Ayayay - Mexican Eatery

From the outside, this place looks like it’s part of the 7-11 next door, so we almost walked right past it. But once you step inside, it’s a completely different world, a surprisingly cozy and solid restaurant. The menu is small and fits on a single page, but it offers a good variety of tacos: fish, shrimp, beef, pork, and chicken. The beef taco was my favorite. If you like spicy food, don’t skip their hot sauce. And the Mexican hot chocolate was perfect for winter: rich, creamy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon.

I had such a great experience at this restaurant! The waiter who served us was incredibly friendly and full of energy, which made the whole meal even more enjoyable. The atmosphere was bright, lively, and fun—perfect for a relaxed night out. I tried tostones for the first time, and they were amazing. The flavor was unique and pleasantly nutty, becoming sweeter and richer the longer I chewed. The guacamole served with it was extremely fresh and paired perfectly. The tacos were honestly some of the best I’ve ever had—just the right amount of heat with great umami flavor. The burrito was also delicious, especially the thin and slightly toasty tortilla that made it stand out even more. Highly recommended. I’d definitely love to come back again! 🌮🥑✨

I recently dined at AyAyAy Mexican Eatery in Chicago and was thoroughly impressed by the quality and creativity of the dishes. I ordered the filet mignon bowl with sushi rice, which was exceptional. The filet mignon was beautifully tender and juicy, cooked with precision, and paired perfectly with the sushi rice. The pico de gallo was vibrant and remarkably fresh, adding a bright, clean finish to an already standout dish. The charcoal chicken tacos were equally impressive. The chicken was tender and flavorful, complemented by fresh toppings and a notably smooth, delicious guacamole that elevated every bite. I also tried the Truffle Plantains, and they were truly to die for—perfectly cooked with a rich, aromatic truffle flavor that made them absolutely unforgettable. To end on a sweet note, the Oreo cheesecake delivered a luxuriously creamy and indulgent finish, the kind of dessert you find yourself thinking about long after the meal is over. Overall, AyAyAy Mexican Eatery offers a refined yet comforting dining experience, showcasing high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. A must-visit for anyone exploring Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

Outstanding food, drinks, and service! It looks like a hole in the wall from the outside…do not let that fool you…the vibe inside is great! This is some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever had! The Paloma and margarita were both excellent. We had street tacos and the yuca cheese balls—GET THE CHEESE BALLS! We will be back the next time we are in Chicago!

Second time eating here. Truffle plantains were delicious and creative and everything was mouthwatering good! The daily specials are great. We got the two tacos and a margarita special for $18. We'll be back.