There are two kinds of people in this world: those who like tacos... and those who love them. Luckily for all of us, the Oak Park area is stacked with amazing taco spots. Whether you're craving crispy-edged al pastor on a handmade tortilla or a seafood taco that tastes like vacation, this guide has you covered.
Just due west of Chicago, we’re spotlighting local taco joints that are turning heads and filling bellies—plus exactly why the locals keep coming back for more.
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Hecho en Oak Park | 1053 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
Hecho is an authentic taqueria and cantina where corn tortillas are made fresh from scratch every day, fresh cucumbers, strawberries, and pineapples are muddled, and limes are juiced and shaken to create delicious margaritas. Inspired by Mexico's cuisine and culture, Hecho en Oak Park offers fresh and flavorful Mexican antojitos (small cravings) and traditional Mexican dishes served with aguas frescas, Mexican bottled sodas, and a variety of margaritas, mezcaluchas, and mojitos.
Why Locals Love It: These aren’t your average tacos—locals go crazy for the Jamaica (hibiscus) tacos and the fresh, handmade tortillas. It’s a must for veggie lovers and flavor seekers.
Tacos ‘76 | 838 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL
Tacos '76 offers a unique take on traditional Mexican comfort food, including delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with traditional fillings, plus innovative flavors like Korean BBQ tacos and vegan jackfruit tacos. You’ll also find classics like carne asada and al pastor from treasured family recipes. Everything on the menu, including the margaritas, begins with the highest quality, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. This family-friendly spot is perfect for relaxing with friends over cold drinks and tasty tacos.
Why Locals Love It: Their al pastor tacos are crispy-edged perfection, and their veggie lineup (poblano, hibiscus, and more) keeps even the meat-free crowd happy.
Taco Mucho | 220 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
At Taco Mucho, an elevated taqueria and tequila bar in the Oak Park Arts District, scratch-made tacos, burritos, and main dishes are a celebration of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. Prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this is comfort food impeccably made. Try any over-filled taco, from the juicy and tender carnitas to the carne asada, grilled thick-cut rib-eye that is marinated, tenderized, and seared to perfection.
Why Locals Love It: Roasted poblano con queso taco. Nothing fancy or fussy, just one of the best vegetarian tacos in Chicagoland. Strips of smoky and slightly spicy charred poblano chiles are wrapped with potatoes roasted to perfection (crispy on the outside and creamy inside) in beautiful, soft, corn tortillas.
Tacos Azteca | 9200 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, IL
Casual, family-owned Tacos Azteca serves generous portions of flavorful Mexican food. But the tacos? From classics like carne asada and pastor to more adventurous options such as chorizo and chile relleno; they're the star of the show. Tacos are smaller, street taco-sized, with a double tortilla dipped in lard and put on the griddle (yum!), and the chips are homemade (oh-so-fresh!) and served with fresh guacamole and a wonderful variety of salsas—if you can handle spice, the orange salsa is a must.
Why Locals Love It: Alambre (steak, pepper, bacon, and cheese) tacos. The flavor is unique and memorable. You’ll want two, so plan ahead when you order.
Taqueria El Grande | 9132 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
This charming eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its authentic Mexican flavors and warm, friendly atmosphere. Every dish is on point, from the warm just-made chips with fresh guacamole to the tacos (al pastor is a must!), overstuffed burritos, and rich, delicious pozole verde, served with a variety of salsas and homemade refried beans with lightly seasoned rice.
Why Locals Love It: This place is as authentic as it gets. Every plate that comes out tastes like somebody’s grandma was cooking up her family recipe. Also, grab the lemonade con chia on the side!
Taquero Mucho | 8420 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield, IL
If you like your tacos messy, melty, and totally craveable, Taquero Mucho delivers. Their quesabirria tacos are everything you want them to be—crispy-edged, cheese-stuffed, and ready to be dunked. Vegan? No problem. The jackfruit al pastor is a huge hit, and the roasted poblano with corn proves meat-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. And whatever you do, save room for the churros. They come piping hot and dusted in sugar, with filling options like cajeta or strawberry.
Why Locals Love It: Definitely the quesabirria tacos dripping with cheesy, meaty goodness. Bonus points for the arrachera fries.
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Chirrion Mexican Grill | 7510 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
Chirrion Mexican Grill may be small, but it packs a punch with its simple yet traditional menu that highlights authentic Mexican flavors. Tacos are crafted with fresh ingredients and a variety of fillings, including carne asada, chorizo, and lengua, all seasoned to perfection. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable, making it an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. In addition to tacos, the restaurant offers a wide range of other Mexican dishes and beverages, including margaritas, beer, and horchata.
Why Locals Love It: Their quesabirria tacos are legendary—juicy, cheesy, and always served hot with a side of consomé to dunk your heart out.
NRebozo | 7403 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
NRebozo’s elevated cuisine focuses on seasonal flavors, regional specialties, and artful plating. Known for its variety of moles, the restaurant's most popular dish, Fiesta Mole, is comprised of six enchiladas, each coated with a different mole chosen each week from a total of 40 mole recipes—two of the chef’s staples, such as poblano or pipián, and four seasonal specialties. Tacos also change with the seasons, such as pibil tacos in the spring with aromatic achiote sauce, fish tacos topped with fresh fruit salsas like cantaloupe or mango in the summer, chicharron mole in the fall, and nogada in the winter. Margaritas range from traditional to a prickly pear version, topped with Brut Rosé. The restaurant also offers a full bar with beers, wines, tequila, and mezcal.
Why Locals Love It: This place is a fiesta of flavor, best known for its six incredible moles. Don’t miss the seasonal specials—especially the ones with unexpected fruit salsas.
