If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in Chicago, Canton Regio is the place to try. This popular restaurant in Pilsen is known for its flame-grilled meats, friendly vibe, and bold Northern Mexican flavors. It is not fancy, but the food is full of taste and tradition.
Many visit Cantón Regio restaurant for its juicy steak, melty cheese dishes, and fresh homemade tortillas. The meals are big, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The restaurant also has an open kitchen where you can see the fire grill in action, adding to the whole experience.
Whether you are from Chicago or just visiting, this is a must-try spot. This guide will show you why this Mexican restaurant in Chicago stands out and what makes it so special.
What Sets Cantón Regio Apart in Chicago’s Food Scene
Cantón Regio Pilsen brings the taste of Northern Mexico to Chicago. It is not fusion. It is not trendy. It is real, honest, and bold.
The menu focuses on flame-grilled meats cooked over an open flame. Every dish feels homemade and full of flavor. You will not find microwave meals or bland sides here.
The restaurant has earned its reputation without gimmicks. Locals love it. Tourists who find it always come back. It is the kind of place that speaks for itself, one bite at a time.
Canton Regio Menu Prices
Desayunos/Breakfast
(8:00 am TO 1:00 pm every day)
| Item | Price | Description |
| Machacado con Huevo | $10.00 | Dry-shredded steak scrambled with eggs, served with refried beans and side salad. A traditional favorite from the state of Nuevo León. |
| Chicharrón con Huevo | $10.00 | Pork rinds scrambled with eggs simmered in our house sauce served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos al Albañil | $10.00 | (Bricklayer eggs) two eggs scrambled then simmered with our house salsa and panela cheese, served with rice and refried beans. |
| Chilaquiles Verdes | $10.00 | Fried tortilla bits simmered in our tomatillo green sauce served with your choice of eggs, rice, refried beans, and side sour cream. |
| *Huevos Rancheros | $10.00 | Two eggs served over easy, covered with our salsa ranchera sauce, served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos ala Mexicana | $10.00 | Egg, scrambled with chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeño peppers, served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos con Chorizo | $10.00 | Scrambled egg with spicy Mexican sausage, served with rice and refried beans. |
| Migas con Huevo | $10.00 | Egg, scrambled with fried tortilla bits, served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos con Papa | $10.00 | Eggs scrambled with potatoes served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos con Tocino | $10.00 | Eggs scrambled with bacon bits served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos con Salchicha | $10.00 | Eggs scrambled with hot dogs served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos con Jamon | $10.00 | Eggs scrambled with ham served with rice and refried beans. |
| Huevos con Espinaca y Nopales | $10.00 | Eggs scrambled with spinach and roasted cactus leaves served with sliced avocado (No rice, No beans). |
ESPECIALES DEL DIA
| Day | Special | Price | Description |
| Lunes (Monday) | Sopa de Fideo con bistec a la Mexicana | $10.00 | Angel hair pasta served with rib-eye steak “Mexican style.” |
| Martes (Tuesday) | Pollo a la Leña con Arroz y frijoles Charro | $10.00 | ½ chicken slowly roasted over mesquite coals, served with rice and charro beans. |
| Miércoles (Wednesday) | Costillas de Puerco | $10.00 | Pork ribs in red guajillo sauce served with charro beans. |
| Jueves (Thursday) | Puntas a la Mexicana | $10.00 | Skirt steak tips grilled with onions, tomato, & peppers. Served with rice and refried beans. |
| Viernes (Friday) | Bistec con queso panela y frijoles | $10.00 | New York steak smothered in our house sauce. Served with refried beans. |
| Sábado (Saturday) | Menudo | 8.00(Sm)/
8.00(Sm)/10.00 (Lg) |
Tripe soup. |
| Domingo (Sunday) | Barbacoa | $10.00 | Tender beef steam cooked Cantón Regio style, served with rice and refried beans. |
| Lunes a Viernes (Mon-Fri) | Caldo de Res O Pollo | $10.00 | Beef or Chicken vegetable soup served with rice. |
BEBIDAS / DRINKS
| Item | Price |
| Refrescos Mexicanos (Mexican Soft drinks) | $2.50 |
| Limonada (Fresh Lemonade) | $2.50 |
| Horchata (Rice milk) | $2.50 |
| Café Americano (Coffee) | $2.50 |
| Botella de Agua (Bottle of water) | $2.50 |
| Té Caliente (Hot Tea) | $2.50 |
| Te Frio (Iced Tea) | $2.50 |
| Chocolate caliente (Hot Chocolate) | $2.50 |
| Jugo de Naranja (Orange juice) | $3.50 |
| Jugo Verde (Green juice) | $3.50 |
POSTRES / DESSERTS
| Item | Price |
| Flan Con Rompope (Neapolitan Pudding) | $5.00 |
| Pastel de Tres leches con Coco (Coconut three milks cake) | $5.00 |
| Pan de Dulce (Mexican bread) | $2.00 |
| Cubeta de Hielo (Ice Bucket for alcoholic drinks) | $5.00 |
Notes:
- CASH ONLY
- Prices and availability are subject to change.
