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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to West Town

Tacos and salsa

A taco that relies on the depth of the salsa, rather than using it to distract from a lack of flavor.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 1
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 2
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with quirky warm decor and intimate indoor seating plus a noisy street-side patio. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, with staff engaging in celebrations and live entertainment. Guests often bring their own tequila to complement the homemade margarita mix.

Tacos come in several varieties including chile relleno and fish taco, all with tasty fillings. The taco bar catering offers a wide selection that is consistently delicious.

Chips come with fresh salsas that complement the dishes well. The salsas pair nicely with rice, beans, and tacos served here.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are delicious and authentic."

"The salsas here are delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

You can bring your own beer, making it a BYOB spot.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price you pay.

02
Los 3 Compadres de Guerrero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a homey atmosphere and family-friendly vibe offers authentic tacos and complimentary chips and salsa. The space feels clean and cute, inviting for casual dining. Prices are generally reasonable, with large portions and short wait times.

Tacos here come with hearty portions and authentic flavors. The tripa tacos stand out for their crispy texture, while veggie options and guacamole are also solid choices.

Free chips and salsa arrive crispy and fresh. The homemade salsas stand out, especially the salsa verde, which is a highlight. Chips and guacamole also match the quality of the salsas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best I had in a long time."

"The pastor tacos here are packed with amazing flavor."

"The homemade chips and salsa here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

2

Expect a short wait time during peak hours.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes.

03
Zócalo Bar & Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant, funky decor and a colorful bar creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Pleasant house music plays consistently, sometimes with a disco ball enhancing the energy. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option for guests seeking a chill vibe.

Tacos here come in unique flavors like Birria, Jicama, and Pork Belly. Each taco offers a distinct taste, with the Birria and Jicama standing out for their bold seasoning and sweet heat.

Fresh chips come with red and green salsas that stand out. The jalapeno salsa offers an amazing flavor profile, while the avocado salsa ranks as extremely good and memorable.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I loved the steak tacos; they were seasoned really well."

"The house salsa was delicious and picante."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink specials from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos all day.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

04
Bàrbaro Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with intimate, charming decor and vinyl record music creates a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating adds to the experience when weather permits. The place fills with lively energy but can get noisy when busy.

Tacos come with a perfect mix of ingredients and flavors that balance traditional and modern styles. Varieties like Birria, Al Pastor, and Shrimp stand out for their freshness and unique taste.

Five samples of fresh chips come with salsas chosen by the chef. The salsas range from fiery hot chile to a spicy habanero on the pescado tacos, all with very good flavor.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fresh, delicious, and amazing."

"These tacos are insanely good, some of the best I've had."

"The tacos here are insanely good, especially the carne asada."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great drink specials.

2

The patio is dog-friendly during the summer months.

3

Reservations are not required, and the restaurant can accommodate large parties.

05
Diego Chicago Restaurant | Dinner, Late Night, Weekend Brunch image 1

Mexican restaurant with a heated all-year patio and a DJ playing lively music creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space features cozy decor and a chill outdoor patio on a quieter street, making it suitable for drinks or a date night.

Steak tacos like the Norteña stand out for their seasoning and tenderness. Fish and shrimp tacos offer a delicious option, while fried tacos and vegetarian tacos dorados provide tasty variety.

Chips come with a trio of authentic Mexican salsas that balance flavor and spice well. The salsa macha, salsa de árbol, and salsa tatemada stand out for their perfect balance and not-too-hot heat.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp taco here is flavorful and unlike anything I've had before."

"The salsas here are so flavorful and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great food and drink specials.

2

Asada Sundays offer unique dining experiences worth checking out.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for patio seating.

06
Taco Firme image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with limited seating and a quiet vibe. Known for authentic, affordable tacos with standout Al Pastor and smoky red salsa. Space feels unassuming yet cozy, creating a hidden gem experience.

Tacos here stand out for their Al Pastor and fish tacos, both packed with flavor and highly praised. Prices stay affordable, with options like $2 tacos on Tuesdays and combo dinners around $15.

