After four years of only trying Tomate catering, I finally decided to make a trip to try their burritos. A lab member told me gave me a tip: order in advance so that by the time you get there, your order will be ready for pick up! I thought she meant I should order over the phone, but they never answered by 3 attempts. I then tried to order online for pickup through Yelp (Grubhub) but it said that the restaurant was not taking online orders. After hearing so many times that the place is really small and there's barely room to form a line, I kept looking for ways to order in advance. and ALAS! If you go to their website, there's a place where you can place the order, WITH NO ADDITIONAL FEES!! I would highly recommend this because after placing the order, I got a text in 3 minutes that my order was ready for pick up. I heard that the place is small but I was shocked by how small it actually was. There is just enough space for about five people to stand inside, a space just a little wider than the width of the door. Luckily, I went inside, provided the name under which I ordered, and my things were ready in a little brown paper bag. FOOD: I got the carne asada burrito with grilled cheese, pico, and guac ($9.90). The grilled cheese costs a bit more than regular cheese, but I really liked the texture it provided. However, if you're planning on eating the burrito later, the melted cheese turns rubbery and not super pleasant. I really loved the rice that comes in the burrito! Mild but well seasoned. The carne asada had a really nice dark flavor to it which I missed. However, the dark beef and the black beans are but in the middle of the burrito, so you can't really see how much meat is inside. The meat pieces were smaller than steak at Chipotle, but I felt like I got a decent amount of carne asada, especially given that the price of a regular burrito without add-ons is $6.50. I did miss having more veggies in the burrito though, whether that's the most authentic or not. Even with the guac, the bites of burrito felt dry at times. The burrito came with a side of red salsa. It is not spicy at all, but it was a good addition to the burrito. I wish I had asked for a spicy salsa. read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Carne Asada Burrito Add-ons: Grilled cheese inside the Burrito, Guacamole, Pico de gallo - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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This was okay. I got two sweet potato tacos which were DELICIOUS. I also ordered pico and chips and a side of guacamole. The pico was 100% not pico. Tasted like tomato sauce from a can with a few spices in it. Big let down. And the side of guacamole was the tiniest little container I've ever seen!!! Would get the tacos again. But the other stuff I'd pass on. read more

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Customer service was the WORST ive had all since before the pandemic. If you try to ask for help with their confusing system you will be pushed to the side and told to order online, yet even after having done so they will make your order however they see fit regardless of what you asked. To add injury to insult, the guy at the window (same one who would not answer my question before ordering) then told me what i should of done and felt justified in giving me not what i asked for. Will never return. read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Receipt - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Steak here is phenomenal - cubes are tender and juicy! I loved the Steak Burrito and the Steak Taco in particular. However, the "Cochinita Pibil" was a disappointment - I've gotten it both in a taco and a gordita and both times, the pork was hard, and flavor-wise it tasted like the meat just had a bit of orange juice splashed onto it. At the very least, try searing the meat on a grill to give it a crunchy exterior, although I don't know if that would fix the horrid lack of flavor. If you're craving good Cochinita, Taqueria El Chorrito in Rogers Park does it well. Tomate could learn a thing from them. read more

We've eaten lunch here a few times and it's ok. Today they got one of our tacos wrong and when we asked them to replace it they denied it was wrong even tho it clearly was. They didn't offer to replace it and were really rude about the whole thing. Why? I work nearby and have recommended this place in the past for a quick lunch but I'm done with them now. read more

We were extatic to finally try this place. It is well worth a pit stop on Noyes street for their amazing food. They have a wide variety of dishes including tacos, gorditast, burritos, emapandas, and more! The flavors they have are also a wider variety and include not your every day types like yucca and carmelized onion! Lots of vegetarian options and of course meat too. Plus all of their food is crazy affordable! Prices range from $3-$7 dollars and are so filling! We couldnt decide what to try first so got a variety of items. We tried a carne asada burrito, yucca gordita, carmelized onion taca, guacamole tub, and al pastor burrito. All of them were amazing! We ordered online and arrived maybe 10 minutes later and everything was there ready for us! SUper quick and with the walk up window they have everything is super easy to do and you dont have to walk into any enclosed spaces. Their guacamole was also one of the best in town and tasted very fresh. They also have drinks like Horchata and Jarritos to try and merchandise. A few students in front of us were purchasing shirts which were super cute. Really looking forward to coming back again! read more

I know times have changed BUT, Tomate Fresh has changed too. Prices keep increasing, and proportions keep getting smaller. Hard to find the protein burritos. Not what it used to be. read more

Actually my favorite place in Evanston. Pumps out food in 5 minutes that's fairly cheap and delicious. Really nice people too!

