Mercadito - River North

“Dinner craving for tacos and guacamole-can’t beat this place. The tortillas are very fresh, first thing I noticed with the first bite. Had the carne and my friend had the chicken… carne better. Both filled just right. I would highly recommend going during happy hour if you’re not too hungry, it’s a deal at 2/$10.”

“Attended a special event happy hour in the lower lounge, special bites menu-had savory mini chicken burritos-great guac, drinks. Space has a low ceiling so sound bounced and was a bit hard to hear conversations. Attentive service. The restaurant was quite lively as we left our event.”

“Tried this place out a friend’s Birthday dinner last night. We had a party of 7 and made reservations in advance (highly recommend). Food was fantastic - the mango guacamole & hongos tacos were definite highlights! I also got an N/A cocktail - Shake The Mango Tree - which was so delicious. Service was decent but not great (they were very busy). Overall a great experience!”

“If you’re searching for the best Mexican restaurant in Chicago with a vibrant atmosphere and standout dishes, Mercadito should be at the top of your list. From cocktails to brunch-style bites, this spot delivers a full experience that goes beyond just great food. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone warm lighting, lush greenery, and a lively dining room that feels upscale yet relaxed. It’s the kind of place that works perfectly for a casual dinner, date night, or weekend brunch with friends. We started with drinks, and both were a hit. The Amiga Sandía was refreshing and slightly sweet with that perfect watermelon flavor, while the classic margarita was clean, citrusy, and well-balanced exactly what you want from a traditional marg. For appetizers, the guacamole and chips were fresh and flavorful, with a creamy texture and just the right amount of seasoning. The queso fundido came out hot and melty, rich without being too heavy, making it perfect to share. One of the highlights of the meal was the quesabirrias. The tortillas were perfectly crisped, filled with tender, juicy meat, and packed with deep, savory flavor. Dipped into the consommé, they were easily one of the must-order items on the menu. To finish, we tried the French toast, and it completely surprised us. Thick, soft, and beautifully plated, it had that perfect balance of sweetness and texture making it a great option if you’re visiting for brunch or just want something indulgent at the end of your meal. The service was attentive and friendly, and the overall experience felt polished without being pretentious.”

“We came here for brunch during restaurant week. The hostess was super warm and inviting. Our waitress was Janessa and she was awesome! She was super friendly, attentive and gave great recommendations. I got a watermelon margarita which was good, although I didn’t really taste much watermelon flavor. If you like strong drinks, you’ll enjoy this one. I usually like lighter/fruitier drinks. For my first course, I got the short rib quesabirria tacos and they were super delicious and flavorful. 10/10 no notes. My partner got the flautas and he really enjoyed them. The second course is where things went a little left for us. I ordered the French toast and it ended up being a super thick slice of French toast. The outside edges were cooked, but a lot of the middle was undercooked, resulting in wet/soggy/unpleasant bread. I think they should make the French toast half as thick, so it can fully cook. I ended up only eating about 60% of it, because the rest was not great. I did enjoy the cafe de olla drizzle. My partner got the steak and eggs for his second course. He ordered the steak medium, but it was closer to rare. Also, there were a lot of fatty/tough pieces that he had to spit out. He didn’t really enjoy the steak. He said the eggs were decent and the hash browns were good. We would absolutely go back. I would probably stick with the short rib quesabirria and maybe explore some of the other menu options. I’m glad I got the opportunity to try this place during restaurant week, because I probably would have never come across them otherwise.”