Salsas here are spicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor. The salsa roja is super spicy and complex, while the verde salsa is tart and flavorful. Free chips and salsa come with your order.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"The salsa here is smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Dinner at Taco Firme costs around $19.

2

The wait time is fair despite food being made to order.

3

Taco Firme allows customers to bring their own beverages.

07
Super Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with an open kitchen and outdoor tables creates a homemade, authentic vibe. Friendly atmosphere features family-owned charm and giant, flavorful burritos alongside some of the best tacos made by abuelas. Fair prices and a casual setting make it popular for take-out and late-night dining.

Steak tacos stand out with authentic carne asada made by abuelas. The tacos come with everything on it and pair well with refreshing hibiscus tea.

Salsas here stand out with super-spicy red salsa and salsa rojo that pack strong flavor. The food pairs well with these, especially alongside the steak and horchata.

People are saying

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

"I found the best burrito in Chicago."

"The salsa rojo here is super-spicy with amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

The super burrito costs over $17 but is worth it for its size.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

3

The restaurant offers take-out options, but leftovers are not allowed.

08
Taqueria El Jardin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with an attached market store offers authentic tacos and affordable prices in a low-key neighborhood setting. The atmosphere is casual with visible food preparation and a clean kitchen, attracting those seeking fresh, flavorful Mexican food on weekends.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and exceptional toppings. A lunch special offers two tacos with your choice of meat and 8 ounces of rice for $7, making it a solid, flavorful option.

Salsas come in verde and roja varieties, with the green salsa being delicious and not spicy. They serve great salsa that stands out as a key part of the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"The salsa here is great, especially the verde."

"These tacos are so flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait at the register during peak hours.

2

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

3

The menu features a variety of Mexican selections and products.

09
Tacos & Burrito Express #3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a clean, bright, and open space with plenty of natural sunlight and welcoming atmosphere. The vibe stays calm and inviting, making it suitable for quick meals or casual dining. Consistent quality and generous portions define the food experience here.

Tacos here have huge carne asada and flavor like Tijuana stands. Fish tacos and al-pastor come with great value and taste. Deals pop up on Taco Tuesday.

Green salsa stands out with a solid flavor, while the red salsa offers a superb taste. Both complement burritos, tacos, and enchiladas well.

People are saying

"The tacos and sopes here are amazing."

"I had the best steak burrito I ever had."

"The red and green salsa here are really good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

2

The restaurant is BYOB and offers $2 espressos.

3

Portions are large enough for two meals.

10
Aztec Dave's Cantina image 1

Bar and grill with stunning Aztec art and a community feel creates an intimate, lively atmosphere. Music features a DJ set that keeps energy high while multiple big screen TVs show games. Known for fresh margaritas and flavorful Mexican-inspired food, it blends a hipster dive bar vibe with quality offerings.

Tacos here stand out for their amazing flavor and delicious birria. The shrimp tacos' slaw adds a fresh, tasty touch that complements the fillings well.

A variety of house-made salsas offers bold flavors, with one rotating weekly. These salsas pair well with dishes like quesabirria, chicken torta, and chips with guacamole.

People are saying

"These tacos are dynamite, smoky, and packed with flavor."

"The house-made salsas here are incredible, especially the pineapple and mango."

"These tacos were dynamite, packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, starting at 9pm.

2

The restaurant has a parking lot across the alley for guests.

3

Tacos come with cilantro and onion only; additional toppings are available for an extra charge.

11
Doña Naty's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic local atmosphere with warm, welcoming vibe and laid-back energy. Outdoor swing benches provide a unique casual dining option. The interior is simple and cozy, focusing on genuine Mexican street food experience.

Tacos offer an authentic taste of Mexico with meats like lengua, camarones, bistec, and tripa seasoned to perfection. Shrimp tacos come with a little kick, and all tacos deliver a flavor explosion with high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices.

Chips come with spicy, flavorful salsa that stands out. Fresh tortillas and complimentary tortilla soup add to the experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh, delicious, and packed with authentic spices."

"I found the tacos here to be very good and flavorful."

"The steak torta's salsa was flavorful and the bread was soft."

Good to know

1

Credit cards incur an extra surcharge; cash is preferred.

