The Absolute Best Enchiladas in Chicago [Updated 2024]

From the vibrant streets of Pilsen to the hidden gems of Logan Square, I’ve scoured the city, tasting and savouring every variation imaginable.

Having reviewed a dozen standout restaurants, I’ve compiled my favorites that showcase the authentic flavors and creativity that enchiladas can offer.

Whether you prefer a classic red sauce drenched in spices or a unique twist with unexpected fillings, this guide has something for everyone.

Join me on this delicious journey as I unveil the best enchiladas in Chicago – your taste buds will thank you!

La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant

Highlights
Large and filling portions
Exceptional service
Authentic Mexican flavors
Unique and beautiful atmosphere
Great for Mexican breakfast

La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant truly transports you to Mexico with every bite of their enchiladas. As I stepped inside, the vibrant colors and unique decor enveloped me in a warm embrace, promising an authentic experience. I ordered their signature enchiladas de mole, and let me tell you, the portion size was impressively large, daring anyone to finish—challenge accepted!

The moment I took my first bite, I was captivated by the symphony of flavors. The mole sauce was rich and velvety, a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that danced on my taste buds. The tortillas were freshly made, enveloping the generous filling with ease. I can still remember how every bite melted in my mouth, leaving just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

The staff were not just attentive; they radiated warmth, making my visit feel special. Plus, I couldn't resist the allure of enjoying enchiladas paired with a delightful Mexican breakfast to kickstart my day! If you're on the hunt for some of the best enchiladas in Chicago, La Catedral is where you’ll find not just a meal, but a culinary celebration.

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El Taconazo EL TIO - BIRRIA - QUESABIRRIA - TACOS - BURRITOS - TORTAS - MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Highlights
Freshly made, delicious food
Super friendly staff
Fantastic rice and beans
Impressive taco seasonings
Great price point

Visiting El Taconazo EL TIO was an absolute delight! As I walked in, the inviting aroma of freshly made Mexican cuisine wrapped around me like a warm tortilla. Their enchiladas, the star of the show, are nothing short of spectacular. Each bite bursts with flavor, and you can taste the love baked into the homemade sauces.

The staff was incredibly friendly, enhancing my experience with their cheerful demeanor. It feels like they genuinely care about serving delicious food. The enchiladas come filled with a variety of options, but I opted for the classic shredded chicken—a choice I will not soon forget!

And let’s talk about the sides! The fantastic rice and beans were the perfect partners, beautifully seasoned and incredibly satisfying. I couldn’t resist sneaking bites of their tacos too—oh, the seasonings! The perfectly balanced spices made them a delight all on their own.

For such quality at a great price point, El Taconazo EL TIO is a treasure in the heart of Chicago. I left fully satisfied and eager to return, contemplating which enchilada variation to try next. If you’re on the hunt for true enchilada excellence, this is a spot you simply can’t miss! 🌮✨

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XOCO

Highlights
Reasonable prices
Best sandwich ever (Spicy Chicken Churro Sandwich)
Tasty food with big portions
Attentive staff

First of all, let me tell you that the prices at XOCO are reasonable, which is always a plus in my book. But what really stood out to me was their Spicy Chicken Churro Sandwich. Let me just say, it's the best sandwich ever. The combination of crispy churro buns and spicy chicken filling made my taste buds dance with joy.

But don't worry, I didn't forget about the enchiladas! XOCO's enchiladas did not disappoint either. The food here is both tasty and comes in big portions. You definitely won't leave XOCO hungry.

The staff at XOCO were also very attentive to our needs throughout our meal. They made sure we had everything we needed and even offered some great recommendations.

Overall, if you're looking for some delicious Mexican-inspired food, XOCO should definitely be on your list of places to try. Whether you're in the mood for an amazing sandwich or some mouth-watering enchiladas, this place has got you covered.

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La Josie

Highlights
Flavorful tacos
Delicious tequila flights
Attentive and friendly service
Filling and flavorful three-course meal

Firstly, I have to say that the staff at La Josie was attentive and friendly. They made me feel like a VIP from the moment I walked in. The menu had so many options, but their enchiladas were definitely worth trying.

