La Cantina Grill

3.0 star rating
145 reviews Rating Details

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

1911 S Michigan Ave
(between 18th St & Cullerton St)
Chicago, IL 60616
Neighborhood: Near Southside
(312) 842-1911
Nearest Transit:

Cermak-Chinatown (Red Line)

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Great Margaritas - also in gigantic sizes." (in 5 reviews)
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"First, the drink specials are INCREDIBLE." (in 5 reviews)
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"My friend had the fajitas which looked awesome as well." (in 14 reviews)
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145 reviews in English

  • Review from Ada M.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 67 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/18/2011

    It's more like 3 and half stars...

    I was happy to see a Groupon deal for this place after passing by and curious to try it, especially I live in the area. Represent Southside!

    I called a few hrs before and asked if the Groupon required a reservation. The lady put me on hold, and then a gentleman came on the phone. I was told that it was really busy and they they don't take Groupons on weekends (which I did not see on the deal), but he would take it since I called. He told me to just ask for him, the owner when I arrive.

    My friend and I arrived and it was not busy at all. We got seated right away, without us saying a word. Odd.

    The bad thing about eating out, especially Mexican is that they mostly always give comp salsa and chips. The deal was also for a fixed meal for 2: one appetizer, two entrees, and two margaritas.

    STUFFED is what my friend and I were.

    I'm usually picky about guac, but the guac we ordered was pretty good. It was betwen creamy and chunky. The cilantro and lime was easily there.

    I'm a veggie and I ordered a the veggie fajita grill, which came with rice and beans and tortillas.

    I'm usually not a fan of fruity girly drinks, but this is one of few margaritas I actually enjoyed. I ordered the strawberry mango and my friend's watermelon was pretty tasty as well.

    Our meal was delicious, I just think it is still a little over priced.

    The service is decent, nothing to rave about but not horrible or anything to complain about either.

    I would definitely go here again, but not all the time since it's on the pricier side.

  • Review from Pamela K.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    12/22/2011

    Disappointing! Wings? Blah! Margaritas? Alright. Quesadillas? Alright. You know that saying that body language makes about 80% of a person's effectiveness in making a point? Well, I gave La Cantina Grill a chance despite what I'd read in advance and less than stellar rating from Yelpers. Customer service, particularly from rhymes with terrica, was just plain horrible. Cranky as heck when all my friends wanted to do was to take advantage of a promotion of margaritas and apps. You think we were trying to pull over a fast one on the waiter.

    Then, the food came and it just was a cherry on top of the entire experience. Average oh so average. Not worth full price of what they offer! Move on to other yummier mexican places in the city!

    Gave it 2 stars because the margaritas weren't bad and not a bad size. Selection was pretty big. My mango one was pretty good. Metered parking.

  • Review from Alexia G.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/12/2011

    La Cantina Grill is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant.  My friends and I go there at least twice a month to enjoy their amazing drink specials.  The margaritas are great, and are BIG; My particular favorite is the "Nina".  If you are into drinks, the Bartender, Axle, makes the best ones!

    The food is typical Mexican food.  Anything you could think of that you may want is on the menu. The waitstaff is very friendly. Out of the, at least 20 times I've been there, I have maybe had poor service once, and I haven't seen her since then.

    This is a great spot to just hang out with friends, or even a first date due to the lively atmosphere.

    Enjoy!

  • Review from Megan B.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/9/2012

    La Cantina is such a great little Mexican restaurant in the South Loop.  I live nearby and have been here numerous times and have always found the food and service to be great.  Often on Thursday nights they have live music which makes it especially fun but it can also get really busy... so come early or you might want to be prepared to wait.  In summertime the patio is a great option and usually open because this place is still  somewhat of a hidden gem.  

    If you go, make sure you order the queso fundido with the verde sauce.....seriously, it's incredible.

  • Review from Candace P.

    •  
    • 62 friends
    • 108 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    1/31/2012

    As much as I love fajitas, these did not make the cut.  Very bland.  I wonder why the steak and shrimp were not seasoned.  Love the margarita's and FYI on Monday the margarita's are $5.  Thoroughly enjoyed the guacamole.  The 3 highlights for me were (1) enjoyed the company I was in; (2) GREAT margaritas and (3) chips and guacamole.

  • Review from Kristen D.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Near Southside, Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Average food and small portions. A little pricey for the quality.

  • Review from Laura D.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/8/2012

    Food was pretty good although the margaritas are marginal.  Staff is nice and very attentive.

