• LA CANTINA MENUS

    Dine-in • Carryout & Delivery • Vegan • Catering

    Menus for La Cantina Mexican restaurant in Chicago's south loop neighborhood. best mexican restuarant in chicago

La Cantina Grill Mexican Restaurant in Chicago

Authentic Mexican Restaurant • Chicago • South Loop

La Cantina Bar & Grill serves authentic Mexican cuisine using traditional techniques and the freshest ingredients.

In addition to our dining menu full of Mexican favorites from Nacho Platters to Lomo en Salsa de Arbol, we are proud to offer a full VEGAN menu with vegan proteins, cheeses, sour cream and other vegan ingredients.

Our bar is packed full of Chicago’s widest range of tequila and mezcal choices. Fresh, delicious margaritas and cocktails are crafted to be both unique and accessible. We carry a large selection of domestic, craft and Mexican beers and are also known for having Chicago’s best Sangria.

We are located south of Millennium Park, west of Soldier Field and very near McCormick Place in Chicago’s fast growing South Loop neighborhood. We are also proud to serve the Columbia College community of students and faculty and offer a special Student/Lunch Menu Monday – Friday. Check out CATERING menus for your next private event or party.

La Cantina Menu

*prices and items subject to change*

Botanas/Appetizers

  • CEVICHE CANTINA
    13.95

    tilapia fillet marinated in lime juice, garlic, ginger, cilantro, hot pepper, onion, corn & spices
    add jumbo shrimp 6

  • MEXICAN CEVICHE
    13.95

    tilapia, carrots, red onions, cilantro, and habanero peppers marinated in lime juice (no substitutions or changes please)
    add jumbo shrimp 6

  • COCTEL DE CAMARONES
    17.95

    shrimp cocktail in tomato sauce with diced onions, cilantro, avocado, lime juice & a hint of jalapeño

  • MINI QUESADILLAS
    7.95

    two quesadillas cut into 8 pieces
    add chicken or steak 3

  • QUESO FUNDIDO
    8.95

    melted chihuahua cheese served with your choice of our salsa verde or roja. served with tortillas
    add chorizo, grilled onions or poblano peppers 1

  • MINI-CHIMICHANGAS
    9.95

    four mini-burritos stuffed with rice, beans, cheese and choice of steak or chicken & topped with sour cream, guacamole
    add steak 1

  • GUACAMOLE
    7.95

    our mouth watering guacamole made with only the freshest ingredients

  • MAYAN TAMALES
    7.95

    choice of 2 handmade pork or chicken filled tamales

  • SOPES
    7.95

    two fried masa cups with bean spread, topped with choice of meat, lettuce, tomato, cheese & sour cream

  • FLAMING QUESO PANELA
    10.95

    panela cheese in olive oil, garlic, oregano & thyme, served in our ranchera sauce

  • FRIED OR GRILLED SHRIMP
    17.95

     jumbo butterflied shrimp breaded & deep fried or grilled. served with cocktail sauce

Ensaladas/Salads

ADD: grilled chicken or ground beef 3  |  tilapia 5   |  shrimp or steak 8

DRESSINGS: balsamic vinaigrette, creamy caesar, french, classic italian, creamy ranch

  • GARDEN SALAD
    8.95

    romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, carrots, green & red bell peppers, cheese & garnished with fried tortilla strips & avocado

  • SPINACH SALAD
    9.95

    fresh spinach with hearts of romaine, vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, white onions & carrots with your choice of dressing

  • CHIPOTLE CHICKEN SALAD
    12.95

    romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, cheese, cucumbers with our homemade creamy chipotle ranch dressing. topped with a grilled chipotle-marinated chicken breast

  • CAESAR SALAD
    8.95

    hearts of romaine, croutons and caesar dressing

  • TACO SALAD
    10.95

    lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, cheese, rice, beans & sour cream, served in a homemade tortilla bowl

  • VILLAGE SALAD
    10.95

    green & red peppers, onions, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, panela cheese drizzled with olive oil

SOUPS

CUP or BOWL

TORTILLA  4.95   7.95  |  CHICKEN  3.95   6.95  |  SHRIMP cup only 5.95
TILAPIA  cup only 4.95  |  POZOLE VERDE  4.95  7.95

Comida Tradicionales Mexcianas

  • ENCHILADAS
    12.95

    Four rolled corn tortillas stuffed with chicken & topped with cheese, sour cream, and your choice of sauce. served with rice, beans, pico de gallo

