Eat the real real before the gentrification shuts it down. Pros: The tacos, The aguas frescas, The diner vibe, The free parking. Cons: The fear of a gentrifying neighborhood. Pro tip: If you take it to go, use your napkin to hold the foil wrapped tacos; hot, hot, hot. Definitely one of my preferred taquerias in Chicago. Doesn't look like much from the outside but El Jalisciense gives you a genuine taste of friendly and prompt service with all the fixings of what a good taqueria should have. The carne asade is well seasoned with the juices in the meat and not dripping onto your clothes--but still, be cautious. Their cecina is also delicious. Just be sure to chew really well or else you'll pull the whole thing out of your taco like a hungry dawg who got the whole steak. All the food comes with your choice of salsas (green and red) and some pickled jalapeños. I really hope El Jalisciense stays around. I see more condos going up, the hot dog place across the street closed down, and the delicious chicken from Feed has left the neighborhood. Enjoy the food while you still can. read more

Such good tacos!! I love the al pastor ones but they are all fresh and delicious. Also try their guacamole! Only issue we've run into is sometimes they are closed randomly. read more

Super small place but amazing food! Love that they added cilantro as a topping. The meats are so fresh and tender. Flavor is really light, which is fine, because their sauces are pretty strong. The green salsa verde is actually spicier than the red sauce, which has this really deep smoky flavor. If you dine in, they give chips in a tray too. The quesadilla is smaller than what I expected but pretty good still and is a good size for kids. They have a lot of options but no lengua. Overall the foods were fresh and not overly greasy at all. Their horchata is pretty good too, not overly sweet, made pretty fresh as you can see the rice and cinnamon at the bottom. Their small bathroom in the back allow you to wash hands pretty accessibly. Staff all speak very good English so no issues communicating there! Parking lot is in the back with limited parking space but is free parking. read more

I haven't been here in a couple years. I was in the area and I decided to stop in. I had a steak quesadilla that actually comes with lettuce and tomato on it, which I don't mind. The steak was flavorful. It wasn't tough. The cheese was gooey gooey deliciousness. I also got a steak taco, which was fresh and delicious. I got everything on mine. I had to pay like 50 cent extra per each ingredient. I got some guacamole again this time. I really liked it this time. It didn't have too many onions in it or you guys used some type of technique to kind of take that rawness out of the onion. My only issue is with the beans and rice. I guess your regulars love it. It looks delicious but it's basically one note there's no cumin or anything in the rice and beans. I don't taste any cilantro. I'm thinking you guys use tomato base for the rice. The rice and beans weren't horrible just very one noteish. I feel like it can be enhanced a bit. The Horchata was delicious. Great customer service, the place is small but very clean!!! Those steak quesadillas are to die for I will be back! Not yet it's coming read more

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I've moved from Chicago to nyc in 2023 and this has been the place I miss the MOST ! NYC is a desert when it comes to good Mexican food so I'm excited bc I'm coming home in two days and this will most definitely my my first stop straight off the plane ! I'm also hoping to see my fav non food thing about this spot which is the owners dog hanging out in the car with his shades on ! read more

11/10 no notes. But for real - this is the best taco place in the city. Authentic. Delicious. Taco platter comes with 3 tacos and rice and beans (you can get 3 different kinds if you like). Highly recommend the asada. Oh, and they give you homemade chips to much on while you wait. Closed Saturday and Sunday! read more

Corner taqueria with a few seats but seemed more like a takeout spot! I ate here on Wednesday lunch & was happy they gave complimentary chips for dining in. The tacos were decent & came in steamy! Their al pastor was not too sweet but more juicy than the asada. The service was fast & it was a sit yourself & clean you area up spot. I got 3 tacos was $14ish read more

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We stopped by here on chance and it has a very charming, homey feel to it. The space is rather small so you probably can't come with a big group unless you're doing takeout. I got the al pastor pork, chicken and marinated steak tacos. The tacos were very fresh and had onions/cilantro as topping, which was great. The chicken was quite nice, but the pork was a bit dry and the marinated steak was very tough. It came in one big chunk, which made it quite difficult to eat. My friend got the regular steak taco and chicharrones taco. The steak taco was chopped, and she enjoyed it, but the pork skin was soggy. My other friend got a steak torta that she enjoyed. Overall, I think some items are really nice, but others were just okay, it was a bit of a hit or miss. read more

