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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Palatine

Taco spots

You know exactly what a good taco should taste like and you refuse to settle for less.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fronteras Mexican Grill image 1
Fronteras Mexican Grill image 2
Fronteras Mexican Grill image 3
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Open-concept kitchen and modern, clean design create a welcoming space. The atmosphere feels great and relaxed, with a small but comfortable size that avoids crowding. Fresh, authentic Mexican food draws a steady crowd seeking quality beyond typical fast-casual options.

Food here is fresh and flavorful, offering a more authentic Mexican experience than typical chains. Dishes are cooked just right and packed with delicious, bold flavors.

Steak and arrachera tacos come fresh and delicious with pineapple salsa that complements the pastor tacos well. Portions are a nice size and the rice and refried beans are cooked to perfection.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and perfectly cooked."

"The salsa here is awesome, packed with bold, fresh flavors."

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

Good to know

1

Guacamole costs extra, which is fairly standard.

2

Water isnโ€™t free; bottled water must be purchased.

3

A 4% card processing fee applies to all card transactions.

02
Hot Pockets Sports Bar image 1

Spacious sports bar filled with many TVs and plenty of pool tables offering a lively and electric atmosphere. Fans gather to watch games and enjoy live DJ music, creating a fun and chill vibe. The large bar and open layout make it easy to relax and socialize.

Food stands out with excellent wings and burgers that surpass typical sports bar fare. The menu consistently delivers great flavors and top-notch quality.

Tacos stand out with Honey Chicken and Spicy Ground options offering strong flavors. Shrimp tacos deliver a 10 out of 10 taste, while steak tacos get solid recommendations.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the smash burger."

"The bar staff, especially Jake, were super friendly and provided great service."

"The shrimp tacos here are rated 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Monday at 7:30pm.

2

Hot Pockets hosts a DJ every Friday with giveaways.

3

The soft tip blind draw tournament is on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30pm.

03
Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with low-key vibe and cute outdoor seating. Space inside is limited with a few tables and tight layout. Known for vegetarian-friendly options alongside popular meat tacos, it draws a mix of diners seeking flavorful Mexican food.

Mexican food here offers very good quality with options like chicken, al pastor, carne asada, and vegetarian choices. Service is quick, portions are plentiful, and prices are reasonable.

Tacos feature breaded fish and Carnitas that stand out for their flavor. The menu offers chicken tenders suitable for kids alongside consistently good tacos and burritos.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was some of the best I ever had."

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Shop offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options for catering.

2

Catering orders are ready on time and can accommodate dietary needs.

3

Prices for catering are reasonable considering the amount of food provided.

04
Pedro's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small restaurant offers authentic Mexican al pastor tacos and hand-tossed thin crust pizza with fresh ingredients. Lively atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during late hours. Carry-out only spot stands out for affordable prices and clean, tidy setup.

Freshness and quality stand out with every dish. Affordable prices match the authentic flavors and consistently tasty food.

Tacos here have a perfect level of seasoning and cook without excess fat or grease. The al pastor and steak tacos stand out for their authentic Mexican flavor and consistent quality.

People are saying

"I found the al pastor tacos perfectly seasoned and cooked."

"I found the thin crust pizza amazing with good qualities and sauce."

"The al pastor tacos here are perfectly cooked and seasoned."

Good to know

1

Pedro's Pizza is carry-out only.

2

The total cost for takeout is just under $40.

3

Prices at Pedro's Pizza are very reasonable.

05
Tacos El Norte image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with traditional Mexican music enhancing the vibe. The space feels colorful and clean but sits in a strip mall setting. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican dishes alongside phenomenal margaritas and cold beers.

Mexican food here is consistently delicious and excellent. It stands out for its authentic flavors that often surpass expectations.

Steak tacos stand out with amazing flavor and authentic taste. Friendly, attentive service complements the delicious, real Mexican food experience.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh, and affordable food."

"The carnitas tacos here are packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are smaller than expected for the price.

2

Prices are considered fair for the quality of food offered.

3

Access and parking are easy at this location.

06
Original Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with about 10 tables and a brightly lit dining area featuring a Mexican countryside mural. Atmosphere feels vibrant and humble, busy yet comfortable for dining. Known for authentic tacos like cabeza and standout burritos, it draws a crowd seeking genuine flavors.

Food tastes absolutely fantastic and is made fresh. Service is quick, with no long waits, making it a great spot for tacos and food.

Steak and quesabirria tacos stand out for their fresh, hot quality and consistent flavor. Cabeza tacos like tongue and beef head appear on the menu and draw repeat visits for their authentic taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and full of flavor."

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

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant fills up quickly after 5 pm, so plan accordingly.

2

Credit cards incur a fee, so bring cash to avoid extra charges.

3

Parking is available in the plaza, but it can fill up quickly.

07
Brandt's of Palatine image 1
American restaurant

Rustic American restaurant offers covered outdoor patio with fire pit and cornhole games, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. Indoor space features large TVs for sports and a lively vibe, especially on busy nights. Crowd enjoys classic bar drinks like Guinness and strong Mai Tais alongside standout burgers and ribs.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and fantastic taste. Portions come large for the price, making meals satisfying and well worth it.

Fish tacos stand out with good slaws both on the taco and on the side. Portions come with generous sweet potato fries that often cover the plate and tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is usually good and reasonably priced."

"I ate the best burger I ever had here."

"I found the fish tacos surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Parking at Brandt's of Palatine can be a challenge due to a small lot.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.

