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312 Eats
Evanston · Mexican · $$

La Principal

4.3682 reviews ·Opens at 11:30AM tomorrow
If you're looking for an authentic and delicious Mexican dining experience, LA Principal is a must-visit restaurant
Dana KingDana King · 156 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

La Principal — a mexican spot in Evanston. It gets busy, and that's part of the appeal. If you drink, start at the bar. [$$, patio]

☀️Patio — a Evanston classic in summer.

What 682 diners keep saying

Great valueFamily runLivelyCozyOld schoolFamily friendly
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700 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
Evanston
Today11:30AM-9PM
Sun11AM-8PM
MonClosed
Tue–Fri11:30AM-9PM
Sat11AM-9PM
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What 682 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Chen Bo Fang
Jul 2026

I ordered the adobo chicken and the quesabirria. The food took a while to come out, despite the restaurant being fairly empty. However, the food came out piping hot and very delicious! The quesabirria came full of beef and cheese, and the consome was savory but not excessively oily. The chicken came out very juicy and very generously seasoned with adobo sauce.

Chen Bo Fang

Chen Bo Fang

19 reviews on Google

Review photo by Carlos Aréchiga
Dec 2025

I visited La Principal for late lunch on a Sunday and everything was great, from the drinks to the appetizers to the meal itself. Our server was super friendly and made the visit a very enjoyable one. Will definitely be back. My favorite thing was their queso fundido and steak tacos. Check them out!

Carlos Aréchiga

Carlos Aréchiga

10 reviews on Google

Review photo by Anna Schafer
Nov 2025

I've been here a few times, sitting both outside in the summer and inside. The decor on the inside is very calming and pretty. The food has always come quickly and is always delicious. I like that I can order multiple different tacos to try different flavors. Everything is plated and presented very nicely. I'll definitely be back again!

Anna Schafer

Anna Schafer

21 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kyleigh Ardoin
Aug 2025

Honestly underrated place. The carne asada is so tender and delicious. The waiters are so bubbly and happy and pleasant. And large portions!

Kyleigh Ardoin

Kyleigh Ardoin

6 reviews on Google

Review photo by Anna
Jun 2025

Loves this place! Visiting from out of town, it's always a maze trying to find somewhere everyone will enjoy. The food was outstanding-- not greasy (which is all too common in Mexican cuisine), and a variety of options that were all so unique and quite authentic. As a chef who's visited Mexico, I'd definitely return here! (The service was also quick and friendly, and they have great outdoor seating!)

Anna

Anna

5 reviews on Google

Review photo by Maria Manuela Montoya Muñetones
Mar 2025

LA COMIDA MUY RICA, DELICIOSA, DE MUY BUEN SABOR Y LOS PLATOS SON MUY GENEROSOS, DE BUEN TAMAÑO, ES MÁS,ALCANZA HASTA PARA LLEVAR, JEJEJE, LA ATENCIÓN Y EL SERVICIO ESPECIAL, ATIENDEN MUY BIEN A LOS CLIENTES, EL AMBIENTE ME PARECIÓ MUY BUENO, FAMILIAR, TRANQUILO, ASEADO Y AMPLIO, DEFINITIVAMENTE VOLVERÉ A IR A ESE LUGAR

Maria Manuela Montoya Muñetones

Maria Manuela Montoya Muñetones

7 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ryan Shea
Feb 2025

Great food, interesting drinks, and friendly service.

Ryan Shea

Ryan Shea

23 reviews on Google

Review photo by Matthew Goldman
Jun 2026

Not bad but not good. Food was good and not overpriced given the times. Ricr and beans could be hotter. A can of coke, or "fountain coke" as it appears on the receipt costs nearly 4 dollars. Its clearly a cocktail bar first and restaurant second so thats probably my fault. Tables are pretty close together and sugar caddys all needed some fillng/cleaning and their 2 tops are really small. I had to ask to remove items to fit my food. My server was training someone and neither introduced himself or the trainee. As a sober individual I wont be back as there are plenty of great Mexican restaurants to try.

Matthew Goldman

Matthew Goldman

14 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

The food, drinks and service at La Principal are fantastic! We were a group of 7 who went to La Principal last night for dinner. The waitress was patient, accommodating, and didn’t bat an eye when we mentioned separate checks. The margaritas were delicious and they even had vegan options! The Impossible Vegan Chorizo tacos are delectable! Outstanding!

LoreleiC Hancock

LoreleiC Hancock

12 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Such a cute place with amazing food! Everything was delicious and the staff was so helpful and friendly.

Michelle Pederson

Michelle Pederson

18 reviews on Google

May 2026

An imaginative and wide selection of tacos. All delicious. Ordering a bunch a la cart is a great way to feed a crew with something a little elevated. Highly recommend. And after you finish, check out the cocktail bar next door!

Luke

Luke

27 reviews on Google

Apr 2026

Reliable food, good drinks and service. Warm atmosphere.

Andy Bezaitis

Andy Bezaitis

110 reviews on Google

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