Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina

4.4

24 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Serving Traditional Mexican Food. Full of flavor, cooked with love & served with care. Welcome to our restaurant where you will have an authentic taste of what Mexico has to offer. Our menu consist of the most popular items like tacos & burritos to more complex entrees like Mole Coloradito Enchiladas, Peanut Salsa, Beef Barbacoa, Mole Braised Brisket & many more dishes. We introduce new entrees every week. Thank you for joining us!

Not available on OpenTable

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Takeout

(708) 689-0850

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
(708) 689-0850
Website
http://mexicanrepublickitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Enrique Gomez
Catering
We can accommodate up to 125 people in our restaurant. Various packages available for catering and large parties. Please contact us for more information. (708) 689-0850
Private party facilities
We can accommodate up to 125 people in our restaurant. Various packages available for catering and large parties. Please contact us for more information. (708) 689-0850

Location
7404 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130-1501
Neighborhood
Forest Park
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Guacamole$8.75
Avocado, Cilantro, Jalapeño, Tomato, Onion & Lime Juice
Queso Fundido$9.50
Melted Cheese. Topped with Chorizo, Roasted Poblanos & Caramelized Onions. Homemade Corn Tortillas
Tamales de Pollo$5.00
Tamales Filled with Roasted Chicken & Salsa Verde. Topped with Sour Cream & Queso Fresco
Tamales de Elote$5.50
Ground Corn Masa with Fresh Corn. Poblano Cream & Melted Cheese
Empanadas$7.00
Four Crispy Empanadas Filled with Pork Carnitas. Topped with Sour Cream, Salsa Roja & Queso Fresco
Nachos$7.50
Crispy Corn Tortillas with Melted Pepper Jack Cheese. Black Beans, Corn, Pico de Gallo & Jalapeños. Side of Guacamole & Crema
- Add Grilled Chicken or Ground Beef$9.00
Taquitos$6.50
Crispy Taquitos with Chicken, Cilantro & Onions. Sour Cream, Salsa Verde & Queso Fresco
Botana Combo$13.75
Two Carnitas Empanadas, One Chicken Tamal, 2 Crispy Chicken Taquitos, Queso Fundido & Side of Guacamole

Sopas y Ensaladas

Pozole Rojo$6.00
Guajillo Flavored Broth & Corn Hominy with Shredded Pork
Tortilla Soup$4.50
Chicken Broth Flavored with Chile Ancho. Tortilla Strips, Cheese, Chicken & Sour Cream
Ensalada MR$7.00
Mixed Baby Greens with Chipotle Ranch, Grilled Corn, Black Beans, Avocado & Red Onions

Platillos - Entrees

Carnitas$15.00
Tender Pork Carnitas. Molcajete Sauce, Pico de Gallo & Guacamole. Pinto Beans & Mexican Rice
Cochinita Pibil$16.00
Braised Achiote Pork in Banana Leaves & Orange Juice. Black Beans. Pickled Red Onions & Habanero
Beef Barbacoa$16.00
Braised Beef in Guajillo Chile & Avocado Leaves. Pinto Beans & Mexican Rice. Pico de Gallo. Fried Guajillo Salsa
Brisket$17.00
Beef Brisket in Mole Coloradito. Black Beans & Mexican Rice. Grilled Corn & Morita Mayo
Pollo en Crema de Poblano$16.00
Grilled Chicken Breast in Poblano Cream. Corn Tamal, Crema, Queso Fresco & White Rice
Chiles Relleno$14.00
Two Stuffed Poblano Peppers Filled with Cheese or Beef Picadillo. Roasted Tomato Sauce. Mexican Rice & Pinto Beans
Enchiladas Verdes$12.00
Corn Tortillas Filled with Roasted Chicken & Caramelized Onions. Salsa Verde, Melted Cheese, White Rice & Black Beans
Enchiladas de Vegetales$11.50
Grilled Zucchini, Onions & Corn. Roasted Tomato Sauce. Sour Cream, Queso Fresco, White Rice & Black Beans
Enchiladas con Mole Coloradito$13.00
Corn Tortillas Filled with Choice of Roasted Chicken or Beef Picadillo & Topped with Mole Coloradito. Onions & Cilantro. Pinto Beans & Mexican Rice
Fajitas de Pollo$16.00
Sauteed Chicken Breast with Bell Peppers, Onions & Tomato. Guacamole, Sour Cream, Mexican Rice & Pinto Beans
Fajitas de Asada$17.50
Sauteed Flank Steak with Bell Peppers, Onions & Tomato. Guacamole, Sour Cream, Mexican Rice & Pinto Beans
Alambre$18.00
Sauteed Steak, Chorizo & Bacon with Bell Peppers, Onions & Melted Cheese. Mexican Rice & Pinto Beans

