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Cafe El Tapatio, Chicago, IL
Cafe El Tapatio, Chicago, IL
Cafe El Tapatio, Chicago, IL
Cafe El Tapatio, Chicago, IL
Cafe El Tapatio, Chicago, IL

Cafe El Tapatio

4.8
4.8
346 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mexican
3400 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 31 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
The Parra family has owned and operated this cheerful restaurant for 46 years and make frequent trips to Mexico for menu ideas and cook up several family specialties. Beyond the standard tacos, burritos, and chimichangas are dishes such as crepas de pollo.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Mexican / Southwestern
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Area
    Lakeview / East Lakeview
  • Cross Street
    W. Roscoe St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Brown Line - PaulinaBus - Route 9 (Ashland and Roscoe)
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

What 346 people are saying

Cafe El Tapatio reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mexican

  • Chicago

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe El Tapatio consistently impresses with its "excellent food and service." Guests appreciate the lively, festive atmosphere and outstanding margaritas. Although it can be noisy, the restaurant's prompt service and fresh dishes make it a favorite. "Best margaritas and churros," reliable quality, and friendly staff ensure memorable dining experiences.
346 Reviews
  1. Nicolette VIP

    Chicago9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We’ve been here several times and it’s always great! We’ve never had a time where the food taste different or not the same, this place is consistent. It’s is a bit pricey, but the quality is great. The drinks are average, more on the sugary side but not mad. Like you have to have a marg at some point! Service is quick and friendly. It’s a bit loud in there between the music and people, but when it’s almost 70 degrees in March then hey if you can’t beat em, join em.

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  2. Cait

    Milwaukee18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cafe El Tapatio never fails to impress! We brought my grandma here on a busy Friday night, and the host kindly gave us a call when our table was ready so she could wait in the car. Service was prompt and the food was fresh and delicious. We never had and empty glass, which was impressive in a packed restaurant. We had a great time and will certainly be back!

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  3. Annalisa VIP

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 16 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were excellent! Will be back for sure!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Karina

    Chicago3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    My husband and I went to dinner. We were rushed out. We weren’t asked for dessert. After they took our plates, the check came to our table.

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  5. Kathie VIP

    Chicago15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot for dinner, cocktails and churros. The service was outstanding. Added this to my favorites list and will visit again

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    10/10! I’ve had many great nights here and this was no exception. The service is excellent they went above and beyond and the food was delicious and fast.

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  7. Ree VIP

    Chicago19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Mezcal drinkers, get here! And the best churros I've ever had!

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  8. Mary

    Chicago20 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    El Tapatío is one of our favorite dinner spots. Food and service is consistently excellent.

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  9. Derek VIP

    Chicago10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food! Great service! Great margaritas! We had the Taberna and a chille rellenos plus beef enchiladas. Perfect.

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  10. Nicholas

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love coming here. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere.

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FAQs

Cafe El Tapatio offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (773) 327-5475.

Cafe El Tapatio is rated 4.8 stars by 346 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Lakeview / East Lakeview

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 31 times today
Google Map for Cafe El Tapatio

3400 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    W. Roscoe St
  • Area
    Lakeview / East Lakeview
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:30 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Mexican / Southwestern
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Brown Line - PaulinaBus - Route 9 (Ashland and Roscoe)
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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