Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco’s Wicker Park location stands out for inventive tacos, including shrimp, burger, and chicken tikka versions, plus a rotating weekly special. Regulars praise the friendly, attentive service, openable windows and lively neighborhood setting, margaritas, and excellent value—especially the after-4 p.m. combo with four tacos, two sides, and drinks; the red velvet cake is a fun bonus. One review reported an uncomfortable manager interaction.
What 31 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Velvet Taco in Wicker Park was an awesome experience. The restaurant was spotless, had a great vibe, and felt very welcoming. Jaylene was incredibly friendly and provided excellent service from the moment I walked in. The food was outstanding. I tried the shrimp taco, and it was absolutely delicious fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I also had the burger taco, which was surprisingly tasty and packed with flavor. Overall, a great spot with amazing food, a clean atmosphere, and excellent customer service. I’ll definitely be coming back!”
“We are thrilled to have Velvet Taco in the wicker park neighborhood! While we were initially skeptical of another taco joint, the food and service was superb! Flavorful tacos and bowls. We ordered the spicy tikka chicken bowl and rotisseries chicken bowls! Absolutely delicious! Added chips and queso with a midday margarita for good measure. Thanks to Jalene for making our first experience at Velvet Taco excellent! The team was fast at getting out food! Destroy cava next door!”
“I love me some velvet taco. The taco of the week being a Chicago dog? Cmon. Top notch flavors and exciting to see this place get more locations. That brisket taco is amazing.”
“Lovely employees and some of the food had some great flavor. Although, overall I was fairly disappointed. I recently stopped being a vegetarian after 10 years and chose to try pork here for the first time, I was definitely not a big fan of the birria. My partner liked the chicken and waffle taco. I loved some of the flavors from the slow roasted taco. The elote was also great but I wanted more from the guacamole! My least favorite were the corn tortillas. Overall, everything is very very heavy on the stomach. I don’t think I’ll be going back”
“This is one of my all-time favorite eateries in Chicago. The food is exceptional. There isn't anything on the menu I don't like. The service is stellar. They are so patient and friendly. Highly recommend!”
“Velvet Taco is one of my favorite spots for great food. I love how creative all the tacos are, and they mix it up with a special taco every week. This particular location also has fantastic service. They will bring the food to you at your table, which the other location I went to did not do. Incredibly friendly when you order as well.”
“Kevin was great and service and food is amazing please go visit this location”
“We love Velvet Taco! The $25 combo after 4pm is such a great deal!! 4 tacos, 2 sides, and drinks for the price is hard to beat. Everything was fresh and delicious. The location is also perfect, close to everything, and the large windows that open up make it such a great spot in the summer. ☀️”
“Friendliest service of all locations in Chicago and right in the heart of Wicker, can’t beat it!”
“Used to go to velvet taco in gold coast in ~2015 to eat and have a beverage with friends before going out and figured I'd give the new location a try after many years away. My expectations were that it would be just fine, went more to reminisce than the food. Boy, was I wrong. The tacos were far better than I remembered - not to be mistaken for a Michelin star restaurant, but very, very solid. Location was clean, cashier was friendly, service was prompt, would recommend. Well done.”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More good rooms in Wicker Park, minutes away.