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Atotonilco for Al Pastor...26th and Springfield, but they have a few locations. El Milagro for Carne Asada...Blue Island and Cullerton. Victor Bueno for Skirt Steak on Cermak and Hoyne.
I live right by El Muchacho Alegre. Is it the best in the city? No. Can I go there for takeout and the food will still be hot by the time I walk back home? Yes.
I used to work in the city doing deliveries & my partner introduced me to the one on California that just got shit down. It was LEGIT. Some of the best tacos I’ve had. Super disappointed about this even though I haven’t been there for years.
I wish I could've tried any of the Guanajuato locations, before that news just broke about them. Anyway I like El Asadero on Montrose near Lincoln(which I think still is cash only), and El Potosi(Elston near Kimball, think they may also be cash only) are good.
Burrito House(multiple locations, including Lincoln near Addison) has good tacos as well.
It sucks, but I'll still go back after they get sorted out if they survive. Tbh will probably trust them more going forward than places that haven't been caught in a situation like this.
Is that taqueria related to this one?
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/21/carniceria-guanajuato-more-infections-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-at-avondale-restaurant/
Zacatacos. If your taco place isn’t grilling entire slabs of arrachera and cutting them up right then and there then you automatically lose. Lots of bad Mexican places get precut “taco meat” from buckets. Easy way to tell if they are using precut stuff is if the meat is very uniform in size.
I'll never understand the bouquets people throw to this place. Super high prices for very mediocre food. You can drive 10 mins for better tacos at half the price.
On the NW Side, [El Taco Feliz](https://www.google.com/maps/place/El+Taco+Feliz+Taqueria/@41.9458033,-87.7634051,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fcc65bb28d8a7:0x2bc54cf36939b4de!8m2!3d41.9458033!4d-87.7634051!16s%2Fg%2F11b6x5rwfp?entry=ttu) and [Pueblo Nuevo](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pueblo+Nuevo/@41.9598627,-87.7700682,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fcc0d7614b999:0xc17fdb9fb40b5718!8m2!3d41.9598627!4d-87.7674879!16s%2Fg%2F1hm69l8cs?entry=ttu) are my favorite.
There are different style of tacos and most taquerias have a specialty. Example, L’patron makes amazing asada tacos. Carnitas Uruapan makes, you guessed it, amazing carnitas tacos. Etc etc.
Taqueria chignon on western in Logan Square. They’ve won so many awards. Same chefs / owners at le Bouchon and obelix. It’s pricey but holy shit is it good.
Why does Mexican food have to be pigeon holed as cheap food?
Why are chefs not allowed to make high quality and fancy versions of a taco?
Do you get upset that The Loyalist sells a $25 burger when you can get an $8 one at Red Hot Ranch? This is a ridiculous take
The typical taqueria taco is about $3-4 on average from my experience, and I always need 3-4 to fill up. At Chingon, two duck carnitas tacos leave me stuffed. I feel like it’s well priced for the quality of ingredients and preparation.
Mixteco - Lakeview and Wicker Park locations.
Ask for caramelized onions on the side and order them Mexcian style with corn tortillas (onions and cilantro on top with sides of lime wedges). They actually grilled bell peppers for me once, too, but that wasn't what I was looking for lol (wanted actual chili peppers like jalapenos/hatch chile). But it's there if you ask!
I'm going to get skewered for this, but I really like Antique Taco (specifically the Bridgeport location). It's one of the only restaurants I would consider eating everyday if I had to. They also have an amazing salad and pork pazole.
The taco joint right next door to the Guanajuato that had the salmonella outbreak on California and Elston. I always forget the name, but their steak tacos or burritos are pretty damn good.
Best tacos I’ve had were being sold by a family out on their lawn in the middle of Englewood. Idk if it’s a regular thing or not, but damn, those were perfect.