08
El Rey del Pollo Asado image 1
Mexican restaurant

Converted fast food store features a huge chicken sculpture and orange color scheme creating a festive atmosphere. Loud music and TV contribute to a high-energy vibe. Menu includes grilled chicken and tacos with quick service and reasonable prices.

Authentic Mexican food shines with quick service and reasonable prices. The menu consistently delivers great flavors that satisfy every visit.

Tacos come with large portions and are flavorful, especially the chicken, steak, and al pastor varieties. They serve tacos without cilantro and onion, and the price is around $11 for three.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the chicken, is seasoned to perfection."

"I found the tacos here to be flavorful and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a drive-thru service for quick meals.

2

Menu items can be viewed using a QR code inside the restaurant.

3

The whole meal costs $24, with sides bringing it to $27.

09
No Manches Palatine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with modernized interior and colorful wall art creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Live music by a talented troubadour adds a lively vibe, though volume can be quite loud on weekends. The setting includes a new bar and a chill environment suitable for casual evenings.

Mexican dishes here have authentic flavors with lots of depth. Food arrives quickly and pairs well with the drinks offered.

Al pastor tacos offer rich flavor and tender meat. Birria tacos come out flavorful and soft. The queso fundido with al pastor adds a creamy, savory touch.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and tender."

"The pollo asada family dinner is insane value and delicious."

"The birria tacos were so flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Mondayโ€™s are 2 for 1 margaritas at No Manches Palatine.

2

Tacos are priced at $4 each, with no sides included.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options.

10
Mexico Uno image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with authentic atmosphere and airy white walls creates a casual, comfortable vibe. The place feels cheerful and relaxing, reflecting traditional Mexican dining. It offers both dine-in and carry-out options in a quaint setting.

Authentic Mexican food offers very flavorful dishes that are plentiful and reasonably priced. The food consistently delivers great taste and quality.

Steak tacos stand out with rich, flavorful meat and fresh ingredients. Fish tacos and al pastor options also offer distinctive, delicious tastes that make the taco selection varied and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is extraordinary and authentic."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mexican."

"The steak tacos here are delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during street festivals; plan accordingly.

2

Check your takeout order before leaving to ensure accuracy.

3

The total cost for a meal averages around $30 per person.

11
La Rosita Fresh Market Palatine image 1

Latin supermarket offers authentic Mexican products with fresh meat and produce and a wide dairy selection. Prices vary, with some items higher than typical supermarkets but many deals available. The store features unique Latin cheeses and sausages not found elsewhere.

Offers authentic Mexican food with fresh ingredients and traditional seasonings. Food quality is consistently good.

Skirt steak tacos stand out with bold flavor and fresh ingredients. Tacos overall offer a great taste but come at a higher price point.

People are saying

"This grocery store has the best Latin American products I've found."

"The Mexican food here is served by really friendly and helpful staff."

"I found authentic Mexican food and seasonings here."

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide selection of fresh Mexican foods and ingredients.

2

You can find unique Latin cheeses and sausages not available in regular supermarkets.

3

Prices for some items, like ground pork, may be higher than at other stores.

12
El Angel Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with a cozy family feel and friendly atmosphere creates a peaceful, casual environment. Menu features authentic Mexican dishes with freshly made tacos and a variety of salsas. Affordable prices and Sunday hours add to its local appeal.

Food here is authentic Mexican with standout dishes like menudo, beef broth, and tacos. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

Tacos come with freshness, quality, and generous meat portions. Varieties include tripa, barbacoa, Adada, Pastor, and Cecina, with some made fresh in front of you. Prices are affordable, especially early in the week.

People are saying

"The staff at this Mexican food place were so nice and quick."

"The tacos here have such a fresh, quality taste with plenty of meat."

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.25 each from Monday to Wednesday.

2

Promotional days from Monday to Wednesday offer great deals on food.

3

They offer a variety of four salsas to choose from.

13
Salsa Street image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with super cute decor creates an intimate vibe. Authentic street tacos and homemade chips with zesty salsa define the food experience. Margaritas offer a popular drink option, though some find them watered down.

Food comes out fresh to order and served hot with a lime wedge and green salsa on the side. Portions are filling and the dishes are flavorful and visually appealing.

Street tacos come with authentic flavors and lime, served with pristine presentation. Options include Barbacoa and creative vegetarian choices, plus standout huevos rancheros with perfectly cooked egg and salsa.

People are saying

"The huevos rancheros tacos are outstanding with a great combo of salsa."

"The food here was delicious and made fresh."

"I thought the street tacos were authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos are only $2 on Tuesdays.

2

Salsa Street has a $2.50 special on beef, chicken, and Al Pastor tacos every Tuesday.

3

They accept credit cards for payment.

14
La Presa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers large portions with wide seafood and steak variety on a menu that often lacks visible prices. Atmosphere grows busier during late meals, attracting a steady crowd. Signature dishes include flavorful meat tacos and top-notch guacamole, complemented by delicious house sauces.

Massive platters deliver generous portions of authentic Mexican dishes. Food comes out delicious and prepared with joy.

Meat tacos stand out with flavorful fillings and great tortillas. Options include steak, pastor, lengua, and a fish fillet la presa style.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is served on massive platters."

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"The steak tacos here are outstanding and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The menu had no prices, but paper menus at the counter listed prices for most items.

2

The price is higher because the portions are large, with entrees enough for two people.

3

My seafood meal cost $20.99 before tip at the time of payment.

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Palatine, Illinois

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