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What should I order at La Principal?

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La Principal

4.4 (623 reviews)
You are 1 of 38 skippers at this restaurant
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Tacos

Tacos are the most frequently praised dish, with mentions of a wide variety including short rib, pescados, carnitas, al pastor, Nashville Hot Chicken, shrimp, sweet potato, and even unique options like cow tongue. Reviewers highlight their thoughtful preparation, slow cooking, seasoning, and authentic flavors, making tacos the standout item at La Principal.

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Elotes

Elotes (prepared corn) are repeatedly recommended as a delicious appetizer with great flavor, mentioned alongside other starters like warm queso and homemade pork rinds.

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Pumpkin Flan

The pumpkin flan is highly praised for its silky texture, unique buttery flavor, and presentation topped with salted pumpkin seeds and caramel. It is recommended as a perfect dessert to finish the meal.

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Churros

Churros are noted as a popular dessert choice, described as out-of-this-world especially when paired with the dark chocolate dipping sauce.

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Ceviche

The ceviches, specifically mahi roja and verde, are mentioned as amazing dishes, indicating their freshness and authentic preparation.

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Pollo Adobo

Pollo Adobo is recommended for its rich flavor despite the challenge of cutting the half chicken, indicating it is tasty enough to warrant the effort.

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Guacamole

The guacamole is described as fresh and flavorful, paired with crunchy, non-greasy chips, making it a highly recommended starter.

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Tortas

Tortas served on Hewn artisan bread are highlighted as especially delicious, suggesting they are a noteworthy menu item.

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Pozole

Pozole is recommended as a great dish, particularly suitable for a rainy day, emphasizing its comforting and authentic qualities.

Location details

700 Main St, Evanston, Illinois, 60202, US

Open in Google Maps

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Friday 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM
Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM

About La Principal

Contemporary Mexican street food served in chic, relaxed digs with a bar & a walk-up coffee window.

Amenities & services

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Private dining room
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Paid street parking

Frequently asked questions

What is La Principal known for?

La Principal is especially known for its tacos, including steak tacos, birria beef tacos, carne asada tacos, and even more unusual options like cow tongue tacos. Reviewers also repeatedly call out the elote, queso fundido, and churros, along with quick service and a strong cocktail list.

What dishes are most recommended at La Principal?

The most recommended items include steak tacos, birria beef, carne asada, tortas on Hewn artisan bread, elote, and churros. Reviewers also mention guacamole, queso fundido, and pumpkin flan as standouts, with several noting the portions are large and the food is well prepared.

What is the atmosphere like at La Principal?

The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a colorful, vibrant interior and a lively bar. Reviewers say it works well for groups, couples, and solo dining, and the outdoor seating is popular when the weather is nice.

Is La Principal good value, and what does it cost?

La Principal is priced at about $20 to $30, and reviewers often mention large portions and a satisfying meal for the price. The combination of tacos, small plates, cocktails, and happy hour food makes it feel like a solid neighborhood spot rather than a splurge.

What should I know about seating and timing at La Principal?

Outdoor seating is a big draw, but one review notes it can be noisy near the Metra train stop, so indoor seating may be better if you want a quieter meal. The restaurant also gets praise for fast service, which helps at lunch and during busy happy hour times.

Is parking available at La Principal?

Yes. Paid street parking is available.

Does La Principal have vegetarian options?

Yes, La Principal offers vegan options.

Is La Principal kid-friendly?

Yes, La Principal is good for kids.

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