La Cocina de Emma

Hard to know the hours to this place in Harvard since it can be unexpectedly closed. It took a few tries to get in. La Cocina De Emma is one of the authentic Mexican restaurants in town. Barely looks big enough to be a restaurant to be honest. The place has more of a homeliness to it, which can be charming if wanting to focus on the good meal. Any decent Mexican restaurant should have margaritas as well as free chips. It's about $9 for the cheapest margaritas. These have several flavors including classic lime, as well as mango and strawberry. Maybe these aren't too strong, but there's enough to get a buzz. The food has typical favorites like tacos, and because it's authentic there's also tortas. It's about $12 for a burrito. These are pretty big and packed full of stuff. Lots of fajita vegetables and especially great with jalapeños. These can be made vegetarian by not getting meat. If wanting meat though, you have choices. There's beef, chicken, chorizo, pork, steak, and tongue. Check the hours before going. It often closes for private parties. These often happen on weekends.

La Cocina de Emma is a solid choice for a quick Mexican meal. It offers a decent selection of traditional dishes. I started with chips and salsa, though I found the salsa lacking in flavor. However, the steak tacos, rice, and beans were very good. While the food isn't particularly fancy, it delivers a satisfying and straightforward Mexican dining experience. If you're nearby and craving Mexican cuisine, La Cocina de Emma is worth a visit.

I had a burrito de carne Asada and it was solid, though the red and green salsa both didn't pack a whole lot of flavor. The rice was meh, the beans were good. The horchata was sweet and pretty good. The taco de lengua was decent, could've gone better with a better tasting salsa. The price was average, paid about $25 after tax for the burrito, taco, rice and beans along with a big horchata

Came to Harvard for a wedding, craving some tacos.I ordered the Queso Birria special, and husband ordered the steak taco dinner on Corn tortillas. Everything was amazing! We talked to the owner and found out they relocated from Belmon Cragin neighborhood in Chicago. Cannot go wrong with the food here. The Margaritas are humongous. Chips and salsa immediately dispensed at the table. Food was so good, I want to drive the 1 1/2 hours from chicago just to go back.Small and cozy, probably only 10 tabletops, but don't let that fool you. If you stop in Harvard for any reason, stop here for the food. You won't be disappointed.

Muy delicioso y fresco. The salsa, the food: tacos, chilequilles, and quesadillas were amazing. Service was perfect.

Love eating here!! Outstanding food at reasonable prices and the nicest people working here. They even gave me margaritas to go!! My wife loves her burrito with beans, cheese, sour cream and rice. I love their chicken burrito- it's big and so delicious. I'm not a fan of their el pastor however; it was more like barbecue pulled pork ? Chicken tacos and chorizo tacos are amazing. Use the red salsa - just the right spice for gringos like me. Excellent horchata- not watered down. Definitely try this place!!

Un lugar completamente autentico de comida mexicana, todo sabia a que fue hecho el mismo día, fresco y delicioso. Me encanto el agua de horchata, aquí la hacen desde cero, la recomiendo bastante. Fuimos atendidos pronto y los empleados son muy amigables. No recuerdo la ultima vez que tuve tan buena comida mexicana.

I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. It might be small, but if you are going there for a great authentic meal, this is the place. Yes, you have several choices of restaurants in the area, but if you are wondering which one to choose, La Cocina de Emma will not disappoint. The service was excellent, by Christina, the Margarita's were awesome and the food was delicious. Thank you La Cocina de Emma for a great dining experience. We will definitely be back soon.

The food is delicious, and the service is friendly. The shrimp tacos and the guacamole are my favorites. My husband likes the Fajitas.

Very nice atmosphere, not over done. Staff was very friendly, and very helpful in describing their unique menu items. Meats served were well trimmed and well prepared. Our group of three shared two menu items and we still left with a take away box. The horchata itself is worth the stop. The best we have ever tasted. This restaurant is a gem and worth going out of your way to find and dine-in. This will be a new regular place for us. Excellent spot!