ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Master Critic Review
Chilo's
7.7
A bar-first hangout that doubles as a taco destination, built for frozen margaritas, loud music, and late-ish bites. The best experience is treating it like a focused taco-and-drink stop—two to three tacos plus one frozen marg—rather than a full dinner crawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Frozen Margarita
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A margarita-forward bar where tacos are the main event.
Who should go: Friends who want drinks plus a few tacos
When to visit: Late evening for peak energy
What to order: Pork belly taco, asada taco, frozen margarita
Insider tip: Go early if you want seats—this place fills fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive at night, especially after 7pm. Rideshare is the easiest option on weekends.
Dress code: Casual-night-out. Jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud. Music-forward bar energy makes conversation possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for a table or good bar space after 8pm
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening and late-night spot
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few vegetarian tacos and sides are available, but not a deep bench.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas, but cross-contact is likely.
Best For
Better for: Frozen margaritas, party energy, and treating tacos as bar food rather than a full sit-down meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a broad Mexican menu, or a place where food—not drinks—is the main attraction.