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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lower West Side's best

Taco spots

A taco that relies on the quality of the tortilla and filling rather than being buried under unnecessary toppings.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
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Updated April 2026
01
De Luna Taco Grill image 1
De Luna Taco Grill image 2
De Luna Taco Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Food truck setting with twinkling lights offers a magical vibe. Steak tacos deliver big portions and rich flavors. Cash-only policy and casual seating create a relaxed, inviting spot for authentic Mexican street food.

Steak and al pastor tacos stand out with big portions and rich flavors. The menu blends traditional and inventive flavors, making each taco delicious and memorable.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

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

"I considered this my go-to hidden gem for tacos."

Good to know

1

They accept CASH ONLY; bring enough cash to try everything.

2

Prices have increased; burritos now cost $10.

3

I spent around $20 for four tacos, which is a great deal.

02
QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with birria tacos that deliver rich, bold flavors. Cozy, authentic vibe feels like a family home with colorful art and loud old school house music. Limited seating creates a lively, intimate atmosphere perfect for quick meals or takeout.

Birria tacos stand out as the most notable offering, consistently described as the best ever tasted. These tacos combine rich flavors with a satisfying texture that makes them a memorable choice.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and bursting with flavor."

"The consommé for the tacos is rich, deep, and comforting."

"The shrimp quesabirria tacos were flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos is primarily a takeout spot, with limited seating available.

2

The price is $5 per taco, making it affordable for most visitors.

3

Parking is limited; expect to park a few blocks away on busy weekends.

03
Mariscos Los Cuates image 1

Mexican seafood spot shines with fresh shrimp tacos and a unique mini taco starter. Bold coastal flavors like aguachiles excite the palate. Lively vibe with a young band and colorful decor makes it cozy and fun for groups.

Tacos feature shrimp in both regular and spicy styles, offering a flavorful seafood option. A mini taco with shrimp broth arrives as a complimentary starter, adding a unique touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the seafood like aguachiles and ceviche, is fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The tacos gobernador and shrimp tacos were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Live music is played from 6 to 8 PM on select days.

2

The restaurant is BYOB; bring your own drinks.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

04
Carniceria Maribel image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot offers generous portions of tacos on traditional corn tortillas with rich flavors like carne asada and al pastor. Friendly Mexican atmosphere shines with a large Selena mural outside. Small counter and limited seating create a down-to-earth vibe that makes waiting enjoyable.

Tacos come on traditional corn tortillas with generous portions that fill up quickly. Varieties like carne asada, chorizo, al pastor, and beef tongue pack rich, fresh flavors that stand out.

People are saying

"I thought the steak tacos were well seasoned and flavorful."

"The salsas here are to die for, packed with flavor."

"I found the carne asada burrito addictive and craved it often."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs around $5 but is larger and loaded compared to average tacos.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 PM, two hours before the liquor store.

3

Calling your order in advance is recommended to avoid long wait times.

05
CERDITO MUERTO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dark, narrow speakeasy offers intimate atmosphere with cultural art. Tacos shine with homemade flavor and unique combos like heirloom carrots and queso fresco. Perfect for romantic dinners or lively nights, blending authentic Mexican flavors with a cozy vibe.

Tacos feature generous portions and a homemade flavor that stands out. Varieties include birria and unique combinations like heirloom carrots with pepitas, pomegranate seeds, and queso fresco.

People are saying

"The potato tacos were very tasty with a homemade flavor."

"The cocktails here are artfully created and delicious."

"I ate the best birria tacos I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Dinner for two typically costs around $220, including drinks.

06
Taco Loco Of Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small tent serves made-to-order tacos with big portions and fresh meat like chicken and steak. Atmosphere feels authentic and homemade, drawing fans of real Mexican street food. Cash-only and irregular hours mean planning ahead is key.

Street tacos come with big portions and tons of flavor. Meat is made to order with options like chicken, steak, chorizo, and cabeza, all served with freshness and friendly service.

People are saying

"I had never had a better taco."

"The quesadilla here is so good, you'll be stuffed."

"The salsas here are really yummy and perfect with tacos."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so bring enough for your meal.

2

There is no seating available; it's an outdoor stand.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the neighborhood.

07
El Costeño image 1
Restaurant

Bright colors and traditional Mexican music create a cozy atmosphere with a family feel. Tacos shine with tacos de al pastor offering unique, non-greasy flavor and generous portions. Complimentary chips and salsa add to the relaxed dining experience in a sunny, open space.

