I'm the kind of guy that can live off of 3 square meals of mexican food every day..
It was A-OK... More of that hot plate mex style joint and not the trying to be too fancy like a Zapatistas style of a place. I love a good hot plate mex place.
I like the inside, it's small, has a nice little bar, some TV's, etc. The chips and salsa are pretty solid; that's key in my book. The food was solid and decent. I had the enchiladas and the lady had the taco salad. The taco salad is huge..
I just thought that... THe price points were a little high for what it is; could have been a few pesos cheaper. Perhaps they have high rent like the rest of us, IDK.. That's what is keeping me from giving it a 4 star. I don't think you'll be wow'd nor disappointed..
The food was pretty good and the menu had decent choices. The bartender at the time did a good job with the drink but was slow to make it. He and the older host man were busy hitting on the two younger women that were sitting at the bar instead of tending to customers. That was my first experience there and I had let the bartender know that.
For the size of the place, I really thought the service would be a bit quicker overall. The food was the only thing that came out quickly and the presentation was great! He did make a good margarita, but it just took longer than expected.
Live less than a block away and finally tried this place out.
The atmosphere is warm and cozy, a little cramped but not too bad.
We ended up ordering apps and side orders. A few side orders of tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and chimichangas.
Holy crap, the portions! If I would have known I would have gotten just one side order.
We also had the grapefruit and coconut margaritas. They were delicious but are a rip off as far as alcohol content/price.
The service. Ohhhh the service. Definitely lackluster. Im pretty sure our server forgot about us once she dropped off our food. It took her about 30 minutes total to bring us carryout boxes and the check. No bueno.
Overall it was a good experience. I may come back for a casual bite. I probably won't invest in the drinks though, and I won't expect to get in and out very quickly either
The food is very good and the atmosphere is fitting for a Mexican restaurant. It gets crowded so seating and waiting can be a bit tight. The price is reasonable and the service is average-good. I've had times when the servers are just going through the motions and other times where they are super friendly and offering suggestions. My one complaint is the basic lime margarita mix tastes off to me. As my girlfriend would describe it "a little like bug spray". I wouldn't go that far but I do get beer now or another flavor of margarita. I will continue coming back and recommending this place to others.
Review Source:I'll be adding this to my list of places I can walk to from my house. Doing this earns me an extra margarita. I happen to like the grapefruit one on the rocks. The place is a bit loud with a party like atmosphere, you'll find TVs around to watch the game.
For the food, really good, I had skirt steak medium rare, was how I ordered it, and how it arrived. This simple thing alone impresses me, many place fail on this.
I see a few of my Yelp friends that I know (irl) like this place too, I can see meeting them here for a margarita.
I finally checked this place out recently with a friend of mine. It's a fun little spot I think. Seating seemed kind of limited inside - and it was dimly lit. I know in the summer time they have the patio space open and music blasting. The crowd here is kind of mixed but the night we went, I think it's the place where all the "bro's" take their "ladies" to impress them. Holler!
Anyway, we were helped by a very adorb server - didn't catch her name unfortunately. But, if she ever sees this, she'll probably remember me as the guy with the strangest menu request. As I've mentioned in several of my Mexican restaurants (see list), I'm always in hunting mode for a place that can make Carne Asada Fries (a popular dish on the West Coast). I simply asked her if I could order the carne asada nachos, but instead of chips could they substitute in fries? She asked the chef, then she asked whom I would assume would be the manager and came back to me and said yes! (albeit a $2 upcharge). I was pretty happy!! Of course, I asked for no beans or jalapenos, but I would suggest adding pico de gallo and guacamole as well. It came out pretty good - even with the shredded lettuce which isn't normally a topping. The meal was good (paired with a peach margarita, blended), the service was very nice as well.
Picked this place last night bc it was closest to McCormick place. 6 of us were immediately seated and comp chips/salsa served and refilled right away when we were running low.
As soon I sat down, I was about to ask about lard in the beans and my usual array of questions since I'm vegan... I didn't even get a chance to open my mouth bc my jaw dropped...
