Wicker Park is a taco lover’s paradise, offering everything from modern twists to classic street tacos. Here’s a quick guide to the top five taco spots:
- Antique Taco: Known for its fusion-style tacos like Crispy Fish and Garlic Shrimp, with fresh-pressed tortillas and local ingredients. Prices start at $5.46.
- Big Star: Offers Mexican street food with options like Al Pastor and Quesabirria. Breakfast tacos are served daily from 11 AM to 2 PM.
- L' Patron: Features traditional recipes like Carne Asada and Poblano Rajas, with meats butchered in-house.
- La Pasadita: A neighborhood staple since 1976, serving authentic street tacos across three locations on the same block.
- Taqueria Chingón: Specializes in artisanal tacos, including an octopus taco sliced from a trompo.
Each spot brings unique flavors and styles, making Wicker Park a must-visit for taco enthusiasts. Below is a quick comparison of these taco spots:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Antique Taco | Fusion-style dishes | Cozy atmosphere, fresh ingredients |
| Big Star | Mexican street food | Lively vibe, breakfast tacos |
| L' Patron | Traditional recipes | House-butchered meats |
| La Pasadita | Street tacos | Three locations, no-frills dining |
| Taqueria Chingón | Artisanal tacos | Trompo-style cooking techniques |
Explore these spots for a mix of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique dining experiences.
Chicago's Best Tacos: Takito Kitchen
1. Antique Taco
Nestled in Wicker Park, Antique Taco combines the freshness of the Midwest with the flavors of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s charm shines through its vintage-inspired decor, giving the space a warm and inviting personality.
The menu is just as appealing, offering creative dishes that have earned rave reviews. Crowd favorites include the Crispy Fish Taco, Garlic Shrimp Taco, and the Fried Chicken Burrito.
Antique Taco boasts a solid 4.1-star rating on Yelp from over 1,400 reviews. Diners love the laid-back, trendy vibe paired with a moderate noise level. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or celebrating a special occasion, it’s a spot that feels both stylish and relaxed. For added convenience, they offer delivery, takeout, and even private event rentals.
| Popular Menu Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Crispy Fish Taco | $6.61 |
| Garlic Shrimp Taco | $6.61 |
| Fried Chicken Burrito | $14.95 |
| Standard Tacos (Starting at) | $5.46 |
| Premium Tacos (Up to) | $8.05 |
2. Big Star
Big Star stands out with its take on Mexican street food, featuring handmade corn tortillas and a menu filled with both classic and creative taco options.
Some of their standout tacos include the Al Pastor with marinated pork and grilled pineapple, the Pescado with beer-battered tilapia and chipotle mayo, the Papas Con Rajas, which highlights potatoes with chipotle rajas, and the Hongos Al Pastor, a chili-marinated mushroom twist.
If you're an early bird, Big Star serves breakfast tacos daily from 11 AM to 2 PM, using their housemade flour tortillas. Popular choices include the Chorizo Con Papas and Chilaquiles tacos.
| Signature Tacos | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, grilled onion, cilantro | $6.45 |
| Pescado | Beer-battered tilapia, chipotle mayo, cabbage, red onion, lime, cilantro | $6.95 |
| Quesabirria | Beef birria, chihuahua cheese, onion, cilantro, consommé | $12.95 |
| Hongos Al Pastor | Lions mane & oyster mushrooms, grilled pineapple, onion, cilantro | $5.95 |
Big Star also caters to events and offers private dining options. With locations in Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, and West Town, their tacos are easy to find across Chicago. They include a 3% Hospitality Supplement, which supports staff wellness. Up next, we’ll dive into another great spot in Wicker Park.
3. L' Patron
L' Patron serves up made-to-order tacos and burritos featuring meats butchered in-house [1]. This neon-green gem is best known for its tacos and the iconic carne asada burrito.
Owner Cesar Gonzalez stays true to his roots, sharing:
"It's my mom's home cooking that's being replicated every day, Gracias Mama!" [1]
The menu includes a variety of options like carne asada, al pastor, poblano rajas, fish, and shrimp. These are paired with two roasted tomatillo sauces (verde and roja) and their signature guacamole topped with dried cranberries. Here's a quick look at their standout tacos and what makes them special:
| Signature Tacos | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada | Grilled-to-order beef, slightly pink inside | House-butchered, perfectly seasoned |
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork with bold flavors | Freshly prepared to order |
| Poblano Rajas | Roasted poblano peppers | Vegetarian-friendly option |
| Fish & Shrimp | Fresh seafood with custom seasonings | Prepared fresh daily |
The Daily Meal praised their carne asada, saying:
"Grilled to order, still a little pink, expertly seasoned, not overly greasy, it's carne asada perfection. When partnered with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, homemade refried beans, and avocado (and roasted poblano chiles if you're feeling adventurous), it's a masterpiece." [2]
If you're visiting, don’t miss their famous carne asada burrito, which earned the 6th spot on The Daily Meal's list of the best burritos in the U.S. [2].
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4. La Pasadita
La Pasadita has been a cornerstone of Wicker Park since 1976 [5], serving up an impressive 3,500 tacos daily [3]. Over the years, it has built a strong following among locals who appreciate its authentic vibe and bold flavors.