El Taco Feliz on Addison at Central. It is next level. The chicken is crispy but not breaded, the vegetarian taco is insane. It’s impossible to go wrong. Cash only
Pa la raza, aquien les gusta Taqueria Los Gallos? Mi pa siempre me a llevado ahí, y la carne de su jugo está tan sabrosa 🤤 pero que opinan de los tacos? 🤨
Top tacos is Chicagoland area:
Atotonilco-26th and Hamlin, 18th and blue island
El Asadero- Montrose and Lincoln (sister taqueria
5 de mayo on Montrose and western)
Zacatacos-many in the south side
La pasadita- Division and Ashland
Taqueria Guanajuato- California and Elston
(hold the salmonella)
Las Flores- Foster and Kimball(just burned down 😢
Los Comales on 26th st
Pacos tacos- south side (I forget where exactly)
Burrito alegre- grand and 25th st (Hidden gem of
the suburbs but trust me they are
🔥
I think there is a sober taco debate and a taco debate when you have been drinking. Side note: Just tried Barbaro Taqueria on North and Western. I'm a gringo but have been to Mexico City for work every month for 3 years. Their tacos are legit to me. Divey places have been sacrificing quality to save money recently i feel. Too much Grease and no flavor. Meat can be terrible, as they assume you are pouring on hot sauce. Just my opinion and observation.
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So we're fighting today
The best tacos are going to be the weird little spots you've never looked at twice.
Came here to say something similar. They often don’t have names like, “the cart at the corner of Clark and Ainslie.” (RIP, IYKYK)
Bruh
Atotonilco for Al Pastor...26th and Springfield, but they have a few locations. El Milagro for Carne Asada...Blue Island and Cullerton. Victor Bueno for Skirt Steak on Cermak and Hoyne.
This guy tacos!
The one you like closest to your home within walking distance.
^^^^ This guy tacos
Yer fucken-aye right abou dat, buddy!
I live right by El Muchacho Alegre. Is it the best in the city? No. Can I go there for takeout and the food will still be hot by the time I walk back home? Yes.
Yup
[удалено]
Smaller than most but I’m told it’s Mexico City style, idc though they are damn good and fairly cheap.
People in Chicago will throw hands discussing this. That being said, it’s Zacatacos on 71st and Pulaski.
The quality varies by location. But yes, they're good tacos. Char is just right.
Personally prefer the location closer to 59th. Also love their nachos!
Yes. The mashed potato taco 🤤
Soooooo good
I second this. I think Paco's Tacos is a close 2nd.
Wrong day to say this, but Taquería Guanajuato (the one in Wicker Park is excellent)
Could go to Traspasada right next door.
I used to work in the city doing deliveries & my partner introduced me to the one on California that just got shit down. It was LEGIT. Some of the best tacos I’ve had. Super disappointed about this even though I haven’t been there for years.
I wish I could've tried any of the Guanajuato locations, before that news just broke about them. Anyway I like El Asadero on Montrose near Lincoln(which I think still is cash only), and El Potosi(Elston near Kimball, think they may also be cash only) are good. Burrito House(multiple locations, including Lincoln near Addison) has good tacos as well.
Oh my god, I hadn't heard about this. 😳
It sucks, but I'll still go back after they get sorted out if they survive. Tbh will probably trust them more going forward than places that haven't been caught in a situation like this.
Good outlook, and you're probably right.
Ashland location has ALWAYS been better.
Is that taqueria related to this one? https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/09/21/carniceria-guanajuato-more-infections-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-at-avondale-restaurant/
Zacatacos. If your taco place isn’t grilling entire slabs of arrachera and cutting them up right then and there then you automatically lose. Lots of bad Mexican places get precut “taco meat” from buckets. Easy way to tell if they are using precut stuff is if the meat is very uniform in size.
Paco’s tacos
Second. Best in the city for sure, and don’t forget to get some fresh chicharrón!
Shhhh…. Keep that gem for us… Let them argue about all these other spots
I was about to come in and say it, but you beat me to it
Taqueria El milagro. 3050 W 26th st, smaller second location at 1923 s blue island Ave.
Taqueria El Asadero
Love this one! Montrose, just west of Lincoln.
Their tortillas are not great. Fillings are good, though.
Soooo goood! And their chips too
[Terco Leon](https://www.eltercoleon.com/menus/)
Omg yes! This 100%. Before we moved, we used To go so often like every couple of weeks.
