The Ultimate Taco Bucket List In Illinois Will Change Your Life
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published November 09, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
You know when that certain craving hits that won’t stop until it’s cured? There’s no doubt that Mexican food is one those things in America we just can’t get enough of, and Illinois is one of the best places to quench that “thirst.” This taco bucket list showcases the best places to beat that craving.
This ethnic-inspired delight has been an American staple for decades. Keep scrolling for the best tacos in the state.
1. Tacos v Nieves Calvilla (501 N Vermilion Street Suite A in Danville)
East of Champaign, near our border with Indiana, sits this hole-in-the-wall Mexican food joint that locals love to call home. The environment and staff are friendly, and the menu includes tortas, burritos, and quesadillas in addition to tacos.
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2. Fat Rosie's Taco and Tequila Bar (28 Kansas Street in Frankfort)
This fun and festive tapas bar serves some of the best tacos you can find in the Chicago suburbs. It offers small plates, street food delights, and more tequila than you can handle. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3. Milwalky Taco (605 N Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville)
Get this restaurant to the top of your taco bucket list if you love classic fare. Chicken, pork belly, fried fish, beef, and lamb are used. Patrons may also enjoy takes on street food like the Walking Taco.
With locations in Coal Valley, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline, this casual eatery has been around for over three decades. It offers daily taco specials as well as other favorites like enchiladas and burritos.
Offering carry-out and delivery, this food truck serves the best tacos in Central Illinois. Fresh ingredients and time-honored cooking traditions go into each dish. Get nachos, tortas, and other classic Mexican fare here.
Open daily, this fast and casual dining spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are additional locations in Stone Park, Addison, Elgin, Elmurts, and Oak Brook, so hungry locals can find this eatery anywhere.
7. Martinez Tacos Restaurant (348 E Station Street in Kankakee)
This incredible eatery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and breakfast and lunch hours include an immaculate buffet. In addition to making your own tacos, you'll also find tamales, gorditas, and a plethora of other Mexican favorites.
8. Taqueria Pequena (105 S Appleknocker Street in Cobden)
Open Monday through Saturday, this dynamite restaurant has been around since 2004 and is known for the freshest cuisine around. You'll definitely want this place on your taco bucket list if you enjoy steak, chicken, pork, tongue, and chorizo.
Though this place is best known for its burgers and other classic American fare, it's worth a stop in your taco adventure. Get them hard or soft with grilled chicken inside. You'll also find nachos and Mexican fries to curve your craving for spice.
This affordable little taco stand is family-owned and -operated and features a colorful, festive interior. Locals enjoy large portions of Mexican classics that can't be beat. You'll be hooked after one bite.