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Top picks in Waukegan

Taco and salsa spots

A taco is only as good as the salsa served with it, and you refuse to settle for anything less than a balanced pairing.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated April 2026
01
Taqueria El Primo image 1
Taqueria El Primo image 2
Taqueria El Primo image 3
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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.

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.

Salsas here are consistently tasty and very spicy with an authentic kick. The rice and green salsas stand out as favorites.

People are saying

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

"I found the prices here were super affordable."

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

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.

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.

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.

Salsas include a delicious salsa verde and a couple of spicy options. Staff offers extra salsa samples to help choose. Two main salsa choices are solid but adding more would be nice.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is rich, complex, and full of flavor."

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

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
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.

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

A salsa bar offers a variety of authentic and spicy salsas. The salsas stay fresh and complement meals like the family combo well.

People are saying

"The tacos de tripa were fantastic and crispy."

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

"It's a colorful and relaxing atmosphere, inside and out."

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.

04
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.

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.

Crunchy chips come in custom ceramic salsa cups. Salsas are delicious and flavorful, standing out from typical Mexican spots. Extra salsa comes with a charge.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos outstanding and so good."

"The salsa here is delicious and flavorful."

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.

05
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.

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

Salsas come in a variety of heat levels, including a very hot salsa that servers warn about and milder options. The salsa verta stands out as a chef specialty, and the chip salsa offers a unique spicy flavor different from typical dips.

People are saying

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

"The salsas served with the ceviche were good."

"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.

06
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.

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.

Chips come with fresh salsa that looks light but packs a spicy kick. It pairs well with birria and Gorditas served with beans and rice.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is excellent and the service is great."

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.

07
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.

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.

Spicy salsa in the red plastic bottle delivers a perfectly spicy kick that burns the tongue in a good way. Other salsas vary, with some tasting bland while overall they are pretty good.

People are saying

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

"The meat in the tacos and torta is so tender."

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

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.

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.

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.

Fresh chips come with an assortment of salsas that cover a wide range of flavors. Salsas arrive in a sealed plastic bag to avoid spills during takeout.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved all the fresh, homemade salsas and chips."

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.

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Waukegan, Illinois

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