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Aztec Dave's Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Aztec Dave's Cantina
8.4
Aztec Dave’s Cantina is the brick-and-mortar evolution of a popular food truck, serving birria, guajillo shrimp tacos, and tortas alongside agave-heavy cocktails. Humboldt Park regulars use it as a game-day bar and dinner stop when they want upgraded tacos with a full bar and TVs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, Guajillo Shrimp Taco, Carne Asada Torta
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Food-truck-born cantina with standout birria tacos and a serious tequila program.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos with cocktails and sports on TV.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for full bar energy and kitchen output.
What to order: Birria Tacos, Guajillo Shrimp Taco, Carne Asada Torta.
Insider tip: Ask about birria specials and consider sharing tortas and nachos family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be limited during peak evening hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are common, but going slightly dressy fits the vibe too
Noise level: Lively — conversations are possible but expect bar energy, especially during games
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, depending on events and weather
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — veggie tacos and sides are available but not the focus
Vegan options: Limited — modifications may be possible, but dedicated vegan entrées are sparse
Gluten-free options: Many tacos can be made gluten-friendly on corn tortillas, but cross-contact is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something upbeat and social with strong cocktails. It’s less ideal for quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect to wait on weekends or game nights. Arrive early or plan for the bar while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings are fine for families, but the vibe leans adult once the bar scene and TVs ramp up.
Best For
Better for: Agave cocktails, birria tacos, and a buzzy sports-bar atmosphere with upgraded food
Skip if: You want a quiet taco meal, budget-friendly pricing, or a primarily vegan-leaning menu
Aztec Dave's Cantina
8.3
Aztec Dave's Cantina grew from a long-running food truck into a Humboldt Park brick-and-mortar where burritos, tacos, and cocktails share a lively cantina setting. It’s the move when you want loaded burritos alongside margaritas, elotes, and a playlist built for lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Gordo, Aztec Breakfast Burrito, Guajillo Shrimp Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Food-truck-born burritos and cocktails in a mural-lined cantina.
Who should go: Friends or dates wanting burritos plus drinks and music.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the bar and patio buzz.
What to order: Burrito Gordo, guajillo shrimp burrito, Aztec Breakfast Burrito.
Insider tip: Start with elotes and a mezcal cocktail before burritos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; it can be competitive during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Lively — conversations are doable but expect music and bar energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several burritos and tacos can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but options are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-conscious; confirm with staff for specifics.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the fun cantina vibe, cocktails, and upbeat playlist make it relaxed and social rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially weeknights, but expect waits during prime weekend hours. Arriving earlier helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome earlier in the evening, but the vibe skews adult and bar-forward later at night.
Best For
Better for: A lively night out with cocktails and loaded burritos in a fun, social setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key burrito spot or fast counter-service experience.
Aztec Dave's Cantina
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Late Night Legends
Aztec Dave's Cantina grew out of a longtime food truck and now anchors a California Avenue corner with tacos, quesabirria, bowls, and margaritas. Prices sit higher than bare-bones taquerias, but the three-taco combos, loaded fries, and creative fillings keep it in the accessible, social-night-out zone rather than full-on splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Tacos combo, Quesabirria, Beer Battered Cod Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 6.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Food-truck-born cantina with three-taco combos and strong margaritas.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos plus drinks without a huge bill.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the bar energy is up.
What to order: 3 Tacos combo, Quesabirria, Beer Battered Cod Taco.
Insider tip: Use the taco combo to mix meats, then share a loaded appetizer for value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along California Ave and nearby residential blocks; can be competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed outfits are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — expect music and bar chatter, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian tacos and bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is likely in the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and social with drinks. It’s lively rather than intimate, so it suits laid-back dates more than quiet, romantic ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes — most guests walk in. Expect short waits on busy evenings, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families earlier in the evening. Later at night it skews more toward a bar-energy crowd.
Best For
Better for: Group taco nights with cocktails, creative fillings, and a social vibe rather than bare-bones taqueria dining.
Skip if: You want the absolute cheapest tacos in the neighborhood or a quiet, low-key meal.