  • Review from Vaidehi T.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/29/2011

    I will give La Cantina a 3 and a half stars. I live very closeby to this joint, and have visited several times. It is a small place and is usually crowded. In summers, there is outdoor seating also.

    First off, their food is decent - especially for their prices and they have huge portions. Their veggie quesadilla is very tasty - and cheesy! I love the chips and salsa that is served at every table. Love their margaritas. That is what people come here for !! Their service is pretty decent and friendly, we have been here lots of times and were never unhappy with the service.

  • Review from Justin O.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/18/2011

    I have had delivery a number of times from La Cantina, but held off on the review until I recently went and dined in. I like their burritos and they are generously filled. It can be a challenge to finish the whole plate. I thought the service could've been better, but nothing that would deter me from returning for the chips, salsa, and a steak burrito.

  • Review from Lauren C.

    Allison Park, PA

    4.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    First off, I love Mexican food so I can be a harsh critic when it isn't up to par.  No reason to be harsh about here though.  The food was delicious.   What was supposed to be a light lunch turned into me stuffing myself silly.

    First off, the salsa.  HOT, HOT, HOT.  Super spicy and super delicious.  Despite going through two glasses of water and my mouth being on fire, I kept piling it on my chips.  It was great.  I ordered two chicken tostadas as my main course and they were tasty and flavorful but the beans, oh the side of beans, were wonderful.  Best part of my meal.  I could have opted for bean tostadas versus chicken because there weren't near enough beans on my plate.  Another member of the party tried the Chicken Lomo a la Cantina and that was excellent as well.  We also got a little tipsy of our $13 Sangria Pitcher (special on Saturday).

    The service was very friendly and attentive and the prices were reasonable for the large portion you received.  I would go back here in a second on my next visit to Chicago.

  • Review from Mindy S.

    •  
    • 94 friends
    • 123 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/19/2011

    Drugs are great.

    Please don't smoke them on the way to my house, arrive after 90+ minutes with cashed out eyes and look like Urlacher just ran through you and our food. Our cold food and melted mushy dessert.

    For such a great business, La Cantina really dropped the ball with their delivery person that night and I'm not really eager about doing that again.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      5/16/2011

      Just had delivery from here for the first time and it is now my favorite delivery place and favorite… Read more »

  • Review from Emily G.

    •  
    • 29 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    7/13/2011

    Went here for drinks with a few friends last night. I haven't tried eating here yet (except for the two delicious baskets of chips and salsa we devoured).

    We got two rounds of drinks, a regular frozen margarita and a strawberry frozen margarita each, and they were delicious! Usually art places like this frozen fruity drinks are good but a little weak. Here they definitely put a decent amount of alcohol in the drink. I was a little annoyed they charged for the refill on the chips and the service just ok. Overall, the drinks were a pretty good deal! Will definitely come back for drinks sometime!

  • Review from natalia s.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/26/2011

    This review is for delivery only..

    ordered from here last week for the first time... everything was delivered so nice and neatly and they gave us extra everything on the side without even asking! (i love lots of salsa and stuff) we got the chimichanga and the enchilada w green sauce... both were sooo yum and very flavorful. we also got steak nachos and were kinda disappointed, maybe it tastes better in the restaurant but def dont get them for delivery.. otherwise, pretty solid mexican place, esp if ur lazy and dont wanna leave the house even though u live a few blocks away :/   (i meannn why not their website has a coupon for free delivery!)

  • Review from IAmAngelic I.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    Went to La Cantina Grill Last Night & It Was Amazing. Good Food, Drinks & Service. The Food Portions Were Large. You Can Split A Meal & Get Drink Specials..... If You're Looking For Cheap Eats & Drinks Check It Out.

    Oh Yea, I would not recommend going on the weekend. The place is pretty small.

  • Review from Double L.

    •  
    • 44 friends
    • 233 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    6/27/2011

    $3 Polomas on Thursday?  I don't think there is a better way to slide into the weekend.  

    Friendly staff, nice atmosphere and lots of choices on the menu.  They also have a nice patio out front that gets lots of sun.

    Food is just o.k. from what I've tried and some things are certainly better than others.

  • Review from Linda H.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    6/9/2011

    It's taken me two years to go back to this place after an unfortunate fish burrito incident.

    It's just *ok* here. On this visit, it was packed (on a Thursday night), and we were greeted by a guy, well, not really greeted, but he kinda looked in our direction, I don't think he actually made eye contact...definitely didn't smile...and then he seated us. Dude, could you try to make us feel a *little* more welcome?

