Quesabirria tacos have taken Chicago by storm, blending slow-cooked meat, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas served with rich consommé for dipping. Here’s a quick look at the top 5 spots to try this Mexican favorite in the city:
- Tacotlan (Hermosa): Known for birria ramen and birria pizza, with tacos starting at $4.25.
- Quesabirria Taco King (Little Village): Fresh tortillas and six house-made salsas, offering a quesabirria plate for $16.99.
- Birrieria Zaragoza (Archer Heights): Specializes in goat birria with handmade tortillas, starting at $3.99 per taco.
- La Birria Tacos (Humboldt Park): Handmade tortillas and private parking, offering a cozy dining experience.
- Los Barrilitos: Combines traditional recipes with modern techniques for a standout quesabirria experience.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacotlan | Hermosa | $4.25 per taco | Birria ramen, birria pizza, rich consommé |
| Quesabirria Taco King | Little Village | $16.99 per plate | Fresh tortillas, six salsas |
| Birrieria Zaragoza | Archer Heights | $3.99 per taco | Goat birria, oven-braised texture |
| La Birria Tacos | Humboldt Park | TBD | Handmade tortillas, private parking |
| Los Barrilitos | TBD | TBD | Traditional meets modern preparation |
Each spot offers its own twist, from goat birria to fusion dishes like birria ramen. Don’t forget to enjoy the consommé - it’s the heart of the quesabirria experience!
Mexican Food - The BEST QUESABIRRIA TACOS in Chicago ...
About Quesabirria in Chicago
Chicago has embraced quesabirria, with restaurants across the city refining this beloved Mexican dish. The process begins with beef brisket, slow-cooked for 10 hours with a flavorful mix of chilies and spices [1].
Taqueros layer corn tortillas with melted cheese - often mozzarella or Chihuahua - and grill them to achieve a balance between crispy and chewy textures [2]. What makes Chicago's quesabirria stand out is the way tortillas are seared in consommé, infusing them with even more flavor [1]. This blend of traditional methods and local creativity has shaped a unique quesabirria experience in the city.
Restaurants like Tacotlan in Hermosa have taken this dish to new heights with inventive options such as birria ramen and their signature "bizza" (birria pizza). These establishments continue to experiment with new ideas while staying true to the dish's roots.
Below is a comparison of traditional quesabirria methods and Chicago's innovations:
| Style Element | Traditional Method | Chicago Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Choice | Beef (typically brisket) | Mostly beef brisket, with chicken or shrimp options at some spots |
| Tortilla Preparation | Standard grilling | Consommé-seared or using a double-tortilla technique |
| Cheese Selection | Melted cheese (varies) | Mozzarella or Chihuahua cheese |
| Serving Style | Basic taco presentation | Enhanced with unique salsas and fusion dishes |
The growing popularity of quesabirria in Chicago has brought exciting twists while keeping its core elements intact: rich consommé for dipping, perfectly melted cheese, and tender, seasoned meat. Toppings like white onion and cilantro finish the dish, giving diners a taste of both tradition and the vibrant Mexican food scene in the city.
1. Tacotlan
Located at 4312 W Fullerton Ave in Hermosa, Tacotlan has earned a reputation as a top spot for quesabirria in Chicago. Praised by the Chicago Tribune and Infatuation Chicago, this restaurant combines traditional cooking methods with a menu full of exciting options.
Their 3 Quesabirria Dinner and Consomme ($19.25) is a standout. It features slow-cooked birria de res served in crispy corn tortillas with melted cheese - a true comfort dish.
If you’re looking to explore more birria options, here’s a quick look at some customer favorites:
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single Birria Taco | $4.25 | A great way to try birria without committing to a full meal. |
| Birria Quesadilla Frita | $8.00 | A crispy quesadilla packed with flavorful birria. |
| Birria Torta and Consomme | $12.00 | A Mexican-style sandwich served with a dipping broth. |
| 3 Taco De Birria Dinner Y Consomme | $17.25 | A classic birria taco meal paired with consommé. |
Tacotlan also offers creative takes on birria, like their Birria Ramen, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist.
