Best Tacos in Chicago | Taqueria la Zacatecana

Taqueria la Zacatecana has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1996, and their handmade tortillas alone are worth the visit to this family-run Chicago gem. Located at 3024 North California Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood, this well-established taqueria delivers wonderful handmade tortillas and delicious bites with the kind of authentic experience you're looking for.

First off, and if you read nothing else: just get the handmade tortillas. They are like little pillows and they are incredibly delicious.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: 3024 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

⏰ Hours: 9AM - 10PM Daily

💵 Price Range: $4-6 per taco, $15-25 per person

🚗 Parking: Free street parking

📱 Website: Order via DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats

☎️ Phone: (773) 279-8260

🌟 Best For: Handmade tortillas, authentic tacos, family-owned, carne asada

First Impressions & Process

Parking out front on the street is free, which is always appreciated in Chicago. Walk in and head towards the middle of the restaurant where the menu is right in front of the register.

Order and have a seat. You can pay after you're done eating, or I chose to pay prior to sitting. Either option works fine. I think in the past this joint used to be cash only, but I was able to use my card no problem at all.

Once you're done, you can leave everything at the table and you're ready to take on your next adventure of the day. Simple, efficient, exactly what you want from an authentic taqueria.

The Food: What I Ordered

I got one carne asada and two al pastor tacos with handmade tortillas for $1 extra per taco. Let me be clear: the handmade tortillas are absolutely worth the upcharge.

The handmade tortillas are like little pillows. They're incredibly delicious, soft yet substantial enough to hold the generous portions of meat. They use big, regular-sized corn tortillas rather than the smaller versions some taco shops use to justify higher prices. The difference between standard and handmade tortillas here is noticeable and significant.

Now, onto the steak. This place does carne asada right. Good-sized chunks of steak, perfectly seasoned with onion and cilantro. The meat has that proper char from the grill and the seasoning hits just right without overwhelming the beef itself.

The al pastor hits different than many other pastors I've tried. Some places add a little heat to their al pastor, but here, the pastor is very sweet forward. The pineapple is showcased and more pronounced than I was expecting, and it was a lovely surprise. The marinated pork combined with that prominent pineapple sweetness creates a flavor profile that stands out from other taquerias.

They brought out some sauces and lime wedges while I waited. I did not use the salsa verde, but I did use the salsa roja and it was very tasty. Some smoke and just the right amount of heat, it complemented the tacos without overwhelming them.

Seating & Atmosphere

Approximately 12 stools at the counter and about 12 or so tables that seat four provide ample seating for a neighborhood taqueria. I went just before 5 PM on a Tuesday and it was very easy to find a seat.

The atmosphere is lively. Music fills the space along with the sound of food cooking on the flattops. The energy from the employees is great, creating that authentic taqueria vibe where you can watch the magic happen in the open kitchen.

This is a spot you stop at when you're looking for an authentic experience. The colorful decor and family-run feel make it welcoming without being overly polished or trying too hard.

Service Experience

The service was great! Employees were very kind. A little goes a long way at places like this, and the staff at Taqueria la Zacatecana understands this.

Great customer service during the ordering process. The delivery of sauces and limes while you wait for your food shows thoughtfulness. That's it. Nothing else is really needed. The focus stays on good food and genuine hospitality.

What Makes Taqueria la Zacatecana Special

Established in 1996, Taqueria la Zacatecana is a family-owned and operated business that has earned a loyal following among locals. The commitment to handmade tortillas sets them apart immediately. Many taquerias use standard tortillas, but la Zacatecana takes the extra step to make them fresh, and you can taste the difference.

The menu offers variety beyond tacos, including burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and full dinner plates. The vegetarian options receive praise from customers who often struggle to find quality vegetarian burritos in Chicago. The chile rellenos are noted as a standout dish.

The open kitchen lets you watch the preparation, connecting you to the cooking process and reinforcing the authenticity of the experience. The generous portions and use of full-sized tortillas mean you're getting real value, even if the pricing seems higher initially.

Located in the Avondale neighborhood, Taqueria la Zacatecana serves as a neighborhood gathering spot where families and friends come for casual, relaxed Mexican food done right.

The Pricing Reality

All in for three tacos and a Coke, it came to $22 before tip. The pricing is certainly on the higher end, especially when you add in the handmade tortillas. But here's the thing: you deserve it.

The quality of the handmade tortillas, the generous portions of properly seasoned meat, the authentic preparation, and the genuine hospitality justify the price. You're not just paying for tacos; you're supporting a family business that's been serving the community since 1996 while maintaining standards and making things from scratch.

The Verdict: Is Taqueria la Zacatecana Worth It?

Without question. Headed home after work and need a quick bite? Need a quick stop before you and your friends head out on the town? On the lookout for an easy weekend lunch with the family? Taqueria la Zacatecana delivers on all fronts.

The handmade tortillas elevate the entire experience, the carne asada is done right, and the sweet-forward al pastor offers something slightly different from other taquerias. The combination of quality food, genuine service, and nearly 30 years of family operation makes this a Chicago taqueria worth seeking out.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

🅿️ Parking & Access: Free street parking on California Avenue. The Avondale location is accessible and has better parking than many Chicago taquerias.

⏱️ Best time to visit: Open 9AM - 10PM daily. Arriving just before 5 PM on weekdays means easy seating. Weekend lunch and dinner times are busier but the ample seating usually accommodates.

💡 Insider tips: Pay the $1 extra for handmade tortillas on every taco. It's non-negotiable. The salsa roja is excellent with smoky heat. The al pastor has a sweeter profile than most places due to prominent pineapple. You can pay before or after eating. The carne asada tacos are consistently praised as some of Chicago's best.

♿ Accessibility: Contact restaurant for specific accessibility information.

👥 Good for groups?: Yes, with tables that seat four and counter seating, groups of various sizes work well. The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone.

📶 Dining style: Counter-service taqueria with table seating. Order at the register, grab a table, and food is brought out. Casual and straightforward.

Final Thoughts

Taqueria la Zacatecana proves that nearly 30 years of family operation creates something special. The handmade tortillas are like little pillows, incredibly delicious and worth every penny of the upcharge. The carne asada showcases perfectly seasoned, good-sized chunks of steak. The al pastor's sweet-forward profile with pronounced pineapple offers a lovely surprise that differentiates it from other taquerias.

The lively atmosphere with music and the sound of food sizzling on the flattops creates exactly what you want when seeking an authentic experience. The kind employees and thoughtful service details, like bringing out sauces and limes while you wait, show that this family-run business understands hospitality.

Yes, the pricing is higher, especially with handmade tortillas. But supporting a quality family business that's been serving the community since 1996 while making tortillas from scratch and properly seasoning their meats? You deserve that investment in authentic food done right.

Whether you're heading home after work, meeting friends before a night out, or grabbing weekend lunch with family, Taqueria la Zacatecana delivers wonderful handmade tortillas and delicious tacos to Chicago's Avondale neighborhood.

Looking for more Chicago taco spots? Check out my complete guide to the best tacos in Chicago.

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

Last updated: November 2025

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