    The service was pretty good. It took a while for a strawberry margarita, which was *ok* (it was kinda light pink, I expected more red and strawberry-ish...plus it was in a plastic glass, wtf?). We ordered our entrees and then as an afterthought grabbed the waitress and asked for a small guacamole and she was like "do you want that before the meal", um, yes...she brought out a tiny little ramekin, like you would get on the side....maybe that is their small guac, but it seemed really small. Anyway, just as well 'cuz it wasn't that good...it was kinda runny, and salty and too limey.

    The entrees were actually quite good. I had Chile Rellenos which I'm really picky about, and BF had some steak thing that he said was really good. They were really good portions too... I have leftovers for tomorrow, yay.

    So, the place is ok, or "A-OK" as the three stars indicate. I wish it was better, since I live so close...but I will be back.

  • Review from Jacob R.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    11/19/2011

    Deceitful Marketing 101.....

    I recently purchased the Goupon for La Cantina that specifically stated no blackout dates or times. One of the reasons I purchased this Groupon. I went to make reservations as specified on the Groupon and they now have blackout times during Friday and Saturday! This is unethical and deceitful marketing. If you can't keep your word as stated in the Groupon then don't run it. This is very dissapointing at the least. It makes you wonder if it translates into the quality of food, service and management. Can they get customers any other way......

    This is not Groupons mistake! It was clearly stated by the hostess who took my call that this was the way this was setup.

    You have lost a customer for life and I will be sure to let everyone know how deceitful this marketing scheme was.

  • Review from Cathleen M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Brighton Park, Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    11/18/2011

    Made an early reservation for a Friday night. Even though the place was only half full and there were three servers we didn't even get offered water. At 5:30 on a Friday we wanted a cocktail.

  • Review from Dee R.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    What can I say but that I REALLY tried to like this place. I had visited once a year back and didn't care for it much. Thought last week that I would give it another go (I'm fair) and try it yet again.  

    Not happy at all. It was a Friday night about 6:10, I was on a schedule so I was time conscience. We (only 2 of us) were seated quickly at a table in the back where it was very dark and hard to see the menu, had to use the candle on the table and hold it up. It wasn't just me, I looked over and another table was doing the same thing.  

    It took about 12 min before anyone took our drink order, chips and salsa were brought, nothing special about them, seemed generic, ate them as we were hungry. Finally, our drink order was taken and then another 10 min.before it was brought out and then another 10 Min before the wait staff came over to take our food order. So after seeing this pattern of long waits and an empty chip basket and being thirsty, we shared with the wait staff that we had to be out by 7:15, did she believe that the food would be out quickly, of course she said yes, that was sooooo not the case, After telling us 3 times that the food was coming right out, we just asked her to make the order TO GO.  And she tried telling us again that they were plating it as we speak. It took another 8 min. before they could put it in a to go container and out the door we ran at 7:15 pm.

    So Service was lacking, it wasn't that busy, I had ordered that drink and was told that I couldn't take it with me in a to go cup (I get that) but told that I could just chug my $8.50 beverage. Seriously!? I think it was the manager who said that and I gave him a look that I was not looking to Chug my expensive cocktail.

    Got home (live 4 buildings over on the same block)  Order was wrong, and just so unappetizing. I ate it for the sake of putting something in my stomach because I  was starting to feel a buzz coming on from having to drink as much of my alcohol before I left the Restaurant.

    Look, there are just way too many authentic and less expensive places to eat Mexican/Latin food. Head over to Pilsen or Little Village for the real thing.  It's worth the money and you'll get more bang for your buck! I'm thinking this place will do well with just serving drinks when it's nice out and you can have it on their patio.

    Please, please work on revamping the "Mexican" food you serve, please. I want to like you. I really do. Really.

    Oh, this review is not all negative. I thought the art work on the wall was unique and nostalgic and the decor was nice.

  • Review from Anne H.

    Sunnyside, NY

    3.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    Had a veggie quesadilla at 11:30PM one night.  Service was good.  I was glad the kitchen was still open.  The food was also very tasty and really hit the spot.  

    Plus, I've been craving it.

  • Review from Ryan F.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    7/15/2011

    We went here for carry out tonight, and a few drinks while we waited... As soon as we arrived with our puppy (I'd seen people eating on the patio with their dogs too) we received dirty looks and manners from the waitress. As soon as I sat down, she said "...yeah you can sit there but the dog must be on the outside! (of the railing)." We immediately left.

