Cruz Blanca Brewery + Mexican Kitchen

“Solid brewery with great beer and good tacos.”

Solid brewery with great beer and good tacos. Service was quick and friendly, and food portions were very large.

Michael Damato

Oct 2025

“Tacos and beer, or tacos y cerveza as the sign says above the kitchen.”

Tacos and beer, or tacos y cerveza as the sign says above the kitchen. Rick Bayless and his, what, seven James Beard awards may not still be at the helm, but that doesn't mean that Cruz Blanca isn't plating quality and creative tacos. They are. And they make pretty decent beer, to boot. Tacos and beer! If you like either, then you're all set. And if you don't, then seriously? Smaller inside. Large outdoor space.

Stephen Harlan (Gogostevie)

Sep 2025

“The West Loop is a great area and this is a gem.”

The West Loop is a great area and this is a gem. Large variety of flagship beer and a seasonal variety. Solid food menu and great service.

Robert Cook

May 2025

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Workday who? Cruz Blanca Stole the Show.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Workday who? Cruz Blanca Stole the Show! 🤤 If you’re looking for the perfect way to cap off a Tuesday work night (or any night, really), Cruz Blanca Brewery is IT. We were seriously craving tacos, and this place delivered—and then some. We dove into the carnitas nachos to start (because why not start strong?), followed by their all-time faves—carnitas and al pastor tacos. And let me tell you… those tacos? Fresh. Juicy. Packed with flavor. Wrapped in warm, freshly made corn tortillas that made everything taste even more heavenly. Like, take-a-moment-to-close-your-eyes good. 🌮🔥 And of course, margaritas flowed because, well, balance. Tart, strong, and dangerously smooth. 🍹 The vibe? Fun, laid-back, with just the right amount of sass. The food? So satisfying you’ll want to come back by Wednesday. Highly, highly recommend—this spot is a whole mood.

Ma. Sherein Gaviola

May 2025

“Cruz Blanca is a fun and hip brewpub serving up fresh and delicious Mexican inspired dishes.”

Cruz Blanca is a fun and hip brewpub serving up fresh and delicious Mexican inspired dishes. You can’t go wrong with their queso fundido and oh my, the tortillas were hot and amazingly fresh. Two of us shared the Trio Plate and we had lots of leftovers to take home. Every meat was flavorful and the grilled onions and peppers were a welcome addition. The refried black beans were fantastic. Fun atmosphere with two levels. Good music and great energy. A great restaurant in the West Loop.

Ryan Wantland

Mar 2025

“Came here for restaurant week and I will be coming back here.”

Came here for restaurant week and I will be coming back here! Everything we got to try had great flavor and the drinks weren’t as bad! (My friend said his drink tasted like it had a lot of syrup in it but other than that — everything else was delicious!) It was also nice the bathroom was cute and clean! I also like how they have an upstairs and downstairs and both give off a different vibe!

Tasia Conway (FEMALETWEETY)

Feb 2025

“Decent, authentic food, but the star of the show is the brewery.”

Decent, authentic food, but the star of the show is the brewery. I enjoyed their flautas with a delicious Lozano. My only gripe is the uncomfortable seating, but it fits the speedy brewpub aesthetic. Staff is friendly and diverse. I'll visit again.

Julia Colvin

Jan 2025

“During a recent visit to Cruz Blanca in Chicago’s West Loop, we started with a ribbed Mexican...”

During a recent visit to Cruz Blanca in Chicago’s West Loop, we started with a ribbed Mexican street-style corn appetizer—perfectly charred and loaded with creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and chili powder, bringing bold, authentic flavor. For the main, I enjoyed cauliflower and octopus tacos, each with unique, delicious flavors; the cauliflower was perfectly seasoned, while the octopus had a rich, smoky taste. Instead of beer, I went for the House Margarita—refreshingly authentic with the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness. Cruz Blanca’s vibrant dishes, distinct drinks, and lively atmosphere make it a fun-visit for anyone wanting a taste of bold flavors in a relaxed setting.

Your Local Guide

Oct 2024

“I visit Cruz Blanca fairly often as it’s just a few minutes walk from my place.”

I visit Cruz Blanca fairly often as it’s just a few minutes walk from my place. Regardless, even if it were further away I’d make a point of getting here often. Since it is a brewery, let’s just say they have a great selection of top notch beers. From lighter lager types, to some tasty IPAs, to my favorites their bourbon barrel stouts. Add some excellent appetizers and entrees (the baja fish tacos are amazing) and superb service, and you have a great combination for an awesome place to dine!

Keir

Oct 2024

“Overall had an excellent experience here.”

Overall had an excellent experience here! Once we were seated, service was fast and attentive. I ordered a spicy mango margarita, which was absolutely delicious and went well with the tacos I ordered. They seriously fill the tacos to the BRIM, 3 tacos was almost too much for me! They were all delicious though. Highly recommend!

Esmee Belzer

May 2024

“Came here on a Friday and sat at the bar where Johnathan took care of us.”

Came here on a Friday and sat at the bar where Johnathan took care of us. The ambience was great as well as the music that was being played. Johnathan was very attentive and on point with drinks. The fish tacos were delicious as well as the queso fundido. Definitely coming back here. 1 more brewery checked off the list ✔️.

J Torres

Feb 2024

“Oh my goodness, I recently visited Cruz Blanca in Chicago and I must say, it was an absolutely amazing experience.”

Oh my goodness, I recently visited Cruz Blanca in Chicago and I must say, it was an absolutely amazing experience! The atmosphere was stunning, with large windows that allowed the perfect amount of light in. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Now, let's talk about the food! I started off with a pitcher of the mango margarita, and I have to say, it was out of this world! It was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and really hit the spot. For my meal, I ordered the veggie tostada called "la clasica," and I have to say, it was the star of the show. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant, and I couldn't get enough of it! I also ordered three tacos, and the lamb cheeseburger was by far the best. It was cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of seasoning. And let's not forget about the guac and chips - they were so delicious and fresh, it was hard not to fill up on them before my meal even arrived! Overall, I cannot recommend Cruz Blanca enough. The food, drinks, atmosphere, and staff were all top-notch. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Cruz Blanca is the perfect spot. So go ahead, give it a try - you won't regret it!

Julian Foster

Apr 2023