Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Queso and al pastor spots in Illinois

Made for those who pair their al pastor tacos with a heavy serving of queso.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Frida's Cocina image 1
Frida's Cocina image 2
Frida's Cocina image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines spacious, clean design with fun art and a beautiful mural. Atmosphere blends community vibe with part sports bar energy, featuring American rock music rather than Latino tunes. The place feels welcoming and lively, especially during large gatherings.

Nachos come loaded with an abundance of queso. The Queso chorizo offers a tasty twist. Queso fundido appears on the menu but may be unavailable due to equipment issues.

Street tacos shine with Al Pastor standing out as lights out amazing and highly praised. The tacos deliver a top tier flavor that stands apart.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food here; everything was delicious!"

"I loved the abundance of queso on the nachos."

"The Al Pastor tacos were lights out amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking at Frida's Cocina is easy and accessible.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

3

Prices at Frida's Cocina are affordable and reasonable.

02
Taqueria El Perez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, intimate space with cozy atmosphere and authentic Mexican music playing. Walls tell a story of the owner's culinary journey, adding a family-run vibe that feels welcoming. Known for best mushroom al pastor tacos and lively, flavorful energy.

Queso fundido comes hot and melty with super stretchy cheese. The well-seasoned homemade chorizo adds great flavor and makes the dish stand out.

Mushroom al pastor tacos deliver a unique flavor with a nice chili taste that stands out from typical al pastor tacos. They come highly recommended alongside well-served asada and birria options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious, especially the tacos."

"The Al Pastor tacos were juicy and well-seasoned."

"The queso fundido with chorizo is hot, melty, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Taqueria El Perez is closed on Mondays.

2

The restaurant can cater to parties of up to 20 people.

3

The price is reasonable considering the high quality of the food.

03
Chirrion Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with minimalist modern decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Patio seating is available with flexible table arrangements. Known for delicious margaritas and flavorful tacos, it offers a chill vibe in a peaceful setting.

Queso fundido stands out with its rich, melty cheese. Options include plain cheese or with chorizo or beef, with the chorizo version having a special quality that draws repeat orders.

Tacos feature rich flavor with the al pastor standing out alongside carne asada. The al pastor pairs well with a churro dessert for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so delicious and full of flavor."

"The Al Pastor tacos were so delicious and full of flavor."

"The queso fundito had a special quality that kept us coming back."

Good to know

1

The inside can fill up quickly, so consider visiting during off-peak hours.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for two people, depending on your order.

3

Everything is extra, including guacamole and sour cream, which can add to your bill.

04
Southport Taqueria Dine-in & Take-out image 1

Mexican restaurant with cozy, well-appointed decor and a chill, no-frills vibe. Atmosphere stays warm and welcoming, making it easy to have conversations while enjoying authentic, flavorful tacos. Space fills quickly, creating a lively but comfortable environment.

Juicy tacos come with a pineapple kick that stands out. The al pastor offers a better price, size, and taste compared to nearby spots.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is fresh and flavorful."

"You have to try the Al Pastor; it's the best of the bunch."

"The queso dip was gooey and legit."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Dine-in customers receive free chips and salsa with their meal.

3

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol, which is a unique perk.

05
Taqueria Invicto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Metal tables and folding chairs fill a bright, open space with concrete floors and an open kitchen, creating an authentic Mexican vibe. Loud music and noisy seating make the atmosphere lively but potentially overwhelming for noise-sensitive people. A sauce bar and order kiosks add interactive elements to the dining experience.

Rich queso stands out among the sides, paired with fresh guacamole and flavorful esquites. The Cali burrito features queso and fries, a combination rarely found outside California.

Al pastor dishes come with a sweet flavor and work well in tacos, quesadillas, and rice bowls. The pollo al pastor and regular al pastor options both taste good and pair nicely with cheesy tostadas or vampiro-style steak.

People are saying

"I'm still full hours after eating the huge chicken burrito."

"The Al Pastor tacos are surprisingly good and delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious queso and fresh tortilla chips."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; order at the kiosk and pay via credit card.

