Zentli

4.9

63 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Vegetarian-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.

Order delivery or takeout

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

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 63 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Best Food
Chicago / Illinois
Mexican
North Suburbs
Best Overall
North Suburbs
Best Food
North Suburbs
Best Value
North Suburbs
Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Zentli offers "excellent food selections" with unique interpretations of Mexican classics. Guests rave about the "wonderful flavors," authentic dishes, and inviting ambiance. Piloto's blue corn tortillas and mushroom tacos are a highlight. While some service inconsistencies were noted, the "friendly staff" and "charming decor" make it a must-visit.

63 Reviews

A
Aviva
Chicago
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious food, excellent service, great ambience. I absolutely loved it.
Is this helpful?
k
kendra
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious, affordable dinner with great service and a friendly and appropriately attentive wait staff. We will be back.
Is this helpful?
EC
EvanC
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing art, next level Mexican food. Ask to speak with owner, and he’ll tell you about how he created the murals and sculptures.
Is this helpful?
MY
MattY
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. Go support this neighborhood gem. You won't be disappointed.
Is this helpful?
L
Leah
Chicago
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at this restaurant. We were going to Studio 5. Just a block away. Great restaurant on its own but also great location for the music and dance theatre.
Is this helpful?
S
Sheila
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautifully decorated, artwork done by owner. Delicious food with vegan options. Food came very quickly but they didn’t push us out.
Is this helpful?
T
Theresa
Chicago
22 reviews
3.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The food is really great, but the service is truly in need of improvement. We have never waited longer to get any order in than at Zentli// and we have dined there several times. We had a 6:30 reservation, and didn’t get any attention till close to 6:55… we had water, then guacamole on the house (nice), but another 15 to order drinks and food…just super slow— maybe two wait staff in the place? I want this place to be a success…but we won’t be back for awhile.’
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
Jacksonville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We asked our server Ewetina for recommendations, and she did not disappoint. She suggested the flautas to share among the four of us as an appetizer. Then we shared one order of the ensalada Zentli, amazing flavors and textures. Finally, we each had a taco. I had the nopales - black beans, onions, and potato. Great choice. The homemade soft shells are unique and tasty. I should also mention the tangy homemade salsa for the tortilla chips. Introduced to the Victoria beer. Wonderful dining night for $25 per person.
Is this helpful?
R
Rosa
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious tacos and the mole enchiladas special was outstanding. Love the artwork in the space! The staff was friendly and the owner Piloto is a gem.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome menu selections and phenomenal service. Definitely will be returning soon!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Zentli is rated 4.9 stars by 63 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

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

Zentli

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 63 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

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information