Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Wicker Park | Upscale Mexican Food

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Wicker Park | 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.
• Sun Rey Cafe — Mexican · rated 3/5: Sun Rey Cafe is a sun-drenched sanctuary where golden light spills across minimalist wood accents, creating a warm, inviting backdrop for the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the soft clink of ceramic. The kitchen turns out vibrant, seasonal plates and buttery, flakey pastries that celebrate fresh ingredients, offering a tranquil escape where guests can savor the simple joy of a slow morning or a bright afternoon pick-me-up.
• Antique Taco — Mexican: Sunlight streams through large windows to illuminate a curated collection of rustic antiques and weathered wood, creating a nostalgic backdrop for vibrant, gourmet Mexican fare. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle imaginative fillings that balance bold spices with farm-fresh ingredients, while signature rosemary margaritas offer a refreshing, herbal twist to this soulful neighborhood gathering place.
• En Hakkore 2.0 — Korean: This sleek, sun-drenched space pulses with modern energy, offering a vibrant reimagining of Korean-Japanese fusion that prioritizes bold colors and exhilarating textures. Diners dive into oversized sushi burritos packed with crisp greens and jewel-toned fish or find comfort in steaming bowls of rich, aromatic ramen that warm the soul. It is a contemporary sanctuary where traditional flavors are playfully reinvented for the urban palate, creating a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is deeply satisfying.
• Salsa Picante — Mexican: Salsa Picante pulses with a vibrant energy, where the smoky aroma of charred chilies and the rhythmic patter of hand-pressed tortillas create an atmosphere of festive warmth. Each plate is a celebration of bold, sun-drenched flavors, pairing zesty house-made salsas with tender, slow-cooked meats that capture the spirited essence of traditional Latin soul. Guests are invited to linger in the colorful, sun-soaked space, savoring the perfect balance of heat and heritage over crisp, salt-rimmed cocktails.
• 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.
• Takito Kitchen — Mexican: This high-energy urban sanctuary pulses with a modern spirit, where the aroma of hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas and charred chilies wafts from a lively open kitchen. Artfully composed plates showcase a kaleidoscope of seasonal ingredients and bold, smoky flavors, all complemented by vibrant agave-based cocktails that sparkle under the glow of industrial-chic lighting.
• 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.
• Big Star — Mexican: This high-energy honky-tonk vibrates with the crackle of classic country vinyl and the constant clink of ice in heavy-bottomed bourbon glasses. Sun-drenched crowds gather on the sprawling patio to feast on hand-pressed tortillas piled high with vibrant, spice-rubbed meats and bright citrus salsas. It is a spirited urban oasis where the aroma of sizzling al pastor mingles with the cool breeze of a summer afternoon, creating an atmosphere that is as electric as it is effortless.
• 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.
• Dove's Luncheonette — Mexican: This wood-paneled sanctuary captures the nostalgic hum of a mid-century diner, where the warm crackle of soul records on the turntable sets a rhythmic backdrop for communal counter dining. The kitchen crafts a soulful marriage of Southern comfort and Mexican heritage, serving up hearty plates like crispy chicken-fried steak smothered in rich chorizo gravy alongside a curated library of smoky mezcals.
• BIG & little's Restaurant — Seafood: This high-energy urban haunt bridges the gap between casual street food and gourmet craft, filling the air with the irresistible scent of truffle fries and searing ahi tuna. From the satisfying crunch of signature fish tacos to the savory depth of a perfectly charred burger, every plate delivers a bold explosion of flavor in a vibrant, unpretentious setting that hums with local character.
• 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.