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La Cocina
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Cocina
7.9
La Cocina at Wells and Washington is a family-owned Loop staple serving tacos, tortas, breakfast plates, and combo dinners in a small, no-frills room under the El. Commuters and office regulars rely on it for affordable taco dinners, chilaquiles, and tamales that land hot and fast during busy lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
La Cocina Super Taco, Taco Dinner with steak or al pastor, Chilaquiles with red or green salsa
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running, family-run Mexican counter where inexpensive taco plates and chilaquiles fuel Loop workers.
Who should go: Office workers craving classic tacos and combo plates on a budget.
When to visit: Early or mid-lunch to dodge the tight peak-hour line.
What to order: La Cocina Super Taco, steak Taco Dinner, green-salsa chilaquiles.
Insider tip: Dine in rather than taking out if you want complimentary chips and salsa and your food straight off the griddle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Loop is limited and metered; most guests use nearby paid garages or arrive by CTA since it sits under the El.
Dress code: Casual and office-casual — jeans, sneakers, and work attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate at peak lunch (El trains + counter traffic); brief conversations are fine but it’s not a lingering, quiet room.
Weekend wait: Often minimal or not applicable — hours can be limited on weekends and evenings, so check ahead if planning a visit.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak rush; the line moves quickly and tables turn fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — items like chilaquiles, bean/cheese tacos, and customizable plates can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request beans and vegetables without cheese or sour cream, but there isn’t a dedicated vegan section.
Gluten-free options: Some corn-tortilla items may work for gluten-avoidant diners, but the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — it’s counter-service, compact, and geared toward fast, affordable meals rather than ambiance. Better for a casual, low-key lunch if both people value simplicity and speed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Seating is limited, so during peak lunch you may wait briefly for a table or grab-and-go instead.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for quick meals with older kids; seating is tight and amenities are minimal, so it’s not designed for long family dinners or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive taco plates and breakfast-style combos in the Loop with generous portions and quick turnaround during busy workday hours.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner with alcohol or atmosphere, need extensive vegan or gluten-free assurances, or prefer leisurely, lingering meals.
La Cocina
7.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
A sit-down-leaning Loop Mexican room that still moves with weekday pacing, making it useful when you want a real burrito plate instead of pure fast-casual assembly. The win is a sauced, smothered-style burrito order and a simple side—treat it like a structured lunch, not a quick snack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Suizo, Chicken burrito, Huevos rancheros
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A Loop Mexican dining room that does burritos in a plated, sit-down format.
Who should go: Lunch meetups that want a real table.
When to visit: Weekdays after 1pm for calmer service.
What to order: Burrito Suizo, chicken burrito, huevos rancheros.
Insider tip: Go with a sauced burrito order—best payoff for the wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Street parking is limited and metered; nearby public garages are the most reliable option during weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual works well—office attire, jeans with a nice top are fine.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation is easy at lunch, slightly louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday lunch destination.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait after 1pm; short waits possible during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable burritos and meat-free plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can be accommodated with bean, rice, and vegetable combinations if you skip dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas and rice-based plates are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meet than a romantic first date. It’s comfortable and relaxed, but more practical than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are standard, especially after the peak lunch window.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a low-key way—simple plates and mild flavors work for older kids, but there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Plated, sit-down burrito lunches with sauces and sides—stronger choice when you want a real table and a slower, more structured meal.
Skip if: You’re in a hurry or want a fully customizable fast-casual burrito—assembly-line counters will be quicker.