0 Followers
Cocina TARASCAS Mexican Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Cocina TARASCAS Mexican Restaurant
8.6
Cocina Tarascas is a long-running Lincoln Park standby (since 1998) where sizzling fajitas, burritos, and strong margaritas anchor a lively tequila-focused dining room. A broad menu, weekend Mexican breakfast, and a busy Clark Street patio make it a default choice for groups wanting classic sit-down Mexican with cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Tarasco, Mahi Mahi tacos, Chicken flautas
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A 1990s-era Lincoln Park fixture with huge platters, strong margaritas, and a busy patio.
Who should go: Groups craving classic Mexican plates and tequila-heavy drinks.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when the patio and bar are buzzing.
What to order: Burrito Tarasco, chicken flautas, Mahi Mahi tacos.
Insider tip: Reserve or arrive early on warm nights to claim a patio table with quicker drink service.
Cocina TARASCAS Mexican Restaurant
8.4
Open since 1998, Cocina Tarascas is a long-running Lincoln Park Mexican restaurant where fish and shrimp tacos, burritos, and chimichangas share space with strong margaritas. The colorful dining room and sidewalk patio make it a go-to for sit-down taco dinners, brunch plates, and bigger celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mahi Mahi Taco, Chipotle Shrimp Taco, Puntas al Albanil
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A 1990s-era Lincoln Park staple pairing classic tacos with a lively patio.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting full-service Mexican with margaritas.
When to visit: Evenings and weekend brunch for peak patio and bar energy.
What to order: Mahi mahi or chipotle shrimp tacos, puntas al Albanil, margaritas.
Insider tip: On nice days, request a sidewalk table and build a taco-heavy spread.
Cocina TARASCAS Mexican Restaurant
8.7
Cocina Tarascas is a long-running Lincoln Park standby where jumbo margaritas, from-scratch enchiladas, and hefty burritos keep the room busy late into the night. Guests use it for casual dates and group dinners when they want lively energy, strong drinks, and classic Mexican plates in one place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Tarasco, Cuban Quesadilla, Mahi Mahi Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A decades-old tequila-and-margarita hub pairing jumbo-ritas with scratch-made Mexican comfort dishes.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting lively, margarita-fueled Mexican dinners.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday nights for peak patio and bar energy.
What to order: Start with Queso Fundido, share a Cuban Quesadilla, finish with Burrito Tarasco.
Insider tip: Ask about jumbo margarita specials during the early evening happy hour before the room fills.
Cocina TARASCAS Mexican Restaurant
8.2
Since 1998, Cocina Tarascas has been a Clark Street mainstay for jumbo margaritas, oversized burritos, and a sprawling menu that leans Mexican with Caribbean touches. Its Friday happy hour on JUMBO-RITAS and strong tequila focus make it a reliable choice when you want big-format drinks, people-watching patio seats, and hearty plates rather than a minimalist taco bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Tarasco, Cuban Quesadilla, Puntas al Albañil
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A long-running Lincoln Park margarita house known for massive JUMBO-RITAS and a big, crowd-pleasing menu.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing jumbo margaritas and hearty Mexican plates.
When to visit: Friday happy hour 4–8pm to target discounted jumbo margaritas.
What to order: Burrito Tarasco, Cuban Quesadilla, Puntas al Albañil.
Insider tip: Use happy hour for JUMBO-RITAS, then share heavier plates to offset the pour.