Tacos

Three Tacos with Rice & Beans

Pastor
Pork with Pineapple, Salsa Roja, Onion & Cilantro
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Pollo
Grilled Chicken. Salsa Verde, Onion & Cilantro
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Pibil
Achiote Pork with Black Beans & Pickled Red Onions
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Carnitas
Tender Pork with Pico de Gallo & Salsa Roja
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Picadillo
Ground Beef with Potato & Carrots. Salsa Roja, Onion & Cilantro
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Chorizo
Mexican Spiced Sausage with Onions, Cilantro & Salsa Roja
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Tinga de Pollo
Shredded Chicken Breast with Roasted Tomato Sauce & Chipotle. Sour Cream, Cabbage & Queso
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Panela
Sauteed Panela Cheese. Roasted Tomato Sauce, Pickled Red Onions & Guacamole
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Calabazitas
Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Corn. Topped with Sour Cream & Queso
- each$3.25
- Three Tacos$11.75
Asada
Steak with Salsa Verde, Onions & Cilantro
- each$3.50
- Three Tacos$12.50
Barbacoa
Braised Beef with Salsa Roja, Onions, Cilantro & Guacamole
- each$3.50
- Three Tacos$12.50
Bajafish
Battered Tilapia Tacos. Chipotle Mayo, Cabbage & Pico de Gallo
- each$3.50
- Three Tacos$12.50
Shrimp Tacos
Battered or Grilled Shrimp Tacos. Chipotle Mayo, Sour Cream, Cabbage & Pico de Gallo. Pickled Red Onions
- each$3.75
- Three Tacos$13.25

Burritos, Sopes, Quesadillas, Tortas, Tostadas

Burritos$11.00
Pinto Beans, Sour Cream, Cheese, Lettuce & Choice of Meat. Mexican Rice & Side of Guacamole
Sope$4.50
Corn Masa Boat Filled with Pinto Beans & Choice of Meat. Salsa Verde, Sour Cream, Queso Fresco & Lettuce
Quesadillas$9.00
2 Quesadillas Filled with Choice of Meat & Melted Cheese. Mexican Rice & Pinto Beans. Sour Cream & Guacamole
Torta$8.00
Telera Bread with Pinto Beans & Choice of Meat. Lettuce, Sour Cream and Cheese. Mexican Rice & Guacamole
Tostadas$9.00
Two Tostadas Filled with Pinto Beans & Choice of Meat. Lettuce, Sour Cream and Cheese. Mexican Rice & Guacamole

Meat Choices

Carnitas
Pollo
Asada
Pastor
Tinga
Cochinita Pibil
Beef Picadillo
Calabazitas

El Mar - Seafood

Ceviche$9.00
Lime Juice Marinated Tilapia, Onions, Cilantro, Shredded Carrot & Serrano Chile
Calamari Frito$10.50
Fried and Breaded Calamari with Guajillo. Chipotle Mayo & Jalapeño Salsa
Quesadillas de Camaron$14.00
Two Tortillas Filled with Cheese, Garlicky Shrimp, Chipotle & Onions. Mexican Rice & Black Beans. Side of Guacamole
Quesadillas de Cangrejo$14.00
Two Tortillas Filled with Cheese, Crab, Bacon, Roasted Corn, Chipotle & Onions. Mexican Rice & Black Beans. Side of Guacamole
Empanadas de Camaron$8.75
Three Red Chile Empanadas Filled with Garlicky Shrimp, Chipotle & Onions. Topped with Sour Cream, Queso Fresco & Salsa Roja
Enchiladas de Camaron$16.00
Corn Tortillas Filled with Shrimp, Chipotle & Grilled Onions. Salsa Verde, Sour Cream & Queso Fresco. Mexican Rice & Black Beans
Camarones ala Diabla$19.00
Grilled Shrimp in a Spicy Chipotle Sauce. Mexican Rice, Pinto Beans, Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Shrimp Fajitas$18.50
Sauteed Shrimp with Bell Peppers, Onions & Tomato. Guacamole, Sour Cream, Jalapeño Salsa. Mexican Rice & Pinto Beans
Pescado ala Veracruzana$17.00
Sauteed Tilapia in Veracruzana Sauce - Tomato, Capers, Olives & Jalapeño. White Rice

