ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in River North
Best Burritos in River North
Best Late Night Tacos in River North
Master Critic Review
Big Wig Tacos - River North
8.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Opened in 2017 by River North Hospitality, Big Wig is the neighborhood’s high-volume, late-night taco counter built around grilled skirt steak and customizable vessels. With thousands of app ratings and steady bar-traffic demand, it’s the reliable move for fast tacos, burritos, and nachos before or after a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Premium Skirt Steak Taco, Classic Everyday Tacos (onion and cilantro), Loaded nachos with queso and choice of protein
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume counter spot focused on skirt steak tacos, big portions, and late hours.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers and night-shift workers needing fast tacos.
When to visit: Late nights and post-bar hours when the line moves fastest.
What to order: Premium skirt steak tacos, Classic Everyday Tacos, loaded nachos.
Insider tip: Keep toppings simple on steak tacos—onion, cilantro, salsa—to taste the marinade.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive at night; most guests rely on nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — bar clothes, jeans, and late-night wear are all common.
Noise level: Loud during late hours with steady bar-traffic flow; conversation is brief and counter-style rather than sit-down.
Weekend wait: Usually a short counter line (5–15 minutes), longer right after bar close.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait outside peak office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, bowls, and customizable builds are available.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify veggie items, but sauces and toppings may contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some fillings can be served on corn tortillas or in a bowl, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — it’s counter-service, fast, and geared toward quick late-night fuel rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is limited and mostly counter or small tables, so plan to order, eat quickly, or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for quick daytime or early-evening meals, but late-night crowds skew bar-adjacent and may feel too loud for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, big portions for the price, and reliable skirt-steak tacos when other kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, quieter atmosphere, or broader chef-driven taco menu — a full-service taqueria will be a better fit.