  • MAYAN TAMALES
    10.95

    Two tamales filled with choice of tender pork or chicken wrapped in corn husks topped with salsa roja or salsa verde and sour cream. with rice, beans & pico de gallo

  • CHILE RELLENOS
    13.95

    Two mild pablano peppers stuffed with chihuahua cheese & topped with salsa roja & sour cream. served with rice, beans & pico de gallo

  • SOUP - CALDO DE POLLO
    8.95

    homemade chicken soup served with rice, cilantro, onion, lime, and tortillas upon request

  • CHIMICHANGA
    11.95

    burrito stuffed with cheese and your choice of meat deep-fried & topped with sour cream, guacamole, and served with pico de gallo  sub shrimp 6 steak add 2

  • FLAUTAS
    11.95

    Four crispy flautas filled with juicy pulled chicken topped with cheese and sour cream. served with rice, beans & pico de gallo

  • STUFFED QUESADILLA
    12.95

    quesadilla stuffed with lettuce, tomato, sour cream & guacamole. served with rice & beans & your choice of meat for an additional charge. ADD steak or steak tinga 6 | chicken, chicken tinga, pork, al pastor, or ground beef 3  |  shrimp 6  |  tilapia 4

  • SOPES
    10.95

    Two fried masa cups filled with bean spread, lettuce, tomato, cheese & sour cream & choice of meat. served with rice & beans ADD steak 2

  • TORTA
    10.95

    Mexican-style sandwich with choice of chicken, ground beef, pork, or al pastor topped with lettuce, tomato, beans, cheese, guacamole & sour cream on butter toasted mexican bread  SUB: steak 2 or steak milanesa 2

  • ALAMBRES
    14.95

    grilled chicken sautéed with bacon, onions, green peppers, & mushrooms. Topped with cheese & avocado. served with your choice of tortillas  SUB: steak 2

Quesadillas

flour tortillas filled with melted chihuahua cheese. served with beans & rice.

  • CHEESE
    10.95
  • CHICKEN
    11.95
  • STEAK
    13.95
  • PORK
    11.95
  • GROUND BEEF
    11.95
  • TILAPIA
    14.95
  • TILAPIA & SHRIMP
    18.95
  • SHRIMP
    17.95
  • VEGETARIAN GRILLED
    13.95
  • CHORIZO
    11.95
  • STEAK TINGA
    13.95
  • POBLANO PEPPERS
    11.95
  • MUSHROOMS
    11.95
  • GRILLED JALAPEÑO
    11.95

Burritos

a large tortilla packed with beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, & sour cream. served with beans & rice. suizo (melted cheese & red sauce on top add 3)

  • CHICKEN
    10.95
  • STEAK
    13.95
  • PORK
    10.95
  • GROUND BEEF
    10.95
  • TILAPIA
    13.95
  • TILAPIA & SHRIMP
    16.95
  • SHRIMP
    16.95
  • VEGETARIAN GRILLED
    11.95
  • CHORIZO
    10.95
  • CHICKEN TINGA
    10.95
  • STEAK TINGA
    13.95
  • CHICKEN & MOLE
    12.95

Tacos La Cantina

served with choice of cilantro, onions, lettuce, tomato & cheese. served with beans & rice.

  • CHICKEN
    10.95
  • PORK CARNITAS
    10.95
  • GROUND BEEF
    10.95
  • STEAK
    12.95
  • AL PASTOR
    10.95
  • CHICKEN TINGA
    10.95
  • STEAK TINGA
    12.95
  • CHORIZO
    10.95
  • EGG & CHORIZO
    10.95
  • BEER-BATTERED TILAPIA
    12.95
  • VEGETARIAN
    10.95

SERVED IN ITS OWN SAUCE:

  • TILAPIA & SHRIMP ROJA
    17.95
  • TILAPIA SALSA ROJA
    12.95
  • SHRIMP SALSA ROJA
    15.95
  • CHICKEN MOLE SAUCE
    10.95

Fajita Grill

grilled with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, & zucchini & served with your choice of warm corn or flour tortillas. comes with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

  • CHICKEN
    15.95
  • PORK
    13.95
  • STEAK
    21.95
  • SHRIMP
    21.95
  • STEAK & SHRIMP
    24.95
  • CHICKEN & SHRIMP
    18.95
  • TILAPIA & SHRIMP
    18.95
  • VEGETARIAN
    13.95
    includes mushrooms

