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Zombie Taco
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Zombie Taco
7.6
Operating out of the Moxy Chicago Downtown, Zombie Taco is a nearly all-day, late-night counter for tacos, burritos, and breakfast items. It’s more about convenience and fun flavors than purist tacos, but long hours make it a reliable option after bars or before early flights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño Bacon Taco, Braised Brisket Taco, Zombie Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Hotel-side taco counter slinging breakfast and late-night tacos every day.
Who should go: Night owls and hotel guests needing easy tacos at odd hours.
When to visit: Post-bar or late-night cravings when most kitchens are closed.
What to order: Jalapeño Bacon or Braised Brisket tacos, Zombie Burrito, chips.
Insider tip: Use it as a backup plan when River North kitchens close but you still want something hot, quick, and handheld.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — paid hotel/nearby garages are the most reliable option; limited metered street parking in River North, especially nights and weekends.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — bar crowd, hotel guests, and late-night diners all blend in.
Noise level: Lively due to hotel lobby/bar energy, but ordering is counter-style and you’re in and out quickly.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal — short pickup queue during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait or a brief line depending on hotel traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (e.g., breakfast and veggie-leaning tacos), but selection is limited compared to full-service taquerias.
Vegan options: Very limited — may require customizations; confirm ingredients at ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos can be ordered on corn tortillas, but cross-contact is likely in a compact prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s counter-service, fast, and designed for convenience rather than atmosphere or conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations are not used. Seating is shared within the hotel lobby/bar area and is first-come, often used for quick bites.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a practical sense (simple tacos, quick food), but the environment skews hotel and late-night crowd; best earlier in the day rather than bar-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, quick handheld tacos, and reliable hours when most River North kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want destination-level tacos, a sit-down meal, or broader dietary accommodations — a dedicated taqueria or full-service Mexican spot will be a better fit.
Zombie Taco
7.7
Tucked inside the Moxy Chicago Downtown with a LaSalle-facing window, Zombie Taco is the hotel’s irreverent taco counter running long hours for breakfast tacos, burritos, and bar-friendly bites. It’s built for convenience—hotel guests, service workers, and late-night crowds grabbing flavorful tacos without leaving the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thick Cut Jalapeño Bacon Taco, Thick Cut Bacon Taco, Breakfast tacos with eggs and chorizo
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Hotel-attached taco counter with a walk-up window and an all-day, late-night taco menu.
Who should go: Night owls and hotel guests craving tacos after midnight.
When to visit: Late evenings when the walk-up window keeps things moving.
What to order: Thick Cut Jalapeño Bacon Taco, a classic bacon taco, one breakfast taco.
Insider tip: Use the take-out window for the quickest move between nearby bars and the hotel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot for the counter — most guests use nearby River North garages or rideshare; limited metered street parking late night.
Dress code: Casual — bar / hotel attire is common; come as you are.
Noise level: Loud during late-night hours with bar spillover; conversation is brief-counter friendly rather than sit-down.
Weekend wait: Often no formal wait, but short walk-up lines are common during bar rushes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few items and customizable tacos can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some components can be customized, but sauces and tortillas may limit fully vegan builds.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn-tortilla options are possible, but cross-contact risk is likely in a small prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, post-bar bite than a sit-down first date — it’s counter service with a quick, high-energy vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-up only. Seating depends on shared hotel lounge availability; most guests grab-and-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for quick daytime bites, but late-night crowds skew adult and can be loud; there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, quick taco runs between bars, and grab-and-go food for hotel guests or service workers.
Skip if: You want a sit-down taco meal, craft cocktail program, or broader menu with strong vegan / gluten-free depth.
Zombie Taco
8.0
Hotel-adjacent taco counter inside Moxy Chicago Downtown that runs almost all day, with burritos and breakfast burritos alongside tacos and snacks. It’s the move for grab-and-go burritos before a night out or a quick bite on your way back to River North hotels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zombie Burrito with mixed meats and fixings, American breakfast burrito with eggs and potatoes, Street corn with lime crema
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Nearly all-day counter inside a boutique hotel slinging burritos and breakfast burritos.
Who should go: Hotel guests and night owls wanting fast burritos.
When to visit: Late night or off-peak afternoons to skip lines.
What to order: Zombie Burrito, breakfast burrito, side of street corn.
Insider tip: Use the walk-up access from LaSalle for a quick burrito run without lingering in the lobby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel-adjacent in River North — street parking is limited and competitive at night; nearby garages are the most reliable option (hotel valet typically available through the Moxy, but pricing varies).
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; streetwear, hoodies, and late-night bar attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during late-night rush; quiet to moderate in off-peak afternoon hours.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait — brief counter queue of 5–10 minutes during late night.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; orders are prepared quickly for grab-and-go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — customizable burritos and tacos with beans/veg fillings available.
Vegan options: Limited — can build a vegan burrito if you omit cheese/sauces, but options are not dedicated.
Gluten-free options: Limited — tortillas are flour-based; some fillings may work without the wrap, but there is no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — it’s more of a grab-and-go or late-night counter stop rather than a sit-down atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; expect to take burritos to-go or eat quickly at small tables when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for quick daytime visits with older kids; late-night hours skew to bar-crowd traffic and are less family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Fast, late-night burritos and breakfast burritos steps from River North hotels — especially convenient for hotel guests and night owls.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down Mexican meal, broader menu variety, or dedicated dietary accommodations.
