Looking for the best fish tacos in Chicago's North Side? Here's a quick guide to seven must-visit spots, each offering unique flavors and styles:
- Big Star (Wicker Park and Wrigleyville): Beer-battered tilapia with chipotle mayo, cabbage, and lime. $6.95 per taco.
- Tuco and Blondie (Southport Corridor): Crispy cod with chipotle-lime crema and cilantro. Part of platters priced $13–$22.
- La Oaxaqueña Restaurant (Ravenswood): Grilled mahi-mahi marinated in achiote with salsa verde. $8.50 per taco.
- El Taco Veloz (Edgewater): Light beer-battered cod with house-made chipotle crema. $4.95 per taco.
- Taco Joint (Lincoln Park): Grilled mahi-mahi with purple cabbage and chipotle-lime crema. $7.50 per taco.
- Taqueria El Asadero (Lincoln Square): Grilled salmon with queso fresco and cilantro-lime crema. $7.25 per taco.
Each spot brings its own twist, from beer-battered to grilled fish, with fresh toppings like pickled onions, shredded cabbage, and house-made sauces. Whether you prefer crispy or smoky, there's a taco for every taste. Ready to plan your taco tour? Let’s dive in!
Chicago's Best Tacos: Takito Kitchen
Key Elements of Fish Tacos
Great fish tacos on the North Side come down to four main components:
Fish
Mild, flaky white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia works best. These varieties offer a neutral base that pairs well with bold toppings. The fish should always be fresh - firm and never watery.
Preparation
- Battered and fried: Creates a crispy outside with a tender inside.
- Grilled: Highlights the natural flavors, often enhanced with citrus and herbs.
Toppings
The right toppings add texture and flavor. Popular choices include:
- Shredded cabbage: Adds crunch (use purple, green, or a mix).
- Avocado: Whether sliced or in crema form, it brings creaminess.
- Pickled red onions: A tangy kick, whether quick-pickled or fermented.
- Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic, use whole leaves or chopped.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze brightens up every bite.
Sauces
The sauce ties it all together. Favorites include:
- Chipotle mayo: Smoky with a touch of heat.
- Mango salsa: Sweet and tangy.
- Corn salsa: Sweet with a bit of crunch.
- Sriracha: Adjust heat levels to your preference.
Each of these elements plays a role in creating a standout fish taco. With that in mind, let's dive into the best fish taco spots on the North Side.
Let's kick off our North Side tour with some standout spots for fish tacos that highlight Chicago's vibrant food scene.
1. Big Star (Wicker Park and Lakeview)
2. Big Star (West Town and Wrigleyville)
Big Star offers a seafood twist on its taco expertise at its West Town and Wrigleyville locations. Their standout Pescado taco features beer-battered tilapia paired with chipotle mayo, shredded cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and a fresh squeeze of lime for a flavorful bite [1].
Priced at $6.95, this taco balances premium ingredients with a satisfying portion. The beer batter creates a crispy, light coating that complements the tender fish perfectly without overwhelming its flavor.
Locations:
- Wrigleyville: 3640 N Clark St
- West Town: 551 N Ogden Ave
Up next: Tuco and Blondie's Southport Corridor spot, known for another must-try fish taco.
3. Tuco and Blondie (Southport Corridor)
Located in the Southport Corridor, Tuco and Blondie offers a lively dining experience with its 250-seat space, vibrant Mexican patterns, and Tex-Mex-inspired decor. Since opening in September 2016 on Southport Avenue in Lakeview, this spot has been serving straightforward Mexican dishes that are easy to enjoy.
Their fish tacos are a standout, featuring crispy battered cod paired with shredded cabbage, chipotle-lime crema, and fresh cilantro. These tacos are part of their generous platters, priced between $13 and $22, which let diners mix and match options like al pastor, ground beef, chicken tinga, and chili-braised short rib [2].
"The menu features 'neighborhood Mexican,' meaning dishes are easily understood and straightforward." - DNAinfo Chicago
Next up, La Oaxaqueña Restaurant in Ravenswood brings its own twist to fish tacos.
