El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

We arrived not knowing it was a bar crawl happening but we still got in and waited for a table. It…read moretook 30 minutes to get a table bc of the bar crawl. As much as it was packed from 2:30 til 3:30 we were still were able to order a drink at bar. Martin was so nice and took our order and brought it to us being we went back to waiting line. The place is small with a hard time to walk around when it's full. It's a nice bar restaurant and didn't realized until we were leaving that there's a back area. The bartenders could be a little more social and happy bc that seem a bit dull and unhappy working there. Unlike Martin he was happy. Mildred was our server and she did phenomenal. The food and drinks were great

It was not stated anywhere else on their digital menu that they their tacos come individually;…read morecompared to their three taco plate option, but thanks to checking the yelp menu first I was able to make my choice for 2 birra tacos! (inquire about the 4% service charge added) No rice or beans with any of my parties' dishes, not sure if that is an option. Time to be seated was less than five minutes for a party of four around 2:20 PM on a Sunday; busier times or days enforce their 90 minute time limit policy per table. The food was well seasoned, wish I tasted it a little more on the meat itself, yet all the vegetables tasted crisp and fresh. If you are looking to have intimate conversations be prepared to speak a lot louder, the DJ booth by the front keeps it pretty lively, but difficult to hold conversations across the table. Open authentic Mexican soda is always refreshing, and if you're looking for a place that has soft serve margaritas this is one of them. If you notice and unusual wait time or slow service please make your choice accordingly as I started to notice it was a case by case basis like some of the previous reviews had mentioned.

2.4 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

Interior of Buisness

Fish taco

See all

Chicharron de Ribeye

Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine

4.2(124 reviews)

•$$$

The service is outstanding. The drinks are on point. The food is delicious. I've been here a couple…read moretimes now, and I always leave happy. Bocaditos is one of my favorite spots.

I'm not one to knock out places that I haven't been for the first time but this one won't be seeing…read moreme ,any time soon. The food was bland and lacked flavor, the enchiladas didn't have the texture and quality you'd expect for a place that's close enough to down town to make its presence known. The service wasn't bad just lacked effort. The server upsold side dishes , but never brought them out. Had them removed from the check. The ambiance is great , nice decor , great music and spacious. The chicken was diced and dry from being reheated so it had those crunchy edges, which don't belong in an enchilada lol. The drinks were sweet and tasty. Overall try if you're gonna be drinking rather than looking forward to the meal.

Empty restaurant

El Cafecito

See all

Oro verde our Traditional Guacamole

Barrio

4.1(1.4k reviews)

3.6 mi•Near North Side

I had a great time! Tiyana was the best! I went for a lowkey birthday celebration and she made it…read morefeel very special! I will be back!

Barrio - Chicago Strawberry mint margs + Saturday happy…read morehour = YESSS Chips + dip trio with queso, salsa & guac = all 3 were delicious Steak + shrimp tacos = so flavorful & a must try Cornbread skillet = surprisingly SOOO good, so glad we got it 5/5 Loved the fun patio vibes, nice service, clean bathrooms + such a good Chicago happy hour spot! Happy hour is EVERY DAY 4-6pm Check out the full review on IG: @ratedbyaleena_

2.9 mi•Ukrainian Village, West Town

Interior views

Chicken fajitas

See all

Margarita time!

Sabroso! Mexican Grill

4.7(551 reviews)

Jesus was the best server I've ever gotten made it his mission to make sure we had everything and…read moreanything we needed definitely needs a raise for such a good service reminded of my grandpa which made it feel just like home definitely had a great experience thank you beautiful atmosphere and delicious food

Four of us (two adults and two kids) visited Sabroso! Mexican Grill for the first time during a…read moretrip to Chicago. I must admit that I had low expectations because quite frankly, I have not enjoyed Mexican food outside of Mexico or California. However, we were hungry, and it was near where we were staying, so I decided we should check it out, and I am so glad we did! The food was great. Both adults and the VERY picky children in our group all enjoyed our meals. I ordered the green chicken enchiladas and the other adult ordered a chile relleno combo, which I also got to try. Everything was delicious and devoured by all! We were so full but the owner talked us into the chocoflan, and we did not regret trying it. It was soooo good! Speaking of the owner, the service was great. We really enjoyed how he and the rest of the staff were very courteous. It is a small establishment, and it gets a good amount of people, so I assume that there are waits during peak hours. I highly recommend Sabroso! And we plan to return the next time we are in the area.