Zombie Taco
7.8
Zombie Taco is the Moxy Chicago Downtown’s all-day taco counter, built around grab-and-go tacos, burritos, and snacks for hotel guests and River North night owls. It’s the most casual option on this list and one of the few places where you can reliably grab Mexican-leaning food late without committing to a full sit-down meal. Quality is solid for the price, especially when you stick to a few signature tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thick-Cut Bacon Jalapeño Taco, Zombie Burrito, Chips and Queso
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Hotel-attached taco counter designed explicitly to catch late-night cravings with fast, inexpensive tacos.
Who should go: Night owls wanting a quick taco fix without a full sit-down.
When to visit: Very late nights when full-service kitchens have shut down.
What to order: Thick-cut bacon jalapeño taco, Zombie Burrito, chips and queso.
Insider tip: Use it as a last-stop taco run—order a couple signatures rather than a full spread to keep quality and wait times tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at the Moxy (typically expensive); nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking in River North — expect difficulty late at night and on weekends.
Dress code: Very casual — come-as-you-are, streetwear and late-night attire are totally fine.
Noise level: Loud to lively — it sits off the hotel lobby, so music and bar traffic can make conversation limited during peak late-night hours.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; brief lines form around bar-close hours but move quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically — walk-up counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — look for veggie tacos, breakfast-style items, and sides; customization is common.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple items can be modified (hold cheese/sauces), but selections are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Soft corn tortillas available on some items, but this is not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — it’s a casual, grab-and-go hotel counter best suited for a quick bite after bars rather than a sit-down conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; it’s counter-service with limited lobby seating and most guests take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable during daytime/early evening, but the late-night crowd skews adult and can be noisy — better for teens than very young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, quick tacos without a sit-down commitment, and reliable hours when other River North kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want chef-driven Mexican, patio seating, or a full dining experience — choose a sit-down restaurant instead.
Zombie Taco
8.0
Tucked into the Moxy Chicago Downtown, Zombie Taco is a walk-up counter and hotel-side spot geared toward breakfast through late-night taco runs. With braised brisket, adobo BBQ chicken, and a stacked Zombie Burrito on the menu, it’s built for quick, satisfying bites after shows, office events, or bar crawls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Brisket Taco, Beer Battered Fish Taco, Zombie Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A hotel-adjacent taco counter designed around late-night cravings and grab-and-go service.
Who should go: Solo diners and small groups needing fast tacos after going out.
When to visit: Post-10pm, especially Friday and Saturday when it runs latest.
What to order: Braised Brisket Taco, Beer Battered Fish Taco, Zombie Burrito.
Insider tip: Use the outdoor window on busy nights; it’s often faster than ordering inside the lobby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel-adjacent — expect paid garage or hotel valet nearby; limited metered street parking in River North, especially at night.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; streetwear and late-night attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late at night — fine for quick bites, less ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: Usually short — 5–15 minutes, but can spike after bar close windows.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; orders are prepared quickly at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — usually 1–2 vegetarian tacos or customizable builds; confirm toppings at the counter.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be adjusted, but sauces and tortillas may contain dairy or egg; ask staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are typically available, but cross-contact risk is likely given compact prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, spontaneous stop than a formal first date — it’s counter-service, quick, and geared toward late-night bites rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-up only. Seating is limited and shared with the hotel lobby, so expect to stand or take food to-go during busy late-night surges.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s fine earlier in the day, but late nights skew adult-focused due to hotel and nightlife traffic; best for teens and up after evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, satisfying tacos when everything else nearby is closed — especially solo grabs, hotel stays, and post-event refueling.
Skip if: You want a sit-down taco experience, large group seating, or broader dietary accommodations — a full-service taqueria will be a better fit.
Zombie Taco
7.6
Attached to the Moxy Chicago Downtown, Zombie Taco is a counter-service taco window and casual seating area that runs both a weekday happy hour and late-night hours. Reviews highlight it as a convenient, hotel-adjacent option for quick tacos, nachos and breakfast burritos rather than a destination restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled adobo taco from the happy hour pairing, Loaded nachos, Breakfast burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.1
What makes it special: Hotel-side taco counter with a real weekday happy hour and extended late-night hours.
Who should go: Hotel guests and nearby bar-hoppers needing fast tacos.
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6pm for drink-and-taco deals or post-midnight.
What to order: Happy hour taco-and-beer combo, nachos, or the breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Use the LaSalle pick-up window if the interior line is slammed with hotel guests.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare; limited street parking and hotel valet may be available but can be inconsistent during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual — hotel/lounge attire and streetwear are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour and late night due to lobby/bar traffic; quieter mid-day.
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait, but expect brief lines during late-night rush or post-bar crowds.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter-service pacing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (e.g., veggie tacos or customizable items), but selection is limited compared to full-service Mexican spots.
Vegan options: Limited — may require modifications and ingredient confirmation at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — tacos can sometimes be served on corn tortillas, but cross-contact is likely in a fast-casual setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date — it’s more of a quick, casual taco stop attached to a hotel. Works better for a low-stakes snack or pre-bar bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; no reservations are used. During peak hours you may need to hover briefly for a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for quick daytime visits, but the lobby and seating area can feel bar-focused and loud at night; better for older kids or families stopping in briefly.
Best For
Better for: Convenience, late-night access, quick tacos and snacks for hotel guests and nearby bar-hoppers at budget pricing.
Skip if: You’re seeking destination-level Mexican food, broader menu variety, quieter seating, or strong cocktail and dining service — choose a full-service restaurant instead.