4. La Oaxaqueña Restaurant (Ravenswood)
3382 N Milwaukee Ave
La Oaxaqueña serves up grilled fish tacos that are hard to forget. They feature achiote-marinated mahi-mahi, topped with pickled red onions, crumbled queso fresco, shredded cabbage, and a zesty salsa verde. At $8.50 each, the smoky, tender fish paired with the tangy toppings brings a taste of Oaxaca to your plate.
Up next: Edgewater’s El Taco Veloz offers its own twist on battered and fried fish tacos.
sbb-itb-8621021
5. El Taco Veloz (Edgewater)
Head up to Edgewater for El Taco Veloz's take on battered fish tacos. Here, cod is coated in a light beer batter, giving it a crunchy texture. Each taco is piled high with shredded cabbage, fresh pico de gallo, and a flavorful house-made chipotle crema. At $4.95 per taco, the portions are generous, making it a popular spot at 6149 N Clark Street.
Pro Tip: Swing by between 2-4 PM to skip the busy lunch and dinner crowds. And while you're there, try their grilled elotes - they're a perfect side.
6. Taco Joint (Lincoln Park)
Make your way to Lincoln Park for the grilled fish tacos at Taco Joint. This spot showcases grilled mahi-mahi, marinated in lime, cilantro, and garlic, creating a flavorful base. Each taco is topped with shredded purple cabbage, pickled red onions, and their signature chipotle-lime crema, delivering a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Located at 2429 N Lincoln Ave, these tacos are priced at $7.50 each and come with generous portions. The fish is grilled to perfection, staying moist and flaky with a hint of char.
Pro Tip: Stop by during weekday happy hour (4–6 PM) for half-priced tacos and $5 margaritas. The outdoor patio is an ideal spot to enjoy your meal while soaking in the lively neighborhood vibe during warmer months.
Next up: Taqueria El Asadero's take on fish tacos in Lincoln Square.
7. Taqueria El Asadero (Lincoln Square)
Taqueria El Asadero in Lincoln Square offers grilled salmon tacos marinated with lime, garlic, and oregano. Each taco, priced at $7.25, is topped with shredded cabbage, pickled jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, and a cilantro-lime crema drizzle. You can find them at 4751 N Lincoln Ave.
Pro Tip: Stop by during weekday lunch hours (11 AM–2 PM) to get $1 off tacos. Don’t forget to grab their house-made habanero salsa from the counter!
Next: Restaurant Quick Reference Guide
Restaurant Quick Reference Guide
Planning your fish taco adventure? This table makes it easy to compare the essentials.
Check out the key details for menu highlights, prices, hours, payment options, and parking at each North Side fish taco spot. With this info, you’ll be ready to visit every location seamlessly.
Tips for Ordering Fish Tacos
Make the most of your meal with these helpful suggestions:
Customization and Special Requests
Prefer gluten-free? Opt for corn tortillas. Need a dairy-free option? Skip the cheese or crema. The staff at these spots are happy to adjust your order to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences.
Sauce Selection
If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, go for fish tacos with Estilo Nayarit or a la Diabla sauce to add some heat.
Perfect Pairings
Complement your fish tacos with light sides like ceviche, guacamole and chips, or queso fundido for a great flavor balance.
Use these tips to enjoy every fish taco on the North Side to the fullest!
Summary
If you're in the mood for fish tacos, Chicago's North Side has plenty to offer. Whether it's crispy beer-battered cod or achiote-marinated mahi-mahi, you can find delicious options across seven neighborhoods. Check out Bien Trucha in Lakeview, Big Star in Wicker Park, Tuco and Blondie in Southport Corridor, La Oaxaqueña in Ravenswood, El Taco Veloz in Edgewater, Taco Joint in Lincoln Park, or Taqueria El Asadero in Lincoln Square. Each spot serves up its own spin on this classic dish, with preparation styles like grilled mahi-mahi or beer-battered tilapia. Toppings such as pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, and house-made sauces add even more flavor. Plan your next outing and enjoy some of the city's best fish tacos!