Tacos feature tacos de al pastor with a unique, non-greasy flavor and tripa tacos noted for quality. Portions come generous and the overall taste is consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The cabeza tacos are tender and juicy."

"I thought the tacos al pastor were the best I'd ever tasted."

"The cabeza tacos were super tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

El Costeño closes at 9 pm.

2

The prices at El Costeño are affordable.

3

El Costeño offers vegetarian options upon request.

08
Punch House image 1

Basement bar boasts a speakeasy vibe with dim lighting and an aquarium behind the bar. DJs spin vinyl with classic yacht rock and local hip hop, setting an intimate mood. Gourmet tacos feature duck carnitas and shrimp, offering rich flavors in a cozy, diverse space.

Gourmet tacos stand out with duck carnitas and shrimp options. Each taco offers rich, distinct flavors.

People are saying

"It's a chill speakeasy with dim lighting and awesome hip hop music."

"I enjoyed the delicious cocktails here."

"The bartender Matteo was so friendly and excellent."

Good to know

1

Drag shows occur every Wednesday night, starting at 8pm.

2

A DJ performs every Thursday night, creating a vibrant nightlife experience.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted punch options.

09
Cantón Regio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic ranch-style decor and live mariachi music that energizes the family-friendly space. Steak tacos feature freshly made tortillas and bold flavors like carne asada and cameron. BYOB policy adds to the casual vibe despite crowded seating.

Steak tacos stand out with freshly made tortillas and authentic flavors. Options include carne asada, cameron, and vegetarian tacos, all packed with bold taste and served with sides like guacamole and horchata.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted super good and fresh."

"I confirmed the cuisine was truly authentic and excellent."

"The steak tacos here are delicious and tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

2

Bring your own beer or wine, as the restaurant is BYOB.

3

An ATM is available on-site for cash withdrawals.

10
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style decor sets a lively tone with bold flavors in breakfast tacos like Shrimp Gobernador. Loud Mexican music fuels an energetic vibe, while tables near the kitchen add to the busy atmosphere. Soft shell crab tacos on housemade tortillas pair well with rich pozole verde.

Breakfast tacos stand out with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Shrimp Gobernador and soft shell crab tacos come on housemade tortillas and pair well with rich pozole verde.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The tuna tostada is a standout Mexican Food dish."

"The tuna tostada here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

11
El Milagro Tortillas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with lively, warm details and a historic facade. Steak tacos shine with rich flavor and generous fillings at an affordable price. Known for big portions and some of the best tortillas and tamales, it delivers great value and taste.

Steak tacos stand out with rich flavor and generous fillings. Prices stay low around $5.50 for a fully stuffed taco, making them a solid choice for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"This taco is humongous, stuffed with steak and rice."

"I found the tamales authentic and reminiscent of childhood."

"I found the prices to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Get there early as they sometimes run out of tortillas by 11:30 AM.

2

To guarantee tamales, call ahead and pay in advance.

3

Expect big portions at reasonable prices.

12
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Small space bursts with vibrant Mexican decor and loud mariachi music, creating a lively vibe. Tacos are thick homemade tortillas filled with bold flavors like Mole Rojo con Puerco and peanut sauce. Seating feels communal, like a fast-food spot, adding to the energetic scene.

Tacos come in a nice size with two filling enough for a meal. The Mole Rojo con Puerco and those with peanut sauce stand out as very delicious options.

People are saying

"I loved the tacos, especially the homemade tortillas."

"The Al Pastor here is unbelievably flavorful."

"The churros are crunchy, soft inside, with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating."

Good to know

1

Rubi's Tacos makes chicken pozole on Thursdays, a must-try dish.

2

The restaurant is closed from Monday to Wednesday.

3

Seating fills up quickly, so expect to wait during peak hours.

13
La Mejikana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban Latino spot shines with quesabirria tacos and a hidden patio for quiet chats. Inside, a chic dive bar vibe pulses with live DJ sets mixing old jams and Spanish beats. Juicy carne asada tacos fuel lively singing and dancing crowds.

Quesabirria tacos come with fresh braised beef to avoid excess saltiness. Shrimp tacos use one tortilla per taco. Carne asada tacos offer a juicy, well-seasoned classic flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's grilled octopus is tender with a flavorful sauce."

"The cocktails are fresh, not too sweet, and made with care."

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is available on the street next to Ashland, and paid parking is in front.

3

It can get busy after 5 PM, so be prepared for a wait.

