Born and raised in Little Village but not until I became an adult did I start visiting this gem. Delicious, AUTHENTIC Mexican food - everything offered is consistently fresh, like homemade and the portions are generous. My favorite hands down are their refried beans and flour tortillas. I can live on them alone. Also deserving mention - eggs with machaca, guisado de puerco, panela cheese. I can go on and on. Give a try, you will not regret it. read more

A Pilsen gem. The staff was so friendly, everyone seemed to be having a good time - the atmosphere couldn't be beat! Loved the artwork on the outside of the building, and the inside was just as colorfully decorated. You know you are in a Mexican restaurant. No new age stuff. Real food. read more

Nuevo Leon Restaurant - Nuevo Leon - S Lawndale and W 26th - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had dinner here with some friends the other night. They are so nice here!! They give lots of salsa and table side chips, happily refilled when you ask. And they had a really delicious chicken with beans taco sample for each of us. It was actually the best part of the meal. I ordered three tacos, two Al pastor and one carne asada. All three were delicious. And the side of rice and beans was really good too, the rice was a little crispy and I was really loving that. I also ordered an horchata, and it was delightful. My friends ordered steak fajitas, it was such a large serving. Lots of tortillas, guacamole, rice and beans included. I got to try the fajitas and it was very very good. The restaurant is so festive and decorated well. Was such a lively spot. The restaurant is very big, lots of tables but I suppose on the weekends this place may be packed. I went on a Monday and maybe 1/3 of the restaurant was full. At the end of the meal they give a dessert that was like a rice pudding with cinnamon on top. Was tasty. read more

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This was one of my favorite food Hotspot. I say, was is because today I was really disappointed in the prices. The food was excellent and delicious but the prices was off the change! I feel it was ridiculous I had to pay 90 bucks in total for two plates. I had an order of steak fajitas my mom had milanesa aka breaded steak and our drinks. That's it! Of course, there was service charge on credit cards. The problem was the steak fajitas plate cost 50.88?! I get it in the menu it does stipulate prices are marked different and for meats are market value price. Meaning, they do not put it on the menu. They're not stupid that is how they get you. So, if my steak fajitas plate cost 50 dollars? Just imagine how much a carne asada or tampiqueña cost? Um. I am going to say 55 and above! I love this place and there food is delicious but I am never going to order any meats ever again. I will only order the food that has a price on it. It is ridiculous! We the clients have to pay so much money for one lousy plate. Yes, I totally understand the inflation has skyrocket. I get it. Other places I have gone to does not sell steak fajitas above the market value. Definitely not over 50 bucks! The highest is above 30 or 33 bucks. The owner should be ashamed of himself. It was a ripoff today! read more

I have been eating there for more than 20 years! And it never gets old! All the food is amazing the people are friendly, it's a great place! read more

Food is amazing, the staff is great and the ambiance is like no other. Very colorful and the energy is soothing to the soul. I went with my family, my kids loved it as well ages 7 & 9. I highly recommend it! read more

What a gem of a place! First timer and let me tell you, not the last! Will definitely be coming back and spreading the word. Our waitress, Caridad, was beyond lovely... muchisimas gracias! Food was incredible. Mole was a hit! Two other perks.... they bring you a small app before and a dessert once you're finished eating, free of charge! Spacious of a place too. You won't regret stopping in. read more

The place is spacious. We sat down right away on a Sunday. The food and service was good. They bring you a snack prior to your food arriving along with chips and salsa. The chilaquiles got soggy right away though. But everyone else liked their food. At the end they also brought arroz con leche. It was yummy. read more