Sides

Mexican Corn$4.50
With Chipotle Mayo, Chili Powder & Queso Fresco
Mexican Rice$2.00
White Rice$2.00
Pinto Beans$2.00
Black Beans$2.00
Guacamole$3.00
Grilled Jalapeños$2.00
Pico de Gallo$2.00
Sour Cream$1.50
Habanero$1.50
Fried Plantains$4.00
Sour Cream & Queso Fresco

What 24 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.1Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

PF
PaulF
Chicago
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience3
Margaritas were very good. Food was also good. Enjoyed our dinner. Will come back again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience2
We enjoy coming here for their tacos. They have an excellent variety- our favorites are the shrimp or fish tacos. Additionally, the plantain side is amazing and highly recommended! I happened to order shrimp fajitas this time and asked to substitute the rice and beans to more vegetables and the waiter was so helpful and they were extremely accommodating. I would recommend dimming the lights just a little in the back room as it was pretty bright. Other than that.. good place to eat.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
Lots of seating for groups, high and booths. Prompt service with chips and salsa , our chips were warm. Bar service was quick and the menu had something for everyone. Come with an appetite, portions are generous but not overly. Good food, prices and service.
KV
KV80
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, drinks, and service! The food was flavored well and the service was good and fast!
T
Travelady
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall4food3service3ambience4
I was very disappointed AGAIN when I ordered the special. I need to keep to traditional Mexican fare because this is the third time I have tried one of their specials and all were either tasteless or overcooked. I like the place very much tho. Only wish they would use the traditional margarita glasses.....hate drinking out of the mason jar they use.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my birthday the server was wonderful, and the food was delicious.
BM
BarbM
Denver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2019
overall5food3service4ambience5
Lovely outdoor eating; excellent drinks, good food. We'll be back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience3
Our reservation was I guess kind of late for a Thursday (8 pm) and we were talking so it took us a little while to order. The waitress was patient with us. Our drinks and queso appetizer were all good. However, my beef dinner was extremely dry and my friends soup was more like a dip and my other friends dinner was pretty tasteless. When this place opened in place of the previous Mexican restaurant, I was hopeful it would be just as good but it was not. Maybe we came too late but the food was just so so. None of us wanted to finish the meals and we likely won’t return.
TP
TPAV
Chicago
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience3
Very tasty, reasonably priced, good kids menu, friendly people, good drinks!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had not been to the restaurant since it had changed owners. The food was delicious and our service was impeccable. The only thing I would try to work on is the noise level in the main dining room. It was very loud.
n
natalier
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good drinks and nice back room for families. My waiter was awesome.
D
Diana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Online reservations process simple. Party of 6 with everyone ordering something different, lots of sharing and not a dud in the mix. Friendly, prompt service.
PS
PamS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent food and drink served by happy people.
DW
DeeW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best food and be service in town! The shrimp tacos are amazing!
N
Nedly
Chicago
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wife and I enjoyed the caso fondito appetizer, steak fajitas and spicy shrimp for dinner. All items were prepared perfectly and the service was terrific. Especially like the mole type salsa they give you with the chips while you’re waiting to place your order. We will definitely return.
C
Catt
Chicago
60 reviews
vip
4.0
60 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience3
The mole sauces were outstanding and so was the salsa. Meals good. Service pleasant although not as knowledgeable as they could be. Presentation good.
AG
AmyG
Chicago
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2019
overall2food2service1ambience2
Service was poor. Didn’t even give us silverware or napkins until we asked twice. First they have us paper towels from the bathroom. Yuk. The quesadilla for the kids was notably poor- event the kids noticed. My husbands beef was not a full piece of beef- it was chunks. Odd. My fish tacos were ok but not great. The music was thumping bass heavy. The ambience was flat and bright. Nothing fun to admire and the lighting was super bright. Overall poor experience. Will not go back.
TD
TroyD
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great dining experience. The food was excellent. Service was good. They were busy with very large parties. It did not impact our experience. Bar service was on point. Great overall. I will return and bring friends. Maggie
KH
KateH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience3
The service was great, the food was the best Mexican food I have had in a long time. The empanadas were very tasty, and my carnitas were great. My husband had the tres leches cake for dessert and he polished it all off(it was a big slice, with icecream!) Will definitely go again. I liked the food better here than at the place that used to be in the location.
AS
ArthurS
Chicago
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food. Pleasantly surprised to see all the seafood on the menu. Truly southern/“Vera Cruz” regional cuisine. A new favorite. Definitely will be back
KI
KImberly
Chicago
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a good time!
g
geetp
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience4
Mexican Republic is a very good place to dine in and for larger party. Food is not excellent but it is surely good. The flavors are not very authentic but they have done a good job keeping it nice and simple. Quantity is huge 1 plate can serve 2 easily. There queso was a little disappointment, Chile Relleno was very good must try.
DE
DENISEW
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2019
overall3food5service2ambience4
Food and drinks were delicious. We couldn't find our waitress much of the evening.
BS
BigSime
Chicago
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was delicious, service was attentive but not overbearing. Good stuff all round.

