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L' Patron Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
L' Patron Tacos
8.7
L’Patron is a counter-service staple where carne asada, al pastor, and poblano rajas tacos come off the grill with freshly butchered meats and bright salsas. Lines and limited seating are part of the deal, but locals treat it as a go-to for made-to-order tacos and tortas that still feel hand-crafted despite the volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Al pastor taco, Poblano rajas taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume counter spot where freshly butchered meats drive standout tacos.
Who should go: Taco obsessives willing to queue for griddled tortillas.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings to dodge long lines.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, poblano rajas taco.
Insider tip: Add guacamole with dried cranberries and use both red and green salsas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Milwaukee and nearby side streets; can be limited during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; most guests are in jeans and everyday wear.
Noise level: Lively at peak times with counter traffic; conversation is easy if you snag a quieter table.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on line and order volume; seating is limited.
Weekday lunch: Short line or no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — poblano rajas and veggie-focused tacos are commonly available.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be customized, but expect only a small number of true vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key meetup than a formal first date — the focus is on great tacos, counter service, and quick turnover rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served. Expect to wait for a seat during busy periods, or plan to take your order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; seating is tight and lines can be long, so it’s less ideal for strollers or lingering dinners.
Best For
Better for: Made-to-order tacos with freshly butchered meats, bold salsas, and a hand-crafted feel at an affordable price point.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, guaranteed seating, large group tables, or an extended sit-down experience.
L' Patron Tacos
8.2
This family-run Logan Square counter specializes in grilled-to-order carne asada and al pastor burritos that have landed on national “best burrito” lists. Lines move toward a compact room and sidewalk seating where locals crush tightly wrapped, smoke-kissed burritos with house salsas and guacamole topped with dried cranberries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Guacamole with Chips
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Grill-first taqueria where nationally recognized carne asada burritos lead.
Who should go: Burrito obsessives chasing char-grilled carne asada flavor.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings to dodge the line.
What to order: Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, guacamole with chips.
Insider tip: Order burritos “to stay” for faster pickup than third-party apps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on neighborhood side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service setting; jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are typical.
Noise level: Moderate — small room with steady line; conversation is fine at outdoor seating.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on rush periods; lines are common but move steadily.
Weekday lunch: Often a short wait or none outside of peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burrito and customizable fillings, but selection is limited compared to taco-focused spots.
Vegan options: Limited — possible to build a veggie burrito without dairy; confirm toppings at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Limited — burritos use flour tortillas; some fillings may be ordered without tortilla, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than a formal date — it’s counter-service, compact, and line-driven, but great if you’re bonding over legendary burritos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is first-come and limited, with many guests opting to eat outside or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; space is tight and there’s no high-chair or stroller-friendly layout, but the menu is approachable.
Best For
Better for: Char-grilled carne asada flavor, tightly wrapped burritos, and house salsas that feel more handcrafted than most counter-service taquerias.
Skip if: You want spacious dine-in seating, gluten-free tortilla options, or a broader menu beyond burritos and a few core fillings.
L' Patron Tacos
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
L' Patron is a fast-casual taqueria where thick-cut carne asada, smoky al pastor, and overstuffed burritos draw steady lines along Fullerton. The space is tight and often hectic, but made-to-order tacos and salsas keep it in regular rotation for locals chasing big flavor on a budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Al pastor taco with roasted pineapple, Steak burrito with salsa verde
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood taqueria famous for thick-cut steak tacos and punchy salsas.
Who should go: Taco fans willing to trade polish for big flavor.
When to visit: Early lunch or late dinner to avoid peak counter lines.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, steak burrito with salsa verde.
Insider tip: Grab extra salsa verde and roja; both travel well for takeout orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Fullerton and nearby side streets; can be competitive during peak meal hours.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service taqueria; jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — busy counter flow and takeout traffic, but conversation is still possible at tables.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during peak rush, especially for takeout and larger orders.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes; short waits outside of the core noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, quesadillas, and customizable burritos depending on fillings and salsas.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with bean/veg builds if you skip cheese and crema; confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but the kitchen is shared and not celiac-dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than a formal first date — tight space, counter ordering, and fast-casual energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only; seating is limited, so expect to hover or wait briefly during rush periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setup, quick service, and shareable plates; best for school-age kids due to tight seating.
Best For
Better for: Big-flavor steak and al pastor tacos at value pricing, with generous portions and punchy house salsas.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, polished service, or a quiet, dine-in experience.
L' Patron Tacos
8.7
L' Patron is a tightly packed Logan Square taqueria known for griddled steak tacos, gringas, and house-made tortillas cooked to order. Since 2012, locals have treated it as a destination for a fast, affordable taco run that still feels chef-driven.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gringa al pastor, Carne asada taco, El Patron steak burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos with house tortillas and serious steak in a tiny room.
Who should go: Taco obsessives chasing maximized flavor on a budget.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings to avoid long lines.
What to order: Gringa al pastor, steak tacos, a side of guacamole.
Insider tip: Ask for flour tortillas on tacos if you prefer their chewy, house-made version.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; spaces turn over but can be tight during peak meal hours; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual — tacos-and-counter vibe; jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Lively and compact; you can chat, but the small room and constant ordering line keep it energetic rather than quiet.
Weekend wait: Lines are common; expect roughly 20–40 minutes at peak hours, longer during prime weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually short wait or none outside of the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — occasional veggie fillings and sides; ask at the counter for current options.
Vegan options: Very limited — some items can be ordered without cheese or crema, but cross-contact is likely.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but preparation is shared; not a certified gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your first date is intentionally casual — the space is small and functional, better for a quick, high-flavor taco run than a long conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served; expect to wait for a seat during rushes and be ready to eat quickly once you sit.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; seating is tight and lines can crowd the entrance, so strollers and large groups are easier off-peak.
Best For
Better for: House-made tortillas, griddled steak tacos, and strong value when you want fast, high-impact flavor without a full-service restaurant.
Skip if: You want a spacious dining room, table service, cocktails, or a quiet, linger-friendly meal.