Welcome to Paulina's
Paulina’s is a cozy Mexican restaurant located on Belvidere Street in Waukegan. With a price range of $10 to $20, it's an affordable spot for authentic Mexican cuisine. From hand-made tortillas to hearty burritos, every dish is crafted with care. Guests can expect fast service whether dine-in, takeaway, or delivery options are chosen. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, making it perfect for solo diners and families alike. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible and has amenities for children, making it a great choice for all community members.
Popular dishes
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About
Located at 816 Belvidere St, Waukegan, IL, Paulina’s enchants diners with its homey feel and real Mexican flavors. Unlike many kitchens, this place takes pride in preparing everything fresh, a fact you can taste in each bite. The friendly staff ensures a warm welcome, perfect for both locals and tourists exploring the area. Parking is hassle-free with available street and lot parking. The restaurant caters to families with high chairs and a kids' menu that delights little ones. Sunday at 1 PM is the busiest time, so visiting outside of peak hours might offer a more relaxed experience, especially if you're bringing the kids along. On the whole, Paulina's radiates a community spirit that invites everyone to share in a delicious meal.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Customers rave about the tender steak tacos, highlighting the incredible seasoning that sets them apart from competitors. Their house-made drinks, especially the hot ones, provide a delicious added experience. The freshly made tortillas steal the show, with many confirming they can taste the difference. Additionally, the cozy atmosphere makes for a home-like dining experience, perfect for families and solo diners alike. Finally, the value for money stands out, with logical prices for high-quality dishes that feel straight from Mexico.
Most Disliked
Some diners find the small size of the restaurant a bit confining, especially during peak hours when it reaches full capacity. Though many adore the food, a few note that the fresh preparation can lead to longer wait times. For those in a rush, making a reservation is recommended to secure a less crowded visit. A couple of reviews mention that although the food is fantastic, the parking situation can be a minor inconvenience during busy days, leading to slightly longer walking distances.
Reviews
Darah
The food is amazing. I ordered steak tacos and they are the most seasoned steak tacos I’ve had in Illinois. This place is very small and cozy which makes it feel like home. I have a toddler that was able to eat chicken soup here and he loved it too.
Howard C.
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is exquisite. I didn't have a lot. Just a quick bite and I can't wait to come back. The tortillas were hand made there. I could tell, but I asked just to verify. The steak taco meat was amazing. I rarely taste such good steak taco meat. The chief said they make everything fresh. It takes longer, but they take pride in their food. It shows. I think everyone in the area should take a moment to go there.
Javier G.
Just Like Grandma's House...
Jonathan B.
Food was amazing!! Best burrito I've had in a long time. The hot sauce was legit! Put as much as I could stand on each bite, cause the flavor was perfect. Also, you gotta try their house made drinks! The hot drinks are incredible, and so are the three cold ones. Really great experience!
Jose B.
Greatest tasty original Mexican food. Prices are very very affordable. Food feels straight from Mexico!
B e.
Although the restaurant itself needs a lot of attention, I must admit the cooks are all about the taste and authentic Mexican quality of the food they serve. Our waiter was super nice , Angelina was her name ! If your looking for a quick spot to grab some turbo energy this is the spot to come ! 💪
MARIA T.
This is the most authentic food I have eaten here in Waukegan. It is a small Restaurant but the food is great!! This is my second time coming here. Today I tried their Pozole OMG!! It was better than my moms and she is a great cook.. Also their Picaditas were delicious, very affordable prices.