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Top picks in Elgin

Taco spots

Made for those who believe a taco is the only logical choice for a meal.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mr. Cesar’s Mexican Grill image 1
Mr. Cesar’s Mexican Grill image 2
Mr. Cesar’s Mexican Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers a small, friendly dining room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Separate room with slot machines provides a unique amenity while waiting for food. Known for authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and flavorful dishes.

Food features juicy meat tacos and large tortas with fresh ingredients. Meals come at a great price and offer consistently delicious Mexican flavors.

Tacos feature juicy, well-seasoned meat with standout options like birria and fish tacos. The steak taco dinner pairs well with other dishes like chile rellenos and enchiladas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has a unique flair."

"I loved the enchiladas; they were fresh and tasty."

"I loved the steak tacos; they were delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, offering unique dishes each day.

2

The restaurant is vegetarian friendly, catering to diverse dietary needs.

3

Prices are very low compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area.

02
Tere Taqueria y Antojitos image 1

Simple, no-frills setup creates a cozy and cheerful atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavor. The place draws a crowd looking for affordable, generous portions and quick service. It stands out for delivering a clean environment that feels like a slice of Mexico City.

Food here is consistently delicious and offers authentic Mexican cuisine. Great deals and specials make the prices very good.

Tacos come in full size portions with no skimping. The tacos al pastor and tacos de asada stand out for their flavor, especially with the green salsa. Pollo tacos and blue dough sopes add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were phenomenal."

"I found the food here to be really good and authentic."

"I found the food here to be the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday special offers 3 tacos for $6.

2

The food comes out in less than 10 minutes after ordering.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

03
EL FARO MEXICANN CUISINE image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a quiet, warm family atmosphere and diverse Mexican dishes draws steady crowds. The vibe stays chilly inside but service feels welcoming. Late hours and long lines show steady popularity despite modest decor.

Food comes out hot and freshly cooked with authentic Mexican flavors. Dishes are consistently tasty and well served in a small setting.

Chicken tacos stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. Birria tacos come with a hearty price around 27 dollars for a combo including drinks.

People are saying

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

"I found the steak burritos to be delicious."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is now called Bello's instead of El Faro.

2

EL FARO MEXICANN CUISINE is open late.

3

Parking is available but can be limited.

04
Chicago Street Pour House image 1

Sports bar and gastropub atmosphere with plenty of TVs and large screens for games. Vibe stays chill and comfortable, balancing quiet lunch hours with lively evenings featuring a DJ or live band. Known for Detroit-style pizza and a solid beer selection, it offers a casual spot for meals and drinks.

Food tastes great and feels made from scratch with clear care. Staff handle issues quickly and the value matches the quality.

Shrimp tacos stand out with their well cooked and yummy flavor. Baja fish tacos also offer a delicious taste that many enjoy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and made with love."

"This Lunch Spot's Detroit style pizza crust is amazing."

"I found the Baja fish tacos to be well cooked and yummy."

Good to know

1

Bottomless mimosas are available on Sundays.

2

Bingo nights and game day specials are popular events.

3

Half-price pizza is offered on Mondays.

05
Carmina's Mexican Restaurant and Banquets image 1

Mexican restaurant with a newly remodeled and beautifully decorated space featuring colorful murals and a spacious banquet room. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and pleasant for events to festive and lively with live guitar and DJ performances. Known for excellent margaritas and delicious traditional dishes like enchiladas and chicken mole.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with excellent service and a beautiful environment that enhances the dining experience.

Pastor tacos stand out as a favorite and likely go-to order. Shrimp tacos and steak Alambre also feature as delicious options alongside enchiladas and taco plates.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and full of flavor."

"Friday night karaoke here is a 10/10 experience."

"The pastor tacos here were phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

The restaurant hosts special events like Christmas parties with live DJs.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure proper setup.