    Okay, fair, I understand. He's very calm, socialized, and would sit quietly at my feet but I can see where other guests may not enjoy him being so close and perhaps he would block foot traffic. However, what is with the tone?! She sounded like she was doing me a favor why allowing us to grace her establishment. From reading other reviews it sounds like the service is a MAJOR issue I'm echoing here.

    I've eaten here twice before when desperate.The food is mediocre, borderline poor. Think basic tex-mex - average chips, probably canned salsa, fried and greasy/oily to make up for bland or overcooked ingredients. In other words, it's a late-night greasespoon diner but with mexican food.

    It's sad because we live in the neighboring building and losing your local business is a major blow to a restaurant. Others I spoke to here also seem to have the same opinion, La Cantina...

  • Review from Dhyia T.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    Great food ((talapia quesadilla, ceviche, etc...) and inexpensive drinks (every day is a special). Five dollar margharitas on Mondays! Enough said.

  • Review from Daniel C.

    •  
    • 61 friends
    • 94 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    This place was great.
    I went for a birthday party for a coworker.   Birthday boy knew the owner so we had our run of the place.
    They had decent prices for beverages.  I didn't get to try to food items but there were a billion different kinds of margaritas.
    The grapefruit is their promo item but it was kinda crazy.
    Their special for the night was long island iced teas for $6.
    2 got me buzzed so they were a good deal.

  • Review from Kelly S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    5/25/2011

    Last Saturday, I joined friends at La Cantina Grill for a friend's birthday celebration. My friends were already seated at a table outside. I barely walked up to the table before the manager on duty, a tall man with black hair who was wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt, abruptly tapped me on the shoulder and barked that I couldn't sit there. I hadn't even sat down, yet. I was simply standing there so one of our friends, who was leaving, could get by. This manager was not only rude to us but to another party seated a few feet from us. They also complained about the manager's attitude. He acted like he didn't want any of us there and treated us very disrespectfully. I would also like to point out that my party and the other were all Black.

    We ordered plenty of food and drink and were not rowdy or disruptive. There was no excuse for this type of treatment.

    I will not return to this restaurant.

  • Review from Anne S.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/8/2010

    I thought this place was good.  I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't get a drink, but damn those margaritas are big!

    The chips and salsa on the table were very good and plentiful, our basket was refilled as soon as it got low.

    We ordered beef nachos as an appetizer, and as others have said, it was huge.  I think 2 people could have split that in place of entrees.  We had 4 people sharing it, and 2 of us barely ate any of our dinners after finishing the nachos.  (But they don't list the nachos under appetizers, and I can see why).  I thought it was weird to have salsa all over the nachos, but other people seemed to think that was great.

    I ordered tostados because I always order them.  These were good, as was the rice and beans on the side.  After the nachos and chips with salsa, I barely made a dent in my food.  Luckily it still tasted great the next day for lunch.

  • Review from Nishan P.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/3/2010

    Eureka! A delicious Mexican meal at a restaurant not owned by a man named Bayless.

    I typically don't find myself getting excited about Mexican food.  To me most Mexican restaurants seem to follow the same cookie cutter formula serving the same rather bland dishes.  So when Cosme, a recent transplant from Mexico, suggested we lunch at La Cantina Grill, I wasn't jumping up and down with joy.  His eagerness to introduce me to one of his local favorites convinced me to give it a try.

    The restaurant occupies a small space in a deserted section of the South Loop.  Service was prompt and we received our Jarritos soon after we ordered them.  Based on Cosme's recommendation I picked the Bistec a la Tampiquena.  A huge skirt steak was delivered to me draped across a platter and topped with grilled cebollitas (whole bulb onions).  An enchilada, doused in a rich, chocolate-tinged mole, and the traditional rice and beans also somehow managed to find room on the platter. The impressive steak was tender, juicy and tasted great.  The enchilada, with the piquant mole, packed a real wallop of flavor.

    When I want good Mexican food and don't feel like standing in line for hours, I now know exactly where I'm going to go.  Gracias, Cosme.

  • Review from marnie b.

    •  
    • 38 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/12/2011

    NEW MANAGEMENT GREAT SERVICE AND FOOD!!!!!!  Go all the time!!!

  • Review from Jen F.

    Miami, FL

    4.0 star rating
    1/6/2011

    I was here on a Monday night with a girlfriend and got to experience their $5 margarita special - you definitely get your money's worth! Very yummy and a big glass worth.

    I had the chicken fajitas and she had the enchiladas. Both dishes were tasty and satisfying. They were huge portions, so I got to take some home for lunch the next day as well. Prices were reasonable, and service was fine. We'll definitely be going back!

