ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Tacos in Harwood Heights
Master Critic Review
Taqueria Garibay
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A mall-area taqueria that works as a practical, no-drama taco stop when you want something fast and direct. It’s strongest as a quick, three-taco order with classic proteins rather than a sprawling mixed menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco (carne asada), Taco (al pastor), Taco (carnitas)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: A quick, mall-area taqueria built for straightforward taco orders.
Who should go: Shoppers and locals needing fast tacos without fuss.
When to visit: Midday for quickest turnaround and freshest flow.
What to order: Asada taco; al pastor taco; carnitas taco.
Insider tip: Order three tacos max and keep toppings simple for the best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Located by Harlem Irving Plaza — use the mall parking lots/garage and walk over; easiest access is mid-day, while weekends can feel busier near peak shopping hours.
Dress code: Ultra casual — mall attire, hoodies, jeans, and work uniforms all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate — you can talk easily, but it’s a quick-service vibe with steady foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min during peak shopping/dinner overlap; faster if you order and keep it simple.
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typically — usually a quick in-and-out stop.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — you can build a solid meal around bean/cheese basics and simple veggie-friendly fillings if available; best approach is a few straightforward tacos rather than complex custom orders.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with careful ordering (skip cheese/crema) and sticking to simple taco builds; expect fewer truly satisfying options than for meat-eaters.
Gluten-free options: Likely workable if you stick to corn-tortilla tacos and avoid flour-based items; if you’re highly sensitive, treat cross-contact as possible in a fast taqueria setting.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable tacos when you’re already in the Harlem Irving Plaza orbit — quick service, simple ordering, and a clean ‘three tacos and done’ value play.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip it if you want a destination taqueria experience, specialty cuts, or a deep salsa/topping program. Choose an alternative when you want more atmosphere, a broader menu with standout sides, or a longer sit-down meal.