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Tacos & Burrito Express 3
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tacos & Burrito Express 3
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Tacos & Burrito Express 3 is a long-running Ashland Avenue spot known for generous carne asada tacos and massive burritos. It’s the everyday Mexican option for neighborhood regulars who want big portions, drive-through pricing, and flexible hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Steak Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Dependable neighborhood counter serving large-format tacos and burritos since mid-2000s.
Who should go: Hungry diners chasing maximum food for minimal dollars.
When to visit: Weeknights and late evenings when you want fast, filling plates.
What to order: Carne Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Steak Burrito.
Insider tip: Ask for burritos grilled on the plancha for a crisper exterior.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Ashland and nearby side streets; usually manageable but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — hoodies, jeans, and takeout-lane comfort wear are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation except during busy weekend dinner rush.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; short lines at the counter during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with fast counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, burritos, and cheese-forward options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — you can customize veggie tacos or burritos without cheese or crema, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is likely in a casual kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a super-casual, low-pressure vibe focused on big portions rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come seating; reservations aren’t used.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, large portions, and a relaxed environment make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Huge burritos, generous taco fillings, and wallet-friendly meals when value and quantity matter most.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined tacos, craft cocktails, or a trendy sit-down Mexican restaurant experience.
Tacos & Burrito Express 3
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tacos & Burrito Express #3 is a compact counter-service taqueria where steak, al pastor, and suizo-style burritos anchor a straightforward menu. Neighbors use it as a dependable, no-frills stop for foil-wrapped burritos and salsa cups to go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Chicken Burrito Suizo Dinner
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straightforward, well-stuffed burritos at wallet-friendly neighborhood prices.
Who should go: Locals craving classic taqueria burritos without fuss.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for quickest counter turnaround.
What to order: Steak Burrito, al pastor burrito, chicken burrito suizo.
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa verde; it brightens heavier fillings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on nearby residential blocks but can be tighter during dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — everyday clothes, hoodies, and takeout-ready attire are normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it’s a compact counter spot where you can still chat easily.
Weekend wait: Usually 5–15 minutes depending on rush and takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or just a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos and meat-free fillings can be requested.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with custom orders (no cheese/sour cream), but not a dedicated vegan setup.
Gluten-free options: Limited — tortillas contain gluten and there is no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for ultra-casual, no-frills dining. It’s more of a grab-and-go neighborhood taqueria than a sit-down date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served and primarily geared toward quick meals.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it’s casual and affordable with simple menu options, though seating is limited and high chairs or kids’ amenities are unlikely.
Best For
Better for: Classic, generously filled burritos at budget-friendly prices with speedy service.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, craft cocktails, or specialty chef-driven burritos.
Tacos & Burrito Express 3
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tacos & Burrito Express 3 is a Wicker Park staple for fast, filling Mexican plates, with a reputation built on chicken sopes, generously packed steak burritos, and shareable nachos. With hundreds of strong reviews across platforms and a steady takeout flow, it’s one of the most reliable cheap-taco counters in the 60622 corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Sopes, Steak Burrito, Nachos Platter With Meat
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood counter where sopes, burritos, and tacos stay affordable.
Who should go: Hungry groups or solo diners craving hearty, fast Mexican.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for the quickest counter service.
What to order: Chicken Sopes, Steak Burrito, Nachos Platter With Meat.
Insider tip: Pair a heavier burrito or nachos with a lighter taco to stretch value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be limited during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually 5–15 minutes depending on takeout rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, burritos, and meat-free plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some veg-friendly items can be customized if you skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but the kitchen is not gluten-free dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, zero-pressure meetup than a romantic night out — think quick tacos over formal dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s a counter-service spot with open seating; tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and plenty of shareable plates make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliably filling tacos, burritos, and sopes at wallet-friendly prices with minimal wait.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, chef-driven compositions, or a full-service dining experience.