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Zentli, Evanston, IL

Zentli

4.9
4.9
78 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 10 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
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

Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
  • 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
  • Area
    Evanston
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 78 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
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Overall

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Food

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Value

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mexican

  • North Suburbs

    Best Overall

  • North Suburbs

    Best Food

  • North Suburbs

    Best Service

  • North Suburbs

    Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Zentli delights with "yummy and unique food," "great service," and "perfectly balanced cocktails." This Evanston gem shines with its "delicious" Mexican dishes like mole, flautas, and ceviche, alongside vibrant artwork by the owner. Guests rave about the "attentive," "friendly service" and "outstanding" dining experiences, making it a "favorite" spot in the area.

78 Reviews

  1. karen

    VIP

    Chicago

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on 19 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Yummy and unique food and cocktails and great service!!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jamal

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, we had great food, drinks, & service. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicagoland, and certainly the best in Evanston. A treasure!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Raye

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server very good descriptions of the dishes, very helpful. Food is delicious. Guacamole and enchiladas mole excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Daniel

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great. Perfectly balanced cocktails and delicious meals.

    Is this helpful?

  5. mark

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I came to Zentli when it first opened a couple of years ago, and while there were some growing pains, overall it was good. My experience this time was outstanding! The restaurant is beautiful with interesting artwork and comfortable seating. The server was kind, knowledgeable and did a great job of making sure we were enjoying the experience. Cocktails were delicious and the specials were all very tasty.

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  6. Robert

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good cocktails and food. Service excellent, staff friendly and helpful. Definitely will return.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Matt

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place. Hidden neighborhood gem with good food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Anna

    VIP

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 30 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food, strong drinks, and attentive/thoughtful staff. My new favorite place.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great, will be back! Service was outstanding

    Is this helpful?

  10. Nandita

    VIP

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
     6 of us went for brunch and loved all the appetizers and overall food choices!

    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 78 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Zentli

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

  • Area
    Evanston
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
  • 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, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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