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Maria's Mexican Restaurant — reliable mexican in Forest Park. This is cooking with real conviction. "The steak taco is simple but flavorful, tender beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese" — Khadiga Ahmed
Theisha Frazier
143 reviews
“They have amazing margaritas which I did not get on this trip”
Meeehh. No flavor and so dry are the mole enchiladas for my mom.
It wasn't authentic Mexican food. The food was overly seasoned with pepper.
my husband and I had a disturbing experience at your restaurant during a recent visit.
1905 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60707
“Such a fun vibe with excellent waitstaff and amazing food, I will definitely be back!!”
B R
Dec 2025
“Overall good experience.”
Overall good experience. Food is yummy!
Elva Maria
Nov 2025
“I love the experience, food, the good service.”
J. Castillo
Aug 2025
“If there’s one place in Elmwood Park that consistently hits every note, flavor, atmosphere, and soul..it’s Maria’s.”
If there’s one place in Elmwood Park that consistently hits every note, flavor, atmosphere, and soul..it’s Maria’s. It’s more than a restaurant for me, it’s a midweek ritual, a place where I write, relax, and enjoy food that feels like home. So talk about the food. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular like me (who's tried nearly everything on the menu), the flavors are always on point. My go-to combo? The a la carte tamale, steak taco, and chimichanga. It’s a holy trinity of textures and taste: The tamale comes wrapped in its husk like a gift, with that perfectly moist masa and hearty filling that warms you from the inside out. The steak taco is simple but flavorful, tender beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, and a juicy slice of tomato on a warm tortilla. And the chimichanga? Melted cheese, savory meat, crispy shell, topped with a dollop of cool sour cream. Every bite is rich and satisfying. Pair it with a glass of red wine (or whatever your drink of choice is), and it’s a meal that makes you want to linger a little longer. The vibe is what seals the deal. I always grab that corner seat at the bar on Wednesdays, it's my spot to unwind, write, and watch the rhythm of the restaurant. There's something about the hum of conversation, the soft clink of glasses, and the warmth of the staff that makes it feel like you’re part of something special. Maria’s isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a place to be. Whether you’re here for the enchiladas, the pozole, or just a quiet moment with a cold drink and a hot plate, you’ll leave full..in more ways than one. <3 Five stars, every time.
Khadiga Ahmed
Jul 2025
“Delicious Mexican food and always leftovers.”
Delicious Mexican food and always leftovers! Coming here for many years! The drinks are wonderful too🍹 Pic of Mango and Watermelon margaritas, YUM.
Bella Bella
Jul 2025
“Very good food and generous servings.”
Very good food and generous servings! Me came with soup or salad. The salsa is very good, served fresh and hot! Server was good and fast. Relaxing environment and ambience. Somewhat pricey compared to other Mexican restaurant, it's worth it. Recommended!
Keiz Zee
Dec 2024
“Wonderful place and delicious food.”
Wonderful place and delicious food! Warm chips and salsa were quickly devoured. We started with the mini chimichangas appetizer. Fluffy deep fried chicken chimis served with fresh guacamole and sour cream. Perfect! We then shared the combination plate so we could try as many selections as possible. The pork red tamale was savory and satisfying. The chicken taco, in delicate corn tortillas was some of the best we’ve had in Chicago. The bean tostada ( ordered without meat) was very good. The cheese enchilada in mole sauce was good but I have a hard time getting used to all the white cheese. In Arizona it’s cheddar all the way. Our meal was topped off with fried ice cream which was served with strawberry topping only because we requested it. Superb!
S. Aguilera
Mar 2024
“We loved the delicious food, the excellent service, the dessert so good.”
We loved the delicious food, the excellent service, the dessert so good. Too crowded for our liking, but we could see why. Will try a week night in the future. I'm definitely going back. We ordered steak fajitas, tampiqueña and steak tacos, all delicious and more than enough food. Love the chips and salsa! The fried ice cream was a sweet ending to our dining experience! Highly recommend Maria's
Nancy Vazquez Caban
Feb 2024
“Maria's is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago!”
Maria's is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago!! The vibe is very chill and very fun.. Our waitress was fantastic and did an outstanding job. I highly recommend getting the Don Juilo Margarita (one of the best I've ever had) and.... for dinner, get the Tampiquena (also one of the best I've ever had)... everything I had was absolutely out of this world great!!!
Vince Caramusa
Jan 2024
“This is a family run restaurant and you can tell from the minute you walk in.”
This is a family run restaurant and you can tell from the minute you walk in. Great margaritas and the best carne asada in the city. I always order the special because they blow my mind every time. The black bean soup is over the top. Truth!
Nick Pecora
Jan 2024
“Amazing Mexican food.”
Amazing Mexican food. Has the steak fajitas and they were grilled just right.
Danny Mendez
Nov 2023
“First time here. Maria’s is an absolute gem! The ambiance is authentic, the environment is warm and...”
First time here. Maria’s is an absolute gem! The ambiance is authentic, the environment is warm and the Elias is the most welcoming bartender and host! I had the opportunity to meet Maria and she greeted me with such grace and kindness. The spinach quesadillas are to die for, the combination plate has such a great variety of the top items to try! The margaritas are honestly the best I’ve ever had: tasty varieties, with fresh fruit pieces! It was me and my friend’s birthday and the song, sombreros, gorgeous/ delicious sundae and special made shots closed out the night. One of the best experiences I’ve had in a very long time. The artwork murals complete the authenticity of Maria’s place as well. Thank you for helping make make my day amazing!
Stephanie Sheard
Aug 2023
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