Mariscos Los Cuates — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

A Hidden Gem in Pilsen – Los Cuates de la 18

Tucked away in the heart of Pilsen, Los Cuates de la 18 delivers a coastal escape through authentic Mexican seafood that makes you feel like you're dining beachside, soaking up the sun and good vibes. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality that instantly makes you feel like family.

The ambiance is just as inviting — cozy, colorful, and full of life — creating the perfect setting for a relaxed and joyful meal. I especially appreciated the modern touch of digital menus. It’s clear that while Los Cuates proudly preserves the traditions of Mexican service and hospitality, they’re also embracing technology to enhance the overall experience without losing that personal connection.

Now, let’s talk about the food — because this is where Los Cuates truly shines. The Chicharrón de Pescado, paired with their vibrant house-made salsas and fresh handmade tortillas, is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The Torre de Mariscos is a visual masterpiece, stacked high and bursting with bold, fresh flavors. And the Seafood Boil? An absolute showstopper — seasoned just right, generously portioned, and so satisfying.

From start to finish, Los Cuates offers a seafood experience that’s both authentic and elevated. If you're craving the taste of the Mexican coast right here in Chicago, this is one spot you...

If you’re looking for a seafood experience that hits hard with flavor and authenticity, Mariscos Los Cuates is an absolute gem. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and attentiveness..especially by our server, Roberto, who went above and beyond. He wasn’t just friendly..he was exceptionally knowledgeable about the menu, walking us through each dish with care and making sure we understood what made everything special.

We tried the aguachiles, which were bold, fresh, and perfectly balanced in spice. The tiradito de atún was another standoutdelicate slices of tuna with vibrant citrus and heat that danced on the palate. Every bite felt like it was prepared with intention, and the seafood was incredibly fresh definitely high-quality.

What really made the experience memorable was the attention to detail. Roberto made us feel like we weren’t just guests, but part of a culinary story. He checked in at all the right times, offered thoughtful suggestions, and made sure everything was spot on.

This isn’t just good Mexican seafood this is next-level coastal cuisine served with genuine hospitality. Whether you’re a fan of mariscos or new to the game, this spot deserves a visit. I’ll absolutely be back, and I’ll be requesting...

My girl friend suggested to do lunch at this new establishment based on some friends recommendation while I was visiting from the suburbs.They are still BYOB, so we got some beer around the corner. Our waitress was very friendly and welcoming and made some good suggestions. My GF ordered a tostada fria and I ordered a hot mixed tostada for appetizers. Wow! My tostada was probably the best tostada I've ever had in my entire life. The seafood was tossed in a guajillo pepper flavored marinade/sauce topped with avocado slices. Now comes the disappointment: I also ordered an oyster, shrimp and octopus cocktail. They topped the cocktail glass with 1 in-the-shell oyster and that's was it. Plenty off shrimp and some octopus though. No flavor whatsoever. It was like eating unseasoned seafood in a pool of water. They just opened a few weeks ago so I'm sure they are working out the kinks in the back of the house. Some young guy stopped by our table to welcome us and explained they are still working on getting their liquor licence which was a nice touch. We tipped accordingly to the great service we received. We will come back and I hope that cocktail will be more flavorful next time! 5...