  • Review from Neecy T.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/24/2010

    So I live really close to cantina and therefore have frequented their food enough to be certain of the pros and cons of this Mexican restaurant.
    Pros:
    1. Their beef nachos, a towering heavy plate of chips, ground beef, lettuce, tomatos, carrots (don't know why they are there) cheese, beans, and a generous amount of jalepenos. I always think I can eat those and more. I can't.
    2. Good strong sangria (like kinda dangerous strong) and margaritas.
    3. Awesome steak fajitas
    4. Light music (usually spanish)in the background, suitable for conversation.
    5. Dim lighting, nice place for a date.
    6. The owner is always around and happy to greet regulars. The service is perfunctory but warms when they recognize you on a weekly basis.

    Now cons:
    1. Slow kitchen service, their kitchen has to be tiny because food can take forever.

    2. Their prices aren't bad but it can get up to the 60-70 price range for two with a drink apiece and 2 entrees. Not taqueria prices, but they aren't a taqueria.

    Overall, I like the place. It's cozy and comfortably close to my house. I used to live next to cesar's home of the killer margarita up in lakeview, and I must say their food and their drinks are better. You probably should devote a good hour and a half because once they get busy, the kitchen seems to go real slow, like 2 margaritas and my food isn't here and I'm sippin. But order the nachos first and the pace will seem smoother.

  • Review from Heather M.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Riverdale, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/23/2011

    I've been here a few times...and mainly for their margaritas! I'm a huge fan of their kiwi and strawberry margarita mixed together...definitely a favorite for me!

    The food is okay...I've only had chicken fajitas and quesadillas...they have never disappointed...but the last time I went my rice was mushy and overcooked...

    The place is kind of small...so expect to be seated close to other people if you go on a Monday, Friday or Saturday...

    Overall this place is nice...decent prices, nice ambiance and good food... especially on Monday's when they have the margarita special ;-) I'll definitely return :)

  • Review from Michelle L.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    1/17/2011

    La Cantina deserves 2-3 stars (next time I go I'll update my review and hopefully add 1+ stars).  The food is okay - not great, just okay.  My shrimp fajitas didn't have much flavor, and the veggies were cooked very well done and drowning in oil - it wasn't bad, I've just had much, much better.  My husband's steak was good, they call it something else but it's basically a carne asada, again I've had better but it was pretty good.  Next time I'll skip any seafood and go with their more traditional items.  I wish the chips were more fresh, I would assume that they made their chips fresh on site daily but they tasted like they were out of a bag or a bit  old.

    Décor was very dark, at times hard to read the menu but I don't mind the darkness, and there was a live band playing that really added to the atmosphere .  It was actually a fun, lively vibe.

    Service sucked though.  It was surprising how slow our waitress was, even at the end of our meal when we were ready to go and people were waiting for our table we had to flag our waitress down to get the check.  So a bit mismanaged.  

    We'll probably be back at some point, but would prefer to drive a bit further away to get better food and service.

  • Review from Rahshonda K.

    •  
    • 152 friends
    • 531 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    This is solely on the service not the food at all!!!
    My friends bday and she wanted to go to La Cantina since I had other plans I told her I would stop by and have a drink. I get there and they have stuck her and a few other people in the corner. I pull up a chair and was going to order a drink. The manager comes over to me and said I NEED THIS CHAIR!!!! After I clutched my pearls I stood up and gave him the chair and decided I would not be spending any money at the La Cantina. The place is so cute and I so wanted to try the grapefruit margarita since my friend had been raving about it but don't think I will ever get the chance because not sure if I will be going back.The end result was I had to end up cutting my time with my friend short because there was no where to sit and he left me standing there looking absolutely ridiculous! I mean honestly Mr. manager why didn't you ask if we wanted to move to another table where everyone could be seated so that I could enjoy your food and drinks? Being a jerk doesn't retain repeat clients.

  • Review from Tina N.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 21 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    9/2/2011

    I come here all the time. The drinks are cheap but they don't skimp on the alcohol (great drink specials $5 margaritas on mondays and $3.50 sangrias on tuesdays). Chips and salsa are always served, even if you're just here for drinks. The food is pretty good, but nothing outstanding. They do have a student menu, which makes things a bit cheaper. Their desserts are pretty awesome though. Now, if only I had the metabolism to burn off the calories from their deep fried ice cream! SOOO DELICIOUS!

