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Velvet Taco

1110 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
$$
New American, Mexican

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Velvet Taco 8.3
Gold Coast
A late-night-friendly, fast-casual taco shop that leans into global, mash-up flavors rather than strict regional tradition. It works best when you order 2–3 contrasting tacos per person and let the menu’s punchy sauces and textures do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tikka Taco, Chicken Tikka, Fried Paneer Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Global-flavor tacos built for fast, late-night ordering.
Who should go: Late-night taco crews and fast-casual explorers
When to visit: After dinner hours or weekend late nights
What to order: Spicy Tikka Taco, Chicken Tikka, Fried Paneer Taco
Insider tip: Order a mix of two savory tacos plus one wildcard for contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and limited in the Gold Coast, especially late evenings and weekends. Rideshare is often easier after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and streetwear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — lively counter-service energy, not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night rush; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian tacos including paneer and veggie-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based options depending on rotation; check sauces carefully.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contamination is possible in a fast-casual kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet or post-drinks bite than a sit-down date — ordering at the counter and fast pacing keep things informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are taken; seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours — simple tacos work for kids, but late-night crowds and noise skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night eats, fast ordering, and globally inspired taco flavors you won’t find at traditional taquerias.
Skip if: You want regional authenticity, handmade tortillas, or a relaxed sit-down taco experience.
Velvet Taco 8.4
Gold Coast
A high-volume late-night taco stop with globally influenced fillings that still scratches the Mexican-craving itch after midnight. The move is to stick to their most-ordered tacos and treat it like a fast, repeatable rotation—especially on weekends when it runs deep into the night.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tikka Taco, Chicken Tikka, Fried Paneer Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume late-night tacos with a tight, repeatable hit list.
Who should go: Late-night crews who want fast tacos
When to visit: After midnight on Friday and Saturday
What to order: Spicy Tikka Taco, Chicken Tikka, Fried Paneer Taco
Insider tip: Order first, then grab a second round if hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; limited and competitive late night. Nearby public garages are a safer bet on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and trend-forward — jeans, sneakers, and going-out fits all work.
Noise level: Lively to loud late night — conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after 10pm; lines move fast due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian tacos including paneer and plant-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications; check daily specials.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas available, but cross-contact is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual or post-drinks stop than a sit-down date — fast, fun energy but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service seating, so just line up and grab a spot as it opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes. Late night skews adult with louder music and crowds.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, creative global taco flavors, and high-energy group hangs.
Skip if: You want traditional Mexican cooking, a quiet sit-down meal, or a long, relaxed dinner.
Velvet Taco 8.4
Gold Coast
A high-volume late-night taco stop where globally influenced fillings still land as craveable, repeatable taco runs after midnight. The move is to stick to the most-ordered tacos, keep the order tight, and treat it like a fast rotation—especially on Friday and Saturday when it runs deepest.
Must-Try Dishes: Rotisserie Chicken Taco, Nashville Hot Tofu Taco, Fried Paneer Taco
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8.1 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-night taco lineup built around a tight set of repeatable best-sellers.
Who should go: Late-night crews who want fast, reliable tacos
When to visit: After midnight on Friday and Saturday
What to order: Rotisserie Chicken, Nashville Hot Tofu, Fried Paneer
Insider tip: Order 2–3 tacos first, then add a second round only if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; limited availability late at night. Paid garages within a few blocks are usually the safest bet on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and flexible — jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late night — music and crowd energy make it lively but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after midnight on Friday and Saturday; lines move steadily.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; usually walk-in friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian tacos are core menu items, not afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few plant-based tacos can be ordered vegan with small adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible in a fast-paced kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual, late-night stop than a sit-down date — great energy, but fast-paced and noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service. Expect to queue during peak late-night hours, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes. After 9–10pm it shifts firmly into an adult, nightlife crowd.
Best For
Better for: Late-night reliability, fast ordering, and globally inspired taco flavors that still feel familiar.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down meal, quiet conversation, or traditional Mexican tacos with extended table service.

Hours

Monday11am - 12am
Tuesday11am - 12am
Wednesday11am - 12am
Thursday11am - 1am
Friday11am - 4am
Saturday11am - 4am
Sunday11am - 12am