Best Tacos in Chicago | Onions & Cilantro

When I consider my nominees for the best tacos in Chicago I look at not only the quality of the tacos themselves, but also the experience. The factors I base the experience on are the process customers follow from entry to exit, seating, atmosphere, and service.

Three tacos for nine dollars. That's the headline. That's what you need to know about Onions & Cilantro. But if you can spare a few more minutes, let me tell you why this place deserves your attention.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: 2235 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

💵 Price Range: $9-15 per person (3 tacos for $9)

🚗 Parking: Street parking available (limited)

🌟 Best For: Authentic tacos, incredible value, genuine service, quick meals

Process

Street parking is your option here. I was able to find a spot around the corner without too much trouble. As you walk in, the setup is simple. Order at the counter. Find yourself a seat. They'll bring everything out to you when it's ready.

No fuss. No confusion. Just straightforward service that gets you in and out quickly if that's what you need.

Food

Three tacos for nine dollars is hard to beat. If you can resist the urge to get beans and rice and a drink, you can eat relatively inexpensively here. We're talking under ten dollars before tip. In a city where every meal seems to creep toward twenty or thirty dollars, this kind of value feels almost revolutionary.

The al pastor was really good. Seasoned well. You could taste the care that went into preparing the meat. But the real stars here are the tortillas. These shells were soft and delicious. Pillowy is the word that keeps coming to mind. The kind of softness that makes you realize most tortillas you've had were maybe more similar to stones.

Then there's the salsa. The green salsa was mild and fresh. The red brought some heat. Real heat, not the kind that tries to impress you but the kind that actually adds flavor. So naturally, on my third taco, I mixed them. That combination was absolute perfection. The sweetness of the al pastor paired with the mixed salsas created something special. Something that had me thinking about my return visit before I'd even finished eating.

Seating

Three two-tops and four four-tops. It's certainly a simple little space. I had no issues finding a spot when I was there on a weekday afternoon. I suspect most folks get their order to go, similar to what I witnessed during my visits to other places in Chicago.

Atmosphere

Meat sizzles on the griddle. Grupo Mania plays through the speakers. And as you bite down into those pillowy soft tortillas, all of your problems begin to disappear.

You may think that I am being a little dramatic. That's the actual experience of sitting there, eating these tacos, and realizing that sometimes the best moments are the simple ones. Good food. Good music. What else could you ask for?

Service

Personable. Genuine. Real.

These three words seem to be getting difficult to come by these days. Chicagos taco scene continues to impress me. There's something about the authenticity of service at neighborhood taquerias that feels increasingly rare. The staff here makes you feel welcomed, not processed. They're not going through the motions. They seem to actually care.

In an era where so many interactions feel transactional, this kind of genuine hospitality stands out.

Summary

I'm always on the lookout for great value in Chicago. Onions & Cilantro delivers on that promise.

Looking for a quick stop for some delicious tacos? You can be in and out in fifteen minutes. Great service. Wonderful food. The option to spend less than ten dollars before tip.

You will be hard pressed to find a better value in Chicago. The al pastor is expertly prepared. The tortillas are exceptional. The salsa combination creates the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. And the service reminds you what neighborhood dining should feel like.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or just really good tacos that won't destroy your budget, Onions & Cilantro delivers. This is the kind of place that makes you grateful to be in a city with such wonderful food options at every price point.

I paid for this meal myself. All opinions are my own.

Last updated November 2025.

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