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Tacos and salsa in Des Plaines

Made for those who judge the integrity of a taco by the complexity of its salsa and refuse to accept anything less than an authentic pairing.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sofia's Taqueria image 1
Sofia's Taqueria image 2
Sofia's Taqueria image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with colorful, authentic decor creates a cozy, comfortable atmosphere accompanied by music. The space feels casual chic and intimate, attracting those seeking real, flavorful tacos and traditional dishes.

Tacos feature perfectly seasoned meats like Al Pastor, Birria with consommรฉ, and Asada, all served on tortillas that hold up well. Fresh toppings and flavorful salsas complement each bite, making each taco taste home-cooked and delicious.

Salsas here stand out for being fresh and delicious. The red salsa is especially great and pairs well with tacos and guacamole.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is seriously delicious and a 10/10."

"I thought the tacos were super delicious and fresh."

"The salsa here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday special is available every Tuesday.

2

Each taco costs $1.99, but some tacos are priced at $4 each.

3

The restaurant offers catering and takeout services.

02
Taqueria El Gallo de Oro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with detailed decor and a friendly atmosphere. Loud music sets an energetic vibe while the limited seating creates an intimate setting. Known for flavorful tacos and authentic dishes, it draws those seeking genuine Mexican flavors.

Queso Birria tacos stand out with tender, perfectly grilled steak cut into small pieces. Street tacos, including Al Pastor flour tacos and shrimp options, offer delicious, satisfying flavors.

Salsa comes with a real kick and a medium-spicy flavor profile. Bottled salsas offer customizable heat and taste, and the served salsa is consistently delicious.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best in the area."

"The salsa they served at the beginning was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for seating during busy times due to limited space.

2

Prices are reasonable, especially with the lunch special available.

3

The lunch special includes only two tacos, which may not be enough for some.

03
Arandas Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a laid back and warm atmosphere with an open kitchen where cooks are visible. It serves authentic, affordable tacos and burritos, with a BYOB policy and reasonable prices. The space suits groups of four or fewer and welcomes wheelchairs.

Tacos come with authentic flavors like al pastor and birria, served with consome. Prices stay under $3, offering affordable, no-frills options including chile relleno and tongue varieties.

Fresh and delicious salsa roja comes with complimentary chips. The salsas pair well with tostadas Picadillo and breakfast burritos.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tongue in green sauce."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and authentic."

"The al pastor tacos are worth returning for."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

Expect reasonable prices for all menu items.

3

Parking is available and convenient for visitors.

04
Las Asadas Fresh Mexican Grill Taqueria image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a cozy, family-owned atmosphere and outdoor seating. The space feels clean and simple, with a mom-and-pop vibe. Known for authentic steak tacos and flame-grilled steak dishes.

Tacos here feature fresh meat cooked on the grill with very flavorful bites. Options like Al Pastor, Barbacoa, and steak tacos offer authentic, spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth experiences.

Salsas come in a good selection with standout options like salsa verde, salsa negra, and a spicy red salsa. Lime and red salsa pair well with steak and asada dishes.

People are saying

"I considered this the best burrito I had ever eaten."

"I found the tacos here to have great flavor and freshness."

"Their burritos with salsa have a perfect ratio of ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site for customers.

2

Expect to pay around $4 per taco.

3

The establishment has limited indoor seating.

05
Mariachi's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic southern Mexican atmosphere with basic outdoor seating that can get crowded. Vibrant vibe includes self-painted walls and windows and family-oriented, friendly energy. Food preparation is traditional, contributing to a genuine, home-style experience.

Tacos come with small tortillas but are packed with rich flavor and generous stuffing. Varieties like al pastor, chicken, and steak stand out for their delicious taste and authentic style.

Salsa varies from house-made with fresh cilantro and onions to watered-down and pasty. Some batches bring a spicy kick, while others feel bland and thin.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always well prepared."

"I found the tacos here to be extremely delicious."

"The tacos were packed with flavor and stuffing."

Good to know

1

Pozole is available on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Mariachi's Tacos is a BYOB restaurant.

3

The specials are clear and easy to read, making ordering simple.

06
La Marina Mariscos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior features live mariachi music and a live DJ with music videos on large screens, creating a loud, energetic atmosphere especially during karaoke nights. Decor is colorful and inviting, with numerous TVs showing sports. The vibe blends festive Mexican elements with a lively social scene.

Tacos come with plump shrimp that taste great. Weekly deals like $2 Taco Tuesdays and half-price happy hour drinks make them a solid choice.

Complimentary starters include a small ceviche, fresh tostadas, and spicy salsa served with saltines. Oysters come with a smoky salsa in the middle, adding a unique flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the oysters and octopus, is amazing."

"The shrimp tacos here are excellent and plump."

"The complimentary salsa was a smoky, spicy starter I loved."

Good to know

1

On Wednesdays, $5 margaritas are available all day with Hornitos tequila.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1.99 tacos, including shrimp.

3

Happy hour offers half-price drinks from 5 to 7 pm Monday through Thursday.

07
El Fast Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a stage for live entertainment and karaoke offers a chill atmosphere despite a somewhat depressive vibe. The menu features affordable tacos and burritos praised for their quality and size. Pricing inconsistencies appear, so checking orders is advisable.

Carnitas tacos stand out with crispy edges and good flavor. Tacos are affordable but sometimes have more tortilla than meat and minimal toppings like onion and cilantro.

Homemade salsas stand out with perfect flavor and pair well with generous servings of chips. The salsa complements the Mexican food and is a highlight of the meal.

People are saying

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

"I could eat this burrito every day because it was so good."

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

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait if you arrive as a walk-in.

2

Menu prices may not reflect what you are charged.

3

Check your order before leaving to avoid extra charges.

08
Mexico Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a spacious patio with a relaxed vibe and family-owned atmosphere. The place stays quiet and uncrowded, featuring a good tequila selection and several vegan options. Lighting feels unusual but the back patio provides a pleasant outdoor setting.

Steak, chorizo, and al pastor tacos come fresh and flavorful with made fresh ingredients. Mini tacos as appetizers lack seasoning, and individual tacos are kinda pricey.

Salsas come in two varieties, both delicious with one being a dark red and very spicy. Chips pair well, and salsa often gets poured over enchiladas.

People are saying

"I tasted the tradition and passion in every bite of their Mexican food."

"The salsa here is delicious and spicy."

"I enjoyed the chorizo and steak tacos; they were delicious and made fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers vegan options for many dishes, including enchiladas.

2

Generous portions are served, but some dishes may seem pricey.

3

The restaurant is family-owned and has been a local staple for decades.

09
Guzman y Gomez - Des Plaines image 1

Bright, clean space with a somewhat corporate feel and plastic plants sets a modern tone. Happy, festive atmosphere fills the air, boosted by loud music and occasional mariachi band performances. Families frequent the spot, enjoying the outdoor patio and drive-thru convenience.

Soft steak tacos stand out for their rich flavor and tenderness. Breakfast options include breakfast tacos and burrito bowls, while hard tacos and burritos offer filling portions that satisfy hunger.

A self-serve salsa station offers three different salsas with a wide selection of mild and spicy options. Freshly sliced onions and cilantro add to the great salsa and thick guacamole available.

People are saying

"You have to try their burritos; they're so fresh and flavorful."

"The staff here is so friendly and genuinely welcoming, making the nachos a great experience."

"The staff here is so friendly and makes the Taco experience wonderful."

Good to know

1

Drive-thru service is available for quick orders.

2

Expect to pay around $15 for a cali burrito without sides.

3

Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options are plentiful on the menu.

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Des Plaines, Illinois

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