If you’ve enjoyed Antique Taco, Chicago has even more to offer. The city is full of lesser-known taquerias that blend rich Mexican flavors with unique twists. Here’s a quick look at seven taco spots worth visiting:
- La Chaparrita Taqueria: Handmade tortillas and charola-style cooking in Little Village. Don’t miss their $2.75 tripa and campechano tacos.
- Birrieria Zaragoza: Archer Heights’ go-to for tender goat birria, starting at $3.99 per taco.
- Taqueria El Milagro: Known for three-ingredient, preservative-free tortillas and hearty Saturday stews.
- Rubi’s on 18th Street: Guerrero-inspired dishes with a cozy, shared seating vibe.
- Taquerias Atotonilco: Famous for al pastor tacos cooked on a vertical spit since 1972.
- Los Gamas Tortilleria: Fresh masa and tortillas made daily, with tacos starting at $2.85.
- La Vaca Margarita Bar: Modern tacos paired with craft margaritas and creative cocktails.
Each spot offers something special, from authentic recipes to inventive flavors. Whether you’re craving slow-cooked goat, handmade tortillas, or craft cocktails, these taquerias showcase the best of Chicago’s taco culture.
| Taqueria | Specialty | Price Range | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Chaparrita | Handmade tortillas, tripa tacos | $2.25–$3.00 | Charola-style cooking |
| Birrieria Zaragoza | Goat birria | $3.99–$12.00 | Oven-braised goat meat |
| Taqueria El Milagro | Fresh tortillas, stews | Varies | Saturday-only Mexican stews |
| Rubi’s on 18th Street | Guerrero-inspired dishes | Varies | Cozy, shared seating |
| Taquerias Atotonilco | Al pastor tacos | Varies | Vertical spit-roasted al pastor |
| Los Gamas Tortilleria | Fresh masa and tortillas | $2.85–$9.00 | On-site tortilla production |
| La Vaca Margarita Bar | Tacos with craft margaritas | $13.00–$40.00 | Creative cocktails and drinks |
These taquerias combine tradition and creativity, making them must-try spots for taco lovers in Chicago.
Best Tacos in Chicago- South Side Chicago Taco Tour ...
1. La Chaparrita Taqueria
Tucked away in Little Village, La Chaparrita Taqueria is a family-owned spot known for its handmade tortillas, expertly grilled meats, and authentic charola-style cooking that brings out the best in every ingredient. Combining tradition with a touch of creativity, this taqueria delivers unforgettable flavors in every taco.
The menu is packed with standout options:
| Taco | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Asada | $3.00 | Skirt steak cooked to highlight its rich, meaty flavor |
| Tripa | $2.65 | Crispy and flavorful, a great way to try offal |
| Campechano | $2.75 | A mix of meats creating a bold, savory combination |
| Suadero | $2.25 | Tender boneless chuck, cooked to perfection |
Cesar, the taco master, prepares every order using traditional charola techniques. For those feeling adventurous, they also serve lengua (tongue), molleja (sweetbread), and sesos (brain) tacos, all priced at $2.75 and crafted with care.
Angelina and her team create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that pairs perfectly with their savory tacos and refreshing homemade aguas frescas, available for $2.75. Critics often praise La Chaparrita for its exceptional contribution to Chicago's taco offerings.
Stay tuned for another spot redefining taco flavors in the city.
2. Birrieria Zaragoza
Nestled in Archer Heights, Birrieria Zaragoza has been perfecting goat birria - a beloved Jalisco specialty - since 2007. Led by Juan Zaragoza, the restaurant is known for its dedication to tradition and careful preparation, resulting in dishes full of rich flavors.
What sets this spot apart is its detailed approach. They butcher their own goat and follow a three-step process: steaming the meat, marinating it in a house-made mole, and finally roasting it to achieve a distinct texture and taste [1].
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birria Plate | $12.00 | Tender goat meat served with house-made tortillas and consommé |
| Birria Taco | $3.99 | Hand-pressed tortilla filled with flavorful goat meat |
| Consommé | Included | A rich broth made with plum tomatoes, oregano, cumin, and sesame seeds |
Unlike the stew-style birria you might expect, Zaragoza takes inspiration from Michoacán carnitas, offering oven-braised meat lightly coated in consommé [2].
"Initially I just said I wanted to share this with my people, the Mexican people. But then it turns out that everyone's enjoying it." – Juan Zaragoza [2]
The restaurant’s welcoming, family-oriented vibe adds to the appeal. Juan often engages with diners while preparing their meals, creating a personal and inviting atmosphere. Birrieria Zaragoza is a standout for its attention to detail and heartfelt hospitality.
