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Flash Taco
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Flash Taco
7.7
Perched on the Damen corner, Flash Taco is a long-running Wicker Park walk-up for late-night burritos, tacos, and nachos. It’s more about fast, filling burritos between bars than sit-down meals or polished plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Burrito, Chicken Burrito, Vegetarian Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Corner burritos that catch bar-goers and night owls until late.
Who should go: Night owls needing fast burritos after bars.
When to visit: Late nights on weekends when the strip is busiest.
What to order: Steak burrito, chicken burrito, chips with salsa or guac.
Insider tip: Expect a line after midnight; have your order ready.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots along Damen/Milwaukee can be tough late at night
Dress code: Come-as-you-are — casual, bar attire totally fine
Noise level: Loud outside during late-night bar rush; quick order interaction only
Weekend wait: Usually 10–20 minutes depending on the bar crowd
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos and tacos available
Vegan options: Limited — customization possible but not fully vegan-focused
Gluten-free options: Soft corn tortillas available, but cross-contact is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is into casual, late-night street-food vibes — it’s more of a quick bite than a sit-down date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service or reservations — it’s a walk-up counter built for grab-and-go or quick bites.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but it’s busiest late at night with a bar-crowd atmosphere — earlier hours are better for families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos when everything else is closed, fast service, and budget-friendly cravings
Skip if: You want a quieter sit-down meal, polished ingredients, or specialty regional Mexican cooking
Flash Taco
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Flash Taco is a tiny counter on Damen right by the Wicker Park six-corners, serving tacos and burritos until around 4am most nights. Quality can be hit-or-miss, but its location and hours make it one of the area’s most important last-stop Mexican options after shows and bar crawls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Burrito, Chicken Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Ultra-late counter right at the Wicker Park crossroads for post-bar tacos.
Who should go: People leaving nearby bars who need fast tacos.
When to visit: 1am–3am when other kitchens are closed.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor burrito, chicken quesadilla.
Insider tip: Expect a line after bar close and plan to eat standing or on the go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spaces can be scarce late at night near the six-corners.
Dress code: Anything goes — casual, bar clothes, or grab-and-go attire.
Noise level: Loud outside due to nightlife; conversation is limited at the counter.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes depending on bar traffic and late-night rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and quesadillas are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited — you may be able to request veggies without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are generally gluten-free, but the kitchen is not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is cool with casual, late-night street food. It’s more of a quick stop than a sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are usually only a few counter spots or standing space — think grab-and-go rather than dining in.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal late at night due to crowds and bar traffic, but fine for a quick daytime bite.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos right where nightlife traffic flows — perfect when convenience matters most.
Skip if: You want premium ingredients, consistent quality, or a comfortable sit-down meal.