There are many great places to get tacos in Chicago, but here are some of the best
Everyone likes a good taco. Whether you like yours with seafood, meat, chicken, or veggies only, there are seemingly endless flavor combinations. The great thing about tacos is that you can choose to load up yours with all the fixings, or just keep it plain--and they’re both equally delicious. There are many restaurants in the Chicago area that boast of some pretty amazing tacos, but we wanted to create a list of places that have some very stand-out options for your Taco Tuesday--or tacos any day of the week!
Do you have a friend that just goes crazy for tacos? Send them a GiftYa personalized gift card for any of the taco spots on this list. They’ll never need to worry about forgetting it at home, because it arrives electronically, and will be ready and waiting for them when they want to redeem it!
These tacos are just bursting at the seams with flavor. Image courtesy of Broken English Taco Pub.
75 E Lake St. and other locations
The Loop
No matter what language you speak, you’re going to love the flavorful tacos from this restaurant! Since you might be wondering about their interesting name, according to the owner, there are many words that don’t translate well from his native Spanish into English. So, when he found himself mixing both languages when hanging out with friends, it seemed to be the perfect name for a restaurant!
This lively and colorful taco spot is sure to have something you love, whether you want to go with the traditional carne asada taco, or try the pavo pibil--which includes achiote marinated turkey--you’re going to love what you get. If you have a group, consider taking advantage of their family style taco trays!
Make sure to try out their famous margaritas or try one of their other popular cocktails, the mojo-ito!
Buy a GiftYa To Broken English Taco Pub >
“Awesome vibe in this place!! Great music was playing and the atmosphere was fun and friendly. Tacos are yummy! I ordered the fried chicken tacos. Absolutely amazing.” -Yelp Review
A great choice for authentic Mexican tacos. Image courtesy of Taqueria El Asadero.
2213 W Montrose Ave.
North Center
If you’re in the mood for a no-frills restaurant with some seriously good tacos, the Taqueria El Asadero might be just what you’re looking for. This place has been serving up authentic Mexican street food since 1993, and remains to this day cash only. That won’t be a problem once you’ve had a taste of their marinated steak, pork, or chicken taco served with cilantro and onions in a corn tortilla.
They also offer hungry customers burritos, tortas, nachos, and some of the best homemade guacamole in the city. When you’re ready to try some real Mexican tacos, you can trust that Taqueria El Asadero will go above and beyond your expectations!
Buy a GiftYa To Taqueria El Asadero >
“What a solid taco joint near the north side! You'll find traditional corn taco filled with your choice of meat, diced onions and cilantro.” -Yelp Review
These tacos are so good you’ll want to try all their fillings. Image courtesy of L’Patron.
3749 W Fullerton Ave.
Logan Square
A taco craving can hit on any day of the week, and at almost any time! It’s good to know there are family-owned taquerias cooking up fresh tacos six days a week to help you get your taco fix. L’Patron prides itself on using the same family recipes that they have used for decades, ensuring that everything is chopped and prepared in house. This means you’ll get the best tasting tacos you’ve had yet!
If you’re into seafood tacos, this might be your new favorite spot--consider trying out their deviled shrimp or fish filet tacos. Want to do something with just veggies? That’s not a problem either as they offer a phenomenal roasted poblano peppers tacos, with Chihuahua cheese and fresh cilantro.
“Love the tacos here. They are thicker and heartier, with a lot of flavor. Highly recommend as in my mind it's what makes this place super authentic and special.” -Yelp Review
Stop here for Mexican breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Image courtesy of Tio Luis Tacos.
3856 S Archer Ave.
Brighton Park
One visit to this family-owned Mexican restaurant and you’ll be hooked on their friendly atmosphere, as well as their fantastic tacos! This place is open early and closes late, and is great for an early morning stop to indulge in huevos a la Mexicana, huevos rancheros, or enfrijoladas. If traditional lunch and dinner time fare is more your style, that’s not a problem either! Try either their tacos dinner or mini tacos dinner and you can choose between steak, chicken, pork, tongue, or chorizo and potatoes fillings.
