A quiet little family run restaurant in Pilsen, specializing in birria from a generations-old family recipe. It's not as famous nor hipster as its near neighbor Rubio and let's please keep it that way. I'd hate to have to wait in line for this gem. The birria is outstanding, as is the consommé. The goat is especially tasty but as goat meat can be very bony, don't be too surprised to find some bone chips. It's not a big deal. The lengua is equally excellent and could be one of the best I've had outside of Mexico. The taco was very generously filled. Service is friendly and there are no problems with a language barrier. read more

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1. Birria by the pound - Chivo (Goat) w/ goat consome 2. Cabeza (Cow head) taco Great flavor in the goat meat and consome. It was a mix of dry and tender meat. But overall, delicious. Tacos are individually pricey but definitely hefty in portion. The cow's head was a interesting mix of textures and flavors, as expected. I recommend it if you're brave lol. No issues with service. It's not a big space so I would limit your party to 4 or less. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Desafortunadamente nos llevamos un sabor de boca terrible. Ordenamos una libra de res con su consomé, parecía que lo tenían de varios días, y la especialidad de la casa birria de chivo, mala, mala. Lo lamentó pero no creo regresar gamas. read more

The birria here is amazing. We got goat & beef and they were both very tasty. Small family owned business, definitely recommend. read more

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Best place for goat soup by far the full of flavor service is five star I've been to all the other ones this one stands out in a class by itself read more

Best lengua taco I've ever had. Amazing portions! Quick service, accepts cash and credit. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Lengua taco - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Did not disappoint!!! Everything was prepared exquisitely! Great service and food! Must stop when in Pilsen area! read more

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Delicious birria tacos. You won't be disappointed! They also offer chiles en vinagre on each table, definitely adds the punch to any amazing taco de birria. Go early before they run out! Bring cash. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been wanting to come where for a while but the only days I'm usually able to stop in are on Wednesday's and they are unfortunately closed on Wednesday's. It's a small dining area, but with a welcoming staff. We were the only ones that dined in during our entire meal. Pilsen hipsters please show this place the love! My wife ordered their birria de Chivo Taco and I ordered their small plato de birria. The plate come with goat meat in their consome (broth) with cilantro and onion. The meat and consome was full of flavor and came with warm tortillas. Unfortunately they use machine made tortillas instead of handmade tortillas. The food was well priced and wouldn't mind returning. Their staff could of been more welcoming, as there is this other place a competitor that has some of the best service I have ever seen in a Mexican restaurant. read more

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Food is amazing! Okay this place is small, and 100% a little divey. I think it adds to the charm. But very clean. The bathroom was also super clean. There was a line out the door, when we got there at 2pm on a Saturday. But we waited. We got the goat tacos bone in. It was Falling off the bone! and the broth was so flavorful. Nice oil that sit on top of the broth...ugh! I wish I lived in Chicago so I could get this more. I also really liked there home made hot sauce they serve on the side. Lots of flavor. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cash only establishment. Best restaurant I went to in Pilsen. We wanted to drink the birria it was that good. We were the only customers, so service was fast. Food was so good, we had the goat quesabirria. Interesting interior, they had a very old tv show playing but I thought it added to the charm of the restaurant. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Remember to bring CASH. The beef birreria was so amazing and flavorful. We got the ramen and it was amazing. The staff was really friendly and helpful read more

I have been going for about 20 years. This Birria taste is delicious. Service is amazing. Ambiance feels like you are going to a family house! If you are going for the family oriented this is the place to be. read more

3 of us came for lunch we each got the 3 birria taco combo and a can of soda. People were nice and food was good. Our bill was $81 before tip. Just too expensive for what we got. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Birria Taco Combo - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can't say much about the atmosphere, or service, because we got a couple of orders of quesabirria tacos to go. My wife wasn't sold on the idea of dipping your tacos in consommé; my Mexicana homegirl calls it "Mexican French dip". If I am ever captured by the oncoming fascist state on fabricated sedition charges because I believe in helping the less fortunate and holding onto the principles of "do unto others as you would have them do to you", I would want these tacos as part of my last meal. I cannot speak more honestly than that. They are just SO good. Get you some, take a nap, and then have them show up in your dreams for a long time afterwards in very pleasant ways. read more

