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Taco Pros
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Taco Pros
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Taco Pros Old Town is a quick-service spot focused on mix-and-match tacos, burritos, bowls, and late-night combos. Since expanding from its original Oak Park location, it’s become a convenient neighborhood option for customizable plates and catering-friendly trays.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Taco Combo, Burritos, Nachos Supreme
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Counter-service Mexican cocina with a flexible menu built for combos and catering.
Who should go: Groups and roommates wanting easy taco combos and bowls.
When to visit: Evenings before the late-night rush on Wells Street.
What to order: 3 Taco Combo, burrito with your protein, Nachos Supreme.
Insider tip: Use the 3 Taco Combo to test different proteins, then lock in your favorite for future burritos and bowls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town can be limited, especially evenings and weekends; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — you can usually chat comfortably, but it gets livelier late at night.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait, though lines can form during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tacos, burritos, and bowls can be built with vegetarian fillings.
Vegan options: Limited — customization helps, but verify toppings and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some items may work in bowl form, but there is not a dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than romantic dates — think walk-and-talk tacos rather than candlelit vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service, so you order at the counter and grab a seat when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the menu is flexible and casual enough for kids, though evenings can get busy and louder.
Best For
Better for: Customizable combos, quick meals, and late-night convenience.
Skip if: You’re looking for chef-driven Mexican cuisine, cocktails, or a sit-down dining experience.
Taco Pros
7.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
A straightforward, fast-casual burrito shop where the best results come from treating the burrito as a simple, loaded staple rather than a custom-maxed project. Go for one burrito and one crunchy or creamy side to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burritos, Nachos Supreme, Elote (Corn)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A simple, fast burrito-and-sides lane that stays easy to execute.
Who should go: Quick burrito seekers on a budget
When to visit: Late afternoon for the smoothest flow
What to order: Burrito, nachos supreme, elote
Insider tip: Choose one main and one side—don’t over-customize.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; easier earlier in the day, tighter after dinner hours
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and grab-and-go attire fit right in
Noise level: Low to moderate — quick-service hum but easy conversation
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak, often faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos and meat-free fillings available
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, and vegetables if you skip dairy
Gluten-free options: Limited — burrito bowls work best; tortillas are wheat-based
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date, but fine for a casual, low-pressure meet where food is secondary to convenience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — ordering is counter-service and seating turns over quickly, so reservations aren’t part of the flow.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors, flexible portions, and fast service make it easy for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable burritos when you want something filling without committing time or money
Skip if: You’re looking for craft-level burritos, deep customization, or a sit-down dining experience
Taco Pros
7.7
A small Old Town carry-out built for post-bars hunger: quick tacos, burritos, and bowl-style orders that land best as a midnight snack rather than a destination meal. Go simple—classic tacos plus a drink—and you’ll get the most reliable late-night value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Chicken protein bowl, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A true late-night taco counter for quick Old Town fixes.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers and night-shift eaters
When to visit: Late night, especially weekends
What to order: Steak tacos, chicken bowl, horchata
Insider tip: Keep it to tacos—skip the menu sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; availability drops late night on weekends but usually opens up after bar rush.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — bar clothes, hoodies, jeans, anything goes.
Noise level: Low — small counter space with minimal seating and quick turnover.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late night; faster if you stick to tacos
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice-and-beans plates, and build-your-own bowls.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, salsa, and veggies; confirm no dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s better as a casual post-bar bite than a sit-down, conversation-focused stop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily counter service with minimal seating, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes during earlier hours, but it’s best suited for adults late night.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos when most kitchens are closed — especially after midnight.
Skip if: You want ambiance, extended seating, or a destination-level Mexican meal.
Taco Pros
7.7
A straightforward Old Town late-night carry-out built for post-bars hunger: quick tacos and combo-style ordering that works best as a midnight snack rather than a destination meal. Go simple—classic tacos with onions/cilantro or American-style toppings—and you’ll get the most predictable value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Tacos, Three Taco Combo, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fast, no-frills tacos designed for late-night Old Town cravings.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers and night-shift eaters
When to visit: Late night, especially weekends
What to order: Steak tacos, three-taco combo, horchata
Insider tip: Keep it to tacos and a drink—skip menu sprawl for consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Old Town; meters and residential spots nearby. Late night is easier than peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — jeans, hoodies, and post-bar attire are completely fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly counter ordering and quick in-and-out traffic rather than sit-down dining.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes late night; short lines even on busy weekends.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — basic vegetarian tacos possible, but not a focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — modifications required and not always reliable late night.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — better as a casual late-night bite than a place for conversation or ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — ordering is counter-based and seating turns quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids during daytime or early evening, but the late-night crowd skews adult.
Best For
Better for: Quick, cheap late-night tacos when everything else is closed.
Skip if: You want a sit-down taco experience, strong vegetarian options, or destination-level Mexican food.
Taco Pros
7.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A late-night Old Town carry-out built for convenience—tacos, combos, and bowl-style orders that land best as a quick fix rather than a destination meal. Keep it simple with a classic taco combo and a drink for the most predictable value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Three-taco combo, Steak tacos, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Open-late taco combos that work for quick Old Town cravings.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers and night-shift eaters
When to visit: Late night, especially weekends
What to order: Three-taco combo, steak tacos, horchata
Insider tip: Order tacos + drink—skip the menu sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; limited late at night and easier on weekdays than weekends.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and late-night fits are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late night—order-focused, not conversation-driven.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late night depending on post-bar rush
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean-and-cheese tacos, rice and beans, and simple sides work.
Vegan options: Very limited—beans, rice, and veggie-only tacos; ask about tortillas and prep.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is a quick, late-night carry-out vibe better suited for food fixes than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Order at the counter; seating is limited and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine earlier in the evening for older kids who like tacos; late night skews adult and fast-paced.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, fast taco combos, and predictable value when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, standout tacos, or a daytime destination meal.
Taco Pros
7.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A late-night Old Town taco shop that works best as a quick, predictable value stop rather than a sprawling menu mission. Keep the order focused—classic street tacos, one side, and you’ll get the cleanest, most repeatable result.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Elote
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A fast Old Town taco run built for late cravings and quick value.
Who should go: Late-night eaters who want tacos fast
When to visit: After 9pm for a quick, low-commitment meal
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada burrito, elote
Insider tip: Order two to three tacos max, then add one side—don’t sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby with limited availability late evening
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and takeout-ready attire are standard
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter noise and quick in-and-out traffic
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes late night; shorter if ordering to-go
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese quesadillas, rice and beans, and veggie taco builds
Vegan options: Limited—possible with bean-based tacos and no dairy
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; cross-contact possible in a small kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a quick counter stop than a sit-and-chat setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—ordering is counter-based and seating turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who eat tacos comfortably, but limited seating and late-night focus make it less ideal for families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night value tacos, fast ordering, and predictable grab-and-go meals
Skip if: You want a full-service Mexican meal, cocktails, or a relaxed sit-down experience