While you’re there, consider checking out their house soups or other popular options such as guacamole, tortas, burritos, salads, and quesadillas--your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
Buy a GiftYa To Tio Luis Tacos >
“Tio Luis Tacos has some of the best tacos I've had in a long time. After a few bites, I was really impressed at how amazing it tasted. I will definitely come back again.” -Yelp Review
Whether you like your tacos spicy or mild, you’re going to walk away pleased! Image courtesy of Big Star.
1531 N Damen Ave.
Wicker Park
Add a little bit of funky to your tacos at Big Star, and you certainly won’t regret it! Any trip to this spot almost requires that you start off with their chips and salsa, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try their hot chips that come with your choice of meat and guacamole.
Then it’s on to the main attraction--tacos! If you’re looking for a meat taco, try the panza, which is pork belly, salsa verde, jalapeno onion, and cilantro. If you’d prefer to do something veggie based, you just can’t go wrong with the potato and chipotle taco or the yuba tofu taco.
It’s hard to have tacos at this place without at least trying out their margaritas, that come by the glass or by the pitcher. Choose from their classic, or add a little extra and include a mezcal float or spicy tequila.
“This place had everything you can ask for in a taco restaurant. Great tacos and even better margaritas. The service was super fast and friendly. Overall Big Star is a must to try if you are looking to switch up your typical Taco Tuesday go to spot.” -Yelp Review
Make it a taco and margarita night at this popular Chicago restaurant. Image courtesy of Yelp.
132 S Ashland Ave.
Near West Side
As soon as you walk in and see the open kitchen, you just know that this place is serious about preparing authentic tacos from fresh ingredients. That’s exactly what this spot aims to do for each order, and it’s why they’re one of the best places to grab tacos in the city. You can fill up on chorizo, chicken, and grilled fish tacos, or choose to change it up and go with their popular portobello taco.
After ordering your tacos, make sure to add an order of the house margarita, which comes with tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar, and just squeezed lime juice. It’s the perfect complement to any taco you try!
Buy a GiftYa To La Lagartija Taqueria >
“An awesome find near the united center! Tacos are cheap, service is quick and to the point, and food is great. No better place for a cheap but good authentic Mexican meal.” -Yelp Review
Bring your friends and enjoy the amazing amount of food included with each order! Image courtesy of Yelp.
1113 W 18th St.
Pilsen
As the name implies, this taco place specializes in carnitas, or marinated pork. But there are so many ways you can enjoy it--especially in their fresh corn tortillas! Add this to their fresh cilantro and onions, and you have the makings for your new favorite taco. This family-owned business is well known throughout the Chicago area for providing a welcoming environment--as well as some affordable and delicious carnitas!
Buy a GiftYa To Don Pedro Carnitas >
“Delicious, authentic Mexican carnicería. Lively, family atmosphere. A must stop in Pilsen!” -Yelp Review
These tacos are bursting with authentic and mouth watering flavors. Image courtesy of 5 Rabanitos.
5rabanitosdotcom.wordpress.com
1758 W 18th St.
Pilsen
Authentic Mexican tacos always taste a little better when some radish is added to them, and that’s the name of the game at 5 Rabanitos (which translates to little radishes). One of their most popular tacos is the pibil taco, which is delicious marinated pork inside a homemade corn tortilla, and topped with cilantro and radish bits.
This place is known for its tacos, but don’t be afraid to try their other options as well, including the tortas, soups, and tamales. The service here is very good, and the prices are more than reasonable as well!
“If you're looking for a truly authentic Mexican restaurant, look no further. Service was good and food was great.” -Yelp Review
Chicagoans love their tacos--any way that they can get them! If you’ve got a taco craving, consider stopping at any of the recommended spots on this list for a guaranteed delicious meal. What’s your favorite taco place in Chicago? Let us know in the comments!
