Tallboy Taco
ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Burritos in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Cheap Tacos in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Tallboy Taco
7.8
Opened in 2020 by the Lettuce Entertain You team, Tallboy Taco is a Streeterville counter-service spot for Californian-style tacos, nachos, and margaritas with a sizeable patio. The food leans more toward convenient than destination-worthy, but its $3 taco Sundays and all-day happy hour deals make it one of the more social taco options in 60611.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Crispy Fish Taco, Masa-Crusted Avocado Taco
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A modern Streeterville taco counter from a major local restaurant group, pairing California-influenced tacos with margaritas and a busy patio.
Who should go: After-work groups and hotel guests wanting tacos with drinks.
When to visit: Afternoons 3–5pm or Sundays for taco and drink deals.
What to order: Carne asada taco, crispy fish taco, masa-crusted avocado taco.
Insider tip: Plan around $3 taco Sundays and daily happy hour—ordering tacos in bundles with a house margarita keeps the bill reasonable for the neighborhood.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; most guests use nearby paid garages or hotel parking within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — patio crowd trends a little dressy, but jeans and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible indoors, but patio and peak happy hour can be loud.
Weekend wait: Usually short to moderate since it is counter-service — expect 10–25 minutes at peak.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait — typically order-and-sit with open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos and sides can be ordered vegetarian (including avocado and mushroom-style options).
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but most tacos rely on dairy or sauces that aren’t vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some tacos can be made on corn tortillas, but cross-contact is possible and not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-pressure hangs than a romantic first date — counter service and a buzzy patio make it feel social rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and mostly first-come seating. Arrive outside peak happy hour for the best chance at a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids — casual menu and outdoor seating work well, but peak happy hour can feel crowded and adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour meetups, casual group bites, and quick tacos with drinks in a central Streeterville location.
Skip if: You want destination-level tacos, a quiet dinner, or full-service dining — choose a sit-down taqueria instead.