Canton Regio Reviews

Excellent aunthentic mexican food. Corn tortillas were really good and the arachera skirt steak were yummy and the Carneasada too. The only disadvantage was that you can only pay cash . Service was excellent too. Will definitely go back again

We had the lunch special (skirt steak) on Thursday. It was very good and just the right amount for lunch. will definitely be coming back

With so many delicious places to eat in Pilsen, This restaurant is my favorite for family style dining. There are so many delicious foods coming out of the busy open kitchen. I’ve actually never sat upstairs, preferring to watch the bustle of the service team. I love the atmosphere which is always festive and fun and sure to put me in an amazing mood! If you’re a carnivore like I am, come prepared to enjoy the perfectly seasoned wood fired and grilled meats!

Deliciously tender carne asada sold by the Kilo. The beans are perfectly cooked. You’re going to enjoy every bite, down to the last one. A bit of a wait but so worth it!

Great food, great service, BYOB, great price. This place is even better than Nuevo Leon that burnt few years ago. Excellent address for Mexican food.

My husband and I are always on the lookout for new, unique restaurants to try in the Chicago area and we found a keeper last evening. In the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, this newer northern Mexican restaurant is a true departure from your typical Mexican food experience. The evening we visited, the serving staff wore T-shirts bearing the words authentico, sabor (flavorful), and tradicional and I couldn't agree more. No bland, gooey enchiladas buried in refried beans here! Instead we found very savory and perfectly spiced mesquite-grilled meats and vegetables and a cozy and friendly atmosphere. Walking in from a driving, cold rain on a Saturday night, we were quickly shown to a table in the back of the restaurant where we could watch the action in the open kitchen. Hector, our very attentive and informative waiter, immediately greeted us with freshly made chips, an assortment of three salsas, and opened our bottle of wine. (Yes, on top of great food this is BYOB!) While all the dishes we saw being carried out looked fantastic, we decided on a combination of three skewers - beef, chicken, and shrimp - and the 1/2 kilo of the Arrachera (grilled skirt steak), with sides of Mexican rice and charro beans. The entrees are served with grilled sweet peppers, spring onions, and jalapeno peppers, as well as warm, freshly made tortillas. Everything was delicious, perfectly cooked and spiced, though my favorites were the Arrachera, the charro beans and the shrimp skewers. Portions are generous, and while it was too much food for the two of us, we were glad we had a chance to try an assortment of dishes. What we couldn't finish was packed up for us to take home. All for very reasonable $35 tab. (It's cash-only here, but they have an ATM machine in-house if you forget) Thank you, Canton Regio, for a terrific evening. We will see you again soon!

Canton Regio is one of the newest restaurants in the Pilsen neighborhood. It is owned by the owners of Nueva Leone, a destination restaurant right across the street. The menu is more "upscale" than Nueva Leone and seems to be more country style. Everything we had was fantastic, especially the mesquite grilled chicken and a special of steamed beef. The wait staff was very helpful and took the time to make recommendations. The meal started with a complimentary appetizer and chips and some fantastic salsas. The guacamole is also excellent. The entrees are very reasonably priced. Canto Regio is cash only and BYOB.

I frequent here! The food is just awesome. Live music also. Gets pretty packed but totally worth it. Shrimp and Steak are the go to's.

Loved the restaurant, the wait staff, the decor. the food. They had a trio playing mariachi style. Long tables for family style large groups.They even have an upstairs so perhaps they do catering for parties. The only negative is cash only & BYOB.

Sunday evening dinner at Canton Regio which has risen from the ashes of a place opposite it. The steward took real good care as we had some food restrictions and added on stuff not in the original recipes. Will go there for desserts when I am in Chicago next time.

Staying in the Loop we hankered for something different so took a cab to the Pilsen neighbourhood and settled on Canton Regio. The interior is extremely warm and welcoming lots of light, bare brick/stone and wood. Even for mid afternoon the place was buzzing with most tables occupied. Once seated we were treated to complimentary chips and salsa, pico de gallo and a small bowl of chicken and vegetable soup. The soup was delicious as were the salsa and chips... For mains we had the Especial de la Casa (shredded beef and scrambled eggs) and Arrachera (grilled skirt steak with fire roasted peppers and onions). Both dishes were absolutely excellent. The accompanying beans rice and tortillas were also top class. Service was fantastic and the cost very reasonable. Its cash only so be prepared.

