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Taqueria Moran
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Taqueria Moran
8.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
A long-running Logan Square taqueria where plates of al pastor, carne asada, and house salsas anchor casual sit-down meals at everyday prices. It draws steady multi-platform crowds for straightforward tacos, big portions, and a reliable late-night option that still feels local rather than corporate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Carne asada taco, House cactus taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic Logan Square taqueria with deeply satisfying tacos and strong value.
Who should go: Taco traditionalists who want sit-down comfort at low prices.
When to visit: Weeknights and early weekends before peak family crowds.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, cactus taco.
Insider tip: Ask for extra house salsas and consider mixing cuts on a single plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Fullerton and nearby residential blocks; can tighten on weekend evenings but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — active family and neighborhood energy, but you can usually hold a normal conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak family hours; faster later in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — options like cactus (nopales), cheese quesadillas, and bean-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited — nopales and bean items may work, but confirm ingredients and prep.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep or separation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-key meals than special-occasion dates — it’s affordable, comfortable, and relaxed rather than atmospheric or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s a walk-in taqueria and tables turn quickly; expect brief waits only during peak weekend dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with large portions, simple plates, and a relaxed dining room; best for school-age kids and up rather than toddlers during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Classic, generously portioned tacos at wallet-friendly prices with a true neighborhood feel and dependable late-night availability.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy cocktails, modern fusion tacos, patio dining, or a more polished date-night environment.
Taqueria Moran
8.0
Taqueria Moran is a full-service Mexican standby where massive burritos share space with chilaquiles, tacos, and margaritas in a casual dining room. Portions are generous, late hours cover post-show dinners, and an unusually deep burrito section—from veggie to chile relleno—keeps regulars rotating orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito de Chile Relleno, Veggie Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood sit-down spot with an unusually deep burrito lineup.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting big-portion sit-down burritos.
When to visit: Prime for casual dinners; late evenings stay lively.
What to order: Burrito de Chile Relleno, Veggie Burrito, carne asada burrito.
Insider tip: Ask for salsa on the side to tune heat burrito-by-burrito.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; can tighten during peak dinner hours but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday attire are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during dinner but conversation is still possible at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours, especially with larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is typically immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong — multiple vegetarian burritos, tacos, and platters are regularly ordered by repeat diners.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — veggie burrito can be modified (no cheese/sour cream); confirm ingredient details with staff.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free program, but corn tortillas are available for some dishes; cross-contact likely in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than formal first dates — big portions, relaxed vibe, and bright dining-room lighting make it feel more comfortable than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly. On busy weekend evenings you may wait briefly, but most parties are seated without advance planning.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with roomy tables, simple combo plates, and portions that work well for sharing; best for elementary-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Oversized burritos, sit-down comfort-food Mexican, and late-night group meals where variety and portions matter more than trendiness.
Skip if: You’re looking for chef-driven modern Mexican, craft-cocktail programs, or ultra-light, health-focused plates.
Taqueria Moran
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Taqueria Moran is a long-running Logan Square standby where big plates, flautas, and late-night tacos draw both families and after-shift industry crews. Huge portions, fair prices, and consistently praised al pastor make it one of the neighborhood’s most relied-on cheap taco stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada dinner, Birria ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school taqueria with huge, affordable plates and dependable al pastor.
Who should go: Groups craving heaping Mexican plates and late-night tacos.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the dining room hums but moves.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada dinner, birria ramen special.
Insider tip: Portions are massive—split a platter and add extra tacos instead.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable on weekdays but can be tight during peak evenings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, but it can get lively during late-night hours.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak evening rush; faster for small groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meat-free tacos, quesadillas, and plate combinations are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be customized, but expect mostly vegetarian rather than fully vegan builds.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally corn-tortilla options, but no dedicated gluten-free prep or cross-contact controls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than romantic first dates — the focus is big plates, value pricing, and a lively taqueria feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s first-come, first-served and most groups are seated quickly outside of peak weekend nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious tables, shareable platters, and a relaxed dining room make it comfortable for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large, affordable portions, consistently strong al pastor, and reliable late-night taco runs for groups and families.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft-cocktail vibes, trend-driven tacos, or a quiet date-night setting.