ENTRADAS / APPETIZERS
| Item | Price | Description |
| Guacamole | $10.00 | Avocado dip plain and simple, and truly the best. |
| Quesadillas | $10.00 | 5 Mini quesadillas topped with grilled onions, tomatoes, and fire-roasted peppers. |
| Quesadillas Raul | $10.00 | 5 mini quesadillas filled with Chihuahua cheese, topped with grilled onions, red guajillo meat sauce, and queso fresco. |
| Queso Fundido | $10.00 | A combination of two great Mexican melted cheeses: Chihuahua and Oaxaca. *With Chorizo: $10.00 |
| Queso Panela | $10.00 | Grilled basket cheese topped with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. |
| Mollejas de Res | $10.00 | Beef sweetbreads grilled to perfection with spring onions and fire-roasted peppers. |
| Puntas de Res a la Mexicana | $10.00 | Tender skirt steak tips grilled with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. |
BROCHETAS / SKEWERS
(Served with charro beans)
| Item | Price |
| Pollo (Chicken) | $20.00 |
| Camarón (Shrimp) | $20.00 |
| Vegetarian | $15.00 |
FAJITAS
| Item | Price | Description |
| Pollo (Chicken) | $20.00 | Seasoned strips of chicken with grilled tomato, green peppers, and onions, served with refried beans and guacamole. |
| Res (Steak) | $20.00 | Succulent pieces of seasoned skirt steak with grilled tomato, green peppers, and onions, served with refried beans and guacamole. |
CORTES DE RES / STEAKS
(All steaks served over fire-roasted cactus leaves with spring grilled onions, fire-roasted peppers, and charro beans)
| Item | Price |
| Agujas de Res Estilo Norteño | $25.00 |
| New York | $25.00 |
| Rib-Eye | $25.00 |
| Arrachera (Skirt Steak) | $25.00 |
POLLO A LA LEÑA / ROTISSERIE CHICKEN
| Item | Price | Description |
| Pollo Entero (Whole) | $24.00 | Rotisserie chicken over mesquite burning coals, served with spring grilled onions, fire-roasted peppers, and charro beans. |
| ½ Pollo (Half) | $12.00 |
ARRACHERA / GRILLED SKIRT STEAK
| Item | Price | Description |
| 1 Kilo | $60.00 | For 4 or 5 people. Served with spring grilled onions, fire-roasted peppers, and charro beans. (1 kilogram = 2.205 lbs) |
| ½ Kilo | $30.00 | For 2 or 3 people. (½ kilogram = 1.102 lbs) |
ENSALADA VERDE / GREEN SALAD
| Item | Price | Description |
| Ensalada Verde | $12.00 | Fresh garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, red onions, carrots, and avocado. Choice of protein: Pollo (Chicken), Arrachera (Skirt Steak), or Camarón (Shrimp). |
TACOS
| Item | Price | Description |
| Sabinas | $12.00 | Three flour tortillas filled with seasoned rib-eye steak, grilled onions, tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, refried beans, and topped with Chihuahua cheese. |
| Carne Asada | $12.00 | Three corn tortillas filled with skirt steak, served with lettuce and tomatoes. |
| Pescado | $12.00 | Three corn tortillas filled with fresh tilapia grilled with a spicy house recipe, topped with red cabbage and a creamy cilantro-garlic sauce. |
| Camarón | $12.00 | Three corn tortillas filled with fresh shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, grilled with a spicy house recipe, topped with red cabbage and a creamy cilantro-garlic sauce. |
POSTRES / DESSERTS
| Item | Price |
| Flan con Rompope | $5.00 |