14
Raymond's Tacos on Damen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot buzzes with a cozy vibe and draws crowds late at night. Tacos shine with unique flavors like steak and lengua, plus the standout tacos de alpastor with American cheese. Cash-only policy keeps it simple, with an ATM inside for convenience.

Offers steak, ribeye, and lengua tacos with a unique flavor. Known for tacos de alpastor with American cheese and a solid late-night taco spot.

People are saying

"I thought the asada tacos were the best."

"It's a great late night spot for awesome, fresh, and delicious food."

"I thought the burrito here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Raymond's Tacos on Damen accepts only cash payments.

2

They have an ATM inside for cash withdrawals.

3

The restaurant is open until 1am for late-night dining.

15
Sleep Walk Chocolateria & Cafe image 1

Cozy spot with natural light and plant-filled interior offers tasty breakfast tacos featuring Canadian bacon. Enjoy lively music and conversation amid authentic chocolate aromas and a nostalgic vibe.

Breakfast tacos feature Canadian type bacon that adds a unique, tasty twist. Options include bacon and egg varieties alongside a great selection of pastries and coffee.

People are saying

"The coffee here is incredibly smooth and flavorful."

"It's a small, cozy coffee shop filled with plants."

"The mocha is the perfect balance of coffee and chocolate."

Good to know

1

The café offers a unique 24oz cup for beverages.

2

Menu items are displayed at the cashier, which may require quick decisions.

3

Bring headphones if you plan to work for an extended time.

16
El Berrinches Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mural of the Titanic sets a unique tone while a DJ spins loud, energetic music. Mexican dishes shine with tender carnitas and bold shrimp tacos that spice up the menu. Passion fruit margaritas offer a balanced finish to the chill vibe.

Shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavor and spice and draw repeat visits. The menu features tender pork belly in Pancita a la Coca-Cola tacos and a unique Arabe taco option.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly top-tier."

"The carnitas tacos are so tender and juicy."

"I enjoyed the great music played by the DJ."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers happy hour with 2 for 1 Margaritas.

2

El Berrinches is open late on Fridays and Saturdays with DJs playing music.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during weekend nights with a DJ.

17
Carnitas La Michoacana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and Michoacan-style carnitas in a family-friendly setting. Fried tacos, especially tacos de barbacoa, pack bold flavor, best enjoyed with a cold horchata. Parking is tight and wait times rise on weekends, but prices stay fair.

Fried tacos stand out with handmade tortillas that boost flavor. Tacos de barbacoa and adding a pedazo de chicharrón bring extra taste. Horchata pairs well with these amazing tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best in Chicago."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be really good."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find.

2

They prefer cash payments, with an extra surcharge for credit card use.

3

Dine-in and takeout options are available, with large portions for families.

18
Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant buzzes with authentic decor and a lively vibe. Tacos shine with fresh preparation and bold flavors like pastor and chorizo. Cozy, crowded space fills with families enjoying late-night dining.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavors and fresh preparation. The pastor, chorizo, and steak tacos are especially notable for their seasoning and quality meat.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos here were the best."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

"I thought the tacos here were fantastic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Finding parking on weekends is difficult due to the location.

3

Call ahead for carry out orders to minimize wait time.

19
Taqueria El Mezquite image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic tacos like lengua and Al Pastor. Covered outdoor patio offers a cozy atmosphere with good music and lively vibe. Made-to-order food keeps guests coming back for the fresh flavors and clean seating.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavors and well-served portions. Options like lengua and Al Pastor offer distinct, delicious choices.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing tacos."

"The outdoor seating here has a great atmosphere."

"I thought the tacos were amazing and truly delicious."

Good to know

1

Taqueria El Mezquite is a BYOB establishment, allowing you to bring your own alcohol.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

Prices for meals can be high, with some items exceeding $20.

20
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot offers best carnitas in Chicago with a bar-like atmosphere. Tacos are fat and generous, loaded with carnitas and fresh tortillas. Owner adds charm with Cajeta lollipops, making it a friendly, affordable choice.

Tacos come loaded with carnitas and are notably fat and generous. Options include potato and shoulder tacos, all served with fresh tortillas and salsa at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were really good."

"The carnitas here are loaded with rich, fatty meat."

"I had the best carnitas tacos I've ever experienced."

Good to know

1

Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant is strictly a takeout-only establishment.

2

They close at 5:00 PM on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals under $40.

