Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
South Lawndale's best

Taco and salsa spots

A taco is incomplete without the right salsa, and you know that the pairing is what makes the meal.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
La Cocina de Irma image 1
La Cocina de Irma image 2
La Cocina de Irma image 3
View all

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.

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

Salsas here stand out with a spicy, nutty Salsa Macha that blends sweetness and heat. They complement dishes like barbacoa and chilaquiles, adding memorable flavor and enhancing the meats.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes homemade."

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

"The salsa on the chilaquiles was perfectly seasoned and amazing."

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.

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.

Salsas here are seriously good with spicy mole, habanero and cebolla, and salsa verde standing out. The red salsa pairs perfectly with Cecina tacos, and the salsas complement asada tacos and burritos well.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are delicious and on point."

"You won't believe how stuffed these burritos are with meat."

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
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.

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.

Salsa here has great flavor and ranges from really spicy to a perfect spicy level in their green salsa. It pairs well with dishes like al pastor, enhancing the overall taste.

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.

04
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.

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.

An impressive variety of salsas complements the tacos, with options like a dark red chipotle salsa and a crisp green salsa. The orange habanero salsa stands out for its tasty spice.

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."

"I had the best Al pastor I’ve ever tasted."

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.

05
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.

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.

Salsa here stands out for its great flavor and pairs well with dishes like steak quesadillas. Service can be slow, as the salsa sometimes arrives late after asking.

People are saying

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

"I thought their salsa was very good."

"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.

06
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.

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.

Fresh, house-made salsas come with the carnitas, adding bright, bold layers of taste. The salsa has a spicy flavor that complements the tacos well.

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.

07
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.

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.

Salsas here range from very good to watery in texture. Some stand out as 10/10 for flavor.

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.

08
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.

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

Salsa has a solid kick and leans closer to medium heat, packed with flavorful notes. It pairs well with the pickled carrots and tacos like Asada and Alpastor.

People are saying

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

"I thought the pastor tacos were the best."

"You have to try the tacos de lengua, they're the best."

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.

09
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.

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.

Chips arrive with about seven different salsas, each perfectly made and delicious. Complimentary drinks and water come with the salsas right when you sit down.

People are saying

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

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

"The house salsa is phenomenal; I'd put it on everything."

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.

Discover more

South Lawndale, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...