Zentli

Name: Zentli
Address: 1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL, United States, 60201
Telephone: (224) 999-7486
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (93)

$30 and under

Mexican

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly
Gluten-free-friendly

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.

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201
Neighborhood
Evanston
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 93 people are saying

Zentli 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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Mexican
North Suburbs
Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Zentli is celebrated for its "authentic-tasting food from Oaxaca" and "wonderful wait staff." Known as "the best Mexican in Evanston," it boasts a "comfortable atmosphere" enriched by "fun artwork." With "reasonable prices," "delicious meals," and "strong drinks," Zentli is a "hidden neighborhood gem" you'll want to revisit.

93 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is not our first time at this wonderful place. The Owner Pilotos-and his Team are fabulous. His Mother’s Mole recipe is wonderful. We love the artwork displayed. Reasonable prices. We highly recommend this place
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D
David
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best mexican in Evanston, and not even close. Great ambiance. Great cocktails, and so reasonably priced.
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R
Rick VIP
Chicago / Illinois12 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent. great variety, creative preparations, very accommodating of food allergies, friendly service, inviting atmosphere, and very reasonable prices
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e
erika
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another delicious meal from the owners of Libertad! We will be back!
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C
Christopher VIP
Chicago / Illinois73 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The flavors were great in general. However, the salsa was essentially tomato sauce and a big disappointment. The guacamole needed some garlic or green onion or salt. The only other problem was the salad had very little (if any) dressing. The tacos and the special quesadillas were great. Service was good. Overall, good enough that we will be back.
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G
Gail VIP
Chicago / Illinois9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I highly recommend this restaurant…great food, wonderful wait staff and fabulous owner/manager!
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E
Edo VIP
San Francisco Bay Area20 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Friendly faces, great service, lovely decor and great food. What's not to like?
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B
Bob
Chicago / Illinois13 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Comfortable atmosphere. Great food. Good service. Fun artwork. Definitely making it a regular place to dine.
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A
Aviva VIP
Chicago / Illinois19 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
This place is exactly what Evanston needed: authentic-tasting food from Oaxaca, Mexico in a casual, friendly, colorful, and artistic atmosphere. Service and food is outstanding and it’s priced appropriately. I love Zentli.
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W
William
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This “secret” won’t be kept for long. Hands down one of the best dining experiences around.
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FAQs

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

Zentli is rated 4.8 stars by 93 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

Neighborhood
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 Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
https://www.eatzentli.com/
Phone number
(224) 999-7486

Zentli

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 93 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Zentli offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zentli restaurant rated?

Is Zentli currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information