Chicago’s 10 Best Taco Trucks

New-School Taco Trucks are Changing the Game for Chicago’s Culinary Scene.

Chicago is mainly known for three things: sports, music, and some of the best food trucks around. Whether you’re looking for a new stop to check out on your lunch break or want to have one of our partner trucks cater your next event, we’ve got you covered.

Despite being nestled away in the Midwest, far from Mexico, tacos are something Chicagoans take hella seriously. And they’ve got the taco carts to prove it.

Check out the list below for the top 10 taco trucks in Chicago, with a “best for” section that lets you know the ideal choice for every whim or need. 

1. La Cocinita Chicago

What happens when you multiply Venezuelan chefs with the New Orleans food scene and then divide it by Chicago? La Cocinita Chicago, that’s what.

This husband-and-wife-operated taco stand offers classic Latin American cuisine with a modern twist. Famous for mouthwatering, freshly prepared sauces, people are shouting about them from the rooftops of Evanston.

This taco truck is something of a superstar, with starring roles on some of TV’s biggest food shows, including Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Eat Street. Try the “Stupid Hot” sauce, if you dare! Don’t worry if you’re spice-averse, there are mild flavor bombs as well as sauces that bring the heat. 

La Cocinita serves tasty bites to the greater Chicagoland area, and you can call on them to cater for your event. There’s so much variety on the menu, with arepas, burri-tacos and bowls in addition to tacos, you’ll be in flavor heaven after your first bite.

Check out La Cocinita Chicago’s Instagram for a firsthand look at what these folks can do.

Best for: Breakfast Tacos That Really Hit the Spot

2. Aztec Dave’s Food Truck

Frantically searching for some authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Chicago? Calm yourself, hungry one, and head down to Aztec Dave’s Food Truck, smack bang in-between Chicago City Center and Evanston. 

The inspiration for this incredible food comes from the owner’s very own grandmother. And the true beauty of Mexican dishes lies in the fact that recipes are handed down from generation to generation, bringing unique flavor to each bite.

All the food is freshly made, and the meat is marinated in a secret seasoning to make it as tender and nomtastic as food can be. From guajillo shrimp to classic al pastor, there’s truly something for everyone who loves a taco.

This truck has been throwing tacos, tortas, and quesadillas together since 2015 and takes great pride in using the freshest, most high-quality ingredients.Take a look at Aztec Dave’s Food Truck’s Facebook to learn more.

Best for: Premium Ingredients, Catering

3. Gorditas Aguascalientes

You’ll find the Gorditas Aguascalientes taco pop-up in Gage Park, and once you do, you’ll be hooked for life. Open from 8 a.m. until late every day, there’s a wide variety of options, from vegan burritos to beer battered fish tacos.

Dessert lovers always walk away from this Chicago taco truck satisfied. That said, they usually make a mental note to come back. Between flan, tres leches cake, arroz con leche, and sweet tamales, there’s too much to choose from.

These folks make some pretty spectacular cocktails, too. With some of the best micheladas, margaritas, and piña coladas in the city, you’ll feel like you stepped through a portal into another dimension. A Mexican dimension.

Best for: Indoor Catering for Family Celebrations or Corporate Events

4. La Adelita Food Truck

Happy cooks make awesome food, according to the master taco makers at La Adelita Food Truck, and from the flavors and service on show, we’d have to agree.

When it comes to food, the chefs at this taco tent specialize in tacos and tacos only, and it really shows. But they also offer homemade iced coffee, horchata, and the ability to cater pretty much any party or event.

With classics such as lengua, adobo chicken, and barbacoa (and many more,) you’ll find yourself returning again and again, even if it means chasing the truck through town. 

Best for: Catering Special Events Such as Weddings and Milestone Birthdays

5. La Patrona Food Bus

La Patrona isn’t just a taco tent, it’s a whole darned taco bus. Follow your heart to this glorious taco temple and delight in the wide range of Mexican treats available. 

Got a hankering for huevos rancheros or huevos a la Mexicana? This is the place to go. It’s in downtown Chicago and takes pride in making all salsas, sauces, and marinades in house. 

