El Mercadito
Mexican Restaurant
4.5
(237)
El Mercadito is a vibrant taquería that offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, with particular praise for its flavorful quesabirria tacos. While the food generally receives high marks for its quality and authenticity, service can sometimes be inconsistent, affecting the overall dining experience. The atmosphere is inviting and conducive for a casual meal.
Phone number: (773) 680-6702
Address: 2815 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634, USA
Opening hours
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Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" Took the family here last weekend for a treat. What a fantastic place! The kids loved the carne asada tacos, and I was impressed by the quality of the meat. Juicy, well-seasoned, and they even offer a lovely selection of salsas! The only hiccup was the atmosphere; it felt a bit hectic as we went during dinner rush. However, I loved the friendly service and great prices. Definitely, make this a regular family spot for tacos! " (*Curated Review*)
" Honestly, El Mercadito is a hit or miss. I’ve been here twice, and it felt totally different both times. The tacos were nice and flavorful, especially the pork ones. But the second visit, the service was just terrible. No one checked on us for ages, and we even received the wrong order. If you're lucky enough to visit when they're not too busy, I think you’ll enjoy it. Just hoping they find a balance! " (*Curated Review*)
" Overall, I had a mixed experience at El Mercadito. The ambiance is welcoming and has a local vibe that I appreciated. The tacos were decent, but honestly nothing to write home about—just your typical offerings in a city full of Mexican food. The service was polite, but definitely slower than expected. I liked that they had multiple specials, and the prices make it hard to complain too much. It might be worth another visit. " (*Curated Review*)
" Visited El Mercadito with high expectations, and they were almost met. The tacos were indeed tasty and seemed fresh. However, I did notice the service was less than stellar, as we had to ask multiple times for simple things like extra napkins and water. The price for what you get in terms of quantity was quite reasonable, but the wait times made it hard to fully enjoy the meal. The vibe of the restaurant, though, is delightful, and the decor is refreshing. " (*Curated Review*)
" An unfortunate experience at El Mercadito. I had high hopes based on the reviews but walked away disappointed. The tacos were unremarkable, the meat tasted bland even though they offered plenty of sauce options. Plus, our server seemed distracted and we waited too long for our orders. I did enjoy the atmosphere—it had a casual, inviting feel, but the primary reason for going there—the food—was a letdown. I might give them another try someday, but I'm not rushing back. " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (191)
" This restaurant is a hidden gem! El Mercadito serves some of the best birria tacos I've ever had, and trust me, I've tried enough places around Chicago to know what I'm talking about. The beef is incredibly tender, full of flavor, and the consomé that comes with it is just heavenly! The service was friendly, no long wait despite the crowd, which surprised me. The only downside was that the seating can get a bit cramped during busy times. I'll be back for sure! " (*Curated Review*)
" I recently tried El Mercadito, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations! The tacos al pastor were simply delicious—so much flavor packed into each bite. The salsa that came with the chips was robust and spicy, just the way I like it. The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, making it perfect for a casual lunch with friends. The staff was friendly too, although we had to wait a little longer for our food than we hoped. Nonetheless, I definitely plan to come back soon to explore more of their menu! " (*Curated Review*)
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