Nuevo Leon Restaurant - Chilaquiles rojos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time coming and I only regret that I didn't come sooner! We were seated immediately even though there's decent traffic of people coming and going. I noticed their neat custom chairs right away. At the table, they have chips, pico de gallo, salsas, and pickled veggies ready to eat. Then, our waitress brought each of us a mini taco sample to try. I wasn't too hungry yet so I ordered a chorizo taco and al pastor taco. Both tacos were so full of flavor and packed with meat, onions, and cilantro. I got my kids the waffle, eggs, and bacon platter to share. At the end of our meal, the waitress also brought bowls of sweet rice pudding for dessert. The owners are running a great restaurant with fantastic food and I look forward to trying other dishes. read more

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Food is delicious and the atmosphere is amazing great to bring your family and friends!!! Service is also great and friendly. I'm from Ohio so I will definitely be coming back here with family and friends read more

Been here many times over the past 40 years. This place is a classic throw back to food cooked like it was made at home by your abuela. Plenty of different salsas and a really big menu. I just really enjoy this place. They are very welcoming and service is on point... Everything I've ordered here has been excellent!!! read more

So my in laws are from Nuevo León and brought us here and omg is this place amazing!! The little sample they give you when you are seated is delicious. The michelada was perfect and the food tasted better then some of the Mexican food I've had in Mexico. If I'm ever in Chicago again I will definitely be back. read more

Nuevo Leon Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great service. Kind staff. Everything we ate was delicious. The complementary appetizer and dessert have me sold! I've never been to any Mexican restaurant that does that. Cute dining area. I would recommend this place for authentic Mexican cuisine. read more

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Going here forever not sure why I never reviewed it. They do it right. Was there this week and upon seating our server Juanito opened by explaining his English is limited which is even better because you just know it's authentic. They've been around Little Village for over ver 50 years for sure. The original place burned down I believe but this location is decades old as well. They didn't skip a break n all those years. Juanito started us off with three different fresh salsas and chips along with a side dish appetizer of some very tender pork in a stew with a corn tortilla. That's just for openers. The salsas all fresh and homemade were from mild to spicy with a suitable option for everyone's taste buds. An excellent gesture on their part. Depending on the day you go they may start you off with a bowl of albondigas (sp) soup which is essentially meatball soup but much better or a bowl of Sopa de Fideo noodle soup. But. Eli eve me, you WILL be started of with something. This is all before you get a menu and complimentary. I mean who does this anymore? Its like you're in their home at their dinner table. I guess which essentially you are. It's awesome. They have excellent offerings on n their menu and something for everyone from meat to vegetarian options. Mexican food is easy that way. I opted for the Guisado de Puerco or pork stew I believe it's translates to though I may be wrong. A deep red slightly spicy thicker broth pepper sauce full and of flavor or Sabor! Stewed within are big chunks of extremely tender pork accompanied by a side of refried beans (frijoles) and Mexican rice (arroz). Truly delightful. With my dish I opted for the homemade flour tortillas. Fresh fluffy and light. My friends tried the Costillas de Puerco which was similar to my dish except the pork chucks were stewed bone in. Just as delightful. I believe the bone in gave a slightly stronger flavor. Another had the Chile Rellenos,or poblano peppers stuffed with Chihuahua cheese in a beautiful red sauce as well accompanied by refried frijoles and Mexican arroz. Finally, the last dish was the Chicken Enchiladas two corn tortillas stuffed with tender white chicken, very plump and covered with cheese in a decadent red sauce. Unbelievable. To finish us off without even requesting Juanito brought us each a small dish of various bite sized chunks of fruit in a delicious sweet creamy sauce for desert. WOW! The service is excellent and very genuine. The decor set in colorful bright patterns with wide clear chairs at large round tables. The walls adorned with art and murals that tell a story. Even the exterior walls have of the building is one huge mural. It feels like you're in a cafe somewhere in Mexico. Extremely clean and comfortable. By design, it was kind of slow the day we went and there was only one other table. During our dinner service the staff all gathered around a table and shared their dinner while intermittently checking up on us. While this may seem unusual to some it is real and old school, only adding to the family feel of being in a real Mexican restaurant.,We never once felt unattended to. The food is truly authentic and plentiful. The price points exceptionally reasonable considering all you get. Arrive hungry and you will not be disappointed. After dinner walk around the 26th Street neighborhood and take in the sights. Different from the Mexican-American Pilsen, Little Village is a vibrant neighborhood of almost 100 years of Mexican culture right here in Chicago. Don't miss out. read more