Interior din6

Enchiladas

See all

CHICKEN TAQUITOS

Carniceria Maribel

4.7(207 reviews)

0.5 mi•Pilsen

If you're looking for authentic tacos, this place is absolutely worth the trip. Between the…read moreincredible Selena mural outside and the fact that it's tucked inside a liquor store, the whole experience feels like discovering a hidden gem. I eat a lot of tacos, and this was, without question, the best pollo (chicken) taco I've ever had. I was expecting the usual dry, bland, or overcooked chicken, but instead it was incredibly juicy, packed with flavor, and generously loaded with meat. Every bite was outstanding. The only downside was the wait time, but once the food arrived, it was easy to see why people are willing to wait. If you're a taco lover, this is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back.

On the hunt for delicious tacos and decided to check them off my list! I walked in and was a little…read morelost as the front was a grocery, I hadn't read the reviews, but the smells drew me to the back to the restaurant lol. I placed an order for 4 tacos. 2 carne adada and 2 ribeyes. It took about 7-10mins during the lunch run at around 12pm, so not too long. Everything was fresh and hot, prepared correctly. I would rate them a 3.5, but the setvice got them a 4. I would return if in the area for sure.

The kitchen. Order here and take ticket up front to pay

Tacos de asada

See all

Tacos de asada y al pastor

XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant

4.8(365 reviews)

7.6 mi•Ravenswood

Top service and incredible food. Everything was delicious and the staff is super nice!!!read more

Excellent food and happy to know it's being carried on by the new owners. Give this place a try,…read moreyou won't be disappointed.

8.1 mi•Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

Dining Room

Pineapple special. Simply the best.

See all

Pollo en Mole

El Xangarrito Mex Restaurant

4.8(223 reviews)

A great BYOB spot for high quality Mexican…read more Excellent mole negro, ceviche, fried plantains, and enchiladas. It is supposedly tiny inside but it has a lovely outdoor patio in front of the restaurant.

Such a cute place. They have a huge patio area, too. Food…read morewas very flavorful and the enchiladas options were really good. Several different types to choose from. Sauces very authentic and served with a smile from our server. She checked in on us several times and really seemed like she wanted to be making our dining experience a good one. Free chips and salsa on the table at the beginning and the BYOB solidified the fact that me and my girlfriends will be back for sure!!

They seem to have a bunch of take out business, also.

Traditional Pastor Tacos

See all

Steak Enchiladas Mole. A generous portion to share or to take some home with you for a late night snack.

5 Rabanitos

4.2(851 reviews)

0.6 mi•Pilsen

The chef who owns this restaurant trained with Rick Bayless for 19 years and it really comes out in…read morehis cooking. All of the food was absolutely delicious. We came later on a Monday night so we did not have to wait to get a seat although it was still pretty busy. The place is decorated nicely. Well on a block with many other Mexican businesses. Located right off the pink line it is very easy to get to and also noted to be near the Mexican art Institute. The chicken mole enchiladas were delicious. Spicy and bitterness of the chocolate balanced super well. rice was also cooked perfectly. The shredded beef dish was short rib and mashed potatoes. They were meant to be assembled into a homemade tortilla - a very interesting concept. The homemade tortillas were so warm and fluffy. I have never had such good tortillas. I took a tamale plate home. It was large and had a good portion of shredded pork. Super flavorful, but also I felt the texture might've been firmer than I would've expected.

I was introduced to the place by a Mexicans from Chicago and it's such a hidden gem. She suggested…read morethe we try the sopes and i don't regret it at all. I got the chicken tinga and carne asada and it was really good. We had the verde ceviche (not pictured) and it was a table fav. We also got the elotes which were good but nothing special. It was my first time have queso fundido and i really like its. The staff was really friendly and the place is so cute. Most places are going for a minimalist look not but the bright blue, green, and yellow works really well today as well as the various artwork!

Interior

Chips & Guac

See all

This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

Manchamanteles Restaurant

4.4(152 reviews)

4.6 mi•Bucktown

Manchamanteles is as fun and exciting on the inside as its boldly colored outside would lead you to…read morebelieve. The staff are donned in themed regalia, and will gleefully sing you a happy birthday song even if you're quite far from adolescence (and also a few days out from your actual birthday). The moles were all phenomenal, and the mezcal margarita pitcher more than satisfied our group. The interior is a bit bright and skews somewhat family oriented, so I wouldn't recommend it for every crowd. But for my group of friends and I, Manchamanteles more than delivered in food, service, and fun alike.

