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Chilacates South End, located in the heart of Boston at 275 Shawmut Ave, has swiftly captured the hearts of locals with its authentic Mexican street food. Customers rave about the Birria Tacos, praised as "the singular best dish" by repeat patrons. The simplicity of the restaurant's offerings enhances the dining experience—it's all about the food, as noted by a customer who found the ambiance secondary and the food "phenomenal."
Whether you choose the pollo tinga or al pastor tacos, or even a hearty carnitas tamale, the freshness is evident in each bite. Diners have noted the welcoming and friendly staff adds to the charm, making it a must-visit spot for taco enthusiasts. One reviewer emphasized the joy of dining outdoors, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the South End on a beautiful day, truly highlighting how the setting complements the meal.
While some may have reservations about certain fillings, like the al pastor in the quesadilla, the consensus is clear: Chilacates South End is where quality ingredients meet bold flavors. If you're searching for the best Mexican food in the area, make sure to stop by and indulge in the culinary delights this gem offers.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Reviews for Chilacates South End
Review highlights
Based on 294 reviewsChilacates South End is widely praised for its authentic Mexican street food, consistently delivering fresh, high-quality dishes that resonate well with both takeout and dine-in customers. The restaurant is known for standout items like Birria Tacos and traditional offerings such as pollo tinga, al pastor, and carnitas tamales, which are frequently mentioned for their rich flavors and careful preparation. While the venue primarily operates as a takeout spot with limited on-site seating, the atmosphere, particularly when dining outdoors, adds to the overall positive experience. Reviewers often highlight the welcoming and friendly staff, contributing to a warm and approachable service environment. Overall, Chilacates South End is recognized for its flavorful, genuine Mexican cuisine served in a casual, neighborhood-friendly setting, making it a favored choice for those seeking both convenience and quality in the South End area.
The Birria Tacos are the singular best dish I’ve ever had at a Mexican food place. Ordered them late at night to try something new and I was not disappointed.
It's hard to rate the service and atmosphere because this is essentially a take out place that serves a handful of customers on site. The food is just phenomenal. It's nothing fancy, just the way all the best food is.
This is where Wholly Grain coffee shop used to operate. Chilacates has done a great job transforming the space. I tried the pollo tinga and al pastor tacos. Both were quite good. As was the carnitas tamale. Staff was very welcoming and friendly!
Authentic, delicious, Mexican street food in the heart of the South End. We shared a bowl and the Birria Tacos. Everything was delicious. I would absolutely go back. I rated the atmosphere a 5, because we sat outside on a beautiful day and enjoyed the atmosphere of the South End. It was perfect. Highly recommend!
I ordered takeout from Chilacates for Cinco de Mayo. I had the Taco Plate with Chicken Tinga and the 10 Inch quesadilla with Al Pastor. Overall, this place has been the best Mexican food that I have found in the area. Food tastes extremely fresh and tastes like it is made with quality ingredients. 1) Taco Plate with Chicken Tinga (5/5) - very delicious with a create-your-own taco style, which was very unique. 2) 10 inch quesadilla with Al Pastor (4/5) - The quesadilla was good, but I was not a fan with the al pastor filling. It didn't have nearly the amount of taste as the tacos. I would next time go for chicken or even beef filling.
I went on a Friday around lunch time and it was not that busy wait time was about 5 minutes I ordered two tostadas and two elotes also ordered churros and let me just say everything was perfection and fresh I enjoyed the elote the most and I will be coming back to try the rest of the menu. I also got a agua Fresca and it was also very refreshing I definitely recommend and the prices are ok not to expensive
This spot??? Absolutely Clutch... They are open late and have all the eats... I only experienced them through DoorDash since i was in a hotel but each time my food was fresh and absolutely delish. I ordered from there twice and had the Horchata, Elote, Burris Burrito, Madurai, & Grilled Chicken Burrito. Whew... each item was a home run and im thinking about going back to Boston to have this food again. They even called me to clarify my order since they were about to close and didn't want to make any mistakes. From what i can tell most people don't dine in, that this is more of a good food fast type of place. But i would definitely like to sit in and eat the food fresh.
Service was quick, order was accurate and the food was great
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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