Craving tacos? You’re in the right place. Chicago Northwest is home to some truly standout Mexican cuisine, but with so many great spots to choose from, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. To help narrow it down, we’ve rounded up some of the best places for tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more across the northwest suburbs.
Taco Spots in Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, and Beyond...
Salsa 17 — (Arlington Heights)
Located in the heart of Arlington Alfresco, Salsa 17’s delightful atmosphere (not just their tacos) makes it a bit of an Arlington Heights institution. Guests enjoy their gourmet Mexican dishes such as sopes de carne, birria, tamales, and burritos. Their hand-crafted cocktails are also popular (the reviews speak for themselves!)
Mago Grill — (Arlington Heights)
Mago Grill & Cantina leans into traditional Mexican cuisine—the culmination of years of work by award-winning chefs Juan Luis Gonzalez and Ric Munoz. Its menu emphasizes Mexican home cooking like seafood ceviches, fajitas, aguachiles, salads, soups, and tacos. Plus, their expansive selection of mole sauces (think Mexico’s version of curry) make for a dining experience like no other in the area.
Taco Maya — (Schaumburg)
Taco Maya is a modern, bright, and fresh-ingredients-oriented taqueria. Their Schaumburg location specialises in all sorts of regional tacos that showcase the best of Mexican cuisine, from Yucatán style shrimp (southern Mexico) to the Birria taco with consome (northern Mexico).
It’s also a creative taqueria, reimagining the taco with international fillings like Indian paneer, Korean beef, and even Nashville hot chicken! Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert—fried ice cream and Mexican-style flan await!
Taqueria Los Laureles — (Rolling Meadows)
Taqueria Los Laureles in Rolling Meadows is a classic hole-in-the-wall taco joint that oozes authenticity. Expect flawlessly fast service with long-lasting flavors, and their top-rated steak tacos are so famous that customers often flock from miles away to taste them! The original location started as a grocery store and quickly developed into one of the best quick-bite locations in Chicago Northwest.
My Cocina Grill — (Streamwood)
Nestled in Streamwood is My Cocina Grill, a unique Mexican restaurant that serves scratch-made flavors with a twist. Indulge in tender, marinated meats packed within a warm, hand-pressed tortilla. Their fun and creative taco options include: blackened salmon, birria (wet style), mahi-mahi, and their “three little pigs tacos.” If you can't decide, try them all by ordering the taco dinner option (a sampler-type feast that never disappoints.)
Tacos to Try in 2025: New Mexican Restaurants in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs
Thlaco Taco Tijuanense — (Arlington Heights)
Opened in early 2025, Thlaco Taco specializes in Tijuana-style street tacos with handmade tortillas and meats cooked on a vertical spit. The menu also includes burritos, quesadillas, and sopes. Tijuana has become one of Mexico’s top culinary destinations, so having a taste of this border town in Chicago Northwest is a real treat for food lovers.
Guzman y Gomez — (Schaumburg)
This Australian-based chain opened its second Illinois location in January 2023. Known for fast-casual Mexican fare like burritos, tacos, and nachos, it also offers a drive-thru for convenience. Look out for their Signature ‘Cali Burrito’ with seasoned fries inside.
Hidden Gem Tacos in Chicago Northwest
Besa Mi Taco — (Itasca)
Every Tuesday, Besa Mi Taco in Itasca serves up one of the best deals in Chicago Northwest with its “Two Taco Tuesdays.” It’s a local favorite for good reason—affordable, filling, and seriously tasty. While the tacos steal the show, don’t overlook the burritos and enchiladas. Arrive early; it tends to get busy, especially midweek.
Tapalpa — (Elk Grove)
Tapalpa is a charming, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Elk Grove Village with a more Tex-Mex flair. The enchiladas are a crowd favorite—generous portions, fragrant rice, and freshly made beans make for a satisfying meal. On weekends, swing by for live mariachi music and street tacos, perfect for a family dinner or a laid-back date night. Pro tip: don’t skip the margaritas!
Craving more? Don’t miss the annual Restaurant Week in Chicago Northwest—an entire week dedicated to exclusive menus and local flavors. And for even more foodie fun, keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming culinary happenings across the region. Your next delicious discovery is just around the corner!