It's National Taco Day and time to taco 'bout the outstanding Mexican cuisines the Chicago Northwest offers. From tacos to tamales, there is no shortage of mouth-watering little morsels delivered in warm tortillas. Plus, you can have so much fun with the simple taco, and the possibilities are endlessly creative (deep-fried, hardshell, softshell, beef, chicken, fish!). However, the task of choosing where to grab a tasty taco can be a daunting one, especially when you have so many options. To alleviate your tortilla anxiety, we have compiled a list of nine outstanding destinations to get locos for tacos.
Salsa 17 - Arlington Heights
📷: Salsa 17Located in the heart of Arlington Alfresco, Salsa 17 provides a delightful atmosphere to the Arlington Heights community. Crowds have enjoyed their gourmet Mexican dishes and hand-crafted cocktails with little complaints (the reviews speak for themselves). Expect warm personability and consistent service from their knowledgeable staff and handmade guacamole tableside! Salsa 17 uses the best quality ingredients they can find when crafting their gourmet Mexican dishes, and their passion is bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to anyone who desires it.
Recommendation: Red Snapper Tacos
Mago Grill - Arlington Heights
Mago Grill & Cantina is a pure celebration of Mexican heritage and the culmination masterpiece of award-winning chefs Juan Luis Gonzalez and Ric Munoz. Its original Latin and Mexican menu combines authentic favorites, seafood ceviches, savory salsas, fresh salads, and more. When it comes to tacos, Chef Juan Luis has developed a multitude of flavorful recipes to pick from – promising to excite the taste buds! Besides its authentic collection of Mexican dishes, Mago Grill's location and atmosphere offer a warm and inviting modern dining experience for family, friends, and business associates alike.
Recommendation: Cochinita Pibil Tacos
Taqueria Los Laureles - Rolling Meadows
Almost everyone would agree that authentic Mexican cuisine will always trump your local Taco Bell (excluding after midnight on weekends). Taqueria Los Laureles in Rolling Meadows is the classic hole-in-the-wall taco joint that you see in movies. Expect freaky fast service with long-lasting flavors, and their top-rated steak tacos are so famous that customers 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 the Chicagoland area. Recommendation: Asada Taco (famous steak taco)
Sabroso Burrito - Schaumburg
If you are craving a delicious meal from an authentic Mexican restaurant, Sabroso Burrito is one of the best places you could be! Located in Schaumburg, Sabroso opened in 2016 and is entirely family-run. They pride themselves on their customer satisfaction and culinary authenticity. You can count on them for fresh ingredients and quality service. In fact, that is their motto "quality food, quality service - that's our philosophy."
Recommendation: Chi Charron Tacos
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. Every bite is crammed with flavor, and you will want to savor it. My Cocina Grill boasts multiple fun and creative taco options on their menu - bacon-wrapped shrimp, dipped barbacoa, buffalo chicken, mahi-mahi, and three little pigs tacos. If you can't decide, try them all by ordering the taco dinner option!
Recommendation: Bacon-wrapped Shrimp Tacos
La Hacienda De Roselle - Roselle
La Hacienda de Roselle is a family-owned restaurant that proudly offers delicious and authentic Mexican food to the Roselle community. Their menu includes classics like enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and (of course) tacos. Choose from a wide variety of proteins such as mariscos (seafood), pollo (chicken), and carnes (steak). Everything at La Hacienda de Roselle is made in-house using the freshest ingredients - especially their salsas. This family-owned and operated restaurant has plenty of space and can comfortably accommodate anyone. Last but certainly not least, La Hacienda is one of the few Mexican restaurants in our region that offer authentic, live mariachi music!
Recommendation: Carne Asada Tacos
📷: Besa Mi TacoEvery Tuesday, Besa Mi Taco in Itasca has one of the best meal deals in Chicago Northwest "2 Taco Tuesdays". If you are searching for a great-tasting meal that won't leave your wallet or purse any lighter, Besa Mi Taco is the choice for you! They create everything with the freshest ingredients our region offers, and their efficient service will leave you satisfied. Beware of large crowds, especially on Tuesdays - this place is P-O-P-U-L-A-R.
Recommendation: Cochinita Pibil tacos
📷: Taco MayaTaco Maya was founded to provide a unique dining experience to Schaumburg by creating exceptional Mexican food fused with unique flavors from various cultures. They accomplished their goal by opening a cozy, family-oriented restaurant that serves delicious made-from-scratch food to customers daily. Their dishes are made with passion and are designed by head chef Patricio Elizondo. Paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the unique tastes of Taco Maya will leave every customer with a superb experience to remember.
Recommendation: Chorizo Taco
Tapalpa is a charming, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Elk Grove Village that offers a festive atmosphere and friendly service. They have a warm and welcoming ambiance that pairs well with their extensive menu's tastes and flavors. Stop by on weekends for live mariachi music and keep up-to-date with their specials and discounts. Tapalpa is the perfect destination for family dinners and casual date nights. Hint: Try their Margaritas.
Recommendation: Shrimp Tacos
We are infinitely proud of the authenticity and flavors our Mexican/Latino restaurants offer to our region - please support your local restaurants! We have so many excellent dining options in the Chicago Northwest suburbs; visit our website for a list of available restaurants with both carry-out and curbside pickup options. Looking for even more taco inspiration? Check out our Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on the Best Tacos across the state.