Taco El Jalisciense - From top to bottom: marinated steak, chicken, pork tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The burro is overpriced for the size and fillings. They put so much cilantro that it was pretty much all i could taste. But the steak filling i chose was seasoned and char broiled nicely. But 17 bucks for it. Yeah i think not. You can get a bigger burro with more fillings at chipotle. This burro just gets tomato, lettuce cheese and a hefty amount of cilantro. That's it. read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Tacos al pastor. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice people. They make their own tortilla chips. The tacos need some spice. And, $16 for three tacos & a pop? A little pricey. read more

Wanted to try El Jalisciense for some time, the grilled steak smells that come from this place draw you in. However, it left much to be desired. Steak was decent but for $4-5 tacos, one would expect them to be regular size. They are not, also the sauces green & red were simply, meh. I also tried the Al Pastor, it was unimpressive. Overall it was just ok, the amount being charged doesn't not match up with what you get. It sure why it's rated to high, but it is in the north side which lacks good taquerias. read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Steak Taquito, mind you I do not have giant hands - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Tacos and burritos are delicious but my favorite is the tilapia dinner. I could eat it everyday. Always get the guacamole. Been a customer for years. Quality has never changed. read more

Food always good and service is always welcoming. Lemme get 10 tacos, some pico and a mix drink I love it here

Seems that most places you go to get your taco's at always give you their best at a inflated price especially after Corvid. El Jalisciense is slightly different in the sense that yes, it is $4 a taco but you get a bag of freshly fried chips and super friendly attitude with any order. My favorite is the al pastor and boy I enjoyed every morsel with the fresh chips I got too. Parking is limited in their little lot but there is plenty of street parking. read more

The BEST Mexican taco and burritos in the WORLD!!!! They have the best family friendly establishment and excellent customer service. They feel like family to me. I have been going her for 23 years.. read more

Like the best Mexican restaurants, Taco El Jalisciense is a hole in the wall. ..well actually they stand alone on an intersection corner. They're very popular with locals, CPD and utility workers. That's usually a good sign. After my first visit I would've rated 4. Well that was years ago and my return visits have been all over the place. I just can't rate higher than 3 stars. The lack of consistency is the problem. I've had tacos and burritos with chicken, Al pastor and steak. The steak can be chewy and not seasoned well. It doesn't have that char that puts carne asada over the top either. It's tough to find amazing chicken tacos anywhere. The Al pastor is fine, but not memorable. I prefer Yoli's a few blocks East, but this is a solid option. Try em both and let me know what you think. read more

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I just moved to the neighborhood and I wanted to try this place out, hearing good things. The other day I was super sick and just wanted some food to bring me life so my wife picked up a veggie burrito for me and it did not disappoint. Great portion size and way less bland then the usual veggie burritos I'm used to getting. Came with a small side of chips which was a nice surprise, as well as two salsas- the employee told my wife the red was super hot so I didn't touch that seeing as the green was hot enough! I am really stoked to have a spot with fast and friendly service and great food so close! read more

Food is great. Online ordering for pickup/delivery and being open on weekends would be a plus. read more

Some of the best tacos we've had in Chicago and our kids love their chicken quesadillas. My favorite is their Al pastor and asada. Everything we've ordered there has been delicious! There's very limited seating inside so not great for a group. We usually do takeout but there is a small parking lot which is nice. read more

Now, I'm no stranger to a good taco (I mean, who isn't in Chicago?), so I went all-in and ordered two steak tacos with a cilantro and onion serenade. And let me tell you, these tacos could make a food critic break out into spontaneous moonwalks. The steak was so tender, it practically whispered sweet somethings to my taste buds. The cilantro and onions? They were like the party crashers that took the tacos to a whole new level of deliciousness. As I took a bite, I swear I saw fireworks in my mouth - and it wasn't even the Fourth of July! So, in the grand taco showdown of Chicago, Taco El Jalisciense takes the crown! These tacos are the kind of top-notch that should come with a warning label: "May induce uncontrollable cravings and spontaneous dance moves." And let's not forget the A+ food that's straight-up delivered to your taste buds' doorstep. If you're in the mood for a flavor-packed adventure that'll leave you grinning like a cheshire cat with a taco, elote, and rice-induced grin, then run - don't walk - to Taco El Jalisciense. Your taste buds will thank you, your belly will thank you, and your dance moves might even thank you too! read more

My first time going here and I can honestly say the food was amazing. Not only is the food great the service was phenomenal! It just felt so welcoming in there! read more

This place has the best tacos I've tasted in the city! The owner is welcoming and kind. Fyi it's a small space to eat at. They also have music playing and a tv. I like that! read more

Was driving by and hungry... after seeing all the great reviews, had to stop in. It's a cute little counter service taqueria with 2-3 tables and a few bar seats. Ordered a marinated steak burrito with everything (minus lettuce)... thought it was delicious... comes with house made red (smoky hot) and green (jalapeño) salsas... staff was friendly and fast... we'll be back for more soon! read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Steak Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the best spots on the west side that sell tacos and that mix drink Always my go to restaurant to get tacos read more

Heard a lot about this place so we decided we finally had to stop here and eat. The location is on a six Corner intersection and there's a lot of construction currently going around so it's a little difficult to navigate. They do have a small parking lot in the back which is convenient as there is very little parking nearby. It's an old building with white concrete blocks More reminiscent of an old hamburger Shack than a Mexican food restaurant, but the interior was clean and both the indoor and outdoor was colorfully decorated. The seating area is small with just a handful of tables, it looks like they do a lot of carryout business. We ordered the Jaliciense dinner plate that consists of steak, pork and stuffed pepper as well as rice beans and salad. Our other order was a carne asada steak burrito which is served with beans, onions, cilantro, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. The food was really good, however, I really like my stuffed pepper. When we were leaving I asked the person behind the counter if it was possible to get a dinner plate of just stuffed peppers and she told me that yes they would be able to make it for me. I guess I know what I will be ordering next time I eat here. I understand that they are known for their tacos al pastor, we will just have to try those on our next visit also. Prices are good especially the dinner plates considering all the food that you receive. Will definitely be back here. read more

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I've been wanting to try for a few years. Originally I was planning on visiting the new Lola's across the street, but they were out of buns. I ordered a steak burrito. For $8 I was expecting more. The majority of the steak was in the center, but fell short on the ends. Lettuce seemed off, left an after taste. Unlikely to return. Very tiny dining area and the chips seemed old too. read more

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The ONLY reason I gave them a 4 is because I went in looking for a lomo taco and they haven't had them for years supposedly so they have to take that down lol, BUT the food was fantastic! Customer service was great, tacos were enormous, I bought three and only finished two. Most definitely will be heading back. read more

Some of my fav tacos in Chicago stopped in on a rainy day for lunch. Little spot on the corner, maybe seating for about 6-8ppl. I got 2 Pastor, 1 chicken, 1 asada taco. Came with some fresh tortilla chips, honestly the best chips ever, so crunchy! Also a water bottle, came to $19. Tacos prices are a bit steep at $4 a taco, which I found to be pricey compared to other local taco spots. Food was a 5/5, giving a 4 star review for the price. I would come back for sure! read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Asada, pastor, pollo tacos with chips! Delicious - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This review is looong overdue, a truly magnificent authentic Taqueria sat exactly four blocks from mi casa. They've been around for ages and pretty much dominate from all aspects of what u look for in a place like this. Pastor- best of Steak - might even top it Price, efficiency, lights out Service - are you kidding me!? This place has it all. Look for the 100 Thai Bhat bill among the bevy of dinero framed throughout the place. I gladly gave, he enthusiastically received. Love this place. read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just So-So: 1.) The green salsa is horrible, think watered down already bad salsa. 2.) The Al Pastor does NOT have pineapple and is just ok, not Chi's Best. 3.) The Ribeye & Onion tacos have more ONIONS than meat. 4.) The tortilla chips are actually horrible. 5.) The prices are on the high side. 6.) Service was good, fast and attentive. 7.) The packaging was good, tinfoil to keep those tacos HOT! 8.) Everything just seemed watered down, tacos dripping like crazy!? 9.) Free Parking! 10.) Location not the best. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but I was far from impressed; may stop back if in area. SORRY Y'ALL!! read more