2

The price of $7 for a torta con todo is a good deal.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment, including the bathrooms.

12
Carnicerias Guanajuato image 1

Supermarket combines in-house butcher and modest taquería with counter service and spacious seating. Atmosphere stays clean and vibrant, offering a wide selection of authentic Mexican products. Prices fluctuate but generally provide great value for flavorful tacos and burritos.

Steak and asada tacos stand out for their flavor and filling portions. The tacos come with fresh salsa and offer a solid variety alongside burritos in a small restaurant setting.

Store-made salsas add strong flavor to dishes. The salsa Verde stands out as a top choice in the area.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food's chicharrón is spiritually disruptive and wildly crunchy."

"The chicharrón taco is spiritually disruptive and impossibly tender."

"I whispered about the chicharrón; it's seasoned like a pact with the gods."

Good to know

1

They serve food during lunch hours.

2

On weekends, the place becomes lively with pancita, barbacoa, and carnitas.

3

They only accept cash.

13
Taqueria Traspasada 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with limited seating creates an exclusive feel. Atmosphere is no-frills and straightforward, focusing on authentic Mexican street food. Cash-only setup with a busy takeout scene complements the casual, unpretentious vibe.

Tacos stand out for their juicy al pastor and tender steak options. Fish and tongue tacos offer authentic, delicious flavors with generous portions.

Salsas here offer a perfect kick with both green and red varieties tasting delicious. The salsa Negro pairs well with tacos, but some dishes come with a metallic tasting salsa that feels uninspired.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"I thought the carne asada tacos were the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the salsa to be excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

They are cash only, but there is an ATM on-site.

2

Prices are higher than typical for similar Mexican food.

3

You can call ahead to order for pick up if preferred.

14
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill image 1

Interior walls showcase vibrant street art, creating a hip and lively atmosphere. Seating includes a window-opening area that blends indoor comfort with outdoor vibes. Popular for generously filled burritos and tacos, the place operates on a simple counter-order system with a focus on takeout.

Tacos come generously filled with tender steak, fresh cilantro, and onions. They offer exceptional flavor and large serving sizes that exceed expectations for the price.

A wide variety of salsas comes with the dishes, including house-made green tomatillo salsa and a roasted red pepper creamy sauce. Each salsa offers a distinct flavor that complements the meals well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and unbelievably tasty."

"This burrito is huge and packed with juicy steak."

"I thought the tacos here were really great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a counter-order system for quick service.

2

Expect popular items to sell out quickly, especially the pastor burrito.

3

Serving sizes are generous, with 1lb of meat in burritos and large tacos.

15
Chavas Tacos El Original image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with counter seating and outdoor patio offers a 24-hour Mexican food option. Atmosphere feels like a safe haven despite tight, smoky indoor conditions. Crowds gather quickly, especially on weekends when security is present.

Tacos come fresh and flavorful with options like steak, al pastor, shrimp, and zucchini. Late night hours keep these consistently great tacos available when hunger strikes.

Salsas come with a perfectly spicy kick and pair well with tacos de asada. Chips and salsa offer a delicious start with amazing flavors.

People are saying

"This is a great late night spot for satisfying tacos."

"The salsa here is amazing and perfectly spicy."

"I found the carne asada tacos here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Chavas Tacos El Original is open 24 hours a day.

2

Parking is available next door, accessible through the alley.

3

The dining area has limited seating.

16
La Condesa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and retro decor reminiscent of the 1960s. Loud music from a DJ creates a lively but noisy atmosphere. Offers an extensive menu with authentic dishes and amazing margaritas.

Steak tacos stand out with juicy, tender meat and flavorful fillings. Tacos de cecina include a nice touch of brown beans and avocado, while barbacoa tacos offer rich, savory taste.

Red salsa stands out with good spice and a homemade quality. Chips come with salsa that is very delicious but it is charged separately.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with juicy, tender meat."

"You have to try the fresh, handmade tortillas here."

"I thought their homemade salsa was very good."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Friday at 8pm.

2

Parking is available with about 8 to 10 spaces on the side.

3

Prices for meals are generally affordable, with tacos and horchata costing $21.

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West Town, Chicago

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