Las Fuentes is a popular restaurant chain with multiple locations in the Chicago area, including Lincoln Park, Morton Grove, Alsip, and Manchamanteles. They’re known for their authentic Mexican cuisine, and the Las Fuentes menu is packed with delicious options to choose from.
The menu is the most important thing at any restaurant. It’s how they show off what they’re good at, and it’s how customers decide what to order. A great menu can make a restaurant stand out, and the Las Fuentes menu definitely does that.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the Las Fuentes menu. We’ll explore all the different sections, highlight some of the key dishes, and talk about what makes the menu so appealing. We’ll look at everything from appetizers and entrees to desserts and drinks, so you can get a good sense of what Las Fuentes has to offer.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Las Fuentes or you’re just curious about trying it out, this article will give you a comprehensive look at what you can expect from their menu. So grab a virtual fork, and let’s get started!
Antojitos (Appetizers)
Start your meal off right with a selection of our delicious antojitos, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Classic Starters
Chips and Salsa
You can’t go wrong with chips and salsa! Our crispy tortilla chips are served with your choice of salsa. We have a mild house-made red salsa, a zingy green house-made salsa, and for those who like a little heat, our house-made chile de arbol salsa. Ask your server about the heat levels! Our chips are made fresh daily.
Guacamole
Our guacamole is made fresh to order with perfectly ripe avocados, cilantro, onion, tomato, and a hint of lime. You can order it classic-style, or try our chunky guacamole with larger pieces of avocado for a heartier texture. We even have a guacamole salad option, served with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette.
Queso Fundido
Indulge in our rich and flavorful queso fundido, a blend of melted cheeses served hot and bubbly. You can add chorizo for a spicy kick or mushrooms for an earthy flavor. It’s served with warm tortillas for dipping, making it the perfect shareable appetizer.
Unique Offerings
Empanadas De Camaron (MG)
Our empanadas de camaron are a must-try! These savory shrimp-filled pastries are made with a flaky, golden-brown crust and a flavorful shrimp filling. (MG indicates that this item contains Mango)
Nachos Azteca
Get ready for a mountain of flavor with our Nachos Azteca! These loaded nachos are piled high with beans, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños. Perfect for sharing… if you’re willing!
Shrimp Ceviche
Our shrimp ceviche is a refreshing and light appetizer, perfect for a warm day. We use only the freshest shrimp, marinated in a tangy citrus marinade with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It’s a taste of the coast right here at Las Fuentes!
Favoritos (Favorites)
Las Fuentes is known for its wide variety of classic and regional Mexican dishes. Here are a few of the most popular:
Classic Mexican Favorites
No Mexican menu is complete without these standards:
Quesadillas
Las Fuentes offers quesadillas with a variety of fillings. You can choose from cheese, chicken, beef, or a mix of fresh vegetables. All quesadillas are served with a side of cool sour cream and creamy guacamole.
Chimichangas
A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito filled with your choice of savory ingredients. Choose from shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef, or tender shredded beef. Toppings may vary, but you can expect classics like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Flautas
Flautas are rolled and fried tacos. They can be filled with shredded chicken or seasoned shredded beef. Toppings are typically similar to those offered with chimichangas.
Regional Variations and Specialties
Las Fuentes goes beyond the basics with these regional specialties:
Tacos Mexicanos
These aren’t your average tacos! Tacos Mexicanos feature your choice of meat (often carne asada, carnitas, or al pastor) served on small corn tortillas and topped simply with chopped cilantro and diced onions.
Enchiladas (Salsa Verde, Mole, Salsa Roja)
Las Fuentes offers enchiladas covered in three distinct sauces: Salsa Verde (a tangy green sauce), Mole (a rich, complex chocolate-chili sauce), and Salsa Roja (a smoky red sauce).
Taco Salad
A crispy flour tortilla bowl filled with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. You can choose your favorite dressing to complete this filling and flavorful salad.
Specialties
Las Fuentes offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that are sure to please. Here are a few of their specialties:
Signature Dishes
- Molcajete Surtido: Imagine a steaming volcanic stone bowl filled to the brim with a medley of savory meats and fresh vegetables. That’s the Molcajete Surtido! It’s a truly authentic and shareable experience.
