Chilacates South End, located in the heart of Boston at 275 Shawmut Ave, has swiftly captured the hearts of locals with its authentic Mexican street food. Customers rave about the Birria Tacos, praised as "the singular best dish" by repeat patrons. The simplicity of the restaurant's offerings enhances the dining experience—it's all about the food, as noted by a customer who found the ambiance secondary and the food "phenomenal."
Whether you choose the pollo tinga or al pastor tacos, or even a hearty carnitas tamale, the freshness is evident in each bite. Diners have noted the welcoming and friendly staff adds to the charm, making it a must-visit spot for taco enthusiasts. One reviewer emphasized the joy of dining outdoors, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the South End on a beautiful day, truly highlighting how the setting complements the meal.
While some may have reservations about certain fillings, like the al pastor in the quesadilla, the consensus is clear: Chilacates South End is where quality ingredients meet bold flavors. If you're searching for the best Mexican food in the area, make sure to stop by and indulge in the culinary delights this gem offers.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Chilacates South End
Growing Green
Jun 26,2025
The Birria Tacos are the singular best dish I’ve ever had at a Mexican food place. Ordered them late at night to try something new and I was not disappointed.
Casi Rich
Jun 16,2025
It's hard to rate the service and atmosphere because this is essentially a take out place that serves a handful of customers on site. The food is just phenomenal. It's nothing fancy, just the way all the best food is.
Joseph McGrath
Jun 14,2025
This is where Wholly Grain coffee shop used to operate. Chilacates has done a great job transforming the space. I tried the pollo tinga and al pastor tacos. Both were quite good. As was the carnitas tamale. Staff was very welcoming and friendly!
Tim Lambertson
Jun 4,2025
Authentic, delicious, Mexican street food in the heart of the South End. We shared a bowl and the Birria Tacos. Everything was delicious. I would absolutely go back. I rated the atmosphere a 5, because we sat outside on a beautiful day and enjoyed the atmosphere of the South End. It was perfect. Highly recommend!
Vahe Yacoubian
Apr 30,2025
I ordered takeout from Chilacates for Cinco de Mayo. I had the Taco Plate with Chicken Tinga and the 10 Inch quesadilla with Al Pastor. Overall, this place has been the best Mexican food that I have found in the area. Food tastes extremely fresh and tastes like it is made with quality ingredients. 1) Taco Plate with Chicken Tinga (5/5) - very delicious with a create-your-own taco style, which was very unique. 2) 10 inch quesadilla with Al Pastor (4/5) - The quesadilla was good, but I was not a fan with the al pastor filling. It didn't have nearly the amount of taste as the tacos. I would next time go for chicken or even beef filling.
Edualyn Rojas
Apr 25,2025
I went on a Friday around lunch time and it was not that busy wait time was about 5 minutes I ordered two tostadas and two elotes also ordered churros and let me just say everything was perfection and fresh I enjoyed the elote the most and I will be coming back to try the rest of the menu. I also got a agua Fresca and it was also very refreshing I definitely recommend and the prices are ok not to expensive
Nathanel Johns
Apr 22,2025
This spot??? Absolutely Clutch... They are open late and have all the eats... I only experienced them through DoorDash since i was in a hotel but each time my food was fresh and absolutely delish. I ordered from there twice and had the Horchata, Elote, Burris Burrito, Madurai, & Grilled Chicken Burrito. Whew... each item was a home run and im thinking about going back to Boston to have this food again. They even called me to clarify my order since they were about to close and didn't want to make any mistakes. From what i can tell most people don't dine in, that this is more of a good food fast type of place. But i would definitely like to sit in and eat the food fresh.
Matt Coughlin
Apr 18,2025
Service was quick, order was accurate and the food was great
Reviews For Chilacates South End