El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
Latin Spanish · Mexican · Chicago, IL
About
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill is a great choice if you want authentic Mexican food with a modern upscale twist in a gay-friendly setting. This family-owned spot has been open for over 20 years and sits at the edge of Boystown, so the crowd is usually a mixed gay-straight bunch. Expect fresh tortilla chips with two salsas, tableside guacamole, and a selection of 100+ (some say 150+) tequilas. Prices are moderate, and they serve brunch on weekends.
The interior feels upscale, but the real surprise is out back: walk through the restaurant and you'll find a huge outdoor terrace that's perfect for warm weather. Hours vary, so check them before heading over. Open late on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight.
Located in Lakeview, El Mariachi sits right at the edge of Boystown, Chicago's main gay neighborhood, giving it a welcoming mixed crowd.
Features
- ✓Tableside guacamole made fresh
- ✓Over 100 tequilas to choose from
- ✓Hidden outdoor terrace seating
- ✓Sunday brunch available
- ✓Mixed gay-straight crowd in Boystown
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 872 reviews. 16 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
This spot is a hidden gem. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you go through the restaurant, there's a large outdoor terrace. The food is also great.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Best Guacamole and Freshest Mexican Food”
From the beginning, the quality is clear with light, crisp homemade tortilla chips and two fresh salsa options. They prepare guacamole at your table, and it's the best around. The food is fresh and nicely presented, not like a typical Mexican restaurant. There are over 150 tequilas to choose from. It's located right on the edge of Boystown, so the crowd tends to be diverse.
A guest · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, there is a huge outdoor terrace available.
Do they have vegetarian or vegan options? +
The menu includes fresh salsas, guacamole, and other dishes that can be vegetarian. We recommend contacting the restaurant for specific vegan options.
What type of cuisine do they serve? +
They serve Mexican cuisine with an upscale twist, including tapas small plates and Sunday brunch.
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