- Fajitas: Sizzling fajitas are a crowd-pleaser, and Las Fuentes offers them in a variety of options: beef, chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian! They’re served with sauteed peppers and onions, along with warm tortillas so you can build your own perfect bite.
- Churrasco Tipico: For steak lovers, the Churrasco Tipico is a must-try. This grilled steak dish is expertly seasoned and marinated for a flavor that’s both bold and unforgettable.
Chicken and Meat Preparations
- Carne Asada: A classic for a reason! The Carne Asada is grilled steak served with traditional accompaniments like rice, beans, and a generous helping of guacamole.
- Bistec A La Mexicana: Craving something with a little kick? The Bistec A La Mexicana features steak prepared in a flavorful Mexican style, simmered in a savory sauce with a vibrant mix of vegetables.
- Carne A La Tampiqueña: The Carne A La Tampiqueña is a unique and satisfying dish. This Tampiqueña-style steak is often served with a delicious cheese enchilada and fresh guacamole.
Poultry Options
- Pollo Asado: For a lighter option, try the Pollo Asado. This roasted chicken dish is seasoned with a special blend of marinades and herbs, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meal.
- Pollo Al Chipotle: If you enjoy a smoky and spicy flavor, the Pollo Al Chipotle is a great choice. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich and fiery chipotle sauce.
- Pollo En Manchamanteles: For a truly unique experience, try the Pollo En Manchamanteles. This dish features chicken in a complex and flavorful Manchamanteles sauce, a unique blend of fruits and spices that creates a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Mariscos (Seafood)
Las Fuentes is known for its delicious and fresh seafood, prepared with authentic Mexican flavors. Here are some of our most popular mariscos dishes:
Seafood Specialties
- Salmon Maya: Experience the taste of the Yucatan with our Salmon Maya. We prepare a fresh cut of salmon in the traditional Mayan style, using achiote paste and citrus juices to create a vibrant, earthy flavor. Served with roasted vegetables.
- Camarones En Mole Poblano: Indulge in the rich and complex flavors of our Camarones En Mole Poblano. Succulent shrimp are simmered in authentic mole poblano, a sauce made from a blend of chilies, chocolate, spices, and nuts. It’s a truly unforgettable dish.
- Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo: For a simpler, yet equally satisfying option, try our Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo. This dish features tender shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic sauce, highlighting the natural sweetness of the seafood. Served with rice and a side salad.
Regional Seafood Dishes
- Pescado Chiapaneco: Journey to the state of Chiapas with our Pescado Chiapaneco. We take fresh white fish and wrap it in fragrant banana leaves with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs before baking it. The result is a moist, flavorful fish infused with smoky notes.
- Taquiza De Camarón / Pescado: Create your own seafood feast with our Taquiza De Camarón / Pescado! Choose from grilled shrimp or flaky white fish and assemble your own tacos with our homemade corn tortillas. Toppings include shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, creamy chipotle sauce, and fresh lime wedges.
- Homemade Shrimp Soup: Warm your soul with our Homemade Shrimp Soup. Made with fresh, plump shrimp, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s the perfect comfort food on a chilly day. We use only the freshest ingredients to create a soup that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Sides, Desserts, and Tacos
No meal at Las Fuentes is complete without considering the sides, the sweet endings, and, if you’re at the Lincoln Park location, the tacos! These are the supporting players that elevate the entire dining experience.
Sides
Las Fuentes offers a variety of sides to perfectly complement your main dish. You can choose from creamy guacamole, fresh avocado slices, flavorful rice and beans, sweet fried plantains, and a selection of homemade salsas ranging from mild to fiery. Options like “Rice and Beans Side (Mg),” “Rice Side (mg),” and “Pinto Beans Side (mg)” make it easy to customize your meal.
These sides aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re integral to the overall flavor profile, adding texture and depth to every bite.
Desserts
Save room for dessert! Las Fuentes boasts a tempting array of traditional Mexican sweets. The Coconut Flan is a rich, creamy custard with a hint of tropical flavor. Tres leches cake, soaked in three kinds of milk, is unbelievably moist and decadent. Fried ice cream offers a delightful contrast of hot and cold, crispy and creamy. And of course, no Mexican dessert menu would be complete without churros – fried dough pastries dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
Tacos (Lincoln Park Location)
If you’re visiting the Lincoln Park location, you have to try the tacos! Las Fuentes offers a delicious selection, including classic Carne Asada (grilled steak), Pollo Asado (grilled chicken), succulent Shrimp tacos, and the ever-popular Al Pastor (marinated pork).
