Looking for tacos after midnight in Chicago? Here's a quick guide to 10 taco spots open late, offering everything from traditional carne asada to creative fusion tacos. Whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down experience, these places have you covered.
Highlights:
- Zombie Taco: Open 24/7 in River North, featuring a 17-pound burrito.
- Big Star: Handmade corn tortillas, with extended hours at Wrigleyville during Cubs games.
- Velvet Taco: Open until 4:00 AM on weekends, offering globally-inspired tacos like the Chicago Haute Dog.
- Taqueria El Asadero: A cash-only spot open until midnight, serving classic Mexican dishes.
- Estelle's Cafe & Lounge: Open until 4:00 AM (5:00 AM on Saturdays) in Wicker Park, offering comfort food.
- Chava's Tacos El Original: Open 24/7, serving breakfast all day alongside tacos.
- Taqueria Primo Chuki's: Open daily until midnight with a diverse menu.
- El Mariachi Tequila Bar: Two Lakeview locations with late-night options.
- Taco Burrito King: Several 24-hour locations, known for affordable taco plates.
- El Taco Veloz: Permanently closed but remembered for its $1.25 chorizo tacos.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Restaurant | Hours | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zombie Taco | 24/7 | 17-pound burrito | $$ |
| Big Star | Until 11:00 PM (most) | Handmade tortillas, Al Pastor | $$ |
| Velvet Taco | Until 4:00 AM (weekends) | Creative fusion tacos | $3.50–$6.75 |
| Taqueria El Asadero | Until 12:00 AM | Traditional carne asada tacos | $$ |
| Estelle's Cafe & Lounge | Until 4:00–5:00 AM | Comfort food, bar vibes | $$ |
| Chava's Tacos El Original | 24/7 | Breakfast all day | $$ |
| Taqueria Primo Chuki's | Until 12:00 AM | Diverse taco options | $$ |
| El Mariachi Tequila Bar | Late-night hours | Tequila bar with taco options | $$ |
| Taco Burrito King | 24/7 (some locations) | Affordable taco plates | $ |
| El Taco Veloz (Closed) | N/A | Known for $1.25 chorizo tacos | $ |
No matter the hour, Chicago's taco scene has something to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for a quick grab-and-go or a sit-down meal, these spots won't disappoint.
The Best Late Night Tacos in Chicago 🔥 Taqueria El Darado
1. Zombie Taco
Zombie Taco, located at 530 N. LaSalle Dr. in River North, is just 1.2 miles from Navy Pier and 3.7 miles from McCormick Place. It’s Chicago’s only 24/7 taco window, offering tacos around the clock [2].
One of its highlights? A massive 17-pound burrito crafted with 9 tortillas - definitely not your average order.
"River North's newest taco counter and the first and only 24/7 taco window" - Block Club Chicago [2]
Whether you’re working a late shift or battling midnight hunger, Zombie Taco’s counter service makes grabbing a quick bite easy and fast.
2. Big Star
Big Star has three locations in Chicago, perfect for grabbing late-night tacos. The Wicker Park spot at 1531 N Damen Ave is known for its handmade corn tortillas, prepared fresh daily.
If you're craving classics, try the Al Pastor taco ($6.45), a fan favorite. For seafood lovers, the Pescado taco ($6.95) is a must-try. The Wrigleyville location at 3640 N Clark St even extends its hours during Cubs game days, making it a convenient stop after the game.
Here’s a quick look at the operating hours for each location:
| Location | Friday Hours | Saturday Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wicker Park | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Wrigleyville | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
| West Town | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy, too. The Papas Con Rajas taco ($3.95) and Hongos Al Pastor taco ($5.95) are packed with flavor and perfect for meat-free meals.
3. Velvet Taco
Located at 1110 N. State St. in Chicago's Gold Coast, Velvet Taco is a two-story, loft-style spot with an open kitchen and seating for 69 people [4].
David Matthews calls it an "urban taco shop" [4], and it stays open late into the night. Here's when you can stop by:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 AM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 AM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
This schedule makes it a go-to for late-night taco runs.
The menu offers a mix of globally inspired tacos priced between $3.50 and $6.75 [4][5]. One standout is the Chicago Haute Dog taco, made with pork belly, grain mustard, poppy seeds, and house pickles [4].
For sides, you can grab chips and queso or elote. Drinks like the Kick Ass Margarita and Ranch Water are also on the menu [6]. Popular picks include the Ahi tuna poke lettuce wrap and the slow-roasted rotisserie chicken taco. Plus, the open kitchen lets you watch your tacos being made in real time.
4. Taqueria El Asadero
Taqueria El Asadero, at 2213 W Montrose Ave in Chicago, is the go-to spot for those craving Mexican food in a no-fuss setting. This cash-only eatery is perfect for grabbing late-night tacos or enjoying a casual meal.
Hours of Operation:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Known for its traditional approach, El Asadero serves up tacos made with fresh ingredients, house-made chips, and salsa. The menu focuses on classic Mexican dishes, with their burritos being a local favorite.
