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Local picks in Waukegan

Authentic taco spots

A taco that relies on the quality of the filling instead of hiding behind excessive toppings.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Forastero's Tako Restaurante image 1

Small, homey Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and authentic flavors fills the air with the aroma of freshly prepared food. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features friendly staff and a vibrant community vibe. Homemade tortillas and large portions highlight the genuine dining experience.

Fresh ingredients and bold flavors define the menu, offering a wide variety of authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. The dining experience combines warm hospitality with satisfying, trustworthy dishes.

Tacos come with perfectly seasoned meats like al pastor, brisket, and lengua, all wrapped in homemade tortillas. Fresh toppings and unique options like nopales and melted cheese add bold flavors to every bite.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious tacos, especially the lengua."

"The food here is so authentic and fresh."

"You have to try the homemade tortillas; they're perfect."

Good to know

1

The menu features a wide variety of authentic Mexican food options.

2

Parking is ample across the street from the restaurant.

3

The restaurant only accepts cash payments.

02
Tacos El Vale image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area offers a cozy atmosphere with a clean storefront and ample parking nearby. The place buzzes with efficient pick-up orders, attracting those seeking quick, flavorful Mexican food. Tacos stand out for their authentic taste and fresh, flavorful meat.

Green chilaquiles stand out with their tasteful and authentic flavor. Tacos and burritos also deliver excellent and authentic Mexican tastes.

Tacos here are fresh with flavorful meat, especially the tacos al pastor and carnitas. The tacos and burritos taste authentic and come with well-prepared beans.

People are saying

"The green chilaquiles here are so tasteful and authentic."

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

"The green chilaquiles taste so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer $2 tacos, a great deal for budget-friendly dining.

2

Parking is ample and convenient for easy access to the restaurant.

3

The dining area is small, so expect a cozy atmosphere.

03
Cemitas Frida Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with colorful decor and good vibes music. It serves freshly cooked dishes like tacos, pozole, and cemitas with rich flavors and tender meats. The place feels cozy and lively, attracting those seeking authentic and satisfying meals.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors that taste very genuine. The menu features delicious, traditional dishes with great variety for takeout or dine-in.

Al pastor tacos stand out with rich flavor, alongside suadero, tripa, and cochinita pibil options. Tacos come with queso birria and volcรกnitos, offering a variety of tasty choices.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and authentic."

"I found the tacos to be full of meat and flavor."

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Cemitas Frida Restaurant offers a variety of menu options including Alambre tacos.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

3

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathrooms.

04
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 1

Stylish restaurant with a modern interior and festive decor creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Live Mexican music and DJ sets energize the space, drawing a crowd that enjoys vibrant entertainment. Communal seating encourages a social vibe, making the experience feel special and engaging.

Food respects authentic Mexican flavors while elevating them with fresh, quality ingredients. Decor blends authentic and modern styles with vibrant paints and design.

Tacos come in juicy and filling portions with a variety of flavors like Korean and Flor de Jamaica. The tinga tacos offer a delicious and full taste, and happy hour features a tasty specialty taco menu.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and beautifully plated."

"The tacos here are top tier and full of flavor."

"The authentic food here is bursting with flavor and elevated."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks at low prices, typically around $8.

2

The happy hour menu features a variety of specialty tacos.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour with great food options.

05
Taqueria El Primo image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space fills quickly with a relaxed vibe and cozy modern design. Affordable prices attract a steady crowd, especially students from nearby high school. Known for authentic Mexican tacos and unbeatable value, it offers some of the best tacos and tortas in the area.

Food offers very authentic Mexican flavors with spicy salsas that stand out. Prices stay reasonable while delivering a genuine taste.

Tacos here taste authentic and come at a low price of $1.75 each. Varieties like beef head, asada, and pastor stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos and quesabirrias, was the best."

"I found the tacos and quesabirrias to be the best in Lake County."

"The tacos here are authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost $1.75 each, making them very affordable.

2

The taco dinner costs $7.99 and includes four tacos with rice and beans.

3

Burritos are priced at $5.99.