I recently had dinner at this location, the food was ok, but looking around i noticed the location…read moreappeared unclean, my group paid the tab, and as we walked to our parking spot I noticed rats running through the property. When I got home I immediately looked up this location on the city of chicago food inspection reporting system, there i found since just April of 2026 it has been written violations for rat dropping, and a live rat seen by a customer in the restaurant. On the web site above you will also see so many violations for other violations due to lack of cleanliness. I will in the future consult the chicago food inspection reporting system to find what these restaurants are hiding from there customers!

Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

See all

Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

Frontera Grill

3.9(2.8k reviews)

3.7 mi•Near North Side

The vibes were really nice for casual Mexican food. Dim lighting, candles on the table, and a cozy…read moreatmosphere. 8/10. The Chicken Taquitos (8.5/10) were perfectly crispy with tender, smoky chicken inside paired with fresh guac. The Corn-Masa Quesadillas (8/10) were more like crispy cheese-filled turnovers. The cheese pull was crazy, and the tomatillo salsa added a nice tangy kick. The Enchiladas de Birria (8/10) had tender, savory birria with a nice crunch from the cabbage and radish. The chile-sesame salsa added a great depth of flavor. The Barbacoa (7/10) was tender. I wasn't a fan of the salsa borracha, but the consome was delicious with a nice kick. The Fried Sweet Plantains (8/10) were soft and caramelized. The crema and cheese were a great addition. Overall, a solid spot for Mexican food when you want something a little nicer than a casual taco spot.

It's a terrific still solid stalwart of restaurants in Chicago's legendary portfolio of amazing…read moredining experiences. Creative authentic Mexican specialties and delicious specials. The service is impeccable warm and welcoming! The restaurant interior and adjoining dining experiences are beautifully art directed from Rick Bayles's brilliant eye for art culture and food. The mole is lendary and the branzino was delicious. Beautiful food great full bar and drinks.

See more unrecommended reviews

Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Duck carnitas

See all

Pork shank

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

24 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Cham S.

10 years ago

just strolling up Cermak looking for a quick bite, when i stopped to check out these young dudes spray painting a piece on this store front, "Gourmet Tacos" is how it read. "peep the tacos man, they're tight" "yeah I'll do that" Delicious. the ingredients are organic, locally sourced, fresh, and may be paired traditionally (al pastor con piña) or creatively (shrimp w fermented red onion and topped w fried kale); both are super dope. the tortillas are hand made in house...the tortillas...are hand made...in house. the menu is simple and very understated - you'll know what I mean once you taste these gourmet tacos. I tried 5 different tacos - I'll happily order each of them again. also, the coffee...holy shit! Mexican coffee w orange zest, cinnamon, and a bit of cream GTFO. wonderful. at last, this spot is Latino owned and operated; the owner / chef is polite, warm, and very excited to share his menu. lookin fwd to swinging through, especially when their liquor license is approved; I imagine their cocktails will be equally well-crafted. alright, try these tacos, and live a good life! haha read more

Rogan S.

4 years ago

This place doesn't look like much when you walk past but it's def a great place to try different mexican food. I see a lot of people complaining about 'authentic mexican' but TBH who the hell knows anymore what's authentic? To me what matters the most is the taste and flavor and I was very happy with them. Give them a try instead of reading other people's negativity and you'll soon find out that people just don't know what they're talking about. Matter of fact most people create a yelp account just to complain. I did the opposite, I created one to praise great amazing food. This place is not the best, but it's pretty great. read more

Jana R.

8 years ago

Oh my my my goodness. Friends brought me here, what an awesome experience!! It's small and we were by the kitchen- got to see some action.. the food was sooo amazing!!! Delicious combinations of flavors and innovative tacos !!! Yum!! Thank you!! So I like to try things I don't think I will like- so I tried the middle eastern one with curry - and wow!! Delicious and amazing!! Thank you!! I highly recommend these guys!! And great cafe con ledge too! read more

Luciano L.

10 years ago

Ordered two different tacos and enjoyed both. The owner/chef was extremely welcoming and you could see that he was making an extra effort to ensure that we felt taken care of. The pre-meal chips were delicious, and included more than just the usual tortilla chips. I live nearby and am thrilled that we have a gourmet taco location opening up so close to me. Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed! read more

Jessie B.