I ordered the three-course meal and it did not disappoint! The first course was flavorful tacos, which were incredibly tasty. The second course was the star of the show - their famous enchiladas. I ordered them with chicken and they were filling and packed with flavor.

To top it off, they also offer delicious tequila flights which paired perfectly with my meal. It's safe to say that my taste buds were in heaven!

Overall, La Josie exceeded my expectations with their flavorful dishes, attentive service, and delicious tequila flights. If you're looking for a spot to satisfy your enchilada cravings in Chicago, La Josie should be on your list!

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Sabroso! Mexican Grill

Highlights
Friendly Staff
Excellent Food
Active Takeout Business
Generous Portions
Fresh and Tasty Ingredients

From the moment I walked in, the friendly staff made me feel right at home. The menu was extensive, but I knew exactly what I wanted to try – their enchiladas!

As a self-proclaimed enchilada connoisseur, I have to say that Sabroso's enchiladas are some of the best I've ever tasted. The excellent food was bursting with flavor and made with fresh and tasty ingredients that left my taste buds wanting more.

I also noticed that Sabroso has an active takeout business, which is no surprise given how delicious their food is. The portions were generous, leaving me feeling satisfied and content.

Overall, Sabroso! Mexican Grill is a must-visit if you're on the hunt for the best enchiladas in Chicago. Their friendly staff, excellent food, active takeout business, generous portions, and fresh ingredients all make for an unforgettable dining experience.

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Leña Brava

Highlights
Great apps during happy hour
Knowledgeable and friendly service
Immaculate white wine during happy hour
Cozy ambiance for a comfortable experience.

First of all, I was blown away by the appetizers during their happy hour. The great apps were so delicious that I seriously considered just ordering a few more and calling it a day. But of course, I had to try their enchiladas.

The service at Leña Brava was top-notch. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and they made me feel right at home. They even recommended an immaculate white wine during happy hour that perfectly complemented my meal.

But let's get to the enchiladas. Leña Brava's version did not disappoint. The sauce was rich and flavorful without being overpowering, allowing the taste of the meat to shine through. And the presentation was beautiful - almost too pretty to eat! Almost.

I also loved the cozy ambiance of the restaurant. It made for a comfortable experience where I could really enjoy my meal without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.

Overall, if you're looking for great enchiladas in Chicago, Leña Brava is definitely worth checking out. With their delicious food, knowledgeable service, impeccable wine selection and cozy ambiance - what more could you want?

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Frontera Grill

Highlights
Creative spin on Mexican food
Good number of vegetarian options
Upscale dining atmosphere and quality
Adventurous and flavorful dishes

First off, let me just say that Frontera Grill is not your typical hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint. It's more like a fancy Mexican palace where enchiladas are treated with the utmost respect and creativity. I mean, these guys are taking enchiladas to a whole new level!

What struck me the most about Frontera Grill was their creative spin on Mexican food. They didn't stick to the traditional enchilada recipe - they added their own flair and unique ingredients to make each dish an adventure in flavor. And speaking of ingredients, they had a good number of vegetarian options available which is great for all my herbivore friends out there.

The upscale dining atmosphere definitely adds to the enjoyment of the meal - it's like you're not just eating enchiladas, but you're having a culinary experience. The quality of the food matches the ambiance perfectly.

I have to say, if you're looking for adventurous dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, then Frontera Grill is definitely worth checking out. They don't shy away from bold flavors and unique combinations - they embrace them!

Overall, I highly recommend stopping by Frontera Grill for a truly unforgettable enchilada experience.

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Dos Urban Cantina

Highlights
Relaxed atmosphere
Fast and friendly service
Unique weekly specials
Delicious margaritas
Must-try dip trio

The atmosphere at Dos Urban Cantina is relaxed and inviting, perfect for a night out with friends or a casual dinner date. The fast and friendly service made me feel welcomed as soon as I walked in the door. But let's get to the real reason I was there - the enchiladas!

Dos Urban Cantina offers unique weekly specials, so I decided to try their special enchilada of the week. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The flavors were perfectly balanced and the presentation was beautiful. I paired it with one of their delicious margaritas, which was just what I needed after a long day.

Before diving into my main course, I tried their must-try dip trio. It's a combination of guacamole, queso fundido and salsa roja - all three dips were fantastic!

