The 16 Best Al Pastor in Chicago

For those craving the delicious flavors of al pastor in Chicago, look no further. Whether you're a local or just passing through, there are plenty of options to choose from in the Windy City. From traditional Mexican taquerias to trendy modern eateries, Chicago has something for everyone seeking this savory dish.
With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to find the best al pastor in the city. That's where this list comes in handy. Below, you'll find a curated selection of the top spots in Chicago serving up mouthwatering al pastor that will satisfy all your cravings.
- Location: Easy access to public transportation
- Price: Affordable options without sacrificing quality
- Taste: Authentic flavors and expertly prepared meat
- Atmosphere: Casual dining or upscale ambiance
- Reviews: Positive feedback from satisfied customers
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through Chicago's best al pastor spots. Whether you're a connoisseur of Mexican cuisine or just looking to try something new, these restaurants are sure to impress with their unforgettable flavors.
- 1. Big Star
- 2. Broken English Taco Pub
- 3. Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen
- 4. EL TRAGON TAQUERIA
- 5. Chicago Taco Authority
- 6. L' Patron
- 7. Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco
- 8. Taquería El Pastor
- 9. Taqueria Traspasada 2
- 10. Taqueria El Mezquite
- 11. Tacos El Pastor 53
- 12. Tacos El Tio
- 13. Arturo's Tacos
- 14. Taqueria San Jose
- 15. La Lagartija Taqueria
- 16. Del Campo's Tacos

- Monday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
1. Big Star
Information and Reviews
- Fast kitchen and bar service
- Varied menu options with good drink specials
- Accommodating and friendly staff

- Monday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
2. Broken English Taco Pub
Information and Reviews
Known for being popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, Broken English Taco Pub promises an experience worth remembering. The highlights include a sporty atmosphere, welcoming families, groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The restaurant caters to a wide audience, including university students and tourists.
Customers have praised Broken English Taco Pub for its exceptional service and delicious food. Some key points from the reviews are:
- Attentive service from welcoming staff
- Ambiance reminiscent of Mexico
- Delicious and authentic Mexican flavors
- Unique and powerful flavors
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy fantastic alcoholic beverages, comfort food, quick bites, and more! Whether you're in for a quick meal or a leisurely dining experience, Broken English Taco Pub has something for everyone. So, head over to this gem in Chicago for a memorable culinary adventure.

- Monday: 8 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 8 AM–1 AM
- Friday: 8 AM–1 AM
- Saturday: 8 AM–1 AM
- Sunday: 8 AM–1 AM
3. Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen
Information and Reviews
- Customers love the shrimp tacos and pozole - both flavorful and fulfilling.
- The staff is commended for being friendly and welcoming, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- The prices are considered affordable for the quality and quantity of food offered.

- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
4. EL TRAGON TAQUERIA
Information and Reviews
Customers rave about the flavorful dishes and friendly service at EL TRAGON TAQUERIA:
- If you're wanting a tasty quick Taco this is the place. Overall, would come back and do recommend.
- great atmosphere! The service was incredibly fast and the food was quick off the grill and very fresh. Everything we ate was delicious. I’ll be back to try the tortas for sure!
- Went for lunch and had a great experience. Got a variety of tacos to try with the birria, bistec, and pastor. Big fan and will definitely be back.
- Fast service and the food was delicious. The agua de Jamaica and salsas were also very good. Highly recommended.
These reviews reflect the strong reputation that EL TRAGON TAQUERIA has built with its top-notch cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. If you're looking for authentic Mexican flavors in Chicago, be sure to visit EL TRAGON TAQUERIA.

- Monday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
6. L' Patron
Information and Reviews
- The tacos were fresh, made to order, and delicious.
- The steak, shrimp, fish, and grilled chicken tacos were all delicious, with tasty sauces.
- Although the food was good, the service was slow, leading to long wait times for orders.
- Some customers found the prices high and felt that the quality did not match the cost.
With a 4.3 rating and positive reviews, L' Patron is a great spot for Mexican food enthusiasts looking for a tasty meal in a casual and trendy atmosphere.

- Monday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–9 PM
7. Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the delicious and plentiful food at Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco. Here are some key points summarizing their experiences:
- Great parking options for events or games near the restaurant.
- Yummy food and friendly service that speak for themselves.
- Huge portions that are perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Best spot for a quick bite with fair prices in Chicago.
Diners love the authentic Mexican cuisine, especially the flavorful salsas and sizable portions. The atmosphere is described as casual and cosy, making it an ideal spot for families, groups, and individuals alike. Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco is a must-visit destination for anyone craving delicious Mexican fare in a warm and welcoming setting.

