Taqueria El Tapatio — one of Humboldt Park's strongest mexican spots. Order the Birria Tacos. Buzzy, energetic room where the crowd adds to it. Laura Castro: "The chips were crispy, the salsa was perfection and just so savory and spicy"
“So I stumbled across this place about 2 weeks ago.”
So I stumbled across this place about 2 weeks ago. I've been back 3 more times since. The staff and food are 100% the best around. The cooks don't skimp out on the food either. The steak is so juicy and well very tender, practically melts in your mouth. I tried one of their soups today, and WOW! I forgot what it was called, but my god was it god. It was so big i couldn't even finish it. I'm not Hispanic at all and the staff to their time answering my questions and explaining the dishes. I'll definitely be returning again.
MarzMan
Dec 2025
“This place made me feel like I was right inside my moms kitchen.”
This place made me feel like I was right inside my moms kitchen. Let me start by saying the salsa with chips here is so delicious. I usually am not much of a salsa with chips gal when it comes to restaurants like this. The chips were crispy, the salsa was perfection and just so savory and spicy! The green salsa was like a combo of roasted green peppers with avocado it was my favorite and the red salsa was the traditional tomatoes/pepper salsa. I wish we had them here in Des Moines. The service was amazing too. Just like at home they greeted us right away and told us to sit where we would like. The place also smelled so clean.
I ordered to drink the carrot/orange juice. Made me feel like I was in the markets in Mexico picking up a fresh juice! To eat i ordered a steak, a tripa taco and a ceviche shrimp tostada. Needless to say this made me feel completely satisfied by the end. The shrimp ceviche tostada was a a generous amount and it was mouth watering good. The asada taco was delicious. The tripa taco was made how I like it crispy and just so good. The lady asked if we wanted the tripe soft or crispy which was so nice that they ask because everyone has different preferences on how they like their tripa. My mom ordered a order of the tripa tacos and she had them soft. My mom was so impressed by this place and that says a lot from a women who is a amazing cook herself.
Anyway this is HIGHLY recommended if you love AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I will DEFINITELY be back here. I'm already planning my next trip!
Laura Castro
Sep 2025
“I ordered there street tacos it comes with 5 grilled steak tacos for $10.50 can't get that nowhere else..”
I ordered there street tacos it comes with 5 grilled steak tacos for $10.50 can't get that nowhere else... and they were way better than alot of places. A must try. Atmosphere very nostalgic 👌... will be going back...
Edwin Torres
Aug 2025
“The pictures speak for themselves..”
The pictures speak for themselves... This is my go to Mexican spot. Love their food and service is always wonderful.
Joanna Evora
Aug 2025
“Yesterday we were headed towards Fullerton Avenue and saw Taqueria El Tapatio Restaurant.”
Yesterday we were headed towards Fullerton Avenue and saw Taqueria El Tapatio Restaurant. We decided to have an early dinner since we had skipped lunch. OMG! I have to share on how delicious the food was. My hubby had the Fajita combo plus Mandarin Jarrito which is a juicedrink with no alcohol and I had Huachinango(red snapper). Although they make it in a few different ways (your preference)Hauchinango a la Veracruzana or Huachinango al Mojo de Ajo,
I choose it without the sauce or garlic just ordered it fried and it was so delicious. How can I describe it was so delicious that every bite melted in my mouth like butter. It was fresh and so tender. The best fried red snapper I have ever had by far. I love fish! I normally share my food with my hubby and I will admit I gave him a taste but I can't believe I ate the whole thing. It was soooooo delicious I seriously couldn't stop. My husband said his Fajita combo(steak/chicken) was perfect and he would come back to order the Fajitas again. The dinners comes served hot with mexican rice, refried beans chips along with the vegetables, small mixed salad with avocado and slice of orange. Its plenty of food if you want to share. But be warned if you eat the whole thing you won't be hungry for a great while. Did I mention that the Red Snapoer melted in my mouth? I can't stop thinking about how delicious it was and I devoured the whole thing. Oh yes I ordered some Flan but we ate it so fast I forgot to take a picture. It was also one of the best flans I have had. Oh Wow! I was so wrapped up in how delicious the food was I forgot to also mention that the service was amazing and prices are reasonable. The staff greet you with a genuine smile and are so attentive. It was awesome! Love! Love! Loved it!
