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312 Eats
Loop · Mexican · $

La Cocina

4.1310 reviews ·Opens at 7AM tomorrow
With that being said, I think it's worth it, especially given that the tacos were really good and there aren't many good Mexican restaurants (Qdoba doesn't count) within walking distance
Nick PNick P · 221 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

La Cocina — a mexican spot in Loop. The flavors are genuine, nothing diluted. "Spicy sauce is spicy so I’d recommend on side unless you’re really a fan of spice" — Alex Owen [$]

What 310 diners keep saying

Great valueFast serviceFamily runQuick bite
Plan your visit
45 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606
Loop
Today7AM-3PM
SunClosed
Mon–Fri7AM-3PM
SatClosed
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What 310 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Jacob Moore
May 2026

Dank tortas. Need I say more? Fantastic pricing. Makes me sad to see a line down the street at a corporate burrito shop that cost more than this tasty little spot. Barely sat down and my food was hot and in front of me.

Jacob Moore

Jacob Moore

28 reviews on Google

Review photo by Prabhmeet Kahlon
Mar 2026

Beware of pricing, online and in person differ. Their horchata was authentic and sweet. I ordered their Al pastor tacos. Their tacos are on the smaller side but they’re flavorful and seasoned well. Ask for lime on the side if you’re getting take out. They packed the take out order really well so the oil didn’t spill and make the tacos soggy. The rice and beans were okay, but not worth it in my opinion since it lacked flavor, especially the rice. The rice sadly lacked.

Prabhmeet Kahlon

Prabhmeet Kahlon

75 reviews on Google

Review photo by RK Biziorek
Mar 2025

It is Tuesday, so you know what that means, tacos! This La Cocina is near Washington and Wells underneath the El. Sort of the less trendy area on Wells but you can find a few gems here and this is one of them! It was my first time to this location. The food is great and on par with the La Cocina location on Lake that is nearby. I had the taco dinner that inclueldes three tacos. I did one of each: El pastor, steak, and chicken. The dinner includes Refried beans and rice. The El Pastor was really, really good and my favorite, the steak was solid too. Chicken was good quality and most mild flavor. I was trying to figure out last week how this location differs from the location on Lake. This location has more of a diner feel, and the location on Lake is more of a restaurant feel.

RK Biziorek

RK Biziorek

35 reviews on Google

Review photo by Xiomara Lagunas
Jul 2023

I ordered the Flauta dinner (chorizo & potatos) it was good and the horchata is good too

Xiomara Lagunas

Xiomara Lagunas

30 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ashley Agee
Dec 2023

This is my 3rd time having La Cocina. My 3rd visit I got the chicken tamale plate. Hair in my tamale and the picture attached is exactly how my food looked when I opened it. Tamale open and u can see I didn’t waste anything in my platter. Done.

Ashley Agee

Ashley Agee

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Elle Chi
Jun 2025

Not good AT ALL! Super disappointed. Two orders definitely not worth the price of $33.41.it was very spicy. Don’t go off the menu prices on the site per Mr. Cashier which he claimed he had no control over on his website, bunch of nonsense. The price did not reflect was I charged. I don’t recommend this place.

Elle Chi

Elle Chi

16 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ángel Eduardo Millán Coria
Feb 2025

Es Un Mal Lugar El Agua Que Te Dan Es De La Llave Las Enchiladas Suizas Unas de Las Peores Enchiladas Que Probe En Mi Vida La Comida Tine Mal Savor

Ángel Eduardo Millán Coria

Ángel Eduardo Millán Coria

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by A.E S
Dec 2024

Paid $40 for this food that is clearly not home made and comes from cans. The "ground beef" gordita was filled with what tasted like canned chilli. The tamal was super dry and came apart. The tortillas were clearly store bought and was falling apart. I couldn't even eat the chorizo and egg because it tasted so bad. They used too much chorizo AND there was egg shells in it. Canned beans were ok and the breakfast torta was ok too since it was just ham and egg.

A.E S

A.E S

17 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Breakfast burrito was perfect and filling before a full day of running around Chicago, the red sauce had a nice buildup of heat. The eggs were solidly cooked and soft, not overdone or bouncy.

Ceiting Lu

Ceiting Lu

5 reviews on Google

May 2026

Fantastic food, great service. Consistently great. Tacos, tortas burritos. All have a great portion of meat. Highly recommend this place

Vincent Porretta

Vincent Porretta

11 reviews on Google

Apr 2026

My favorite lunch spot in the loop. Would go here like twice a week I swear. Best rice and tamales! I don't live in Chicago anymore but I think about that rice daily.

Jamie Lee

Jamie Lee

18 reviews on Google

Feb 2026

I recently tried this place and ordered the chilaquiles with red sauce. I’m from Mexico, so I was expecting a medium to medium-high spice level.. something tomato based or similar to a traditional salsa roja. What I received tasted more like chilaquiles covered in salsa macha. Unfortunately, it was barely edible because of how overwhelmingly spicy it was. and I’m someone who genuinely enjoys spicy food. For a breakfast dish, it was simply too intense. I’ve noticed that some restaurants seem to think salsa macha can go on anything. While it works great in soups or as a drizzle over tacos and other dishes, it’s not meant to completely submerge an entire plate.

Damian Ramos

Damian Ramos

4 reviews on Google

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