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Point
1. Xoco
 ($$) 8.3
Mexican Restaurant, Cafe, Lunch, Dinner

Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Tacos

449 N Clark St, chicago

Xoco—pronounced "SHO-ko"—is the Aztec word for "little sister." Rick Bayless, who runs the iconic flagship restaurant Frontera, opened the place. But there's nothing little about Xoco's bold Mexican marketplace flavors. This quick-service café from Rick and Deann Bayless is open early and closing late and proffers contemporary expressions of Mexico's most beloved street food and snacks: flaky empanadas, hot-from-the-fryer churros, frothy Mexican hot chocolate, crusty tortas, and meal-in-a-bowl caldos.

Point  ($) 8.3
Brunch, Mexican Restaurant, American (traditional), Breakfast

Vegetarian Options, Coffee Tea, Cafe, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Juice Bar

4631 N Clark St, chicago

Tiztal Café, a formerly juice bar in "Mega Mall" in Logan Square, opened in May 2008 in Uptown, Chicago. Tiztal Café is the go-to place for locals and visitors for the fusion of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes and American dishes for breakfast and lunch. It is a family-owned and operated restaurant.

Point  ($$) 7.9
Dinner, Mexican Restaurant

Trendy, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Romantic, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Date Night, Takes Reservations, Tacos, Cozy

2800 W Logan Blvd, chicago

Mi Tocaya Antojeria is a Mexican restaurant by acclaimed Chef Diana Davila. It is a vibrant place with large floor-to-ceiling windows filled with art pieces and murals. The food & drink are inspired by Davila's cherished memories of her summers and extensive travels throughout Mexico with her family. The thoughtfully composed menu features a progression of small, medium, and large plates composed of Davila's takes on familiar Mexican favorites, less-known regional specialties, and completely new dishes inspired by her Mexican heritage.

Point  ($) 8.5
Mexican Restaurant, Lunch, Dinner

Dog Friendly, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Food, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Byob, Tacos

2234 N Western Ave, chicago

Located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, Taqueria Chingón is a Mexico City street-style taqueria focused on one of Mexico City's favorite street foods: the Al Pastor. They've developed a menu with classics that stay true to their origins and some tacos that create a new tradition. All the items on the menu are tasty treats, especially tacos.

Point
5. Big Star
 ($$) 8.0
Mexican Restaurant, Bar, Lunch, Dinner

Local Favorite, Vegetarian Options, Salad, Cocktails, Full Bar, Take Outs, Outdoor Seating, Takes Reservations, Tacos

1531 N Damen Ave, chicago

Big Star is a bourbon, beer-focused, taco-serving, late-night establishment in the heart of Chicago's Wicker Park and Wrigleyville neighborhoods. Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Chris Miller's menu, inspired by authentic Mexican street food, is complemented by an extensive house-selected single-barrel bourbon program. Housed in a defunct 1940's gas station, the Wicker Park taqueria and its highly sought-after patio have been a neighborhood staple for ten years. Wrigleyville's two-story branch is nestled just across the street from Wrigley Field.

Point  ($) 8.4
Mexican Restaurant, Food Trucks, Lunch

Coffee Tea, Take Outs, Tacos

2500 S Whipple St, chicago

La Chaparrita is a small, unpretentious, no-frills Mexican restaurant inside a grocery store. The place is famous for its Mexico City-style tacos and street food. Restaurant owner Angelina Mendez uses family recipes from her mother for sausages and meat seasoning.

Point  ($) 8.7
Mexican Restaurant, Lunch

Famous, Take Outs, Tacos

2813 W 55th St, chicago

Founded in 1975 by Inocencio Carbajal, aka "El Guero," Carnitas Uruapan is the legendary destination for those whose palates crave authentic Carnitas from Michoacan, Mexico. The chef's hard work, passion for Mexican flavors, and courage have made him a local celebrity in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. It has been featured in various media outlets, including Univision, The Food Network, VICE, The Cooking Channel, and PBS, by consistently ensuring the family recipe remains true to its Mexican heritage, unmodified for the American market in any way.