3. Taqueria El Milagro
El Milagro is known for its handmade tortillas crafted from just three ingredients: corn, water, and lime (calcium hydroxide). This simple yet time-honored recipe forms the backbone of their menu. Like many tucked-away Chicago taquerias, El Milagro stays true to tradition while adding its own modern flair.
The buffet offers a range of dishes, including bistek and pollo, served alongside fresh tortillas, coleslaw, salsa, rice, and beans. This setup lets diners create their own personalized tacos [4].
| Popular Menu Items | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Tacos | Marinated steak tacos | Paired with cabbage slaw |
| Mexican Stew Tacos | Saturday-only special | Made with house tortillas |
| Huevos en Salsa Roja | Breakfast favorite | Perfect for mornings |
| Sopa de Fideo | Traditional noodle soup | Served with beans |
El Milagro's tortillas are a standout, earning a 4.6/5 rating from 386 reviews [3]. These tortillas are made using traditional methods and contain no preservatives.
"These corn tortillas capture the authentic flavor of how traditionally corn it should be cook, perfect for crafting tacos or enjoying on their own. Soft, sturdy, and bursting with tradition, they're a must-try for anyone craving genuine corn tortillas flavor, the only brand comparable in quality..." - Tencuhtli, Amazon Customer [3]
For those looking to try something hearty, the stewed tacos are a great choice. The menu also offers options for pescatarians, vegans, and vegetarians [4], blending traditional cooking with generous portions.
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4. Rubi's on 18th Street
Since opening in 1997 in Maxwell Street, Rubi's on 18th Street has been serving dishes inspired by the flavors of Guerrero, crafted with recipes passed down through generations. It's a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, earning plenty of praise over the years [5].
The café offers a welcoming and cozy vibe, featuring shared tables and a wait time of 20–30 minutes during busy hours [6]. Here's a quick overview:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Specialty | Cuisine from the Guerrero region |
| Wait Time | 20–30 minutes (peak hours) |
| Rating | 4.0/5 (105 reviews) |
| Seating | Shared tables |
One of their standout dishes is the carne asada torta, which has earned rave reviews. A satisfied customer, Cynthia C., shared:
"Rubi's carne asada torta has to be the best torta I've ever had. Full of flavor! Fantastic service with a great ambiance. It's shared seating and although the restaurant was packed, we were still..." [6]
Beyond the food, regulars often highlight the warm hospitality and the friendly nature of the owner. Javier R., another patron, commented:
"Owner very friendly Great hospitality Great atmosphere Great food Will definitely come back" [6]
Founder Maria G. Landa credits the café's success to passion and determination, saying:
"Rubi's is a living example that with a dream, an idea and passion, anything you can conceive with your mind you can most definitely achieve, without exception." [5]
5. Taquerias Atotonilco
Taquerias Atotonilco, a Little Village favorite on 26th Street, has been serving up classic Mexican flavors since 1972. Founded by Don Jesús of Arandas, Jalisco, this spot is best known for its al pastor tacos, a must-try for taco lovers.
The secret to their al pastor lies in the traditional preparation. The meat is slow-roasted on a vertical spit, which helps it develop rich, layered flavors. Topped with their signature house-made red sauce, these tacos are perfectly balanced and need no extra toppings.
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Established | 1972 |
| Founder | Don Jesús |
| Location | 26th Street, Little Village |
| Signature Dish | Al Pastor Tacos |
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere of a traditional Mexican taqueria. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food, and the sounds of regional music set the tone for a memorable dining experience. It’s a place where the past meets the present through food.
Regular customer Moises T. shares his thoughts on the ambiance:
"Taquerías Atotonilco in Little Village offers a chill atmosphere with a touch of traditional Mexican flair. From the moment you walk in, the delicious aroma of cooking food fills the air, instantly transporting you to Mexico. The music and ambient sounds of food being prepared add to the authentic vibe, making it a delightful sensory experience." [7]
The restaurant’s dedication to tradition hasn’t gone unnoticed. Their famous Tacos al Pastor were featured on "Chicago's Best", a testament to their consistent quality and commitment to time-honored cooking techniques. For locals and visitors alike, Taquerias Atotonilco remains a go-to spot for genuine flavors and no-frills service.
