The Absolute Best Street Tacos in Chicago [Updated 2024]

With a vibrant culture and a diverse culinary scene, Chicago is a treasure trove for taco lovers.

I've taken my taste buds on a journey through the Windy City, sampling twelve unique spots that each showcase their own take on this beloved staple.

From mouthwatering al pastor to spicy birria, these street tacos embody the flavors and spirit of Chicago's rich food landscape.

Join me as I share my top picks, complete with the hidden gems and popular favorites that deserve a spot on your taco itinerary.

La Chaparrita Taqueria

Highlights
Authentic and flavorful tacos
Must-try tripa tacos
Friendly and informative service
Jalapeños and onions on the side
Unique Tepache drink option

La Chaparrita Taqueria is an absolute gem tucked away in the vibrant streets of Chicago, and my visit there was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I stepped inside, the friendly staff made me feel right at home, providing me with all the information I needed about their offerings. Their enthusiasm for their craft was evident, and I couldn't wait to dive into their menu.

I couldn't resist trying the tripa tacos, which are a must-try. The flavorful combination of tender, well-seasoned beef tripe, expertly cooked, had me savoring each bite. Paired with fresh jalapeños and onions on the side, the balance of spices and toppings took the experience to another level.

As I enjoyed my meal, I also treated myself to their unique Tepache drink—a refreshing twist that complemented the richness of the tacos perfectly. La Chaparrita exemplifies what street tacos should be: authentic, flavorful, and infused with a touch of heart. If you're on a quest for the best street tacos in Chicago, this taqueria is a pit stop you won't want to miss!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Taqueria El Mezquite

Highlights
Kind and generous staff
Large portion sizes
Diverse menu options
Cute patio for dining
Quick food service

During my recent culinary adventure in Chicago, I stumbled upon Taqueria El Mezquite, and wow, what a find! From the moment I arrived, the kind and generous staff made me feel right at home. They greeted me with warm smiles and provided excellent recommendations that certainly heightened my anticipation.

The diverse menu offered an array of tantalizing options, but I opted for their signature street tacos—and let me tell you, the portion sizes were impressively large! Each taco was a delightful explosion of flavor, perfectly seasoned and wrapped in fresh tortillas. The speed of service was a pleasant surprise too; my mouth-watering tacos were served in no time.

One of my favorite aspects of Taqueria El Mezquite is the cute patio area, creating a charming vibe for enjoying a meal al fresco. As I savored each bite, it was clear that this spot is a hidden gem in the city for taco lovers. If you seek a delightful culinary experience infused with warmth and flavor, make plans to visit Taqueria El Mezquite—you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

El Taconazo EL TIO - BIRRIA - QUESABIRRIA - TACOS - BURRITOS - TORTAS - MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Highlights
Freshly made food
Super friendly staff
Fantastic rice and beans
Impressive seasoning of tacos
Affordable prices

Firstly, I was impressed by the freshly made tacos and burritos which were served hot and packed with flavor. The seasoning on the meat was impressive, making every bite a delight. As a taco enthusiast, I can confidently say that these tacos are definitely worth trying.

Moreover, the staff at El Taconazo EL TIO were super friendly and accommodating. They took their time to explain the ingredients used in each dish and suggested some of their personal favorites. It's always nice to feel welcomed when trying out a new place.

I also loved the sides – the rice and beans were fantastic! They were well-cooked and seasoned to perfection, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to my meal.

One thing that really stood out for me was that all this came at very affordable prices, making it possible for anyone to enjoy some great Mexican food without breaking the bank.

Overall, if you're looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant with tasty street tacos in Chicago, then El Taconazo EL TIO is definitely worth checking out. With its freshly made dishes, friendly staff, fantastic rice and beans, impressive seasoning of tacos and affordable prices, it's no wonder why this place has become one of my top recommendations for street tacos in Chicago.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos

Highlights
Incredible food
Welcoming owner
Affordable prices
Family owned business
Top 5 best spots

Walking in, I was immediately welcomed by the friendly owner who made me feel like family. The menu offered a variety of options but I knew right away that I had to try their specialty, the birria tacos. Let me tell you, these tacos were incredible! The flavorful and tender meat combined with melted cheese and a crispy tortilla shell left my taste buds dancing.