FAQs

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (708) 689-0850.

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina is rated 4.4 stars by 24 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(708) 689-0850

Other options

Additional information

Neighborhood
Forest Park
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–8:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Enrique Gomez
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://mexicanrepublickitchen.com/
Phone number
(708) 689-0850
Catering
We can accommodate up to 125 people in our restaurant. Various packages available for catering and large parties. Please contact us for more information. (708) 689-0850
Private party facilities
We can accommodate up to 125 people in our restaurant. Various packages available for catering and large parties. Please contact us for more information. (708) 689-0850

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Botanas - Starters

Guacamole$8.75

Queso Fundido$9.50

Tamales de Pollo$5.00

Tamales de Elote$5.50

Empanadas$7.00

Nachos$7.50

Taquitos$6.50

Botana Combo$13.75

Sopas y Ensaladas

Pozole Rojo$6.00

Tortilla Soup$4.50

Ensalada MR$7.00

Platillos - Entrees

Carnitas$15.00

Cochinita Pibil$16.00

Beef Barbacoa$16.00

Brisket$17.00

Pollo en Crema de Poblano$16.00

Chiles Relleno$14.00

Enchiladas Verdes$12.00

Enchiladas de Vegetales$11.50

Enchiladas con Mole Coloradito$13.00

Fajitas de Pollo$16.00

Fajitas de Asada$17.50

Alambre$18.00

Tacos

Pastor

Pollo

Pibil

Carnitas

Picadillo

Chorizo

Tinga de Pollo

Panela

Calabazitas

Asada

Barbacoa

Bajafish

Shrimp Tacos

Burritos, Sopes, Quesadillas, Tortas, Tostadas

Burritos$11.00

Sope$4.50

Quesadillas$9.00

Torta$8.00

Tostadas$9.00

Meat Choices

Carnitas

Pollo

Asada

Pastor

Tinga

Cochinita Pibil

Beef Picadillo

Calabazitas

El Mar - Seafood

Ceviche$9.00

Calamari Frito$10.50

Quesadillas de Camaron$14.00

Quesadillas de Cangrejo$14.00

Empanadas de Camaron$8.75

Enchiladas de Camaron$16.00

Camarones ala Diabla$19.00

Shrimp Fajitas$18.50

Pescado ala Veracruzana$17.00

Sides

Mexican Corn$4.50

Mexican Rice$2.00

White Rice$2.00

Pinto Beans$2.00

Black Beans$2.00

Guacamole$3.00

Grilled Jalapeños$2.00

Pico de Gallo$2.00