Canton Regio ' s food is superb, the ambience is warm and inviting, and the service is attentive and prompt. Whatever they have in the vegetable blend that they give with the salsa and chips is addictive. Two people had skewers, which were creatively presented and delicious. The skirt steak was great, the guacamole made me want more, and the salad was good. Even the coffee at the end of the meal was fresh, hot and tasty. I'm a stickler about clean restrooms, and the womens room was spotless--at the end of the evening rush, which is when they are often messy. This was our first visit, but we'll be back.

I learned about this restaurant from a casual acquaintance and at long last, finally tried the food. It was PDG (pretty darn good)!!! We were quickly seated and might I add, the service was attentive and quick! We were given some bonus food (not sure what it was called, but it had chicken, peppers, eggs and was served with tortillas) -- hubby and kid really enjoyed it. I ordered chilaquiles verde and it was THE BEST I've EVER HAD! Can't wait to visit again - I highly recommend this restaurant.

Great Mexican Food! The half a Kilo meat was delicious with fresh corn tortillas. There complementary chips and salsa sauces was above and beyond the typical upscale Mexican restaurants. But you would need to go there as a party or with a date for two. It would be overwhelming for someone to dine in here solo. The shrimp skewer kabobs were delicious. The restaurant would have gotten 5 stars but I had to take a star away due to the inconvenience of being a "Cash Only" place. At least they were respectable to address a sign on the door in regards to this. It's just you better carry money before you head there to dine. Note. The meat skewers are expensive but you get 3 large skewers of whatever meat you ordered at $18. Will be coming back. Finally, 2nd time my co-workers found a great spot near my current place of work in the Pilsen Area versus the recent past places they were raving and ranting about. LOL.

We went to taste the rasquera meat, very good. Cozy atmosphere, detailers and good service from Joel.

When particularly hungry one morning, this restaurant sorted me out! The food was top quality, starting with crispy tortilla chips and some stunning salsas, before having eggs and fine cut steak with more tortillas, delicious beans, and a salad. I've never had brunch like this - perfection!

High-end in Pilsen; maybe the best Mexican restaurant there. The several salsas are to die for. Get a load of different skewers and share. And BYOB ... yes!

cash only. fantastic food. chorizo fundido is a must. the sabinas tacos are superb but spicy. excellent service.

We had just visited the Mexican Art Museum and looking for a place to eat. This was recommended and boy were they right! We had the half chicken and the way it was cooked was perfect, mesquite flavor. The accompanying beans and flour tortillas were hot. The guacamole was cold and delicious. The only negative was no liquor service, so no cerveza. You had to visit the liquor store across the street. Best roasted chicken ever!

Occasion: Couples Dinner (4 people between 35-45 yrs.) Important Notes: BYOB and CASH-Only (they should advertise that info a little better so you're not caught off guard) The building, inside and out, is gorgeous. The food is delicious. Service is excellent. The layout of tables is a little tight, but usual for restaurants in the city. Do NOT go here if you want to talk to the rest of your party. The live music (single musician) is so loud, it's almost impossible to place your food order... and we were on the 2nd floor. I can't imagine what it was like for the tables next to the musician and speakers. The music is good but it's just way too loud. And during the winter months, avoid the tables by the front entrance. There isn't a weather blocker on the outside, so the cold air rushes in every time the door opens. And this place is always busy.

If I could give this place 10 stars , I would . I have never had better Mexican food than at Canton Regio and being a limo driver I tried a lot of different Mexican restaurants in my lifetime all over Chicago.