4 years ago

I decided to stop in to try their famous pork belly tacos or now known as Coca Cola tacos and they did not disappoint! Tried their handmade quesabirrias, the flavor was different than others I have tried and were so good. The drinks are super good so I definitely have to stop by again for happy hour. read more

Kat T.

10 years ago

These are the kind of tacos that make want to never eat another taco again. They use organic and fresh ingredients which can be seen in everything they make. Some of the freshest guacamole I've ever had. The coffee is also amazing! Everyone there is extremely kind. Definitely becoming a regular. read more

Karen G.

9 years ago

I had a meeting in the Pilsen area and had to grab a bite. Yelped the area and found this GEM! FABULOUS!!! I ordered the grilled chicken mole' taco .... RUN don't walk to this hidden treasure. It's worth the drive from Oak Park - I'm taking my husband Saturday. Yep .... it's delicious! read more

Kaleb T.

142

6 years ago

Ordered a takeout recently. Order ready on time, all precautions taken by the staff. Food is satisfactory didnt seem that fresh maybe because i ordered on a monday because last 2 times i ordered from them on weekends and was pretty good read more

David R.

9 years ago

Loved the service and the drinks. The bartenders were very polite and fast making the drinks. I went there with some friends to go dancing and hang out. I loved that they had an outdoor area that was a little more low key with some nice read more

Amy U.

10 years ago

Great new place. We tried the Pozole (a special), fish tacos, shrimp empanadas and guacamole. The atmosphere is warm and the owner/chef was attentive. I look forward to going back. I think this will be my new favorite place for tacos. read more

Alejandra R.

770

5 years ago

Their tacos are amazing. I love that it is BYOB. They actually deliver directly. I recommend all their pork options, specially because that is what they have been known for. read more

Luis H.

9 years ago

Eltaco azteca is my new place they make the best tacos in all Chicago I was have pastor taco and the special barbacua taco never I was have one Experience like that read more

Anna Z.

5 years ago

Good food great service tacos on fire fresh meet I love the way they makes their tacos it's unique also the rice and beans was so good definitely recommended read more

Bonnie C.

2 years ago

my family come here at least once a month, staff is awesome and food is great!!! I have never had a problem eating here

H P.

10 years ago

Aoy. Ardene. Dos torta para yebar. Wuuaaooo. La. Verdad. Este. Lugar. Selo. Recomiendo. El. Taco. Azteca.

Nayeli O.

5 years ago

The manager was very very rude and unprofessional. The manager did not help me satisfy my order!!!!!

Carlos G.

115

4 years ago

Amazing food 100 % recommended tacos de camarón so good,empanadas guacamole and the salsas

Chase P.

4 years ago

Good food! Staff is very friendly pricing is very reasonable. I would definitely go back!

Frankie M.

264

1 year ago

Desde Los Ángeles estamos con la joven bartender y que CPD detenga a esas viejas salvajes

Leisa H.

10 years ago

Awesome awesome awesome. Everything was to die for. Tacos flautas and burritos yummmmm

El Taco Azteca - Pilsen - mexican - Updated September 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Restaurants near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Coffee near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Things to Do near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Desserts near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Tacos near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Parking near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Breakfast near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Burrito near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Shopping near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Smoke Shop near El Taco Azteca - Pilsen

Best of Chicago

Things to do in Chicago

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed El Taco Azteca - Pilsen also viewed

El Mezquite Taqueria

3.7

(179 reviews)

the food is was amazing the service was amazing and the ambiance was very family friendly totally…read morerecommend

I brought a very large group here with no warning and they welcomed us with open arms. The service…read morewas great, the food was good and it has a very nice local ambiance. Definitely recommend!

De Pasada

3.9

(289 reviews)

De Pasada in Little Italy is definitely a spot worth checking out. The food was really good, the…read moreatmosphere was laid-back, and having wrestling/MMA playing on the TVs was a nice touch. I tried the cow tongue taco, skirt steak taco, and birria taco. Each one had its own distinct flavor, and everything was seasoned really well. The rice and beans were also cooked properly, which made the whole meal come together nicely. Definitely a place I'd recommend checking out if you're in the area.

