ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Cheap Tacos in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
El Taco Cart
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Taco Cart is a compact Northalsted counter spot built for late-night taco runs, with al pastor and asada tacos, burritos, and churros served until 3am on weekends. A small indoor space and quick counter service make it a natural stop after the bars for fast, satisfying Mexican street food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asada steak taco, Al pastor taco, Pizza tamale
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A late-night Northalsted taco counter serving street-style tacos until 3am on weekends.
Who should go: Night owls needing quick tacos after Halsted bar hopping.
When to visit: Thursday–Saturday after 11pm for peak late-night energy.
What to order: Asada steak tacos, al pastor tacos, pizza tamale.
Insider tip: Pair tacos with horchata and expect a short wait during bar let-out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered and neighborhood spots can be scarce late at night near the Halsted bar strip.
Dress code: Casual — bar clothes, streetwear, and late-night attire are all common.
Noise level: Loud during bar let-out with limited seating; best treated as a grab-and-go stop rather than a conversation spot.
Weekend wait: Short queue likely after midnight (5–15 minutes) during peak late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when open, though this is primarily a late-night operation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — menu is mostly meat tacos; occasional veggie/custom builds may be possible — confirm at the counter.
Vegan options: Very limited — not a vegan-focused menu and cross-contact is likely.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are commonly used but not prepared in a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the plan is casual, fast, and late-night — it’s more of a post-bar taco stop than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations and seating is limited; most guests order at the counter and eat quickly or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — hours skew late, space is small, and crowds are nightlife-oriented; better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable late-night tacos within steps of Northalsted bars when you want something quick and satisfying.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, quiet conversation, broad dietary accommodations, or a sit-down family meal.