Lo and behold I find a laminated vegan menu staring at me on the table. It must've been fate! They had so many options and we decided on beef burritos, cheese enchilada and a chimichanga. All vegan of course. They have vegan sour cream and cheese. The rice is flavorful and has no chicken stock. in addition to yummy rice and beans in the plate, they even had a yummy "Pico de Gallo" type salad. Â
Once our food came in, we realized the portions are huge and you will definitely have leftovers. No complaint here. The food was amazing to say the least. I'm craving those enchiladas right now!
I'll be back in a week or less bc I live in the burbs but I may have to move to the city so I can visit more often.
Our server told us they just started a vegan menu and she was also very nice.
Please do not give up on the vegan menu! The food is scrumptious!
Came here for dinner with my fiancé because it was the only Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood that was walking distance.
Very dark and loud but in their defense it was Saturday night. Service was really nice, but the food was ehhhh....I had the chimichanga steak and it had no flavor at all.
If your looking for decent Mexican restaurant/bar to take someone out this place is ok.
Had a few things from their menu and most were mediocre... Â But what keeps me coming back?? First, it's really close to my place of residence. 2nd, their steak tacos on corn tortilla with everything on top and green salsa on the side is amazing! Don't get any desserts though.. Their stale and gross. Stick to the steak tacos and you're good!
Review Source:We went here with friends on a Friday night. Â We had reservations (thank goodness) and were seated right away staving off the people waiting in line. Â
Very attentive wait staff. Â The hostess sat us down, gave us our menus and pointed out some of the details and then gave us time. Â Our waiter was very nice and took a drink order in less than five minutes. Â Good margaritas and good sangria.
The menu has a very nice selection. Â We had just the right amount of time to make our choices and the food came out in about 15 minutes, just enough time to enjoy our drinks and talk.
Very tasty food, lots on the plate. Â Maybe too much....but it was all very good
Very nice place. Â A little crowded and loud (not sure if you need live music when the place is busy).
This place was quite good and a nice little gem in the South Loop. I had the chicken mole burrito and it was very delicious. I love mole and don't always get the opportunity for it. The entrees were huge and you could easily split them between people. I took half mine home for another lunch. The drinks are quite large too, which, of course, is a problem worth having. My only complaint is that it was very very dark inside  and very loud. Strange. I could hardly see my dining companion or have a conversation. At least the food was great.
Review Source:If you are looking good the vibrant, complex flavors that characterize Mexican food at is best, give this place a miss. Â Go to Mercadito for the most nuanced Mexican in Chicago. Â That said, if you want hearty Mexican fare, La Cantina is a fine choice. the portions are large and the margaritas are adequate (I prefer a more intense tequila, but to each their own). Â Easy walking distance to McCormick, so worth consideration if you want to walk.
Review Source:Let me start with they added the 18% tip on my check and did not point it out to me. There were 8 of us sitting and standing at the bar. I paid for the first round and paid for some food, 4 different dishes. Well this constitutes automatic 18% I guess. The bill came to $109.70, they added another $19.75, and then I added $22.00. When the bartender, Erica grabs the sign credit card statement, no thanks not even a look at me; I guess she knew she had swindled me. The chicken soup looked awesome, the person in our party said it was good. The drinks are overpriced, but they do have drink specials every day. Been here a few times, will go at least one more time to see if I can get my $22.00 back.
Got my money back. The owner was considerate.
Best margaritas in the city.... hands down!
Best Mexican ceviche in the city.. hands down!
Except... one time, I had greasy ceviche.. how is that possible? No idea. There must have been a different cook that night. (Which is why I gave it 4 stars) I was so disappointed, I stopped going for a few months, but I went back a few weeks ago, and am very glad I returned. Ceviche was awesome.. the cook returned!
The owner is hilarious, he's Italian by the way... but don't think the food isn't authentic. It is. If you love ceviche.. like I do, must check it out. Oh and the drinks too... margaritas rock at Cantina Grill.
Metered parking.
I come here for the fajitas. Â They're amazing. Â
Best Mexican in the South Loop, Loop, River West, West Loop, Lakeshore East area. Â The environment is laid back. Â Despite moving out of the South Loop, my wife and I make a habit of returning.
