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El Xangarrito Mex Restaurant — Lincoln Square mexican that sets the standard. Order the Mole. Expect something different from the standard lineup, and BYOB. Sameet Sapra: "I thought the mole was incredible, rich and deeply flavored"
Dee Dee Martin
201 reviews
“I ordered the shrimp and I loved that the shell was removed”
4811 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60625
“Excellent food, service, and atmoshere and priced right.”
Excellent food, service, and atmoshere and priced right! I had the enchiladas and they were 10/10!
britt chandlee
Jan 2026
“This food! The spices, the flavors they pop! Best Mexican food I have had. Only second to a...”
This food! The spices, the flavors they pop! Best Mexican food I have had. Only second to a restaurant in Mexico City. It does not disappoint. Chef Noe cares so much about his craft and his customers. My new favorite restaurant in Chicago. We got plántanos mole, miniflautas, and the poblano and mole enchilada. I will be dreaming of these flavors for weeks to come!
ali pryor
Dec 2025
“Cool hole in the wall, few tables but great lighting Everything was delicious.”
Cool hole in the wall, few tables but great lighting Everything was delicious. I thought the mole was incredible, rich and deeply flavored. I tried the fish enchiladas and the sauce there was almost curry like. The ceviche (and all of the dishes) were presented really well and came out super quickly, I was impressed with the service. My only feedback would be to have more premium tortilla chips.
Sameet Sapra
Nov 2025
“Everything about this little Mexican restaurant was delightful.”
Everything about this little Mexican restaurant was delightful! Great service, sweet atmosphere and delicious food! It is our second time to come here, and both times it was impressive.
Becky Joy Villar
Oct 2025
“Excellent experience at El Xangarrito.”
Excellent experience at El Xangarrito! Our waiter was attentive, the food was amazing and the atmosphere had a touch of romance. Very sweet little place, we will definitely be back when we’re in the area!
Becky Villar
Oct 2025
“Was craving enchiladas last night and El Xangarrito Mex Restaurant did not disappoint.”
Was craving enchiladas last night and El Xangarrito Mex Restaurant did not disappoint! We started with the esquite, which was light, fresh, and a perfect opener. We also ordered the plátanos en mole. The mole was rich and earthy, balanced by the sweetness of the plantains. The real reason we came though? The enchiladas de poblano. The sauce was perfect—flavorful without being too spicy. They came with cubed chicken, a generous amount of sauce, and just the right toppings. Looking forward to coming back!
Karla Montiel
Jul 2025
“I am 51 years old, and today I've had the best chicken breast of my life.”
I am 51 years old, and today I've had the best chicken breast of my life. Yes, I've been to this neighborhood gem before, but I need to share this today. Generally, amazing food, great patio space and thank goodness for BYOB. Tonight this place was elevated to another level, and despite the fear of losing the ability to walk to my local spot and not worry about making a reservation a month in advance I feel like it's my duty to let the universe know: the food here is exceptional and absolutely worth the visit. If tonight's special by the sous chef is an indication of what's to come; make a reservation now.
Andrew Kucharski
Jun 2025
“The food was delicious.”
The food was delicious! The chicken enchiladas were stuffed with large chunks of chicken. They were a bit pricier than most Mexican restaurants, but you get your money's worth. I was blown away by the salad, as I don't normally eat salads, but the combination of greens with what seemed to be a vinaigrette dressing really made it very enjoyable. The atmosphere is great, and our server was very attentive.
Ricardo Moreno
May 2025
“Went out of my way to try this place while in Chicago for work.”
Went out of my way to try this place while in Chicago for work. The complimentary chips and dip were good. The chips themselves were great. The dip was good but spicy. Would love to see their take on a salsa. For my dinner I had shrimp in a garlic sauce. It was outstanding. The sauce was so good. Good enough to lick the plate (I used the spoon instead). The shrimp was cooked perfectly. The rice was excellent. The salad was even great. Highly recommend this place. Will come back next time I'm in Chicago.
CJ
Mar 2025
“This is truly a hidden gem.”
This is truly a hidden gem. Tucked into a tiny little space on Rockwell Street, you’d miss this place if you didn’t look for it. My favorite items are the ceviche, ribs, and enchiladas. They have two different kinds of moles and will let you sample both. It’s BYOB, so bring some drinks! Parking is easy!
Ryan Sullivan
Feb 2025
“The food was very good.”
The food was very good. We got a nice table outside and our server, Jenn, was very attentive and friendly. We had the guacamole, Chicken Tacos and Chicken Mole. BYOB. Will definitely be back.
Cory Fosco
Aug 2024
“Best meal ever. Started with a delicious apple salad -huge and lovely. Then we shared carne asada...”
Best meal ever. Started with a delicious apple salad -huge and lovely. Then we shared carne asada and enchiladas with red mole. You get to taste the moles and they are both yummy. Save room for the key lime pie it’s better than Florida’s! Also it’s Byob!
J P
Aug 2024
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