How have I not been to this place?!?!? The Mexican food lover in me is still wanting their food and this review is only a week past-due. Let me just say this is going to be a short, straight to the point, no fuss, no beating around the bush review. Ready??? Go eat at Canton Regio! As soon as you sit down you get their homemade salsas and fresh chips. My gf wanted to go downstairs and have them make her a gallon serving of the green sauce so we could take it home. I would not have complained. DEEEEEELISH! We ordered guac for an app. Probably the smoothest, creamiest, surprise your tastebuds guac I have ever had. As for the main course, we went with a friends recommendation for the Kilo of meet fajitas that include their homemade flour tortillas. All the other tables in the restaurant were enjoying the same with some taking part in the Shrimp Skewers, seemed to be a popular dish. All in all, yes, I will be back here to try what else their menu has to offer. A couple of key points if this is the only review you read and decide to go. Canton Regio is a BYOB Cash-Only establishment. There is an on-site ATM and there is a well stocked liquor store right across the street if needed (bring your own cork screw or bottle opener). Oh, and you visit during the Chicago winter season, make sure you have an extra layer on that you do not mind sitting and eating with. There is only one door. If you are seated near this door, you are going to be exposed to the windy city at your seat. Thank you Canton for an excellent meal and environment!!

The food and atmosphere was great. Downside however - WATCH OUT - it is cash only and BYOB. With the BYOB, there was a $10 "cork" fee for anyone drinking. My wife and her friend split 1 beer and were each charged $10. This may be a BYOB policy, but they should be more upfront with these charges. This really dampened the mood at the end of the meal and made for more a much more expensive night out.

I've eaten at Nuevo Leone ...and this is a catchy updated Mexican Cuisine offering. Love it! This is a great family run business ..great to see Danny & Family alive and well in Pilsen. My first trip I ordered the skewers $15 ...awesome offering. Tender cuts of Beef ...the presentation is an eye catcher! The Pico de gallo had Cactus and Avocado..nice blend of flavors...not your daddies salsa. Today's trip I stayed with the special..Beef Fideo.. $6 ...tasty..tender. The Fried cheese topped with a Pico was melted..nice flavor..I put everything in a corn tortilla and I'm in Taco Heaven! Tried the Beef Sweet Breads..tender..flash fried beef ...server pointed to the lower jaw...so I'm thinking from somewhere in the Cheek to neck for these tender cuts. Reminded me of a slight liver flavor...interesting .. I like trying new bites.. you should too. This was a busy lunch crowd even on a Monday...locals know where to eat and now you do too...try this place you will love it.

Enjoyed dining among family restaurateurs, Danny Jr. & Marissa Gutierrez of Cantón Regio Chicago on this given night. The Arrachera (Grilled Skirt Steak) Tacos were juicy, flavorful and flame-grilled. They were served with my absolute favorite, "commercially available" Spanish rice in all of Chicago. (That's right Abuelita, you're still ¡Número uno!) Service was some kind of wonderful. Without prompting, my guest and I were provided with a small ice bucket and sliced limes for the 6-pack of Modelo Especial we brought in with us to this BYOB-friendly establishment. Throughout the night, we realized we would be trading off one metric of great service for an interactive, playful night to remember. We noticed that perhaps not all of the formal, steps of service enjoyed at a Michelin star ranked restaurant were being performed during dinner. However, we enjoyed an entirely warmer, more intimate dining experience that would include the owner, the cooks and even several guests we met throughout the night as we sang 'Las Mañanitas' every time the cow bell rang out and the lights went dim. Service, and especially hospitality, came in the form of a genuine appreciation for this lovingly rustic, communal & cultural connection versus being impressed by a single server's food & wine IQ or timely, technical precision. In the end, I strongly recommend this local, instant classic, enjoying citywide fame as it was recently named among "Chicago's 12 Essential Mexican Restaurants" by Eater Chicago. Their menu does not include the price hikes being charged by many of the area's boutique-style taquerias cashing in on the neighborhood's rise in popularity and median salary of single professionals drawn to Pilsen's eclectic beauty. Instead, Cantón Regio enjoys a loyal following of guests willing to wait upwards of an hour for an open table on any given evening because of the loyalty the family has given back to its evolving barrio. Despite obvious upgrades to its venue, its style of service and dinner menu offerings, the family has kept its cultural, "Mi casa, Su casa" belief system with approachable prices for every occasion enjoyed by local regulars, new neighbors and Chicago foodies like us. ¡Muchas gracias! For the love of food, wine, service & igniting hospitality further, Antonio Quintana (@AntonioQ312) Freelance Hospitality Professional Ignite Hospitality Chicago (@IgniteHospitalityCHI) - - - - - #TripAdvisor #CantonRegio #Chicago #Pilsen #LowerWestSide #Mexican #SteakHouse #Authentic #Cuisine #EstiloNorteno #MiCasaSuCasa #GutierrezFamily #FiveStar #DiningReviews #BYOB #LasMananitas #Mariachi #EaterChicago #AntonioQ312 #IgniteHospitalityCHI #SavoryIntel #IndustryLife312 #Yelp #Foursquare #Zomato #LocalGuides #Google #Freelance #Professional #Contributor