The drinks and drink specials are always welcome.
In the spring/summer/fall my wife and I sit on the patio. Â In the winter we sit at the bar and listen to the live band. Â
Anytime someone is looking for Mexican I send them here.
Review for drinks only:
Individually hand made mojitos, margaritas, sangria and the like for under $10 in Chicago with nightly specials to make them even cheaper?
I'm in.
We were there on a Saturday afternoon killing some time before walking over to Soldier Field for a concert. The bartender was friendly but not overbearing. We watched him juice limes and pick mint to prep for the evening rush.
I'm so used to being fed mass-produced margs from a mix, so I really, really appreciated the individual attention he paid to each drink.
I had a special - Â a frozen lime marg mixed with the house-made sangria, complete with bits of soaked fruit. So damn tasty.
We were weirdly subjected to 3 tvs worth of the golf channel, but frankly that ended up being slightly entertaining (oooh, sexy golf!)
This isn't a part of Chicago I frequent often, but we found great food and drinks and I'd total head back to this neighborhood again.
I'm a customer who's between A-OK and and YAY! I'm a fan. The foodie in me says "Meh, I've experienced better," but the college-budget, alcohol-friendly girl in me says "I'm coming back and with friends."
I've been to La Cantina several times and frequent it often because of their drink specials. The have one for each day of the  week. From what I've tried, its worth a trip on Tuesday for their "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" Sangria ($3.50) and Mondays for their $5 Margaritas. And if you've got the cash to splurge, I would definitely go for a Mojito, which comes in a variety of flavors.
To add to  the drinking atmosphere, there are few t.v. near the bar and in the dining area as well as outdoor seating.
As far as food, again, I've had better. However, its a great place to take those friends who say they love Mexican food, but have no idea what their talking about when it comes to any food that isn't squeeze between two slices of bread.
Service is always at a comfortable pace, nothing to complain about here.
The one thing  I do love about this area is that the street parking is free after 6, just in time for drinks after work.
This is my go-to Mexican place. There's rarely a wait, the food is reasonably priced, you get a lot for your money and the margaritas are yummy. I love the mole sauce and highly recommend the chicken mole tacos. The only downside is that the music is always a little too loud and everyone ends up shouting to talk over the noise.
Review Source:I was initially drawn to this place because a friend said they had 1/2 off all margaritas all Mondays. So that equated to $5 bucks. That's already a win right, well.. somewhat. I'll do the individual breakdown:
Location: The restaurant is quaint but it is quote. Kind of dark with a few televisions in the background for those that need to keep abreast of sports without being quite obvious. The tables are someone close together, but that's okay. I would go back for its coziness.
Staff: Everyone was fantastic and helpful. I asked her opinion and she actually gave one. Not one of those.. iono what do you like. I appreciated that! Our waiter was super responsive when my friend's order came out wrong. Smiles and more smiles.
Food: The tortillas were very fresh and the salsa, somewhat bland, did have a nice little kick. A little salt and we were good to go. I ordered the chicken chimichanga and it was mighty, mighty tasty. The beans were just beans. nothing special. My friend ordered the chicken/cheese enchilada combo and said it was fantastic. I did not try it but it looked good.
Margaritas: These left something to be desired. Not sure because it is 'special' Monday or what. I've had waay better, but for food and chips, I'd give this a round 2.
Since margaritas are such a big part of my experience when I have Mexican, I had to deduct a 1/2 star, but I couldn't justify rounding up, not yet at least.. so there is 3. When I go back, I'll update as appropriate.
So...the one and only experience I had here was delivery and BOY were they late! We waited for 2 hours for delivery. When one of us called to ask what was up, we were told it would be another hour and a half?! What?! I called back and asked; the lady said it would be 5 minutes and her estimate was more or less accurate, give or take ten minutes.
I don't think I would have given it 2 stars had the delivery wait time been so weirdly terrible. I've heard excellent things about this restaurant and do intend to try this place again, dining in the actual restaurant. The margaritas are supposed to be terrific, but I haven't tried any yet. What I can speak of is chorizo tacos which were good enough, but waiting 2 hours for them definitely bumped this down from a solid 3 stars to a mere 2 stars.
