I want a Cubana and I want one right now! Pork, bacon, avacado, cheese, onions and dipped in a spicy red sauce. Yum. The poblano corn chowder is fantastic too. XOCO has an incarnation also in Macys on state and in terminal 1 at O'Hare (Tortas by Rick Bayless) serving a similar menu as XOCO. All of Rick Bayless restaurants are the same--fresh and unique with tastes that are 5 star quality! Wonderful! read more

I am in awe of the food here. I came here with 3 friends in the early evening (~5:30 ish, or earlier) and we all ordered something different. Everything was absolutely delicious. My friends all ordered tortas: baja chicken, ahogada... I forget the last. We always try each other's food and all of them were absolutely delicious. I was the odd one out and got a meal-in-a-bowl-caldos, the Carnitas bowl. At first I had a little food envy for those crunchy sandwiches, but when the soup finally came, quickly made me change my mind. So hot and delicious and flavorful! It kept me warm the whole walk to the train afterwards. We all got churros after dinner. They were hot, fresh and perfect with the mexican vanilla soft-serve. My friend went a second time and said they weren't as good (cold and not very tasty), and I actually heard the same from a third party. Most people seem to think the churros are awesome though, so maybe my friends were out of luck. A couple of my lady-friends also got the hot chocolate (authentic and classic) and found it too rich to drink. Tasty, but it just made them thirstier. The food was honestly some of the best I've had for a while. I'm taking off a star because the hostess was truly unpleasant. It was our first time dining there, and she was extremely rude because we did not know the ordering protocol of the restaurant and took too long deciding on what we wanted to eat. She got mad at us for holding up the line, and we offered for many people to go ahead of us as we read through the entire menu. In addition, as we left the restaurant, instead of a "Thank you for dining with us!" or a "Have a nice night," she gave us a really nasty stink eye and brushed past us. Kind of an aggravating way to end a nice dinner... still, I'd go back anyway. read more

This place was SO good, i was just there yesterday and i'm still thinking about it. I went for a late lunch with a friend and i ordered the pork belly torta which was their special for the day. I was excited that they had hibiscus water and ordered one but i think it was a bit too sour for me. The food however was incredible. i typically only eat half of whatever i'm served but i could not help myself, i had to eat it all. it was an incredible combination of flavors, the sauce was not too hot but it had a good spicy kick to it. We ordered churros with chocolate sauce after to top it off and it definitely hit the spot. i would go back to xoco in a heart beat. I recommend it to anyone. read more

I used to work near here and tried to eat at XOCO twice. Unfortunately, it's a weird place that is always crowded with a very limited menu and pretty unhealthful food. There really are no vegetarian options and the whole routine is cafeteria-style. For the prices, it should be a little less like a cattle call. Weird. So I'll pass by all the tourists and cattle and go someplace a little more in need of my business. read more

Amazing Mexico City-style thick hot chocolate, actually better and thicker than what I've had there! The churro was hot and the best I've had, same for the tres leches cake. We took it to go because it was late Saturday night and still extremely busy - but what can you do? read more

Best torta I've ever had. "Which one?" you may ask, ALL OF THEM. Hands down. Bread is fantastic - salsa and guac is the best - and the meats are mouth-watering. I am obsessed with xoco. Oh, and get the lemonade. read more

I know many of my friends love this place, but none of the vegetarian soups or sandwiches have ever left me wanting to return. Nor was I particularly impressed with the churros or chocolate. It's a promising concept, but not for me, it seems. read more

XOCO is very consistent with the other Rick Bayless spots. Everything you order is going to be done very well. Ingredients, preparation and presentation are all top notch. The man runs an entire block in River North for a reason. Tips: - This is a tourist place. You likely will wait in a decent sized queue. They are also going to try and turn your table over as quickly as they can. I wish it were a casual place to sit and drink beers all afternoon, but that is just not the case. - As you are in a tourist place, you will be paying tourist prices. If you want value, head to the Little Village. - There is no shortage of Rick Bayless paraphernalia for purchase. Find something you like and write it down to buy online later. read more

I've tried a lot of their tortas and they are all good, but you can't beat the Milanesa: a soft, crunchy breaded Gunthorp farms chicken breast sandwiched between a flavourful mixture of black beans, melted Monterey jack cheese, avocado, and a spicy crema, all of which is pressed between two pieces of grilled focaccia. Served with housemade red and green salsas. Gourmet fast food seriously does not get any better than this. read more

Sweet lord this was amazing. I am a huge fan of Chef Bayless. There is nothing more that I can add that would enhance your visit-which you must do immediately. Trust me. It will be worth it. And have a Mexican hot chocolate. read more

