Based on 55 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Delivery
Address:
1735 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (224) 714-2866
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Sunday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10:30 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Reviews
John Blaser
We’ve been to Fonda twice, for brunch and dinner, and it really is hitting its stride with food, drinks, service, and ambiance. The space is beautiful, with an inviting bar and a comfortable, not-too-crowded dining area. It was lively, but not too loud, on a Tuesday night, and we ordered everything from cocktails to appetizers to mains and dessert. We enjoyed every sip and bite. The cocktails were especially good, showing that the bar program is taken just as seriously as the food and service. The guacamole and chips were a generous portion, the chips made in-house. I enjoy trying new things from restaurants that introduce you to flavors, ingredients, and dishes the come from the chef’s background, culture, and vision, so my favorites were the sope de tinga (I’d never had sope before) and the barbacoa and al pastor tacos. The chicken with red mole sauce was as good as any I’d had anywhere. Desserts, too, were special, as we tried the cheesecake and Mexican chocolate ice cream with fried pastry. And a shout out goes to our server, Joey, who made the evening more fun and with his friendly, engaged service, knowledge of the dishes, and good recommendations.
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Victoria Sterling
I was unsure of making the trip out of the city for Mexican food, but friends loved it and said the food was excellent. They were right. The decor is lovely and the staff helpful and welcoming. But come for the food and then come back because you won’t have an easy decision with so many terrific creative dishes. The Caesar salad was lovely. Dressed lightly and amazingly tasty. If you like your salad drenched order more on the side. This alone was worth returning for. The chips and salsa (complimentary) came with two salsas. I loved the cilantro tinged green one. The other – red salsa – is mole based with a variety of peppers flavoring it. The Pastel de Azteca was delicious and big enough it will be my next lunch as well. I always like to try the dessert options but didn’t have any dining companions to go for the guilt free share – so I opted for the ice cream. I wish I had been able to taste the tres leches too…. The server, Joey recommended the flan as his favorite. Sadly, you can’t eat the whole menu the first time. So the answer is a return trip.
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Catrina K
Fonda is a lovely spot, good food! The carnitas and shrimp tacos were my favorite…small in size, big in flavor. You’ll enjoy every bite.
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Adam Kruvand
Food is good but a bit expensive. Out of guacamole on Saturday night at 730pm. Service seems inexperienced. Bar is too slow. We easily would have ordered 2-3x the margaritas if the service kept up. Ambiance could use some details and textures. Focus on the bar menu and target a younger clientele with more value dishes. Good luck! Minus one star for the reply. I know where I spend my money.
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Laura Lindroth
Margaritas are strong, freshly made and excellent. Food is unique and delicious! Service was impeccable (we had Hanna). Ambiance and decor are lovely, romantic and peaceful. This is a fun little gem with very authentic, chef-driven dishes. I highly recommend checking it out!
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Chicago
Dinner was beyond disappointing. The Caesar salad had no dressing! How did those plates get sent out from the kitchen? Then again, most of the plates were bland. The tacos (ordered several of both) were below average at best.
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Jennifer Carroll
You must eat here. So happy to have a great restaurant in this space. Well decorated, open, inviting, festive. Food has been fabulous. Drinks too. We’ve had chips with salsas and Guacamole. All lovely.
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Michael Susara
I was skeptical regarding this restaurant due to the question if they made authentic Mexican tacos. The answer is “they do”! The service was impeccable and the food was absolutely delicious! The restaurant was very clean and I highly recommend you trying this place out! I also had the opportunity of meeting the owners and they were both hospitable and welcoming! Two thumbs up!
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Jessie Boyzo
I have been to Fonda Cantina a couple of times and my experience has been superb both times. Food is tasty and authentic. The drinks were excellent and the service was phenomenal. The first time I was there, the manager (Carlos) came out and asked how everything was and I really liked that. I look forward to going back and having something different soon!!
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Dana G
Our dinner here was amazing!! We got margaritas, guacamole, 2 appetizers, and tacos – can’t wait to go back to try more items on the menu. Don’t skip the appetizers! The Sopa de Tinga was one of our favorites. We were blown away by how good and unique all the dishes were and walked out very full at a very reasonable price. Also, my husband has celiac and almost everything was gluten free (including the chips, which is so rare). We will be going back often!
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