I have been to canton regio a few time mostly for lunch, this place is delicious, the menu is limited but very good. I usually order the huevos albanil, this plate is a little spicy but not to much, I also like their skirt steak and pollo al carbon, just a few recommendations. They start you out with fresh tortilla chips and 3 different salsas, complimentary too. Their flour and corn tortillas to die for. You can byob. Service is good and prices are resonable too.

While many other restaurants say "Authentic Food" you can tell is not when you see the menu and find burritos with rice and lettuce inside them or chimichangas that is not mexican at all. Here you will find an authentic Northern Mexico Restaurant; it´s all about meat and well as being from there i really recommend to try the 1 Kilo of Arrachera it comes with Charra Beans, Rice and Tortillas(hand made) it was enough for three people and it is real meat. Also try the Choriqueso as an entreé! Give yourself sometime because it´s crowded on weekends around 5 or 6.

We’ve eaten in the restaurant twice in the past and recently ordered takeout during quarantine. Every time it has been great! We like the sabinas tacos on corn tortillas and the tres leches cake is also amazing. It’s cash only, so come prepared! Highly recommend.

This restaurant is amazing. They have live mariachi music at night and wonderful steak skewers. The service has always been great. I also love the queso Panela or basket cheese, and queso fondido with chorizo. It is great for families and always has a diverse crowd. The one complaint is that they often run out of chicken and the last time I was there it was HORIBLE, but they were incredibly busy on a Wednesday and did not expect the rush. I have been several times and have only had one poor experience. Try it!

In a neighbourhood literraly bursting with Mexican restaurants this place stands out. Fresh, tasty and well presented. The only downside is that it is BYOB, fine, but they add a $10 corkage fee, which is ridiculous.

The service is prompt and attentive. Once seated, you are brought water, menu, warm corn tortilla chips and 2 kinds of homemade salsas. Several breakfast dishes are available, as well as a special of the day and a homemade soup, either Caldo de res (beef) or Caldo de Pollo (chicken). On Saturdays & Sundays they have menudo & posole. In addition to the specials, there's a regular menu. Most popular are the guacamole, the grilled beef, shrimp, and vegetable skewers, as well as the grilled chicken and beef. which are cooked using mesquite wood. Side dishes include rice, refried beans, and frijoles de la olla. Everything is made fresh and is delicious. Everyone I have brought here has enjoyed it. The specials of the day and the huge bowls of soup are $10. The grilled beef is sold by the kilo & half kilo, and comes with grilled knob onions and jalapenos. They have horchata, sodas, coffee & hot chocolate. You won't leave here hungry and might have leftovers. Daniel the owner is there early morning til midafternoon. His son &/or daughter comes in the afternoon and evening. Most of the food is very reasonably priced, but steaks are available if you want to splurge. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. Street parking.

I had been to Nuevo León dozens of times over the past decade and they were the best. This restaurant is directly across the street and is managed by the same family and anything that involves Danny Gutierrez is going to be top notch. Canton features an upscale Mexican menu and everything I’ve had so far has been fabulous, especially the chicken meals. Their guacamole and chips is the best and a good starter. Go there and I promise you you’ll go back. Still no credit cards accepted and no booze sold but that doesn’t affect their great service and even greater food. Danny should be the mayor of 18th Street

We had a group of 13 and were seated upstairs. We loved the food, service, and ambience. This is a byob restaurant if you are wanting alcohol, they do not have a license. We had the kilos of chicken and steak, the steak was the best of the two meats. The total was $13 per person, including the tip.

