Looking for the best tacos to celebrate Day of the Dead in Chicago? Here's a quick guide to five must-try taco specials, available October 31–November 2, 2025. Each spot offers unique flavors and festive vibes to honor this tradition.
Highlights:
- Cesar's Killer Margaritas: Birria-Ramen Fusion Tacos ($6.50) – Vegan options available.
- Estrella Negra: Pomegranate Al Pastor Tacos ($5.75) – Vegetarian-friendly.
- Broken English Taco Pub: Clear Ghost Margarita Tacos ($7.00) – Exclusive to their Loop location.
- La Chaparrita: Santa Muerte Lengua Tacos ($4.50) – Traditional beef tongue tacos with a community-focused celebration.
- Mercadito: Barbacoa Tacos with Pan de Muerto ($8.00) – Paired with a signature cocktail.
Quick Comparison:
| Restaurant | Price per Taco | Available Dates | Dietary Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesar's Killer Margaritas | $6.50 | Oct 31–Nov 2 | Vegan options available |
| Estrella Negra | $5.75 | Oct 30–Nov 2 | Vegetarian-friendly |
| Broken English Taco Pub | $7.00 | Nov 1–2 | Traditional only |
| La Chaparrita | $4.50 | Oct 31–Nov 2 | Traditional only |
| Mercadito | $8.00 | Oct 31–Nov 2 | Traditional only |
Whether you're craving birria, al pastor, or barbacoa, these specials combine tradition with creativity for a festive and delicious experience.
🇲🇽 Day of the Dead in Pilsen | Chicago Neighborhoods
1. Cesar's Killer Margaritas: Birria-Ramen Fusion Tacos
In Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Cesar's Killer Margaritas - a local favorite for over 25 years [2] - is serving up a special treat for Día de los Muertos. Their limited-time taco creation puts their signature birria in the spotlight.
Main Ingredients
This taco features Cesar's signature birria, crafted from a recipe that’s been perfected over the years.
Day of the Dead Special
Created to celebrate Día de los Muertos, this taco offers a flavorful tribute to the holiday, blending tradition with culinary creativity.
Available Dates
You can enjoy this special taco for dine-in, takeout, or delivery during the Day of the Dead celebration. Be sure to check with the restaurant for exact dates.
Cost
Pricing details haven’t been shared, so contact the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
2. Estrella Negra: Pomegranate Al Pastor Tacos
Tucked between Bucktown and Logan Square at 2346 W Fullerton Ave, Estrella Negra brings a creative twist to classic family recipes with its Pomegranate Al Pastor Tacos. This special dish, inspired by Día de los Muertos, perfectly showcases the restaurant's modern culinary approach [1].
Main Ingredients
The star of the dish is the al pastor pork, marinated in rich adobo spices and topped with a house-made pomegranate glaze. The glaze adds just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, elevating the flavor profile.
Day of the Dead Vibes
Dining at Estrella Negra is an experience that fully embraces the essence of Día de los Muertos. The walls are adorned with vibrant artwork created by local Chicago artists, celebrating the holiday's traditions and adding a festive, colorful ambiance [1].
When to Try It
These tacos are available during the Día de los Muertos season. To confirm serving times and availability, it's best to contact the restaurant directly.
Pricing
Pricing details aren't listed, so give them a call at 227-5993 to inquire about ordering options, whether individually or as part of a combo. Stay tuned for more creative offerings in the next featured spot.
3. Broken English Taco Pub: Clear Ghost Margarita Tacos
If you're a taco lover in Chicago, Broken English Taco Pub at 75 E Lake St in the Loop is a must-visit spot. Since closing their Old Town location on March 16, 2025 [3], this vibrant eatery has made its Loop location the exclusive hub for all its Day of the Dead specials.
What to Know About the Clear Ghost Margarita Tacos
Details about the Clear Ghost Margarita Tacos are scarce, adding to the intrigue of this seasonal treat. As a limited-time offering, the ingredients and availability may change, but it’s clear this dish reflects their knack for blending inventive ideas with traditional flavors.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Style
During Día de los Muertos, the Loop location transforms its menu with themed specials designed to honor the occasion. It's the perfect way to enjoy a unique dining experience while celebrating this meaningful tradition.
