5 Best Mexican Restaurants in Naperville

Naperville is located in the ‘Prairie State,’ Illinois, and is a western metropolis of Chicago. The city’s crown jewel is the famous Naperville Riverwalk, known for its scenic views, fountains, and greenery.

The Naperville Public Library is also renowned for its unique research and abundance of material, as well as special events for all ages. The city also has a lot to offer its residents and tourists alike, with its lush greenery, famous museums, riverwalk, breweries, spas, and recreational facilities.

However, what really makes Naperville unique are its shopping plazas and culinary experiences.  While there are a variety of plazas, malls, and stores available, there are all kinds of eateries available, ranging from fine-dining, bistros, cafes, and takeaway options.

Mexican cuisine has become exceedingly popular in Naperville, and there are an array of restaurants offering authentic Mexican food, while some offer the cuisine with a modern twist.

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, here are five of the best Mexican restaurants in Naperville to get you started:

1. Uncle Julio’s Mexican From Scratch

Offering authentic Mexican food made from scratch from freshly-sourced ingredients, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines rustic and modern decor. 

Inspired by Mexican art and architecture, the restaurant has taken Mexican food to a whole new level with its warming ambiance and even has a bar where you can kick back with a drink and catch a baseball game.

If you prefer outdoor dining, Uncle Julio’s also offers a beautiful patio overlooking the streets of Naperville. Their menu includes everything you can think of, from guacamole to quesadillas, fajitas,  enchiladas,  tortilla, tacos, and a variety of unique Mexican cocktails/drinks.  Make sure that you ask for their special grilled dishes and try out their margaritas or sangrias!

2. Burrito Parilla Mexicana

Located in Naperville on 59th, Burrito Parrilla Mexicana offers both authentic Mexican and Latin cuisine. Their decor and style are simple, offering a robust exterior, accompanied by rustic furniture, Mexican art, and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Apart from a bar at the center of the restaurant, you can also enjoy a meal on their outdoor patio overlooking the bustling Ace lane and its greenery. 

The restaurant offers many food choices, such as tacos, burritos, fajitas, salads, enchiladas, and drinks. They also offer a special kids menu, breakfast menu, as well as vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. Don’t forget to try their special horchata (plant-based milk beverage) and chicken mole enchilada when you stop by!

3. Taco Madre

Taco Madre has come a long way as the ‘Mother of all Tacos’ and believes that fresh ingredients are the key to good food. They are one of the best Taquerias in the city that offers Mexican street food and upscale fusion style food.

Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine and Parrillada (barbeque) at the famous Taco Madre, located in the heart of Naperville. This quaint restaurant displays a rustic red-brick exterior paired with casual dining and booths for families and larger groups enveloped by Mexican-inspired paintings and themes.

Apart from offering traditional tacos, they also create fusion tacos by combining the best raw Mexican ingredients with flavors from other cuisines. Their menu includes an array of courses, such as appetizers, tacos, fusion tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, salads, sweets/desserts, and drinks. They also offer special combos for dinner and a kids menu.

4. Quiubo

Quiubo offers the best of both worlds with Mexican street food and fine dining at this thriving restaurant. This renowned restaurant is popping with vibrant colors and unique decor, all inspired by a Mexican theme.

While the furniture may seem simple, it is elegant at best and incorporates nature in the form of little vases found on counters around the place. The restaurant also makes it a point to play Mexican music that gets people excited for their meal.

There is a quaint and lit outdoor patio available where you can enjoy your meals overlooking the quiet Water street.  They offer a variety of delicious Mexican food ranging from traditional tacos to tostadas, side, guacamole varieties, and unique cocktails with different spices and flavors.

If you stop by, make sure to try their special menu of pineapple-braised pork leg, beef barbeque, and Carlota cookies!

5. Invicto

If variety and affordability is something that interests you, stop by this quaint little restaurant for great food!

The Invicto combines the best of authentic Mexican street food, cocktails, and a friendly ambiance in this charming little rustic restaurant.  The bustling counter serves up delicious food and cocktails amidst the colorful yet simple backdrop.

An array of options are available on their menus, such as customizable tacos, creamy burritos, tortillas with pork, chicken, mushroom, corn, shrimp, and sandwiches. Apart from this, you can also indulge in salads, quesadillas, side dishes, combos, pies, delicious shakes, and drinks. Make sure to try out their famous Palomas (tequila cocktail) and margaritas when you drop in!

Things to Do After a Meal

If you indulge in a delicious meal during the day, you can head over to Naperville’s many museums, picturesque parks, or sunbathe at Centennial Beach, which is a water-themed park. You can also have fun on the rides or take a paddleboat off Centennial Beach down the river and revel in the abundant greenery.

At night, you can take a stroll down the Naperville Riverwalk, which is lined with picturesque fountains, memorials, and sculptures intertwined around the river.  The famous Naper Settlement is the spot for avid art lovers and offers an outdoor museum spread out over 12 acres of land.

To learn all about Naperville visit our Naperville Community Highlight.

If it’s entertainment you seek, the Bright Side Theatre performs classic plays such as Hairspray, High School Musical, and even offers comedies like Legally Blonde. They have different themes for every season, so do your research to find a play you may like.

The Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium is the place to be if you want to catch a game of soccer or football. It holds a variety of events throughout the year, such as Men’s Outdoor Tracks, Field Championships, and U.S Open Camps.