ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Near West Side
Master Critic Review
This Little Goat
7.8
A stadium-based taqueria concept that leans into bold, chef-driven flavor combinations—best as an “upgrade your game-night food” stop rather than a traditional sit-down meal. Go for the signature short rib-style tacos and share a dip, then keep expectations realistic on service flow during events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib tacos, Korean chicken tacos, Avocado dip with chips
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Chef-driven tacos inside the United Center for event nights.
Who should go: Game-night crowds who want better-than-average tacos.
When to visit: Arrive early before intermission rushes.
What to order: Short rib tacos, Korean chicken tacos, avocado dip.
Insider tip: Order before the big rush to avoid long waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: United Center / arena-area parking (paid lots and garages are the main move). Street parking is limited and gets difficult fast on event nights—plan to arrive early or use rideshare if you’re trying to keep it low-stress.
Dress code: Casual game-night attire. Jerseys, hoodies, and jeans all fit the vibe—no need to dress up unless you want to.
Noise level: Loud and high-energy during events—expect arena volume. This is more 'quick chat + eat' than a long conversation spot.
Weekend wait: 20–45 min during event windows (can spike longer right before games and during intermissions).
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait when there isn’t an event; timing depends on what’s open that day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — you can typically build a solid vegetarian order by choosing veggie-forward tacos/sides and skipping meat add-ons. Best approach: pick 1–2 items and keep it simple.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not the most vegan-first experience. Expect to rely on a couple of customizable options rather than a deep vegan lineup.
Gluten-free options: Some options may work (corn-tortilla-style items and bowls), but cross-contact is a real risk in a fast-paced arena setup—only choose this if you’re comfortable with a shared-kitchen environment.
Best For
Better for: Upgraded arena food with bolder, chef-driven taco flavors (the kind of place that feels like a noticeable step above standard stadium concessions). Great for sharing a dip + 2–3 tacos and getting back to the event fast.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a relaxed sit-down Mexican meal, consistent pacing, or a quieter dining experience. On heavy event nights, service flow and lines can become the main storyline—choose a neighborhood taqueria instead if the game isn’t the priority.