The restaurant provides a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also offer takeout and delivery for added convenience. Operating hours are Tuesday–Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Tacotlan has been featured on Chicago's Best and Timeout's 25 Best Tacos in Chicago. It holds a solid 4.3-star rating on Yelp with over 400 reviews [3]. If you want to skip the crowds, try visiting during off-peak hours!
2. Quesabirria Taco King
Located at 3458 W 26th Street in Little Village, Quesabirria Taco King has become a local favorite for its expertly made quesabirria. Their signature Quesabirria Plate ($16.99) features three hefty tacos paired with rich consommé, lime wedges, and house-made salsa roja.
Here are some highlights from their menu:
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single Quesabirria Taco | $4.50 | Corn tortilla stuffed with beef birria and melted Chihuahua cheese |
| Birria Ramen Bowl | $12.99 | A fusion dish combining birria with Mexican-style ramen and consommé |
| King's Special | $24.99 | Five tacos, a large consommé, and all the toppings |
| Birria Mulita | $6.50 | A double-tortilla creation packed with extra cheese |
The restaurant offers a casual, counter-service setup with plenty of seating for both dine-in and takeout. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
What makes them stand out?
- 4.6-star rating on Google Reviews with over 500 reviews
- Featured in Chicago Eater's "Essential Mexican Restaurants" list
- Family-owned and operating since 2020
- Fresh, handmade tortillas prepared daily
- A salsa bar with six varieties of house-made salsas
If you want to skip the crowds, try visiting between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, outside of peak lunch and dinner hours. Delivery and pickup are available through major platforms for added convenience.
While Birrieria Zaragoza brings its own style to Chicago's quesabirria scene, Quesabirria Taco King shines with its blend of traditional flavors and modern presentation [4].
3. Birrieria Zaragoza
Birrieria Zaragoza, a family-run gem with locations in Archer Heights (4852 S. Pulaski Rd) and Uptown, has been serving up some of the most flavorful quesabirria since 2007. The father-and-son duo, John and Jonathan Zaragoza, personally butcher goats in-house to ensure top-tier quality, making every dish a labor of love.
Their process is what sets them apart. The goat meat goes through three meticulous steps: steaming, marinating in their house-made mole, and finally, roasting to perfection. This method, influenced by Michoacán-style carnitas, creates a unique oven-braised texture instead of the traditional stew-like consistency.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birria Taco | $3.99 | Handmade corn tortilla filled with tender goat meat |
| Birria Quesadilla | $12.00 | Gooey melted cheese with their signature birria, served with consommé |
| Salsa Molcajete | Complimentary | Freshly made traditional salsa |
One standout feature of their quesabirria is how they serve the consommé. As John Zaragoza explains:
"More of an oven braise... The meat is then lightly drizzled with consommé, versus being drowned in it, like the traditional stew" [5]
This method keeps the meat's flavors front and center while preserving its texture.
If you're planning a visit, here are the operating hours:
Archer Heights location:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Uptown location:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
For the Uptown spot, it’s a good idea to call ahead and double-check the hours [6]. Every detail, from the handmade tortillas to the freshly prepared salsa and perfectly cooked meat, showcases their dedication to quality and flavor.
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4. La Birria Tacos
Located in Humboldt Park at 4743 W Grand Ave, La Birria Tacos has become a go-to spot in Chicago for quesabirria lovers. Their signature dish combines tender goat meat, melted cheese, and a rich, red consommé, offering a delicious take on this popular dish.
One standout feature is their handmade tortillas, crafted to hold up even after repeated dips in the flavorful broth. This level of care has earned them an impressive 8.0 rating from The Infatuation.
The restaurant strikes a balance between casual and refined, offering a welcoming atmosphere.
"At La Birrieria restaurant, we treat every customer with the utmost hospitality and respect, making them feel like family." [7]
With cozy booths, a stylish tequila bar, and a patio for warmer days, this spot works for everything from quiet dinners to larger family outings.
