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El Pique Taco Truck
Master Critic Review
El Pique Taco Truck
8.0
Parked near York and Avenue 53, El Pique Taco Truck is a late-night Highland Park standby for generously stuffed burritos, asada and carnitas tacos, and a cult-favorite red salsa. Open into the early morning hours, it’s a natural spillover happy-hour and post-shift stop when you want fast, flavorful street-style Mexican without leaving the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada street tacos with red salsa, All-meat carnitas burrito, Chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Cash-only taco truck with legendary red salsa and late hours.
Who should go: Night owls needing quick, filling tacos after drinks.
When to visit: Post-happy-hour or late night when the line moves fast.
What to order: Asada tacos, carnitas burrito, chicken quesadilla.
Insider tip: Ask for extra red salsa and plan for cash-only payment.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on York and the surrounding residential blocks is usually available, though it can be tight during peak bar hours. No valet or lot.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and post-shift attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate street noise; easy to chat while waiting but it’s a grab-and-go truck, not a dine-in setting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, depending on bar spillover traffic.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or just a few minutes since it’s primarily an evening/late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and customizable veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited—bean tacos/burritos without cheese are possible, but options are basic with no specialty vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely since it’s a compact truck kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your first date vibe is casual, spontaneous, and street-food-loving. Great for a fun, low-pressure stop after drinks; not ideal if you want ambiance or seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—this is a taco truck. Plan to eat standing, curbside, or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites—kids who like simple tacos or quesadillas will be fine. There’s no seating, restrooms, or space for strollers, so it’s best for older kids or short stops.
Best For
Better for: Late-night eats, large portions for the price, fast service, and a standout spicy red salsa that regulars swear by.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, extensive vegan options, beer/margaritas, or a quieter setting with amenities.