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Tallboy Taco
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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.
Tallboy Taco
8.0
Tallboy Taco is a Lettuce Entertain You concept in Streeterville where tacos, nachos, margaritas, and burritos share the menu with a lively, bar-adjacent dining room. It’s more of a casual hangout than a pure burrito counter, but the carne asada and black bean burritos give burrito seekers a solid option steps from Michigan Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Black Bean Burrito, Egg, Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A taco-focused bar from a major local restaurant group that still turns out respectable burritos alongside margaritas and patio seating.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos, burritos, and drinks in one spot.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings for happy hour and easier seating.
What to order: Carne Asada Burrito, Black Bean Burrito, chips with guacamole.
Insider tip: Use the QR-code ordering at the table to keep rounds of tacos and burritos coming without flagging a server.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking — expect higher rates during evenings and weekends
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed outfits are common
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is possible at smaller tables but bar area can get lively during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during happy hour or game nights
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or immediate seating except during peak convention traffic
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — black bean burrito, veggie tacos, and customizable bowls
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but default builds often include cheese or crema
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas available; cross-contact is possible due to shared prep areas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or second-date vibe — the energy is upbeat and social, but the noise and bar traffic make it less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small groups — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during peak weekend evenings or happy hour; larger groups do better with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids and families earlier in the day — evenings skew more bar-centric, so daytime or early dinner is the best fit.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want tacos, burritos, and margaritas in a lively, social setting with quick ordering and shareable plates
Skip if: You want a traditional taqueria, oversized mission-style burritos, or a quiet sit-down meal focused purely on food over atmosphere
Tallboy Taco
8.0
Tallboy Taco is a Lettuce Entertain You counter-service spot in Streeterville focused on tacos, nachos, and margaritas in a stylized, green-toned room. It’s a convenient taco-and-margarita stop for Northwestern staff, hotel guests, and nearby offices who want something faster and cheaper than a full-service Mexican restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Fish Taco, Pork Al Pastor Taco, Crispy Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos with margaritas and outdoor seating just off Michigan Avenue.
Who should go: Groups wanting casual tacos and drinks near Northwestern.
When to visit: Peak lunch or early evening for quick service without big crowds.
What to order: Crispy Fish and Pork Al Pastor tacos plus chips and queso.
Insider tip: Skip the counter line and use QR code ordering from your table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking in Streeterville is limited and mostly metered; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and work-casual attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours — conversation is possible at most tables but the room gets energetic at lunch and after work.
Weekend wait: Usually a short counter queue (5–15 minutes); seating turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though brief lines form at peak office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos, bowls, and sides can be ordered vegetarian or customized.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be made vegan with modifications (ask about sauces and cheeses).
Gluten-free options: Some tacos on corn tortillas can be gluten-friendly, but prep is shared — confirm with staff if cross-contact is a concern.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a formal first date — counter service and a lively room keep it relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; arrive slightly off-peak for the best chance at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, quick service, and shareable sides work well for families, though there isn’t a dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Quick tacos and margaritas near Northwestern and Michigan Avenue with faster, cheaper service than full-service Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, broader regional Mexican cooking, or a more formal dining experience.
Tallboy Taco
7.7
A Lettuce Entertain You concept in Streeterville, Tallboy Taco serves modern tacos, nachos, and margaritas in a casual, design-forward space with counter ordering and a busy patio. Daily happy hour with discounted nachitos and margaritas makes it a reliable after-work meet-up spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Shrimp Taco, Pork al Pastor Taco, Grilled Chicken Nachos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Streeterville taco bar with daily happy hour, counter-service efficiency, and a patio that fills with office and hospital crowds.
Who should go: After-work groups craving tacos, margaritas, and casual seating.
When to visit: Daily 3–5 p.m. happy hour for discounted nachitos and margs.
What to order: Crispy shrimp and pork al pastor tacos plus grilled chicken nachos.
Insider tip: Use the QR-code ordering at the table during happy hour so food and drinks hit fast while you keep your seat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Streeterville; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — workwear, jeans, and relaxed outfits are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour — conversation is possible but expect bar-energy volume.
Weekend wait: Short to moderate waits during peak patio and happy hour windows, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside of hospital/office rush periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos and sides can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few build-your-own or modified items may work but options are not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Many tacos can be served on corn tortillas; cross-contact is possible, so ask staff if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, upbeat meetups than a slow, romantic first date — counter service and lively patio make it more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come and counter-service driven; arrive early during happy hour to secure a patio or group table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual daytime visits — tacos and nachos are approachable, but noise and bar energy are higher during happy hour.
Best For
Better for: Faster counter-service tacos, reliable happy hour value, and an easygoing patio atmosphere for groups and after-work meetups.
Skip if: You want quiet, table-service dining, a wide range of vegan options, or a destination Mexican experience focused on chef-driven plates.
Tallboy Taco
8.0
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Operating since the 1960s in a converted carriage house just off Michigan Avenue, Su Casa pairs strong margaritas and combo plates with a warm, slightly retro cantina atmosphere. Locals and visitors use it for group dinners and happy hour gatherings before downtown shows or as a familiar spot for tacos and enchiladas near the Mag Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Tacos, Portobello Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 1960s-era carriage-house cantina just off Michigan Avenue pairing classic tacos and combo plates with potent margaritas.
Who should go: Groups wanting old-school Mexican and casual happy-hour margaritas.
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening before the pre-theater rush.
What to order: Shrimp tacos, chicken or portobello tacos, and a house margarita.
Insider tip: Request a booth deeper in the dining room if you prefer conversation over bar noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; nearby paid garages along Michigan Avenue and surrounding side streets, with limited metered street parking during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and relaxed attire are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy during evenings.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is possible at tables, but bar and happy hour periods can be lively.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak pre-theater and evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though small groups may experience brief delays during convention or tourist surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several taco and combo-plate options can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be adapted, but expect modifications rather than dedicated dishes.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some tacos and mains can be prepared with corn tortillas; ask staff to confirm cross-contact risks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second-date vibes than a quiet, intimate first date — the atmosphere leans lively, especially during happy hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays — expect to wait during pre-theater and weekend peaks; the bar is a common holding spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for school-age kids during earlier dining hours; evenings and happy hour periods skew louder and more adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Group meetups, casual tacos and margaritas, and pre-event happy hour gatherings near the Mag Mile.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner, highly modern Mexican cooking, or extensive vegan and gluten-free menus.