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Flaco's Tacos (Water Tower)
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Flaco's Tacos (Water Tower)
8.5
Flaco's Tacos is a fast-casual taco counter just off the Mag Mile, turning out house-marinated steak, al pastor, and chicken tacos with margaritas at student-friendly prices. Open since 2011 in this Gold Coast/Near North stretch, it’s the most broadly validated taco-specific stop in 60611 for a quick, satisfying plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Marinated Steak Taco, Ancho Chicken Taco, Al Pastor Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Local mini-chain spot where the focus is straightforward, well-seasoned tacos and margaritas a block off Michigan Avenue.
Who should go: Mag Mile workers, students, and visitors craving fast tacos.
When to visit: Weekdays 11am–2pm or early evening to avoid lines.
What to order: House-marinated steak taco, ancho chicken taco, chips and guac.
Insider tip: Build a two- or three-taco plate, then add chips and salsa instead of overloading with sides to keep the meal under $15.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in this Near North/Mag Mile stretch; expect paid garages and metered spots nearby with better luck on side streets after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service hum with music; you can hold a conversation but it’s not quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes at peak times; orders move quickly once placed.
Weekday lunch: Short counter line around noon, usually under 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — beans, veggie fillings, and customizable tacos and bowls.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of build-your-own options if you avoid cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but this is a shared-prep kitchen with potential cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure bite than a romantic first date — it’s counter-service with quick turnover and a practical feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here. Seating is first-come counter style; during busy periods you may wait a few minutes for a table to open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids — simple tacos, chips, and quesadillas work well, but seating is limited and there’s no high-chair or play-space setup.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos near the Mag Mile with consistent seasoning and build-your-own flexibility.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican dinner with table service, cocktails, or broader regional specialties.
Flaco's Tacos (Water Tower)
8.4
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Flaco's Tacos serves made-from-scratch tacos, burritos, and bowls just off North Michigan Avenue, with a Water Tower location that stays busy into the later evening. Thousands of multi-platform reviews praise the al pastor, generous portions, and fast counter service, making it a reliable late-night taco stop in the Gold Coast/Magnificent Mile corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Bowl, Carne Asada Tacos, Queso Blanco with Chips
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-volume, from-scratch taquería steps from the Water Tower that delivers reliably good tacos late.
Who should go: Taco seekers wanting fast, affordable late-night Mexican near Mag Mile.
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 p.m. for quicker lines and relaxed pacing.
What to order: Al Pastor Bowl, Carne Asada Tacos, Queso Blanco with chips.
Insider tip: Mix tacos with an al pastor bowl to stretch one late-night order into two meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby garages along Michigan Ave are available but can be expensive, and street parking is limited, especially evenings.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; late-night guests are often in streetwear or post-shopping attire.
Noise level: Moderate-lively for a counter-service taquería; easy enough to hold a quick conversation but not a quiet setting.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes during peak late-night rush; lines move quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief queue during office-hour lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie tacos, bowls, and customizable builds.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some items can be customized by omitting cheese/sour cream; confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Some bowls and corn-tortilla tacos may be workable, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area — cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, budget-friendly hangs than a formal first date — it works if you want a quick, low-pressure bite after drinks or a movie.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating; at busier times you may need to wait a few minutes for a table to open up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, quick service, and simple taco/burrito options work well for families; evenings can be busier and more late-night focused.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable late-night tacos near the Water Tower with generous portions and quick counter service.
Skip if: You want a sit-down, plated Mexican dinner, cocktails, or a quieter, date-night atmosphere.
Flaco's Tacos (Water Tower)
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
At the base of the Mag Mile, Flaco's Tacos turns out made-from-scratch tacos, burritos, and horchata at budget-friendly prices. Hand-pressed corn tortillas, al pastor with pineapple, and street corn chicken tacos make it the default quick taco stop for workers, shoppers, and students in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Street Corn Chicken Taco, Ancho Chicken Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume taco shop where hand-pressed tortillas and al pastor stay reliably affordable steps from the Mag Mile.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco fans near Water Tower and Northwestern.
When to visit: Weekdays 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid lines.
What to order: Al Pastor and Street Corn Chicken tacos with chips and guacamole.
Insider tip: Use the taco six-packs to feed a group more cheaply than ordering à la carte.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near the Mag Mile; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and office wear all common.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service hustle at peak times, but you can usually hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes at the counter during peak hours; seating turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Lines can form 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. but typically move fast with minimal waiting.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — beans, veggie tacos, quesadillas, and customizable burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some items can be made vegan by skipping cheese/sour cream; confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but prep is shared — not ideal for severe gluten sensitivity or celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates — it’s counter-service, bright, and fast-paced, great for a quick bite or low-key hang.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with self-service seating; at busy times you may need to wait briefly for a table to open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly menu, quick service, and plenty of casual seating; best for school-age kids who can manage counter ordering.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly tacos, quick meals near the Mag Mile, hand-pressed tortillas, and reliable al pastor at high volume.
Skip if: You want table service, a leisurely sit-down experience, or more expansive regional Mexican cooking and cocktails.
Flaco's Tacos (Water Tower)
8.3
Steps from the Water Tower, this family-owned taqueria turns out tacos, burritos, and margaritas on a counter-service model with quick turnaround. Happy hour specials on margaritas and snacks make it a value-driven stop before shopping or downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Marinated Steak Taco, Pork Tamales, Burrito Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume taqueria near the Mag Mile offering from-scratch tacos and happy hour margarita deals.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco fans needing a fast, boozy pregame stop.
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening to catch happy hour specials.
What to order: House-marinated steak taco, pork tamales, and a frozen margarita.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, grab a table, and stack taco and margarita specials for one of the cheapest happy hours in the neighborhood.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; closest options are paid garages around Water Tower Place and Michigan Avenue. Street parking is scarce and metered when available.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; jeans, sneakers, and shopping-day attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle and small space, but you can usually hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: Short line at peak times; 10–20 minutes to order, seating turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though brief queues form right at the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian tacos, bowls, and sides can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be customized (hold cheese/crema), but options are modest.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meetup than a full first date — counter service, quick pacing, and tight seating make it more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Order at the counter and grab an open table; seating can fill during happy hour but usually turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family stops — simple menu items, quick service, and high-traffic seating; best for older kids who can handle a busy counter-service environment.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly margaritas and tacos near the Mag Mile, quick counter service, and value-driven happy hour before shopping or events.
Skip if: You want a slower, sit-down Mexican meal with table service, broader vegan/gluten-free accommodation, or a quieter, date-night setting.