordered the stuffed pineapple which was a cooked half pineapple with a seafood chowder inside. The flavor was savory and they brought bread and Mexican rice as sides. It definitely filled me up and was decently priced. My partner who is Mexican thought it was authentic which is a great compliment. I will be back to try out different menu items. read more

La Mejikana - La Sandi coctel - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Honestly, I think I've been here before, but I had them bookmarked and stopped by again last night an hour before they were too close. We had no issues parking right in front. We walked in and were able to sit wherever we wanted. The place was packed and jumping with other customers. The menu was kind of hectic. They have a variety of items that should please everyones pallet. We ordered 2 of the Quesa Birria tacos, and 1 order of 3 steak tacos to go. For drinks, we got the watermelon margaritas. Everything was freshly prepared and came out hot pretty quickly. Our meat was bland. It wasn't bursting with flavors as I expected, same with the steak tacos. They were bland and basic nothing to write home about. For this area, I expected more honestly. I'd come back for drinks and the music, but I'd pass on the food unless I was starving. read more

La Mejikana - Quesa Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We lived in Phoenix for more than a decade. They have a lot of options for great Mexican food. In Chicago, we're looking for a fews that hit craving for good food with an ambiance. La Mejikana was on my list to check out and we finally went there for lunch. The restaurant was smaller than I expected. It wasn't busy, so we expected a good service. It was so-so. We placed our orders. The food took a little longer to come but it was worth the wait. The food was delicious. We will be back despite the lack of service, so 3.5 stars. read more

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Food is horrible and over priced. Terrible service. The host and bartenders are inappropriate. They are always making disgusting comments to women. There has been times where I have noticed how uncomfortable the women are. I do not recommend this place. There are way better and more comfortable places to dine at in Pilsen. read more

Found this gem while in search for birria tacos and this did not disappoint! Ordered for pickup, and it was ready in 15 minutes, so fast! Really cute spot, dimly lit, loud music, good vibes. We got the chips and salsa to start! Chips were great. I really like spicy things but the salsa that comes with the chips was sooooooo hot. It was fine until I took one bite and had to chug milk! I would recommend getting the green salsa verde if you can't handle spicy! I then got the quesabirria tacos and these were soooooo good. These are stuffed full, and have sooo much flavor. I can't wait to come back here. I would get the quesabirria tacos again and again! read more

La Mejikana - Quesa Birria Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

No complaints! We literally lovvveeedddd everything and plan to return! The beef was so seasoned and juicy! ...my mouth is watering thinking about those tacos! Shrimp quesadillas were fresh and tasty! So much flavor in each bite! Cocktails, refreshing and delicious! Another Pilsen gem! Our server recommended our order! Great service, cool vibe and clean. read more

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La Mejikana is a fun, modern twist on the neighborhood taco spot. It is decorated with splashes of color, vibrant themes, and displays cool Mexican art. The drinks are similarly colorful and eye catching. Flavored margaritas with fresh fruit juices kick things off. The food keeps you wanting to come back. The guac and salsas are fresh and the tacos are super tasty. Enjoy some drinks and dinner for a fun night out, or grab tacos to go if it's a chill night at home. read more

La Mejikana - Al Pastor Taco - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love the food and the atmosphere here!!!! Service was phenomenal today!!! I love coming back all the time for the food and the drinks. read more

Order this place often off of uber eats / postmates. Food comes quickly and tastes soooooooo good. Birria tacos are GREAT and my boyfriend loveddddd the burger!!! And they're open late! 10/10 recommend read more

We had the birria tacos, Alita wings, Queso Fundido, tasted the Pulpo and drank the Te de Jamaica. All of it was delicious and the service was even better. It is a very well run restaurant with a great vibe. Owner checked up on us and seemed like really great people. read more

Loved the food, drinks and the service. Loved the painting that's there on the wall. A real good spot for a weekend. read more

La Mejikana - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This review is based on a limited representation of this establishment. I visited this past weekend as part of the Brewja crawl. The offered drink was vodka lemonade- decent portion but I would have liked to see some creativity from what appears to be a great bar in the area. They also sold tequila cranberry shots in syringes- great presentation with color and vessel but not a creative Halloween shot. The true standout was the back patio which was well decorated, covered and had a pretty good DJ. The crowd was feeling the vibes and I hated to leave as we still had almost 10 spots left to go! read more

La Mejikana - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois