ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in Goose Island & River West
Master Critic Review
Taqueria Giannes
7.5
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A very new, under-the-radar taqueria entry where the early signal points to classic tacos and tortas backed by aguas frescas. With minimal public review volume so far, it’s best treated as a fresh discovery—try a tight order and come back once you’ve found your go-to protein.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos, Tortas, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A brand-new taqueria in River West with tacos, tortas, and aguas frescas.
Who should go: Adventurous locals chasing new neighborhood openings.
When to visit: Early dinner to test it calmly.
What to order: Tacos; torta; horchata.
Insider tip: Start small—one taco plus one torta before scaling up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking (metered/side streets). Expect it to get tighter after ~6pm; plan a 5–10 minute buffer or be ready to loop once.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and hoodies are totally fine.
Noise level: Low to Moderate — generally easy to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 0-10 min typically (new/low-volume spot), with occasional short pops during peak.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically (order-and-go friendly).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — you can usually go veggie via beans/cheese-forward builds and simpler taco setups, but expect fewer named veggie specialties.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with careful ordering (skip dairy/crema/cheese), but not a deep vegan menu yet.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — corn-tortilla tacos are the safest move; avoid flour-tortilla items and ask about cross-contact if you’re sensitive.
Best For
Better for: Trying a brand-new, under-the-radar taqueria without spending much. Great for quick taco+torta combos and a refreshing agua fresca add-on.
Consider Alternatives If: You need a proven ‘best in class’ taco spot with heavy review validation, or you’re looking for a full-service sit-down vibe. Choose a more established taqueria when consistency is the priority.