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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in South Lawndale

Taco spots

Made for those who consider the taco a primary food group and demand a variety of options to satisfy their specific cravings.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Cocina de Irma image 1
La Cocina de Irma image 2
La Cocina de Irma image 3
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Cozy, family-run restaurant with home-cooked feel and warm hospitality creates a welcoming, homey atmosphere. Modest space features artsy decor including a green wall with twinkle lights and a Frida Kahlo painting. Positive energy buzzes, making meals feel like shared family experiences.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with rich flavors and satisfying dishes. Service matches the food quality, creating a consistently good dining experience.

Birria tacos stand out for their immaculate flavor. Carne asada and barbacoa tacos also deliver strong, delicious tastes, with breakfast tacos available on request.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes homemade."

"I thought the birria tacos were immaculate and incredibly delicious."

"It felt so warm and cozy, like a meal with family."

Good to know

1

The restaurant allows BYOB without a corkage fee.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The breakfast menu features excellent options for morning diners.

02
Tacos Los Brothers image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with seating for about six people offers a quiet, friendly atmosphere and authentic tacos known for their exceptional flavor. Lack of air conditioning makes the space warm, but the wide variety of meat choices and locally owned vibe create a memorable casual dining experience.

Food comes out quickly and tastes made from scratch. Each bite delivers really tasty and delicious flavors.

Al pastor tacos stand out as the best in the city, filled generously with meat and full of flavor. Other options like Pork Head Tacos, Cecina tacos, and steak tacos come fresh and tasty, paired well with red salsa or salsa verde.

People are saying

"I thought their al pastor tacos were the best I ever had."

"The salsas here are delicious and on point."

"The food here is generously packed and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

There is a service fee for credit card payments.

2

The restaurant currently has no restroom available for customers.

3

They accepted debit cards for payment.

03
Antojitos Pozoleria image 1

Small dining area offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with old school Mexican neighborhood vibes. Handmade tortillas and authentic flavors define the menu, featuring large portions and delicious pozole. Lively energy fills the space, creating a homely and inviting experience.

Food tastes authentic and homemade, like a favorite meal made by Mom. Dishes arrive fresh and at a good temperature, with outstanding flavor throughout.

Tacos come in various meats like al pastor, goat, and chicken in green mole sauce. They arrive very hot and pair well with pozole rojo or pork in green sauce with cactus.

People are saying

"You can’t go wrong with the pozole or tacos here."

"I loved the handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican flavors."

"I thought the food here was outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

Expect to pay around $30 or less for breakfast items.

3

The restaurant does not serve free water; plan to purchase drinks.

04
Lucido's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with casual ambiance and large TVs streaming live entertainment creates a relaxed vibe. The crowd enjoys authentic al pastor tacos praised for their flavor and quality. The spot stands out for its female Latino ownership and small cultural display showcasing Mexican heritage.

Food features good seasoning and high quality ingredients. Service complements the delicious dishes well.

Tacos feature authentic Mexican flavors with a focus on tender al pastor from a rotating trompa and a sweet touch of pineapple. The menu includes top-notch steak and toro tacos known for their delicious taste and texture.

People are saying

"I thought the al pastor tacos were the best I had."

"The al pastor here is flavorful and complemented by great salsa."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 al pastor and chicken tacos.

2

Friday special includes one soda and one al pastor taco for $3.

3

They only accept cash payments; no credit cards.

05
Los Olivos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot with no indoor waiting or seating, requiring customers to wait outside. Offers handmade gorditas, huge tacos, and generous portions with well-seasoned rice and beans. Operates on a cash-only basis and closes early in the afternoon.

Authentic Mexican soul food shines with fresh ingredients and large portions of tacos and burritos. The food stays consistently fantastic and worth the wait despite pick-up only.

Huge, juicy tacos cost $4 each and come with large portions. Tacos stay consistently great and are often described as fantastic and mouth-watering.

People are saying

"These tacos are huge, juicy, and totally worth it."

"You have to try the handmade gorditas stuffed with fresh ingredients."

"I loved the handmade gorditas stuffed with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Los Olivos is only open during lunch and closes at 2 pm.

2

They only accept cash; no debit or credit cards.

3

Customers must call in their order first as it's pick-up only.

06
La Casa del Borrego image 1

Small, family-owned taco spot with a focus on authentic tacos al pastor and barbacoa. Atmosphere suits quick, grab-and-go dining rather than sit-down meals. Offers generous portions and flavorful accompaniments like salsa verde, roja, and consommé.

Food stands out for its delicious barbacoa and overall excellent quality. The menu offers amazing flavors that make it a notable spot for tasty meals.