Very nice place. Sitting is limited. Menu was limited. Prices ar e not bad. They have a second floor where we sat. Did not care for it. I had a lemonade and waiter turned and pick one up already served from a table on the side. Said that they have it there so they don't keep going up and down the stairs. I don't know how long it has been sitting there. I like it fresh, just saying!

Amazing steak! What else matters? BYOB, so call your own shot, grab a lemonade or a mixer for what you brought, and be prepared to be blown away. 1/2 kilo is perfect for 2, and at their prices it is super reasonable!

If you leave here and don't have the meat sweats, you aren't doing right. This place serves very delicious, perfectly grilled meat. Their sides are good too, especially the beans. Forget your diet for a day.

You can get away eating great for the cheap here. Bring more people to enjoy different dishes. Keep in mind that the portions are ginormous and you typically do not need one dish per person. Food - 4 As usual chips and salsa are addicting but with a little bite to the salsa you can’t stop. Don’t miss out on the arrachera, tender flank steak with superb spices, perfect to make your own tacos. Most everything here did not disappoint Service - 3 This place is busy and they know it so at times you may feel as though they are rushing you to get the table turned. Atmosphere - 5 A cute unassuming place from the street. Walk in and it opens up to little brick wonderland. It seems like a mix of New Orleans and México. Will most definitely come back but with a group instead of solo or couple. Lastly, they turn the lights off and make a big deal of all birthday celebrations.

This was at dinner on a Saturday evening around 6’ish. The steak was great. Loved the soupy beans, too. The service was a bit overwhelming. We were inundated with the staff coming up to collect empty plates or ask how we were doing like every 5 minutes. Least that’s what it felt like. My friend and I were having an intimate conversation, catching up. It felt very disruptive. The $10 corking fee was ridiculous. We brought in two cans of beer which cost only $3.99 each. So we did not end up breaking into them as the means did not seem to justify the end. The music was way too loud. We had to shout at each other to be audible - and we were seated all the way in the back while the band was playing all the way in the front. There were no place to camp out while waiting to be seated. Everyone had to huddle together like in a crowded train. Over all the experience was okay. I would, however, revisit for the steak at another time when it isn’t such a cluster f’k.

Absolutely delicious. Chorizo fundido with home made tortillas.... skirt steak and roasted chicken were amazing!

I called in an order/ a meal to go for approximately six people. I ordered one kilo of the Arrachera, which comes with a sides of beans and rice. Also, I ordered two chicken kabobs and 2 additional sides of rice and beand. The order was accurate and food was delicious, the corn and flour tortillas were the best. The food was ready when I arrived. I had seen a picture of the menu on the restaurant's FaceBook page so I was very surprised that the prices charged were so much higher. The kilo of Arrachera was $40, an $8 increase Whooooo! Total order was $96-- Make sure you get a receipt, I didn't so I don't know the other price increases. BTW- they did not include any chips and salsa, I suppose I had to request that-don't know if I would have been charged for that. The restaurant DOES NOT accept credit cards, make sure you take plenty of cash. Convenient and easy to fulfill a large order. Enjoy and Happy Travels!

Poor customer service food not that great .... cash only ... food was serve cold Do not recommend 👎👎

Stopped by with a couple co-workers for dinner after work. Food and service was excellent. The "Killo" meat that was served was cooked perfectly and was very tasty. Excellent choice for dinner. Prices were very reasonable. One note if you are going there..............They do not take credit, only cash. So be prepared for that aspect. .

It just wasn't for us tonight very very noisy restraunt plus they had a guy with a guitar perched on the stairs singing his heart out all night in front of us, we are vegetarian & English tourists so it was a struggle to order correctly as they spoke Spanish & struggled with our accents in all the noise. We asked for no meat but got charged the same price as if we had meat in our fajitas which didn't seem right. There's no alcohol & its cash only. Not suitable for vegetarians nothing on the menu.

Great skewers, wonderful salsa and tortillas. The Arrenchada is tender, juicy and flavorful. Service is very good. It’s BYOB but there is a liquor store across the street we’re you can grab a 6 pack to meet your needs. I highly recommend this place.

From the moment we sat down, we had a great experience. The first table delivery was warm and tasty chips. The complimentary shredded steak openers which followed were delicious. Both of our egg dishes were incredible--generous portions too. This is fabulous restaurant and is very reasonably priced.