I came specifically to try "the best taco al pastor" in Chicago. This is a bold statement, there are many regional recipes for al pastor, some with pineapple others without. Their al pastor is most definitely memorable. Served with lime, pickled jalapeño, and lettuce. I will be going back soon for more. Gracias, los tacos estuvieron buenísimos! read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Tacos al pastor in el Jalisciense, so good - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food is great, service even better. Chicken burrito is a generous serving and delicious. Great decor as well! read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Decor - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been riding passed this place for a minute. Finally decide to stop inside after work. When I walked inside I was greeted with a friendly smile. The decor was amazing. I decide on the steak taco dinner tht comes with rice and beans. I couldn't wait to get home to taste this meal. The smell of my food was kicking in while I was driving home. Once I got home and started to eat um I was well satisfied with my taco dinner. The only thing my rice was a tad too salty. I had to mix my rice into the beans to kill some of that salt. Other than the rice being salty. I have no complaints about this place. I will be back again. I will just remember to let them know not to put any salt on my rice read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nexr to los camales and El Guerero on commercial these are among the best in the city. You cant go wrong with the burritos or tacos but everything is good here. Friendly service, great food with fresh ingredients and reasonably priced. Its on the corner of Grand and Chicago .... you cant miss it, Grab a bottled coke to wash it all down ....you'll thank me later. read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I dig "Hole in walls" where you can get at least medium tasty food and filling at minimal price.Well tried this place for dinner with a friend and the experience was Ok. Friend ordered Steak Taco which were smoking hot with large amount of Steak which she mentioned was pretty good.I ordered a Falutta Pollo dinner (Rice,Beans,lettuce,avocado with sour cream topped on falutta) which was filling and fresh but taste was not that great. Pros: ------- Free Tortilla chips Free Parking Decent Price and Good Portion Quick service Friendly Staff Funky Ambience Restrooms(Not sure on Hygiene) I would recommend you guys to try this place and see if something appeals to you. read more

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Hidden gem! The steak and egg breakfast or Guadalajara dinner are the best things ever. Shrimp tacos are a close second. Recommended for sure, just get there before 12. read more

I came in for a quick lunch meal. Found on Yelp just browsing. Couldn't have chosen a better random place to try. I ordered 3 steak tacos, lettuce, onion, cilantro, & tomato. Got just that. Tacos were loaded with flavor. Decent grade of beef. My order was also completed quickly. The food was fresh and hot. This place is cool. I'd come back! read more

Taco El Jalisciense - Steak taco - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I hate to leave a bad review for a business in the neighborhood. I really had some high hopes for this place after driving past the place for the last ten years and reading the glowing reviews. After eating here recently, I honestly have no idea where these super high ratings and rave reviews come from. As far as my taste goes, any other taco place in the area - including several grocery stores, have a better steak taco and better salsa verde. I found the steak to really be lacking in flavor and texture, and the salsa verde to be very watery. I've been to Mexico City several occasions, and am a huge fan of tacos al pastor when it's done the right way. I was really hoping that their rendition would do my memories of having these in Mexico some justice, particularly after winning an award for these not too long ago. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case either. I found the al pastor to be really disappointing. I'm still wondering how it can be remotely possible that this place has "the best al pastor in Chicago." It's gotta be better than this, folks. As for a positive, I did enjoy their red salsa. It had a very nice level of heat and smoky flavor. Unfortunatley, I'm not quite sure if it is worth putting on anything at this establishment. To make things worse, for 6 tacos and a side of rice and beans, our bill came to just under $22 plus tip - which is fairly expensive . With so many other places to get more delicious offerings at a better price, I have no plans on giving this place another shot. read more

Steak burrito was $12 but very dry the meat was overcooked and seasoned heavily. Ground beef taco was really good though

This place is so amazing that I have gone twice in two days! These are the best tacos in Chicago hands down. I get the veggie tacos and shrimp tacos and they are phenomenal. I will probably go back next week. read more