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.

Overall:

4.3

(201 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

3.8


Phone number: (773) 680-6702

Address: 2815 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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!**

" Not too long ago, I decided to check out El Mercadito after hearing about their '$1 Taco Tuesday' specials. Honestly, I was a bit worried they'd skimp on flavor for the deal, but I was impressively wrong! Each taco was flavorful, and I truly appreciated the generous portion sizes. The atmosphere felt very much like a traditional taquería, adding to the overall experience. My only complaint is the slow service—seems a bit disorganized when they get busy. Still, for the price and taste, it’s a must-try! " (*Curated Review*)

" El Mercadito is my go-to place for authentic Mexican food! It has been a long-time favorite of mine, especially for their birria tacos, which are always flavorful and juicy. The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a great place to catch up with friends. I love that they often have daily specials that makes dining here even more appealing. I've enjoyed almost everything I've tried on their menu, and the horchata is a must-have! The only downside I noticed was that the staff can sometimes seem overwhelmed during peak hours. " (*Curated Review*)

" When I first walked into El Mercadito, I was instantly enveloped in the smell of fresh tortillas and spices—a very good sign! I ordered the quesabirria and was not disappointed! The flavor was vibrant and rich. I also loved the amount of salsas available—it added an element of adventure to my meal. The service was great too; our server was attentive. I can't wait to return and try other menu items! " (*Curated Review*)

" The quesabirria tacos at El Mercadito stole the show! Seriously, these were some of the best tacos I've ever had. They were cheesy, packed with flavor, and oh-so-filling! I appreciated that the prices matched the portions, making it easy to indulge. My only complaint is with their service—a bit forgetful, and I had to remind them about a sides order I had placed. All in all, a solid dining experience that I’ll be happy to repeat. " (*Curated Review*)

" I can’t recommend El Mercadito enough! Their birria tacos are some of the most flavorful I’ve ever encountered. The spices are perfectly balanced and the portion sizes are generous. We arrived during lunch rush, but the service was surprisingly efficient considering the crowd. The atmosphere has a lively feel to it, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends. I’ll definitely be back soon to try their other dishes! " (*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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