Looking for the best tacos in Chicago? This guide has you covered with top taquerias, taco styles, and must-visit neighborhoods. Here's a quick rundown:
- Top Taco Neighborhoods: Pilsen, Little Village, and Logan Square offer everything from street-style tacos to modern twists.
- Taco Styles: Birria, al pastor, carnitas, fish tacos, vegan options, and more.
- Map Features: Filter by taco style, price, and location. Look for ⭐ (Editor's Choice) and 🌱 (Vegan Options).
- 2025 Taco Events: Don’t miss the Tacos and Tequila Festival on September 20, 2025, featuring live music, lucha libre, and chef-crafted tacos.
Carry cash for hidden gems, pair tacos with drinks like Riesling or craft margaritas, and plan your visit during off-peak hours for a smoother experience. Ready to dive into Chicago’s taco scene? Let’s go!
Rating Every TACO In Chicago (ft. Chef Jonathan Zaragoza)
Map Guide: Finding Your Perfect Taco
Use the map to narrow down your taco hunt by style, cost, and location:
- Taco Styles: Options include birria, al pastor, carnitas, fish tacos, breakfast tacos, asada, tacos de canasta, exotic meats, and vegan-friendly choices [1].
- Price Range: From $ to $$.
- Neighborhoods: Explore areas like Pilsen, Little Village, Logan Square, and more.
Look for these symbols to spot key features:
- ⭐ Editor's Choice – Handpicked by Brenda Storch and Serena Maria Daniels [1].
- 🌱 Vegan Options – Highlights spots offering plant-based tacos.
Now you’re ready to dive into Chicago’s top taco hotspots!
Top Taco Neighborhoods
Explore Chicago's best taco neighborhoods, each brimming with unique flavors and unforgettable dining experiences.
Pilsen Taco Guide
In Pilsen, Chef Carlos Garcia's El Taco Azteca is a standout, blending New Mexican-inspired flavors with influences from Mexico City and Puebla. It’s been highlighted by Block Club Chicago and the Chicago Tribune [1].
"Everything we ate was delicious; the Coca Cola taco was one of the best things I've ever eaten." [1]
- Megan R, Yelp Reviewer
Don’t miss these specialties:
- Handmade tortillas with carnitas
- The famous Coca Cola taco
- Fresh, house-made salsas
Swing by for Taco Tuesday or enjoy their happy hour deals. When you're done, head west to Little Village for even more taco treasures.
Little Village Taco Spots
Little Village is a haven for street-style tacos [2]. Here’s a quick guide to some must-visit spots:
- La Chaparrita (2500 S Whipple St): Known for suadero, cabeza, crispy tripe, and sesos tacos that taste like they’re straight from Mexico [2].
- Lucido's Tacos (4147 W 26th St): Famous for crispy, adobo-marinated al pastor. Be sure to ask for con todo and extra pineapple.
- La Casa de Samuel (2834 W Cermak Rd): Offers adventurous options like iguana, rattlesnake, and venison.
- Taco Sur Birreria Tijuanense (3057 S Pulaski Rd): Specializes in Baja-style tacos al carbon with asada, chicken, and rib options.
- Asian Cuisine Express (3823 W 31st St): Puts a creative twist on al pastor with charred tacos on small tortillas. They even serve pastor fried rice.
Each spot in Little Village brings its own flair, making it a must-visit for taco lovers.
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2025 Taco Events Calendar
Get ready for Chicago's ultimate taco celebration! The Tacos and Tequila Festival Chicago is happening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, IL.
Major Taco Festivals
This isn't just about tacos - it's a full-on experience. Here's what you can expect at Chicago's top taco event:
- Live hip-hop performances featuring Ludacris, Timbaland, Trina, Trick Daddy, David Banner, Paul Wall, Bubba Sparxxx, and Murphy Lee
- Lucha libre wrestling, exotic car displays, and even a Chihuahua pageant
- Chef-crafted tacos paired with craft margaritas and tequila tasting lounges
- A salsa and queso competition to spice things up
Festival Planning Guide
Ticket Options
Choose from several ticket levels to match your vibe:
- General Admission (GA): $79 – Standard access to the festival
- VIP: $169 – Includes 3 margaritas, a taco flight, and front-stage access
- Champions Club: $400 – Private seating, outdoor patio, and premium perks
- Party Deck VIP: $250/person – Includes a $200 food and beverage credit and group table seating for 4–20
Essential Planning Tips
Make the most of your festival experience with these tips:
- Arrive early: VIP gates open at 1:30 PM; GA gates at 2:00 PM. The event wraps up at 11:00 PM, and there's no re-entry.
- Follow the clear bag policy: Only clear clutches (max 4.5″ × 6.5″) or clear fanny packs are allowed. Don’t forget your government-issued ID - this is a 21+ event.
- Plan your parking:
- General Admission parking: $50
- Preferred parking: $80
- Payments: The event is partially cashless. Bars and merchandise vendors accept cards only, while food vendors take both cash and cards. VIP tables include a $200 credit per person, so bring your card for additional purchases.
Use the taco map to locate festival parking and nearby taquerias. Then, get ready to indulge and check out insider tips in the Expert Taco Tips section!
Expert Taco Tips
Ordering Guide
Some of the best taquerias operate on a cash-only basis, especially those tucked away in grocery stores or gas stations. Make sure to carry cash and small bills to enjoy these hidden gems [2].
Here’s what to look for when ordering:
- Handmade tortillas: Fresh, hand-pressed tortillas are a must. Some places even dip them in broth before grilling for extra flavor [2].
- Unique fillings: Expand your palate with options like longaniza, sweetbread, tripe, or even brain [2].
Once you’ve got your tacos, don’t forget the drinks - they can make all the difference.
Drink Recommendations
In neighborhoods like Pilsen and Logan Square, the right beverage can elevate your taco experience. For example, El Taco Azteca in Pilsen serves agave-sweetened drinks that pair beautifully with their vibrant, homemade tortillas [3]. If you’re a beer lover, grab a 12-ounce Tecate for $6 at Furious Spoon in Logan Square [3].
For wine lovers, here are some pairing suggestions [3]:
- Spicy street tacos: Go for a full-bodied red like Brunello.
- Carnitas and fried tacos: Champagne, such as Bollinger, works wonderfully.
- Al pastor tacos: A crisp Riesling complements the spice and pineapple.
Danielle Kuzinich points out that a slightly sweet Riesling is perfect for balancing the bold flavors of al pastor [3].
Now let’s talk timing and dietary needs to make your visit even smoother.
Peak Hours and Special Diets
When to Go: Popular spots like Don Pedro Carnitas in Pilsen often get crowded during evenings and weekends. For a quicker experience, try visiting on weekday afternoons [4].
Dietary Options:
- Gluten-free: Many taquerias, such as Huaraches Dona Chio in Edgewater, offer tacos with corn tortillas [4].
- Vegetarian: Check out 5 Rabanitos in Pilsen for creative veggie fillings like roasted squash and calabaza [4].
Quick Tip: If the line’s too long, see if online ordering is available to save time [4].
Chicago's Taco Scene in 2025
Chicago's taco offerings in 2025 bring together classic taquerias and daring new spots across the city. With our Ultimate Taco Map, you can discover everything from al pastor and birria to vegan and halal options - something for every taste. Check out our Expert Taco Tips for advice on ordering, pairing drinks, and navigating busy times. Keep the map close and follow Chicago Taco Spot on social media for updates on pop-ups, food truck locations, and limited-time specials.