Elizabeth Velez
Aug 2025
“The best steak nachos in all of Chicago!!”
The best steak nachos in all of Chicago!!! I just stumbled across this place looking for Birria and everything I had was so good. My new go-to in the neighborhood. Service was 💯 amazing! The nachos are a must. Eat inside for the table chips, they have four salsas for the table & will refill!
Allie Carey
Aug 2025
“I think i have rated this place in the past, but this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE TAQUERIA.”
I think i have rated this place in the past, but this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE TAQUERIA. THE STEAK TACOS ARE FYYYYYYYEERRR...so damn good. I live in the south suburbs and this place is so worth the trip. Food, service and atmosphere TOP TIER!!!
Anissa Forney
Jul 2025
“Alright, folks, retract everything I said about needing a magnifying glass.”
Alright, folks, retract everything I said about needing a magnifying glass! It turns out the "baby tacos" at the fantastic Taqueria El Tapatío in Hermosa are not some sort of adorable, single-bite wonders. Nope. They are FIVE, perfectly normal-sized, soft-shell tacos... and they are INCREDIBLY delicious! My apologies for the wild, miniature-taco-fueled tangent. Clearly, my brain took a vacation to Lilliput.
So, let's set the record straight because Taqueria El Tapatío deserves all the accolades for their truly outstanding food and service.
Taqueria El Tapatío: A Hermosa Hero for Authentic & Delicious Tacos! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're anywhere near the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago and have a craving for genuine, flavorful Mexican cuisine that won't empty your pockets, make a beeline for Taqueria El Tapatío. This place is an absolute gem!
The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, adorned with really cool Mexican art that adds a fantastic local vibe. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable and ready to dig into some serious goodness.
Now, let's talk tacos – specifically the "baby tacos." Forget any preconceived notions of tiny, fleeting snacks. These are FIVE wonderfully satisfying, soft-shell tacos filled with incredibly flavorful steak (in my case!). They are the real deal – delicious, perfectly seasoned, and exactly what you want when that taco craving hits.
Beyond the surprisingly substantial "baby tacos," the rest of the menu is equally impressive. The chorizo dip is a must-order – rich, cheesy, and utterly addictive. And their selection of multiple salsa flavors? Each one is a winner, bursting with fresh ingredients and the perfect level of spice.
What truly sets Taqueria El Tapatío apart, though, is the exceptional staff. They are genuinely kind, attentive, and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. I was so impressed that they remembered my drink and order preferences on my return visits! That level of personalized service is truly rare and makes you feel like a valued member of their extended family.
And the best part? Taqueria El Tapatío is incredibly budget-friendly. You can enjoy a fantastic and filling meal without breaking the bank – a huge plus in Chicago!
Here's the real scoop:
* Delicious & Authentic Food (especially the "baby tacos" - which are NOT small! - and the chorizo dip): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Fantastic Variety of Salsas: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere with Cool Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Incredibly Friendly & Attentive Staff (who remember their regulars!): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Unbeatable Budget-Friendly Prices: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My revised recommendation? Run, don't walk, to Taqueria El Tapatío in Hermosa. Whether you opt for the surprisingly substantial and delicious "baby tacos" or any of their other fantastic dishes, you're in for a treat. This is a local spot that truly deserves all the love.
Christian Jackson
May 2025
“i gatekeep this hidden gem from everyone i know💎😮💨 local spot, cozy interiors & best quesabirria i’ve ever had.”
Vivian Zhou
May 2025
“I think this Is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago Very clean nice waitresses everything is on point.”
Marisol Cruz
Mar 2025
“Delicious! Good quality food. Tasty. Horchata and Tamarindo drink I love!!!
Ordered quesabirria...”
Delicious! Good quality food. Tasty. Horchata and Tamarindo drink I love!!!
Ordered quesabirria w/consome and tacos de alpastor and carne asada. Really good!
Yary Villegas
Nov 2024
“Omg , this burrito is one of the best I’ve had yummy 😋 definitely a must have 🔥.”
