ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in River North
Best Tacos in River North
Best Burritos in River North
Best Late Night Mexican in River North
Best Late Night Tacos in River North
Best Happy Hour Mexican in River North
Master Critic Review
Zombie Taco
7.6
Operating out of the Moxy Chicago Downtown, Zombie Taco is a nearly all-day, late-night counter for tacos, burritos, and breakfast items. It’s more about convenience and fun flavors than purist tacos, but long hours make it a reliable option after bars or before early flights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño Bacon Taco, Braised Brisket Taco, Zombie Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Hotel-side taco counter slinging breakfast and late-night tacos every day.
Who should go: Night owls and hotel guests needing easy tacos at odd hours.
When to visit: Post-bar or late-night cravings when most kitchens are closed.
What to order: Jalapeño Bacon or Braised Brisket tacos, Zombie Burrito, chips.
Insider tip: Use it as a backup plan when River North kitchens close but you still want something hot, quick, and handheld.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — paid hotel/nearby garages are the most reliable option; limited metered street parking in River North, especially nights and weekends.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — bar crowd, hotel guests, and late-night diners all blend in.
Noise level: Lively due to hotel lobby/bar energy, but ordering is counter-style and you’re in and out quickly.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal — short pickup queue during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait or a brief line depending on hotel traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (e.g., breakfast and veggie-leaning tacos), but selection is limited compared to full-service taquerias.
Vegan options: Very limited — may require customizations; confirm ingredients at ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos can be ordered on corn tortillas, but cross-contact is likely in a compact prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s counter-service, fast, and designed for convenience rather than atmosphere or conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations are not used. Seating is shared within the hotel lobby/bar area and is first-come, often used for quick bites.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a practical sense (simple tacos, quick food), but the environment skews hotel and late-night crowd; best earlier in the day rather than bar-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, quick handheld tacos, and reliable hours when most River North kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want destination-level tacos, a sit-down meal, or broader dietary accommodations — a dedicated taqueria or full-service Mexican spot will be a better fit.