06
Pueblito Escondido image 1

Restaurant space sits a few steps down with a speakeasy feeling and bright, colorful decor. Atmosphere feels cozy and charming with live Colombian traditional music enhancing the vibe. Guests enjoy authentic Colombian food paired with standout cocktails like mojitos and house margaritas.

Food tastes like real Colombian cuisine with generous portions and consistently excellent quality.

Quesabirria tacos stand out with rich, savory flavor and pair well with chicken flautas. Al pastor tacos offer a sweet, spicy, pineapple twist, while carne asada tacos bring a smoky, tender, well-seasoned bite.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are generous."

"The authentic Colombian food here is a solid 10/10."

"The quesabirria tacos here have awesome flavor."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant has a 4% credit card fee not included in menu prices.

3

Menu items may not always be available, so check before ordering.

07
Taqueria Parrilla Azteca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and live singing from staff heard in the kitchen. The vibe is intimate and relaxed, suited for enjoying authentic tacos like al pastor and lengua. Prices lean toward the higher side, reflecting the quality and delicious flavors of the food.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients. Dishes like lengua tacos and chicken enchiladas stand out for their taste and quality.

Al Pastor and tongue tacos stand out for their flavor. Steak tacos come with tomato, lettuce, and cream but vary in quality and price.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is delicious."

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

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

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $80 for a meal for five people.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

08
Sammy's Mexican Grill and bar image 1

Mexican restaurant with spacious terrace and impressive bar area offers a fun atmosphere lively with live music and sports on TVs. The vibe blends a vacation feel with friendly energy, attracting groups for drinks and games. Decorations add charm while margaritas and flavorful dishes stand out.

Food here is consistently excellent and sets a high standard for Mexican cuisine. The dishes are great and come with amazing service that complements the meal well.

Tacos here feature juicy, tender steak and plump shrimp packed into generous portions. The Baja tacos come with jumbo-sized fish, and the Tacos de Lomo use thin ribeye for a flavorful bite.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is the spiciest and most flavorful I've ever eaten."

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

"I found the quesabirrias and Tacos Jalisco to have awesome, juicy meat."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially after 5 pm.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with meals averaging over $35 per person.

09
Taqueria La Rosa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a homey atmosphere and booth seating. Tacos stand out as authentic and flavorful, drawing a crowd that appreciates traditional flavors. The space feels dated but clean inside, maintaining a consistent vibe over time.

Food here stays fresh and delicious with standout items like roasted chiles and tacos. The quality remains consistently good in a small, quiet setting.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. The al pastor and azada tacos offer a spicy kick with roasted chiles and salsa that remind of Mexico.

People are saying

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

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

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

Good to know

1

Tacos are priced at $4 each, which may be considered high.

2

The restaurant is open late, making it convenient for late-night meals.

3

Menudo is served only on weekends, so plan accordingly.

10
Taqueria El Cokito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with homemade tortillas and generous portions creates a charming, family-owned vibe. Quiet surroundings support a relaxed atmosphere, while free chips accompany individual taco orders. Outdoor picnic tables offer additional seating beyond the limited indoor area.

Food features freshly prepared dishes with juicy meat and authentic Mexican flavors. The meals consistently deliver delicious and satisfying tastes.

Tacos come bursting with flavor and are about twice the size of those at well-known spots nearby. Varieties like al pastor and taco de lengua stand out with amazing taste and generous portions.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is bursting with flavor, especially the perfectly seasoned meats."

"I found the tacos here bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.

2

Expect at least a 15-minute wait for orders if not placed in advance.

3

The tacos cost $3.75 each, which is reasonable for the portion size.

11
La Flor Taco Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open view kitchen and extensive menu offers a clean, no-frills dining experience. Background music adds to a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Known for variety of tacos and authentic Mexican sodas.

Food here is authentic Mexican, freshly cooked daily, and affordably priced. The dishes taste homemade and come out hot and ready to serve.

Steak tacos stand out with tender, well seasoned meat and authentic flavors. Fish tacos come hot and crispy, while barbacoa and al pastor tacos offer great flavor and variety.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordably priced."

