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Zentli, Evanston, IL

Zentli

5.0
5
76 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 1 time today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space.

Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite.

We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (224) 999-7486
  • Website
    https://www.eatzentli.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 76 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

5.0
5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Overall

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Food

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Value

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mexican

  • North Suburbs

    Best Overall

  • North Suburbs

    Best Food

  • North Suburbs

    Best Service

  • North Suburbs

    Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Zentli serves up "fantastic food" and "strong drinks" with attentive service, making it a favorite spot for Mexican cuisine in Evanston. Highlights include "fabulous flautas" and "the best mole in Chicago." The restaurant boasts a vibrant atmosphere with artwork curated by the owner, adding to its unique charm.

76 Reviews

  1. Jamal

    VIP

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, we had great food, drinks, & service. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicagoland, and certainly the best in Evanston. A treasure!

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  2. Raye

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server very good descriptions of the dishes, very helpful. Food is delicious. Guacamole and enchiladas mole excellent.

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  3. mark

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I came to Zentli when it first opened a couple of years ago, and while there were some growing pains, overall it was good. My experience this time was outstanding! The restaurant is beautiful with interesting artwork and comfortable seating. The server was kind, knowledgeable and did a great job of making sure we were enjoying the experience. Cocktails were delicious and the specials were all very tasty.

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  4. Robert

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good cocktails and food. Service excellent, staff friendly and helpful. Definitely will return.

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  5. Matt

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place. Hidden neighborhood gem with good food and service.

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  6. Anna

    VIP

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 30 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food, strong drinks, and attentive/thoughtful staff. My new favorite place.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great, will be back! Service was outstanding

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  8. Nandita

    VIP

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
     6 of us went for brunch and loved all the appetizers and overall food choices!

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  9. Casey

    VIP

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 5 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Zentli is the best Mexican food in Evanston, and one of a few best Mexican restaurants in the Chicago area. If you are gluten free as is my wife, this restaurant has safe meals for you including the fried Flautas which are fabulous. The Mole is GF also, and one of the best in Chicago. Fabulous Ceviche and the fish Taco are great, as is the Alambre Taco and the Tinga de Pollo Taco and the Suadero and Zetas. Cocktails are great, I love the Mezcal Margarita, it is my favorite margherita in Chicago. The service is the best, they have lovely people working for them, and Piloto the owner is a most gracious host. I am so glad they opened in Evanston. Finally an authentically great Mexican dinner in Evanston, though I still miss Lupitas.

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  10. Martha

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, friendly service. Enjoyed the vegetarian options!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Zentli offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (224) 999-7486.

Zentli is rated 5 stars by 76 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Zentli

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

  • Area
    Evanston
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Vegan
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