Nuevo Leon Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend and I have Nuevo Leon a try and I will say it's really authentic! The food quality was the best I have ever had. The flavors of the salsas with the tortillas were amazing! I got the cheese enchiladas and I will say I have a new favorite at NLR! The services was great our waiter checked in often which we liked! This is my new favorite spot for food! read more

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Better options for authentic Mexican food abound in Chicago. I didn't have a great experience here and was surprised to see the restaurant virtually empty when I visited at a peak time. That should have been a warning sign that sadly I didn't heed. read more

Great vibes! I had the 3 Tacos Al Pastor and guacamole, and both were amazing! Great service-- they also had live music. We came here as a group and they were super accommodating. They also gave us some free sample dishes :) read more

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Food, service and ambience is welcoming. It's a little piece of Mexico in Chicago. The owners will walk by the tables and make sure you're doing OK and chat. Most of the food is really good especially the Menudo on Saturday mornings. However, the steak in the breakfast menu can be hit or miss. I still think this is a great the neighborhood icon to cherished. read more

Great and service food every time!! Chips and salsas waiting for you. If lucky you can hear live music.

EXCELLENT authentic Mexican food ! Love the food and great service, will most definitely be returning!

Spectacular food, service and atmosphere! I'll definitely go back many more times! I wish I would have known about it sooner!

Beautiful restaurant. Great cheerful ambiance. The food - as has been for many years- outstanding. When you sit down they bring you a complementary appetizer to try alone with excellent house made pico de gallo & fresh chips. Generous portions beautifully plated. Just Wow. read more

For those of us not fortunate enough to have our own family cooking amazing Mexican food for us, I imagine that this is as close as we can get using money alone. What a place! If you can imagine that one single bite of frijoles alone could make your evening, then this is the right place for you. Everything is homemade, and everything is perfect. This is one of those places that makes it look so easy and fun, you really wonder why it is such a rare gem. Bravo! To the entire team! read more

In Chicago for a concert. Friend suggested this place - AMAZING! Food was on point & staff super friendly. We had breakfast - so much food! 6 in our group and everyone loved their breakfast. Woman who I think was owner stopped at our table, told us some of the history of the restaurant. Breakfast started with chips, pickled veggies for the table, then, a pork/tortilla deliciousness... main courses were HUGE. Multiple beverage choices available, hubby & I had diet coke, friends had beers. After main course, some lovely cream covered strawberries were served. so good! restaurant did want only 1 check per table (maybe it is a chicago thing/big city thing?) and tip in cash. although, I think I saw on the menu that 20% was added to check (and with a group of 6, that is more than fair). all in all HIGHLY recommend. read more

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Wow! We were fans of the other restaurant with the same name that burned down but this is way better. I had the combination platter and the enchilada with mole sauce is fan-freakin-tastic. And I don't even like mole. The pork tamale was yummy and even the cheese tostada was tasty. The steak taco was good but with so many other delicious items it would be last on my list. My wife had the huevos rancheros and loved them. The sauce is lighter than most versions and wonderful. They gave us a sample of guisado de puerco (green, not red) as a free starter and it was so good I ordered one to go. Fresh strawberries and cream were offered up as a complimentary dessert and they were great. The owner Laura stopped by and she's super sweet. Well worth the drive from wherever you are - go for it! read more