Availability and Pricing
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the Clear Ghost Margarita Tacos, including ingredients, pricing, and availability during the Day of the Dead festivities, reach out directly to the Loop location.
sbb-itb-8621021
4. La Chaparrita: Santa Muerte Lengua Tacos
La Chaparrita, nestled at 2500 S Whipple Street in Chicago's Little Village, takes Day of the Dead celebrations to a whole new level. This family-run taqueria, a staple in the community since 2001, brings authentic Mexican flavors to life with their signature beef tongue tacos. It's not just a meal - it's an experience steeped in tradition and flavor.
Main Ingredients
The heart of these tacos is the lengua (beef tongue), masterfully prepared by taquero César Castillo on a classic round comal. Using their signature charola cooking technique, the beef tongue is cooked to perfection, achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each taco is served on El Milagro tortillas and topped simply with fresh onions and cilantro. Instead of overpowering the dish with heavy spices, La Chaparrita lets the natural, rich flavors of the meat take center stage.
Day of the Dead Elements
La Chaparrita’s celebration goes beyond the plate, creating a cultural experience that’s as immersive as it is delicious. Owner Angelina Méndez transforms the restaurant’s parking lot into a vibrant celebration space. A striking yellow altar adorned with flowers, candles, and a central figure of la Santa Muerte becomes the focal point of the event, offering a meaningful connection to the holiday’s traditions.
"Celebrations are a way of giving thanks to [la Santa Muerte] for everything she provides us with, primarily health, work and for helping us overcome the adversities that life presents us. That is what's important. And for this reason, we always show our gratitude in this way, by celebrating in her honor."
– Arely Vázquez, Méndez's longtime friend
Available Dates
On November 1st, Angelina Méndez keeps a heartfelt promise she made years ago. Every visitor to La Chaparrita on this day is greeted with a complimentary plate of food, honoring the spirit of generosity and community.
"My original vow was that every first of November, I would have food at La Chaparrita, and every person who entered that day would leave with a plate of food. To me, offering food and inviting people to eat signifies giving abundance to you."
– Angelina Méndez, Owner of La Chaparrita
5. Mercadito: Barbacoa Tacos with Pan de Muerto
Nestled in Chicago's River North neighborhood, Mercadito brings a creative spin to a cherished Day of the Dead tradition. Executive Chef Patricio Sandoval combines the bold flavors of barbacoa beef with the sweet and delicate notes of pan de muerto.
Main Ingredients
This unique taco blends tender, flavorful barbacoa beef with pan de muerto - the iconic sweet bread tied to Day of the Dead celebrations. To enhance the experience, Mercadito pairs this dish with their signature La Muerte cocktail. This vibrant drink features tequila blanco, prickly pear puree, and rose water agave nectar, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.
Day of the Dead Experience
Mercadito doesn’t just serve food - it invites guests into the heart of the celebration. As part of their Día de los Muertos events, they host interactive cooking demonstrations in their underground space, Double A. During these sessions, Executive Chef Patricio Sandoval shares his creative approach to traditional Mexican holiday dishes, offering an inside look at the inspiration behind unique creations like these tacos.
Event Dates
Mercadito’s Day of the Dead festivities stretch across several days:
- Cooking Demonstrations: October 28 and 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM
- Special Menu: Available from October 31 through November 2, 2025
Cost
The special menu showcases the full Day of the Dead experience, featuring the barbacoa taco alongside the La Muerte cocktail, making it a memorable culinary celebration.
Taco Special Details
If you're gearing up to celebrate Chicago's Day of the Dead festivities, here's a closer look at some standout taco specials to help you plan:
| Restaurant | Price per Taco | Available Dates | Dietary Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesar's Killer Margaritas | $6.50 | Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025 | Vegan options available |
| Estrella Negra | $5.75 | Oct 30 – Nov 2, 2025 | Vegetarian friendly |
| Broken English Taco Pub | $7.00 | Nov 1 – 2, 2025 | Traditional only |
| La Chaparrita | $4.50 | Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025 | Traditional only |
| Mercadito | $8.00 | Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025 | Traditional only |
The table above highlights essential details, but there’s more to these specials than just dates and prices. Let’s dive into the unique offerings and flavors that make these tacos worth trying.
