Sit
back and sip those margaritas, Moms and Dads – we’ve got you and the kids
covered with some of the tastiest tacos out there. Whether you’re celebrating
Cinco de Mayo or just need your seasoned beef fix, check out our picks for Chicago’s best family-friendly taquerias.
Antique Taco (1360 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Cited by the Michelin Guide as one of Chicago’s best values, Antique Taco features
a unique and inspired menu. While my kids like the Crispy Fish
Tempura Taco (minus the Sriracha Tartar Sauce if your kids don’t do spicy), I
love the Market Mushroom Taco, which features sautéed mushrooms, pumpkin
seeds, smoked onion cream, arugula, and purple onion. Desserts cater to both
kids and kids-at-heart with Abuelita’s Pop Tart, a take on the traditional Pop
Tart filled with Mexican chocolate ganache and gooey marshmallows. You’ll also
want to try the Horchata Milkshake, a cinnamon and vanilla spiced banana almond
version of the classic milkshake.
Quesadilla La Reyna Del Sur (2235 N. Western Ave.)
Home of Mexican vegetarian cuisine – and yes, it does exist – the tacos and
other delicious menu items at this Bucktown taqueria offer a more healthy
dinner option. You won’t even notice that the featured “meats” are
all actually soy-based alternatives. The signature dish – simple but yummy
quesadillas – will satisfy even your pickiest tots. I often stop in with my
kids for their rich smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. Just down the street
is Holstein Park, a fantastic play park
for kids.
Los Comales
(2148 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Consistently voted one of Chicago’s best taquerias, Los Comales is a
Mexican-American classic serving authentic tacos in a simple setting. Start out
with totopos (chips) and guacamole then move on to the tacos, filled with your
choice of everything from lengua (beef
tongue) to cecina (seasoned
steak). Los Comales even has a Kid’s meal – the “Bolsita para Ninos”
– which includes a surprise toy.
Nuevo Leon
(1515 W. 18th St.)
Every once in a while,
our family catches the El and heads to Pilsen, a vibrant, traditionally
Mexican-American neighborhood on the near South Side. We love to pop into the
bakeries and bodegas, and annually, at the end of October, we visit the National Museum of Mexican Art to
see its celebrated Dia de los Muertos exhibit. Nuevo Leon, a classic
family-style Mexican style restaurant became a Pilsen Institution when it first
opened in the 1960’s. The Carne Asada Dinner is a good pick for families. You
slice the huge steak into portions and fill the provided soft corn tortillas to
make your own tacos. The Red Snapper is another make-your-own taco deal, featuring
an entire red snapper that’s served with rice, avocado, and of course,
tortillas.
Takito Kitchen
(2013 W. Division St.)
The just recently opened Takito Kitchen gives tacos a modern twist with fresh,
local ingredients (some even grown in-restaurant!) and complex flavors. While
parents will appreciate the refreshing beverage menu, which includes a spicy
Caliente Margarita that will knock your socks off, kids will love the Arroz con
Dulce de Leche, a sweet, caramel rice pudding. The well-crafted tacos are all
delicious, but the Chicken Pepian (roasted chicken, snap peas, ricotta, pepitas
and cilantro) is a must-order.
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