If you’re in the Montrose Ave area and need a dependable spot for late-night tacos, Taqueria El Asadero delivers every time.
5. Estelle's Cafe & Lounge
First opened in the 1930s as Tower Lounge[7], Estelle's Cafe & Lounge has been a cornerstone of Wicker Park since its rebranding in 1999. Located at 2013 W North Ave, near the famous "six corners" intersection, this laid-back bar is known for its welcoming vibe and late-night menu of freshly prepared dishes.
Operating Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Friday | 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Saturday | 4:00 PM – 5:00 AM |
Estelle's combines a rich history with a cozy atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for night owls. The kitchen stays open late, offering a variety of scratch-made options perfect for those after-hours cravings.
Tip: Swing by after midnight to enjoy some freshly made comfort food.
sbb-itb-8621021
6. Chava's Tacos El Original
You’ll find Chava's Tacos El Original at 2333 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL. This spot is known for serving breakfast all day, alongside late-night meals, and they also have options for vegetarians. Check out their schedule below:
Operating Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | Open 24 Hours |
7. Taqueria Primo Chuki's
You’ll find Taqueria Primo Chuki's at 1708 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640. They’re open every day until midnight, making it a great spot for late-night cravings. Check out their full menu and the latest updates at taqueriaprimochukisuptown.com.
8. El Mariachi Tequila Bar
Next up on the late-night taco trail is El Mariachi Tequila Bar.
This spot has two locations in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood: 3906 N Broadway St [8] and 3420 1/2 N Broadway #1 [9]. Both locations make it easy to satisfy your taco cravings well into the night. Check out their menu and late-night options at elmariachitequilabar.com [9].
9. Taco Burrito King
When those late-night hunger pangs strike, Taco Burrito King is a go-to spot with multiple locations and extended hours, including several 24-hour options across Chicago and its suburbs. Their menu is packed with both classic and specialty tacos at wallet-friendly prices. Here’s a closer look at their hours and menu highlights.
Certain locations like Harlem & Higgins, Des Plaines, and Niles (drive-thru) are open 24/7. The Greek Town spot stays open until 3:00 AM from Thursday through Saturday.
Their taco lineup includes signature tacos priced at $4.25, made with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Vegetarians aren’t left out, with veggie tacos available at the same price. For a bigger meal, the taco plate ($10.95) offers excellent value. Keep an eye out for monthly specials, like fish tacos for $3.69 during promotional periods.
Other popular menu items include:
- Super King Burrito: A massive meal for $12.95
- King Burrito: A filling choice at $10.25
- Quesadillas: Start at $4.95, or $8.50 with meat
- Super Nachos: Great for sharing at $10.95
The Niles location adds a twist with its dining room open until 4:00 AM daily, while the drive-thru remains open around the clock.
10. El Taco Veloz
Note: El Taco Veloz, which was located at 1745 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, has permanently closed its doors. This spot was well-loved for its chorizo and steak tacos with cheese, earning a taco rating of 4.25/5 and an overall rating of 4.5/5 [11].
Their standout chorizo tacos, priced at just $1.25 each, were a hit thanks to their slow-cooked, bacon-like flavor - a preparation that consistently received high praise [10].
Though El Taco Veloz is no longer around, it left its mark on Chicago’s late-night taco culture, adding to the city's diverse and flavorful food scene.
Where to Find Late-Night Tacos
Chicago's late-night taco scene has something for everyone, from classic street-style tacos to upscale dining experiences. Whether you're craving traditional flavors or modern takes, the city has plenty to offer.
For those who love the classics, El Rey del Taco serves up carne asada and lengua tacos prepared the traditional way. Arturo's is another solid choice, known for its freshly carved al pastor straight from the cone. If you're in the mood for something more modern, Velvet Taco offers creative spins on traditional recipes.
For a more elevated experience, head to Cariño in Uptown. Starting at 9:30 p.m., they serve a 10-course taco omakase menu for $125, which includes tax, gratuity, and two drinks [1]. Chef Norman Fenton describes the experience:
"These are all familiar flavors; when you eat this, you'll get very familiar al pastor flavors, but in a vessel you've never had before." [1]
Here’s a quick look at some standout late-night taco spots and what makes them special:
| Restaurant | Special Features | Signature Items |
|---|---|---|
| Zombie Taco | Open 24/7 | House specialties |
| Taquitos Chicago | 24-hour service | Wood-fired meats |
| Cariño | Late-night taco omakase | A-5 wagyu tacos |
| El Rey del Taco | Traditional preparation | Carne asada |
| Arturo's | Authentic al pastor | Cone-carved tacos |
If you're watching your budget, Zombie Taco offers a 15% discount for residents of the 60654 zip code [3]. Meanwhile, Taquitos Chicago serves wood-fired meats around the clock and is famous for its unique Taco Churro dessert [12].
Chef Fenton also highlights the quality of ingredients at Cariño:
"I'm giving you A-5 wagyu that costs $80 a pound. It's not an outlet to make a lot of money, but one for us to express ourselves." [1]
Whether you're after an affordable late-night bite or a high-end dining experience, Chicago's taco scene has you covered.