I literally cannot give this anything less than 5 stars. The food is delicious. Perhaps not as cheap or tasty as the most authentic Mexican food I've had in San Diego, but for Chicago? You won't get anything better, especially at this price. The portions are enormous -- big enough to the point where I can barely finish a burrito (but I still do -- they don't call me "Bottomless Stomach" for no reason :D ) Tomate's location in Evanston is more out-of-the-way than you'd expect -- it's closest to the Noyes stop (about 200 feet away). As my sister goes there weekly, she reports that there's almost always a line. When I went, there was a line of 3 people ahead of me, and the guy behind wanted Tomate so badly that he brought his laundry with him. Yeah, it's that good. I went with the vegetarian burrito and a side of chips and guacamole. As I mentioned earlier, the burrito was extraordinary. I could've entered a food coma right then and there, but forced myself to stay awake so that we could watch Logan in the theaters (#EndOfAnEra #ICried). I didn't finish the chips at the time, so it became a great post-movie dessert. 11/10 people recommend coming here for lunch or dinner, whenever you can get the time (perhaps while doing laundry?). You can't go wrong with your choice, but you should get a taste of the chips and guacamole. I'm visiting my sis in Chicago in a few weeks, and Tomate is already on my short list of eateries to hit (Hakka Bakka Kati Rolls being another)! See ya'll there! read more

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Tomate is a staple for us. One of the few places where me, wife, and kids all agree. We generally pick up an extra burrito or two and that's lunch the next day. They were closed for a long vacation in January. Wife was "why aren't they OPEN!?" and kept on checking the website for updates. One of a few places that actually got better because of COVID restrictions. It used to be a small cramped waiting area. Now it's website ordering and much more efficient. Have the horchata. read more

Best burritos of my life. Carne asada is absolutely divine. The meat, the colored rice, non-refried beans, onions and cilantro. I crave this place and could eat it every single day. $6.50 for the burrito. -1 star for the fact that the ratio of rice/beans to meat is high. AKA there's a lot of rice/beans and never enough meat. The last 7 times I've come here I have ordered extra meat which is $2 extra. AVOID the tacos at all cost. I remember getting the salmon once and it was old...like it had been sitting there for a while, hard and dry. Ridiculously overpriced to top it off. Chicken tinga quesadilla is delicious and melt in your mouth. Really small though. Like a snack, very thin, not stuffed at all. $5.50 if I remember correctly. Horchata is good, not great, I usually skip it because of the price ($3.50). Stick to the staples at Tomate. Burritos only imo. Tip: you can always ask for spicy salsa and ask for grilled habaneros in your burritos. They may or may not charge you extra for the latter (sometimes they do, sometimes they don't for me, I think it's like 0.75 cent charge?). read more

I came one afternoon for a late lunch when it was freezing, and I liked the food here enough the first time that I came again 2 days later, which is pretty rare for me. But after coming twice, I think they've got some kinks to work out still. 3.5 stars for now. Price. Can add up to be an expensive lunch, but once in a while it's worth it. The best bang for your buck in my opinion is definitely the gorditas. I think they taste the best, with the thick corn shell that doesnt get soggy the minute the foil wraps (the tacos do), and for $1 more than the tacos you get rice and beans. Burritos look like they have more meat (and probably rice and bean too), but for $6 it's nothing close to the size of a filling Chipotle burrito. I wish they gave a little more than just a tiny sprinkle of onion and cilantro for burritos, too. Service is super friendly. Everyone is helpful, confirms accuracy of big orders, and works hard to fill orders. I was offered samples of meats that I was unsure of, too. Food. It's great. All the meats I've tried are very aromatic, with beautiful bold blend of spices and a nice kick to most of them. Can't go wrong with carne asada or al pastor. More importantly, they're all distinct and unique. I also love that their beans are cooked through and seasoned, and their rice is fresh and nice too. I tried a chorizo empanada and found it a bit too dry though. Looking forward to trying more. Speaking of trying more things, it's a bit frustrating now that I can't because they're always out! I'm so curious about their cochinita pibil, but it's always been out twice, once it was just starting to be cooked again after running out. I hope that as they learn what to expect for lunch services, they'll keep things constantly available and learn anticipate when they need to cook more of something :/ The lunch line is not nearly as bad as it looks. It's out the door because the indoor area is small, but I think it's probably 10 minutes max if you're at the door - certainly faster than Al's next door. Right now they are working very efficiently, but sometimes I think saying, "oh we're out of ___" and having to repeat to every customer what they do have, and waiting for the person to decide can slow them down. I wish they'd update their kitchen board daily/whenever something runs out if it's going to be a common thing. So food, awesome. The growing pains, totally understandable, but I'm going to reserve 1.5 stars until further improvement. Such a nice option to have on Noyes, definitely going to be coming here regularly in the next year. read more