Overall, my experience at Dos Urban Cantina was amazing. From the relaxed atmosphere to the fast and friendly service to the delicious food and drinks, everything exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for some of the best enchiladas in Chicago along with great service and ambience, then Dos Urban Cantina is definitely worth checking out!

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El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant

Highlights
Vegan options
Unique quinoa rice
Live Mariachi band
Delicious dishes
Speedy service

First of all, I was pleased to discover that they have a variety of vegan options available. As someone who loves enchiladas but also cares about the environment, this was a big plus for me.

One thing that sets El Nuevo Mexicano apart is their unique quinoa rice. It's a healthier alternative to traditional rice and adds an interesting twist to the classic Mexican cuisine.

While enjoying my meal, I was pleasantly surprised by a live Mariachi band playing in the background. The ambiance really added to the experience and made me feel like I was in Mexico.

Now on to the important part - the enchiladas! I ordered both chicken and cheese enchiladas and they were delicious. The homemade sauce had just the right amount of spice and flavor.

Not only were the dishes amazing, but the service was also speedy despite it being a busy night.

Overall, El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant exceeded my expectations with its flavorful dishes, unique options, and lively atmosphere. If you're in Chicago and looking for some top-notch enchiladas, this is definitely a spot worth checking out!

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Dove's Luncheonette

Highlights
Fantastic food
Charming décor
Unique flavors
Hearty servings
Friendly service

First of all, I was blown away by the fantastic food that this place has to offer. The enchiladas were cooked to perfection and had a unique flavor that I've never tasted before. The sauce was tangy and savory, making every bite a burst of flavor in my mouth.

The charming décor inside Dove's Luncheonette is something that should not be overlooked. The vintage vibe mixed with modern touches make it an inviting and cozy atmosphere to dine in. It's like you're stepping back in time while still enjoying contemporary cuisine.

One thing that sets Dove's Luncheonette apart from other places is their attention to detail when it comes to the ingredients they use. They take pride in using fresh, locally sourced produce and meats, which adds an extra layer of quality to their dishes.

I also appreciate the hearty servings they provide. You definitely won't leave hungry after devouring one of their enchiladas. Plus, the prices are reasonable for such high-quality food.

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the friendly service at Dove's Luncheonette. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Overall, if you're looking for an unforgettable enchilada experience in Chicago, look no further than Dove's Luncheonette!

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La Encantada Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious, homemade food
Intimate, beautiful ambiance
Owner Irma cooks and serves tables herself
Must-try Chile en Nogada dish
Homemade sauces and margaritas

Firstly, the ambiance was intimate and beautiful, making it a perfect spot for a date night or dinner with friends. But what really made this place special was the owner, Irma. She cooked our food herself and even served our table! Talk about personalized service.

Now let's talk about the food. The enchiladas were delicious, as expected from homemade Mexican cuisine. However, I couldn't resist trying their famous Chile en Nogada dish. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The blend of savory meat and sweet fruit in the creamy sauce was just incredible.

But what really set La Encantada apart from other Mexican restaurants in Chicago were their homemade sauces and margaritas. You can taste the freshness in every bite and sip. Overall, I highly recommend checking out La Encantada if you're looking for authentic Mexican food with a personal touch. This restaurant is definitely on my list of top recommendations for best enchiladas in Chicago!

El Habanero

Highlights
Delicious tacos
Friendly staff
Tasty salsas
Not-too-sweet desserts
Great chilaquiles and pozole

First off, let me say that their enchiladas were good, but didn't quite blow my socks off. However, don't let that discourage you from visiting this gem of a restaurant.

Their tacos were absolutely delicious and left me wanting more. The friendly staff made me feel welcomed and provided great recommendations for what to try next. They also have a variety of tasty salsas to choose from, each one with its own unique flavor.

If you're in the mood for something sweet after your meal, they have desserts that aren't too sweet (a rare find!). But what really stole the show for me was their chilaquiles and pozole. Both dishes were flavorful and had just the right amount of spice.

Overall, while El Habanero may not be at the top of my list for best enchiladas in Chicago, it's still a restaurant worth visiting for their other tasty dishes like tacos and chilaquiles. And who knows? Maybe you'll find their enchiladas to be your new favorite!