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 process from entry to exit, seating, atmosphere, and service. These four taquerias get it right, from a Michelin-recognized birrieria to three tacos for nine dollars.
| Taqueria | Neighborhood | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Birrieria Zaragoza | Uptown | Goat birria, handmade tortillas, exceptional service |
| Taqueria la Zacatecana | Avondale | Handmade tortillas, carne asada, family-owned |
| Onions & Cilantro | Bucktown | Value (three tacos for $9), al pastor |
| Taqueria Tejupilco | Lakeview | Quick, budget-friendly tacos, takeout |
Uptown
Birrieria Zaragoza
Birrieria Zaragoza serves what may be the best customer service I've ever experienced in Chicago, paired with goat birria so tender you can leave your teeth at home. It's a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick, and the birria comes from a 165-year-old family recipe.
📍 4800 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
🌮 Order: Bone-in goat birria, Handmade tortillas
Read the full review of Birrieria Zaragoza →
Avondale
Taqueria la Zacatecana
Taqueria la Zacatecana has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1996, and its handmade tortillas alone are worth the visit to this family-run spot. If you read nothing else: just get the handmade tortillas. They are like little pillows.
📍 3024 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
🌮 Order: Handmade tortillas, Carne asada, Al pastor
Read the full review of Taqueria la Zacatecana →
Bucktown
Onions & Cilantro
Three tacos for nine dollars. That's the headline. Order at the counter, find a seat, and they'll bring everything out when it's ready. You'll be hard pressed to find a better value in Chicago.
📍 2235 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
🌮 Order: Al pastor
Read the full review of Onions & Cilantro →
Lakeview
Taqueria Tejupilco
Taqueria Tejupilco proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to flavor. It's one of the smallest taco joints in Lakeview, with properly loaded tacos, quick service and prices that won't break the bank.
📍 2933 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
🌮 Order: Birria tacos, Al pastor
Read the full review of Taqueria Tejupilco →
Chicago tacos FAQ
Where can I find the best birria in Chicago?
Birrieria Zaragoza in Uptown. It's a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick, and its bone-in goat birria comes from a 165-year-old family recipe. Get it with the handmade tortillas.
Where can I get cheap tacos in Chicago?
Onions & Cilantro on Western Avenue does three tacos for $9, and Taqueria Tejupilco in Lakeview runs about $3 to $5 a taco.
Which Chicago taquerias make their own tortillas?
Taqueria la Zacatecana in Avondale and Birrieria Zaragoza in Uptown both serve handmade tortillas. At La Zacatecana, they're the reason to go.