Saw this place on the "new businesses" section on my Yelp home-page, and I knew I had to visit. Not a huge fan of Mexican food, but I love trying new, local places. Went in for lunch. First thing I noticed (to my disappointment) was that there are no places to sit. There are small countertops that you could stand and eat at, but the restaurant itself is so tiny that if you go at a busy time, good luck eating without having people bump into you. Owner was friendly and she was glad to answer my questions. I ordered the fried tilapia burrito while my friend ordered the carne asada burrito with chips and guac. I had originally planned on eating my meal in the restaurant, but due to the unexpected seating situation, I had to make the 20 minute walk back home before I could start eating. Therefore my fried tilapia had already gotten soggy, and my burrito wasn't hot. However, I could still tell that the flavors were solid - the pineapple mojo added a nice tanginess to my burrito. One thing that really impressed me about the meal, however, was the chips and guac. You get a generous portion of both for $8 (more than enough for two people to share), and the guac was great - had a slight tangy, citrusy flavor that's really addicting. I'm actually NOT a fan of guac (yes, kill me), but I couldn't stop eating it! Prices are very reasonable. $6 for a burrito, $3 for most tacos, and $4 for gorditas. read more

We've ordered delivery a few times and haven't been disappointed yet! It's clear that this local business specializes in takeout (no eat in option), because their food arrives in great condition - well packaged and still warm - something I've noticed a few competitors struggle with. I ordered the chicken tinga burrito. The portion was large with plenty of chicken, and the price was low. :) My vegan and veggie friends - I noticed a ton of options for you, too! read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Chicken tinga burrito - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Everyone I know has been talking about how good tomate is so my expectation was quite high. For $3 a taco, it's definitely more expensive than almost all the taco places you can find in LA, but it's considered average or even cheap in Chicago. What I liked- Their al pastor and carne asada is really good. Al pastor is heavily favored and carne asada is tender. They gave you ALOT of meat in a taco so you could argue that for $3 it's not bad at all. Also the people who work there are really friendly. What I think they're missing- They should have a bar of condiments: different kind of salsas, chopped onions, lemon, cilantro, etc. I felt like my taco could use more chopped onions (they use sweet onions, by the way, so it wasn't spicy at all). Will definitely come back if I crave tacos. read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Carne asada and al pastor - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Tomate is a must-eat for just about anyone, at any time. This place represents some of the best traditional mexican burritos you can get. One warning: takeout only. There is no sitdown. They do deliver, and they switch delivery apps fairly often. I think I've ordered on doordash, eat24, and grubhub from them. Enough about the basics. Let's get down to the history and the important stuff. The owner started out selling her tamales at the Evanston farmer's markets - the winter and the summer one. Every time she would sell them she would sell out consistently. This was not an accident - considering how good they are, if you came near the later half of the farmers market you would basically miss your opportunity to get them. There are a number of vegetarian friendly burrito, tamale and taco options - as well as plenty of meat options as well. Eventually, the owner opened her own takeout location, which appears to be constantly busy. The burritos themselves are a great value and a good size, as well as having a variety of unique/nonstandard options. Among options that have consistently been awesome are the yucca burrito and the grilled cheese burrito. Salads are awesome and so are the tacos. You can't go wrong with the choices here, just order what fits your preference. Do order here. Do pickup from here. You won't regret it. For people who have kids there is a park nearby (1min walking) for them to play in warmer weather scenarios. read more

I was not a huge fan of the food here. I ordered two empanadas: one with chorizo, which was okay but nothing special, and one with the cheese, which had a creamy potato filling that didn't at all taste like it contained three types of cheese. I'd come with a friend who said that last time she was there the empanadas were much better, so I guess the food is kind of hit or miss depending on who's cooking that day. I really don't like the layout of this place. There isn't actually anywhere to sit down; when you walk in the door, there's a wall to your left and the kitchen (partitioned off) to your right. The two end up forming a narrow hallway that you walk down to get to the register to place your order. People who are waiting to order end up jostling for space with people who have already ordered and are awaiting their food. The guy behind the counter who was taking the orders couldn't seem to keep track of his customers and ended up asking us several times what we wanted even though he'd already written it down. Our food took a rather long time to package given that we'd ordered empanadas, which were sitting ready made near the counter. Finally, the guy who had taken our order used the same gloved hands to pack our food as he'd used to take our money. Not cool. read more

