very good

Fabulous food. The best margarita(s) I've ever had. This place is a jewel!

Moving to Chicago from Dallas Texas, I was happily surprised to find this Mexican restaurant. First, I like small and charming vs. large and noisy. El Neuvo is small and charming. The food has consistently been good, even great. I like the seafood dishes, the salsa, service and the atmosphere. Many patrons do not know that the owner, Maria, has painted majority of the art in the restaurant, which truly gives the place charm. Really nice paintings! This place gives great value for what you receive. The service is top-notch. Very attentive service staff and they accommodate special requests without a blink. You will not be disappointed. NOTE: in the summer months El Nuevo has a quaint patio in the back where you can sit all day, never be noticed, and enjoy the day away! GO THERE!

I have visited El Nuevo Mexicano on many occasions, and find it to be one of the best finds in the city. They serve high-quality dishes at incredibly reasonable prices consistently. I have never been disappointed from their delicious and generous bowls of soup, to the unbelievable Chipotle Salmon, Civeche, Chicken wrap, and more. The atmosphere is charming and cozy. A small but inviting restaurant you have to try if you want to walk away feeling like you just found a little hidden treasure right here in the heart of Lincoln Park/Lakeview.

This is one of my favorite "go to" restaurants on a Saturday night. The place has changed quite a bit over the last 3 or 4 years, with the addition of the bar, a slightly more trendy atmosphere (it's still a casual place though, make no mistake), and a couple of menu overhauls (there seems to be more adventurous fare now). Through it all, the service remains solid and the food awesome. While the margaritas may not be on par with the huge ones at the two Cesar's locations (both of which are within walking distance), the food is FAR better...no contest. They also won't make you feel rushed like Cesar's tends to. During the summer, the outdoor patio in the back is great, and one of the few places in the neighborhood where you can eat outside but be away from the street.