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Mary's Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Mary's Taqueria
8.1
Tucked on Canalport in East Pilsen, Mary’s Taqueria is a counter-service spot praised for its tacos, creamy green salsa, and affordable plates. It functions as an everyday neighborhood taqueria where regulars come for quick taco dinners, breakfast plates, and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Taco Dinner with Elote
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Under-the-radar corner taqueria known for standout tacos, house salsas, and very fair pricing.
Who should go: Taco fans chasing affordable, everyday counter-service Mexican.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before the small space fills up.
What to order: Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Taco Dinner with elote.
Insider tip: Don’t skip the creamy green salsa—regulars treat it as mandatory with tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Canalport and nearby residential blocks; generally manageable but can tighten during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — everyday streetwear and jeans are totally fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small room with counter traffic, but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on takeout volume; seating is limited so some orders may be to-go during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; occasional short line during neighborhood lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — bean, cheese, and veggie-focused items depending on the day; ask staff to confirm fillings and preparation.
Vegan options: Limited — a few taco or plate builds can be made without cheese or crema, but substitutions are informal and cross-contact is possible.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are the default for most tacos, but the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment; sensitive diners should exercise caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key meetup than a formal first date — it’s counter-service, compact, and more about great tacos than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations and seating is first-come, first-served; during busy times many guests opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual, quick, and affordable; best suited for older kids who can manage counter seating and a small dining area (no dedicated kids menu).
Best For
Better for: Everyday taco runs, value pricing, quick counter-service meals, and standout house salsas that regulars treat as part of the experience.
Skip if: You want a full-service Mexican restaurant with cocktails, lots of seating, or a longer sit-down experience.
Mary's Taqueria
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Marys Taqueria is a low-frills East Pilsen/Canalport taqueria known for carne asada and al pastor tacos, tortas, and hearty breakfast plates like chilaquiles. Pricing stays firmly in budget territory, and locals rely on it for quick counter-service tacos and takeout from early in the day through dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A modest storefront taqueria turning out well-seasoned tacos and breakfast plates at very friendly prices.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals who care more about flavor than decor.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner when the grill is busiest and freshest.
What to order: Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, a side of chilaquiles.
Insider tip: Go early on weekends for chilaquiles and add a couple of tacos to make it a full meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby industrial/residential blocks; usually manageable mid-day but can be tighter during weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and workwear are totally normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service environment where solo diners can comfortably eat or take food to go.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; brief 5–10 minute pause during peak takeout bursts.
Weekday lunch: Short wait of 5–15 minutes when grill orders stack up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — cheese quesadillas, egg/chilaquiles plates, and bean-focused tacos depending on daily prep.
Vegan options: Limited — possible bean or veggie tacos, but confirm whether beans or rice contain lard or animal stock.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are typically gluten-friendly, but there is no dedicated prep area and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your priority is great, inexpensive tacos in a casual setting — it’s more practical than atmospheric or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; tables are first-come and many guests order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for daytime visits — simple seating and approachable menu items, though space is limited and there are no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Value-focused taco runs, quick solo meals, and straightforward breakfast plates without paying for ambiance.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience with alcohol, patio seating, or a trendier dining room — choose a larger full-service taqueria instead.
Mary's Taqueria
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Mary's Taqueria is a family-run counter inside a small Pilsen grocery space, known for inexpensive tacos and generously stuffed burritos. Locals come for carne asada and al pastor wrapped in warm tortillas, eating at simple tables or taking foil-wrapped burritos to go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Taco, Chorizo Sope
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Grocery-attached taqueria serving big, affordable burritos with true neighborhood feel.
Who should go: Budget-focused diners who prioritize flavor over atmosphere.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner before the small space fills.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, al pastor tacos, chorizo sope.
Insider tip: Bring cash backup; card minimums and fees can vary by visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; usually easier earlier in the day, but can be tight during dinner hours and weekends. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual — everyday wear is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — typically quiet enough to eat and chat at the small tables.
Weekend wait: Short counter line at times; usually 5–15 minutes for food.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, though seats may fill briefly at peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean, cheese, and veggie fillings are available and can be built into burritos, tacos, or sopes.
Vegan options: Limited — possible to build a vegan plate or burrito with beans, veggies, and no cheese/sour cream, but options are not explicitly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are available for tacos and sopes, but burritos use flour tortillas and there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a very casual, low-key meal — it’s a small grocery-adjacent counter space with simple seating and a focus on quick food rather than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Seating is limited, so you may need to wait briefly or take your burrito to go during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals — portions are generous and service is fast, but space is tight and there are no kids’ menus or dedicated amenities.
Best For
Better for: Big, affordable burritos and tacos with a true neighborhood feel, especially for quick solo meals or takeout.
Skip if: You want a roomy dine-in experience, larger group seating, or a broader menu with plated entrees and table service.
Mary's Taqueria
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucked into a corner storefront at Canalport and Loomis, Mary’s Taqueria runs on inexpensive tacos, oversized burritos, and chilaquiles that draw regulars from nearby warehouses and Pilsen’s eastern edge. Prices stay firmly in the budget range, but the cooking—especially the grilled meats and house salsas—gets the kind of praise usually reserved for destination taquerias.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Burrito Taquero, Chilaquiles verdes with eggs
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Corner-store taqueria with $-level pricing, grilled-to-order meats, and citywide shoutouts for its tacos and creamy green salsa.
Who should go: Din ers chasing serious tacos on a tight budget.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before the small dining area fills.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor burrito Taquero, chilaquiles verdes.
Insider tip: Pair your order with horchata or aguas frescas and grab extra salsa verde—it’s one of the main reasons locals send people here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Canalport and nearby side streets; generally easier mid-day, but limited during weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual — workwear and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle, but you can usually hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes at peak; many guests do takeout which keeps the line moving.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the small dining area can fill briefly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean and cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and meat-free chilaquiles can be made on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be made vegan by skipping cheese/sour cream; no dedicated vegan prep.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but the kitchen is not a dedicated GF environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-key meals than formal dates — it’s counter-service, small, and focused on great tacos over atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is first-come and limited, with takeout as a reliable fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — simple menu, counter service, and short visits work well, but there are no high chairs or kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly tacos and burritos with grilled-meat flavor and standout salsa verde in a no-frills setting.
Skip if: You want table service, large-group seating, alcohol, or a linger-over-dinner experience.