"The tacos here are incredible, especially the steak."

"I found the steak tacos to be amazing and crispy."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos every Tuesday evening.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $20 per person.

3

The menu includes a wide variety of Mexican sodas and vegetarian options.

12
El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican atmosphere and loud, lively energy that fills the space. Open 24 hours with a drive-through service and a clean, maintained building. The crowd grows jolly later in the evening, creating a vibrant dining experience.

Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with consistently delicious food and excellent service.

Huge tacos with steak, cabeza de res, and lengua stand out here. The taco dinner offers authentic flavors and a wide variety of meat and veggie options.

People are saying

"I thought the authentic Mexican food here had the best flavor."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The tacos here are huge and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant is open 24 hours for late-night cravings.

2

Expect wait times of 20-30 minutes during peak hours, even late at night.

3

Drive-thru service is quick, with minimal waiting even during busy times.

13
El Patio Mexican Restaurant Tequila & Mezcal image 1

Outdoor patio overlooks a river and hosts live music with entertainers. Walls feature colorful murals and tables sit close together. The vibe stays chill and friendly with a great atmosphere throughout.

Food here is authentic Mexican with top-notch quality and consistently delicious flavors.

Carne asada and birria tacos stand out for their flavor. The cachetada tacos offer a unique taste, and the steak tacos come with flavorful chips and salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is full of flavor and tastes like it was made with love."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

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

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Karaoke nights are popular on Thursdays, starting at 10pm.

3

Menu prices are higher than average for similar restaurants.

14
El Faro Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers loud music and a casual, laid-back atmosphere suited for groups. Generous portions and fresh ingredients define the menu, with popular tacos and burritos. Parking can be challenging, but prices remain very reasonable.

Food offers delicious Mexican dishes that are very filling and great for the price. Service is friendly and complements the tasty meals well.

Tacos and burritos stand out as popular choices here. A small taco dinner with beans, rice, and horchata costs around $10.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great for the price."

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

"I enjoyed the tacos and burritos here."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available for under $10 a plate.

2

Parking can be difficult; expect to circle for a spot.

3

Street parking is available on surrounding blocks.

15
Casa Lara Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers great tacos including carne asada and birria, paired with beer and micheladas. Atmosphere supports dancing and lively socializing, with a taco cart outside the late bar adding to the scene.

Food varies here, with some dishes being really good while others come off as bland. Quality is inconsistent across meals.

Carne asada and birria tacos stand out with strong flavors. A taco cart operates outside the late bar, adding to the casual vibe.

People are saying

"I loved their carne asada and birria tacos."

"I loved their carne asada and birria tacos."

"I thought the food here was the best in town."

Good to know

1

Drinks cost around $12-15 each at the restaurant.

2

A taco cart is available outside the late bar for late-night snacks.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for live music performances.

16
Las Gorditas De Don Angel #4 image 1

Small space fills with casual, family atmosphere and background music that adds to the cozy, welcoming vibe. Tables are close together, creating an intimate setting. The place offers authentic Mexican dishes with a focus on gorditas and burritos.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious, with standout dishes like rajas con queso gorditas and chorizo and potato gordita. The flavors are authentic and the quality stays high even when busy.

Tacos feature tender, juicy meat with flavorful fillings like carne asada and chicharron prensado. Options include taco pirata varieties that stand out for their taste.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food gorditas here were the best I ever had."

"The tacos here are tender, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Barbacoa is available only on weekends.

2

Menudo is only served on Sundays.

3

Parking was a hassle at Las Gorditas De Don Angel #4.

17
Taqueria Chapala image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with a strong aroma of food upon entry. The space feels welcoming and clean, attracting families and those seeking large portions. Tacos and grilled chicken stand out as popular and flavorful choices.

Authentic Mexican dishes offer real flavors and freshness. Food comes out quick during lunch rush and tastes like home cooking.

