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El Costeño — among the best mexican in Pilsen. Flavors stay true to the source. Friendly team that sets the tone, and wallet-friendly. Alice Easton: "The complimentary chips were crispy"
Cecilia Labariega
174 reviews
“The rice and beans are amazing”
First time here... got 3 gorditas. They were average.
Robbery!!!!. Ordered an Horchata and paid $6. After revidwing the picture that is in the store.
I usually don’t write negative reviews, and I try my best to be as non biased as possible.
2007 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
“We ordered the chile relleno (filled with cheese) from the specials menu, which came with rice,...”
We ordered the chile relleno (filled with cheese) from the specials menu, which came with rice, beans, and yellow corn tortillas. We also had a nopales burrito, which was very flavorful, and a horchata. The complimentary chips were crispy, with a spicy, smoky red salsa, plus a spicy green salsa and a creamy green salsa at the table. Service was fast and friendly, portions were generous, prices were reasonable, and there was no wait for a late weekday lunch. Several people came in to order takeout while we were eating.
Alice Easton
Jan 2026
“Really cool spot with delicious food and friendly staff.”
Really cool spot with delicious food and friendly staff. We stopped in for some breakfast on the way to a museum and had the best home cooked meal and the lady working the front was super nice and very attentive. Would definitely come back
Francisco Ortiz
Oct 2025
“This is a beautifully decorated restaurant.”
This is a beautifully decorated restaurant. Friendly staff and delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Can’t wait to return!
Carmen Contreras
Oct 2025
“Somewhat chill spot to get some food.”
Somewhat chill spot to get some food. I liked the variety of salsas they had and enjoyed the carne asada taco. Tried the Caldo de Camarón and like the amount of shrimp - they were pretty big as well and they were juicy and not rubbery. The waitress was also really helpful with their menu and explaining their different soups.
Rowshon Jahan
Oct 2025
“Always a pleasure and treat to come here!”
Always a pleasure and treat to come here!! Food is absolutely delicious and very full of flavor. Service is wonderful and friendly! Nice spot to grab a quick bite and try different types of dishes.
Carolyn Kapel
Oct 2025
“We went last weekend when we were in Pilsen and let me tell you it was some of the best Mexican...”
We went last weekend when we were in Pilsen and let me tell you it was some of the best Mexican food that I have had and the lady there was very nice
Lisa Chlebanowski
Jul 2025
“This spot is definitely a hidden gem and feels like a true mom-and-pop operation.”
This spot is definitely a hidden gem and feels like a true mom-and-pop operation. I decided to step outside my usual go-to places and give this one a shot after seeing some great reviews—and I’m really glad I did. As soon as I walked in, I was warmly greeted by (what I assume is) one of the owners—an older woman who immediately made me feel like I was walking into my grandma’s house. She was so kind and welcoming, which really set the tone. I ordered the green chilaquiles with steak, and when she asked if I liked it spicy, I confidently said yes—probably too confidently! It had a serious kick, but the flavor was absolutely on point. No regrets. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu. Bonus points for how conveniently it’s located right off the Damen Pink Line.
Nabil Martinez
Jul 2025
“I had the torta meal and really enjoyed it.”
I had the torta meal and really enjoyed it. The torta was toasted just right, it crispy on the outside and full of flavor. It came with rice and beans on the side, and both were super tasty. The food overall felt really authentic, and they have an awesome selection of salsas to choose from. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. Definitely a place I’d go back to.
Antonio Alonso
May 2025
“The food was AMAZING.”
The food was AMAZING. My husband and I went for a wedding and decided to go here for breakfast. I ordered chilaquiles rojos and they were the best I have ever had in my life. Absolutely loved their food!!
Karla Dayana
May 2025
“Second time here and is very good!!”
Second time here and is very good!!! Authentic flavorful food!!!
Mallela Villarreal
Apr 2025
“The best Mexican food I’ve had in a long time!!!”
The best Mexican food I’ve had in a long time!!!! Good job El Costeno!!!! They got this quesabirra WOW off the chain music man thought I was in Mexico !!!! My bad forgot to take a picture before I smashed !!!!!
Alex Achille
Feb 2025
“Life-Changing Mexican Restaurant.”
Life-Changing Mexican Restaurant! If you try tortilla chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant, you can tell how good the food will be. At this place, they were perfect! The tortilla chips were super crispy and savory, and the salsa? I could eat it with every dish on their menu! Every dish I tried was seriously delicious, but my absolute favorite was the Tostadas with Shrimp. The crispy tortilla, the chewy shrimp, and the onions and cilantro all came together in perfect harmony. Oh, and don't forget to try the Jamaica (hibiscus drink)! It was sweet enough to hit the spot for me. I loved it so much, I went back two days in a row!
Hye-in Choi
Jan 2025
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