I'm incredibly disappointed because I had high hopes for a goat taco place closer to home. I called to place an order and no one spoke English which was difficult but they put someone on the phone who helped translate. I ordered a pound of goat meat, small consommé (soup) and a tongue taco. On the way home, the bag fell over and started leaking. It wasn't until I got home that I realized they put a soft drink lid on the goat meat and a lid with two holes for the consommé (soup). I was hoping the amazing goat meat would make up for the poor packaging choices. I was not. I asked for a plain taco and it came with onions and cilantro. I asked for a small consommé and a pound of meat. The small consommé looks bigger than a pound of meat. I called the restaurant to see if it was a mistake but no one answered the phone. The tortillas tasted generic and not homemade. Save your money and time and go to Birrieria Zaragoza. read more

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EXPENSIVE TAQUERIA Many restaurants nowadays are short staffed and this restaurant only had two employees during the time of visit (11am). Food: We ordered a birria taco combo ($21.99) and a birria ramen (~$7.50). Birria taco was decently sized with 3 tacos with your choice of beef or goat, side of rice and soup to dip your tacos in. I personally don't believe it was worth the price. A regular taco dinner (~$15), here they add the cup of soup for an extra $7 almost. Birria Ramen: they use a bag of Maruchan chicken ramen noodles and their traditional soup. The portion was pretty small for the price paid. Pricing: **CASH ONLY** For two the price is roughly $50-70 for a lunch meal including taxes. read more

Salty consome Mushi rice My chef and friend decide come and eat here I order sm consome and 2 tacos birria snd tongue both look the same The consome was salty read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If heaven had tacos, it would be goat tacos and I would be so happy. This is what I've been missing living in Boston; authentic tacos with live music, eating with other POCs in a hole in the wall restaurant. Of course you need to get the goat tacos. My friend and I split the $25 deal which includes soup as well, opting for the bone in meat option. It's a DIY taco situation: assemble the meat and tortillas with cilantro, onions, peppers, pickled veggies for the fixings. Simple and delicious, just how I like it. The goat is cooked so well. Not tough and the umami is out of this world! I constantly dream about this place. It is the epitome of good food and supporting local businesses. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - So excited for goat tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is "muy deliciosa!" I haven't had my weekend Mexican food fix and was craving for some birria. "Birrerria Reyes de Ocotlan" is located east of CTA 18th. Pink Line station and is cash-only. If you want to dine in, go ahead, find a seat, and a server will take care of you ASAP. Our server told us "yo no hablo o entiendo mas ingles, pero hare mi mejor esfuerzo." There was no problem with hubby and I since we could get by with basic conversational Spanish. We both ordered the "plato de birria," which is the goat soup. However, if you just want the "soup," order "consome de birria." On the other hand, if you would like the "goat meat," order the "goat stew" or "pura maciza" on the menu. I saw the patrons who sat near us opted for the consome and 1lb. maciza (pure meat). By the way, I didn't know I could get unlimited refills for consome until our server came by and said "necesitas mas consome?" I took advantage of this opportunity, asked for more soup, and added onion and cilantro in it. I recommend you all to do the same so you can really get your money's worth. Their agua de Jamaica was lightly sweetened. I typically don't like drinks to be very saturated with sugar, so it was refreshing and delectable. For $19.98, we had un plato de birria (chico), un plato de birria (grande), and una jamaica. I can't wait to come back here for some birria fiesta! read more

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This place is simple and to the point. There aren't that many items on the menu. If you're looking for a satisfying and hearty meal that isn't expensive, then this is the place to be. Get the goat dish. The flavors are amazing and they have some awesome homemade tortillas read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Super hole in the wall place. They specialize in goat, so we went for that. We were doing a food tour, so we just got one serving to share. It comes in a stew, so you can drink the stew and use the meat to create your own tacos. Staff was super nice and actually gave us a little sample of the soup as well. Goat was flavorful and not gamey at all. Soup was very tasty too. It's an open kitchen and doesn't seem like there's AC, so it gets a bit hot in here. Looks like a lot of people were buying stuff TOGO. read more

