Our readers weigh in on their favorite places to eat Mexican food in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
True story: When I lived in Texas, I couldn’t wait to come back to Champaign-Urbana for great Mexican food. There’s no question we certainly over-punch our weight when it comes to Mexican food and our options to enjoy it in and around Champaign-Urbana. While others might bicker over which restaurant is more “authentic” than the next, for the sake of harmony we will not be making any authenticity judgments. As the saying goes, “don’t yuck on someone else’s yum.”
As a bonus, most Mexican restaurants tend to be family-friendly, with kids menus, short waits and service with a smile.
We asked our readers for their favorite Champaign-Urbana area Mexican food on Facebook and they did not disappoint. Recommendations are supplied by our readers on our Facebook page and establishments are not endorsed by chambanamoms.com.
Food trucks are listed first, followed by restaurants organized by city.
FOOD TRUCKS
Fernando’s “Their steak nachos are to.die.for.” “They cannot be beat on tacos. They are super friendly, consistent and never ever disappoint.”
La Paloma “some really great tacos” “LOVE their tacos”
More food truck mentions: Los Hidalguenses, Canelo’s Tacos, Mo’s Burritos
RESTAURANTS in CHAMPAIGN
La Bahía Grill “Our go to from now on. Everything is delicious.” “Amazing”
Cactus Grill “always <fire emoji> The owner is always super good to me and very friendly.”
Dos Reales “They are the fastest restaurant in town by far … and such a great environment for kids because it’s a joyous, chatty atmosphere.” “Their drinks are strong, their food is delicious, and the staff is so friendly and accommodating.” “Love their chicken chimichangas.”
Fiesta Cafe “Awesome outdoor space and super kid-friendly.” “Best salsa, best sangria, best food, great service.” “Alex Tacos are my favorite, they also make great chimichangas, and the BEST chile con queso.” “Margarita night at Fiesta is a must.” “I’m 100% here for the food comments but I’m adding in Fiesta Cafe for the margaritas.”
Maize Mexican Grill (see our review) “So excited for their fresh fried chips and tortillas!” “Maize is the place to take out-of-town guests out to eat, especially if it’s warm enough for the patio.” “My Mexican husband will only go to Maize at the Station.” “Maize is our absolute favorite and the new Champaign location is perfect for kids!”
Las Palmas Mexican Grill “It has one of my favorite menu items — chicken on the beach! Nothing fancy (grilled chicken, rice and queso with tortillas), but super delicious.” “Best rice in town.” “The service and food are top notch.”
RESTAURANTS in URBANA
Casa Del Mar “Casa Del Mar has become our go-to!”
Huaraches Moroleon “Love their homemade chips.” “So delicious, fast, reasonably priced … it feels like a hole in the wall and I love it.” “The food is delicious, but the eat-in space isn’t the best if you have smaller children–it’s tight!” “They hit Chicago for tripe to make some pretty legit menudo, and tripas, too.” “I like their nopales.”
La Mixteca “Homemade chips and tortillas!” “La Mixteca for birria tacos.” “Love them for brunch (chilequiles to die for!)” “To be clear, no one cares about the stuff on the menu. This place is special because of the specials.”
Rick’s Bakery “They make excellent tamales, and I love their tres leches cake and lots of other yummy baked goods.”
Tres Nopales “A great place for date night. Try not to fill up on the guac and margaritas, because the dinner entrees are all amazing.”
El Paraiso (located inside Broadway Food Hall) “OK El Paraiso is not quite Mexican but it serves amazing Latin American cuisine!”
RESTAURANTS in SAVOY, MAHOMET
Breaking Taco, Mahomet “100% pure, fresh ingredients” “Super fresh and not a bunch of the same ingredients slopped on a plate in various ways.” “Enchiladas verdes, shrimp tacos, and a skinny margarita are my favorites.”
El Rancho Grande II, Savoy “The verde sauce is the BEST I’ve ever had!”
Los Zarapes, Mahomet “Our favorite place!” “The food is excellent, and the service is fast and friendly.
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