| Pastel de 3 Leches con Coco | $5.00 |
| Cubeta de Hielo (Ice Bucket for alcoholic drinks) | $5.00 |
EXTRAS
| Item | Price |
| Fríjoles Charros | $2.50 |
| Arroz | $2.50 |
| Cebollitas | $2.50 |
| Chiles Toreados | $2.50 |
| Pencas de Nopal | $2.50 |
| Tortillas | $2.50 |
| Chips (2nd basket) | $2.50 |
| Limones | $2.50 |
| Ensalada de Nopales | $2.50 |
BEBIDAS / DRINKS
| Item | Price |
| Refrescos Mexicanos | $2.50 |
| Limonada | $2.50 |
| Horchata | $2.50 |
| Café Americano | $2.50 |
| Botella de Agua | $2.50 |
| Té Caliente | $2.50 |
| Te Frío | $2.50 |
| Jugo de Naranja (Sm) | $3.50 |
| Jugo de Naranja (Lg) | $9.00 |
| Jugo de Naranja (Pitcher) | $11.00 |
| Jugo Verde | $3.50 |
Notes:
- CASH ONLY
- Party of 6 or more people: Gratuity included.
- Table time limit: 2 hours.
CATERING MENU
Entrée Options
| Item | Description |
| Bistec a la Mexicana | Succulent pieces of steak, grilled with onions, bell peppers, and tomato. |
| Guisado de Puerco en Chile Rojo | Pork stew in red sauce. |
| Asado de Puerco | Thinly sliced pork marinated in ancho-guajillo sauce. |
| Pollo a la Leña | Rotisserie chicken cooked over mesquite burning coals. |
| Fajitas de Pollo | Seasoned strips of chicken grilled with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. |
| Costillas de Puerco en Chile Rojo o Verde | Tender pork ribs cooked in green tomatillo sauce or red ancho sauce. |
Package Options
| Option | Price per Person | Includes |
| Pick Two Entrees | $12.50 | Choice of two entrées, served with rice, beans, hot sauce, tortillas, and chips. |
| Pick Three Entrees | $12.50 | Choice of three entrées, served with rice, beans, hot sauce, tortillas, and chips. |
Location:
1510 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (312) 733-3045
The Ambiance: Rustic, Welcoming, and Bold
Cantón Regio feels like a rustic ranch in Northern Mexico. The wooden tables and brick walls set the scene. You can see the kitchen and the flames that cook your meal. It adds to the experience.
There is no fancy decor or loud music. Just the smell of grilled meat and the sound of people enjoying good food.
It is great for families, date nights, or casual meetups. The place gets busy, especially on weekends. That only adds to the lively feel.
Quick Guide About Canton Regio Restaurant
| Category | Details |
| Google Rating | 4.4 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (3,483 reviews) |
| Price Level | $20-30 |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Features | Cozy, BYOB, cash-only, rustic ambiance |
| Service Options | Dine-in · Takeaway |
| Address | 1510 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States |
| Hours | 7 am–10 pm |
| Website | For the Canton Regio Menu with prices, visit the official website here. |
| Phone | +1 312-733-3045 |
| Plus Code | V85P+67 Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Special Notes | LGBTQ+ friendly |
Location: Why Pilsen Is the Perfect Home for Canton Regio
Pilsen is a Chicago neighborhood known for its Mexican roots. Art, culture, and food fill the streets. It fits right in.
You can find the restaurant on 18th Street. The area is walkable, colorful, and full of murals. Parking can be a challenge, so come early or use public transport.