I expect better! This review is to be continued. I hope I will be more impressed with the dine-in experience and will certainly re-review and up the rating.
Disappointing! Wings? Blah! Margaritas? Alright. Quesadillas? Alright. You know that saying that body language makes about 80% of a person's effectiveness in making a point? Well, I gave La Cantina Grill a chance despite what I'd read in advance and less than stellar rating from Yelpers. Customer service, particularly from rhymes with terrica, was just plain horrible. Cranky as heck when all my friends wanted to do was to take advantage of a promotion of margaritas and apps. You think we were trying to pull over a fast one on the waiter.
Then, the food came and it just was a cherry on top of the entire experience. Average oh so average. Not worth full price of what they offer! Move on to other yummier mexican places in the city!
Gave it 2 stars because the margaritas weren't bad and not a bad size. Selection was pretty big. My mango one was pretty good. Metered parking.
It's more like 3 and half stars...
I was happy to see a Groupon deal for this place after passing by and curious to try it, especially I live in the area. Represent Southside!
I called a few hrs before and asked if the Groupon required a reservation. The lady put me on hold, and then a gentleman came on the phone. I was told that it was really busy and they they don't take Groupons on weekends (which I did not see on the deal), but he would take it since I called. He told me to just ask for him, the owner when I arrive.
My friend and I arrived and it was not busy at all. We got seated right away, without us saying a word. Odd.
The bad thing about eating out, especially Mexican is that they mostly always give comp salsa and chips. The deal was also for a fixed meal for 2: one appetizer, two entrees, and two margaritas.
STUFFED is what my friend and I were.
I'm usually picky about guac, but the guac we ordered was pretty good. It was betwen creamy and chunky. The cilantro and lime was easily there.
I'm a veggie and I ordered a the veggie fajita grill, which came with rice and beans and tortillas.
I'm usually not a fan of fruity girly drinks, but this is one of few margaritas I actually enjoyed. I ordered the strawberry mango and my friend's watermelon was pretty tasty as well.
Our meal was delicious, I just think it is still a little over priced.
The service is decent, nothing to rave about but not horrible or anything to complain about either.
I would definitely go here again, but not all the time since it's on the pricier side.
I will give La Cantina a 3 and a half stars. I live very closeby to this joint, and have visited several times. It is a small place and is usually crowded. In summers, there is outdoor seating also.
First off, their food is decent - especially for their prices and they have huge portions. Their veggie quesadilla is very tasty - and cheesy! I love the chips and salsa that is served at every table. Love their margaritas. That is what people come here for !! Their service is pretty decent and friendly, we have been here lots of times and were never unhappy with the service.
Drugs are great.
Please don't smoke them on the way to my house, arrive after 90+ minutes with cashed out eyes and look like Urlacher just ran through you and our food. Our cold food and melted mushy dessert.
For such a great business, La Cantina really dropped the ball with their delivery person that night and I'm not really eager about doing that again.
First off, I love Mexican food so I can be a harsh critic when it isn't up to par. Â No reason to be harsh about here though. Â The food was delicious. Â What was supposed to be a light lunch turned into me stuffing myself silly.
First off, the salsa. Â HOT, HOT, HOT. Â Super spicy and super delicious. Â Despite going through two glasses of water and my mouth being on fire, I kept piling it on my chips. Â It was great. Â I ordered two chicken tostadas as my main course and they were tasty and flavorful but the beans, oh the side of beans, were wonderful. Â Best part of my meal. Â I could have opted for bean tostadas versus chicken because there weren't near enough beans on my plate. Â Another member of the party tried the Chicken Lomo a la Cantina and that was excellent as well. Â We also got a little tipsy of our $13 Sangria Pitcher (special on Saturday).
The service was very friendly and attentive and the prices were reasonable for the large portion you received. Â I would go back here in a second on my next visit to Chicago.
We went here for carry out tonight, and a few drinks while we waited... As soon as we arrived with our puppy (I'd seen people eating on the patio with their dogs too) we received dirty looks and manners from the waitress. As soon as I sat down, she said "...yeah you can sit there but the dog must be on the outside! (of the railing)." We immediately left.
