La Principal
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Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Details
This business is unclaimed.
Owners who claim their business can update listing details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.
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CUISINES
Mexican, Latin
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Does this restaurant have a full bar?
Details
CUISINES
Mexican, Latin
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
48 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
16
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Jim
Evanston16 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
The food is awesome, I wish they had more vegan (as opposed to vegetarian) options. We usually get the guacamole, mushroom tacos, and impossible meat tacos. Two times recently we were there and our order was apparently lost and we waited a LONG time for our food. One night they were busy and it seems the waiter was related to the table behind us because that table was relished with attention while we waited and waited and waited plus they were all giving each other hugs as they left. Still tipped pretty well, I’m not a monster.
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CSamSmith
Evanston89 contributions
Aug 2019 • none
Convenient. Laid back. Creative tequilas and wines. The menu is very tempting. I live within walking distance so I decided to try it out on a Sunday evening in August. The menu seemed very "spot on" for urban mexican. I had looked up the menu prior to walking over and decided on the Pozole Verde and Eltoes. To top it off I had a "La Principal Margarita" on the rocks. Being a transplanted Tejano, I am a harsh judge of Mexican restaurants. These guys are legit! I will definitely return for the Red Pozole...and another tequila libation. !Que bueno!
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tunc A
Izmir36 contributions
May 2019 • friends
The heavy rain pushed us into this lovely restaurant which does not look like Mexican at all from outside. This happy coincidence made us discover their amazing margaritas (hibiscus-infused Jamaican margarita anyone?) and food. Now why 4 stars, but not 5. Two reasons, they should not do vegetarian options, they were not good at all. Tortured tofu is not vegetarian food guys. Also the portions in general are small but the margaritas were simply two sips. You don't serve margarita that small and that much of ice... Also you expect to have some nachos as soon as you are seated in any Mexican restaurant and nibble it with your margaritas or beers while waiting for your food.
Anyway, it was a great and surprising experience. I'd definitely go back there; order Chips'N Guacamole (was amazing; made to order) with some beer from their good selection (no margaritas with those tiny glasses) then all non-vegan tacos and forget about the rest of the world...
Written May 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving68633082582
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • friends
The food was way too hot why would rice and beans burn your tongue and mouth. Will never return and would not recommend. Horrible
Written March 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DwilsonEtown
Evanston121 contributions
May 2019 • couples
I can’t get enough of these tacos. A comfortable bar and happy hour with local beers, nice margaritas and great food. If you’re passing by in morning, you can kick off the day with a coffee and a churro, which the sell out of a walkup window. How awesome is that?
Love this place
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeline d
Gainesville23 contributions
Apr 2019 • family
Great authentican Mexican food. Their Margaritas are delicious. You must order queso fundido; it's scrumptious.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn F
23 contributions
Dec 2018 • friends
I love this place. The tacos are wonderful. I shop around because I love them all. My daughter always gets the fish taco because she loves it so much she can't NOT get it. The posoles are wonderful warm stews that I can't get enough of. Good selection of local craft beers. Excellent, knowledgeable and fun servers. Their homemade hot sauces allow you to choose your heat level. Casual atmosphere. No complaints here!
Written January 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidwestGal16
Buffalo Grove44 contributions
Oct 2018 • couples
I'm rarely at a loss for what to order when dining out. I did at La Principal. This is a well-known establishment and if you enjoy authentic and very spicy food with a limited menu this is for you. If not, move on. Their house margarita comes only one way, not frozen and the traditional flavorings. It's ok. The waiter will help guide you through the limited choices but I quickly learned everyone's idea of spicy is different no matter how much you explain. It is often crowded and relatively small. Not a place for long conversation. Tables are very close but others swear by this place. I'm just not one of them.
Written October 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis C
Lisle12 contributions
Apr 2018 • family
This is my new favorite Taco restaurant in The North Shore area. Taco Al Pastor and Carnitas are the best. Wide variety of beers and Tequila. The Pumpkin Flan for dessert is delicious.
Written August 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd C
Crystal Lake363 contributions
Jun 2018 • couples
They have a smaller menu of appetizers, tacos, and tortas. The tacos we had were some of the best tacos we have ever had. The guacamole was alright, missing a little extra flavor. They have a good drink selection.
If we are in Evanston again, we would definitely stop in for lunch or dinner again.
Written June 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris K
Champaign117 contributions
Jul 2017 • family
Ate here several times while living in Evanston. By far, my favorite Mexican cuisine in Evanston. Mostly authentic, I've tried almost everything but the chicken torta and short rib tacos are a must. Good cocktails, too.
Written June 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
276elizabethl
Elgin194 contributions
Jan 2018 • business
I had an evening board meeting and we needed a quick dinner. This place was a great surprise. Easy parking, wonderful service and the best taco special I have ever had. The short rib mole taco was the best! The happy hour lasts for a few hours and is an amazing value! We will be back.
Written January 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RusPat_704
San Juan893 contributions
Dec 2017 • couples
This is a good basic Mexican themed restaurant serving large pricey tacos and tortes. The beer selection was excellent
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jackwidely
Portland174 contributions
Nov 2017 • friends
May restaurants have been in this space... now we have Mexican food. Again?
Great bar with excellent cocktails & some draft beers too. Service all around was excellent.
We had tacos. All were good- delivered to the table hot and fresh. Short rib and cod were best. Tongue was good but a bit bland. Friend said sweet potato taco was also bland and forgettable.
Chips and salsa and guacamole were extra. Good but extra.
Pumpkin flan was enjoyed.
Had to wait a few minutes without reservations at 630 pm on Sunday but the place was empty when we left around 8!
Neighborhood parking is pretty easy by dinner time.
Written November 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tom y
Chicago134 contributions
Aug 2017 • solo
Good vibes right from the start w La Principal! Great street presence in the corner location on main and custer... a little off the beaten path which makes it cooler (to me at least). Great starters queso fundido y guac w lots of cilantro. Bloody mary on point w a good kick. I'll try the tequila based Bloody Maria next time! Just did apps but will definitely be back to try their pozoles!!! Check this place out!
Written August 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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