The restaurant reflects the soul of the community. It honors traditions and serves food that brings people together.
Location on Map:
What to Know Before You Go
Before you head to the Canton Regio menu, here are a few tips:
- Hours: They open daily in the afternoon and close late at night.
- BYOB: Bring your drinks. They do not serve alcohol.
- Cash Only: No cards accepted. Make sure to bring cash.
- No Reservations: First come, first served.
For the latest info, visit the official website.
Local Love: Reviews and Recognition
Overall Google Review: 4.4/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 3,483 reviews
i) Chef Roberto Castillo: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (01-19-2025)
Visited: 3 months ago | Dined in for dinner | Price: Over $100
I had an amazing experience at Cantón Regio, and that means a lot coming from a chef. I understand good service and real hospitality, and this restaurant delivered both.
Yes, the wait was long, so bring some patience—but it is truly worth it.
We went to celebrate my sister’s birthday, and it turned into a night to remember. We ordered one kilo of steak, fresh guacamole with chips, and some delicious cheese dishes. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor.
A live mariachi band even sang to our table—twice! Even though the place was packed, the staff stayed friendly and helpful the entire time. They made sure we had a great time from start to finish.
I do not often give a perfect rating, but Cantón Regio felt like home. Thank you for the warm welcome and tasty food. I cannot wait to visit again.
Rating:
- Food: 5/5
- Service: 5/5
- Atmosphere: 5/5
Recommended dishes:
-
Arrachera skirt steak
-
Chips and salsa
-
Shrimp tacos
-
Cheese plates
Vegetarian-friendly? Yes, they have tasty options.
ii) Jose Lopez: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (11-19-2024)
Visited: 6 months ago | Dined in for brunch | Price: $10–20
If you are searching for a great Mexican restaurant in Chicago, Cantón Regio is a must-try.
The food was fresh, flavorful, and made with high-quality ingredients. We ordered one kilo of skirt steak with onions and also enjoyed the Enchiladas Arturo. Antonio, our server, even gave us a free cheese fritter to try, which was a nice surprise.
The beans, corn tortillas, and flour tortillas were all made fresh and added to the rich flavor of our meal. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, which made the visit even better.
This spot is also BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite drink. I’ll definitely return with more friends next time.
Rating:
- Food: 5/5
- Service: 5/5
- Atmosphere: 5/5
Recommended dishes:
-
Arrachera steak
-
Enchiladas
-
Fresh tortillas
For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.
Comparing Cantón Regio to Other Mexican Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago has many Mexican restaurants. Some focus on tacos. Others aim for upscale dining.
Canton Regio Chicago stands apart. It offers something few places do—authentic grilled meats from Northern Mexico. It does not try to be modern or trendy. It stays true to its roots.
If you are tired of the same old taco joints, this place offers a fresh but classic taste. It is about meat, smoke, fire, and flavor.
FAQs
What type of food does Cantón Regio in Chicago serve?
Cantón Regio serves Northern Mexican dishes with a focus on grilled meats like arrachera, ribs, and chicken.
Where is it located in Chicago?
It is located in the Pilsen neighborhood on 18th Street, a culturally rich area with deep Mexican roots.
Do they accept credit cards?
No. The restaurant only accepts cash, so come prepared.
Is Cantón Regio good for large groups?
Yes. The seating is spacious, and the dishes are perfect for sharing.
What are the opening hours of this restaurant in Chicago?
The restaurant is open daily from the afternoon until late evening. Check the official site for updates.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. Families often dine here, and the casual setting is welcoming.
Are reservations required at Cantón Regio Pilsen?
No. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does it have vegetarian options?
Yes. They offer grilled vegetables, queso fundido, and sides that are vegetarian-friendly.
Visit Cantón Regio: A Flavorful Journey Worth Taking
Canton Regio is more than a meal. It is a journey to another region of Mexico without leaving Chicago.
You will find bold flavors, warm service, and a shared love for good food. It is the kind of place where memories are made and plates are emptied.
If you want a true Mexican food experience in Chicago, this is it. Head to Pilsen, bring your appetite, and enjoy the fire-grilled feast.
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