Readers' favorite grocery store tacos in Chicago
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Tacos from the taqueria inside Carniceria Jiménez on Fullerton. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Some of the tastiest tacos in the city are served up in cozy taquerias tucked into Latino supermarkets.
Why it matters: These spots offer terrific food at affordable prices, and many are hurting for business in the wake of recent immigration raids that have swept up thousands regardless of documentation and citizenship.
- This makes it an ideal time for folks who don't normally shop and dine in these stores to check them out.
Dig in: I recently tried a few spots but my top tacos came from the festively decorated taqueria inside Carniceria Jimenez on Fullerton. Get the juicy steak tacos ($3.50), brightly flavored pastor and porky carnitas. Don't sleep on the tamales either.
- After eating a huge brunch with my family, I went shopping and got two gorgeous cans of El Pato enchilada sauces for upcoming chilaquiles breakfasts at home.
Reader recs
After sharing my query in the newsletter and on social media, I got some great suggestions, including from places I've tried and enjoyed.
La Rosita in Glendale Heights. Get that taco al carbon. — Todd. B
Rico's Tacos at Rico Fresh Market on Armitage. — Bill H. and Kimberly O.
Carniceria Maribel. — Mike M.
La Placita Supermercado on 35th in McKinley Park. They're so good they also opened a sister restaurant down the block. But the counter in the supermarket is still the best. — Liz G.
Supermercado La Chapala on Clark in Rogers Park. Take home some of the roasted tomatillo salsa, says Andy B. Also recommended by Jenny S.. and Elissa B.
Carniceria Guanajuato on California in Avondale. — Steven R. and Elisa V. Also, the one on Ashland, says Lisa L and Jennie R.
Aguascalientes on 26th Street. — Lisa H.
La Casa Del Pueblo in Pilsen. — JM. Gabriel
Morelia's in Belmont Cragin. — Ethan E. L.
La Chaparrita on 25th and Whipple. — Catherine C.
Los Potrillos in Avondale. — Dennis L.
Martinez on Morgan and 33rd. — Chuck S.
Supermercado La Internacional at 45th and Ashland is a favorite among local coppers and you know they know the tasty spots in the city. — Luis A.
La Chiquita on 22nd. — Karla L.
La Casa de Isaac and Moishe in Highwood had a taqueria hidden in back of their grocery store many locals didn't know about. That all changed in 2020 when they had to get creative during lockdowns. Fortunately, the local government allowed for dining on the sidewalks, even extending into former parking spaces. While forced to reinvent themselves during that period, they're not only surviving, they're thriving. — Rod R.