    The service is incredibly slow. And this isn't a rare occurrence. It's ALWAYS slow...even when it's not busy. Especially when you're waiting to get seated - it always takes a while for them to even notice that you've walked in. I don't usually care that I have to wait but it can be frustrating throughout the course of the dinner.

  • Review from Evan B.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/16/2011

    I have been here several times now and every time the food is fantastic for the price range.  The atmosphere and service is great.  The drink specials are good. Glad I live nearby, will be back many more times for margaritas and dinner.

  • Review from Mike M.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/31/2011

    Great local, inexpensive, casual neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It tends to be warm inside and outdoor tables are on the small side. Much better margarita's and reasonable prices than Zapatista. For the poster about dogs it is against City ordinance to have animals, domesticated or not, at eating establishments. I love dogs but not while I am out at restaurant. I go about once every two weeks and love to bring new neighbors!

  • Review from Fate And Suz O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    7/11/2011

    Families had tacos, flautas, stuffed quesadilla, and fajita. All were good and nothing was nasty or sloppy. Prices were okay though the drink was served too small for the price. 3-stars because staff aren't too friendly or patient.

  • Review from Matthew W.

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    • 36 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/4/2010

    Had dinner on a Thursday evening.

    The restaurant itself cozy, with decent decor throughout - nothing flashy.
    We sat down after only a few minutes, and ordered margaritas ( I tried the coconut one.  a bit sweet, but good. Tasted like was a pina colada minus the pineapple.

    For appetizers, we tried the guacamole,  and wanted it to be spicy.  The guacamole was good; for extra heat, they provided diced fresh jalapenos to add to it.  

    I debated on the dinner entree- I was going to try the steak/shrimp fajitas, but wanted to change it up. I ordered the  roasted 1/2 chicken.  It was delicious. Great flavor, infused with garlic and herbs, and moist.

    Overall, I was very satisfied, and would go back again.

  • Review from Christine E.

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    • 32 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/27/2010

    I love this place!  So happy to find a yummy Mexican restaurant in my new neighborhood!  I was really sad when I moved from Bridgeport because I was leaving behind a number of great Mexican restaurants, but I am definitely not sad anymore!

    Went here on a Saturday night around 7:30-8ish with a friend.  It was definitely busy and loud, but we were able to get a table right away.  We were seated at a two person table, which was kind of small considering they bring out chips and salsa and water right away, but no biggie.  The chips and salsa were great.  The green salsa had a slightly spicy kick with a sweet undertone.  And the red salsa had an even spicer kick.  Both were great!  

    There was a huge range of drink options to choose from.  Mojitos, Margaritas, Sangria, many many Tequilas and others.  I went with the 19 ounce Nina Margarita.  It is a frozen lime margarita mixed with Sangria (similar to Uncle Julio's Swirl but it is literally as big as your head).  YUM!  

    The food menu is also quite extensive.  Pages and pages to choose from.  I had the Chicken Tacos.  The meat was perfect and they gave you so much meat, cheese, etc. that the tacos were overflowing!  My friend had the fajitas which looked awesome as well.

    By the time we finished dinner, there was a wait for tables.  I definitely plan on going back to dine-in as well as possibly order out!

  • Review from Michael C.

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    • 4 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    6/3/2010

    Deliver review only!!

    I ordered the overpriced arrachera, deliver time was fair bu the meat was grade ffff quality, i had to wrestle with it just to bite it or cut it. Didnt include side of pico de gallo sauce, mini portions of beans and rice and not one lime to save your life!!! Aghhh, I guess I wouldnt be so upset if I hadnt been charged over 15 dollars for this pathetic meal, but I was. I rarely get so upset that I review something but for ebing a first time customer they failed!!! BEWARE FOR ARRACHERA!! GROSS!

  • Review from Brittany W.

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    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Hazel Crest, IL

    2.0 star rating
    6/30/2011

    Let me first say that I've never met a margarita that I hated...until my visit to La Cantina. I went here on a recommendation from a coworker who loves their Nina Margarita. So that is what I ordered: it has sangria on the bottom and lime frozen margarita on top. Sangria and frozen margarita in one drink? Sounds perfect to me. I was wrong. It was so bitter! I had my boyfriend taste it and he agreed. So I told my waitress who was super nice about it and explained that they made their sangria fresh everyday but can taste bitter mixed with the margarita. She let me try another drink free of charge. I choose a strawberry margarita that was watered down and just bad. So disappointed. I can't comment on the food but I really liked their chips and salsa. But that isn't enough for me to return.

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