Tepalcates
Tepalcates — Roscoe Village mexican that sets the standard. It wears its years well. The kitchen isn't playing it safe, and owner-operated. "The meat was tender, tortillas were soft and fresh, toppings were fresh as well" — Jolina Ramos
What 677 diners keep saying
What 677 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The place was packed with joyful energy of their customers and their amazing staff who was so kind and showed us all their flavor-packed food, the place was nice, but the back of the restaurant had unclean tables, otherwise this place was amazing, there food was great, the photo attached shows this because my kids gobbled it up and said it was so yummy. I would come back and recommend this.”

“This place has a great energy. The food is amazing, staff is great, I'm very happy. Try the quesabarria”

“Between showings/open houses in the area- I always like to try new places in the neighborhood I’m spending time in. This place was a great find! I went several times during the time I spent selling homes in the area. I will definitely be back! So far I’ve tried their shrimp, steak and brisket tacos and the chicken burrito. Their agua frescos are great too. Even if you’re not nearby it’s worth the trip! I’ll definitely be back!”

“Cute, neighborhood taco spot. The staff were very kind and courteous. Seems family owned, but I'm not 100% sure. The food was fresh and tasty. We were rushing to a graduation and this worked out perfectly for a quick, delicious dinner beforehand.”

“Nice staff! Refreshing, guava and passionfruit drinks, And Amazing tacos.”

“If you’re on the hunt for exceptional tacos in Chicago, Tepalcates on the North Side is a must-visit. This gem serves some of the best tacos in the city, and my experience there was nothing short of phenomenal. **Highlights of Tepalcates:** - **Octopus Taco:** The standout for me was the octopus taco. It was absolutely delightful—perfectly cooked, flavorful, and easily the best taco I’ve ever had. The blend of spices and the freshness of the ingredients made it a memorable experience. - **Steak Tacos:** The steak tacos are also top-notch. The quality of the meat is impressive, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Each bite is a testament to the care they put into their dishes. - **Hot Sauces:** Don’t skip the hot sauces! They’re out of this world, adding a delicious kick that elevates each taco. The variety available means you can experiment to find your perfect match. - **Portion Sizes:** While the portions might be on the smaller side, the high-quality ingredients and robust flavors more than compensate. You leave feeling satisfied and eager to return for more. Overall, Tepalcates offers an incredible taco experience, blending quality with flavor in a cozy setting. If you’re a taco lover or just looking to try something new, this spot should definitely be on your list!”

“Best Mexican place on the northside! Every salsa was unique and delicious. We had handmade chips with fresh guac. Steak and al pastor tacos, and horchata and I'll definitely be back to try something new next time.”

“First time here. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and given free samples of the drinks. I loved the passion fruit drink. I tried horchata for the first time too. It was good. Tasted perfect for the holidays. I ordered the fish tacos. The tilapia was good. Service was amazing. They were making sure I enjoyed the food and everything as I was eating. Small cozy place with really good service and good food. Can't ask for much better to be honest. Went a second time and got shrimp taco with no jalapenos and added lettuce. Very filling and good.”
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