EXPERIENCE FRESH MEXICAN FOOD

Tamales Mexican Restaurant in Highland Park

Fresh tacos, sizzling fajitas, handcrafted margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown Highland Park. Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering and private events available.

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Call to order: (847) 433-4070

493 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL · Open for dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering & private events.

New on the Menu at Tamales Mexican Restaurant

We keep our menu fresh with seasonal dishes and new creations made from quality ingredients. Below are some of the latest additions to our Highland Park Mexican restaurant menu.

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Cheese Crisp Mexican Tortilla

Thin flour tortilla baked until crisp, then topped with cheese and briefly broiled until bubbly. A perfect appetizer to share at your table.

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Quesaburria Taco

A tortilla dipped in flavorful birria broth (consomé), filled with slow-cooked short ribs and melted cheese, then grilled until crispy and served with toppings & extra consomé for dipping.

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Salmon Fajitas

Fresh Salmon Fajitas served with marinated grilled vegetables,four soft corn, flour or wheat tortillas. rice & beans included.

About Us

Family Recipes, Modern Vibe — Serving Highland Park for Over 20 Years

Tamales Mexican Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the Highland Park dining scene for over 20 years. Located at 493 Central Ave in downtown Highland Park, IL, we bring authentic Mexican family recipes to life with a fresh, modern twist. From sizzling fajitas and street-style tacos to handcrafted margaritas and tamales made in-house, every dish is prepared with quality ingredients and care.

Voted Best Mexican Restaurant on the North Shore by Best Magazine, we are proud to serve the Highland Park community and neighbouring towns including Glencoe, Deerfield and Winnetka.

  • Dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering available daily

  • Craft margaritas, top-shelf tequilas and Mexican beers

  • Family-friendly and group dining in a modern, relaxed setting

  • Private party venue in Highland Park with custom menus and bar packages

  • Walking distance to Ravinia Festival, Highland Park Train Station and the Renaissance Theatre

Modern Mexican restaurant interior with guests enjoying food and margaritas

Catering

Mexican Catering in Highland Park and Across the North Shore

Tamales Mexican Restaurant provides full-service Mexican catering for events of all sizes across Highland Park, IL and the wider North Shore. Whether you are planning a corporate lunch, graduation party, wedding, birthday or community event, we offer customisable menus, vegetarian options, taco bars and both delivery and full on-site setup. Available for groups of 20 or more.

  • Graduations

  • Corporate lunches & office parties

  • Birthdays, anniversaries & family celebrations

  • School events, fundraisers & community gatherings

Tell us about your event and we’ll follow up with menu ideas, pricing, and availability.

Private Parties

Private Party Venue in Highland Park, IL

Tamales Mexican Restaurant is one of Highland Park's most popular private event venues. Our modern space at 493 Central Ave seats groups of all sizes, with semi-private dining and full restaurant buyout options available. We host birthdays, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, office parties and corporate events, with custom menus, signature margaritas and bar packages included.

Private party space in Mexican restaurant with guests celebrating
  • Semi-private and full-restaurant buyout options
  • Custom menus featuring your favorite dishes
  • Signature margaritas & bar packages
  • Audio-friendly space for speeches & music

Reservations

Reserve a Table at Tamales Mexican Restaurant

Book your table at Tamales Mexican Restaurant in Highland Park, IL online or by calling (847) 433-4070. Walk-ins are always welcome, but reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings and for groups of six or more. We are open Sunday through Thursday 4:30pm to 9:00pm and Friday through Saturday 11:30am to 9:30pm.

Prefer to call? Reserve by phone at (847) 433-4070.

Social Proof

What Our Guests Are Saying

Join hundreds of happy guests who call Tamales...A Mexican Joint their go-to Mexican restaurant in Highland Park.

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Hours & Location

Address
493 Central Ave
Highland Park, IL

Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 4:30pm – 9:00pm

Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 9:30pm

493 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA

Why Tamales Mexican Restaurant is Highland Park's Favourite Mexican Restaurant

Tamales Mexican Restaurant has been serving the Highland Park community at 493 Central Ave for over 20 years. We are known across the North Shore for our authentic Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Our menu features fresh tacos, sizzling fajitas, house-made tamales, enchiladas, burritos and an extensive drinks list including craft margaritas and top-shelf tequilas.

Beyond great food, Tamales Mexican Restaurant is a trusted choice for Mexican catering across Highland Park, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka and Lake County, IL. We also offer one of the area's most popular private event spaces, with semi-private and full buyout options for birthdays, corporate events, rehearsal dinners and more.

Conveniently located in downtown Highland Park, we are minutes from Ravinia Festival, the Highland Park Train Station and the Renaissance Theatre. Whether you are looking for a relaxed weeknight dinner, a spot to celebrate a special occasion or a caterer for your next event, Tamales Mexican Restaurant is here to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food does Tamales Mexican Restaurant serve?

Tamales Mexican Restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Our menu includes fresh tacos, sizzling fajitas, house-made tamales, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and seasonal specials. We also offer an extensive drinks menu featuring craft margaritas, top-shelf tequilas, Mexican beers and wines.

Where is Tamales Mexican Restaurant located?

Tamales Mexican Restaurant is located at 493 Central Ave in downtown Highland Park, IL 60035. We are within walking distance of the Highland Park Train Station, Ravinia Festival shuttle and the Renaissance Theatre. Free parking is available nearby.

What are the opening hours at Tamales Mexican Restaurant?

We are open Sunday through Thursday from 4:30pm to 9:00pm and Friday through Saturday from 11:30am to 9:30pm. We recommend booking a reservation for weekends and groups of six or more. Call us at (847) 433-4070 or reserve online.

Does Tamales Mexican Restaurant offer catering?

Yes. Tamales Mexican Restaurant offers full-service Mexican catering for events of 20 or more people across Highland Park, IL and the North Shore. We cater corporate lunches, graduations, weddings, birthdays and community events with customisable menus and both delivery and on-site setup options.

Can I book a private party at Tamales Mexican Restaurant?

Yes. Tamales Mexican Restaurant offers semi-private dining and full restaurant buyout options for private events. We host birthdays, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions, anniversaries and more. Contact us through our Private Parties page or call (847) 433-4070 to check availability.

Is Tamales Mexican Restaurant family friendly?

Yes. Tamales Mexican Restaurant is a family-friendly dining destination in Highland Park with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. We offer a dedicated kids menu alongside our full menu of authentic Mexican dishes.

Does Tamales Mexican Restaurant offer takeout and delivery?

Yes. We offer both takeout and delivery from our Highland Park location. You can order online through our website or call us directly at (847) 433-4070.

Has Tamales Mexican Restaurant won any awards?

Yes. Tamales Mexican Restaurant has been voted Best Mexican Restaurant on the North Shore by Best Magazine. We have been a cornerstone of the Highland Park dining community for over 20 years, recognised for our authentic cuisine, excellent service and welcoming atmosphere.

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Bandido Inc., DBA Tamales Mexican Restaurant

Modern, fresh Mexican cuisine in the heart of Highland Park. Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering & private parties.

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493 Central Ave
Highland Park, IL
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