Each taco is carefully crafted with flavorful fillings and fresh toppings served on your choice of corn or flour tortillas. Keep an eye out for unique fillings like Tinga de Pollo (shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle sauce) or Tinga de Beef. And for vegetarians, there are often delicious plant-based options available as well.
Menu Variations Across Locations
Las Fuentes has multiple locations, and while many menu items are consistent across the board, some locations boast unique offerings that reflect the local palate or regional specialties. Let’s take a look at some of the key differences you might encounter.
Lincoln Park vs. Other Locations
The Lincoln Park location offers a slightly different experience compared to some of the others. Here’s a glimpse:
Appetizers
While you’ll find familiar favorites, the Lincoln Park menu sometimes features unique appetizers. Keep an eye out for items like the Chicken Flauta Botana or the fresh and flavorful Pico de Gallo Bowl, exclusive to this location.
Specialties
The “Specialties” section is where Lincoln Park truly shines. You might find dishes like Pollo En Mole Poblano Manchamanteles, a rich and complex chicken dish, or Camarones en Mole, showcasing shrimp in a similar, delicious mole sauce. These are often unique to the Lincoln Park location, offering a taste of something truly special.
Alsip Location
The Alsip location has its own distinct charm, particularly when it comes to soups, seafood, and lighter fare.
Soups, Tamales, and Salads
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the Alsip location offers options like the Ensalada Sol Y Luna, a refreshing salad, or the Caldo Siete Mares, a hearty seafood soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Botanas De Mariscos (Estilo Nayarit)
One of the highlights of the Alsip menu is the selection of seafood appetizers prepared in the Nayarit style. Nayarit is a coastal state in Mexico known for its fresh seafood and vibrant flavors, so you can expect dishes that are bursting with the taste of the sea. These appetizers are a must-try for seafood lovers!
Food and Drink Specials, and Consumer Advisories
Las Fuentes wants you to have the best possible dining experience, and that includes knowing about our specials and important advisories.
Daily and Happy Hour Specials
We offer daily food and drink specials to give you a chance to try new things and save a little money. For example, from Monday through Thursday, enjoy discounted margaritas and specially priced appetizers during happy hour. Be sure to ask your server about the daily food special, too!
Consumer Advisories
We are committed to transparency and customer safety. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Gratuity: Please check your bill carefully. A gratuity may be automatically added to parties of a certain size.
- Allergies: If you have any food allergies, please inform your server before ordering. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but we cannot guarantee that any menu item is completely free of allergens.
- Payment types: We accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. We do not accept personal checks.
We hope you enjoy your meal at Las Fuentes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you order at a Mexican restaurant?
Ah, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? It really depends on what you’re in the mood for! If you’re a first-timer, you can’t go wrong with classics like enchiladas, tacos, or a sizzling plate of fajitas. The sauces at a place like Las Fuentes really make the difference, so pay attention to the descriptions and don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations based on your spice preference.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of their Chile Rellenos if they’re on the menu – that’s a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried to perfection. It’s a bit more involved than your average taco, but the flavor is incredible.
If you’re feeling adventurous, ask about any regional specialties or dishes that aren’t on the regular menu. Often, smaller Mexican restaurants have family recipes that are absolute gems. And don’t forget the sides! Rice and beans are a must, and a good guacamole is always a winner. Oh, and try the margaritas! They’re usually a good indicator of the restaurant’s overall quality. Enjoy!
Putting It All Together
The Las Fuentes menu is a great example of what happens when you combine fresh ingredients and time-tested recipes. The range of dishes shows the diversity of Mexican food, from familiar favorites to regional specialties you might not find anywhere else.
Whether you’re looking for a classic taco, a seafood dish that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, or a vegetarian meal that’s still packed with flavor, Las Fuentes has something for you.
Families, groups of friends, and solo diners can all feel welcome at Las Fuentes. It’s a great place to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal without having to travel south of the border.
If you’re curious about exploring the flavors of Mexico, I encourage you to take a look at the Las Fuentes menu and plan a visit to one of their locations. You’re bound to find something that will make your taste buds sing!