Mexican Republic Kitchen | 7404 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
Experience the authentic taste of Mexico at Mexican Republic Kitchen, where traditional recipes are blended with unique flavors to create unforgettable dishes like barbacoa tacos with guajillo braised beef, onions, cilantro, and guacamole, and asada tacos made with garlicky lime marinated sirloin. Veggie options include coliflor tacos (sauteed cauliflower) and calabazitas tacos (grilled zucchini, grilled corn, and caramelized onions). Pair any dish with a delightful flight of tangy, spicy, or fruity margaritas.
Why Locals Love It: Bold flavors, cold margaritas, and a laid-back vibe make this a neighborhood go-to for tacos and cocktails.
Tacabrón | 7330 Harrison Street, Forest Park, IL
Tacabrón’s fast-casual taqueria menu is mostly standard Mexican fare (think burritos, tostadas, gorditas, and enchiladas) elevated by the fillings, which include juicy shredded beef, chorizo made on-premises, fresh fish, and spit-roasted, pineapple marinated al pastor, topped with housemade salsas, from basic (non-spicy) to slightly spicy to the nearly combustible cascabel.
Order to go from the front counter and enjoy a Mexican beer or a margarita made with the restaurant’s own brand of tequila and some curados (pickled veggies) while you wait, or eat in the Tacabrón dining room, which features handmade wooden tables and chairs for a warm, cozy feel.
Why Locals Love It: It’s the kind of place where you grab your tacos, hit the salsa bar, and find your happy place. Locals swear by the birria. Plus, taco specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $3 each.
El Burrito Amigo | 9503 Grand Avenue, Franklin Park, IL
Originally opened in the early 90s on Chicago's Northwest side, El Burrito Amigo launched a second location in Franklin Park ten years later. Prioritizing customer service, this father-son duo delights in combining new and old family recipes and offers authentic Mexican dishes prepared fresh for each order.
Why Locals Love It: Massive burritos, perfectly seasoned meats, and fast service—El Burrito Amigo nails the classics every single time.
Taco Pros | 2830 Mannheim Road, Franklin Park, IL
Inspired by flavors of Mexico, Taco Pros is a popular local spot that treats its Franklin Park neighbors with friendly service and high-quality food, from mouthwatering tacos to overloaded burritos and other classics, at affordable prices. Get your tacos American Style, with lettuce and tomato, or Mexican Style, with onion and cilantro. Taco Pros is an independently owned restaurant with various Chicagoland locations including two in Oak Park at 2 Chicago Avenue and 6427 West North Avenue.
Why Locals Love It: Barbacoa, tender slow-roasted beef that’s been marinated in a flavorful mix of chiles, is the house specialty.
Café Nuevo León | 1805 South Wolf Road, Hillside, IL
A spinoff of the beloved Pilsen original, Café Nuevo León brings time-tested recipes to Hillside with zero shortcuts. You’ll find all the classics—tacos, tortas, burritos, tostadas—made fresh and full of flavor. The tacos are the real deal: authentic, no-nonsense, and delicious down to the last bite. The kind of place you go once and suddenly you’re a regular.
Why Locals Love It: Straightforward, affordable, and always hits the spot—this is the neighborhood taqueria people wish they had closer to home.
Brothers Mexican Grill |1014 La Grange Road, La Grange, IL
A family-owned restaurant, Brother's Mexican Grill offers a variety of authentic Mexican and Puerto Rican dishes, including delicious tacos that come with a range of fillings made from family recipes handed down over generations, including carne asada, al pastor, and chicken tinga, served with homemade salsas that pack just the right amount of heat.
The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is friendly, and there's a dedicated full bar area that serves mixed cocktails, imported and domestic beers, and Brother’s legendary margaritas. Brother's Mexican Grill has locations in La Grange and Hillside (4824 Butterfield Road, Hillside, IL).
Why Locals Love It: Authentic Mexican street tacos with a side of the best rice and beans ever. Trust us.
Ino's Tacos | 710 E 31st Street, La Grange Park, IL
This neighborhood favorite proves that gluten-free doesn’t mean boring. Ino’s serves up tacos, burritos, tamales, and breakfast favorites in a totally gluten- and shellfish-free kitchen—so you can feast without worry. With over ten kinds of tacos (including vegan and dairy-free picks), there’s something here for everyone—and it all tastes amazing.
Why Locals Love It: Everything’s gluten-free, but nothing feels like a compromise. Flavor-packed tacos that everyone can enjoy? Yes, please.
Carnitas Don Alfredo | 15 N 1st Ave, Maywood, IL
This no-frills spot is all about the carnitas—slow-cooked, fall-apart pork wrapped in fresh masa tortillas that are worth the trip alone. Load yours up with onions, salsa, and cilantro, grab a Jarritos, and settle in for one of the best bites in Maywood. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what a taco joint should be.
Why Locals Love It: The carnitas are legendary—crispy, juicy, and cooked to perfection.
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Los Comales | 2110 West Lake Street, Melrose Park, IL
Owners Sergio and Mary Suarez expertly blend American and Mexican influences at Los Comales, a casual gathering place for friends and family, where generations enjoy delicious tacos and other traditional favorites, including tortas, burritos, and combos served with rice and beans.
Why Locals Love It: Feels like a home-cooked meal straight from the heart. The tacos are simple, satisfying, and taste like Sunday dinner with family.
Playas Nayaritas | 1419 North 15th Avenue, Melrose Park, IL
Experience the vibrant and traditional flavors of authentic Nayarit-style seafood at Playas Nayaritas. Every carefully prepared dish captures the essence of the region, and the lively atmosphere, complete with live entertainment and a bar that serves handcrafted cocktails to complement your meal, brings Mexico’s seaside lifestyle to you.
Why Locals Love It: Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. From fish tacos to shrimp cocktails, it’s like a little coastal getaway in the middle of Melrose Park.