Best Tacos in Chicago | Taqueria Tejupilco

Taqueria Tejupilco proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to immense flavor from one of the smallest and best taco joints in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Located at 2933 North Broadway, this authentic Mexican taqueria delivers exactly what you want: properly loaded tacos with fresh ingredients, quick service, and prices that won't break the bank.

If you're in the mood for a quick bite or you have tacos on your mind, this is a great place to try out.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: 2933 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

⏰ Hours: Closed Monday | Tuesday - Sunday 11AM - 10PM

💵 Price Range: $3-5 per taco, $10-20 per person

🚗 Parking: Street parking (metered)

📱 Website: No website (order via DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub)

☎️ Phone: (773) 799-8896

🌟 Best For: Authentic tacos, quick service, takeout, budget-friendly

First Impressions & Process

Walk in and order at the counter. The process is straightforward and efficient. Order however much or as little as you would like. You can take it to go or eat quick inside.

Have a seat at one of the three tables and your food will be out before you know it, complete with two bottles of sauce: roja y verde. The red and green salsas both have the right amount of kick without overwhelming the tacos.

If you're dining at one of the tables inside, when you're done you can drop your plate in the bin by the fridge. Simple, efficient, exactly what you want from an authentic taqueria.

The Food: What I Ordered

I got a steak, al pastor, and a birria taco. Each of them came piled high with cilantro. No problem for me, I love cilantro. The tacos come with onion and cilantro as standard, though you can customize if needed.

The steak was great. Nicely seasoned with good texture. The meat was properly cooked and had that char you want from a well-executed carne asada.

The birria was so tender it melted away in your mouth. This is the kind of birria that shows why the dish has become so popular. The meat is slow-cooked until it practically falls apart, rich with flavor and incredibly satisfying.

The al pastor was wonderfully flavored and had just the right amount of pineapple in the mix. The balance between the savory marinated pork and the sweet pineapple hit perfectly, with that slight char from the grill tying it all together.

And they load the tortillas up too. No skimping on the meat with these tacos. Each comes with two pillowy soft corn tortillas that hold up to the generous portions. It's always interesting to me to see how much a taco can vary from place to place, something that makes these little shops so interesting.

Seating & Parking

Three four-top tables and that's it. When I came in it was empty, but within a few minutes several people came in and multiple to-go orders were processed. The small space works best for quick meals or takeout rather than lengthy dining experiences.

Seating is about as plentiful as parking in this area. If you're driving, you should definitely know it will take you a bit to find a spot, especially during normal dining times. Parking is on the street and metered. Consider this a takeout-friendly spot or plan to walk or bike if you're local.

Atmosphere

It's cozy. Exactly what you may expect from a super legit taco joint in Chicago. Colorful decor catches your eye immediately. The sound of food sizzling and spatulas clanging on the flat top creates that authentic taqueria soundtrack that lets you know fresh food is being made to order.

The inside is small, with only three tables, making it more ideal for takeout. But the intimate space adds to the authenticity. This isn't a polished chain trying to approximate Mexican food. This is a neighborhood taqueria doing what they do best.

Service Experience

Quick and efficient. The service matches the vibe perfectly. You're not going to have a world-class customer experience with elaborate tableside service. But you are going to have an incredible taco served quickly and without fuss.

The staff is really nice, handling both dine-in and the steady stream of takeout orders with calm efficiency. During busy times, expect things to move a bit slower, but the quality remains consistent.

What Makes Taqueria Tejupilco Special

Taqueria Tejupilco represents authentic Mexican food done right in Lakeview. The commitment to properly loading tacos with generous portions of quality meat sets them apart from spots that skimp. Two soft corn tortillas per taco isn't just traditional, it's practical for holding all that filling.

The variety on the menu extends beyond tacos to include burritos, tortas, gorditas, sopes, quesadillas, and full dinner plates. The vegetarian options ensure everyone can find something, and the prices remain budget-friendly at $10-20 per person for a satisfying meal.

The homemade chips and guacamole receive consistent praise from customers. The salsas, both red and green, add the right amount of heat and flavor without dominating the tacos.

Located in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood, Taqueria Tejupilco has built a loyal following with ratings of 4.8-4.9 across delivery platforms, despite the modest 3.9 on Google. The enthusiastic reviews speak to consistent quality and authentic flavors.

The Verdict: Is Taqueria Tejupilco Worth It?

Definitely. For authentic Mexican tacos in Lakeview at budget-friendly prices, Taqueria Tejupilco delivers. The birria melts in your mouth, the al pastor hits that perfect pork-and-pineapple balance, and the generous portions mean you're getting real value.

The limited seating means this works best as a quick bite or takeout spot, but that's part of the charm. This is a neighborhood taqueria focused on great food rather than elaborate dining experiences.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

🅿️ Parking & Access: Street parking is metered and can be challenging during peak dining times. Consider walking, biking, or using public transit if you're local. The Lakeview East location is well-connected and walkable.

⏱️ Best time to visit: The restaurant is busiest during typical lunch and dinner hours. If you want to snag one of the three tables, consider off-peak times. Closed Mondays. Takeout and delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are popular options.

💡 Insider tips: The birria tacos are a standout. Don't skip the homemade salsas, both red and green. The tacos come with cilantro and onion, but you can customize. Try multiple taco varieties to experience the range. The generous portions mean three tacos make a satisfying meal. Cash and cards accepted.

♿ Accessibility: Small space with limited room for wheelchairs. Contact restaurant for specific accessibility information.

👥 Good for groups?: The three four-top tables can accommodate small groups, but the limited seating means larger parties should consider takeout or expect to wait during busy times.

📶 Dining style: Quick-service taqueria with counter ordering and minimal table service. Perfect for fast, casual meals or takeout.

Final Thoughts

Taqueria Tejupilco proves that you don't need elaborate dining rooms or extensive menus to serve exceptional tacos. The steak was nicely seasoned, the birria melted away, and the al pastor had that perfect balance of flavors. Each taco came properly loaded on two soft corn tortillas, showing respect for both tradition and generous portions.

The colorful decor, sounds of the flat top, and efficient service create exactly what you want from an authentic Chicago taqueria. The cozy three-table space means this works best for quick meals or takeout, but that focus allows them to concentrate on what matters: incredible tacos at fair prices.

If you're in Lakeview and craving authentic Mexican food, Taqueria Tejupilco delivers. The combination of quality, authenticity, and value makes it worth seeking out, even if finding parking takes a few extra minutes.

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

If you found this article helpful please consider supporting Spots Travel Guide via the link above. Donations generated through the Buy Me a Coffee platform help bring recognition and support to the local businesses within our cities.