This Evanston mainstay offers a new take on what Mexican food can be in America. All our meats and vegetarian fillings are marinated to perfection and paired with toppings that fully compliment the flavors. No need to build your own because La Principal has it covered. Order, eat, enjoy, repeat.
Contemporary Mexican street food served in chic, relaxed digs with a bar & a walk-up coffee window. Based on 544 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
700 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: (224) 307-2444
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Dana King
If you’re looking for an authentic and delicious Mexican dining experience, LA Principal is a must-visit restaurant. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a colorful, vibrant atmosphere that sets the mood for an unforgettable meal. The menu is packed with traditional Mexican dishes, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, which burst with flavor and authenticity. Whether you’re in the mood for classic enchiladas, mouth-watering tacos, or sizzling fajitas, LA Principal has something for everyone. And the drink selection? It’s just as impressive, with an extensive range of tequilas, margaritas, and other refreshing cocktails to choose from. The service and staff are second-to-none, providing attentive and friendly service that ensures you feel right at home. Overall, LA Principal is a top-notch Mexican restaurant that truly captures the spirit and flavors of Mexico, and is sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more.
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Courtney Smith
Yummy vegan tacos!
Ben
The cocktails are amazing! The food was sooo good. We don’t have a single negative thing to say. Service was quick too. Keep up the good work!
Robert Martin
Loved the outdoor space. Some of the food was good (guac, fish tacos ). Other dishes had underpowered flavors that didn’t quite work (mushroom tacos, sweet potato tacos ). The service was friendly but way too slow. Including the wait to be seated (not their fault for being popular on a Saturday) it was two-ish hours before we were actually eating tacos. With some tweaks I think this could be a place I’d recommend.
Korey McWilliams
All our dishes were fresh and tasty. Waitress was A+ service; friendly and attentive. Chill atmosphere topped it off. Went on a Thursday evening, 7 – 9pm. Recommend!
Rachel Caruso
The best Mexican food I’ve had ever! Seriously. I’ve tried lots and lots and lots of Mexican restaurants and this one tops them all. They have unique flavors, homemade tortillas and amazing rice and beans. They accommodate very picky children, too!
Jon Shay
This is a great upgrade on the previous Mexican restaurant, whose name escapes me at the moment. The menu is adventurous and diverse without trying too hard and prices are modest (most of the tacos are available for $4.00). I grew up on street cart eloteras, and a lot of the offerings resurrect that same feeling if at somewhat higher prices. It’s different from the standard Mexican restaurant while still feeling accessible – a family favorite is the carnitas taco ($3.00), which has braised pork, corn, poblano and pineapple relish and Cotija cheese. They have very good vegetarian options that go beyond the standard refried beans smothered with cheese. My favorite is the sweet potato taco (sweet potatoes, red mole, pickled red cabbage, pepitas and cotija taco) for $4.00.
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Andrew Papachristos
Our go-to dinner spot for Mexican street food. We’re here regularly on a weekday for tacos, drinks, guac and on the weekends for their specials and margaritas. They also do a fantastic to-go kit!
Andrea Celleri
Get those tacos and flan ! They have some unique style tacos including cow tongue which was well seasoned and prepared. Apart from the tacos, their elote (prepared corn) was delicious as an appetizer. You can also finish off your meal with their pumpkin flan which was silky and uniquely buttery, covered in salted pumpkin seeds and Carmel.
sue p
Good service and food. The margaritas were very tasty. The server made good recommendations. I plan on visiting again.
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