06
Chicken Miche image 1
Restaurant

Colorful decor and beautiful artwork create a relaxing atmosphere with a warm, welcoming vibe. Spacious interior and outdoor patio accommodate groups and even pets. Micheladas and spicy salsa bar add unique flavors to the dining experience.

Mexican food here offers authentic flavors with a spicy salsa bar that stands out. The overall vibe feels genuinely authentic to traditional Mexican cuisine.

Tacos here have fantastic flavor with options like steak, tripa, and Quesabirria. Taco Tuesday features tasty hard shell tacos and specials that stand out.

People are saying

"The tacos de tripa were fantastic and crispy."

"You'll love their salsa bar; it's authentic and spicy."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food; it was so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, excluding al pastor.

2

The restaurant has a salsa bar and daily specials.

3

Indoor dining is available for guests.

07
Mi Jacalito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide space fills with loud band music creating a lively atmosphere. Authentic Mexican dishes like huaraches and al pastor tacos stand out for freshness and flavor. Cozy, quiet vibe contrasts with energetic sound, offering a unique dining experience.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with standout tacos and enchiladas that capture traditional tastes well.

Tacos come large and fresh with juicy chicken and steak that is not overcooked or fatty. Options like carne asada and al pastor stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos outstanding and so good."

"I found the food to be fantastic and authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

Tuesday is Taco Tuesday with a great sale.

2

The prices are fantastic and the specials help.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

08
La Mexicanita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior with an outdoor patio creates a relaxed, chill atmosphere filled with romantic music. Authentic Mexican vibe shines through fresh, creative tacos and delicious margaritas served in a well-decorated setting. The place draws families and offers wide variety of reasonably priced options.

Food offers a very authentic Mexican taste that reminds you of home. The atmosphere matches the food, creating a genuine and friendly environment.

Steak tacos come huge and delicious with lots of shrimp on some options. Quesobirria tacos stand out as huge and full of flavor, while chicken and asada tacos offer great flavor and freshness.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

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

Good to know

1

The menu offers a wide variety of options, all reasonably priced.

2

The burrito costs $9.99.

3

They give salsa in a sealed plastic bag instead of a cup for takeout.

09
Taqueria Guerrero #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cramped space with cozy atmosphere and family-friendly vibe creates a welcoming setting. Renovated decor adds quaint charm, complemented by great music that enhances the experience. Unique Micheladas stand out as a highlight among authentic Mexican offerings.

Offers top tier Mexican dishes with a focus on authentic flavors. Serves some of the most genuine Mexican food in the Midwest.

Tacos feature tender meat with good flavor and include standout options like lengua and carne asada. Prices run around $4 each, and the tacos pair well with seafood broth and quesadillas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be the best and most authentic."

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

"I found the most authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 6:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Prices at Taqueria Guerrero #1 are reasonable for the quality of food.

3

The menu offers a variety of options, including a kids menu.

10
La Fondita Restaurante Mexicano image 1

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a home-like atmosphere created by family cooking. Quiet and chill vibe with authentic, fresh dishes like birria tacos and squash blossom quesadilla. Unique menu offers vegetarian options and handmade specialties not commonly found elsewhere.

Fresh authentic Mexican cuisine stands out here. The guacamole tastes genuine and the overall food feels true to its roots. Cleanliness adds to the authentic vibe.

Tacos come full of meat and tender, with options like birria, chicken, and shrimp. The birria tacos stand out for their rich flavor and texture.

People are saying

"The handmade tortillas here are amazing with the Mexican food."

"These tacos are amazing and full of tender meat."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The menu features unique options not commonly found elsewhere.

3

Prices have increased recently, so check the menu before ordering.

11
El Famous Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic cuisine with phenomenal steak quality and meaty burritos. The space combines an old building exterior with a tastefully decorated interior and a clean, peaceful atmosphere. Features include a patio and drive-thru, and it operates as a cash-only establishment.

Dishes feature genuine Hispanic flavors that feel like eating in a Hispanic country. Food comes out fresh and fast, delivering authentic Mexican taste consistently.