Nice small cozy place for takeout only. I always get the sweet potato burrito with chicken. It really punches flavor and heat. Their tacos are good too, a little smaller than most taco joints but once again packs bold flavors. Their empanadas are wonderful as well, try them before they sellout! However, they charge too much for their guacamole. I know Avocados are in high demand but it's crazy and it's not the best. I was also tempted to try their nachos but they melt their cheese in the microwave, no thanks. I like my cheese the traditional already melted velvety texture. In all, great place for a quick bite. read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Emphasis on the "kitchen"--there are zero seats, so this is takeout only. In fact, if more than three customers are in line to order or pick up their food, they will get to know each other more intimately than they may have wanted. But, it's a small price to pay. Most of the tacos are good. I'd say that by the end of the day (they close at 6 most days), some of their fillings and toppings have been in the warmer a little too long. But, if the textures are less than ideal, the flavors are really solid. The carne asada is particularly tasty, especially paired up with the red salsa. I would get that one again and again. read more

I came to Tomate Fresh Kitchen just 20 minutes before they were closing, and they were still serving people just as energetically as they might have when they opened for the day; perhaps the peppy music playing there helps. I ordered the Chicken Tinga Burrito, which was freshly made and really hot. The cool part about this was that they somehow managed to pack the heat uniformly throughout the burrito, so I could take my time without worrying about the second half being cold. The burrito did have less chicken compared to all the rice that was in there, and at times it felt like I was just eating rice and beans. It also just comes with one standard salsa (it'd be good to have some spicier options). The chairs outside are a nice touch, and I'll definitely be coming to this place again to try other things on the menu. read more

I got the carne asada burrito! It was really flavorful and a decent size. The only thing I wish was different was having the options of having toppings like at chipotle without additional cost for each item. Otherwise, everything I get here usually tastes super authentic and good! read more

Note: This review is as a Northwestern alum, but the sentiment should apply to everyone. This restaurant is the savior of north campus. South campus may have access to an entire, multifarious city center, but all I need is this restaurant (and Al's). First, the experience: There is not seating indoors, and only a couple chairs outside when the weather permits. Do not let this deter you. When you walk in, Polo may be the one greeting you: he is exactly what you want in an owner in the midwest, and he will treat you kindly if you treat him so. He and I had many conversations, brief and incredibly pleasant, during my pickups. Second, the food: The food is delicious: the fish is great though sweet, and I prefer it without pineapples. The carnitas is a fan favorite and the meat is unbelievably tender. My favorite is the Yucca with Chimichuri. Though be warned, you will probably need the sauce they give you for the burrito, as they are relatively plain without it. The red is the spicier of the two, and I prefer the green, though they are both good. Moreover, the best things on the menu may not be the burritos. Their guacamole is delicious, well seasoned and tastefully spicy, and the gorditas! Very solid all around, though the tacos are probably not worth it in the light of the other items. Third, the price: Very modest for a restaurant of its quality. You can get a meal for a good deal under 10 dollars, even with a drink. All in all, a very solid restaurant, and a Northwestern and Evanston staple. Worth a trip. read more

Tomate Fresh is hands down the best restaurant in Evanston, and probably the best restaurant I have been to in my 4 years as a student at Northwestern. I have tried almost everything on their menu, and they excel at everything. I am a red blooded carnivore, but their vegetarian options more than amazing and I get them as often as the carne asada (which is unreal). Not only is their service a notch above anything else, but Tanya and the crew are among the friendliest people I have ever met. 2 years running and they know my lunch routine down to a pat, and always have a smile for everyone who comes by. I have also gotten a few large parties catered by them, they are as good with groups of 300 as with single orders. All in all, my favorite restaurant I have ever been to! read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I ordered the tinga quesadilla and it was great, though a little messy. Also, there was a little piece of chicken bone in there that I luckily found before choking or breaking a tooth on it. But I enjoyed my quesadilla so much that I'm giving this five stars. That's how good it was. I will go back. I will bring co-workers with me. Service is fast and friendly, and the menu is varied with plenty of vegetarian options. I believe Yelpers are right on this place-- a great quick lunch spot near Northwestern's campus. read more

