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Don Juan's Cantina — mexican in Park Ridge. Order the Margaritas. Loud in the best way, with real pulse to the room. "Rich, sweet, salty, and a little spicy along with it's side of spicy, thick, creamy mac and cheese" — Steve R
Wesley Moon
167 reviews
“Highly recommend this place for cocktails or for an authentic Mexican meal”
I have been a loyal patron of this restaurant since I was a child (now 50) when it was in Edison park and I lived in Park ridge.
Ordered enchilada dinner, soup, and 3 tacos to say the least I won’t be back here, the food definitely wasn’t worth what I paid for it chicken was shredded instead of diced for the enchiladas and they were served with a bunch of shredded cheese on them instead of queso blanco, food was flavorless, portions were small to add insult to the matter, even the free chips and salsa were a disgrace.
This was my first visit, and unfortunately, it will be my last.
650 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068
“We ended up here on a whim.”
We ended up here on a whim. I had no idea what to expect. The margaritas were some of the best I've ever had. The salsa was a different than what you get at most Mexican restaurants but it was good. I ordered one of the daily specials, the braised lamb shank. It was HUGE, fall apart tender and juicy. The sauce that was served with the lamb shank was great and the cheddar polenta was creamy and savory. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised.
Laura Kenney
Jun 2025
“We had a layover in Chicago for 21 hours and thought we'd better make the best of our time and see...”
We had a layover in Chicago for 21 hours and thought we'd better make the best of our time and see what Chicago has to offer. Of course we had to have deep dish pizza before we went back to the hotel. And was told thatLou Malnati's Pizzeria was the best. Although it was not a sit-down restaurant like we were hoping we decided to go next door to grab a beer while we waited for a pizza. Lo and behold the owner was behind the bar meticulously helping the lovely bartender which she was great at what she did and very attentive. You made us feel at home and asked what we were doing and of course he knew we were waiting on a pizza next door. Which most people come over for a beer. He generously offered for us to eat in his restaurant and had a very casual conversation with us showing interest in us as a customer. Of course after a short period of time we had to order his wings and the beer that was on tap was amazing. We were lucky to meet his mother and hear about the story of them being open for 42 years and couldn't have asked for a better experience. The next time I'm back in town with family this is definitely going to be my first stop and can't wait to experience the family like atmosphere again. His mother was sweet and felt like I was talking to my own. Also has some of the smoothest and best tasting tequila that we've ever had and he had to prove us wrong that we didn't like tequila because we didn't have the right kind. His homemade sauces and wings are top-notch and I couldn't ask for more for an owner and bartender that helped us she was so sweet. Can't wait to come back again. PS the chorizo is top-notch as well.
Jesse Moore
Jan 2025
“9/2024 5* I am not a fan of the atmosphere.”
9/2024 5* I am not a fan of the atmosphere. Because I am not a drinker. However, the outdoor seating was fantastic. A fun time with good food!
Double B
Sep 2024
“Marshall Jefferson said "Move Your Body" and we did just that..”
Marshall Jefferson said "Move Your Body" and we did just that... We moved our bodies to Park Ridge Illinois and had "BIG FUN and BIG FOOD!!!! They had pan-fried oysters Rockefeller, WOW! The food was absolutely incredible and the beverages were STRONG!!! The tacos were definitely 5 🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮 out of 5 and Those drinks were 5 🍹🍹🍹🍹🍹out of 5 Take the drive.. it's worth it.... #tacosarelife #datenight #doinglifetogether #tacotuesday #tacosandtequila #tacostacostacos
Dana King
Apr 2024
“This is our favorite Mexican restaurant around the neighborhood, by far!!”
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant around the neighborhood, by far!!! The staff is beyond excellent - always friendly, attentive, hard-working and knowledgable! MUST get the Cadillac Margarita! SOPES are our favorite, completely homemade - tastes just like my in-laws! Carne asada tacos, carnitas tacos are also a fave (pro tip: get only onion & cilantro 😍), and when they have birria tacos or birria quesadilla - get it!! Soo tasty! HIGHLY recommend! Feels like home ☺️
Tricia A.
Apr 2024
“The owner came up to us and asked if we had been there before.”
The owner came up to us and asked if we had been there before. We told her it was our first time, and we were heading to Ohio. We told her it was rated high, and that’s why we stopped. Boy, we were not disappointed! The margaritas were perfect, and I am very picky about margaritas, as well as the food. Would definitely go back there. My picky husband actually like the mole’ con pollo!
Sheila Hayes
Jun 2023
“Some solid Mexican food and very friendly staff.”
Some solid Mexican food and very friendly staff. Got the deep fried burrito and a stone brewing Mexican lager while we watched the Nuggets beat the Heat! Fun atmosphere!
david stewart
Jun 2023
“A fun evening of good drinks, great food and friendly welcome.”
A fun evening of good drinks, great food and friendly welcome. It was lovely meeting the owner Maria, she was so sweet to talk to us and we could see how she had been successful all these years. Looking forward to returning!
Ellie Kang
May 2023
“The staff is super friendly, food is amazing.”
The staff is super friendly, food is amazing! Their carne assada old school and chocolate creme brûlée are incredible! Margaritas during happy hour are only $7 (fridays 3-5pm), highly recommend
Raisa Catunda
Apr 2023
“The best Carne Asada you will ever have.”
The best Carne Asada you will ever have. Order it "old school." No gristle or fat whatsoever, and perfectly seasoned. The Margherita was on point and the salsa is outstanding. Always a good sign when the owners are out talking to the customers and offering menu suggestions which is the reason I ordered it. A really cool place with a great vibe and super nice people. I'm not from the area, but I guarantee I'll be back. I'll be thinking about that steak for a while. Thanks for the recommendation, Michael!
JD King
Aug 2022
“Great atmosphere and such friendly people.”
Great atmosphere and such friendly people! They were more than happy to let us order drinks and chips and eat the next door pizza at their location. I will be back tomorrow!
Will Irwin
Aug 2022
“Lovely lil fun place for lunch.”
Lovely lil fun place for lunch! The atmosphere takes the edge off from a stressful morning. 😁 Not your "typical" salsa...it's a good change up! The salad was huge!!! And the Camarones De Coco has a sweet heat to it! The heat comes afterward; but it's divine! Ensalada De La Casa w/ grilled chicken Baha Fish Taco Camarones De Coco (3) Baha Fish Taco
a w
Jun 2022
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