Even in a college town like Urbana, there are moments that demand more than just another Tuesday night taco run. Sometimes, you need a meal that feels like a celebration—whether it’s surviving finals, marking a milestone, or simply craving something that makes your taste buds sing. So when that craving hits, here are the Mexican restaurants that deliver the fiesta right to your door.
El Paraiso
$ | (312) 971-7149 | WEBSITE
Nothing says “You f*cking did it!” like a big plate of Latin American comfort food – and the dishes don’t get much more authentic than the ones at El Paraiso. This Urbana spot is home to a legendary Bandeja Paisa that comes with your choice of sides, plus tender pork mofongo and refreshing agua fresca. Throw in a few personable staff members and a side of the best flan in town, and your night of celebration is set. Available for catering and takeout.
Huaraches Moroleon
$ | (217) 344-6772 | WEBSITE
You tried to make authentic Mexican food at home last weekend and it only resulted in both you and your roommate getting progressively frustrated with the mess. Let’s not do that again. Instead, head over to Huaraches Moroleon, which has recently expanded their patio for outdoor dining. The underrated gem on the Urbana strip is currently serving up fantastic dishes like creamy quesadillas, birria tacos, and their famous California burrito for around $12-18 per entrée.
It’s a very good value, especially considering you didn’t have to argue about who forgot to buy tortillas to enjoy it.
Tres nopales
$ | (217) 954-1211 | WEBSITE
In reality, nothing major happened to you this week, but at least you’re still upright – and that’s cause for a celebration. Call up Tres Nopales. The vibrant Mexican spot in Urbana is one of the area’s best restaurants, and has a menu filled with fresh, boldly flavored dishes that’ll stay on your mind – and taste buds – for days.
Yes, dishes like the grilled cactus and al pastor tacos are quite distinctive, but the trick is to mix in a few milder plates, like the vegetarian fajita taco salad and churros with whipped cream, to balance it all out. Available for dine-in with convenient parking.
El Oasis
$ | (217) 834-8237 | WEBSITE
In a town known for its classic college-town eats, this cozy spot tucked away in Urbana is still the cream of the crop in our book. That said, anyone who’s ever visited El Oasis knows you’re going to get quality – to the tune of about $8 per generous scoop. But right now, they’re offering a slightly pared-down sampler for $5.
Named “The Owner’s Pick,” it features more than four flavors, including spicy mango, watermelon, strawberry, and water-based ice cream, plus a mangonada, Botana Loca, and more. Grab a cone here.
Los Paisas
$ | (217) 418-7715 | WEBSITE
You finally made it through that grueling work week, and that calls for only one thing – taco night. While you have decent options scattered around town, tonight demands the real deal, so head to Los Paisas. The Urbana food truck serves up a straightforward menu packed with hits like steak fajitas and hefty burritos, or you can just go for the $14 three-taco plate with rice and beans instead. Whatever you pick, your taste buds will definitely thank you.
Available for both takeout and quick service at the window.
Casa Del Mar
$ | (217) 552-1525 | WEBSITE
Urbana is no stranger to Mexican restaurants, but Casa Del Mar stands out from the crowd with one of the most pleasant dining experiences in the neighborhood. It leans traditional, but with dishes that range from Chimichangas to Hawaiian Fajitas to Playa-Plate, it certainly covers a lot of ground. And right now, it’s all available for happy hour or a long dinner. That said, if you’re in the market to relax tonight, go for their ceviche and margaritas instead.
Ranging from $12-18 per dish, they come with everything from Chicken on the Beach to colorful decor to a quiet atmosphere.
Encanto Restaurant and Bar
$ | (217) 607-1120 | WEBSITE
Sure, half the fun of eating at Encanto is catching the game on their big screens, but the fact is this Urbana spot has some pretty tasty Mexican food as well. Right now, they’re offering outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere that ranges from lively sports nights to relaxed dining, plus regular favorites like their flavorful shrimp with garlic sauce and authentic lengua tacos.
If you miss the action, just do what we do – grab a refreshing guava margarita and enjoy the friendly, attentive service that keeps glasses refilled and the experience enjoyable.
Toro Loco
$ | (217) 344-7855 | WEBSITE
Finding a family-friendly spot with great food and easy parking might feel like a challenge, but it’s worth the search – not to mention simpler, now that Toro Loco has remained a consistent favorite for several years. Right now, the popular Urbana restaurant is offering hearty Mexican meals with generous portions that include chips and salsa, margaritas, and – as always is the case with Toro Loco – plenty of friendly service.
The atmosphere stays reliably welcoming, so keep coming back for the same great experience.
La Mixteca Restaurant
$ | (217) 552-1544 | WEBSITE
With your trip to Mexico still stuck on the ‘someday’ list, it’s time to lift everyone’s spirits and head to La Mixteca. The authentic Mexican spot in Urbana has a fantastic menu packed with favorites like birrikeka, enchiladas with green sauce, and tacos rojos that we crave pretty much constantly. If you’re feeding a hungry crew tonight, go for their family-style platters that run from $65-150 and easily serve six to eight people. Both dine-in and takeout are ready when you are.
Taco Bell
$ | (217) 367-2871 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell has been one of our favorite drive-through spots in Urbana for a while, and though you obviously can’t enjoy the full service experience from your car right now, they’ve consistently maintained their quick and friendly approach. The menu stays pretty standard, but you can generally expect a satisfying meal for around $8-12 per person that includes a burrito of your choice, some sides, and a drink.
If you want to add a little extra tonight, they’ve also got combo deals and specials at additional prices.