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Taco Maya - River North
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Taco Maya - River North
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Taco Maya’s River North outpost brings the brand’s global-fusion Mexican playbook—think paneer, samosa, and Nashville hot chicken tacos—to a compact fast-casual space. It’s popular with workers and nearby residents who want bold, mix-and-match taco plates and quesadillas at friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paneer taco, Shrimp tacos, Nashville hot chicken taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fusion-focused taco shop where classic al pastor sits alongside paneer and samosa tacos.
Who should go: Taco fans curious about global riffs and vegetarian options.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evenings for fastest counter flow.
What to order: Paneer taco, shrimp tacos, one Nashville hot chicken taco.
Insider tip: Build a three-taco plate that mixes one classic, one fusion, and one vegetarian pick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; most guests use paid garages within a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and work-day attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle at peak times, but conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes during peak hours, mainly for ordering at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though brief lines form at the top of the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dedicated options like paneer, veggie, and samosa-style tacos.
Vegan options: Limited — some tacos can be customized, but most signatures include dairy or sauces to request off.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but prep is shared and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key meetup than a formal first date — it’s counter-service with quick turnover and a relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is fairly quick even at busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — flexible taco combos, mild options, and fast service work well for families, though seating is compact and best for school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Mix-and-match fusion tacos, vegetarian variety, and affordable quick meals in River North.
Skip if: You want table service, a quieter sit-down dinner, or traditional regional Mexican over fusion-style fillings.
Taco Maya - River North
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Happy Hour Hotspots
Casual sit-down Mexican spot in River North where burritos, tacos, and a full salsa bar anchor the menu. Guests use it for informal dinners and pregame meals when they want a made-to-order burrito with cocktails or horchata on the side.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own chicken burrito with salsa bar toppings, Carne asada burrito with rice and beans, Veggie burrito with grilled vegetables and guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Counter-service burritos backed by a full salsa bar and sit-down space.
Who should go: Groups and duos wanting casual burritos with drinks.
When to visit: Early evenings and late nights for quick, filling meals.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, chips and salsa bar, horchata.
Insider tip: Dine in to take full advantage of the salsa bar with your burrito.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially during evening rush.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at off-hours, louder during pregame and weekend evenings.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on group size; usually faster for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait with steady counter-service flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian burritos, bowls, and veggie tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with customizations (hold cheese/sour cream, choose veggie fillings).
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility with tacos and bowls, but tortillas and cross-contact may be a concern.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than a formal first date — it’s fast, lively, and more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come seating; tables turn quickly even during busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed seating, straightforward burrito and taco options, and quick service work well for families with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, filling burritos with flexibility to customize and a full salsa bar for dine-in groups.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Mexican dining, craft cocktails, or a quiet, date-night atmosphere.
Taco Maya - River North
8.1
Taco Maya’s Ohio Street location runs fast-casual tacos, bowls, and burritos with a focus on fresher, slightly lighter Mexican plates. Extended hours to midnight or later and options like paneer tacos make it a go-to for late-night groups wanting something a step up from basic bar food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Taco, Paneer Taco, 3 Taco Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fast-casual tacos and burritos with veggie-friendly options served past typical dinner hours.
Who should go: Friends splitting tacos, bowls, and margaritas before or after going out.
When to visit: Late evenings before midnight when the line moves steadily.
What to order: Signature Taco trio, Paneer Taco, Guacamole with chips.
Insider tip: Build a three-taco combo mixing one veggie or paneer taco with two classic meats to sample the range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Ohio and nearby blocks is limited at night; closest reliability is paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; streetwear and jeans are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during late-night rush; conversational earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes depending on bar crowd spillover; lines move quickly since it’s counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, occasional short line at peak hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple veggie fillings plus the paneer taco and build-your-own bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — rice/beans, salsas, and veggie tacos can be customized; confirm toppings and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Bowls and corn tortillas are common substitutes, but prep isn’t fully segregated — ask 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 — fast-casual setup and late-night energy keep it relaxed rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating and quick turnover; expect to share tables or wait briefly during late-night peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier evenings are fine for families and casual meals; late night skews louder and more adult, so it’s less ideal for young kids after 9–10pm.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, lighter fast-casual plates, and vegetarian-friendly options that feel fresher than typical bar food.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican dinner with full service, quiet atmosphere, or craft-cocktail focus.