Okay, fair, I understand. He's very calm, socialized, and would sit quietly at my feet but I can see where other guests may not enjoy him being so close and perhaps he would block foot traffic. However, what is with the tone?! She sounded like she was doing me a favor why allowing us to grace her establishment. From reading other reviews it sounds like the service is a MAJOR issue I'm echoing here.
I've eaten here twice before when desperate.The food is mediocre, borderline poor. Think basic tex-mex - average chips, probably canned salsa, fried and greasy/oily to make up for bland or overcooked ingredients. In other words, it's a late-night greasespoon diner but with mexican food.
It's sad because we live in the neighboring building and losing your local business is a major blow to a restaurant. Others I spoke to here also seem to have the same opinion, La Cantina...
Went here for drinks with a few friends last night. I haven't tried eating here yet (except for the two delicious baskets of chips and salsa we devoured).
We got two rounds of drinks, a regular frozen margarita and a strawberry frozen margarita each, and they were delicious! Usually art places like this frozen fruity drinks are good but a little weak. Here they definitely put a decent amount of alcohol in the drink. I was a little annoyed they charged for the refill on the chips and the service just ok. Overall, the drinks were a pretty good deal! Will definitely come back for drinks sometime!
What can I say but that I REALLY tried to like this place. I had visited once a year back and didn't care for it much. Thought last week that I would give it another go (I'm fair) and try it yet again. Â
Not happy at all. It was a Friday night about 6:10, I was on a schedule so I was time conscience. We (only 2 of us) were seated quickly at a table in the back where it was very dark and hard to see the menu, had to use the candle on the table and hold it up. It wasn't just me, I looked over and another table was doing the same thing. Â
It took about 12 min before anyone took our drink order, chips and salsa were brought, nothing special about them, seemed generic, ate them as we were hungry. Finally, our drink order was taken and then another 10 min.before it was brought out and then another 10 Min before the wait staff came over to take our food order. So after seeing this pattern of long waits and an empty chip basket and being thirsty, we shared with the wait staff that we had to be out by 7:15, did she believe that the food would be out quickly, of course she said yes, that was sooooo not the case, After telling us 3 times that the food was coming right out, we just asked her to make the order TO GO. Â And she tried telling us again that they were plating it as we speak. It took another 8 min. before they could put it in a to go container and out the door we ran at 7:15 pm.
So Service was lacking, it wasn't that busy, I had ordered that drink and was told that I couldn't take it with me in a to go cup (I get that) but told that I could just chug my $8.50 beverage. Seriously!? I think it was the manager who said that and I gave him a look that I was not looking to Chug my expensive cocktail.
Got home (live 4 buildings over on the same block) Â Order was wrong, and just so unappetizing. I ate it for the sake of putting something in my stomach because I Â was starting to feel a buzz coming on from having to drink as much of my alcohol before I left the Restaurant.
Look, there are just way too many authentic and less expensive places to eat Mexican/Latin food. Head over to Pilsen or Little Village for the real thing. Â It's worth the money and you'll get more bang for your buck! I'm thinking this place will do well with just serving drinks when it's nice out and you can have it on their patio.
Please, please work on revamping the "Mexican" food you serve, please. I want to like you. I really do. Really.
Oh, this review is not all negative. I thought the art work on the wall was unique and nostalgic and the decor was nice.
This review is for delivery only..
ordered from here last week for the first time... everything was delivered so nice and neatly and they gave us extra everything on the side without even asking! (i love lots of salsa and stuff) we got the chimichanga and the enchilada w green sauce... both were sooo yum and very flavorful. we also got steak nachos and were kinda disappointed, maybe it tastes better in the restaurant but def dont get them for delivery.. otherwise, pretty solid mexican place, esp if ur lazy and dont wanna leave the house even though u live a few blocks away :/ Â (i meannn why not their website has a coupon for free delivery!)