21
Taquerías Atotonilco - Pilsen image 1

Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with authentic Hispanic decals and a cash-only policy. Tacos shine with Al pastor's great heat and the Atotonilco's juicy steak. Casual, clean atmosphere with nearby parking completes the experience.

Tacos here stand out for their Al pastor and house special Atotonilco with juicy steak and thinly sliced tomato and onion. Portions are huge and the red salsa on the Al pastor offers a great heat level.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've ever had."

"I found the best late-night tacos here."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments, so plan accordingly.

2

Tacos cost between $3 and $4 each, making them affordable.

3

There is an ATM inside for cash withdrawals.

22
La Providencia Grocery image 1

Grocery store offers friendly service and a strong community feel. Weekend barbecue dishes shine, especially the al pastor tacos known for rich flavor. Some steak tacos miss cheese and have overcooked meat, but prices stay reasonable.

Al Pastor tacos stand out with their rich flavor and are often described as the best. Steak tacos sometimes lack expected ingredients like cheese and can have overcooked meat.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the carnitas."

"I tried the al pastor taco; it was the best I've ever had."

"The al pastor taco is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

La Providencia Grocery sells barbecue, cochinita pibil, and menudo on weekends.

2

They have been in business for over 30 years.

3

Prices at La Providencia Grocery are reasonable.

23
Señoritas Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old-time speakeasy style meets colorful decor and a lively patio. Tacos shine with shrimp and carne asada options, blending bold flavors and cheese. Live DJ keeps energy high, crafting a vibrant setting with a loud, chill vibe at night.

Tacos here feature a lot of fish and include tasty options like shrimp, carne asada, and carnitas. They lean toward flavorful fillings but sometimes include cheese, differing from traditional street-style tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos and enchiladas, is really tasty."

"I loved the separate vegan menu with so many delicious options."

"I thought the tacos were great and perfectly made."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Mondays features $8 margaritas.

2

The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu.

3

Free chips and salsa are provided with meals.

24
El Taco Azteca - Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-concept Mexican spot offers authentic decor and a cozy atmosphere. Tacos shine with sophisticated flavors like al pastor and octopus, while margaritas bring diverse flavors to the table. TVs add a lively touch to this small, welcoming space.

Tacos feature sophisticated flavors with standout options like al pastor, octopus, and shrimp. Pozole tacos come with a consume for dipping, adding a unique touch to the experience.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and sophisticated."

"I found so many delicious vegetarian and vegan options here."

"I found the al pastor and octopus tacos to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 7 pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect a 75-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

25
Carnitas Don Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic carnitas in a lively spot with a laid-back vibe and enjoyable music. Try carnitas tacos featuring unique parts like stomach and cesos, perfect with tacos dorados or menudo. Private parking and takeout make visits easy and convenient.

Carnitas tacos stand out with different parts available by the pound, especially the stomach and tacos de cesos. The tacos taste authentic and pair well with tacos dorados or menudo.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas to be amazing and delicious."

"The food here is amazing, juicy, and tasty."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open from 5 AM to 5 PM and closes when they sell out.

2

They only accept cash, but now also accept credit and debit cards.

3

The wait time is usually around half an hour during busy hours.

26
D'Nuez - Kitchen + Bar - Pilsen image 1

Cozy space with warm wood decor and lively, intimate seating sets a family-friendly vibe. Steak and birria tacos shine with red chilaquiles, while shrimp tacos pair perfectly with a green drink. Friendly staff often engage guests with songs, adding to the fun atmosphere.

Steak and birria tacos come with red chilaquiles. Tilapia tacos taste fresh and light. Shrimp tacos pair well with a green drink.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and beautifully presented."

"You have to try their cafe de olla; it's really good."

"The shrimp tacos were fresh and wonderful."

Good to know

1

The prices are generally considered high for the portion sizes.

2

The menu offers a limited selection of vegetarian options.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

27
Birreria Reyes de Ocotlan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, authentic Mexican spot offers rich birria and tender tacos like goat and lengua with consomé. Family-owned charm shines in a nostalgic atmosphere that feels like Mexico. Simple, comfy space often busy with locals.

Tacos feature tender, juicy meat with generous portions, including birria goat and tacos de lengua served with consomé. Options include halal birria and beef tacos priced around 20 dollars.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has the most tender, juicy birria tacos."

"I thought the birria tacos were the best I ever had."

"I found the food to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The birria tacos are halal.

2

This place is cash-only; bring cash for your meal.

3

Expect limited seating during peak hours.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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