Best Quick Bites Champions Mexican Restaurants in Near North Side
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Burrito Beach
A Chicago-born Mexican grill balancing speed, customizability, and fresher ingredients.
Notable Picks
8.4
Burrito Beach’s Ohio Street location is a fast-casual staple for toasted burritos, bowls, and tacos built with fresher-than-average ingredients. High-volume lunch lines from nearby offices and hotels speak to its role as Streeterville’s reliable, customizable Mexican grill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toasted Burritos, Beach Bowls, Crispy Quesadillas
What makes it special: A Chicago-born Mexican grill balancing speed, customizability, and fresher ingredients.
#2
Velvet Taco
8.3
A late-night-friendly, fast-casual taco shop that leans into global, mash-up flavors rather than strict regional tradition. It works best when you order 2–3 contrasting tacos per person and let the menu’s punchy sauces and textures do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tikka Taco, Chicken Tikka, Fried Paneer Taco
What makes it special: Global-flavor tacos built for fast, late-night ordering.
Worthy Picks
#3
Tallboy Taco
7.8
Opened in 2020 by the Lettuce Entertain You team, Tallboy Taco is a Streeterville counter-service spot for Californian-style tacos, nachos, and margaritas with a sizeable patio. The food leans more toward convenient than destination-worthy, but its $3 taco Sundays and all-day happy hour deals make it one of the more social taco options in 60611.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Crispy Fish Taco, Masa-Crusted Avocado Taco
What makes it special: A modern Streeterville taco counter from a major local restaurant group, pairing California-influenced tacos with margaritas and a busy patio.
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Beat Kitchen Cantina brings locally run taco-bar energy to Navy Pier with smoked pork belly, jerk pork, and chicken fajita tacos plus strong margaritas. It’s a counter-service option that feels more independent than most pier choices, trading polish for hearty portions and quick bites between attractions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Fajita Taco, Smoked Pork Belly Taco, Chips and Guacamole
What makes it special: Independent taco counter at Navy Pier with bolder fillings than most tourist options.