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Carnicerias Guanajuato

1436 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Carnicerias Guanajuato 7.7
Wicker Park
In the back of Carnicerias Guanajuato, a full taqueria turns grocery runs into taco runs with overstuffed lengua, asada, and carnitas tacos. It’s a supermarket counter that Chicago food writers point to when they talk about how good grocery-store tacos can be.
Must-Try Dishes: Lengua Tacos, Asada Tacos, Carnitas Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.9 Service: 7.3 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Supermarket taqueria famous for generously filled lengua and asada tacos.
Who should go: Taco obsessives who love grocery-store counters and big portions.
When to visit: Daytime and early evenings while the grocery is busiest.
What to order: Lengua Tacos, Asada Tacos, Carnitas Tacos.
Insider tip: Grab salsas and fresh guacamole from the grocery side to round out your meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot shared with the grocery store; additional street parking nearby.
Dress code: Very casual — grocery-run attire is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — busy grocery activity but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait, though lines can form during peak grocery rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — cheese, veggie tacos, and sides depending on the day.
Vegan options: Very limited — request no cheese or crema, but options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available but cross-contact is likely in a casual prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your ideal date involves casual tacos and a grocery-store setting. It’s more about great food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is casual and first-come, first-served with quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed, affordable, and welcoming to families, though you’ll be dining inside a busy supermarket.
Best For
Better for: Big, generously filled tacos at budget prices and a true neighborhood hidden-gem feel.
Skip if: You want cocktails, table service, or a polished restaurant environment.
Carnicerias Guanajuato 8.2
Wicker Park
Carnicerias Guanajuato is a full Mexican grocery with a taqueria tucked into the back, turning out hefty tacos on the same line that sells butcher-cut meats. Shoppers and neighborhood regulars come for asada, lengua, and carnitas tacos that eat like full meals while staying squarely in cheap-eats territory.
Must-Try Dishes: Asada Tacos, Lengua Tacos, Carnitas Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Grocery-store taqueria turning butcher-quality meats into oversized tacos.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco fans who care more about meat than decor.
When to visit: Daytime or early evening before the taqueria line spikes.
What to order: Asada Tacos, Lengua Tacos, Carnitas Tacos.
Insider tip: Grab hot sauces and salsas from the grocery aisles to upgrade your plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Ashland/side streets; easier midday than evenings.
Dress code: Very casual — everyday clothes or grocery-run attire is totally fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it feels like a grocery store with steady taqueria traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the line at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though it can pulse around peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — occasional cheese/bean options but menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — plan ahead or confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but there’s no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, no-frills taco counters. This is more about great value and flavor than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with grocery-style seating, and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed, informal, and quick. Older kids who like tacos will be happy; there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Oversized, meat-focused tacos at very wallet-friendly prices, plus the convenience of grabbing groceries in the same stop.
Skip if: You want cocktails, a sit-down restaurant vibe, or a wider vegetarian/vegan menu.