6. Los Gamas Tortilleria
Located on Chicago's north side, Los Gamas Tortilleria offers diners a unique experience: watching tortillas being made from scratch. Since 2009, this spot has been the only tortilla factory in the area, blending a working tortilleria with a taco counter to serve some of the freshest Mexican dishes in the city. The live tortilla-making process sets the tone for the quality of their menu.
At the core of Los Gamas is their masa production. Owner Alex Gama emphasizes their simple, preservative-free recipe:
"We add no preservatives. It's just corn - corn and water and the calcium hydroxide that it has to cook in. That's all it is." [9]
They produce an impressive 2,000 pounds of masa daily, which jumps to 6,000 pounds during holidays [9]. This freshly ground masa is the base for everything they serve, from tacos to tamales.
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tacos | $2.85 - $3.00 |
| 2 Taco Dinner (with rice and beans) | $9.00 |
| Steak/Chicken/Marinated Pork Sope | $4.00 |
| Flautas | $4.99 - $7.00 |
| Fresh Masa (per pound) | $0.80 |
Every dish at Los Gamas incorporates their fresh masa, ensuring unparalleled freshness [9].
The menu also includes daily specials that highlight their culinary skills. A standout item is their chicken in mole rojo, which perfectly balances spice and flavor. Each dish is served with warm, freshly made tortillas that take the meal to the next level [9].
Regular customer Phillip T. praises the quality:
"Honestly some of the best tacos I've had in Chicago. The freshly made corn tortillas were unbelievable." [10]
Los Gamas also practices a zero-waste policy by turning day-old tortillas into crispy chips. For those who want to recreate the experience at home, they sell fresh masa and tortillas. At just $0.80 per pound, it’s an affordable way for home cooks to prepare authentic Mexican dishes [8].
7. La Vaca Margarita Bar
La Vaca Margarita Bar takes taco nights up a notch with its craft cocktails and premium spirits. Their menu features eight margarita flavors, all made with quality tequilas and fresh ingredients, designed to pair perfectly with their modern Mexican dishes.
Some standout margaritas include the Strawberry Jalapeño, which blends sweetness with a spicy kick, and the Pepino (cucumber), offering a crisp and refreshing taste.
| Margarita Type | Single | Pitcher |
|---|---|---|
| Classic House | $13.00 | $30.00 |
| Top Shelf (Don Julio/Patron Blanco) | $16.00 | $36.00 |
| Top Shelf (Don Julio/Patron Reposado) | $17.00 | $38.00 |
| Top Shelf (Don Julio/Patron Añejo) | $18.00 | $40.00 |
| Mezcal Special | $14.00 | $34.00 |
In addition to margaritas, the cocktail menu offers creative options that complement their tacos. For example, the Vitamin D combines Hennessy with housemade horchata and a Cocoa Puffs infusion, while the Spicy Pilsen Mule puts a Mexican spin on the Moscow Mule by mixing tequila, lime juice, ginger beer, and house-made chile ancho syrup.
Beer fans can enjoy one of three Michelada styles:
- Pura Chela ($9.00): A classic take on the drink
- Mango/Tamarindo ($10.00): Fruity variations for a twist
- Tall Boy ($14.00): A larger portion, great for sharing
The vibe at La Vaca strikes a balance between laid-back and upscale, making it a great spot for both casual hangouts and special celebrations. Specialty shots like the Mango Chile ($7.00) and Vegas Bombs ($8.00) add even more fun to the experience. Paired with their flavorful tacos, the inventive drinks make for a memorable visit.
Conclusion
From the hand-pressed tortillas at La Chaparrita Taqueria to the slow-cooked goat birria at Birrieria Zaragoza, Chicago's taco scene is a true showcase of flavor and tradition. Each taqueria brings its own spin to classic recipes, offering a rich variety of tastes across the city.
What sets these spots apart is their dedication to craft. Whether it’s El Milagro’s simple, three-ingredient tortillas, Los Gamas’ freshly made masa, or La Vaca’s creative drink pairings, each place blends time-honored techniques with its own personal flair.
To fully experience Chicago's taco culture, visit different neighborhoods. Each stop, from Rubi’s on 18th Street to Taquerias Atotonilco, tells a unique story through its food. Techniques like Birrieria Zaragoza’s detailed goat preparation or La Chaparrita’s charola-style cooking highlight the care and tradition behind every dish.
Chicago’s taco scene thrives on family traditions and recipes passed down through generations. Exploring these seven taquerias isn’t just about enjoying incredible tacos - it’s about connecting with the city’s culinary roots and the stories behind them.
