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El Taco Toro

1415 W Irving Park Rd Ste A, Chicago, IL 60613
$$
Mexican

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

El Taco Toro 7.5
Lakeview
A newer, fast-casual taco shop format that’s most useful when you want a quick, modern taco run with minimal waiting. It performs best when you keep the order tight—two or three tacos and one side—so everything stays crisp and hot. The room is simple and geared toward takeout flow.
Must-Try Dishes: Birria tacos, Quesabirria, Carne asada tacos's
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.5 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Fast-casual taco focus designed for quick ordering and takeout.
Who should go: People who want a quick taco run
When to visit: Early evening or quick late bite
What to order: Birria tacos, quesabirria, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Keep it to tacos plus one side so the order lands together.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 6pm, especially on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to have a conversation, especially off-peak.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; often shorter for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable-forward tacos and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable fillings; ask about dairy-free prep.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date, especially if you keep it short and taco-focused. It’s more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is quick. Most people order and eat without much waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and quesadillas; there’s no dedicated kids menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Quick, modern taco runs when you want speed, clean flavors, and minimal commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Mexican meal with atmosphere, margaritas, or a long group hang.
El Taco Toro 7.5
Lakeview
A newer, streamlined taco shop format that works best as a quick, modern taco run with minimal friction. The smart play is to order two or three tacos and one side so everything lands together and stays crisp and hot.
Must-Try Dishes: Birria tacos, Carne asada tacos, Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.7 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Fast-casual taco focus designed for quick ordering and takeout.
Who should go: People who want a quick taco run
When to visit: Early evening or quick late bite
What to order: Birria tacos, carne asada tacos, chips and salsa
Insider tip: Keep it to tacos plus one side so the order lands together.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be tight during evening rush, easier earlier or later at night.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; often faster if ordering solo or takeout.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetarian-friendly sides and occasional meat-free taco options depending on menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—best suited for simple custom orders rather than full vegan meals.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla tacos available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet-up than a long sit-down date. It works if the goal is quick food and easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in, fast-casual setup. Tables turn quickly, especially if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and simple menus, but there aren’t dedicated kids’ amenities or activities.
Best For
Better for: Quick, modern taco runs where speed and simplicity matter more than atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service sit-down Mexican meal or a destination dining experience.