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Cilantro Taco Grill
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Cilantro Taco Grill
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
Cilantro Taco Grill’s Old Town outpost brings this Jalisco-inspired fast-casual concept into a high-traffic corner at North and Sedgwick. Fresh-off-the-grill meats, hearty burritos, and surprisingly loaded carne asada fries make it a reliable option for late-night tacos, delivery runs, and casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Carne Asada Fries, Al Pastor Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fast-casual Jalisco-style tacos and burritos with serious late-night reach.
Who should go: Old Town locals craving reliable tacos and delivery.
When to visit: Late nights Friday–Saturday or anytime you need quick tacos.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, carne asada fries, al pastor burrito.
Insider tip: Build your own taco lineup, then add carne asada fries as a shared side instead of extra individual sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in Old Town; metered spots can be limited during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are (jeans, hoodies, workout gear all fine).
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy earlier, louder late at night and during rush periods.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait, though short lines can form during late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, burritos, and bowls can be built to order.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with veggie fillings and no dairy, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but cross-contamination is likely in a casual kitchen setting.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than formal dates — think quick tacos before a movie or drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — counter-service ordering with open seating; no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and relaxed seating make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, burritos with generous fillings, and quick counter-service meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Mexican dining, chef-driven menus, or a long sit-down experience.
Cilantro Taco Grill
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A bright, counter-service Old Town stop that wins on speed and a straightforward build-your-order system. Treat it like a repeatable taco dinner or quesabirria-style run—fast, filling, and best when you keep the order tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak taco, Taco dinner, Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fast-casual tacos that are built to be reordered the same way.
Who should go: Anyone who wants quick tacos
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner
What to order: Steak taco, taco dinner, quesadilla
Insider tip: Choose one protein across your order for consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Old Town blocks; can be tight after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, workout clothes all fit in easily.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service hum, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a short line
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice-and-beans plates, cheese quesadillas.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, veggies, and corn tortillas; confirm no dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and bowl-style orders work well; confirm sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual. It’s better for a quick taco run than a sit-down date vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, and turnover is fast even during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick food, and easy seating make it good for kids, especially elementary-age and up.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos you can order the same way every time without thinking.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down service, margaritas, or a lingering dining experience.
Cilantro Taco Grill
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A fast-casual Old Town stop that hits during happy hour hours when you want speed, value, and repeatable orders. Treat it like a tight taco-and-quesadilla run, and it delivers a dependable, no-fuss meal before you move on.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Quesabirria, Taco dinner plate
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fast, filling Mexican plates that stay consistent when you keep it simple.
Who should go: Anyone who wants quick tacos without the wait
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening for fastest pickup
What to order: Steak tacos, quesabirria, taco dinner
Insider tip: Choose one protein across your order for the most consistent win.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby Old Town streets; usually manageable during daytime and early evening, tighter after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service atmosphere with light kitchen noise, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice-and-bean plates, and customizable builds.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, salsa, and grilled vegetables if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortillas and bowl-style orders; cross-contact possible in a fast-casual kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a romantic first date — quick service and counter ordering keep things informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, so reservations aren’t needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu items, quick turnaround, and a relaxed vibe work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, repeatable taco and quesadilla runs where speed, value, and consistency matter more than ambiance.
Skip if: You want a sit-down happy hour with cocktails, table service, or a linger-longer social vibe.