Tacos here stand out for their tacos al pastor that recall Mexico City flavors and the Tacos de Cabeza which are tender and fatty. The barbacoa and pastor tacos come with salsas and lime, though the pastor lacks pineapple.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here had the best tacos ever."

Good to know

1

The barbecue special is perfect for two people.

2

A pound of the barbecue could easily feed three or more.

3

It is a good place to grab and go from.

07
Taqueria Gomez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers generous portions and reasonably priced delivery within the neighborhood. The atmosphere carries a good vibe that feels welcoming. Tacos stand out as the best feature on the menu.

Food stays very warm even after a 15-minute walk home. Dishes are consistently delicious and enjoyable.

Tacos here have a good flavor and consistent quality. They pair well with the soup and offer a satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was the best I've had."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The tacos here are really good."

Good to know

1

Delivery is available within the Little Village area at reasonable prices.

2

Portions are generous for the price, providing good value.

3

Takeout options are available for those who prefer to eat at home.

08
Tacos y Tamales El Pollo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live loud music creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere where conversation is difficult. The menu offers juicy flavorful tacos and fire salsas, with affordable prices and generous portions. The space moved recently to accommodate more guests but lacks parking.

Food features delicious Mexican dishes with an exquisite ranch flavor that recalls roadside style in Mexico. Prices stay decent, and the overall taste draws people from afar.

Juicy and flavorful tacos come with cilantro and onions and cook up in less than 10 minutes. Burrito and tripa tacos stand out as delicious options.

People are saying

"These tacos are juicy and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and worth the drive."

"I thought the tacos were so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant moved to a new location for more space.

2

The portions are generous and satisfying.

3

Prices are very affordable, making it budget-friendly.

09
Taqueria Los Cuñados image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quiet, no-frills atmosphere with tight seating and reasonable prices. The al pastor tacos stand out as a highlight, praised for quality and flavor. Parking can be challenging, and the place tends to have few people around.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like Alpastor and QuesaBirria standing out. Prices stay reasonable while quality remains high, though some meats could use a stronger sear.

Al pastor tacos stand out as the main highlight here, served in well portioned sizes and priced around $10 for four. These tacos are consistently delicious and highly recommended.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the tacos."

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos were really good."

"The al pastor tacos here are excellent."

Good to know

1

Special Taco Wednesday offers tacos for $2.50 each.

2

Parking can be challenging in the area.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food.

10
El Faro Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright decor with tile floors and smiling staff creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Music plays loudly, and the crowd is diverse, reflecting vibrant Latino culture. Locals chat in Spanish at the bar while enjoying Micheladas, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Food tastes homemade and consistently delicious. Mexican dishes come with excellent quality and attract a busy crowd.

Tacos come with lettuce and tomato or as soya chicken and pastor varieties. All tacos are consistently good and include options like the soya torta.

People are saying

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

"I loved the vegetarian and vegan options here."

"The tacos here are really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for a table during peak hours.

2

Prices for quesadillas are around $7 to $8.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

11
Nuevo Leon Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mural-covered walls and pueblo-themed decor create a vivid setting that feels like stepping into Mexico City. Live ranchera music fills the space, adding to a lively atmosphere with comfortable seating throughout. The place draws people looking for authentic Mexican food paired with classic drinks like Micheladas and Margaritas.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with flavors reminiscent of traditional home cooking. Service complements the delicious dishes consistently, making the food experience very good.

Carne asada tacos in flour tortillas stand out as a consistent favorite. Tacos sabinas offer a unique flavor that can't be replicated. Complimentary barbacoa tacos and chips with salsa often accompany meals.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The cheese enchiladas here are creamy and packed with flavor."

"The chicharrón and carne asada tacos here just melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens on weekends, providing a fun atmosphere.

2

Live music is featured on Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm.

3

The restaurant accepts cash only for all transactions.

12
Don Pepe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a warm, inviting vibe that feels like being in Mexico. The space is clean and spacious, attracting a lively crowd with tasty margaritas and authentic birria tacos.

Food here offers authentic flavor with fresh tacos and enchiladas made with care. Daily specials add variety, and dishes come at reasonable prices with consistently great service.

Tacos come with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. The birria tacos stand out as especially tasty, and the basket tacos offer a delicious option as well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with authentic flavor."

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're a must-try."

"I ate the birria tacos so fast, I didn't get a picture."

Good to know

1

The prices at Don Pepe are relatively affordable.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak dining hours.

3

Parking is limited in the area around Don Pepe.

