With its eclectic mix of stores, boutiques and restaurants, the Southport Corridor is arguably one of the hottest commercial strips in Chicago. This September it gets even more sizzling when the glorious taco is again in the spotlight as the tortilla-wrapped fave is celebrated at this annual food and music happening.
Whether one prefers their shells filled with traditional chicken, steak, chorizo and beef, or stuffed with imaginative ingredients such as mushrooms, seafood, goat and duck, this fall fest is a wildly popular fixture to the Windy City’s food scene. More than a dozen local eateries challenge themselves to make the tastiest tacos. The fest also features special beer and taco pairings, two music stages, crowd-pleasing Mexican wrestlers, activities for kids, and visitors can text vote for Chicago’s “Best Taco.”
A $10 suggested donation benefits the Friends of Lakeview.
Music SCHEDULE:
*Lucha Libre wrestlers at 5PM daily!
Saturday
SOUTH STAGE
2:00pm - Koncreto
2:00pm - INIZIAL
6:00pm - The Indigos
8:00pm - 16 Candles
NORTH STAGE
2:00pm - Mariachi Los Viajeros
3:30pm - TBC
6:30pm - Latin Groove Band
8:30pm - The Docksiders
Sunday
SOUTH STAGE
2:00pm - Sam Adams winner
3:30pm - Dancing Queen: Salute to Abba
5:30pm - iPop
7:30pm - Boy Band Review
NORTH STAGE
1:00pm - Mariachi Los Viajeros
2:30pm - Lemanz
4:00pm - One of These Nights (Eagles Tribute)
5:45pm - Supernatural Soul (Santana/Latin Rock)
7:00pm - Stache
Taco Vendors:
Bange's
This festival vendor is serious about their Mexican fare. Bange's is a staple on the event scene with their different varieties of tacos, tortas, quesadillas and pambazos (a torta smothered in enchilada sauce).
Juanita’s Mexican Food
Hailing from Chicago’s southside neighborhoods (they have two locations – one of 63rd Street and one on 59th Street), Juanita’s Mexican Food is serious about what they serve. This family-owned business may be serving tacos at this year’s festival but will have you craving their authentic handmade tamales, chicken mole and tortilla quesabirrias with his delicious consommé.
Tandoor Char House
Expect something exceptional with this Taco Fest vendor. Located on Halsted near Wrightwood in Lincoln Park, brothers Fahim and Faraz Sarharia take great pride in the food of their parents who hail from India and Pakistan. Visitors will be delighted with their seasoned lamb and chicken tacos.
Tuco & Blondie
"Mexifun" is how this Southport Corridor eatery describes itself with its food and drink menu. With its pop-art décor and large outdoor patio this cantina, named after characters in the iconic movie "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," prides itself in its selection of fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and salads. It also has an expansive cocktail offering that includes margaritas and specialty tequilas and mezcals. (Chicken and pork tacos.)
Carnitas Roldan
Carnitas are not the only specialty you'll find at this food stand (though they are very tasty)! Meats and refreshing drinks are what they're known for! Authentic tacos stuffed with carnitas, carne asada, barbacoa and pastor are cranked out fast and served with their amazing "Ricas Aguas Frescas" in multiple flavors.
Salsita
Located on Halsted Street, this newer fast food Mexican spot is full of flavor and some pretty unique specials including carne asada French fries and the chorizo huaraches. Their unique spin on traditional favorites is what makes them stand out against the rest.
Beat Kitchen
Although they're best known for their wildly eclectic nightly music bookings, this Belmont Avenue entertainment emporium also has outstanding food and beer offerings.
D.S. Tequila Company
This popular Halsted establishment in Lakeview proudly touts its burgers, tacos, beers and tequila-infused cocktails. It's a super casual place on a bustling street and offers nearly a dozen specialty tacos on their eclectic menu.
Tacos Nietos
Located on Chicago's far southeast side, this ma-and-pa Mexican eatery may be small in size but, when it comes to tacos, wins rave reviews from both neighborhood residents and visitors for their fantastic food. Trust us: Nietos is as authentic Mexico-meets-Chicago as it gets.
Taqueria la Ciudad
Salsas and sauces are what take Taqueria la Ciudad to the top of the list! Their Mexican specialties use fresh ingredients and well-seasoned meats along with your choice of salsas to elevate your experience.
Cebollitas Grill
Located on Chicago's southside, Cebollitas Grill uses recipes passed down from generation to generation. They take pride in what they serve and it shows -- whether you choose a taco, torta or quesadilla, you will not be disappointed!
El Campeón
You may know them from their amazing Pina Coladas served in a pineapple but they're equally known for their Mexican dishes at their Cicero location. And their vegan spin on pastor and chicken fajita tacos are truly one-of-a-kind!