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Taqueria Traspasada

3605 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
$
Mexican

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Taqueria Traspasada 8.0
Lakeview
A no-frills taqueria that wins on speed, portions, and salsa-driven flavor when you keep the order tight. Treat it like a street-taco run—one protein across tacos or a burrito—so the kitchen stays in its most consistent lane.
Must-Try Dishes: Tacos al pastor, Carne asada burrito, Taco de lengua
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Street-taco execution with fast turnaround and strong salsa heat.
Who should go: Anyone chasing fast, focused tacos
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner
What to order: Al pastor tacos, lengua taco, carne asada burrito
Insider tip: Choose one protein per order for the cleanest consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable during the day but tighter after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—anything comfortable works, including takeout attire.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter energy but not overwhelmingly loud.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak rush; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and rice/bean plates.
Vegan options: Limited—beans, rice, tortillas, and salsa; confirm lard-free beans when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas for tacos; avoid flour tortillas and burritos.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date, but great for a casual, no-pressure taco stop if you both value food over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service with open seating; grab food first, then a seat when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and burritos; limited seating and no kids menu, but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos with bold salsa flavor and no-frills consistency.
Skip if: You want cocktails, ambiance, or a long sit-down meal—this is about speed and execution.
Taqueria Traspasada 7.8
Lakeview
A neighborhood taqueria that rewards traditional ordering—clean tacos on corn with onion and cilantro, plus a few deeper-cut options for people who know what they’re doing. It’s not the flashiest room, but it’s a strong “keep it real” stop when you want one focused taco run late in the evening.
Must-Try Dishes: Taco Al Pastor, Taco Barbacoa, Taco Lengua
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Traditional taco-first menu with deeper-cut fillings available.
Who should go: Taco purists and late-evening locals
When to visit: Late evening, Fri–Sat
What to order: Al pastor taco, barbacoa taco, lengua taco
Insider tip: Order tacos as-is (onion/cilantro) and add salsas after the first bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable late evening but tighter on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and late-night comfort wear all fit.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late evening; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — beans, rice, and possible nopales options depending on availability.
Vegan options: Very limited — order carefully and confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortilla tacos are naturally gluten-free; confirm salsa ingredients if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going ultra-casual. It’s great for a quick taco stop, not for lingering or ambiance-driven dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is informal and first-come, and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes for older kids who eat simply; late-night hours skew adult and crowded.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward, traditional tacos with minimal distractions and reliable late-night execution.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down experience, cocktails, or a broad menu beyond classic tacos.
Taqueria Traspasada 7.8
Lakeview
A straightforward taqueria where the best move is to order like a regular: corn-tortilla tacos with a focused protein choice, then let the salsas do the heavy lifting. It’s a practical late-night stop—especially on weekends—when you want a clean taco run without turning it into a big production.
Must-Try Dishes: Carne asada tacos, Barbacoa, Taco dinner special
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Taco-first taqueria with simple execution and strong salsa support.
Who should go: Taco purists and late-night locals
When to visit: Late weekend nights
What to order: Carne asada tacos, barbacoa, taco dinner special
Insider tip: Order tacos simply, then customize with salsa negra at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight late at night, easier on side streets if you’re willing to walk a block or two.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy—jeans, hoodies, and late-night comfort wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late-night on weekends, usually line-based rather than a seated wait.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese quesadillas, rice-and-beans plates, and simple veg taco builds.
Vegan options: Limited—bean-based options work, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn-tortilla tacos are naturally gluten-free; avoid flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual. It’s quick, no-frills, and more about the food than atmosphere—great for taco chemistry, not candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Order at the counter and grab a seat as it opens up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours. Simple menu items work for kids, but late-night crowds make it better for adults after dark.
Best For
Better for: Focused taco runs, fast late-night eating, and letting salsas elevate straightforward fillings.
Skip if: You want a full-service sit-down experience, broader menus, or a more social, linger-longer vibe.
Taqueria Traspasada 7.8
Lakeview
A compact taqueria that rewards traditional, taco-first ordering and a focused protein choice. The move is to keep it simple—tacos on corn, then customize with salsa and add-ons as needed. It’s not about the room; it’s about a clean, practical taco run.
Must-Try Dishes: Carne asada tacos, Taco dinner special, Salsa negra
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Taco-first ordering with a distinctive salsa negra angle.
Who should go: Taco purists and quick bite regulars
When to visit: Weeknights or late weekend evenings
What to order: Carne asada tacos, taco dinner special, barbacoa
Insider tip: Start with tacos plain, then dial heat using salsa negra.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable on nearby residential blocks but tighter after 7pm.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small room with counter energy, easy to hear yourself think.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during late-night rush; faster turnover if dining solo.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; in-and-out is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — cheese quesadillas and basic veggie fillings if available.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with custom taco orders, but not designed for it.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard; confirm add-ons and sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping things ultra-casual. It’s more about quick tacos than atmosphere or lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t a thing here. Counter service and quick turnover keep things moving.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who know what they want. The menu is straightforward, but seating is tight and fast-paced.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward, no-frills tacos with strong salsa support and consistent value.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down service, a broader menu, or a more social dining experience.