Nuevo Leon Restaurant - Combinacion. Fantastic! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can't believe I haven't been here before. I see if all the time with gorgeous mural painted outside their building. Nuevo León has the most amazing service I have ever seen. Why is this place not Bib Gourmand? As soon as you open the door, they'll acknowledge you and have you seated almost immediately. The dining area is very spacious, so it'll probably never get full since they have so many tables. As you're walking to your table, you'll be greeted with numerous Buenos Dias or Tardes depending on the time of day you come. The owner will even check up on you and welcome you, and also make sure everything is ok. They even gave my daughter a complimentary cupcake. My wife ordered their chilaquiles verdes and I ordered their chilaquiles Rojas. They also serve same dang food tasting coffee. While we waited they brought us a complimentary appetizer. It was a small plate with a few pinto beans and a piece of carne de Puerco en Chile verde with a tortilla on top. What a beautiful unexpected touch. The chilaquiles themselves are well priced but when you order them with eggs and carne, the price skyrockets. Nonetheless they were tasty and very filling. They come with rice and retried beans on the side and the chilaquiles themselves were topped with over medium eggs and queso fresco. There is a lot of food and you'll definitely leave full. The carne was good but I would have preferred skirt steak. I'll be honest, I just get turned off when it isn't skirt steak. So next time I order it without steak. Once you're done with your email, they'll offer you Arroz con leche. When they do offer you this just say yes! It's complimentary and you'll thank me later. Even if your full, it's a small portion just perfect to complete tour meal with just a little bit of sweetness. I'll forever be a customer here and will be returning very soon. read more

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You can tell this is very authentic Mexican food. The flavors are amazing and the atmosphere is delightful. Would return!

We dream about the Taco Sabinas and drive from the other end of Chicago to get them. Everything we've ever ordered has been delicious. The service is phenomenal. Great selection of salsa provided with your meal. read more

Remarkably fast service. Good food. (Delicious horchata.) Large menu. Tasty strawberries and cream as a free dessert at the end. Nice ambiance. read more

Nuevo Leon Restaurant - Front sitting area - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Every visit to chi town it's a must stop... We visit from SW DETROIT, Have been enjoying meals here for years. read more

This place has been around for some time might seem a bit outdated but the important thing was that breakfast was delicious!! Tasted very homemade. Great service. You get a small appetizer and a small dessert. read more

The waiters and waitresses were very fast with the orders and food and is friendly to kids as well. This place is very comfortable and looks nice. read more

Always make you feel welcome; esp enjoy the entertainment from their DJ over the years playing my favorites. And of course the food is delicious! Thank you Nuevo León. read more

Service is friendly and food is authentic ,tasty and with good portions. Can easily seat a large group.

My review is just go! Soooo worth the dine in. Food and service is amazing! You will not regret it!!

Restaurant was very nice and so was the service. Only disappointment was I ordered a torta and they said they ran out of bread, no problem I ordered something else. But then a couple came in and ordered a torta, they got their torta. read more

The food was good, authentic Mexican style. It is not your grandmother's cooking but it does the job. The service was ok.

We had a great lunch at Nuevo Leon- very friendly staff and authentic neighborhood place. They bring out lots of nice snacks- chips, salsas, pico de gallo, vegetables and a chef's tasting appetizer before you order. Service was very friendly and the food was delicious and came out quickly. This is a great spot if you are looking for some good, authentic Mexican food. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in Chicago, hands down. We'll be back every time we're in town!! I love going to any kind of Hispanic place and waiting to speak until I'm spoken to to see what language it will be. At Nuevo Leon, I got to do all of my ordering and everything in Spanish!! So that got them some major bonus points right off the bat. You get a ridiculous amount of free food before you get your meal- we're talking chips and salsa (multiple salsas!!), but also a little amuse bouche-type dish and ALSO some pickled veggies. Oh, and free rice pudding for dessert! Our food was fabulous, it was a great deal, and we can't wait to come back! read more

So this was not the place we intended to go but were kept to one side of the street due to a parade. Looked on Yelp and found this place. Service was super friendly. Lady owner came by and spoke with us. We got a complimentary appetizer and dessert. They have menudo everyday. Nice find! read more