Best Hidden Gems Heaven Mexican Restaurants in Lincoln Square
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
El Xangarrito
Mole-centric, scratch-cooking in an intimate BYOB setting.
Notable Picks
8.4
A tiny, BYOB neighborhood room that leans into scratch-made Mexican cooking where mole and saucy plates are the draw, not just tacos. The best move is to come hungry, pick one mole-forward entrée, and add a taco order for balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak enchiladas in mole, Salmon en mole, Sweet plantains with crema
What Makes it Special: Mole-centric, scratch-cooking in an intimate BYOB setting.
8.2
A Lincoln Square daytime specialist blending Mexican brunch comfort with a warm, neighborhood rhythm—chilaquiles, rancheros, and café de olla are the baseline order. It’s best when you treat it like a focused brunch stop: one savory plate, one sweet, and a coffee drink to round it out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles with al pastor, Huevos rancheros (or divorciados), Café de olla
What Makes it Special: Mexican brunch comfort anchored by chilaquiles and café de olla.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A small Lincoln Square counter with a tight menu that shines when you stick to tacos and birria-adjacent specialties. It’s strongest as a quick, satisfying stop: order a birria-style taco set, add one classic pastor, and keep the add-ons minimal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Enchiladas rojas
What Makes it Special: Small-shop tacos with a birria-leaning sweet spot.
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
A compact Lawrence Ave spot built for practical, filling Mexican comfort—tacos, burritos, and breakfast-leaning plates without a lot of fuss. It’s at its best when you order one signature burrito, add a taco or two, and skip over-ordering sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Steak tacos, Classic burrito
What Makes it Special: No-fuss, filling Mexican staples with strong everyday value.