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Antique Taco
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Antique Taco
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
Antique Taco is a design-forward taqueria where market-driven fillings, horchata, and seasonal sides turn tacos into a sit-down meal. Wicker Park regulars lean on it for composed plates and cocktails when they want something more polished than a grab-and-go counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Taco, Fish Tempura Taco, Potato Poblano Taco
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chef-y tacos with composed toppings in a stylish, cozy space.
Who should go: Diners who want creative tacos and a sit-down experience.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner before peak lines build up.
What to order: Steak Taco, Fish Tempura Taco, Potato Poblano Taco.
Insider tip: Pair tacos with horchata-based drinks or cocktails for the full experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect competition during peak hours along Milwaukee and Division.
Dress code: Casual and stylish — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed outfits fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but you can usually hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait, though lines can form at peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, including composed veggie tacos and sides.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some dishes can be modified; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some items are naturally gluten-friendly, but confirm tortilla and prep details with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it has a cozy, design-forward vibe and creative tacos that feel casual but still special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in friendly, but expect lines during prime weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are shareable, and the casual setting works well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Creative chef-style tacos, polished atmosphere, and seasonal drinks.
Skip if: You want late-night street-style tacos or the absolute lowest-price quick bite.
Antique Taco
8.7
Antique Taco is a Wicker Park counter-service spot where market-driven fillings, seasonal salsas, and aguas frescas are served in a design-forward space with a small dog-friendly patio. Regulars treat it as a quick stop for fried chicken or fish tacos that feel more chef-driven than typical taqueria fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Grilled Shrimp Taco, Fish Tempura Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Chef-minded tacos and sides served fast in a small, dog-friendly patio setting.
Who should go: Taco fans who want creative flavors without a long sit-down.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings to beat the line.
What to order: Fried Chicken Taco, Grilled Shrimp Taco, seasonal agua fresca.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then snag a patio table so your dog can settle while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; it can be competitive during peak dining hours along Milwaukee and Division.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — patio-friendly attire is totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — indoor counter area can get busy, but patio tables usually allow easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak rush depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, sides, and rotating taco fillings often include vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but choices are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas help, but cross-contact is likely in a casual kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for casual and low-pressure — the patio and creative tacos keep it fun without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating, but patio tables go quickly during nice weather.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, outdoor seating works well with strollers, and the food is approachable for tweens and up.
Best For
Better for: Creative tacos, quick service, and a relaxed, dog-friendly patio environment.
Skip if: You want a full-service dining experience, strong margarita program, or a completely gluten-free operation.
Antique Taco
8.3
Antique Taco’s original Wicker Park counter-service location pairs market-driven tacos with potent margaritas that regularly land on local drink lists. Happy hour here leans more toward economical pitchers and quarts of cocktails with creative tacos than a traditional bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato and Poblano Taco, Crispy Fish Taco, Steak Taco
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos and strong margaritas in a casual, design-minded space.
Who should go: Friends chasing creative tacos and efficient drinks.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon before dinner lines build.
What to order: Potato and Poblano Taco, Crispy Fish Taco, house margarita.
Insider tip: Use quarts or pitchers of margaritas to keep happy hour costs predictable for groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but can be limited during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — you can chat comfortably, but it can get lively during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several tacos and sides are veggie-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — a couple tacos can be made vegan with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos are naturally gluten friendly, but cross-contact is possible due to shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and casual. The counter-service format keeps it relaxed, but it still feels stylish enough for a fun meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s all walk-in only. During peak hours you may need to wait for a table to open, but turnover is usually steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual service and tacos work well for families, though seating is limited and it’s best for kids who can sit comfortably at a small table.
Best For
Better for: Creative tacos and strong margaritas in a laid-back, design-forward space rather than a rowdy bar atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a traditional sit-down restaurant with table service or a very quiet, lingering dinner experience.
Antique Taco
8.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Antique Taco’s Wicker Park flagship pairs market-driven tacos and salads with a cozy, vintage-inspired dining room that works well for families. Parents get creative cocktails and kale salads while kids dig into crispy tacos, chips, and elote without anything feeling fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Antique Taco Salad, Crispy fish or chicken tacos, Elote with crema and queso fresco
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Design-forward taqueria where polished tacos still feel kid-friendly.
Who should go: Families wanting better-than-average tacos and salads.
When to visit: Early dinner or off-peak lunch to avoid long lines.
What to order: Antique Taco Salad, crispy fish tacos, elote.
Insider tip: Mix tacos and a salad to share so everyone can sample more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; can be limited during peak dining hours and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and family-friendly attire are all perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but usually still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; grab-and-go is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos, salads, and sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some customizations possible, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos and salads can be prepared gluten-friendly; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual, stylish, and relaxed, though conversation can be lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in based, but expect a wait during peak meal times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — counter service, approachable food, and a relaxed vibe make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Creative tacos in a cozy, design-forward space that still feels approachable for families.
Skip if: You want a quiet, formal sit-down dinner or have strict vegan dining needs.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm