Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Bucktown | Upscale Mexican Food

8 restaurants in Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Bucktown | Upscale Mexican Food

• Valedor — Mexican · rated 4/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and the rhythmic pulse of a curated soundtrack, Valedor invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where bold Mexican flavors meet contemporary craft. The kitchen sends out vibrant plates kissed by smoke and spice, perfectly paired with artisanal agave spirits that dance on the palate and spark lively conversation long into the night.
• Quesadilla la Reina del Sur — Mexican: The rhythmic patting of hand-pressed masa and the savory sizzle of the griddle fill this vibrant, sun-splashed space, where the air is heavy with the aroma of toasted corn and smoky chiles. Diners tuck into massive, golden-brown quesadillas overflowing with rich, plant-based fillings and zesty salsas, creating a soulful experience that celebrates the bold, comforting heart of Mexican street food. It is a welcoming neighborhood sanctuary where traditional techniques and fresh ingredients come together to prove that meatless dining can be both deeply satisfying and bursting with authentic flavor.
• The Art of Chicken — Mexican: Sun-drenched windows and the intoxicating aroma of spice-rubbed poultry welcome guests into this lively sanctuary dedicated to the perfect roast. Here, succulent cuts of flame-kissed chicken boast shatteringly crisp skin and tender, herb-infused meat, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates simple ingredients elevated through meticulous craft.
• Flash Taco — Mexican: Flash Taco pulses with an urban energy, where neon lights cast a vibrant glow over a bustling counter and the rhythmic sizzle of the grill fills the air. Warm corn tortillas cradle a kaleidoscope of bold, zesty fillings, from succulent slow-roasted meats to crisp, garden-fresh salsas that dance on the palate with every bite. This high-octane culinary pitstop captures the spirit of street-side dining, offering a burst of authentic flavor that feels both lightning-fast and deeply satisfying.
• Estrella Negra — Mexican: Stepping into Estrella Negra feels like entering a vibrant, rebel-hearted gallery where hand-painted murals and Day of the Dead artistry collide under a moody, rock-and-roll glow. The air hums with creative energy as plates of soulful, artfully plated Mexican street food emerge from the kitchen, pairing bold, spice-forward flavors with whimsical, candy-garnished margaritas. It is a place where culinary tradition meets an avant-garde spirit, offering a sensory feast that celebrates both the richness of heritage and the thrill of the unconventional.
• Manchamanteles — Mexican: The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted chilies and sweet roasted fruits, drawing diners into a space alive with the vibrant colors and soulful energy of Mexico. Velvety moles and slow-simmered stews take center stage, celebrating a heritage of bold flavors where every bite tells a story of tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. It’s a place where the warmth of the hearth meets the artistry of the kitchen, inviting guests to linger over hand-pressed tortillas and complex sauces that truly live up to their "tablecloth-staining" name.
• Huaraches Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the rhythmic sound of masa being pressed fill this lively space, where the air is thick with the savory scent of grilled meats and toasted corn. Golden, sandal-shaped huaraches serve as the centerpiece, piled high with smoky proteins and zesty salsas that offer a symphony of textures and a soulful celebration of authentic Mexican street food.
• Taqueria L'Patron — Mexican: The air at this bustling neighborhood gem is thick with the savory scent of marinated meats searing on a hot griddle and the comforting warmth of corn tortillas pressed by hand. Diners gather in a vibrant, unpretentious space to savor tacos overflowing with tender, charred carne asada and zesty salsas that dance on the palate with every bite. It is a celebration of authentic street-style flavors, where the lively energy of the kitchen and the simple joy of a perfectly crafted meal create a quintessential local dining experience.