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Mariscos El Calamar Mexican Restaurant

4.7 43 reviews 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM 2641 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, United States

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If you're in Chicago and craving authentic Mexican seafood, look no further than Mariscos El Calamar Mexican Restaurant. Tucked away at 2641 W Peterson Ave, this restaurant has quickly become a beloved gem amongst locals. The vibrant atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy a delightful culinary journey.

Start your meal with the shrimp ceviche, which customers rave about for its freshness and zesty kick. Transitioning to the main course, the Camarones Al Estilo "El Calamar" dazzles with its rich flavors, while the seafood stuffed in pineapple is a showstopper that’s both unique and delicious. Guests have noted the generous portions, making it perfect for sharing—or not!

Service is generally commendable, with friendly staff that elevate your dining experience. While some reviews mention a slight slowdown during busy hours, the overall vibe remains inviting and warm. With options like vegetarian gluten-free selections and a diverse range of drinks, Mariscos El Calamar caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. If you're looking for a taste of the sea with a Mexican twist, every visit promises to be a satisfying experience. Don't miss this culinary treasure in Chicago!

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Curbside pickup
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Mariscos El Calamar Mexican Restaurant before visiting.

Reviews for Mariscos El Calamar Mexican Restaurant

4.7
43 reviews
5
100%
4
13%
3
4%
2
4%
1
8%

Review highlights

Based on 43 reviews

Mariscos El Calamar Mexican Restaurant in Chicago is widely praised for its fresh, flavorful seafood dishes and generous portion sizes, with particular appreciation for ceviche, shrimp specialties, and carne asada tacos. Patrons commonly highlight the casual, neighborhood vibe complemented by attentive and friendly staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, catering well to diverse preferences. While the food and drinks, especially margaritas and micheladas, receive consistently positive remarks, some feedback suggests occasional slow service during busy periods. Overall, Mariscos El Calamar is viewed as a hidden gem, ideal for casual gatherings with friends or family, offering an authentic and enjoyable Mexican dining experience.

Madelyn Torres
Sep 29, 2025

Hit up El Calamar for dinner last week—started with their shrimp ceviche and then dove into the carne asada tacos. Ceviche was fresh, tacos had that nice char and just the right kick. Bartender was chill and kept the margaritas comin’, though service slowed a bit during the rush. Vibe’s casual and neighborhood‑real. Solid spot, I’d come back.

Cesar Ayala
Aug 23, 2025

Great service, food is good and there is room for improving the place. It is awesome, so pretty for getting with friends. You must come and see to check out the place

Cora Andrada
Aug 19, 2025

This spot is fire. Pulled up with my cousin, we split the ceviche mixto, camarones al mojo de ajo, and a michelada—ran us about $40 total. Everything was fresh and seasoned right. Shrimp were plump, ceviche had that perfect citrus kick. Vibes were super chill, music was going, and the staff treated us like family. Hidden gem for real.

Harry maha
Aug 14, 2025

Wow! This was one of the best Mexican seafood experiences I have ever had. The food, the services, the atmosphere, and the drinks. I enjoyed everything.

Angie Valentine
Aug 10, 2025

Everything we had was delicious and were very large portions. My son-in-law had Seafood stuffed in pineapple that was to die for. My daughter was able to find several vegetarian gluten-free options. The shrimp and garlic sauce was amazing. My only suggestion to them would be to put the salads on a separate plate. The salad came on the same plate with your main dish. The lettuce got the juices of the main dish on it before we were able to eat it.

Itsarapan Supan
Aug 01, 2025

The food was outstanding. I'm not typically a fan of seafood, but it was surprisingly delicious. The service was excellent as well. I intend to bring friends and family back here. Menu suggestions with English text and pictures would be highly valued.

Samuel Cervantes
Jul 29, 2025

El Calamar is a fantastic seafood restaurant that truly impressed me from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this place is definitely worth checking out. The food was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. You can really tell they take pride in the quality of their ingredients and how they prepare each dish. From appetizers to entrees, everything we ordered was delicious. If you're not sure what to try, the staff is more than happy to help you decide. Speaking of the staff, they were absolutely amazing. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel at home. A special shoutout to our waitress, Yoselin she went above and beyond to make our experience great. She was super helpful with recommendations and took the time to explain the dishes in detail, which made choosing what to order so much easier. El Calamar is a hidden gem, especially if you’re up north or don’t mind a little travel for quality food and service. It's definitely worth the trip. Between the great atmosphere, the top-notch service, and the delicious seafood, I can confidently say this is one of the better dining experiences I’ve had in a while. If you're looking for a spot with excellent seafood, a welcoming vibe, and outstanding service, I highly recommend giving El Calamar a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Marcela Rymus
Jul 04, 2025

Food was delicious! Everything looked very clean, the music was great, and the service was excellent. Can wait to come back and try different plates. Highly recommend.

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Quick info

Address
2641 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, United States
Price range
$20–30
Category
Mexican restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday Closed
  • Wednesday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM
  • Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Location

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