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Creative Mexican cantina—bold flavors, great vibes - Momento Cantina, Chicago, IL

Momento Cantina

4.3 (20)
$30 and under
Mexican
36 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Lively
A block from The Bean and the Crown Fountains, Momento brings the energy of Mexico City to Chicago.

Led by Executive Chef Alexis Preschez—a French-born chef who’s called Mexico City home for over 20 years— and joined by acclaimed pastry chef Fernanda Prado our kitchen takes a refined, rooted approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu reinvents traditional Mexican dishes with Aguachile, Tuna Tostadas, Picanha Tacos and even a Chocolate Abuelita signature cake.

The space, designed by acclaimed Cancun-based architect Diana Torres, blends contemporary warmth with Mexican heritage where more than a meal—we offer a journey. Our iconic Agave tasting experience explores tequila, mezcal, and even sotol. We’re also the first restaurant in Chicago to serve Hercules beer, a celebrated artisanal brew from Queretaro.

And when it comes to cocktails, expect the unexpected with our signature Margarita and Carajillo Collections.

Momento, more than a restaurant, is a celebration. Bienvenidos!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Alexis Preschez & Fernanda Prado
  • Private party facilities
    From intimate dinners to big celebrations, our cantina transforms into the perfect spot for birthdays, company events, or creative gatherings. Unique design, bold flavors, and custom menus make every private event a true Momento.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Loop
  • Cross street
    Corner of Monroe & Wabash, across from Palmer House Hotel in Chicago Lo
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Arriving by public transit? We’ve got you covered. Momento Cantina is located directly below the Adams/Wabash L station (serving Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines), and just a short walk from the Monroe Red Line station. Bus riders can hop off at State & Monroe—only meters from our front door.Whether you're coming from the Loop, Millennium Park, or nearby museums, getting here is fast and easy.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 20 people are saying

Momento Cantina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.0Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Momento Cantina impresses with its "authentic Mexican food" and "great vibes." Diners rave about the "delicious" tacos and guacamole, while the tequila and mezcal tasting experience is a hit. Despite some confusion over the tap card system, patrons appreciate the "amazing service" and vibrant ambiance. A "must try" for Mexican cuisine lovers!
20 Reviews
  1. Maurice

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was good, but the tacos felt a bit cold. Tables are too small for a comfortable dining experience. Either get smaller plates or make the tables larger.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Christian

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Definitely not your typical Mexican restaurant—Momento has a modern, stylish vibe but keeps the amazing, authentic flavors of true Mexican cuisine. I’ve lived in over six countries, and this is hands down some of the most authentic Mexican food I’ve had—probably the best in Chicagoland. The tap card system was slightly unique, and I did see some grumble about it in the reviews, but to be honest, I thought it was very easy. During the wait for meals, I opened a few beers and even sampled some of the mezcales. I must say that I think they could make the system more understandable so everyone can use it as my peers and I were able to. I will come back more often, for sure!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tanisha VIP

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great bartender, great vibes. Date night or with the girls.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit / Eastern Michigan2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on July 5, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Horrible service. I would've given it zero stars if I could. Waited 10 minutes for a server and never received drinks or chips and salsa. Walked out after waiting another half hour. I definitely don't recommend this establishment.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ishana

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The menu has lots of variety, and the tacos and guacamole we tried were delicious. They offer complimentary chips, salsa, and bean paste, however, it was the last dish to be brought out, after we had already ordered more appetizers. The interior was nicely decorated with a sleek but colorful vibe, but tables were too close to each other and too small to hold everything we ordered.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Frankie

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing. I was glad to celebrate my birthday there. 

    Is this helpful?

  7. Tim VIP

    Chicago / Illinois5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 1, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was excellent but the multiple concepts and the card system for the bar were a bit confusing.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Laura VIP

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 27, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambiance and service were great, and the food was delicious. However they served the smallest tacos I have ever seen for the price of a full taco meal. If you are hungry you need to order way more food than you would expect. If you just want a light meal you will be happy with the portion sizes but not with how much you paid for it.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Amol

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience. Beautiful ambiance and food. Colin as our server was very gracious and welcoming. Would visit again.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Veronica

    Houston5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and drinks were delicious. We had 2 apps. The gorditas and shrimp tacos. Ordered the Comida Corrida, the beef tongue. Had 2 margaritas, mango and the dragon. Ended dinner with a Abuelita bar. Service was amazing, provided to us by Fiona.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Momento Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 363-3136.

Momento Cantina is rated 4.3 stars by 20 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Downtown / Loop

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Google Map for Momento Cantina

36 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Corner of Monroe & Wabash, across from Palmer House Hotel in Chicago Lo
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Loop
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Regional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Arriving by public transit? We’ve got you covered. Momento Cantina is located directly below the Adams/Wabash L station (serving Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines), and just a short walk from the Monroe Red Line station. Bus riders can hop off at State & Monroe—only meters from our front door.Whether you're coming from the Loop, Millennium Park, or nearby museums, getting here is fast and easy.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Alexis Preschez & Fernanda Prado
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    From intimate dinners to big celebrations, our cantina transforms into the perfect spot for birthdays, company events, or creative gatherings. Unique design, bold flavors, and custom menus make every private event a true Momento.
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