Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Mexican Food

These Mexican restaurants are local favorites for bold flavors and satisfying meals in the Champaign-Urbana area

Take one look through the photo library of team chambanamoms and you’ll see we really (really) enjoy the fine Mexican food Champaign-Urbana has to offer. 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.

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Agave, Rantoul: This spot is a “best kept secret” in Champaign-Urbana. Fresh food, generous portions and friendly people every time you visit.

Breaking Taco, Mahomet: 100% pure, fresh ingredients found here. Try the enchiladas verdes, shrimp tacos, and a skinny margarita. Tacos are all delicious and all margaritas, too.

Cactus Grill, Champaign: The lunch spot of choice of C-U’s first responders, especially firefighters. Convenient online ordering and the owners are super-friendly.

Casa Del Mar, Urbana: Casa Del Mar has become one of our team’s favorite spots for Mexican food. The blueberry margaritas are one-of-a-kind and the patio views are incredible! Try any of the delicious food, and come hungry if you plan to split one of the dinners for two. The portions are all huge!

Dos Reales, Champaign: Dos wins the prize for the fastest restaurant in town by far, and such a great environment for kids because of its upbeat and noisy (in a good way) atmosphere. Their drinks are strong, their food is reliable and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. Try the chicken chimichangas!

El Paraiso, Urbana: Important note that El Paraiso is not a Mexican restaurant, but it serves up incredible Latin American cuisine. They aim to incorporate ingredients you might not find at other Champaign-Urbana area dining establishments and they present a delicious dish with every plate they serve. Find dishes influenced by Ecuador, Colombia and many other Latin American countries.

El Progreso Tienda y Carniceria, Urbana: Yes, it’s a grocery store, but inside there is a taqueria with counter service. Try el pastor, and get some of the best guacamole you’ve ever had. Tacos, tortas and more available.

El Rancho Grande II, Savoy: This might be the best verde sauce you’ve ever had. Delicious Mexican dishes here and family-friendly, casual atmosphere.

Fernando’s, various locations: These are some of the best tacos in town! We were so glad when they opened a brick-and-mortar location on Champaign’s Town Center Boulevard because that meant we can always find Fernando’s tacos. They are also now at The Yard on Broadway, too. However, stumbling upon the truck is a treat, so pull over, change your plans and nosh on some tacos, no matter what time of day you find it. They are super friendly, consistent and never ever disappoint.

Fiesta Cafe, Champaign: Fiesta Cafe features an awesome outdoor space and is very kid-friendly. They have fantastic salsa, the best sangria, great food and great service. Try the Alex Tacos or the chimichangas, and they have great chile con queso, if that’s what you’re looking for. Stop by on margarita night for specials!

Hacienda Agave, Champaign: The atmosphere here will be the first thing that catches your attention. Think upscale Mexican food when you visit here. The portions are generous and the cocktails are unique… ask if they have the dry ice available to make your drink smokin’ on your visit!

Hacineda Rebollo, Mahomet: Related to Hacienda Agave in Champaign (above), this new Mahomet establishment also has excellent atmosphere. The food is quite good, just a bit different from the Champaign location, if you’re expecting it to be exactly the same (it isn’t).

Huaraches Moroleon, Urbana: You may have driven past this place many times and never given it a second look. We recommend you consider stopping sometimes! Their homemade chips are delicious, everything is very reasonably priced. It feels like a hole in the wall… and we love that! They get tripe from Chicago and make some very authentic menudo, tripas and nopales. This isn’t the very best place for small children because the eat-in space is tight.

Juanito’s Tacos: One of the lesser know taco food trucks in C-U, you do NOT want to skip it over when you happen upon Juanito’s Tacos. We highly recommend the street tacos. They come in a four pack and if you plan on sharing them with someone, you might want to order something else to fully fill up on the delish-ness.

La Mixteca, Urbana: Homemade chips and tortillas are on the menu here. Try the birria tacos. This is a brunch spot, too! They have some of the best specials around, so if you don’t seem enthused by the menu, just wait until you walk in and find out what is on special.

Las Palmas Mexican Grill, Champaign: This place is related to Casa Del Mar in Urbana. Try “chicken on the beach” here: nothing fancy (grilled chicken, rice and queso with tortillas), but super delicious. The service and food are top notch.

Maize Mexican Grill, Champaign (two locations): Another huge favorite of our team. We are always 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. Their location at the Station in downtown Champaign is perfect for kids!

Mo’s Burritos, Champaign: This unassuming truck has been home to amazing tacos and burritos for many years. Also on the menu: quesadillas, tortas and nachos. We’re not sure if it is open daily these days but we’ve seen the Mo’s name popping up on food truck lists for area festivals. Find the brick and mortar location at 705 N. Neil in Champaign.

Rick’s Bakery, Urbana: Rick’s makes excellent tamales, and we love their tres leches cake, along with lots of other yummy baked goods.

San Miguel Panaderia, Urbana (see our review): A few doors away from (and owned by the same people as) La Mixteca. This is as simple as it gets — trays and serving tongs, two display cabinets full of different sweet breads. The smell is amazing when you walk in!

Tres Nopales, Urbana: This is a great place for date night. Try not to fill up on the guac and margaritas, because the dinner entrees are all amazing!

And a special mention…

Ancho & Agave, Bloomington: One of our destination restaurants, and for good reason. The variety of Mexican food here is unmatched anywhere between Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington-Normal. The flavors are incredible and the food definitely falls into the “elevated” category.

Did we miss someone? Email us and let us know who has the best Mexican food around Champaign-Urbana and what makes it delicious.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Mexican Food

These Mexican restaurants are local favorites for bold flavors and satisfying meals in the Champaign-Urbana area

And a special mention…

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