Taqueria La Penca Mexican Restaurant
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About
Taqueria La Penca Mexican Restaurant — solid, no-fuss mexican in North Riverside. No shortcuts. You can taste the intention. The staff makes it feel personal, and owner-operated. "The menudo is fantastic every single time — rich flavor, great portions, and always fresh" — Nick
Experience Breakdown
Timothy Noyama-Zee
25 reviews
“I would recommend for anyone who values quality food and service over price, and for those with dietary restrictions”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
Holy cow. Its sad I gotta write this, but I'm new in the area. I come from Berwyn.
I gave two stars cause I usually come here for tacos and they are always good first time getting steak fijitas and the amount of steak I was given for $33 is insane that alone just lost my business I could only make 2 good size tacos and a skinny 3rd one not enough for the price so disappointed.
This place was not good. We just went today. The food was so bland. Absolutely no flavor at all.
Location
9265 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546
What 40+ diners say about Taqueria La Penca Mexican Restaurant
“My favorite spot for the BEST Margaritas Ever.”
My favorite spot for the BEST Margaritas Ever! Everything is delicious here so you can't go wrong! So many items to choose from! If In the area, this is your spot! Super friendly, local owner, highly recommend!
My Life- DIY
Nov 2025
“We did a to-go order which included a taco dinner and two tostadas-one Al pastor and one ceviche.”
We did a to-go order which included a taco dinner and two tostadas-one Al pastor and one ceviche. It was incredible! We were greeted warmly upon arrival and the food took no time at all. Would recommend this spot and we can’t wait to go back.
Roxy Felde
Nov 2025
“Great Margaritas.”
Great Margaritas! Friendly owner and staff. Restaurant is always clean.
Carmen Turner
Jul 2024
“I ordered pick up for half a gallon of red pozole and ceviche.”
I ordered pick up for half a gallon of red pozole and ceviche. The ceviche is exceptional and diced exactly how I like it, very small, and came cold just how it’s supposed to be. The pozole is delicious and the toppings come in a large portion. Pozole was still very hot when I get home. I like cabbage, cilantro and radish instead of lettuce so if you order here make sure you have the toppings you like at home.
Pamela Perretti
Mar 2024
“I tried the deep fried quesadilla omg it was so yummy.”
I tried the deep fried quesadilla omg it was so yummy. 😋 I loved the queso fresco. First time I've tried it and it was the BOMB 💣!! The nachos were super HUGE!!
Mary Franco
Mar 2024
“I do enjoy visiting Mexican restaurants that I have not been to.”
I do enjoy visiting Mexican restaurants that I have not been to. Lunch at La Penca was very nice. The place was packed at 11:30 am! My burrito was large and tasty. The horchata was delicious. Check it out..
Paul Lorenz
Feb 2024
“Decent Mexican food and decent service.”
Decent Mexican food and decent service. Prices were a bit high but it could just be Biden's economic impact on prices. I had the flautas. The chiken was tasty.
Martika Gartman
May 2022
“Small place in a strip mall but unexpectedly good authentic food.”
Small place in a strip mall but unexpectedly good authentic food! Taco salad was great and actually just the right serving size though the shell/bowl appeared more than half empty… Was good, wouldn’t hesitate to stop in again if in the area!
Roxanne Lostroscio
Mar 2022
“Homemade Gorditas were ok.”
Homemade Gorditas were ok. The asada had a weird flavor. Not very good honestly.
Juan Rivera
May 2024
“I gave two stars cause I usually come here for tacos and they are always good first time getting...”
I gave two stars cause I usually come here for tacos and they are always good first time getting steak fijitas and the amount of steak I was given for $33 is insane that alone just lost my business I could only make 2 good size tacos and a skinny 3rd one not enough for the price so disappointed
Mango James
Apr 2023
“Salsa is not home made, ordered two gorditas picadillo should be with potatoes and carrots it's...”
Salsa is not home made, ordered two gorditas picadillo should be with potatoes and carrots it's like a stake gordita and the rajas con queso it was more like rajas and frijoles
Martin Mendoza
Mar 2024
“Bistec a la Mexicana was so good.”
Bistec a la Mexicana was so good. Always been a good spot for Mexican.
angeline linares
Feb 2026
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