A coworker recently claimed that Chicago boasts the most Mexican restaurants in the US. Intrigued, we decided to investigate this claim using the Yelp API, a more comprehensive data source than the original report cited. Yelp’s vast database and focus on user reviews offered a more accurate picture of the Mexican culinary landscape.
Methodology: Unveiling the Truth with Yelp Data
Our research involved querying the Yelp API for Mexican restaurants in every US county. To account for Yelp’s 1,000-result limit per query, we implemented a refined search strategy:
- Initial County-Level Search: We began by searching for Mexican restaurants within each US county.
- Targeted ZIP Code Search: For counties with populations exceeding one million, where the initial search likely hit the result limit, we conducted a more granular search by individual ZIP code. This ensured a comprehensive count even in densely populated areas.
This two-pronged approach, coupled with Python scripting for automation, allowed us to amass data on over 89,000 Mexican restaurants—significantly more than the 19,000 analyzed in the initial report.
alt text: methodology flow chart
Chicago’s Ranking: Fact vs. Fiction
Our findings definitively debunked the initial claim. Chicago, while home to a vibrant Mexican food scene, does not hold the top spot for the most Mexican restaurants.
alt text: methodology flow chart
Even after excluding chain restaurants (defined as having 10 or more locations), Chicago ranked third. Los Angeles and New York secured the first and second positions, respectively.
alt text: Bar Graph of Cities with Most Non-Chain Mexican Restaurants
Furthermore, when considering the number of Mexican restaurants per capita, Chicago didn’t even make the top rankings. Cities with smaller populations but higher concentrations of Mexican-American residents dominated this list.
alt text: Bar Graph of Cities with Most Mexican Restaurants Per Capita
Mapping the Mexican Restaurant Landscape
Visualizing the data on a map revealed a strong correlation between the prevalence of Mexican restaurants and the demographic makeup of an area. Regions with larger Hispanic populations generally boasted a higher density of Mexican restaurants.
alt text: US Map showing concentration of Mexican restaurants per capita
A separate map highlighting chain restaurant locations illustrated the widespread presence of national brands across the country.
alt text: US Map showing locations of Chain Mexican Restaurants
Visualizing Chain Dominance: A Dot Map of Popular Chains
Finally, we created a gridded dot map to visualize the geographical dominance of different Mexican restaurant chains. Each dot represents a grid area where a particular chain holds the majority presence. This visualization offers a unique perspective on chain distribution and market share across the US.
alt text: US dot map showing geographic dominance of major Mexican restaurant chains
Conclusion: Finding the Best Mexican Food in Chicago (and Beyond)
While Chicago might not reign supreme in sheer numbers of Mexican restaurants, it still offers a diverse and delicious selection of authentic Mexican cuisine. This research highlights the importance of using reliable data sources like Yelp when seeking out top-notch dining experiences. Whether you’re in Chicago or exploring other culinary hotspots, leveraging user reviews and comprehensive data can lead you to the best Mexican food in town. Use Yelp to discover hidden gems and local favorites for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