- Monday: 9 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 9 AM–12 AM
- Friday: 9 AM–12 AM
- Saturday: 9 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 9 AM–12 AM
8. Taquería El Pastor
Information and Reviews
With a welcoming and casual atmosphere, Taquería El Pastor provides wheelchair-accessible facilities and a variety of dining options such as Brunch, Dessert, and more. The restaurant accepts reservations, making it convenient for visitors to plan their dining experience.
Customer reviews highlight the fast service and authentic flavors of the Al pastor tacos. One patron praised the juicy and tender meat served with soft and warm tortillas. Another guest appreciated the cheese quesadilla and yummy chips, describing the experience as enjoying good Mexican food.
- Fast service
- Authentic Al pastor tacos with juicy and tender meat
- Delicious cheese quesadilla and yummy chips

- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–8 PM
9. Taqueria Traspasada 2
Information and Reviews
The atmosphere at Taqueria Traspasada 2 is described as casual, attracting a crowd that includes university students. Customers appreciate the cash only payment option and the kids' menu for families. Despite not having toilets on-site, the focus on authentic Mexican flavors and friendly service keeps patrons coming back for more.
Customer reviews rave about the food and service at Taqueria Traspasada 2. Some key points from the reviews are:
- This place is a hidden gem with delicious tacos and friendly staff.
- Authentic Mexican flavors shine through in every dish, offering a delightful meal experience.
- Great prices, tasty al pastor tacos, and a large portion of pozole make this restaurant a must-visit.
- Visitors love the fresh ingredients, exceptional service, and recommend trying the burrito dinner.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM–10 PM
10. Taqueria El Mezquite
Information and Reviews
- Customers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and great food.
- BYOB option with tasty michelada mix.
- Reasonable prices with well-served authentic tacos.
The restaurant is popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it's a great spot for solo dining. The alcohol offerings include beer, coffee, and vegetarian options. The dining ambiance is described as casual and cozy, perfect for families, groups, and university students.
Some customers highlight the great value for the money, the amazing al pastor tacos, and the lovely outdoor dining area. With a solid rating of 4.3 based on 713 reviews, Taqueria El Mezquite is a go-to spot in Chicago for delicious Mexican cuisine.

- Monday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
11. Tacos El Pastor 53
Information and Reviews
Customers rave about their experiences at Tacos El Pastor 53:
- Delicious veggie taco with guacamole and pico de gallo
- Authentic Mexican food with the best salsas in Chicago
- Great customer service and hearty portions
- Excellent and friendly staff with tasty salsa and hot sauce

- Monday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
- Tuesday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
- Wednesday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
- Friday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM–10:45 PM
12. Tacos El Tio
Information and Reviews
Some key reviews include:
- Best tacos al pastor in the area with pineapple and avocado salsa.
- Authentic Mexican food with delicious tacos and burritos.
- Great service and atmosphere, highly recommended.
- Delicious gorditas and pambazos, a must-try.

- Monday: 12–2 AM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–2 AM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–2 AM
- Thursday: 8 AM–3 AM
- Friday: 8 AM–12 AM
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
13. Arturo's Tacos
Information and Reviews
- The service was quick and amazing. The tacos were really good, and the horchata, gorditas, and torta were delicious.
- First-time visitors had a good experience with pretty good food.
- Another customer mentioned great Mexican food, quick service, and reasonable prices.
- Some customers noted pricey items like $4.95 for chips and salsa, but praised the food quality and friendly service.

- Monday: 9 AM–2 AM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–2 AM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–2 AM
- Thursday: 9 AM–2 AM
- Friday: 9 AM–2 AM
- Saturday: 9 AM–2 AM
- Sunday: 9 AM–1 AM
14. Taqueria San Jose
Information and Reviews
Customers have shared their experiences with the restaurant in reviews. Here are some key points summarizing the feedback:
- Disappointed with moldy chips and poor customer service
- Unhappy about finding foreign material in the food and unsatisfactory response from the staff
- Positive experience with quick service, although some dishes were not as flavorful as expected
- Great food quality, friendly staff, and recommend the place for a quick and pleasant meal
Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delicious dinner, Taqueria San Jose has you covered. With a variety of offerings like Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, and Comfort food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you're craving Mexican cuisine, consider giving Taqueria San Jose a try!

- Monday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–6 PM
15. La Lagartija Taqueria
Information and Reviews
Customers have raved about their experiences at La Lagartija Taqueria in their reviews:
- Under new management and coming in swinging with delicious Mexican cuisine near downtown Chicago. Highly recommended!
- Flavorful and delicious dishes like chilaquiles with awesome service and delectable coffee.
- Fantastic food with attentive service, fresh and homemade offerings, and a welcoming vibe.
These reviews reflect the consistent quality and dedication to customer satisfaction that defines the experience at La Lagartija Taqueria. Whether you're craving traditional Mexican fare or looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant is sure to impress with its diverse menu and friendly service. So, come on over and treat yourself to a memorable dining experience!

- Monday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
16. Del Campo's Tacos
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- Great spot for a snack with unique menu items.
- Good quality steak tacos with a beautiful view of the lake.
- Pricey food, but fresh ingredients and variety make it worth a visit.
- Accessibility might be an issue for some customers due to the location.
Map of Al Pastor in Chicago
Craving a taste of Mexico in Chicago? Look no further than the city's vibrant al pastor scene. From food trucks to taquerias, there are endless options to satisfy your cravings for this flavorful marinated pork dish. Check out our map below to discover some of the best al pastor spots in the Windy City.
Related Services