You know when that certain craving hits that won’t stop until it’s cured? There’s no doubt that Mexican food is one those things in America we just can’t get enough of, and Illinois is one of the best places to quench that “thirst.” This taco bucket list showcases the best places to beat that craving.
This ethnic-inspired delight has been an American staple for decades. Keep scrolling for the best tacos in the state.
- Tacos v Nieves Calvilla (501 N Vermilion Street Suite A in Danville)
Facebook/Tacos y Nieves Calvillo
Facebook/Tacos y Nieves Calvillo East of Champaign, near our border with Indiana, sits this hole-in-the-wall Mexican food joint that locals love to call home. The environment and staff are friendly, and the menu includes tortas, burritos, and quesadillas in addition to tacos.
- Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar (28 Kansas Street in Frankfort)
Facebook/Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar
Facebook/Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar This fun and festive tapas bar serves some of the best tacos you can find in the Chicago suburbs. It offers small plates, street food delights, and more tequila than you can handle. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Milwalky Taco (605 N Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville)
Facebook/Milwalky Taco
Facebook/Milwalky Taco Get this restaurant to the top of your taco bucket list if you love classic fare. Chicken, pork belly, fried fish, beef, and lamb are used. Patrons may also enjoy takes on street food like the Walking Taco.
- Rudy’s Tacos (multiple locations)
Facebook/Rudy’s Tacos
Facebook/Rudy’s Tacos With locations in Coal Valley, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline, this casual eatery has been around for over three decades. It offers daily taco specials as well as other favorites like enchiladas and burritos.
- Taco Motorizado (607 N Cunningham in Urbana)
Facebook/Taco Motorizado
Facebook/Taco Motorizado Offering carry-out and delivery, this food truck serves the best tacos in Central Illinois. Fresh ingredients and time-honored cooking traditions go into each dish. Get nachos, tortas, and other classic Mexican fare here.
- Cilantro Taco Grill (9509 W Higgins Road in Rosemont)
Facebook/Cilantro Taco Grill - Rosemont
Facebook/Cilantro Taco Grill - Rosemont Open daily, this fast and casual dining spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are additional locations in Stone Park, Addison, Elgin, Elmurts, and Oak Brook, so hungry locals can find this eatery anywhere.
- Martinez Tacos Restaurant (348 E Station Street in Kankakee)
Facebook/Martinez Tacos Restaurant
Facebook/Martinez Tacos Restaurant This incredible eatery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and breakfast and lunch hours include an immaculate buffet. In addition to making your own tacos, you’ll also find tamales, gorditas, and a plethora of other Mexican favorites.
- Taqueria Pequena (105 S Appleknocker Street in Cobden)
Facebook/Taqueria Pequena “little house of tacos”
Facebook/Taqueria Pequena “little house of tacos” Open Monday through Saturday, this dynamite restaurant has been around since 2004 and is known for the freshest cuisine around. You’ll definitely want this place on your taco bucket list if you enjoy steak, chicken, pork, tongue, and chorizo.
- Druby’s (520 W Main Street in Shelbyville)
Facebook/Druby’s
Facebook/Druby’s Though this place is best known for its burgers and other classic American fare, it’s worth a stop in your taco adventure. Get them hard or soft with grilled chicken inside. You’ll also find nachos and Mexican fries to curve your craving for spice.
- Tony’s Tacos (304 N Main Street in Normal)
Facebook/Tony’s Tacos
Facebook/Tony’s Tacos This affordable little taco stand is family-owned and -operated and features a colorful, festive interior. Locals enjoy large portions of Mexican classics that can’t be beat. You’ll be hooked after one bite.
Bonus: One more great place to get delicious food is this unassuming town in Illinois with the best Mexican restaurant.
Facebook/Tacos y Nieves Calvillo
East of Champaign, near our border with Indiana, sits this hole-in-the-wall Mexican food joint that locals love to call home. The environment and staff are friendly, and the menu includes tortas, burritos, and quesadillas in addition to tacos.
Facebook/Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar
This fun and festive tapas bar serves some of the best tacos you can find in the Chicago suburbs. It offers small plates, street food delights, and more tequila than you can handle. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Facebook/Milwalky Taco
Get this restaurant to the top of your taco bucket list if you love classic fare. Chicken, pork belly, fried fish, beef, and lamb are used. Patrons may also enjoy takes on street food like the Walking Taco.
Facebook/Rudy’s Tacos
With locations in Coal Valley, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline, this casual eatery has been around for over three decades. It offers daily taco specials as well as other favorites like enchiladas and burritos.
Facebook/Taco Motorizado
Offering carry-out and delivery, this food truck serves the best tacos in Central Illinois. Fresh ingredients and time-honored cooking traditions go into each dish. Get nachos, tortas, and other classic Mexican fare here.
Facebook/Cilantro Taco Grill - Rosemont
Open daily, this fast and casual dining spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are additional locations in Stone Park, Addison, Elgin, Elmurts, and Oak Brook, so hungry locals can find this eatery anywhere.
Facebook/Martinez Tacos Restaurant
This incredible eatery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and breakfast and lunch hours include an immaculate buffet. In addition to making your own tacos, you’ll also find tamales, gorditas, and a plethora of other Mexican favorites.
Facebook/Taqueria Pequena “little house of tacos”
Open Monday through Saturday, this dynamite restaurant has been around since 2004 and is known for the freshest cuisine around. You’ll definitely want this place on your taco bucket list if you enjoy steak, chicken, pork, tongue, and chorizo.
Facebook/Druby’s
Though this place is best known for its burgers and other classic American fare, it’s worth a stop in your taco adventure. Get them hard or soft with grilled chicken inside. You’ll also find nachos and Mexican fries to curve your craving for spice.
Facebook/Tony’s Tacos
This affordable little taco stand is family-owned and -operated and features a colorful, festive interior. Locals enjoy large portions of Mexican classics that can’t be beat. You’ll be hooked after one bite.
Which restaurants should be added to our taco bucket list? Extend the list by sharing your favorites below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
