XOCO
Ridge Martin · 100 Google reviewsXOCO — trusted mexican in River North. Unpretentious and comfortable, exactly what you want. Honest, uncompromised flavors throughout. Bits or Bites: "The churros were fried perfectly (crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside)" [$$, patio]
What 3,340 diners keep saying
What 3,340 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“So far the best Mexican food I’ve tried in Chicago. Unbelievable how much flavor was in every bite. Save room for dessert!”
“I followed my nose to this restaurant as I’m here for work. It was busy but I was seated quickly, because I was alone the host cleaned off a table by the kitchen so I could watch these amazing chefs in action. The xoco margarita was delicious, so many wonderful options on the menu. You should check this place out when in Chicago downtown”
“Busy Saturday evening but the service and food was excellent! The spicy peanuts were delish! The carnitas tacos and carnitas enchiladas - highly recommend!!!”
“Everything was amazing! Had the loaded guacamole. Tacos. Kids quesadilla. And of course churros! You don't even need the dipping sauce.”
“Xoco is Rick Bayless's quick-service spot just around the corner from Frontera Grill, and it tends to get overlooked in conversation about the Bayless restaurants, which is genuinely a mistake. The premise is simple: Mexican street food and snacks done with the same sourcing and care as his higher-end places, but at counter service prices and in a casual, tight little room that fills up fast. Pronounced SHO-ko, it's the Aztec word for "little sister," which understates it considerably. The tortas are the thing to order. We went with the ahogada, which is a crusty roll packed with carnitas and then dunked in a fiery, bright chile sauce that soaks into the bread just enough. It sounds like a mess and it kind of is, but the kind of mess you want. The caldos, which are the big meal-in-a-bowl soups, are also excellent, especially the short rib version with its deep, slow-cooked broth and soft masa dumplings that bob around in it. For something lighter, the empanadas are flaky, hot, and filled properly, not skimped on. And then the churros and Mexican hot chocolate. The churros come out of the fryer to order, crunchy outside and soft inside, dusted in sugar with a dark chocolate dipping sauce, and the hot chocolate is thick and frothy and spiced with just enough cinnamon to feel like a different category of hot chocolate than you've had before. You can get those any time of day and there's no situation where that's the wrong call. Counter service means the line can move quickly but it also means seating is limited. Get here early or late, the midday rush is real.”
“非常推薦大家來芝加哥想嚐嚐墨西哥美食不可錯過的好地方，店員很熱情，餐廳氛圍很棒，個人推薦必點美食：Churros，每次來必點， 星期五： Carne Asada Torta ($17) 烤牛肉三明治 配餐：$1 off Xoco Margarita (Xoco 瑪格麗特調酒現折 $1) 星期六： Barbacoa Torta ($17) 慢燉羊肉三明治”
“I went to Xoxo in Chicago and had a really good experience. The carnita tacos were really flavorful and the horchata was my favorite part of everything it was sweet, and refreshing. I also tried the chocolate cake with mango pieces for dessert, and it was really good. The chocolate and mango actually went really well together. The staff were kind and very respectful this place has a nice, welcoming feel. I would 100% recommend this restaurant for anyone who’s in Chicago.”
“Calling are Tortas, you know who you are. You can not go wrong with the tortas served here. Maybe not as delicious as you, but delicious when compared to others. I highly recommend the Cubana which has a hint of smoke in an avocado sliced Torta with chips and an Off Colored pint of Beer For Tacos. Ricky, time to build a XOCO in Tucson, Arizona. Details - food is delicious, portions are reasonable, prices are good for the quality and quantity you receive. The place is small inside, be flexible with your seating requirements if you go during peak hours. Great place if alone or paired up as their are shared bar type seats available for walk-ins. My neighbor had the tortilla soup which looked and smelled amazing. I plan to get it on my next visit. I highly recommend XOCO as a reasonably priced option for those looking for an alternative to Chicago Dogs or Mr. Beef.”
“Xoco by Ryck Bayless feels like a place you find in Mexico City!! From the entrance, you are welcomed by the wonderful people working there!! Everyone is friendly and attentive, creating an authentic atmosphere!! We went during the happy hour, and everything looked incredible! We ordered chorizo con papas tacos, and they were superb!! The queso fundido was good, but the churros were to die for!! I totally recommend Xoco, especially to take advantage of their happy hour menu, which is well-priced!! I hope to come back another time to try the rest of the menu!!”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More Mexican in Downtown & River North
See the ranking →
In the same lane · Mexican, mid-range
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in River North, minutes away.