Mercadito

Pleasant surprise turned regular favorite. We stopped into Mercadito for a casual lunch one day and left impressed—so much so that we’ve now been three times, and the experience has been consistently great.

The Food

We’ve worked our way through the menu a bit, and here’s what stands out:

• Tacos: The shrimp, al pastor, and langosta (lobster) tacos are all delicious. Each has its own flavor profile, and all are worth trying.

• Queso fundido with mushrooms – maybe the best thing on the menu. A must-order every time.

• Quesadilla – Anthony gave it the thumbs up.

• Stuffed pepper – Staci loved it. Note: If you’re gluten-free like me, you’ll want to skip the fried onions.

The Vibe

Right in the heart of River North, Mercadito nails the upscale-but-fun Mexican restaurant vibe. It’s lively, colorful, and works for everything from casual lunches to pre-dinner cocktails with friends.

The Verdict

has proven itself over three visits—always good, always flavorful, and especially strong for tacos and queso. Definitely part of our regular Mexican rotation now.