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Tacos La Estrella
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tacos La Estrella
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Parked on York Boulevard, this longtime taco truck turns out late-night al pastor, carne asada burritos, and griddled quesadillas that draw a steady line until close. It’s classic, cash-friendly Highland Park street food with reliably fast output.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Quesadilla with al pastor
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic York Boulevard taco truck slinging al pastor deep into night.
Who should go: Night owls needing quick, satisfying tacos after bars close.
When to visit: Late evenings when the pastor trompo is freshest and busiest.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada burrito, cheesy quesadilla.
Insider tip: Bring cash and order everything at once to beat the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Blvd and adjacent residential streets; usually easy on weeknights, tighter on weekends near bar closings.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, jeans, post-gym attire all welcome.
Noise level: Outdoor street noise; you can hold a conversation, but expect cars, music, and general boulevard bustle.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on bar traffic and the pastor rush.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, though service is walk-up and fast regardless.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent—cheese quesadillas and bean-based items; customization possible.
Vegan options: Limited—bean tacos/burritos without cheese are the main option; no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact on the griddle is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date vibes with casual street food and eating while standing or at minimal seating; it’s more fun and unfussy than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or formal tables—this is a taco truck. Grab a sidewalk spot or eat in your car.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, simple meals—kids who like mild tacos or quesadillas will be fine. Just note it’s curbside with traffic nearby and no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Late-night al pastor cravings, fast service, and cheap, satisfying tacos without the wait or frills.
Skip if: You want seating, ambiance, expanded vegetarian/vegan options, or a leisurely dine-in experience.
Tacos La Estrella
8.1
Parked on York Boulevard and serving past midnight on weekends, Tacos La Estrella is a classic cash-friendly truck known for big carne asada burritos and straightforward al pastor tacos. With hundreds of reviews over the years and steady crowds late into the night, it’s one of Highland Park’s most reliable post-bar taco stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada burrito, Al pastor tacos with extra salsa, Pollo quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running York Boulevard truck with late hours and generous burritos.
Who should go: Night owls needing a quick, filling taco fix.
When to visit: Fridays and Saturdays after 10pm for prime late-night.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, al pastor tacos, pollo quesadilla.
Insider tip: Order your burrito “con todo” and ask for extra salsa on the side to customize each bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Blvd is usually available, but can get tight after 10pm on weekends. Expect to circle once or twice during peak late-night hours.
Dress code: Ultra-casual. Hoodies, jeans, post-bar attire — all totally normal.
Noise level: Moderate street noise from cars and late-night crowds, but still easy enough to hold a conversation outdoors.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the bar crowd surge.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick walk-up ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean and cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and veggie tacos if you customize.
Vegan options: Limited — bean burrito without cheese and salsa-heavy veggie tacos can work, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual street food. It’s a taco truck with sidewalk seating, so expect a laid-back, no-frills vibe rather than anything romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s a food truck with standing tables and a few outdoor spots. Everything is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes earlier in the evening, with simple menu items that kids like. Gets more hectic and crowded late at night, so families may prefer earlier hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night hunger, big portions on a budget, and reliable classics served fast.
Skip if: You want trendy toppings, craft tortillas, or a sit-down dining experience — other Highland Park spots cater more to that style.
Tacos La Estrella
8.0
Tacos La Estrella is a long-running York Boulevard truck known for griddled carne asada burritos, al pastor, and late-night quesadillas that draw a steady post-shift crowd. Prices stay low, portions are generous, and the focus is squarely on classic, comforting street-taco flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Pollo Quesadilla, Al Pastor Taco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A York Boulevard staple where late-night tacos, burritos, and quesadillas anchor the neighborhood’s street-food scene.
Who should go: Locals wanting classic street tacos after 10pm.
When to visit: Fridays and Saturdays near midnight for peak energy.
What to order: Carne asada burrito, al pastor taco, pollo quesadilla.
Insider tip: Ask for extra grilled onions and radishes; they’ll round out any late-night plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Blvd and adjacent residential streets; generally easy before 9pm but can be tight during peak late-night rush.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, sneakers, and post-shift uniforms all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s an outdoor truck setup, so conversations are easy unless there’s a late-night crowd spike.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the line, though orders move fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes, since daytime traffic is lighter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—bean and cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, and some customizable options.
Vegan options: Minimal—bean tacos or burritos without cheese, but no dedicated vegan fillings.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no separate prep area, so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for laid-back charm. It’s a taco truck with street seating, great for casual hangs but not ideal for a formal first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed or offered. Seating is first-come, first-served at the surrounding tables or curbside spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy street food and outdoor dining; younger kids may find the late-night crowds and traffic a bit chaotic.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings, classic street-taco flavors, and quick, inexpensive meals without fuss.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, expansive vegan options, or complex modern Mexican dishes.