Especialidades de la Casa

Served with rice and beans

Meat & Chicken

  • ZAMORA

    char-grilled chicken or steak topped with charro beans & served with cactus salad

    18.95 Chicken | $22.95 steak

  • BISTEC O POLLO A LA TAMPIQUEÑA

    marinated steak or chicken breast char-grilled to perfection. served with a cheese enchilada, guacamole & sour cream

    Chicken $18.95 | Steak $22.95

  • BISTEC A LA MEXICANA
    18.95

    sauteéd skirt steak strips, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, salsa roja, jalapeños & cilantro

  • LOMO A LA CANTINA

    steak or chicken with onions, tomato, cilantro with fried potatoes in our mild salsa roja

    14.95 chicken 18.95 steak

  • LOMO EN SALSA DE ARBOL

    steak or chicken simmered in a spicy chile de arbol sauce with tomatillo

    14.95 chicken 18.95 steak

  • GRILLED ARRACHERA
    22.95

    char-grilled marinated skirt steak with french fries

  • POLLO EN SALSA VERDE
    14.95

    tender slices of chicken breast simmered in spicy salsa verde with zucchini and onions

  • PUERCO EN SALSA VERDE
    14.95

    tender carnitas simmered in our spicy salsa verde with zucchini and onions

  • POLLO MICHOACANO
    16.95

    (POLLO EN MOLE) tender whole pieces of chicken simmered in our delicious mole sauce

  • POLLO EN SALSA CHIPOTLE
    14.95

    chipotle grilled chicken breast sautéed with onions & tomatoes in our chipotle salsa

  • PECHUGA REYENA
    15.95

    chicken breast stuffed with chihuahua cheese, spinach, onions, bacon, & garlic, covered in our salsa poblano  allow 35 minutes

Pescado/Seafood

  • CAMARONES AL MOJO DE AJO
    20.95

     jumbo shrimp cooked just right & basted with a fresh garlic butter sauce featuring cilantro, onions & fresh tomatoes

  • TINGA DE CAMARONES
    20.95

    grilled shrimp with tomatoes, onions, & chipotle pepper sauce

  • TILAPIA A LA DIABLA
    15.95

    tilapia fillet simmered in our spicy guerrero sauce

  • TILAPIA AL MOJO DE AJO
    15.95

    tilapia cooked just right & basted with a fresh garlic butter sauce featuring cilantro, green onions & fresh tomatoes

  • FILETE DE PESCADO
    14.95

     fresh tilapia breaded & fried or unbreaded & broiled

  • FRIED SHRIMP
    20.95

    jumbo butterflied shrimp breaded & fried. served with french fries. (does not include rice, beans, & pico de gallo) 

  • CAMARONES A LA DIABLA
    20.95

    jumbo butterflied shrimp in our spicy guerrero sauce

  • TILAPIA AL MOJO DE AJO CON DIABLA
    15.95

    tilapia cooked just right & basted with a fresh garlic butter sauce featuring cilantro, green onions & fresh tomatoes combined with diabla guerrero sauce  add shrimp 6

  • CAMARONES AL MOJO DE AJO CON DIABLA
    20.95

     jumbo shrimp cooked just right & basted with a fresh garlic butter sauce featuring cilantro, green onions & fresh tomatoes with diabla guerrero sauce

Combinations

Served with rice and beans

  • FLAUTAS Y ENCHILADAS
    15.95

    three crispy chicken flautas & two chicken enchiladas with your choice of our famous mole sauce or our tasty salsa verde or roja.

  • PARRILLADA MIXTA
    69.95

    mixed grilled steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, chorizo, tilapia, green onions, cactus, grilled jalapeños, panela cheese. served with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo & choice of tortillas (SERVES 2-4)

  • EL GORDO
    18.95

    two steak, chicken or pork tacos, two chicken enchiladas & two chicken tostadas

Nacho Platters

made with chihuahua cheese, beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, lettuce, salsa ranchera & sour cream topped with your choice of:

CHEESE 11.95   |   CHICKEN 12.95   |   STEAK 13.95   |   PORK 12.95   |   GROUND BEEF 12.95   |   GRILLED VEGGIES 12.95   |   SHRIMP 17.95

SIDES

TACO 2.95   |   SHRIMP TACO 4.45   |   TILAPIA TACO 4.45   |   STEAK TACO 3.45   |   TOSTADA 3.25   |   ENCHILADA 2.95   |   TAMALE 3.95   |   RICE 2.50   |   BEANS 2.50    |   FRIES 2.95   |   CHEESE 1   |   MOLE SAUCE 1   |   SOUR CREAM 1   |   GUACAMOLE 1   |   PICO DE GALLO with chips 3.95   |   CACTUS SALAD 2.95

Student & Lunch Menu

Available 11:00AM-1:30PM Monday- Friday.  Available ALWAYS with valid & current student ID.

