Cantina 52

4.3 ( 540 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
52 Brink St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, United States
+1 815-333-7323
Cantina 52, located at 52 Brink St, Crystal Lake, IL, has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu offerings. Reviewers rave about the restaurant's commitment to inclusivity, featuring a full vegan menu alongside traditional Mexican dishes. Anette Nixon praises the vegan taco salad, while her friend enjoyed the delectable fish tacos, highlighting the restaurant’s ability to cater to all palates. The ambiance is equally impressive. Matt R noted the fantastic vibe, enhanced by creative food options and an extensive mocktail menu, making it an ideal spot for any gathering. Emily McGovern’s glowing remarks about the attentive service emphasize the restaurant's welcoming nature. The friendly staff, including standout servers, ensure a delightful dining experience. Food enthusiasts can't get enough of Cantina 52’s fresh and generously portioned meals. Kim Howard’s favorites include the nachos and tacos, both of which she describes as "seriously delish." The culinary highlight for Carolyn Topps is the Southwest Chicken Slider Tower, showcasing the menu's creativity. Adding to the appeal, Cantina 52 hosts engaging events like Drag Bingo and karaoke nights, making each visit feel special. With its commitment to quality cuisine and a lively atmosphere, Cantina 52 is undoubtedly a gem in Crystal Lake that keeps diners coming back for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Has live music
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Cantina 52

Anette Nixon
May 25,2025
I was so happy to find this restaurants in Crystal Lake that offers a regular Mexican menu and a full vegan menu. I opted for the vegan taco salad that did not disappoint and my friend had the fish ( not vegan) tacos and he said they were amazing. Vegan or not this restaurant has awesome food.
Matt R
May 4,2025
A fantastic spot! Great food options, great ambiance, great events. They have an extensive vegan menu with many creative options, and a mocktail menu available on request.
Emily McGovern
May 2,2025
Jimmy was an incredible server! So knowledgeable about the menu and very personable. Cantina 52 has an amazing menu and the food is like no other. The space is extremely friendly and inviting. Can’t wait to come back for bingo!
Kim Howard
Apr 21,2025
Amazing food and fun atmosphere! We have gone here a few times and every time the food is fresh, generously proportioned and delicious. The servers are all friendly and fun, and we really like the margaritas too, the flights are great and served in a cute way! Our top picks we have tried include the nachos and tacos - seriously, the nachos are so delish (see photo) and we can never decide on one so usually get two different types. Highly recommend Cantina 52 for yummy eats, drinks and fun!
Carolyn Topps
Mar 24,2025
I cannot say enough great things about Cantina 52! The food is top notch (my new obsession is the Southwest Chicken Slider Tower!), the service is amazing (shout out to Richelle and Jade!), the atmosphere is inclusive and fun, and the owner is a delight (much love to you Jimmy!)! They have Drag Bingo on Tuesdays with Krystal Ball! I friggin love her! She is stunning and she will send you on a ride of frisky fun from the first B11 to the last N52!!! They also have events every day of the week! Karaoke on Wednesday and Saturday, variety shows on Fridays, darts on Thursdays! Always something happening!!! If you haven’t gone, GO! You won’t be disappointed!!!!
Colleen Blake
Mar 22,2025
Do yourself a favor and check out this place! I've been twice now, and both times were exceptional experiences. Last night, my husband and I partook of the fall seasonal menu. Everything we had was delicious from the Autumn Sangria to the Apple Chipotle Pork Tacos. My husband had the Apple Bacon Slider Tower, and he was kind enough to share with me. All I can say is WOW. We finished the meal with the Apple Pie Eggrolls. Think McDonald's Apple pie but in egg roll form and way better. We will definitely be back! Service was a little slow, but in all fairness, it was our waiter's second night.
Susan Stewart
Feb 25,2025
My husband and I enjoy going to Cantina 52, especially since I'm vegan and he's not. There's so much for both of us on the menu. We've enjoyed everything we have ordered from pizza, to tacos, to nachos, etc. But these vegan potato skins (minus the vegan chorizo for me)!!! OMG. They are so good, especially the homemade vegan ranch! Great service, fun atmosphere, amazing food. Can't wait to go back!
Jeremy
Feb 7,2025
Great food! Great drinks! Great prices! Great service! Great atmosphere! It’s not every day that you can check all those boxes! Looking forward to our next visit!

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