ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Near West Side
Master Critic Review
Raymond's Tacos
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A small, mostly takeout-focused Mexican stop that’s best used as a grab-and-go taco and burrito counter rather than a dine-in destination. When it hits, it delivers straightforward late-day fuel at a friendly price point, especially if you stick to the crowd-pleasing basics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Steak burrito, Steak sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A no-frills taco-and-burrito counter that’s priced for repeat visits.
Who should go: Takeout-first diners and budget taco seekers
When to visit: Early evening before the late rush
What to order: Al pastor tacos, steak burrito, steak sandwich
Insider tip: Order for pickup and plan to eat offsite—space is limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only (metered/residential depending on the block). It’s usually manageable for a quick pickup, but can tighten up during early evening rush—plan on a short loop or a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Ultra-casual. Come as you are—hoodie, work clothes, or gym gear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Mostly a grab-and-go counter, so it’s not a loud dining room—just brief ordering chatter.
Weekend wait: 10–20 min typical for takeout pace (longer if a small rush hits).
Weekday lunch: 0–10 min most days—quick in-and-out if you know your order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but doable—stick to bean-and-cheese style builds, rice/beans, or veggie-loaded tacos if available. Best move: ask for no meat and add extra beans/veg for value.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with custom ordering (no meat, no cheese, no crema). Works better as a simple bean/veg burrito or taco situation than a full spread.
Gluten-free options: Some options possible (corn-tortilla tacos are the most likely path), but cross-contact is a real risk in a small, fast counter. If you’re highly sensitive, this is a caution pick—ask before ordering.
Best For
Better for: Cheap, fast Mexican cravings when you want straightforward tacos/burritos without paying ‘trendy taco’ prices. Strongest use case is quick pickup fuel—especially if you stick to the reliable basics like al pastor and steak builds.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip if you want a comfortable dine-in setup, polished service, or big customization clarity for dietary needs. Also skip if you’re trying to impress someone—this is a value play, not a vibes play.