Really wish there was an alternative to Chipotle, but unfortunately, there's not. $10 for a Carne Asada Burrito that's basically only rice and beans? Too expensive for very little meat. Very nice people though! read more

phenomenal!!! So fresh and delicious. LOVE THIS PLACE! Try the pineapple/mint/jalapeno water. amazing. read more

Stopped by this spot before a doctors appointment here in Evanston. It's small spot reminiscent of a downtown joint where you walk in, order your food and walk out. There's no room for seating so this is definitely a takeout spot. Delicious chicken empanada, cheese quesadilla and veggie tamale. Great service too! read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Izzy eating his quesadilla - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This is my favorite Mexican food in the area, great quality ingredients and delicious food. The Carne Asada burrito is my favorite and the guacamole is excellent. I just tried the Huaraches and they were so good-homemade Masa pockets stuffed with yummy ingredients. There are great vegetarian options and salads too. They have Jarritos sodas too which I adore. I have honestly eaten here 15 or 20 times and it's consistently great. If I could give more stars I would. read more

Words can't adequately describe what Tomate means to Evanston and the northwestern community, but it is my duty to try. Tomate changed my life. College can be a scary time--changing bodies, new hometown, new life. Tomate is a welcoming spot for new students, and stays a homebase over the next 4 years. Tomate is more than just excellent food--Tomate is home. Tomate is love, Tomate is life. But seriously, the food here is mad good. If you're Evanston it's a must try. read more

Great staff, good food, but very inconvenient hours set more for NU students vs residents.

Tomate is my favorite restaurant. Incredible food with good prices and incredibly incredibly incredibly nice people. I highly suggest treating the base burrito as truly a base - its 1000% worth it to spend the extra bit to get pico and a slice of avocado in your burrito (I always get an al pastor). The people I know who don't absolutely love tomate are the people who don't customize their burrito at all just so they can save 75 cents. Also, get extra sauce, I would buy liters of it if I could. Red sauce makes the burrito. I just absolutely love tomate and would suggest everyone who lives anywhere close to Evanston to give it a try. read more

No sitting I'm afraid, hence four stars. But anyplace that gets a tofu burrito so right deserves a visit!

Love this place! Easy contactless walk up/pick up window. Everything ive had here is is super good with interesting selections of meat and vegetarion items. Great place to just grab a fast small snack when that is all you want. This place is on my highly recommended list of local eats! read more

Came here for the empanadas. Chicken empanada was ok. Beef empanada very greasy, pricey at $4 each. Also ordered a steak quesadilla, very greasy too. Not coming back here. read more

Tomate Fresh Kitchen - Grease running down my finger from the quesadilla - Latin American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Probably the best Mexican Food I've ever had. SO many great vegetarian options (I love the sweet potato or the black bean and queso, but there's probably 4 other options too!). The chips are also great. The flavors are so authentic and it tastes so fresh. Cheaper and FAR better than Chipotle! No places to sit, but super fast service even when there's a long line. read more

Walked in there one day craving for empanadas. This place have one of the best. They have many different flavor but my favorite was the chicken tinga, a spicy tomato taste. The shell was so think. Will for sure come back to try their taco and burrito soon. read more

When it comes to finding lunch spots near a university, go where the college kids go.Tomate has fast become one of my favorite lunch spots, I even hired them for catering some of our lunch & learn meetings, they are very accommodating to varying budgets and order sizes (the empanadas were a big winner at my office). read more

Tomate is an Evanston staple. As a Northwestern employee, I frequent this humble taco stop during the lunch hour, for work catered events and a quick bite right after work. Chicago is a hot spot for Mexican food and so it's hard to compare, but it is likely the best Mexican food you'll find in Evanston, especially near Northwestern. The carne asada and cochinita pibil are my favorite. Very affordable and a good go to when you can't get to Chicago. read more

Online order only, requires you to register with email, phone number, and lots of personal info

Stopped in for lunch after reading the reviews on Yelp. I had one pork pastor taco and one sweet potato taco. Husband had the steak burrito. We also got a small side (it's more of a garnish) of guacamole. Unfortunately, we didn't know this place wasn't dine-in. There were a couple of tables and chairs outside but they were taken. So we sat at a table outside of the coffee shop next door. Glad they didn't chase us away. ;-) Food was fantastic all around. Tacos were only $3 each and stuffed with filling. These are not skimpy tacos. The guacamole was fantastic. There's something in it I can't put my finger on...some kind of spice. Whatever it is, it's different and good. read more