Carnicerias Guanajuato

“I came here expecting tomatillos and cilantro.”

I came here expecting tomatillos and cilantro. I left questioning my entire culinary life. This tiny, unassuming mercado is casually committing acts of gastronomic violence against the rest of Chicago. The chicharrón? Not just good—spiritually disruptive. Perfectly blistered, wildly crunchy, impossibly tender, and seasoned like someone’s abuela made a pact with the gods of pork. The curly chicharrón, in particular, deserves its own velvet rope and security detail. Order it. Obsess over it. Tell no one—or tell everyone, but whisper. Presiding over this greatness is the Chicharrón Master, a man who has spent over twenty years mastering his craft. Two decades of patience, discipline, and pork enlightenment. This is not a cook; this is a guardian of tradition. Forget awards. This man deserves a shrine, fresh candles, and respectful silence while he works. On weekends, the place ascends. Pancita (menudo), barbacoa, and carnitas appear as a perfect trio of slow-cooked excellence. Deep, soulful broths. Meat so tender it practically confesses secrets. This is not food you eat quickly; this is food that demands respect—and silence—between bites. And then—plot twist—hidden inside is a modest taquería that cooks everything right in front of you, with a lineup of salsas that feels both generous and quietly threatening. You watch the tacos come together, choose your weapons from the salsa spread, take one bite—and suddenly every taco opinion you’ve ever held asks to be reconsidered. This is where real Mexican cooking lives: confident, generous, unpretentious, and devastatingly delicious. No trends. No theatrics. Just mastery honed over decades and served without asking for applause. Come hungry. Leave humbled.

Sam Alhaddad

Jan 2026

“Always a reliably solid place for a quick sit down meal - chorizo 🌯 with avocado is a favorite.”

Always a reliably solid place for a quick sit down meal - chorizo 🌯 with avocado is a favorite. Meat seasoned very well! Prices are very reasonable. Will continue to visit!

Yan De

Jun 2025

“This place is a whole vibe, the store is super clean and they have everything you might need for...”

This place is a whole vibe, the store is super clean and they have everything you might need for your Mexican needs, chiles, produce, meats, and the best of all: they sell really good tacos here too! It’s probably one of the best Mexican stores and tacos around the downtown area, you should check it out!

Dan Saldana

Aug 2024

“Carnicerias Guanajuato is a hidden gem that needs to be tried by the masses.”

Carnicerias Guanajuato is a hidden gem that needs to be tried by the masses! The hot sauce selection is by far superior than any other place I have searched for hot sauces. The burrito and taco selection at the small restraunt inside is worth every bite and penny. And when you see them cutting up fresh cilantro it is a sight be see!

Chicago Bae Reviews

Jun 2024

“Local Mexican store with anything you need, apart from that a great restaurant inside.”

Local Mexican store with anything you need, apart from that a great restaurant inside. Tacos are delicious. Parking on site

Jose Avalos

Mar 2024

“The restaurant inside has some of the best tacos I have ever ate.”

The restaurant inside has some of the best tacos I have ever ate. The meat is so fresh and tasty. I tried ribeye, carnitas, asada and Cecina and all were delicious.

Marius Sandru

Dec 2023

“Some conspiracies turn out to be true…like aliens existing or that Mexican supermarkets really have...”

Some conspiracies turn out to be true…like aliens existing or that Mexican supermarkets really have the best restaurants. You won’t find a better value for your dollar than here! The portion sizes are larger than your student debt. They also are very generous on the avocado unlike other burrito places. I got the steak and lengua burrito and it was everything I needed at the time. If you’re passing by on Ashland and see the loud pink colors make sure to stop in!

Charlie Beneke / Chicago’s Best Realtor

Aug 2023

“Very stuffed Mexican store.”

Very stuffed Mexican store. They have almost everything I can 🤔 of. The best thing is, it's just a walk away from our place. Update: Ordered tacos and horchata today and learned a new Spanish word to add to my vocabulary 'chico'

MuRrieLle MGL

Sep 2022

“This is a solid neighborhood gem for tacos, burritos, torta and more.”

This is a solid neighborhood gem for tacos, burritos, torta and more! 🌮🌯 I really don’t think you can find better tacos at the affordable price they offer here, good quality & portion to begin with. I usually go for the carne asada and pollo tacos with horchata (if it is not sold out!)! There is a cute dining/sitting area inside, and grabbing a couple things in the grocery store after you eat can be a fun thing to do as well 😊

MJ Kim

Aug 2022

“Delicious Carnitas, get them right at 8am and you will not be disappointed👍.”

Hector Juarez

Aug 2019

“Best tacos in Chicago.”

Best tacos in Chicago. Large portions of meat. Can easily be filled with 3 tacos but 5 if you're fat like me.

Abraham Salgado

May 2019

“Awesome tacos!! For $2.85 you get a double tortilla taco so stuffed that you can make another one...”

Awesome tacos!! For $2.85 you get a double tortilla taco so stuffed that you can make another one with that extra tortilla.

Frank Mejias

Feb 2019