Owner David Espinoza captures the spirit of the place:
"It's like walking in to Mexico here", Espinoza said. "Throughout the years, man, what doesn't happen here? The crazy Friday and Saturday nights - they start brawling or having a great time, everybody's yelling. Everyone wants to be Mexican for ten minutes." [4]
Each of La Pasadita's three locations, all situated on the same block, offers a distinct experience and menu focus:
| Location Name | Style | Atmosphere | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Chiquita | Original location | Small and bustling | Classic street tacos |
| El Largo | Second location | Unpretentious | Authentic menu offerings |
| La Nueva | Upscale addition | Modern and spacious | Americanized options |
The menu is all about fresh, scratch-made dishes. Their signature tacos feature perfectly seasoned meat, fresh onions, cilantro, and optional cheese [5].
Espinoza sums up their straightforward approach:
"The new place is about customer service. We don't have much customer service here. We're not going to be like - 'Hi, welcome to La Pasadita.'" [4]
This no-frills philosophy keeps the focus on delivering great tacos, a tradition now carried on by the third generation of the family [5].
Pro tip: Pair your meal with their horchata [4] for a refreshing finish.
5. Taqueria Chingón
Taqueria Chingón stands out for its use of top-quality ingredients and creative cooking methods. One of its standout items is the octopus taco, sliced straight from a trompo (vertical spit), adding a distinctive flair to Chicago's taco scene [6].
Owner Oliver Poilevey shared the difficulties of maintaining this handcrafted approach:
"If you're Big Star, you're selling - you know - a bunch of margaritas every day. You can make it that way. But if you're not, then it's just the price of food, the prices of labor for making food. It's just hard to make it as a small business." [6]
This quote highlights the challenge Taqueria Chingón faces: delivering high-quality, artisanal tacos while meeting customer expectations for affordability. It's a delicate balance for a small business in a competitive market [6].
Quick Comparison Guide
The table below highlights the standout qualities of each taco spot based on our detailed reviews:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Antique Taco | Fusion-style dishes | Quiet, cozy atmosphere |
| Big Star | Mexican street food | Lively, social vibe |
| L' Patron | Traditional recipes | House-butchered meats |
| La Pasadita | Classic street tacos | Three convenient locations |
| Taqueria Chingón | Artisanal creations | Trompo-style cooking techniques |
Each place brings something distinct to Wicker Park's taco scene. Whether you're looking for a laid-back experience at Antique Taco or a vibrant night out at Big Star, there's a spot for every mood. L' Patron stands out with its focus on family recipes and fresh meats, while La Pasadita keeps it simple with authentic street tacos served across three different locations. Taqueria Chingón, on the other hand, takes a more refined approach with its artisanal cooking methods.
Together, these restaurants showcase how Wicker Park blends traditional Mexican flavors with creative twists, offering something for every taco lover. Nearby Bucktown further adds to this culinary variety, making the area a go-to destination for food enthusiasts in Chicago's near northwest side [7].
Final Thoughts
Wicker Park's taco scene highlights how Mexican flavors continue to evolve. From inventive takes on traditional recipes to daring new culinary approaches, the neighborhood balances pushing boundaries with honoring its heritage. This blend creates a dining environment that's both competitive and inviting.
The variety of tacos available in Wicker Park comes with prices that are easy on the wallet, encouraging diners to explore multiple spots. This affordability has fostered a lively dining culture where quality and value go hand in hand.
"Hidden gem. Food, staff, dining room is all excellent. The service is outstanding. It is a family run business which means they care. Their red salsa is amazing. It is spicy just how I like it. Prices are super reasonable." [8]
The mix of tradition and creativity makes Wicker Park a must-visit for taco lovers. Some places stick to authentic street-food styles, while others experiment with different ingredients and techniques. This variety has cemented the neighborhood as a favorite destination for taco enthusiasts.
Whether you're craving bold fusion tacos or authentic Mexican classics, Wicker Park offers something for everyone. The area is a shining example of how Mexican cuisine can grow and adapt while staying true to its origins.
FAQs
What are the must-try tacos at the best spots in Wicker Park?
Wicker Park is home to some of the most delicious and unique tacos in Chicago. At Antique Taco, don’t miss their signature Sweet & Spicy Chicken Tacos, known for their perfect balance of flavors, or the Garlic Shrimp Tacos, a fan favorite. For hidden gems, explore local spots like Big Star, where the Al Pastor Tacos with marinated pork and pineapple are a standout. If you’re in the mood for something different, try the Korean BBQ Tacos at Takito Street, which offer a creative twist on traditional taco flavors. Each location brings its own flair, so you’re sure to find something unforgettable!
What are the dining vibes like at the top taco spots in Wicker Park?
The top taco spots in Wicker Park each offer a unique dining vibe. Antique Taco combines a cozy, vintage feel with reclaimed wood tables and antique decor, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Big Star, on the other hand, is all about energy, with a lively outdoor patio that's perfect for socializing. For something more modern, Takito Kitchen features a sleek, industrial design with exposed pipes and a vibrant graffiti mural in its skylit back room. Whether you're looking for laid-back charm, upbeat energy, or contemporary flair, there's a spot for every mood!
Do any of these taco spots offer unique services like catering, breakfast options, or event spaces?
Yes, several taco spots in Wicker Park offer unique services to enhance your dining experience. Antique Taco provides catering services and has an event space available for private gatherings. Big Star also offers catering and private event options, making it a great choice for hosting celebrations. Additionally, El Paisano Tacos features catering services and even has a dedicated party room for special occasions. Whether you're planning a casual brunch, a festive event, or just want to enjoy tacos at home, these spots have you covered.