Tacos come with juicy meats, fresh toppings, and homemade tortillas. Options include double meat steak and tongue tacos, all packed with flavor and freshness.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, well-prepared, and a great value."

"I thought the burrito was the best I ever had."

"These tacos are packed with flavor and juicy meats."

Good to know

1

El Famous Burrito accepts only cash payments.

2

The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru options.

3

There is an ATM on site at El Famous Burrito.

12
La Jaiba Mariscos image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with authentic Mexican aromas from homemade tortillas. Fresh seafood and flavorful dishes like ceviche and seafood boil create a taste of the Nayarit coast. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, supporting a relaxed dining experience.

Women making homemade tortillas at the front create an authentic aroma. The Mexican food offers great value and stays true to traditional flavors.

Steak street tacos come custom-made and arrive quickly after ordering. They stand out for their freshness and quick service.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be fresh and tasty."

"I loved the authentic homemade tortillas being made right there."

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

Good to know

1

On-site parking is limited, but there is a parking garage a block away.

2

Credit card payments incur an extra fee, so bring cash if possible.

3

A 17% gratuity is automatically added to the bill without prior notice.

13
Toluca's Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with spacious, cabin-style decor and live mariachi music creates a lively atmosphere. The vibe shifts from relaxed to energetic, often accompanied by sports on TVs. It hosts a banquet hall suitable for gatherings and casual dinners.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like green chicken enchiladas standing out. The cuisine is consistently delicious and true to tradition.

Tacos al pastor stand out with their tasty flavor and are considered the best among the dishes. Fish tacos and shrimp empanadas also offer delicious options, and the green salsa adds a nice touch.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here, especially the octopus tostadas and shrimp empanadas, is so fresh and flavorful."

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

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during busy hours.

2

Menu prices may not match the final bill due to weekly changes.

3

Expect larger portion sizes that resemble platters.

14
Taqueria El Charro image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican tacos with El Milagro tortillas and excellent al pastor. Atmosphere feels rundown and uninviting with dirty floors and stained ceiling tiles. Pricing varies and can be expensive, with some dishes notably overpriced.

Food features spot-on flavors and the right amount of spices. Dishes represent authentic Mexican cooking.

Steak tacos stand out with delicious meat and affordable prices. Regular tacos use El Milagro tortillas and come in both mini and regular sizes.

People are saying

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

"I found the authentic Mexican food here had spot-on flavors and the right spices."

"I thought the tacos here were phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Check your totals carefully to avoid surprises at checkout.

2

Horchatas are priced at $3.50, not $1 as expected.

3

The restaurant does not sell alcohol.

15
Birrieria Jaliscos Restaurant image 1

Authentic Mexican restaurant with peaceful atmosphere and aroma of fresh birria filling the air. Small interior feels hot and crowded, with focus on takeout orders over dine-in. Known for best birria and homemade tortillas, though some dishes vary in quality.

Authentic Mexican food shines with goat birria that carries a slight gamey flavor. The interior matches the vibe with a very authentic-looking design.

Birria tacos stand out with tender meat and a crispy, cheesy Jalisco style. Goat and steak tacos also appear on the menu, served with consomรฉ and lime for dipping.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are amazing and delicious."

"You have to try their birria tacos; they're amazing."

"I found the birria to be the best and most authentic I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but there is space for large vehicles.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a meal, including tips.

3

The restaurant is primarily focused on takeout orders.

16
los compadres de waukegan inc image 1

Mexican restaurant with loud music and live entertainment creates a lively, community-focused vibe. Gaming machines add a casual, fun element to the cozy, authentic setting. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, attracting a diverse, loyal crowd.

Authentic Mexican food shines with traditional flavors and a relaxed, community-focused vibe. The setting feels familiar and genuine, offering a straightforward, unpretentious experience.

Shrimp and Al Pastor tacos stand out for their flavor. Tacos de carne asada come very good and stay delicious even with dietary restrictions.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be phenomenal and extra delicious."

"I thought the tacos were great and amazing."

"I enjoyed the great authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Saturday with a two-drink minimum.

2

Expect longer wait times during busy weekend hours.

3

The restaurant does not allow modifications to orders via delivery apps.

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