Last Saturday, I joined friends at La Cantina Grill for a friend's birthday celebration. My friends were already seated at a table outside. I barely walked up to the table before the manager on duty, a tall man with black hair who was wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt, abruptly tapped me on the shoulder and barked that I couldn't sit there. I hadn't even sat down, yet. I was simply standing there so one of our friends, who was leaving, could get by. This manager was not only rude to us but to another party seated a few feet from us. They also complained about the manager's attitude. He acted like he didn't want any of us there and treated us very disrespectfully. I would also like to point out that my party and the other were all Black.
We ordered plenty of food and drink and were not rowdy or disruptive. There was no excuse for this type of treatment.
I will not return to this restaurant.
Eureka! A delicious Mexican meal at a restaurant not owned by a man named Bayless.
I typically don't find myself getting excited about Mexican food. Â To me most Mexican restaurants seem to follow the same cookie cutter formula serving the same rather bland dishes. Â So when Cosme, a recent transplant from Mexico, suggested we lunch at La Cantina Grill, I wasn't jumping up and down with joy. Â His eagerness to introduce me to one of his local favorites convinced me to give it a try.
The restaurant occupies a small space in a deserted section of the South Loop. Â Service was prompt and we received our Jarritos soon after we ordered them. Â Based on Cosme's recommendation I picked the Bistec a la Tampiquena. Â A huge skirt steak was delivered to me draped across a platter and topped with grilled cebollitas (whole bulb onions). Â An enchilada, doused in a rich, chocolate-tinged mole, and the traditional rice and beans also somehow managed to find room on the platter. The impressive steak was tender, juicy and tasted great. Â The enchilada, with the piquant mole, packed a real wallop of flavor.
When I want good Mexican food and don't feel like standing in line for hours, I now know exactly where I'm going to go. Â Gracias, Cosme.
10 reasons to think about before going to this place....
This is an update...decided to give it another try.
1. Walk in, wait, wait (because the sign says, "Please Wait to Be Seated," wait some more...finally eye contact with the bartender. How many? Four...no, no, no, we'd like to sit outside. Oh really, you don't have tables of four outside? How about the numerous time when you put two table of two together (2 X 2 = 4). WTF.
2. Wait, wait, wait some more, waitress brings check to table right next to us...not a word.
3. Couple who came in after us, water, chips and salsa....us nothing
4. Ah, another waitress...walks by, nothin.
5. At least five minutes have passed, I know this because GF called after I sat down and time is over  five minutes lapsed.
6. She arrives, still waiting.
7. Leave, I call the restaurant as we walk away to let them know there wont' be a need to send anyone to our table, we've left. A POSSIBLE MOMENT TO MAKE A SAVE??? Forgetaboutit! All I got was I'll let the waiter know.
8. You do that, also let the owner, who was too busy watching TV, behind the bar and the manager, too busy talking to his friend at the bar...both just feet from the entrance that I won't be coming back.
9. Nor will anyone I probably tell, nor those who read enough of these dumb $&% customer service tales
10. Short walk to Reggies, where the staff are friendly and fact, the beer cold, the food good and the music....well it depends on the bands and the night.. Regardless I've never had a bad time there.
Adios La Can't ina
Is it legal to serve off -brand Doritos at an "authentic" Mexican restaurant? Â What about tasteless tacos? Â Or watery margaritas? Ok maybe it isn't against the law, but it's got to be in serious violation of basic culinary code. Too bad La Cantina's kitchen staff doesn't agee.
I really do wish the food here was better, the restaurant itself is cute, inviting and not far from home. Â Alas...
I am going against the flow here with a four star rating, but hear me out first. Â I spent a lot of time eating at Mexican restaurants in Denver, which has a distinctive flavor that isn't quite TexMex and isn't quite California. Â This place has come really close to matching the Mexican cuisine that I really enjoyed in Denver. Â I really like the Bistec a la Tampiquena and the Churrasco "El Famoso" if you don't want to get the tacos, chimichangas, etc. Â
I hate paying $5 for a can of beer, especially Tecate! Â C'mon man, that beer is like a quarter in Mexico and they are charging $5?!?
I also appreciate the fact that I don't have to drive (to go to Pilsen) and I don't have to pay De Cero or Topolobampo prices. Â I can walk there, have a pretty decent meal, and then stumble home drunk.
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