Fab Happenings: Top 5 Tacos in Chicago

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the new taco emoji than with a Taco Tuesday roundup of my favorite tacos in the city. Whether it’s Mexican, Asian, or fusion, my personal list includes a range of classic to unique tacos.

5. Big & Little’s Restaurant

Big and Little’s is definitely a great place to be for Taco Tuesday. Featured on one of my favorite Food Network show’s “Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives”, Big & Little’s offers a wide variety of tacos. Options include seafood, meat, vegetarian, and poke (raw fish). You name it…they have it.

I love going there because I know my taco cravings will be satisfied with all the various selections. I can get traditional Mexican tacos or Asian seafood tacos, depending on my mood. The tortillas are soft but they hold up a good amount of ingredients. I highly recommend the fish tacos. For the more adventurous eaters out there, they have unique tacos such as the ahi tuna poke taco or the steamed blue crab taco.

The restaurant itself appeals to everyone. If you come during busy hours, such as prime lunch and dinner times, be prepared to hunt for a seat because it can get hectic! My theory, though, is that if a restaurant is busy you know it rocks because everyone is coming for the yummy food! But don’t worry, there are enough Big & Little’s tacos for everyone.

FAB TIP: The River North location only accepts cash but has an ATM inside. The Lakeview and Wicker Park locations accept both cash and credit card.

{Location}
Big and Little’s
Lakeview || 1034 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 857-6677
River North || 860 N. Orleans St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 943-0000
Wicker Park || 1310 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 698-7777

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

 4. El Carrito

El Carrito is a hidden gem in the West Rogers Park neighborhood. If you truly want good tacos, it is 100% worth it to make the trip. In particular, I want to give a taco shout-out to the pescado taco. I’m normally not a fish fan, but El Carrito has shown me a whole new world with their fish tacos. The tilapia is fried to perfection without being oily. It tastes fresh and crispy. Add on some jalapeño cabbage slaw with chipotle aioli and you’re all set for the best fish taco ever!

If fish isn’t your thing, El Carrito offers six other tacos to choose from. All the ingredients are high quality and the tortillas are house-made. The best part? Each taco is made to order so you know it’s going to be fresh and yummy.

SPECIAL DINE-IN OFFER: Mention “Fab El Carrito” and get a FREE order of churro bites or paleta with a minimum purchase of $10. For dine-in only. Offer valid until November 30, 2015.

FAB TIP: El Carrito is BYOB so make sure to bring your favorite drink.

For a more comprehensive review on El Carrito, make sure you check out Van’s review here.

{Location}
El Carriots
West Rogers Park || 6019 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (872)208-3260

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

3. Antique Taco

Antique Taco is anything but antique. In fact, the tacos on the menu have bold and fresh flavors that will make your taste buds very happy. Chef Rick Ortiz creates creative and delicious tacos. The taco selection is a mix of classic Midwestern ingredients blended with traditional Mexican heritage.

The highlight at Antique Taco is definitely the pork carnitas. The carnitas are cooked with an adobo rub and tamarind glaze, packing it with flavor. Spinach, onion, avocado, or queso is added on top, which adds a creaminess to the taco and helps control the saltiness in each bite. And, if you didn’t get enough pork on this taco? It also comes with bacon on top. You can never go wrong with bacon. The tacos at Antique Taco are unique in composition and flavor.

The storefront is fun and packed with cute little antique décor. This is a great place to go to with friends for Taco Tuesday.

FAB TIP: Two big tacos are in each order! Share with friends so you can order a variety of tacos.

{Location}
Antique Taco
Wicker Park || 1360 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 687-8697

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. Del Seoul

When I first discovered this place I was a bit skeptical. Korean fusion tacos were such an unknown concept to me. Fast-forward to 4 years and Del Seoul is one of my top taco picks in Chicago. The Korean BBQ street food concept works well. Not only do you get the classic Korean flavors, you still get the good components of a classic taco. The grilled white corn tortillas are nice and puffy and holds the marinated protein inside strongly. Afterall, with something as delicious as KBBQ, you really want to highlight the protein.

I recommend the kalbi taco from Del Seoul, which is my favorite. Kalbi is grilled beef short rib that is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and more. The taco comes with cilantro-onion relish, Del Seoul’s “Secret Slaw”, and toasted sesame. It truly feels like you are having Korean BBQ with every bite. If you’re looking for a fun and unique twist on tacos or want to give Korean fusion a try, check out Del Seoul for the awesome tacos.

FAB TIP: Del Seoul delivers! Check their website for the delivery zone.

{Location}
Del Seoul
Lincoln Park || 2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 248-4227

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

1. Big Star

Drum roll, please! My top pick for tacos is…Big Star! It’s probably been featured in almost every taco list out there but it is worth the hype. With seven different taco options, I always leave Big Star with a very happy tummy. Their tacos are filling and I only need around three. The ingredients in the tacos are packed full and blend well together.

My favorite taco from Big Star is the classic al pastor. The pork shoulder is marinated and then spit-roasted. It also comes with pineapple, onion, and cilantro, which add great flavor profiles to the pork.

An awesome aspect of Big Star is that they have a to-go taco counter outside their actual restaurant. If you’re looking to grab something quick, you can order from the full menu at the to-go window. Be aware that Big Star is 21+ after 8 p.m. so be sure to have your IDs ready!

FAB TIP: Big Star only accepts cash, but they have an ATM machine inside the restaurant. The to-go window is cash only as well.

{Location}
Big Star
Wicker Park || 1531 N Damen, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 235-4039

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

With all these fabulous taco options you will be hashtagging the taco emoji for days! But who said that taco Tuesday can’t be celebrated everyday?

Let me know your favorite tacos below.

Eat on!
Chelsia

Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.