ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Tacos in Near West Side
Master Critic Review
Green Dragon Taco
7.9
A BYOB-leaning neighborhood taco spot that plays with non-traditional fillings alongside familiar formats, making it best for a casual, try-a-few-tacos night. Go in with a sampler mindset, prioritize the tacos that get the most consistent praise, and treat the experience as more about variety than perfection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod taco, Smoked turkey taco, Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A BYOB taco room built for trying a wide mix of fillings.
Who should go: Friends who like to sample
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest seating
What to order: Cod taco, smoked turkey taco, guacamole
Insider tip: Order a spread of tacos first; add sides only after you find favorites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on nearby side streets; easiest move is to circle 1–2 blocks and be prepared for a short walk. Parking tightens up during weekend dinner hours and around hospital-shift change times.
Dress code: Casual trendy—jeans and sneakers totally fine, but you’ll also see people in a slightly dressed-up “night out” look. Come as you are, just aim neat.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough to feel energetic, but you can still hold a normal conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min at peak times without a reservation, faster if you come early
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or 5–10 min tops
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—easy to build a vegetarian taco combo (beans/veg-based fillings) and you can lean on guac + sides to round it out.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering, but expect to modify (skip cheese/creamy sauces). Best for vegans who are flexible rather than strict no-cross-contact diners.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortilla tacos can work, but cross-contact is possible in a taco kitchen. Ask for corn tortillas and keep it simple (protein + salsa) for the safest play.
Best For
Better for: Trying variety in one sitting—this is a sampler-friendly taco spot with a more playful, non-traditional streak than most Cheap Tacos options in the area. It’s also strong for groups that want to order a spread and share.
Consider Alternatives If: If you want ultra-traditional street tacos, high-consistency perfection, or a true “one best taco” destination. Choose a simpler, classics-first taqueria when you want maximum reliability over experimentation.