The Top Taco Spots In Chicago

There are few things in life better than a delicious taco. Thankfully, Chicago is home to some of the best tacos in the country. From Mexican al pastor and carnitas street tacos at greasy, hole-in-the-wall restaurants to gourmet kale, grits and roasted beet tacos in shabby-chic, hip eateries, Chicago has every type of taco your stomach could ever hope for.

Rubi’s at Maxwell Street Market

Market, Mexican

It might be a good thing that the Maxwell Street Market is only open from 7am – 3pm on Sundays, because otherwise there’s a good chance you’d eat here every single day. The line forms early, so be sure to get there in time to enjoy the mouth-watering al pastor taco with thickly sliced meat and chunks of juicy pineapple on top of a fresh house-made tortilla.

Don Pedro Carnitas

Carnitas Don Pedro restaurant in Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago

Be prepared for long lines, but the perfectly crispy carnitas are worth the wait. You can buy the pork by the pound, and then everything is brought to your table. From onions and cilantro to salsa and endless tortillas, Don Pedro’s makes sure you have everything you need to create your own tacos. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the deep-fried beef brain tacos.

Big Star

Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Mexican, Beer

This spot has one of the best patios in Chicago, so try to get there early enough to snag a table outside. The restaurant is almost always busy, but if you want to avoid the crowds, head over to the bar or take-out window. Enjoy the taco de pescado with a Big Star margarita while dancing to the music playing overhead. Remember before you head over that it’s cash only.

Del Seoul

Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Korean, Mexican, BBQ, Fast Food

Located in Lincoln Park, Del Seoul serves a mix of Korean and Mexican fare. The restaurant serves Mexican tacos with a Korean BBQ twist, and the kalbi and shrimp tacos are a must try. Add a side of kimchi fries to your order, and you’ll feel like you’re in your own Korean-Mexican paradise.

Carnitas Uruapan

Restaurant, Mexican

Carnitas Uruapan is a staple in the Pilsen neighborhood. The menu reflects the authentic flavors of Uruapan, Mexico. With slow-cooked pork carnitas accompanied by chicharonnes and a cactus salad, you won’t be disappointed. On Saturdays and Sundays, spicy pork brain tacos are available as well.

Antique Taco

Restaurant, American, Mexican

In this Pinterest-inspired restaurant, the menu changes seasonally. With options like shrimp tacos topped with cauliflower elote, fried kale, and basil avocado salsa, these gourmet tacos are certainly one-of-a-kind. Top off your meal with one of their horchata milkshakes, and Antique Taco will surely fulfill all of your food connoisseur dreams.

L’Patron

Restaurant, Mexican

Don’t miss out on the carne asada taco at this popular taco spot. The family-owned restaurant serves delicious tacos along with its famous gringa and gringo, which is a tortilla sandwich filled with pork or steak and Chihuahua cheese. It’s cash only, so don’t forget to stop by the ATM on your way.

Birrieria Zaragoza

Famous for their melt-in-your-mouth roasted goat, Birrieria Zaragoza tacos are so good that you’re guaranteed to become a converted goat lover. The house-made, hand-pressed corn tortillas along with the fresh salsa make for the perfect mouth-watering taco. Don’t leave Chicago without eating their award winning goat taco.

About the author

Samantha Looney

Samantha is a writer and an artist with a BA in English from Brigham Young University. Her perfect weekend includes wandering around a new city, taking pictures, roaming through art galleries, and finding the best vegan restaurants. When she's not reading or writing, she's painting, baking gluten-free cookies, traveling the world, or binge watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

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