Top 10 Taco Spots in Chicago

10. del seoul

lincoln park

What’s better on a rainy day than tacos and steamed dumplings? An unlikely combination at this Korean/Mexican fusion joint that really makes you wonder why you haven’t thought of combining the two before. Skip the land-based tacos for now and focus on the what comes from the sea. The sambal fish tacos are delightful, lightly breaded and not overpowered by the toppings - but the star of the show is the sesame-chili shrimp tacos. Bursting with flavor and, oh, so satisfying - these tacos are their most popular pick for a reason. Casual, small, and counter-service - Del Seoul will not disappoint.

9. Loncar’s Liquors

south Chicago

Hard shell tacos are King at Loncar’s Liquors. On Wednesdays, this South Chicago dive bar slings out deep fried beef tacos for $1.50 a pop, wash them down with a bucket of bud light, throw some tunes on the jukebox and you’ve got yourself one hell of a night. Don’t forget smother your tacos with the mysterious (and delicious) orange sauce that South Chicago is known for - if you ask nicely, they may give you some to take home as well.

8. El Taco Veloz

West Town

El Taco Veloz is a charming sit-down restaurant in West Town whose vibe ranges from adorable family restaurant to raucous karaoke bar late night on the weekend. Their tacos are authentic, cheap, and just plain good. Rumor has it they have a $1 taco special on Tuesdays as well.

7. Los Gamas Tortilleria

Logan Square

If there was ever place to drive home the point that home made tortillas are the best: Los Gamas Tortilleria would be it. A small counter-order shop, these fresh corn tortillas are made in house and it makes all of the difference. Try the choriqueso (chorizo & queso) or steak tacos and you will not be disappointed.

6. La Pasadita

Wicker Park

If anyone has perfected the art of fast food tacos - it is La Pasadita. Great to grab on your way home or on your way to a Movie in the Park - La Pasadita’s tacos are authentic, delicious, and fast. Conveniently located off the Division blue line stop, make sure to swing by and pick up a taco or ten.

5. Tacos Tequilas

Logan Square

Tacos Tequilas is a small, festive restaurant in Logan Square slinging out affordable food and great margaritas. While they do all of their tacos very well (they make a mean steak taco), the star of the show is their crispy potato taco (papa y epazote): Mashed potatoes rolled in a tortilla, then deep friend, and topped with sour cream, salsa verde, & cheese. They. Are Divine.

4. La Chaparrita

Little Village

Located in a small but colorful grocery store, La Chaparrita is an absolute gem of a restaurant. All of the ingredients used are incredibly fresh and if there is one taco you should not leave without trying it is the crispy tripas taco. What are tripas? Various animal intestines that have been cleaned, boiled, and grilled (and, at La Chaparrita, deep fried). If you are skeptical - don’t be.

3. La Vaca

Pilsen

If you need a night out with some tacos and margaritas, it is hard to top La Vaca. Trendy and fun, check it out on a Tuesday when they have $2 tacos.

2. Taqueria Tayahua

Pilsen

The tacos at Taqueria Tayahua are some of the best in the city, and they have their own unique twist: the cheese is melted on the tacos. The result is a sort of taco/quesadilla experience that is so tasty. The steak tacos are great, but don’t miss out on the enCarbonado tacos (spicy short rib). Taqueria Tayahua also offers a full bar, so it’s a great place for a night out.

1. La Internacional Supermercado

Back of the Yards

It was a tough race but the Paco’s Tacos stand at the back of this small supermarket in Back of the Yards easily takes the cake for the best tacos in the city. These tacos really prove that you do not need to do anything fancy with your tacos to make them great. Fresh ingredients, cooked with love is the way to go.