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One of my favorite place for birria. Birria is a a traditional stew made from goat. My grandpa used to make and sell it on the weekends back in Mexico. He used to pick out the goat and kill it himself. Maybe I should've left that out. It was like a ritual to visit him and get some tacos when I was a little boy on Sundays. You can eat birria one of two ways. A lot of people like it in tacos. Specifically, the rib tacos. The meat is so tender. Top it of with "cebolla y cilantro" (chopped onions and cilantro) and some salsa. I like there salsa. The second way is my favorite. If you are a connoisseur like my grandma, you pick from different cuts and then they serve the consommé (broth) on top, nice and boiling. Same as the tacos throw some cebolla y cilatro, add salsa, roll up a tortilla and enjoy! Fun Fact: Any Mexican will know this is a hangover remedy! read more

Delicioso! Amazing Berria tacos! We highly recommend. Some of the best we've had in the city.

The goat was absolutely flavorless, completely missing that distinct goat flavor so I knew they actually gave me beef. I mentioned it to the waitress but she assured me they served me goat which I absolutely don't believe. If that was indeed goat, then look elsewhere if you're looking for quality goat meat. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because the consomé was actually delicious. read more

Good birria, less-than-honest service. Came on a Saturday afternoon, only ones in the restaurant. Told the host it was our first time there. I asked for the menu item "Goat Stew" thinking a large for $4.25 was a great deal. She asked if I wanted bones in the stew, so I said "sure." When I went to pay, she charged me $12.68, explaining that I had ordered the "Goat Platter" - even though I'd said "Goat Stew" and there was an item with that specific name. I explained my confusion (turns out the "Goat Stew" doesn't have any meat or bones in it) and asked if I could change my order, getting the response "no, we already packaged it." It's dishonest to have a customer order something from the menu by name and then get upcharged for a substantially more expensive item, especially when the server knows the customer isn't familiar with the menu. read more

good birria. I will say that I do like birria Zaragoza a bit better . The flavor profile here is very different ...I felt like I could really get that goat flavor which some people may like but I'm not a huge fan. Good amount of spice. Service was friendly. Had a lot of fat in my dish though :/ read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really tasty meats and sauces. Great fast friendly service. No frills and packed on weekends. read more

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Best birria in Chicago, hands down. If you enjoy a home cooked meal and wonderful service pull up.

This place is so delicious and cheap and awesome. I would go here every single day and then get churros after, but I live in Texas, where we have inferior Mexican food. Can you please open like 1000 of these all over the world like goat Starbucks so I will never have to eat anything else? Chile de Arbol salsa was off the hook. The goat meat, the tortillas, the stew, it was all ridiculously delicious. One of my favorite restaurants of all time. Please never change. read more

I already knew I wanted birria. That was the easy part. Chicago's birria selection vastly outshines New York's, and probably every other town on the east coast. And as I strolled on my taco crawl, through the taco district (side note, I know it's Pilsen, but don't rain on my parade) I saw my destiny. This is what I'm talking about! Birreria Reyes de Ocotlan is a temple to the taco god. Specifically the birria sect. Totally cool by me. I got the goat, because goat. And it was fantastic. Juicy, messy, flavorful, delicious. Everything I wanted. But after savoring my taco, the guy behind the counter gave me a free taco that I think was liver. He'd asked if I'd had one before, and I said no. Just like that, free taco. What a country! To be honest, I felt the liver needed a bunch of birria juice, but I get that there are people who grew up with this that love it as is. I salute them. read more

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It wasn't great. There's a cheaper one closer to my house. This place does have good goat though. They were definitely generous with the meat when it came to the tacos. We heard about this place from a book "1001 Places You Should Eat At Before You Die". I think I could have happily died without eating here. The heartburn when you get home is TERRIBLE. TL;DR Nothing to write home about.. I guess I'll write a Yelp review though. Bring tums. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Goat in the wall joint...Hole in the wall = real, cheap, delicious tacos. There's no doubt about it, with the goat on the glowing sign, this is the thing to get. Try the goat before you buy a whole goat. It comes in taco or soup form. Delicious protein freshly made to order and comes to you in 5 minutes or less. Tried the goat head taco, fantastic soft bits goes perfect with onions and cilantro and a splash of hot sauce. Beef was ok, good portion size. Satisfying fast food. Cash only. read more

