You’re walking down Main Street in Downers Grove and the vibe changes. Suddenly, the suburban quiet gets punched in the face by neon lights and a playlist that actually hits. That's Bar Chido. It isn't just another Mexican restaurant trying to ride the trend of "elevated street food." Honestly, it feels more like a city spot that got lost and decided to stay in the burbs.
The name says it all, really. "Chido" is Mexican slang for cool. If you’ve spent any time in the Chicago food scene, you know the suburbs can sometimes feel like a graveyard of chain restaurants and uninspired taverns. Bar Chido Downers Grove breaks that cycle. It’s loud. It’s colorful. The tequila list is long enough to make your head spin before you even take a sip.
Most people come for the tacos, but they stay because the atmosphere doesn't feel forced. It’s got this industrial-chic thing going on—exposed brick, vibrant murals, and a bar that serves as the room's heartbeat. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a hoodie or a dress shirt and nobody cares. You're just there for the salt, the lime, and the grease.
What People Get Wrong About the Menu
People hear "taco bar" and they think of $2 carnitas from a truck. That’s not what’s happening here. Bar Chido leans into the "global taco" concept, which can be a turn-off for purists, but it works if you stop overthinking it.
Take the Hot Honey Chicken taco. It sounds like something a marketing department dreamed up, right? But then you eat it. The crunch is real. The heat lingers. It’s not authentic Mexican street food in the traditional sense, and they aren't claiming it is. They’re playing with flavors. The Al Pastor is more traditional, featuring that classic pineapple sweetness and marinated pork that actually has some char to it.
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- The Mahi Mahi is a sleeper hit. Most places overcook the fish until it's basically rubber, but here it stays flaky.
- Cauliflower tacos actually stand up to the meat options. Even if you're a carnivore, the roasted texture with the salsa macha is worth a try.
- Don't skip the Queso Fundido. It’s heavy, it’s messy, and it’s basically a bowl of melted joy.
One thing that surprises first-timers is the size of the portions. These aren't tiny four-bite tacos. Two or three will genuinely fill you up, especially if you’re hitting the chips and guac early. Speaking of guac, they keep it simple. No weird fillers. Just good avocados, lime, and enough salt to make the flavors pop.
The Drink Program is the Real Star
Let’s be real. You aren't going to a place called Bar Chido just for the food. You're there because you want a margarita that doesn't taste like bottled syrup and regret.
Their cocktail program is surprisingly sophisticated for a suburban spot. They focus heavily on Tepeztate and Espadín agaves, offering flights that allow you to actually taste the difference between smoky and earthy finishes. If you're new to mezcal, the bartenders here actually know their stuff. They won't judge you for asking questions. They’ll just guide you toward something like the "Chido Margarita," which is their house standard.
It's crisp. It’s balanced. It isn't sugar-loaded.
If you want something with a bit more kick, the Spicy Pineapple Margarita uses house-infused tequila. It’s got that back-of-the-throat burn that makes you want to take another sip immediately. They also have a solid rotation of local craft beers on tap, mostly from the Chicagoland area, which is a nice nod to the local community.
Why the Location Matters in Downers Grove
Location is everything. Being right there on Main Street puts Bar Chido at the center of the Downers Grove revitalization. Years ago, this area was mostly antique shops and quiet storefronts. Now, it’s a destination.
The restaurant occupies a space that feels much larger than it is because of the high ceilings. On a Friday night, the noise level is high. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner where you can whisper sweet nothings, this ain't it. Go somewhere else for that. Bar Chido is for the group of friends who haven't seen each other in a month, or the couple that wants to grab a quick drink and some tacos before catching a movie at the Tivoli Theatre just down the street.
The outdoor seating area is a massive draw during the Illinois summer. There is something about sitting outside in a downtown area with a cold drink that just feels right. Even when it's crowded, the service usually stays on point. You might wait for a table, but the "vibe" makes the wait tolerable.
Nuance and the "Suburban Mexican" Debate
There’s always a debate when a place like this opens. Is it "real" Mexican food?
If you go to Pilsen or Little Village in Chicago, you’ll find different flavors, lower prices, and deep-rooted traditions. Bar Chido isn't trying to compete with that. They are providing a specific experience: Modern Mexican-American fusion. It’s about the environment as much as the ingredients.
Some critics argue that the prices are high for tacos. And yeah, $5-$7 for a single taco is a lot if you're comparing it to a stand in Mexico City. But you're paying for the Main Street real estate, the curated decor, the high-end spirits, and the fact that you don't have to drive 40 minutes into the city to get a decent Mezcal Old Fashioned. It's a trade-off. Most locals seem more than happy to make it.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Parking is a nightmare. Don't even try to park right in front of the building on Main Street. Just head straight for the parking garage off Curtiss Street or find a spot in the lot behind the shops. It’ll save you ten minutes of circling like a shark.
- Happy Hour is the move. If you can get there between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays, the deals on house margaritas and select appetizers make the bill significantly lighter.
- The "Secret" Hot Sauce. Ask for the house-made habanero sauce if you like pain. It’s not always on the table, but it’s vastly superior to the standard bottled stuff.
- Brunch exists. People forget they do brunch on the weekends. The breakfast burritos are massive, and the "Chilaquiles" are a solid cure for whatever happened the night before.
Actionable Insights for the Best Experience
To get the most out of a trip to Bar Chido Downers Grove, skip the peak 7:00 PM Saturday rush unless you have a reservation or enjoy standing awkwardly by the door. Instead, aim for a "late lunch" or a mid-week dinner.
Start with the Elote Corn Dip rather than the standard guacamole; it’s creamier, smokier, and easier to share. When ordering tacos, mix one "safe" choice like the Steak with one "wild" choice like the Korean BBQ or Shrimp. The contrast is what makes the menu interesting. Most importantly, talk to the bartender about the mezcal of the month. Even if you think you don't like smoky spirits, the way they balance them in cocktails might actually change your mind.
Check their social media before you go, as they often run one-off taco specials that never make it onto the permanent printed menu. These are usually where the kitchen gets to experiment with seasonal ingredients.
Once you've finished your meal, take a five-minute walk toward the train tracks. The area is full of small boutiques and coffee shops that round out the evening perfectly. Downers Grove has changed a lot lately, and this spot is a big reason why the nightlife finally feels alive.