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Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North
7.9
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Miami-born Bodega brand’s River North location pairs a casual front taqueria with a tequila-heavy bar and late-night energy. Tacos de birria, al pastor, and quesabirria headline a menu built for pregame bites, cocktails, and DJ-fueled nights in a space that leans more party than quiet sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco de Birria, Quesabirria, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Nightlife-focused taqueria-tequila hybrid where birria and cocktails anchor the experience.
Who should go: Groups planning tacos with tequila and a party vibe.
When to visit: Weekend evenings and late nights when the back bar is busiest.
What to order: Taco de Birria, quesabirria, one al pastor taco per person.
Insider tip: Order tacos at the front counter first, then transition to the speakeasy-style bar in back for drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect paid garages within a 2–3 block walk. Rideshare is common on weekends due to late-night crowds.
Dress code: Casual-party to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean dressy for the nightlife vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak evenings with DJ and bar energy — conversation can be difficult in the back bar, easier in the taqueria area earlier in the night.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes for the bar area during peak late-night hours; food counter moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait — faster counter-service flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few vegetarian tacos and sides, but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be customized, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos can be made on corn tortillas; cross-contact is possible due to shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for fun, high-energy dates than intimate conversation — it shines if you want tacos plus a lively tequila bar rather than a quiet sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the taqueria is counter-service and the bar operates on a first-come basis. Arrive early on weekends for the best chance at seating before the late-night rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for casual taco visits, but the vibe shifts adult-focused and nightlife-oriented later in the evening — not ideal for young kids at night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos with a party-forward tequila bar, pregame meetups, and groups looking for DJ energy rather than a traditional restaurant setting.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, table-service dining, or a broad selection of refined taco options — choose a calmer taqueria or sit-down Mexican restaurant instead.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North
8.1
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila River North brings a South Florida-born tacos-and-tequila concept to a compact, high-energy space that runs late on weekends. Guests move between the walk-up taqueria counter and a tequila-driven bar, using it as a casual late-night taco fix with better cocktails than a typical fast-casual spot. The food leans toward dressed-up street tacos rather than heavy platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, Quesadilla with Yuca Fries, Esquites Street Corn
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A South Beach-born taqueria-and-tequila bar that functions as a late-running taco stop with real cocktail focus.
Who should go: Taco and tequila fans wanting casual but scene-y late nights.
When to visit: Happy hour into late weekend nights for peak bar energy.
What to order: Birria tacos, a quesadilla with yuca fries, esquites street corn.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then claim bar or patio space so you’re not stuck hovering in line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare on busy nights.
Dress code: Casual-trendy — sneakers and jeans are fine, but many guests lean nightlife-dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Loud during peak late-night hours — conversation can be difficult near the bar.
Weekend wait: Counter ordering with periodic lines — expect 20–40 minutes during late-night rushes.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside peak event or happy-hour windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos and sides can be made vegetarian; ask staff for recommended swaps.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be adapted, but options are not the restaurant’s focus.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos on corn tortillas can be gluten-friendly, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, high-energy nights than quiet conversation — it works if you want a lively, bar-forward vibe rather than a seated, intimate meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily counter-service and first-come seating; arrive a bit earlier on weekends to avoid the late-night surge.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but the space skews adult-oriented and nightlife-focused late at night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs with stronger cocktails and more scene than typical fast-casual spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, large table service, or an extended meal with full entrées.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North
8.4
Bodega brings its Miami-born taco bar to Clark Street with airstream-adjacent ordering, a full bar, and hours that stretch past midnight on weekends. Tacos de birria, al pastor, and camaron al coco give late-night crowds something better than generic bar food between rounds of tequila.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco De "Birria", Carne Asada Taco, Camaron Al Coco
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A high-energy taco bar where birria, cocktails, and late hours meet.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos with a real bar-first nightlife feel.
When to visit: Weekend late nights after 11pm when the lounge is buzzing.
What to order: Taco De "Birria", Camaron Al Coco, Chips & Guacamole.
Insider tip: Use the bar side for quicker late-night taco orders when the lounge is packed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive at night; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Trendy casual — sneakers and jeans are fine, but many guests lean nightlife-dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Loud during late-night hours — conversation can be difficult near the bar and lounge.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes after 10pm when the lounge is full; quicker at the taco counter.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though hours and energy skew more toward evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few vegetarian taco and side options, but the menu is meat-leaning overall.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and customizations may work, but dedicated vegan options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Several tacos can be served on corn tortillas; cross-contact is possible in a bar-kitchen setting.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy hang than a quiet first date — it works if you want nightlife vibes over conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is generally first-come, especially late at night; expect to hover or use the bar during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — it functions primarily as a bar-centric late-night venue; earlier evening visits may be more appropriate for teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs with a real bar and party atmosphere, quick counter ordering, and tequila-forward cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad vegan/vegetarian menus, or full-service dining with spacious seating.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – River North
7.8
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila pairs a fast-casual taco counter with a hidden-back tequila bar, offering happy hour specials on tacos and cocktails. With under-500 reviews but a growing profile, it works best as a quick, flavor-forward stop for tacos and a couple of drinks before heading elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria or barbacoa tacos, Queso and chips, Frozen or classic margarita
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 6.2
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Taco counter plus tequila lounge hybrid with party-leaning happy hour deals.
Who should go: Taco-and-margarita fans who don’t mind casual, noisy service.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon for quicker lines and cheaper drinks.
What to order: Birria-style taco, queso with chips, and a house frozen margarita.
Insider tip: Order at the counter first, then slip into the bar side so you’re not juggling food in line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Metered street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings, especially weekends.
Dress code: Casual to party-casual — streetwear, jeans, and sneakers are common, but many guests lean dressy if continuing the night elsewhere.
Noise level: Loud during happy hour and late night — conversation is possible in short bursts but not ideal for long talks.
Weekend wait: Usually short counter lines (5–20 minutes), but expect slower pacing and crowding late night.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief line during peak office lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few taco and sides options, but selection is limited compared to full-service Mexican spots.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but expect only 1–2 workable options depending on daily prep.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn-based items help, but cross-contact is likely in a fast-casual line environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something quick and lively before going somewhere else — the space is loud and casual, better as a pre-game stop than a sit-down date venue.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with bar/lounge seating first-come, first-served. Arrive earlier in happy hour to secure a spot before crowds build.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids grabbing tacos, but the vibe skews adult and party-oriented at night — not recommended for families during late-night hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavor-forward tacos plus tequila in a high-energy setting — especially as a pre-bar stop or quick happy hour meetup.
Skip if: You want a seated dinner, quieter conversation, broad dietary flexibility, or chef-driven Mexican — choose a full-service restaurant instead.