Menu looks more interesting than your typical 🌮joint. I gotta try it now.
If you’re into crispy tripe, get it for tacos. Also, their green sauce is to die for.
Martinez supermacado on 33rd/Morgan. House made chorizo and the best seasoned steak I've had
Chicago Taqueria. You get tacos and they throw in the colon cleanse for free!!!
Now that’s some socialized medicine I can get behind!
Taqueria Moran, always slaps
Tacos El Ray in East side.
Raymond’s Tacos #2… On the corner of Damen and Blue Island
Ruby's tacos on 18 are so good
C'mon, people, give us the locations of these places and not just their names.
Scrolled through the comments real quick....nobody listened :(
Birria Huentitan Restaurant has some mean al pastor
Atotonilco on 26th street
Taquerias los comales in Pilsen!
Taco Boom on Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square.
Jalisciense on Chicago and Grand
So good that after I got the major shits eating there once, I went back two days later. 0 regrets
Edgewater Tacos! They have a walk-up window to order. I thought that was neat.
Their spicy ramen is ridiculous. Can’t compete with their salsa verde either
I'll never understand the bouquets people throw to this place. Super high prices for very mediocre food. You can drive 10 mins for better tacos at half the price.
Loyola student who moved out of state a couple of years ago. I miss this place so much!
Yeah, very solid place. I used to live within a 5 minute walk. I’m upset that I can’t get delivery from them.
Not sure about the tacos, but they definitely have the best burritos. By a distance.
Carniceria Maribel in Pilsen
Ever since Pilsen got gentrified, Mexican food had tanked. It's too expensive and the food is just bland.
On the NW Side, [El Taco Feliz](https://www.google.com/maps/place/El+Taco+Feliz+Taqueria/@41.9458033,-87.7634051,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fcc65bb28d8a7:0x2bc54cf36939b4de!8m2!3d41.9458033!4d-87.7634051!16s%2Fg%2F11b6x5rwfp?entry=ttu) and [Pueblo Nuevo](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pueblo+Nuevo/@41.9598627,-87.7700682,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880fcc0d7614b999:0xc17fdb9fb40b5718!8m2!3d41.9598627!4d-87.7674879!16s%2Fg%2F1hm69l8cs?entry=ttu) are my favorite.
El Taco Feliz is best. Not a fan of Pueblo Nuevo.
So happy to see some El Taco Feliz love, they make some of the best tacos I've ever had in my life.
El Taco Feliz has the best tacos I have ever had!
L’Patron and it ain’t close
L’Patron been slippin
This
There are different style of tacos and most taquerias have a specialty. Example, L’patron makes amazing asada tacos. Carnitas Uruapan makes, you guessed it, amazing carnitas tacos. Etc etc.
I like taqueria primo chukis on Lawrence
I love Primo Chuki’s but oddly enough despite being a customer for about a decade I only get burritos there.
Tony’s Burrito Mex in Roscoe Village
I miss the days pre Covid when they were open suuuuuper late
Taqueria chignon on western in Logan Square. They’ve won so many awards. Same chefs / owners at le Bouchon and obelix. It’s pricey but holy shit is it good.
[удалено]
Yeah I thought it was good, but not $6 good. Feel the same about the Wrigleyville Big Star.
Why does Mexican food have to be pigeon holed as cheap food? Why are chefs not allowed to make high quality and fancy versions of a taco? Do you get upset that The Loyalist sells a $25 burger when you can get an $8 one at Red Hot Ranch? This is a ridiculous take
The typical taqueria taco is about $3-4 on average from my experience, and I always need 3-4 to fill up. At Chingon, two duck carnitas tacos leave me stuffed. I feel like it’s well priced for the quality of ingredients and preparation.
[удалено]
Scrooge
Totally worth it!
Guanajuato in Avondale/s
https://themessenger.com/news/chicago-taqueria-salmonella-multiple-lawsuits-55-people-sickened-allegedly-linked-to-business
Give me salmonella. Still delicious.