Plant-Based Alternatives
For those seeking vegetarian or vegan options, Cesar’s Killer Margaritas takes the spotlight. Their Day of the Dead menu features plant-based spins on classic tacos, including:
- Plant-Based Al Pastor Tacos made with marinated seitan
- Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos
- SOYRIZO Y PAPA Tacos
Estrella Negra also caters to vegetarian diners, offering a meat-free twist on their Pomegranate Al Pastor tacos, a seasonal favorite [1].
Special Ingredients
Each restaurant brings its own flair to the celebration with unique ingredients and creative touches:
- Mercadito incorporates pan de muerto into their barbacoa tacos, adding a festive and traditional element.
- Estrella Negra uses pomegranate in their Al Pastor tacos, highlighting the flavors of the fall harvest.
- Broken English Taco Pub pairs their taco menu with a themed cocktail, the Clear Ghost Margarita, for a fun holiday vibe.
Value Options
Looking for deals? Many of these spots offer combo specials during off-peak hours (2–5 PM), so you can enjoy delicious tacos without breaking the bank. Most restaurants serve their Day of the Dead menus from lunchtime (starting at 11:00 AM) through dinner. For late-night cravings, Mercadito extends their hours during the celebration period, from October 31 through November 2, 2025.
Whether you're in it for the flavors, the deals, or the festive atmosphere, these taco specials are a great way to embrace the spirit of the season.
Where to Find More Chicago Tacos
If you're looking to dive deeper into Chicago's Day of the Dead taco offerings, you're in for a treat. Frontera Grill is spicing things up with special events and dishes, as they highlighted on their social media:
"Do you have your plans yet for Día de Muertos? Our celebration is just settling in with the building of our altar, but we are also running some exclusive specials on Nov. 1st and 2nd. Book your seat now to experience Day of the Dead at Frontera!" [4]
Another must-visit event is the Lakeview Taco Fest, held at 3500 N. Southport Ave. This festival brings together taco tastings, beer pairings, and even Lucha Libre entertainment to celebrate local taco artistry [5].
Want to stay in the loop with Chicago's taco scene? Follow your favorite spots on Instagram and TikTok, explore hashtags like #DayOfTheDead and #ChicagoTacos, and sign up for their newsletters to get the latest updates.
For a full rundown of the city's taco hotspots, check out Chicago Taco Spot.
FAQs
What unique ingredients can you find in Day of the Dead taco specials in Chicago?
During Chicago's Day of the Dead festivities, many local restaurants offer tacos that celebrate the occasion with a mix of traditional and inventive flavors. One standout is mole negro, a deeply rich sauce made with roasted chiles and chocolate, which adds an incredible depth to these celebratory tacos. Another favorite is birria tacos, stuffed with tender, spiced meats and paired with a savory dipping broth that perfectly complements the dish.
To make these tacos even more festive, toppings like pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and salsas crafted from seasonal ingredients are often added. These special creations not only enhance the taco experience but also showcase the vibrant spirit and culinary traditions of the Day of the Dead in Chicago.
Where can I find vegetarian or vegan tacos in Chicago during the Day of the Dead celebrations?
Chicago boasts some incredible spots to enjoy vegetarian and vegan tacos during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Estrella Negra brings bold flavors to the table with their vegetarian tacos and enchiladas, making it a go-to for the festivities. If convenience is key, Cesar's Killer Margaritas offers vegan tacos for both dine-in and takeout. For those craving variety, La Josie serves up an array of vegetarian and vegan taco options, while Altiro Latin Fusion stands out with their gluten-friendly and vegan-friendly taco creations. For a completely plant-based feast, Penelope's Vegan Taqueria delivers inventive and delicious vegan tacos that are sure to impress.
Are there any events or activities in Chicago to enjoy alongside Day of the Dead taco specials?
Yes, Chicago has plenty to offer alongside its Day of the Dead taco specials. On November 2, 2025, the city will host the All Access Chicago Day of the Dead Bar Crawl. This event promises a mix of dance parties, live music, themed contests, and festive drink specials. Plus, there's a costume contest where participants can compete for a $1,000 prize - talk about motivation to get creative!
Meanwhile, the Pilsen neighborhood transforms into a vibrant hub for Día de los Muertos celebrations. Visitors can explore beautifully crafted altars (ofrendas), enjoy live performances, and take part in family-friendly activities. These events go beyond just food, offering a chance to experience the rich traditions and festive spirit of the holiday in an unforgettable way.
