When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot like a bowl of warm, gooey queso. And lucky for us, Chicago has a plethora of options to satisfy our cheesy cravings.
From traditional Tex-Mex joints to trendy fusion spots, there's no shortage of delicious queso to be found in the Windy City.
But with so many options, where do you even begin? That's where this guide comes in.
As a local who has spent countless hours (and calories) on the hunt for the best queso in town, I've narrowed down some of the top spots worth checking out.
Whether you're in the mood for classic queso blanco or a more creative spin on the dish, there's something for everyone on this list.
So grab your tortilla chips and get ready to dive into some of the tastiest queso Chicago has to offer.
1. QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos
If you're searching for the best queso in town, look no further than QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos.
This hidden gem serves up some of the most flavorful and generous portioned birria tacos in the city.
The friendly staff and lively atmosphere make for an enjoyable dining experience.
Don't miss out on trying their shrimp taco, it's a crowd favorite. Just be prepared to wait a bit as they can get quite busy. Trust us, it's worth it.
2. Taqueria El Milagro
Taqueria El Milagro is a Mexican restaurant that offers delicious and authentic cafeteria-style food. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for top-notch queso.
The portions are generous and the flavors are amazing. The carne asada and pork in green sauce tacos are particularly noteworthy.
The restaurant also offers a great variety of vegetarian options. The service is great and the prices are affordable.
If you are looking for a no-frills Mexican restaurant that serves amazing queso, Taqueria El Milagro is the place to go.
3. XOCO
If you're looking for delicious queso, XOCO is the place to go. This Mexican street food joint offers a customizable guacamole that's a must-try.
The menu is small but packed with flavor, and the portions are generous.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs prepare your food. XOCO also offers a variety of margaritas and tap beers to wash down your meal.
Don't miss out on their chocolate churros for dessert. While it can get busy, XOCO is a great spot for a quick and tasty lunch.
4. Lena Brava
Lena Brava is a sophisticated Mexican seafood restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. With a focus on live-fire cooking, the dishes are bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection.
The charred avocado and charred queso fresco appetizers are a must-try, and the giant butterflied striped bass is a standout dish.
The service is attentive and the cocktails are complex and sophisticated.
Lena Brava is a great spot for wood-fired Mexican food and is highly recommended for those looking for a memorable dining experience.
5. Mi Tocaya Antojeria
Mi Tocaya Antojeria is a must-visit for cheese lovers. Their Queso Fundido con Birria is phenomenal and worth every penny.
The menu is not overwhelming, but each dish is flavorful and authentic. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the dining experience enjoyable.
The atmosphere is cozy with a patio for outdoor dining. The prices are a little high, but the quality of the food and service make it worth it.
Don't miss out on this colorful and laid-back spot serving delicious Mexican small plates and cocktails.
6. Restaurante Cuetzala
Restaurante Cuetzala is a hidden gem for Mexican food lovers. The restaurant offers authentic and fresh meals at very reasonable prices.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is casual but welcoming.
The menu includes a variety of dishes, but the standout is their delicious queso. The homemade drinks are also worth trying.
Restaurante Cuetzala is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for great Mexican food in a cozy setting.
7. El Tezcal Authentic Restaurant
El Tezcal Authentic Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious and authentic Mexican food.
The restaurant boasts a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that transports you to a local cantina in Mexico. The food is simply amazing, and you can taste the love that goes into every dish.
The restaurant is family-owned, and the owners are super friendly and accommodating.
Whether you're dining alone or with a large group, El Tezcal Authentic Restaurant is the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on their mouthwatering queso!
8. Los Asadores Mexican Grill
Los Asadores Mexican Grill is a must-visit for queso lovers.
Their queso-birria with consome is a standout dish that is simply delicious. The staff is friendly, and the place is always clean.
They also serve great steak tacos and al pastor tacos that are worth trying.
The ambiance has a distinct Mexican touch to it, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal. Highly recommended!
9. Chilango Mexican Street Food/ Litos Empanadas
Chilango Mexican Street Food/ Litos Empanadas is a must-visit place for anyone looking for authentic Mexican flavors.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is comfortable. The star of the menu is the queso, which is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
The empanadas are also a standout, with options ranging from sweet to savory. The tacos are well-priced and packed with meat.
Vegetarians will also find plenty of options. Customers can order online for faster service. Street parking is available. Don't miss out on this gem of a Mexican restaurant.
10. La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant
La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant is a cozy Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious queso.
The atmosphere is colorful and inviting, with European-inspired Mexican dishes on the menu.
The portions are large and the food is consistently delicious. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some tasty queso, La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
11. Ricano's Restaurant
Ricano's Restaurant is the perfect place for queso lovers. Their homemade queso dip is a must-try, and it's creamy and cheesy with a subtle kick of spice.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, and burritos.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick. The outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy your meal on a sunny day.
Prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food and service. If you're looking for a delicious queso fix, make sure to visit Ricano's Restaurant.
12. La Mejikana
La Mejikana is a must-visit for any queso lover. Their queso fundido with chorizo is a standout dish that shouldn't be missed.
The restaurant's menu offers a variety of Mexican classics like tacos and ceviche, and their drinks menu is also impressive with inventive cocktails.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the art and murals on the walls add to the overall aesthetic of the place.
The staff are friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.
13. Cafe El Tapatio
Cafe El Tapatio is a Mexican restaurant that serves delicious queso. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is authentic.
The menu offers a variety of options, and the portions are generous.
The outdoor seating is lovely and adds to the dining experience. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great spot for queso and Mexican cuisine.
14. Mayan Palace Mexican Cuisine
Mayan Palace Mexican Cuisine is a must-visit place for queso lovers. With a nice variety of Mexican food on the menu, this place offers near-perfect food at reasonable prices.
The loaded nachos are a great deal and the half-off margaritas on Tuesdays and Thursdays are a steal. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the customer service is top-notch.
The fried avocado tacos and the Mole enchiladas are some of the favorites among customers. The atmosphere is lively but chill, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some amazing Mexican food and queso, Mayan Palace Mexican Cuisine is the place to be.