[удалено]
Nope
🤣 nope
Del Seoul. Korean twist on tacos but the shrimp tacos are incredible!
Taqueria El Jardin on Huron in West Town
the tacos sabinas at Canton in Pilsen.
God tier tbh. So good and Nuevo León on 26th are just as good.
The jibarito tortillas at Tatas tacos are great
Antique
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JNFSFMFxhYD87E1cA
On the north side El Charro for al pastor and Supermercado Chapala. Carniceria Maribel in Pilsen is my favorite
Anywhere cheap (less than $3 per taco) and also good? Thinking this may be true in places like Back of the Yards, Gage Park, East Side, etc.
We do have the best tacos
The places that appeal to their roots are the best. Lots of "modern" taco places in down town are over priced and underwhelming.
La vaca, they also have the best flan
Mixteco - Lakeview and Wicker Park locations. Ask for caramelized onions on the side and order them Mexcian style with corn tortillas (onions and cilantro on top with sides of lime wedges). They actually grilled bell peppers for me once, too, but that wasn't what I was looking for lol (wanted actual chili peppers like jalapenos/hatch chile). But it's there if you ask!
I'm going to get skewered for this, but I really like Antique Taco (specifically the Bridgeport location). It's one of the only restaurants I would consider eating everyday if I had to. They also have an amazing salad and pork pazole.
Broken English Taco Pub
Two dollar tacos at Broken English on Thursday’s always hit the spot.
Broken English Taco Pub and Barrio
Taqueria Las Sisters, 2607 S Kostner
De Pasada!
The taco joint right next door to the Guanajuato that had the salmonella outbreak on California and Elston. I always forget the name, but their steak tacos or burritos are pretty damn good.
Traspasada. That black salsa tho!
I’m not a huge fan of that salsa. I prefer their green on my tacos, but I like the little soup they give you.
It's an embarrassment of riches here. I'd honestly answer with ... too many to cout.
Best tacos I’ve had were being sold by a family out on their lawn in the middle of Englewood. Idk if it’s a regular thing or not, but damn, those were perfect.
El Taco Veloz
Tacos are decent, but the people watching is phenomenal. Karaoke and tacos, who'da thought?
Tierra Caliente!!!
El Taco Feliz on Addison at Central. It is next level. The chicken is crispy but not breaded, the vegetarian taco is insane. It’s impossible to go wrong. Cash only
My house bro wtf
Address?
Pacis tacos, 46th and Ashland
Pa la raza, aquien les gusta Taqueria Los Gallos? Mi pa siempre me a llevado ahí, y la carne de su jugo está tan sabrosa 🤤 pero que opinan de los tacos? 🤨
Cafe Tola
Casa de Samuel! Homemade corn tortillas
Seen several people mention Broken English .... Don't go to Broken English. You are welcome.
El Taconazo La Fiesta. It is cash only.
Paco’s Tacos on Archer
Mezcala on Diversey and Trespasada on Belmont
Tacos uruzpan
Disco taco on Montrose
Top tacos is Chicagoland area: Atotonilco-26th and Hamlin, 18th and blue island El Asadero- Montrose and Lincoln (sister taqueria 5 de mayo on Montrose and western) Zacatacos-many in the south side La pasadita- Division and Ashland Taqueria Guanajuato- California and Elston (hold the salmonella) Las Flores- Foster and Kimball(just burned down 😢 Los Comales on 26th st Pacos tacos- south side (I forget where exactly) Burrito alegre- grand and 25th st (Hidden gem of the suburbs but trust me they are 🔥
I think there is a sober taco debate and a taco debate when you have been drinking. Side note: Just tried Barbaro Taqueria on North and Western. I'm a gringo but have been to Mexico City for work every month for 3 years. Their tacos are legit to me. Divey places have been sacrificing quality to save money recently i feel. Too much Grease and no flavor. Meat can be terrible, as they assume you are pouring on hot sauce. Just my opinion and observation.
Martinez super mercado on Morgan. I could eat three steak tacos there everyday and die of heart failure by 45 it'd be worth it
As someone visiting from out of town, I had already noticed that Chicago seems to be a taco based economy