I've only eaten breakfast at Canton Regio so far, but my family and I will definitely be back for more. I'm not an expert on Mexican cuisine, but you can't beat their $6 breakfasts ($8 if you add chorizo). The portions are generous, the service excellent, and the ingredients fresh. Plus, $6 included a complimentary shredded beef taco served as an amuse bouche, along with three spicy, not overly hot, pots: salsa, chile verde and pico de gallo. While eating breakfast we noticed that the kitchen, in the open where a bar might be in many restaurants, was being prepped for big meals featuring grilled meats. They all looked fabulous. I can't wait to go back for dinner. It looks like spicy carnivore heaven. The decor is as good as the food. I'll call it "Spanish Inquisition with Cowboys." It makes the meal more of an experience. Even the bathrooms are interesting, with hammered copper wash basins.

Amazing. From the salsa/chips to skirt steak and chicken, homemade corn/flour tortillas to the sweet tamales were absolutely satisfying. The service was fantastic and our server made great recommendations. We will return!

We stopped in fairly early on a Friday morning approximately 8:45 am. Had excellent breakfast entrees. Tortilla chips were fresh; they gave us a small appetizer. Also great food for the money. Great service. Would definitely return again and try lunch and dinner!

This is a hub of lovely energy-you can see the care warmth and welcome from the team as soon as you walk in the door. The food is superb. Enjoy if you are lucky enough to go.

Opened under new name, historic Pilsen restaurant serves great food. Daily specials, generous portions. Loved the fajitas for lunch...served on hot plate with fresh tortillas. Complete bar. Service discrete and prompt. Don't miss a meal here.

I discovered this place about a year ago. I have never been eating better mexican tacos. I highly recomend Best of the best Taco Sabina. The own made flower tortilla was amazing! You can bring your own alcoholic beverage. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. Great atmosphere, great service, great owners.

Busy, friendly restaurant in Pilsen neighborhood. Steak-focused menu with limited, but delicious, options. The skewers, particularly shrimp, are great, as was the skirt steak. Hector was an attentive and friendly waiter.

The BYOB and Cash only did not bother us. Of our group of seven, 2 liked this very much, 3 were okay and 2 didn't like this at all. The service was very good. The chips and salsas were fine. As pointed out in other reviews, the guacamole was bland and disappointing. The rice and beans were the worst we've ever had at a Mexican restaurant. The menu was just too limited. The steak was pretty good. Their other offering, skewers, are basically fajitas on a stick. These were just okay.

Not only was the food we ordered excellent but the place has an energetic and lively vibe which made for a great environment to enjoy Mexican food. Our server was very helpful and had some good recommendations. We started with the Queso Fundido appetizer that I still think about and crave. Our main was the large portion of the Arrachera grilled skirt steak (split among 3 people) which is presented hot in a large steel serving platter on a stand along with fresh tortillas. It was delicious! We were able to BYOB which is always a good thing. The place felt more authentic than most as the hostess that seated us did not speak a lot of English. All the wait staff were hustling to serve their tables and even took time out to sing festive Spanish "happy birthdays" to tables that were celebrating. We were familiar with Nuevo Leon restaurant across the street that burned down and when they moved here to Canton, I think they brought along an improved menu and great spirit.

Stopped in after a show downtown on a Saturday night. No alcohol is served, but they permit BYOB. Service was excellent and the cooked cheese was awesome. We also enjoyed the soft shell steak taco's. The salsas were very good, some a little spicy.

Wow, what a lovely dining experience in the Pilsen neighborhood, a vibrant Mexican community in Chicago. The Canton Regio is a family-owned restaurant. We ordered brochetas pollo which are skewers of chicken and roasted vegetables. They were yummy and generously portioned. We also had a huevos plate that was devoured and delicious. Cash only, so be prepared if you go.

Simply the best tacos I have ever had. The salsa(s) are sooooooooo tasty. I’d go here once a week if I lived in Chicago. Tortillas are on point, service is FAST, and the fu$&ing salsa blew my mind. I’ve ate a lotta’ tacos in my 56 years.