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Ayayay

60 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
Mexican, Tacos

ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Loop Best Late Night Tacos in Loop Best Cheap Mexican Food in Loop Best Cheap Tacos in Loop Best Happy Hour Tacos in Loop

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Ayayay 8.1
Loop
A Loop counter-service spot that keeps the menu tight and punchy—tacos, tortas, and a few snackable starters built for fast lunch momentum. It’s at its best when you order like a repeat customer: one starter to share, then two focused handhelds instead of mixing every category.
Must-Try Dishes: Yucca balls with queso, Carne asada tacos, Chicken torta
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Counter-service Mexican built around fast, flavorful handhelds.
Who should go: Loop workers who want a quick, solid lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:30 for shorter lines
What to order: Yucca balls, carne asada tacos, chicken torta
Insider tip: Do one starter, then pick tacos or a torta—don’t split lanes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the Loop; garages nearby but expect to walk a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual and work-friendly — business casual, jeans and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak lunch but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal or no wait; this spot is more lunch-driven than dinner-focused.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak (12–1pm), little to no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable tacos, bean-based fillings, and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of taco builds can be made vegan with simple swaps.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortillas and naturally gluten-free fillings, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a long sit-down date — quick service and counter ordering keep things easy but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, so you order first and grab a spot when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who eat tacos or tortas; no kids menu or high chairs, and the lunch rush can feel hectic.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavor-forward Mexican lunches where speed and consistency matter more than atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for margaritas, a long sit-down meal, or a social dinner vibe — choose a full-service Mexican restaurant instead.

Hours

Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 11pm
Saturday11:30am - 11pm
Sunday11:30am - 8pm