I agree with others that the food is one-of-a-kind in Chicago. No doubt, I have much respect for Rick Bayless (who banged into me head on at OHare one time....true story). But I have to say - the food really wasn't all that flavorful. In fact, I think pretty much everything was under seasoned. There, I said it! read more

Had to wait 30 minutes to order but so worth it. We ordered the ahogada, the carnitas soup, the goat barbacoa, the coctel rojo, and chocolate churros. The carnitas soup was my favorite, followed closely by the ahogada sandwich. Great bold flavors. Would definitely come back next time I'm back in the Chicago area. read more

Xoco - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nom!! Love this place. Unique Mexican that's very thoughtfully put together. Ivd never had anything here that wasn't stellar. Some people used to huge portions might be off put by the amount if food you get for the money but it really is tasty and enough to satisfy. read more

If you happen to be walking by Xoco and find you hands empty, do yourself a favor and pick up some glazed pistachio churros. You will thank yourself. Then go home and brush your teeth before a cavity sets in your premolar. read more

Glad we followed the advise of other yelpers and stopped by for a bite! I wanted breakfast and my husband wanted lunch so I ordered then waiting 15 minutes until my husband was able to order their lunch items. I got a chocolate cafe con leche, pistachio churro, and an empanada. Everything was sooooo good! My husband's sandwich was very tasty but I'm a sweet person so I like my items better ;) read more

maybe it was the time of day, or perhaps the high expectations our group had developed about this place from yelp reviews, guidebooks and even recommendations from friends. but we were all pretty angry after we left, which almost never happens to me. 1. it is super expensive. four of us got sandwiches (no sides) and A margarita ... the bill was over $100. that seems silly to me. 2. the food was cold ... and supposedly it's made to order? 3. it just DIDN'T taste good. i generally like everything, and by the time we got here i was starving, so i thought anything would taste good ... not the chicken tortas i ordered! maybe frontera holds up better, but i honestly feel like this is a tourist trap with subpar food and ZERO ambiance. read more

This was right down the street from our hotel, so we walked over after arriving in Chicago. OMG, yummy. We shared the chicken Milanese sandwich( the only white meat chicken sandwich option) and it was enough with side of gauc and chips. Very tasty. Even my picky Ms. Pickster spouse enjoyed it. We ordered the churros and they came out after the dinner( I had to ask again for them). Loved them too. I only wish I would have had more time to go back again. read more

Mmmm tasty. This place has some really excellent food. I had a tasty torta and my dining companion had the soup. I would have definitely slurped down both in a hurry if given the chance. It was a bit on the more expensive side than I ususally expect from a Mexican place, but overall, good. Nice selection of beer as well. I need my Three Floyds fix when I'm in the Midwest. read more

Saw Rick Bayless here, enthusiastically speaking with his staff. What a treat. I enjoyed the torta. Parking was a little challenging; had to survey the block a few times. read more

The sandwiches and soups are good. The churros are good. Unfortunately, that is all they serve- soups, sandwiches, and churros. Having eaten my way through the entire menu, I wish they would expand their offerings. read more

I honestly can't decide if I like this place or not. Before I get critical, I want to point the positives, because I think they matter. The staff is really well trained to be customer-centered; they are friendly and courteous. Also, the food is served quickly; it's the best part about waiting a long time. In the end, the heaviest weight on my rating rests on the food itself. To be frank, it's a confusing experience, primarily because this place advertises itself as a "Mexican Food" establishment. So the expectation is that there will be a dominant sense of traditional Mexican flavors, arrangements, ingredients and ambiance. That however changes as soon as you step in. The first clue, is that the majority of the customers are Caucasian tourists - but what do I expect? - I'm in Chicago. The ingredients are a testament to who they cater or who would be attracted to this place. So if it's not Mexican, then what is it? Experimental Mexican-influenced food. The food is not bad, just a little confusing at first. I can see how people could get used to this; a novelty. That's all this place is, once you get over it, you'll be ready to go back to the hole-in-the-wall taquerias they have in San Diego. read more

A friend brought me here when I was new to the city. It smells fantastic, and my pork soup was delicious. The only parts I didn't like were the long lines and awkward seating arrangements. I'll be going back read more

The food easily makes up for the long wait. I've gone there many times and each time try done thing new. I have yet to be disappointed. Rick Bayless is the most Mexican non-Mexican I know. Orale!! read more

Mmmmm tortas. Mine had pork belly on it, and was accompanied by a blood orange margarita. Delicious!

It's so delicious that it makes you sad because you realize how mediocre the food you usually eat is. The guacamole alone is incredible- btw get it with bacon and cheese on top. The ahogada is tender and spicy and perfect. You have to go here!!! read more

i loved xoco! the one time i had an issue with the service (i.e., i wasn't getting served and our plates weren't being taken even though the place was near empty) was quickly resolved. the management kept their word and were super nice about everything and discounted my food. the food itself: AMAZING. i love their guacamole and usually need to order two plates full. their food is unique and a great blend of spice. i'd come to xoco anytime, and suggest you do too. read more

Almost $13 for a bready sandwich and consistently slow service. Not impressed.

They said their signature sandwich is the ahogada torta, so that's what I got, along with the pistachio churro, in an order to go. I saw a box come out soon after I ordered, thinking it was someone else's order, but it was my churro! Didn't realize this until someone packed it with my torta 12 min later, and I was sad, because the churro tasted like it would've been amazing if they gave me the box right away and I ate it right away... The torta comes with a dipping jus that you can order different levels of spicy. I went with medium even though I'm not great with spice because I figured I could adjust by dipping more/less. The medium definitely had a kick but was perfect for me. That dipping jus is really tasty and a perfect complement to the already tasty sandwich. Will have to come back for a fresh churro, maybe another dessert, and another torta. And the chicharrones. And one of the bowls. Yeah ok I'll have to come back with a group and share. read more

I ordered the Xoco salad, dressing on the side and it was delicious! It was big, and definitely worth the money! I also ordered a chocolate glazed churro, and it came with nuts crumbled on top of it! Another bonus is that Rick Bayless was there and I got to meet him for the second time! read more

Everything Rick Bayless is over rated, bread is hard, sandwiches are average, and I think they get too fancy on the desserts.

I was looking for a quick sit down snack while waiting for my friends to get out of work. Churros seemed like the perfect idea! I was definitely lost when I walked in as I wasn't sure if this was a it down place or not but the host was very helpful in guiding this lost tourist. I went for 2 churros and the chicharones! Yes, I had the whole basket all to myself... The churros were fresh and tasty and the chicarones with a spritz of lime was so good (I felt a little guilty)! This is seemed like a great place for a quick snack/margarita or takeout for lunch. It's like a "coffee" spot. It's a bit pricier than the churros from the subway stations but it is fresh! read more

Another rip off fuax mexican joint by bayless! Everything is overly salty! What a joke!

everything here is great, except the sandwich I got. I had the special of the day fish sandwich. It was beyond bland and mushy except for the entire habanero chili (I am not fucking kidding) that was hidden in there. So that bite was fun. After I got myself straightened out in the bathroom I decided to get some churros and hot chocolate that were honestly amazing. My marg was lovely as well. If someone really wanted to go here I would join them but otherwise I'll just grab the churros and hot choc to go! read more

I love this place. The service is always spot on and the food is amazing. I've been here for brunch several times and it never disappoints. The chilaquiles are delicious but my favorites are the mushroom or baja chicken tortas. read more

Everything is delicious here. The churro are addicting and don't even get me started on the guacamole

Rick Bayless can do no wrong!!! I've eaten breakfast here the last 2 days the shrimp and eggs were terrific but the huevos rancheros were next level. I added chorizo and avocado. It's truly amazing that the dishes are by far the best I've ever had. It's like he's speaking another language. Go and eat here. read more

So, the seating and ordering is weird. But the sandwiches are outstanding. You need to know that you order first, then find a seat among the sea of bar stools, and wait for your vittles. The price is right, the sandwiches delectable, and even the shrimp ceviche was crisp, tart, and light - perfect to enjoy but not too heavy. It's a solid quick choice among the noise of "Mexican" in that area. read more

So I've been calling for 15 minutes this morning because the person who took down our catering pickup order emailed with the incorrect pickup time. They repeatedly pick up the phone and hangup (after it ringing for over 3 minutes)! Bad enough you can't have them deliver because they can't deliver on time either (we're only a few blocks away at Kinzie and Wells). Guess once you feel you're established with the tourist you need not concern yourself with local customers. read more

How slow is slow? Try this place to find out. But plan on giving yourself tons of time even if the place is empty.

Not only have I watched Rick Bayless cook on PBS since I was a little girl, but I absolutely LOVE this spot! It is a go to for me and I am ALWAYS satisfied! My favorite item to order would have to be the milanesa torta. It is perfection! I also love the casualness of this restaurant. It is a great place to go for a drink and some great food! The service is always on point and there is always a place to be seated rather quickly. read more