2

The restaurant does not accept cash payments.

3

Tacos are priced around $4.50 each, which is higher than average.

06
Casa Humilde Cerveceria & Cocina image 1

Large, airy space with an industrial vibe and Mexican flare creates a welcoming atmosphere. Music stays at a comfortable volume, supporting conversation and occasional live performances on the spacious patio. The crowd includes families and people seeking a relaxed yet vibrant setting for drinks and casual dining.

Queso fundido stands out with its rich melted cheese and pairs well with the al pastor taco. It appears regularly alongside other dishes like pozole and tetelas, showing its role in frequent orders.

Tacos come with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. Al pastor stands out as complex and delicious, often recommended alongside queso fundido.

People are saying

"I thought the beer here was excellent and full of flavor."

"The Al Pastor tacos are authentic and so flavorful."

"You should not miss the queso fundido."

Good to know

1

Casa Humilde has its own parking lot, which is convenient during cold weather.

2

Expect high prices, with tacos costing around $8 each.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added for groups of four or more.

07
La Josie image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rooftop seating offers scenic views and a laid-back vibe with a welcoming atmosphere. The space feels intimate yet accommodating for groups, blending elegance with casual comfort. Cocktails feature creative presentations and strong flavors, enhancing the overall experience.

Queso appears in several dishes, including the chicken with guacamole and queso and the chorizo queso fundito appetizer. It complements the tacos and pairs well with the chips and salsa trio.

Al pastor tacos rank among the top with rich flavor and great quality. The al pastor sope and torta offer creative, flavorful options that stand out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic."

"You have to try the queso fundido; it was awesome."

"I was still dreaming about the Al Pastor trio."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are available until 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

Pricing is premium, with tacos costing $9 each and entrees starting at $35.

08
LA CATRINA RESTAURANT image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic tacos and colorful Mexican artwork on the walls creates a cozy atmosphere. Music ranges from lively reggaeton to a mix of styles, contributing to a friendly, fun vibe. Outdoor seating includes a hidden back patio, adding to the charm.

Queso fundido with chorizo stands out as a rich, savory dish here. It pairs well with other items like shrimp tostada and fries, making it a popular choice.

Tacos al pastor have a very good flavor and come out spot on. Burritos and tortas with al pastor show mixed results, with some lacking flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has authentic Mexican flavor."

"You have to try the queso fundido with chorizo."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be very good."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they offer bottomless mimosas for $20.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

A 4% fee applies for credit card payments.

09
Taco Lamas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with modern decor and open seating offers a loud, energetic vibe fueled by funky instrumental hip hop music. Ordering happens at a kiosk, blending casual fast food style with upscale touches. Margaritas and exceptional tacos stand out as key features.

Fries come out crispy and pair well with a creamy queso dip. Nachos topped with spicy chicken and tacos also feature queso, though sometimes the portion feels light.

Offers a Vegan Al Pastor option alongside traditional al pastor tacos. Serves al pastor in Midwestern Mexican style with options like three tacos on Taco Tuesday.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and tasty."

"The queso dip with the crispy fries is delicious."

"I ordered the Al Pastor tacos on Taco Tuesday."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $4 each, making it an affordable option.

2

You order at the counter and seat yourself, no waitstaff service.

3

The menu is simple and clearly describes tacos and sides.

10
Taco Pros - Mexican Cocina (Naperville) image 1

Mexican restaurant with cozy, inviting atmosphere and cute cultural decorations offers a clean, comfortable space with good music and ample seating. The vibe is child friendly and welcoming, suitable for casual dining.

Chips come perfectly crisp and lightly salted, ideal for dunking. Queso is rich and velvety, pairing well with tacos and fries.

Tacos feature pineapple pieces mixed with meat, giving a sweet contrast. They come with cilantro and onions, making them flavorful and authentic.

People are saying

"The tacos here are full of flavor and perfectly seasoned."

"The queso here is rich and velvety."

"The Al Pastor tacos were so good, I couldn't order anything else."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 2 for $4.99 deal.

2

Daily specials include Taco Tuesday for great value.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...