Quick Facts
| Menu Highlights | Restaurant Details |
|---|---|
| Birria | Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Quesabirria | Tuesday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tacos | Private parking available |
| Tortas | Indoor and patio seating |
| Burritos |
The private parking lot is a rare bonus in Chicago, making it easier for families and groups to visit. With convenient hours and a menu that goes beyond quesabirria to include other Mexican favorites, La Birria Tacos delivers quality and flavor every day.
5. Los Barrilitos
Los Barrilitos stands out in Chicago's quesabirria scene with its perfect mix of classic recipes and modern cooking methods. The welcoming vibe makes it a great spot to enjoy quesabirria that balances traditional flavors with a fresh approach. Whether you're a fan of the classics or looking to try something new, Los Barrilitos earns its place among the city's best quesabirria destinations.
Restaurant Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at some of Chicago's top spots for quesabirria:
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Signature Items & Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacotlan | 4312 W Fullerton Ave, Hermosa | $4.25 per taco; $13.50 for three | • Birria ramen • Birria pizza • Rich consomé |
| Birrieria Zaragoza | 4852 S Pulaski Rd, Archer Heights | $5.75 per taco; $15.50 combo* | • Jalisco-style goat birria • House-made mole • Combo includes consomé and pickled vegetables |
| La Birrieria | 4743 W Grand Ave, Humboldt Park | TBD | • Handmade tortillas • Red consomé • Spacious parking |
| Quesabirria Taco King | TBD | TBD | • Fresh tortillas daily • Six house-made salsas |
| Los Barrilitos | TBD | TBD | • Traditional recipes • Modern preparation methods |
*Combo includes two tacos, consomé, and pickled vegetables.
Whether you're craving rich consomé, handmade tortillas, or inventive dishes like birria pizza, this guide can help you find your next quesabirria fix in Chicago.
Final Thoughts
Chicago's quesabirria scene is a mix of tradition and creativity, with each restaurant offering its own take on this beloved dish. From classic preparation methods to modern twists, these spots highlight the care and expertise that go into making great quesabirria.
Take Birrieria Zaragoza, for example. Their tender, oven-steamed goat meat is a standout, showing their commitment to quality. Over at La Birrieria Restaurant, the handmade tortillas are designed to stay intact when dipped into a rich, flavorful red consomé - proving that attention to detail makes all the difference.
If you're planning to visit, try going during off-peak hours. Many of these restaurants open as early as 10 AM, making it easier to avoid crowds and secure a seat. And don’t skip the consomé - it’s not just a dipping sauce; it’s an essential part of the quesabirria experience.
FAQs
How is Chicago's quesabirria different from the traditional version?
Chicago's quesabirria takes the traditional flavors of birria de res, originating from Tijuana and Jalisco, and adds a local twist. These tacos are typically crispy, cheesy, and packed with juicy meat, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
What truly sets them apart is the flavorful consomé served alongside - made from the rich, slow-cooked juices of the meat - perfect for dipping and elevating the experience. Chicago's taco spots often add their own flair, making each quesabirria a unique treat in the city's vibrant food scene.
Do any of the top quesabirria spots in Chicago offer vegetarian or non-beef options?
Yes, several of the top quesabirria spots in Chicago offer delicious alternatives for those looking for vegetarian or non-beef options. For example, some places feature chicken or shrimp quesabirria, while others serve goat or lamb quesabirria as flavorful alternatives to the traditional beef filling.
It's always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff at each spot for their specific offerings, as options may vary depending on the location.
When is the best time to visit these quesabirria spots to avoid crowds?
The best times to visit these quesabirria spots often depend on their peak hours, but generally, weekdays during lunch hours (around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) or late afternoon before dinner rush (around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) are less crowded. Weekends tend to be busier, so arriving early is a good idea if you're planning to visit during those times.
For the most accurate information, consider checking each spot’s hours of operation and any updates they may provide on social media or their website. This can help you plan your visit for a more relaxed dining experience.