Best for: Authentic Mexican

6. Pink Taco Chicago

Pink Taco is pretty famous. So famous, it has its own Wikipedia page, a write-up on Time Out and a generally newsworthy vibe. And this glitzy taco truck (her name is Brandy) is all about the vibe.

The girls behind the taco trailer are just as serious about having a good time as they are about delicious fillings wrapped up in a corn blanket. And with agua frescas and Mexican Coke, you can truly transport yourself straight to Mexico. 

Baja shrimp, steak and chicken burritos, al pastor tacos, and carnitas are just a few options to choose from. Everything, from food to drinks, is picture perfect, and quality underpins all menu options.

Head over to the Pink Taco Instagram, and tease your tastebuds with images of the delicious menu. 

Best for: Corporate Events, Private Parties

7. CheSa’s Gluten Tootin’ Free Food Truck

Chef CheSa is on a 1-woman mission to let everyone know that gluten-free food can be the most delicious cuisine in the world. At this taco stand, health meets tastiness in a way you’ve never before experienced.

CheSa’s Gluten Tootin’ Free Food Truck is a paradise for foodies and anyone who adores Mexican flavors. The extensive menu is brimming with treats such as gluten-free tacos, sandwiches, and rolls.

The “all hail kale” salad and lobster roll are the stuff of legends on the streets of Chicago. Throop Street, to be precise.

Check out CheSa’s Gluten Tootin’ Free Food Truck’s Instagram to find out what all the fuss is about.

Best for: Gluten-Free Offerings

8. Bob Cha Food Truck

Tucked away between Ellis Avenue and 58th Street, hungry Chicagoans (and visitors alike) can find Bob Cha Food Truck. 

If you’ve got a penchant for fusion, it’s the place to be. Satisfy your Korean and Mexican food cravings in one fell swoop, with menu options such as Bob Cha beef or chicken tacos and rice bowls

Desserts are pretty special, too, with cake pops, cookies, and mini cupcakes to choose from. Or you could just grab one of everything and share with your friends.

Students rejoice, as the truck’s main location is temptingly close to the University of Chicago campus. Everyone else, rejoice knowing that Bob Cha will pop up at your event, or you can pay a visit, no matter where you are in Chicago.

Bob Cha Food Truck doesn’t stay still, so be sure to check out its taco calendar to discover where it’ll be on any given day.

Best for: Quick Lunch Between Classes and Easy-to-Find Locations

9. Toasty Taco

Toasty Taco keeps it simple, and it’s something to celebrate. It does street tacos, burritos, tortas, and quesadillas, and holy guacamole they do them well. And yes, the guac itself is awesome.

Anyone with a passion for Mexican Coke can get their fix here, plus taste classic Mexican flavors and the queso-iest queso in town. If you live in Schaumburg, you can order from this esteemed eatery, but it can also come to your event.

The folks behind this taco truck pay serious homage to fine, fresh ingredients. And you’ll taste it in every bite of the yummy carne asada, pollo, carnitas, and chorizo bites.

Take a look at Toasty Taco’s website, which is also the page for its sister truck, Tasty Cheese, for more info.

Best for: Catering

10. Whadda Jerk

Some people are searching for authenticity; others are looking to get adventurous. Flavor explorers, make your way down to the Wicker Park area of Chicago and savor the treats from Whadda Jerk. 

It puts a Jamaican twist on all things Mexican with menu offerings that include the likes of Jerk Chicken Nachos and Quesadillas as well as the famed Jerk in the Jar. More adventurous customers can try the Jerk Egg Rolls, and the menu is also vegan-friendly with a vegan burger and quesadilla option.

Keep an eye on where the food truck is rolling next or get updates on the latest about the brick-and-mortar store on Whadda Jerk’s Facebook page.

Best for: Jerk Cuisine, Vegan Offerings

Food Truck Catering in Chi-Town

One of the best things about food trucks is that they’re mobile. And that means they can come right to your door—or driveway—to cater your next event. Booking taco truck catering for an employee appreciation day or a birthday celebration is super easy through Roaming Hunger.

Need to compare catering services in Chicago to make your next event one to remember? Browse our Chicago food truck catering page to get the information you need to help you make the perfect choice.