Served with rice and beans Add $1.50 for steak option. Shrimp $4. Tilapia $2.

  • TACOS
    8.95

    two tacos packed with your choice of meat, lettuce, tomato & cheese on a corn or flour tortilla.

  • BURRITO
    8.95

    your choice of meat loaded with beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, & sour cream.

  • CHIMICHANGA
    8.95

    fried burrito with choice of meat topped with sour cream, cheese, and guacamole

  • QUESADILLAS
    8.95

    choice of meat grilled with cheese on a flour tortilla

  • FLAUTAS
    8.95

    flute-shaped taco filled with shredded chicken & fried. garnished with lettuce, sour cream, & cheese.

  • TORTA
    8.95

    choice of meat with beans, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, sour cream & cheese.

  • ENCHILADAS
    8.95

    three rolled up corn tortillas filled with choice of meat or cheese topped with cheese, sour cream and your choice of salsa.

Vegan Menu

We use Upton’s seitan chorizo and ground beef, Good Planet vegan mozzarella cheese, Tofutti vegan sour cream, and Bulkfoods.com vegan chicken base.

  • MINI-QUESADILLAS

    served with pico de gallo & sour cream

    Cheese 10.95

    Chorizo 12.95

    Ground Beef 12.95

    Grilled Veggie 12.95

  • GUACAMOLE
    7.95

    with chips

  • PICO DE GALLO
    3.95

    with chips

  • MINI-CHIMICHANGAS

    served with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream & cheese. Stuffed with cheese, rice & beans

    Grilled Veggie 10.95

    Chorizo 12.95

    Ground Beef 12.95

  • QUESADILLAS

    served with rice & beans. all quesadillas available stuffed with guacamole, vegan sour cream, lettuce, & tomato for additional 3

    Cheese 12.95

    Grilled Veggie 13.95

    Ground Beef 14.95

    Chorizo 14.95

    Poblano 12.95

  • BURRITOS

    stuffed with vegan sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, beans & cheese & served with rice and beans

    Grilled Veggie 11.95

    Bean and Cheese 12.95

    Chorizo 13.95

    Ground Beef 13.95

    All burritos available Suizo for an additional 4

  • TACOS

    three tacos topped with lettuce, tomatoes & cheese & served with rice & beans

    Chorizo 12.95

    Grilled Veggie 10.95

    Ground Beef 12.95

  • CHIMICHANGAS

    stuffed with cheese, topped with guacamole, sour cream & cheese & served with rice and beans

    Chorizo 12.95

    Grilled Veggie 11.95

    Ground Beef 12.95

  • TORTAS

    stuffed with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, vegan sour cream, cheese & guacamole & served with rice & beans.

    Chorizo 12.95

    Grilled Veggie 10.95

    Ground Beef 12.95

  • CHILES RELLENOS
    14.95

    served with rice & beans and topped with salsa ranchera & sour cream.

  • ENCHILADAS

    topped with choice of salsa roja, salsa verde or mole sauce, cheese & sour cream. Served with rice & beans.

    Cheese 12.95

    Chorizo 13.95

    Grilled Veggie 12.95

    Ground Beef 13.95

  • NACHOS

    topped with salsa ranchera, refried beans lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & jalapeños en vinagre.

    Cheese 12.95

    Chorizo 13.95

    Grilled Veggie 12.95

    Ground Beef 13.95

  • Taco Salad
    10.95

    lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, cheese, rice, beans & sour cream, served in a homemade tortilla bowl

  • Spinach Salad
    9.95

    fresh spinach with hearts of romaine, vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, white onions & carrots

  • SIDE DISHES

    Pico de Gallo 1.00

    Guacamole 1.00

    Rice 2.50

    Beans 2.50