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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Established in 1974, Cafe El Tapatio is the Chicago staple for Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Drinks. We bring a blend of traditional and unique flavor profiles in our homemade cooking and craft cocktails. We pride ourselves on treating our guests like family and are open for brunch, happy hour, dinner, and fiestas. As one of the first Mexican restaurants in Lakeview, Cafe El Tapatio has proudly served and grown with the community and has seen generations of families come through our doors.
Casual Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu of tacos, enchiladas & more. Delivery available.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3400 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 327-5475
Website: https://linktr.ee/cafeeltapatio
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: cafeeltapatio.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Adam Trinkel
First time visiting and our group had a positive experience overall. The atmosphere was very festive. The margaritas, chips, and Guacamole were good. The salsa was hot, but good. Make sure you check the bill. Service was a little hit or miss, but food was tasty – we had tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. We had a party of 5 and 20% gratitude was automatically added. I tipped 20% on top of that because I didn’t pay attention. My fault, but good reminder to double-check.
… moreAnica F
This restaurant is very small on the inside but they do offer outdoor seating that’s heated. I highly recommend making reservations if you plan to go. It is very cute on inside but very tight. Our service was great but no complaints about that at all. Everyone assisted everyone we received extra salsa and tortilla chips when needed water was filled on time no issues with service. The guacamole is made fresh I would like it if they put some jalapenos in it but it was good overall. Their salsa is delicious. My daughter did the taco platter where you can pick three tacos. She ordered the bello taco, abrazo de camarôn, and jarocho taco. According to her she was not a fan of any of the tacos she gives it a 2/5 stars. Now my friend and I both got the combination fajitas I got the shrimp and steak medium well and she got the chicken and steak. We both agreed that the steak was tender had flavor but we just don’t think it was a good grade of steak because it had a certain aftertaste to it. Both the chicken and shrimp tasted good we just wish that they gave us more of both even the steak it just looks like a lot on the picture because there were a lot of onions and green peppers on the plate. I may have received about 4 shrimps with the combination.
… morePooja Naik
52 years wow! I can’t beleive I’ve waited this long to visit this gem. The food was insane, the cocktails and margs were terrific. Loved the queso fundido and the shrimp Juanita. Get the Kole
Enchiladas. Go to their churro factory next door. The vibes are fire!!!
… moreEnchiladas. Go to their churro factory next door. The vibes are fire!!!
Adam Hatch
My friend brought me here who lives right down the street in Roscoe Village. They have great lunch specials from 11am – 3pm.
I’m a tacos guy, so of course I did the 3 taco platter with a Jarocho (shrimp), Abrazo de Carne (steak, chorizo, bacon, chihuahua cheese), and the Carnitas (pork). They were all great but the carnitas was my favorite – pork was crispy yet super juicy. Also comes with rice and beans.
Their house margs are fire. After a few of those, didn’t care as much coming out to a parking ticket on my windshield. Lol
… moreI’m a tacos guy, so of course I did the 3 taco platter with a Jarocho (shrimp), Abrazo de Carne (steak, chorizo, bacon, chihuahua cheese), and the Carnitas (pork). They were all great but the carnitas was my favorite – pork was crispy yet super juicy. Also comes with rice and beans.
Their house margs are fire. After a few of those, didn’t care as much coming out to a parking ticket on my windshield. Lol
M J
Great spot for breakfast! the chilaquiles with arrachera & huevos rancheros are my favorites!!!. Portions are generous and taste homemade. We ended up getting a pitcher definitely ended it with a good 2pm, continuing on to the museum. The service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a solid spot! Shout out to Edgar and the rest of the lovely staff!!
… moreBrenna L
I’ve been to Cafe El Tapatio several times before and have always had a good experience. I’ve even recommended it to friends in the past. The food has consistently been good, and this visit was no different. Everything we ordered was flavorful and came out quickly. Our waitress was also very kind and attentive throughout the night.
We had a reservation on a busy Saturday and were seated about 30 minutes late. We weren’t upset about it because we understood it was a busy night. Once we were seated, we ordered a pitcher of margaritas, an appetizer, entrées, dessert, and then another pitcher of margaritas after our waitress asked if we wanted another round. She told us multiple times to take our time and never made us feel rushed. We also weren’t sitting around stalling. Food and drinks were coming out consistently, and the pacing felt normal.
The manager stopped by our table three times over the course of our hour and 45 minute dinner to check on us. At the time we thought it was attentive, maybe just a little unusual given how often he came by.