Amazing Birria tacos. We got the beef Birria con queso with onions and cilantro and a small consommé for dipping. Cash only. Pick up at the takeout window read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Birria de Reys con queso - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had a disastrous experience here. But it didn't have anything to do with the great Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan or any of its welcoming staff. No, this one's all on me. See, I accidentally turned our tiny two-top into an impromptu bowling lane. With the "pins" set up in front of my wife. Transmogrifying myself into a world-class doofus for a half-second too long, I carelessly allowed a bottle of smoky hot salsa to tip over. Not only did it spray my wife's sweater, but it tipped over her Diet coke into her lap, flipped her taco out of its basket and onto the table, and dumped a bowl of dried chiles onto the floor. Holy Baby Bejeebus: Horrible, and incredible. You can best believe that she was none too happy. But luckily for me, my wife is a forgiving person! (Anyway, they say "50 million Elvis fans can't be wrong." Don't know about that. But I say that 4 billion goat-eaters can't be wrong. (Although goat isn't the most-produced meat on the planet--Western consumption of huge quantities of pork, beef, and chicken makes sure of that--it's apparently eaten by a larger percentage of the world's population than any other.) I'd been waiting to get to a birrieria for a long time, and then I went and ruined the experience.) Our idea had been to do a mid-day taco/pupusa crawl on 18th Street, but I went and spoiled that, too, by being unable to refrain from eating too much food. Ordered goat and cabeza tacos and a cup of goat stew here. Order got lost in translation, and I ended up with an extra taco, and goat consomme instead of stew. I had thought that the $2.50 and $2.75 prices for the tacos sounded a little high, but they are huge. Nonetheless, I had no self-control, devoured everything (including the extra taco), and pretty much destroyed my appetite for the rest of our project. Everything was terrific, as just about everybody else here says. Minor complaints: The huge, succulent, juicy tacos come rolled up in wax paper, and by the time you get through your first one, your second (and third and fourth?) will already be getting soggy. And as I noted above, my order got lost in translation a bit. (That obviously won't be a problem for Spanish speakers, who are by far the main clientele here.) But our server was very clear in communicating that the disaster I created at our table wasn't a big deal, and I was very appreciative for that. read more

Delicious, excellent value and as authentic as you can get. Very nice staff and highly recommended for a unique experience, depending of course on how much real barbacoa you've experienced before. I'd go back in a heartbeat. read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had the tongue taco and split the goat plate with four other people. The tongue taco was amazingly tender and flavorful. Plus, they will give you a bowl of onions, cilantro, and lime on the side. The hot sauce was pretty great too. I'm very happy with the tongue taco but a little disappointed with the goat plate. The one pound of goat is meant to be split among 2-3 people. I would veer more towards the 3 side but we split it among 5. Though the meat was moist and tender, it didn't have as much flavor as I wanted. Perhaps it's just the taste of the goat meat itself. I did, however, enormously enjoyed the horchata. It's not too sweet and has just the right amount of cinammon. Also, the wait staff is INCREDIBLY kind and patient. They were really helpful and advised us on what to order when we took a tad too long. TIP: Cash only!!! read more

Very authentic, felt just like home. We had 1 pound and was enough for four. it includes two broth. Simply delicious Thank you so much read more

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Authentic - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This gem is not very noticeable from the outside, we passed by it all the time on the way to Costco and never noticed it until we saw the awesome review on yelp. They specialize in lamb here. The slow roasted lamb is pretty good, we went with a group 4 and ordered the 1 pound of lamb with soup, which is really great!! Good portion too. The taco is good as well, enjoyed the tongue one. The liver one is good too (yes, I like eating all internal organs), but the liver taste is a bit strong if you don't enjoy that taste. The drinks are ok, the horchata is a bit too sweet, and the aqua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea) is alright. read more

Passable Goat Tacos, No Lasting Impression As part of my taco tour, I made sure to stop at Birrieria Reyes de Octolan to learn more about the best goat taco in Chicago. Sadly, I left not disappointing, but without much of an impression at all. The tacos had a great tortilla, which tends to be common across all great Pilsen restaurants. However, the taco filing was not terribly flavorful and did not make a lasting impression. The texture itself was similarly not particularly memorable, and was slightly dry. If you're interested in the nature of a goat taco, I would recommend trying this one but otherwise there are better taco places overall in the city. read more