ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in Roseland
Master Critic Review
Shorty's Mexican Grill
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A casual Michigan Ave grill that works best for a quick taco run—simple builds, familiar flavors, and an order that moves fast when you keep it tight. Go for the pastor-style taco and a salsa-led finish rather than spreading across the whole menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Steak taco, Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A quick taco-and-salsa stop on Michigan Ave for simple, fast orders.
Who should go: Solo diners and quick lunch seekers
When to visit: Midday for fastest turnaround
What to order: Al pastor taco, steak taco, chips and salsa
Insider tip: Stick to two tacos—add chips only if you’ll eat them immediately.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Michigan Ave and nearby side streets; usually manageable midday, but can tighten up during after-work and early evening. Plan for a short walk if you arrive during peak local traffic.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodie, jeans, work clothes, and sneakers all fit in perfectly.
Noise level: Low to moderate—generally easy to have a normal conversation, with brief spikes during rushes.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min typical; can stretch to ~25 min during a rush if the kitchen is backed up.
Weekday lunch: No wait to 5 min typical; fastest if you keep the order simple.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—buildable options like bean-and-cheese style tacos/burritos and veggie-forward fillings depending on the day; best to confirm toppings and salsa ingredients at the counter.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with beans, grilled veggies (if available), and salsa; avoid cheese/crema and double-check rice/beans preparation before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn-tortilla tacos can work, but cross-contact risk is likely in a compact grill setup. If you’re highly sensitive, this is a 'use caution' spot rather than a guaranteed-safe one.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive taco runs with straightforward flavors—especially when you want a quick pastor/steak taco fix without overthinking the order.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full-service sit-down meal, craft-level tacos, or strict dietary controls (especially gluten-sensitive). In those cases, choose a more specialized taqueria or a restaurant with clearer allergen handling.