Not only is the food amazing but the prices are also very affordable, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or dinner with friends. It's no surprise that this place is part of my top 5 best spots for street tacos in Chicago.

What makes QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos even more special is that it's a family-owned business which adds a personal touch to the experience. You can tell that they take pride in their food and care about their customers.

Overall, I highly recommend QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Mexican street tacos in Chicago. Don't miss out on this gem!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Tio Luis Tacos

Highlights
Authentic
Delicious
Generous
Friendly staff
Great atmosphere

As soon as I walked in, the authentic atmosphere was palpable. The aroma of freshly grilled meats and spices wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I approached the counter and was greeted by a friendly staff who were more than happy to help me navigate their extensive menu.

I decided to try their al pastor tacos which were served on warm, soft corn tortillas. The first bite was nothing short of divine - the meat was tender and juicy with just the right amount of spice. The portion size was also generous, ensuring that I left feeling more than satisfied.

As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn't help but admire the great atmosphere - it felt like I had been transported to Mexico. The walls were adorned with colorful murals and traditional decor, making for a truly immersive experience.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the most delicious street tacos in Chicago, Tio Luis Tacos is definitely worth a visit. With their authentic flavors and welcoming vibe, it's no surprise they've become a local favorite.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

Big Star

Highlights
Fish tacos are fire!
Good vegetarian options
Outdoor patio vibe

First off, let me just say that the fish tacos at Big Star are fire! I could barely contain my excitement as I took my first bite. The fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the toppings added just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the fish.

But don't worry, vegetarians - there are some good options for you too! I tried the mushroom tacos and was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful they were. The mushrooms were cooked to perfection and combined with a delicious blend of spices that made every bite a delight.

One thing that really stood out to me about Big Star was the outdoor patio vibe. It's perfect for enjoying your tacos on a sunny day while basking in the warm Chicago sun. Plus, it adds an extra level of authenticity to the street taco experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Big Star for anyone looking for some delicious street tacos in Chicago. Whether you're a meat-eater or vegetarian, there's something here for everyone. So grab a seat on their patio and enjoy some tasty tacos - you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

Bàrbaro Taqueria

Highlights
Amazing food
Strong margaritas
Fresh tortillas
Spicy margarita
Tasty shrimp tacos

First of all, let's talk about the amazing food. From the moment I took my first bite, I knew that this place had something special. The flavors were so unique and delicious that it felt like a party in my mouth!

To accompany my tacos, I ordered a strong margarita which was the perfect complement to my meal. The drink was strong but not overpowering and went down smoothly. But, if you are feeling adventurous, try their spicy margarita which will spice up your life.

One of the things that sets Bàrbaro Taqueria apart from other places is their fresh tortillas. It's rare to find a place that makes their own tortillas on-site, but these were worth every penny! Soft and chewy with just the right amount of thickness.

Finally, I cannot leave without mentioning the tasty shrimp tacos. They were cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices that made them unforgettable.

Overall, Bàrbaro Taqueria is definitely one of the best places for street tacos in Chicago. With amazing food, strong margaritas and fresh tortillas, what more could you ask for? So go ahead and give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

Chilango Mexican Street Food/ Litos Empanadas

Highlights
Delightful burritos
Delicious empanadas
Verde salsa is great

First of all, let me tell you that their empanadas are to die for! The crust was perfectly crispy and the filling was deliciously juicy. I tried a variety of flavors including beef, chicken, and even spinach and cheese. Each one had its unique taste that left me wanting more.

In addition to empanadas, I also had their burritos, which were quite delightful. The ingredients were fresh, and the portions were generous. I especially liked how they added rice and beans to the burrito, giving it a hearty feel.