Very nice little restaurant. First time here. Very affordable, good food, good service, friendly…read moreatmosphere. I had the huevos con chorizo dinner and it was very good. Just like grandma used to make. Would return, would recommend.

Mary's Taqueria

4.2

(159 reviews)

What a gem... Warm chips I mean what else can you say!…read more The green Avocado salsa is delicious. Pastor & steak tacos is what I've been having here & a steak torta! Can't go wrong!

Tried the steak and al pastor tacos. Delicious. The flavor of both was really good!!!!read more

Los Candiles

4.3

(40 reviews)

Food: I got the arachera steak and it was delicious…read more Flavor was on point, tender and with good seasoning it was so soft. Service: was on point very attentive and friendly. Always checking if we were good or need more coffee. Ambiance: calm and pleasant atmosphere FYP: tortillas are homemade and delicious I had to order candles it smells amazing and very nice people.

We just had them cater a taquiza for our family reunion we had close to 100 people and these guys…read moredid amazing with crowd control! Great food paired with great people! Recommend 100% for your next catering event.

La Casa De Samuel

(170 reviews)

Excellent service, great food. Hot salsa served with large chips. Definitely quite mild but fresh…read more I enjoyed trying the additional 4 hot sauces in the table. We ordered a few beers while listening to live singer with back tracking music. A Saturday early evening was not too busy. Baby eels were an adventure. Chicken mole was delicious. The chicken leg/thigh combo was baked I think w sauce on? Skin was soft, I prefer crispy, then add Mole. I skipped the skin but all was tasty. Nice presentation. The fresh tortillas being made a few feet away was an incredible sight. They tasted even better. Next time we need to try iguana!

I wonder the streets in Pilsen finding these wonderful places to eat La Casa De Samuel is…read moredefinitely a restaurant you should check out because the food is authentic, delicious, service first rate, salsa served warm. I had the chorizo with rice and beans and freshly made flour tortillas. I thought I was at my grandparents house! Mucho gracias

Doña Torta Chilanga

(39 reviews)

The Tortas are massive and reasonably priced. I got the "La Poblana" - green pepper, ham, onion,…read moreand cheese. Although I wish it had poblanos in it rather than green peppers...I really enjoyed it. The peppers should be cut smaller as well. Mine had chunks. The sandwich was a 4 out of 5 for me. The ham was cooked with a bit of a char which had gave it a nice flavor. The "horchata" I do not recommend at all. It was not milky or rice like it had any cinnamon which was very disappointing because the sandwich was so good. The "horchata" was just imitation flavored water.

Overall, the food is really good. The portions are huge!…read more My bf got the la Rusa & I got the Torta with carne asada! La Rusa : 7/10, the avocado didnt taste super fresh, and the meat was very thin, but the pineapple complimented the Torta overall. The portion size is huge and super flavorful. Torta w/ carne asada: 10/10, super great portion size and super generous with the meat, comes with cheese too & the also loaded with cheese. My fav Torta place! Get the carne asada, you'll love it! Great portions with amazing pricing, but downside is that it's cash only. Pros: great portions size, affordable, flavorful. Con : cash only.

La Katrina Auténtica

3.8

(11 reviews)

Food was ok, I think I'm not a friend of Birria tacos because I tried them twice and didn't like…read morethem. Service was prompt. Drinks were very good. Server was nice and kind. I would definitely go again.

Delicious and quick. We did take out. It's a kitchen in the back of a pub. Tacos were on point…read more Didn't try any sides so will come back for this.

Don Pepe

(65 reviews)

Driving a friend home and they suggested a stop here for dinner, can't wait to go back! Service…read morewas friendly, atmosphere very welcoming. The food was delicious, fresh and so tasty! The birria was tender and flavorful, best I've had!

The salsas had no flavor!! That's not right the salsas are important. Steak also had no flavor…read more Never again.

Casa Cafe

4.1

(41 reviews)

Small place with incredible foods and hot sauces. Not the lil baby tacos but good size tacos. I had…read moreto try the huitlacoche tacos-looked like mushrooms but tasted like delicious truffles . Al pastor taco was great and cheesy. The veggie taco was huge with with generous amounts of avocado!

Loved the senoras working, very polite and helpful. The restaurant itself is a bit small but…read moredefinitely cozy. I ordered tacos and appreciated the meat, I'm so picky though with tacos and would have loved them even more if the tortillas were softer!

Yoli's Tacos

(92 reviews)