13
Asian Cuisine Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, old school Chinese restaurant with a family feel and wheeled chairs. Atmosphere is smoky and messy, with eclectic decor including manga figures and body lotions. Known for best tacos al pastor in the city and a unique blend of Chinese and Mexican flavors.

Primarily known for Chinese cuisine, the food also features flavorful pastor tacos that stand out. The dishes consistently deliver high quality Asian flavors that make waiting in line worthwhile.

Tacos feature razor-thin al pastor slices charred with pineapple, delivering an authentic Mexican flavor similar to Mexico City. The asada tacos also stand out, and tacos are ready for quick pickup.

People are saying

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos here were the best in Chicago."

"I thought their al pastor tacos were the best ever."

"The pastor tacos here are flavorful and satisfying."

Good to know

1

On Mondays, they have Al Pastor tacos for $1.00 after 3 PM.

2

Expect a waiting list during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant allows BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

14
Birrieria Patinos Ocotlan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, crowded space with a mom-and-pop charm and friendly atmosphere. Live music and local vendors add to the welcoming vibe. Known for top-quality birria and limited taco options, it draws a steady crowd despite tight quarters.

Food features bold and exciting flavors with clear care in preparation. Dishes taste delicious and satisfy well, especially when feeling sleepless or hungover.

Birria tacos and tacos de cabeza stand out for their rich flavor and quality. Portions are generous, priced around $3.40 each, with a special consommé served alongside.

People are saying

"The goat birria here is so flavorful and authentic."

"I found the food to be really good and generously portioned."

"I thought the birria tacos had that special flavor I crave."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash as payment.

2

Expect a 30-45 minute wait during peak hours.

3

Parking is very limited, so arrive early.

15
El Burrito Feliz Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers an authentic, chill atmosphere with live music and karaoke enhancing the experience. The space feels cozy and clean, attracting families and locals seeking a hidden gem with flavorful tacos and enchiladas.

Food comes out hot and homemade with authentic Mexican flavors. Enchiladas stand out as especially delicious and satisfying.

Tacos come fresh and packed with tender, flavorful carne. Options like birria and steak tacos stand out for their rich taste, and specials offer good value with multiple tacos for a set price.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and quesobirria here are so cheesy and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and very tasty."

"I thought the tacos were fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot and on the street, and the restaurant is handicap accessible.

2

Taco Tuesday special offers four tacos for $10.

3

El Burrito Feliz Restaurant charges $2 for hot sauce when dining in.

16
Las Carnitas Uruapan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with traditional decor and a beautifully designed interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The vibe is cheerful and colorful, welcoming guests with a friendly greeting at the door.

Food here stands out for being consistently delicious and incredible. The experience combines great flavors with attentive service.

Carnitas tacos stand out with excellent flavor and fantastic garnishments. Fried tacos and brain tacos offer unique, satisfying options that keep you coming back for more.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were the best in Chicago."

"The carnitas tacos here are excellent and crispy outside, tender inside."

"I loved the carnitas, they were the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking is not an issue as the restaurant owns two lots very close by.

2

There are lots of free parking options available.

3

The restaurant closes at 4 PM, so plan to arrive early.

17
El Molino Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-run Mexican restaurant with a loud music atmosphere and a comforting vibe where even the cook dances. Known for slow-cooked carnitas that many consider the best in the area, it operates 24 hours and values tradition over flashy design.

Food comes with consistent quality and genuine hospitality. Dishes are well served and offer good value.

Tacos feature carnitas, al pastor, and carne asada with well-served portions. The salsa adds a spicy kick, and crema complements the al pastor nicely.

People are saying

"These carnitas are unbelievably flavorful and practically melt in your mouth."

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

"The carnitas here are unbelievably flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

El Molino Restaurant is open 24 hours, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

The restaurant has been family-owned for decades, ensuring traditional recipes.

3

Expect a casual dining area suitable for enjoying meals on-site.

18
Taquerías Atotonilco - Little Village image 1

Small, cramped space with 70s decor and traditional Mexican flair creates a homey, authentic vibe. Music and food preparation sounds add to the atmosphere, which stays chill and lively despite occasional neighborhood tensions. Wall menus replace printed ones, enhancing the informal, local feel.

Food arrives quickly and is consistently fresh and delicious. Portions are filling and priced reasonably, featuring authentic Mexican flavors.

Tacos here stand out for their exceptional flavor and authentic preparation. They consistently rank as the best tacos in town.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos al pastor were the best I had."

"I thought the pastor tacos were the best."

"The food here is packed with flavor and always delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is self-service, so be prepared to order at the counter.

2

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

3

Parking is available across the street at the laundromat.

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South Lawndale, Chicago

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