Their verde salsa is also worth mentioning. It had just the right amount of heat to give my taste buds a little kick without overpowering the other flavors. I ended up adding it to almost everything I ate at Chilango!

Overall, my experience at Chilango Mexican Street Food/ Litos Empanadas was fantastic. The food was flavorful and well-prepared; plus the service was excellent too! If you're looking for some of the best street tacos in Chicago that won't break your bank - this is it!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Taco Loco Of Pilsen

Highlights
Delicious tacos
Great value
Generous serving
Reasonable prices
Must-try spot

First of all, let's talk about the tacos. Oh my goodness, they were simply delicious! I ordered the carne asada and al pastor tacos and they were both so flavorful and juicy that I felt like I had been transported to Mexico with just one bite. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned just right.

What impressed me the most was the great value for what I paid. The serving size was very generous and definitely worth every penny. Plus, the quality of ingredients used in each taco was top-notch.

Speaking of serving size, if you're looking for a filling meal that won't break the bank, Taco Loco Of Pilsen is definitely a place to check out. Their prices are reasonable considering how much food you get.

Overall, Taco Loco Of Pilsen is a must-try spot for anyone looking for authentic street tacos in Chicago. With its delicious flavors, great value, and generous serving sizes, this place has quickly become one of my favorites!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

Taqueria El Milagro

Highlights
Authentic, Reasonable Prices
Clean Kitchen
Delicious Tamales
Flavorful Salsa
Tender Steak

First of all, I have to say that this place is the definition of authentic. From the moment you walk in, you feel like you're in a Mexican street market. And let me tell you, the prices are reasonable too. You won't break the bank just to get your taco fix.

Now, let's talk about the food itself. The kitchen was spotless which gave me confidence in what I was about to eat. I tried their tamales and they were absolutely delicious! Perfectly seasoned and moist.

But let's get down to business - the tacos! The steak tacos were so tender that they practically melted in my mouth. And don't even get me started on their salsa. It was flavorful yet not overpowering, giving the perfect balance to every bite.

Overall, Taqueria El Milagro is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for an authentic street taco experience. Their clean kitchen and delicious tamales add to their already impressive menu of tender steak tacos and flavorful salsa. So if you're ever in Chicago, make sure to stop by this miracle of a taqueria!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Velvet Taco

Highlights
Best tacos ever
Spicy chicken Tikka
Shrimp and grits
Late night taco spot
Friendly staff

Firstly, let me tell you that these were the best tacos ever! The menu has a variety of options and I was impressed by their unique combinations. The spicy chicken Tikka taco was my personal favorite. It had the perfect balance of spice and flavor, leaving my taste buds dancing with joy.

Another standout dish was the shrimp and grits taco. Who would have thought that a southern classic could be transformed into a street taco? But Velvet Taco did just that and it was absolutely delicious.

One thing to note is that Velvet Taco is also a late night taco spot, so if you're out on the town and craving some tacos, this is definitely the place to be. And don't worry about being rushed out, because the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Velvet Taco for an unforgettable taco experience. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

Taqueria El Asadero

Highlights
Great carne asada
Cash only
Best steak burrito
Cooked on cast iron
Flavorful guac

Firstly, I must warn you that this place is cash only, so don't forget to bring some greenbacks with you. Moving on to the main event, the tacos! The carne asada was absolutely great and cooked to perfection on a cast iron grill giving it an amazing taste. But wait, there's more! The steak burrito was also a standout dish and definitely worth trying.

One aspect of Taqueria El Asadero that really stood out to me was their flavorful guacamole. It paired perfectly with the tacos and added an extra layer of deliciousness. Plus, who doesn't love a good guac?

Overall, Taqueria El Asadero is definitely one of the best places for street tacos in Chicago. Their use of cast iron grilling gives their meats a unique taste that can't be found anywhere else. And let's not forget about that steak burrito! Just remember to bring cash and get ready for some seriously tasty food.