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Zentli, Evanston, IL

Zentli

4.9
4.9
63 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 8 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space.

Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite.

We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (224) 999-7486
  • Website
    https://www.eatzentli.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201
  • Area
    Evanston
  • Parking details
    Private Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 63 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Food

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mexican

  • North Suburbs

    Best Overall

  • North Suburbs

    Best Food

  • North Suburbs

    Best Value

  • North Suburbs

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Zentli offers "excellent food selections" with unique interpretations of Mexican classics. Guests rave about the "wonderful flavors," authentic dishes, and inviting ambiance. Piloto's blue corn tortillas and mushroom tacos are a highlight. While some service inconsistencies were noted, the "friendly staff" and "charming decor" make it a must-visit.

63 Reviews

  1. Aviva

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food, excellent service, great ambience. I absolutely loved it.

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  2. kendra

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious, affordable dinner with great service and a friendly and appropriately attentive wait staff. We will be back.

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  3. EvanC

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 7 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing art, next level Mexican food. Ask to speak with owner, and he’ll tell you about how he created the murals and sculptures.

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  4. MattY

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 3 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service. Go support this neighborhood gem. You won't be disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Leah

    Chicago

    66 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on 11 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time at this restaurant. We were going to Studio 5. Just a block away. Great restaurant on its own but also great location for the music and dance theatre.

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  6. Sheila

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 21 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautifully decorated, artwork done by owner. Delicious food with vegan options. Food came very quickly but they didn’t push us out.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Theresa

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 1 September 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    The food is really great, but the service is truly in need of improvement. We have never waited longer to get any order in than at Zentli// and we have dined there several times. We had a 6:30 reservation, and didn’t get any attention till close to 6:55… we had water, then guacamole on the house (nice), but another 15 to order drinks and food…just super slow— maybe two wait staff in the place? I want this place to be a success…but we won’t be back for awhile.’

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  8. Steve

    Jacksonville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 31 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We asked our server Ewetina for recommendations, and she did not disappoint. She suggested the flautas to share among the four of us as an appetizer. Then we shared one order of the ensalada Zentli, amazing flavors and textures. Finally, we each had a taco. I had the nopales - black beans, onions, and potato. Great choice. The homemade soft shells are unique and tasty. I should also mention the tangy homemade salsa for the tortilla chips. Introduced to the Victoria beer. Wonderful dining night for $25 per person.

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  9. Rosa

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious tacos and the mole enchiladas special was outstanding. Love the artwork in the space! The staff was friendly and the owner Piloto is a gem.

    Is this helpful?

  10. James

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 6 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome menu selections and phenomenal service. Definitely will be returning soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Zentli offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (224) 999-7486.

Zentli is rated 4.9 stars by 63 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Zentli

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

  • Area
    Evanston
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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