The situation changed right at the end. Within two minutes of us paying, a couple of my friends got up to use the restroom before we left. The manager immediately walked over to me and said, “You guys have been sitting here for quite some time and we really need your table.” I explained that my friends were in the bathroom and we would be leaving as soon as they returned. About 90 seconds later, he came back, grabbed my friend’s half full margarita off the table, and told us we needed to get up and leave.
It was uncomfortable and completely unnecessary. I understand busy restaurants and table turnover, especially on a Saturday night, but we had not overstayed, especially considering we were seated late for our reservation. When I calmly expressed that frustration and mentioned I’ve worked in the service industry before, he just looked at me and didn’t say a word.
It’s disappointing because the food and our waitress were great. Unfortunately, the way the situation was handled at the end overshadowed the entire experience. I’ve recommended Cafe El Tapatio before, but after this visit, I won’t be doing that again.
… moreWe had a reservation on a busy Saturday and were seated about 30 minutes late. We weren’t upset about it because we understood it was a busy night. Once we were seated, we ordered a pitcher of margaritas, an appetizer, entrées, dessert, and then another pitcher of margaritas after our waitress asked if we wanted another round. She told us multiple times to take our time and never made us feel rushed. We also weren’t sitting around stalling. Food and drinks were coming out consistently, and the pacing felt normal.
The manager stopped by our table three times over the course of our hour and 45 minute dinner to check on us. At the time we thought it was attentive, maybe just a little unusual given how often he came by.
The situation changed right at the end. Within two minutes of us paying, a couple of my friends got up to use the restroom before we left. The manager immediately walked over to me and said, “You guys have been sitting here for quite some time and we really need your table.” I explained that my friends were in the bathroom and we would be leaving as soon as they returned. About 90 seconds later, he came back, grabbed my friend’s half full margarita off the table, and told us we needed to get up and leave.
It was uncomfortable and completely unnecessary. I understand busy restaurants and table turnover, especially on a Saturday night, but we had not overstayed, especially considering we were seated late for our reservation. When I calmly expressed that frustration and mentioned I’ve worked in the service industry before, he just looked at me and didn’t say a word.
It’s disappointing because the food and our waitress were great. Unfortunately, the way the situation was handled at the end overshadowed the entire experience. I’ve recommended Cafe El Tapatio before, but after this visit, I won’t be doing that again.
Jordan Spiwak
Cafe El Tapatio on Ashland is one of those classic Chicago neighborhood Mexican spots that just gets it right. Easy to get to from Skokie and totally worth the drive into the city when you’re craving real comfort food.
The menu is packed with all the staples you want. Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, everything comes out hot, flavorful, and in big portions. It’s not trying to be trendy, just solid authentic food that tastes homemade and consistent every time.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive without rushing you. It feels like a true local spot where regulars come back week after week.
Overall Cafe El Tapatio on Ashland is a dependable go to for great Mexican food in Chicago. Good flavors, fair prices, generous portions, and that classic neighborhood feel that keeps you coming back.
… moreThe menu is packed with all the staples you want. Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, everything comes out hot, flavorful, and in big portions. It’s not trying to be trendy, just solid authentic food that tastes homemade and consistent every time.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive without rushing you. It feels like a true local spot where regulars come back week after week.
Overall Cafe El Tapatio on Ashland is a dependable go to for great Mexican food in Chicago. Good flavors, fair prices, generous portions, and that classic neighborhood feel that keeps you coming back.
Janine delgado
I came here because I saw it on tik tok and it did not disappoint. Food was delicious. Drinks were tasty and strong. Service was fast and friendly.
… more747- DRIVER
Authentic Mexican cuisine.
Super friendly and attentive staff who makes you feel welcome.
Food was superb, fresh, flavorful and hot. You can tell they put care into everything they make. Place is little congested but compensated with excellent food quality.
My family of four, all agreed that overall it was an amazing experience and will definitely go back.
… moreSuper friendly and attentive staff who makes you feel welcome.
Food was superb, fresh, flavorful and hot. You can tell they put care into everything they make. Place is little congested but compensated with excellent food quality.
My family of four, all agreed that overall it was an amazing experience and will definitely go back.
Jeffery Garrison, Jr
Drinks and food were great after they got our orders correct. They gave my boyfriend the wrong burrito and gave me chicken when I ordered veggie. They corrected my order but still gave my boyfriend the wrong burrito. Although tasty, simple service accuracy would make this place go to a 5 star restaurant.
… more