Tacos come in big portions with grilled onions and serrano peppers that add a nice kick. Options like asada and al pastor stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"These tacos are excellent and packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"This Mexican food is delicious and authentic."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for 99 cents each.

2

The half chicken meal with rice and beans costs under $14.

3

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menu.

18
El Paraiso image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with drive-thru service and loud music creates a lively atmosphere. The menu offers wide variety of options, including large, flavorful tacos. Dining options include both dine-in and carry-out, with late hours available.

Food comes out fresh and perfectly seasoned with a great balance of flavor. Prices stay reasonable while delivering authentic Mexican dishes that make the drive worthwhile.

Tacos come very big and delicious, with options like steak tacos the Mexican way and great chicken tacos. The taco maker is friendly, and the tacos offer excellent value for their size.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and cooked perfectly."

"I found the burritos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost around $4 each, which is higher than average for similar restaurants.

2

The drive-thru is convenient for quick takeout orders.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for late-night food.

19
Emily's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with glowing paint skulls and dope wall art creates a unique visual vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and friendly, often feeling empty but welcoming. Known for tasty tacos al pastor and reasonable prices, it offers a calm dining experience with a full bar and sports on TV.

Food here is consistently well-cooked and delicious, with Tamales standing out as a highlight. Mexican dishes and burritos come with good quality and solid flavor.

Tacos stand out with birria, al pastor, and carne asada varieties. Birria tacos offer rich flavor, while al pastor and steak tacos pair well with green salsa.

People are saying

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

"The al pastor tacos tasted like Mexico."

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

Good to know

1

Chips are not complimentary and cost 50 cents each.

2

Dipping sauce for birria tacos incurs an extra charge.

3

The restaurant opens later than advertised, often around 10:20 am.

20
Casa Tequilas Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful skull murals and neon signs creates a vibrant atmosphere. Music varies from quiet to loud, influencing the energy and conversation ease. Many booths and a kids' movie channel make it suitable for families.

Mexican dishes here have generous portions and tasteful flavors. The food pairs well with fair prices and consistent quality across meals.

Tacos here feature super flavorful chicken and a standout El Diabla steak taco that mixes chorizo with ground jalapeño for bold taste. Shrimp tacos and quesadillas also deliver excellent flavor and solid value.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and totally worth it."

"The chicken tacos here are super flavorful and juicy."

"I found the chicken tacos to be super flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not yet serve alcohol due to pending liquor license approval.

2

Tacos are priced around $4 each, but quality may vary.

3

The menu offers a variety of food and drink options, including alcohol once the license is obtained.

21
Bellos Restaurant of Elgin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small interior creates an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere with a warm, inviting vibe. Quiet setting suits relaxed meals, often busy despite limited space. Entrance features a large step, which may challenge accessibility.

Food here is authentic Mexican with a diverse menu that goes beyond typical taco spots. Dishes come out fresh and delicious, often rated highly for quality and flavor.

Tacos feature rich flavor with options like tacos al pastor and Birria tacos. Beef is used consistently across dishes including grilled tacos and burritos.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be super delicious."

"The tacos al pastor had great flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging due to congestion in the area.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a 4% fee applies for card payments.

22
Don Taco & Mexican Food image 1

Taco restaurant offers birria tacos known for their generous filling and rich flavor. Music plays at a loud volume, creating a lively atmosphere. Prices run higher than similar spots, and table charges apply, which is uncommon for this type of place.

Food here is authentic Mexican with a focus on birria that stands out. The dishes are consistently delicious and make people want to come back for more.

Birria tacos come with soft, juicy meat and a cup of juice to dip them in. Tacos de canasta include chorizo con papa and chicharron prensado, both packed with flavor and consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is so good, it's amazing."

"The birria tacos here are delicious and generously filled."

"These birria tacos are juicy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

They charge a table fee per person, which is uncommon.

2

Prices are higher compared to other local Mexican restaurants.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

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Elgin, Illinois

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