Jose's Hacienda
About This Spot
Tucked away on the third floor of an otherwise unassuming office building, Jose's Hacienda feels like a quiet secret waiting to be uncovered. The journey up the stairs, wandering past familiar corridors, brings a surprising warmth the moment you step inside this modest corner of Skokie. There’s a comforting simplicity here—a place where time slows just enough to savor honest food and genuine human connection.
The atmosphere is unpretentious and homey, a blend of hum and low chatter that reflects the steady rhythm of a spot deeply rooted in its community. It’s not the flashiest restaurant you’ll find, but that’s part of its charm. Here, the focus is on authenticity: heartfelt dishes crafted from scratch with care, and a welcoming energy that feels as sincere as the flavors on the plate.
Jose himself is a quiet force behind the scenes, shaping every experience with his thoughtful attention. The menu, thoughtfully pared down, offers fresh takes on familiar Mexican favorites—tacos, quesadillas, and tortas—that carry a genuine homestyle warmth. Each bite reveals layers of care, with salsas and seasonings that highlight a keen appreciation for traditional flavors without pretension.
It’s the kind of place where locals return not just for the food but for the subtle sense of belonging—the feeling that this small eatery is a shared discovery, an honest refuge from the ordinary. Whether you’re sliding into one of the handful of simple seats or grabbing a quick bite to carry out, Jose’s Hacienda invites you to slow down and savor moments that feel quietly joyful and wholly authentic.
What’s Available Here
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Has wheelchair-accessible car park
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Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Identifies as Latino-owned
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Offers takeaway
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Serves dine-in
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No delivery
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Has fast service
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Popular for breakfast
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Popular for lunch
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Popular for dinner
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Good for solo dining
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Serves comfort food
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Serves food
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Quick bite
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Serves small plates
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Serves breakfast
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Serves lunch
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Serves dinner
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Serves dessert
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Has toilet
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Casual
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Good for groups
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Doesn't accept reservations
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Cash only
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Good for kids
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Plenty of parking
Mazen K 26 Nov 2025
This is the best place to eat Mexican food, I truly recommend this place, it’s a bit tricky to eat at this restaurant, just go inside the building third floor then walk straight, make a left and you will see this humble restaurant.I totally recommend the chimichanga and his nachos, you also can’t go wrong with his tacos , it’s extremely affordable and very tasty . Jose is totally cool guy .
Jon Ack 20 Nov 2025
The strangest place for a really good taco joint. On 3rd floor of office building in an old mail room. A nice man making some really good food. I will be going back often. Cash only!!!
Jerry O.P 06 Nov 2025
I love all the food! Been eating here since 2007, I've always had a great meal! The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the building. Try the burgers, tacos & tortas!
Kaitlyn Lenhardt 03 Nov 2025
Jose’s is amazing!! Good quality, authentic Mexican food for a great price. Jose is super friendly and makes everything from scratch. Been coming here for years! If you like quaint little cafes with a warm atmosphere this is your place. The al pastor is delicious!!
Em S 25 Oct 2025
A true hidden gem, possibly the most authentically straightforward Mexican food in the burbs. Really delicious. Whatever you get, make sure you get some of the salsa verde - I love salsa verdes, and this one is seriously good - fresh and bright and clearly made with love and consideration. Jose is awesome - a kind and very hardworking one man show, great positive energy. The space itself is on the 3rd floor: go down the hallway, make a left at the end, and the cafeteria space will be on your right. Cash only, or Zelle accepted.
Patrick Raftery 22 Oct 2025
The Steak torta is simply one of the best tortas I have ever eaten! Jose serves up delicious, authentic, mexican food. I cannot recommend him enough!
L Jones 15 Oct 2025
Came here on a whim. Mexican food, or really tasty well prepared Mexican food, is hard to find. We try everything that “might have” potential. So we hunted down Jose’s. And it’s a hunt. 3rd floor of an office building. Get off the elevator and head down the hall to the end, take a left and it’s down in the right in the mail room. That’s right, the mail room. We walked in to no one around but chilies boiling on the stove with amazing aroma. Good start and good sign. Jose makes it all from scratch, no bottled sauce of any kind. Jose himself runs the place and cooks. He’s really kind and friendly. He’s also a really good cook. We had the breakfast burritos with hot sauce and green sauce. The spice was zippy without overwhelming the flavors. The flavors are layered, egg, onion, bacon, chilies and a few other spices. It was really tasty. Honestly, it had to be the location that prevents this place not being packed. The prices are overly reasonable and the portions are huge. I looked at the negative reviews and they are worth reading. My guess is one of them is a competitor it was born without taste buds. The others are just trouble finding the place. Do yourself a favor. Drive to 9933 Lawlor Ave. Search the 3rd floor until you find the mailroom. Eat. I didn’t add a good photo of the food because I was eating it and forgot about reviewing the place.
Max Kanter 11 Oct 2025
Really enjoyed my al pastor burrito. The green salsa it came with was very tasty. Friendly and quick service from Jose himself. He said he’d been there for over 20 years!