Top 10 Taco Tuesday Spots in Chicagoland

Whether you like ‘em traditional, off-the-spit, or in a bag, tacos are a beloved staple in the Chicago food scene. It’s Taco Tuesday and we’re sharing our list of the 10 best tacos Chicagoland has to offer*. Know a hidden taco joint we missed in your neighborhood? Hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or our app and don’t forget to tune in to Chicago’s Best every Sunday night at 10pm on WGN-TV.

1. Taco El Jaliciense: After years of waiting tables, owner Jose Torres decided to open his very own taqueria. Jalisco-style al pastor is the star of this Humboldt Park eatery, and even though the spit isn’t as big as in his hometown, Jose makes sure the taste is just as authentic. Location: 2859 W. Chicago Ave. in Humboldt Park
2. Taco In A Bag: Pat “Deep Dish” Bertoletti and crew busted out of their food court digs and set up shop in Lincoln Square. One thing that hasn’t changed is their inventive take on the walking taco. Homemade chips, chorizo and pepper jack make up the original Big Jim- the perfect taco to eat on the go. Location: 4603 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square
3. Mercadito: This River North hotspot features a dozen different taco options, so we don’t blame ya if you feel a bit overwhelmed. A good place to start is the el pescado: tilapia fried to crispy perfection and topped with signature mojo and avocado. Two bites are all you’ll need to finish these tiny tacos, so make sure you’ve got that menu handy! Location: 108 W. Kinzie St. in River North
4. Carnitas Don Pedro: Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood is known for its rich Mexican heritage, so it comes as no surprise that Carnitas Don Pedro, a neighborhood fixture, makes some of the best carnitas tacos in the city. For 14 bucks you get a carnitas platter that could feed an entire family. Make sure to load up on tortillas, because you’ll want to finish every last bit. Location: 1113 W. 18^th in Pilsen
5. El Milagro: Carne Asada makes its first appearance on our countdown with a name that’s probably familiar to most Chicagoans: El Milagro. In addition to tortillas and chips you can buy in the store, El Milagro pumps out up to 500 steak tacos a day at their Pilsen taqueria. Topped with cabbage instead of lettuce, these trademark tacos will have you worshipping the miracle of steak! Location: 1923 S. Blue Island Ave. in Pilsen
6. Antique Taco: Taco fusion is the name of the game at this Wicker Park joint. What do you get when you mix tempura crusted tilapia, Sriracha tartar sauce, and smoked red cabbage? A gorgeous fish taco fit for a true Mexican aficionado. Location: 1360 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
7. Carnitas Uruapan: If you’re looking for great carnitas tacos, Uruapan is right up your alley… which is exactly where you might be waiting. Weekends bring lines down the block for this Pilsen cornerstone and for good reason. Often served family-style, Carnitas Uruapan tacos don’t need much more than a little salsa to have you squealing with joy. Location: 1725 W. 18^th in Pilsen
8. Fire It up Tacos: Born on a food truck, Naperville’s Fire It Up Tacos is known for its creative take on Mexican classics. Chef Rick VanBuren sees tortillas as a canvas and boy does he know how to paint! The pulled pork taco is hand rubbed and topped with homemade BBQ sauce and the Gringo is a deep fried steak taco masterpiece! Location: 572 Weston Ridge Dr. in Naperville
9. Chef Shangri-La: In our version of paradise, the tacos are a-plenty! Since 1976, Chef Shangri-La has been serving ‘em up to the loyal west burbs crowd by the handful. Marinated, smoked and covered in house chashu sauce, the Kahlua Pork Tacos are the perfect tropical take on a Mexican staple. Location: 7930 W. 26^th in North Riverside
10. Grady’s Grille: It may not be known for its Mexican, but the shrimp tacos at Grady’s Grille in Homewood are a fan fave. Baja-style shrimp + a secret Asian sauce + homemade salsa = a sweet and spicy treat perfect for the whole family. Location: 18147 Harwood Ave. in Homewood

*List determined by YouTube views