Whether you’re a taco connoisseur in search of the next big thing, a Taco Tuesday observer or are simply looking to expand your palette, Tinley Park is a great place to start. The area is chock full of amazing taco shops and taquerias. Here are a few of our favorites.
El Cortez
- Address: 10128 191st St., Mokena
A family-owned establishment where the owner’s recipes are authentic from her mother and mother-in-law, El Cortez is known for its tamales, enchiladas,, flautas, tortas, tostadas and of course, tacos. Taco dinners include every protein under the sun (pork, shrimp, steak, chicken, tilapia) and are marinated and cooked to perfection with a side of rice and beans. Stop in every Tuesday for 5 hard shell tacos for $10.
Maiz & Barro
- Address: 6050 W. 159th St., Oak Forest
Nestled in the heart of Oak Forest, this vibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant transports your senses south of the border. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering tacos al pastor, their menu is a journey through Mexico’s rich culinary tapestry. All tacos come in handmade corn tortillas for tostadas, with varieties ranging from grilled shrimp and beer battered fried cod fish tacos to crumbled Mexican sausage and marinated pork shoulder.
Zap Taco House
- Address: 19711 Mokena Street, Mokena
True to its name, Zap Taco House serves elevated tacos, margaritas, beer, and more in a laid-back atmosphere. Zap offers anything but standard tacos, with menu staples like red skull (Korean BBQ Shaved Ribeye with sesame ginger slaw), Nashville nemesis (fried chicken tenderloin smothered in cayenne oil), and the whippersnapper (flash fried shrimp with passion fruit slaw). Vegetarians don’t fret – Zap offers a delicious plant-based seasoned beef taco.
Mama Maria’s
- Address: 16117 S. La Grange Road, Orland Park
Mama Maria’s is an upscale Mexican eatery specializing in Mexican street food. While they boast an extensive menu consisting of traditional Mexican favorites like taquitos, guacamole and sizzling fajita platters, the tacos take center stage. Mix and match more than a dozen varieties including baja fish, beer braised beef, crispy pork belly, and gulf shrimp.
Fat Rosie’s
- Address: 28 Kansas Street, Frankfort
Fat Rosie’s is a family-friendly Mexican Taqueria, with a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. With an extensive menu and generous portions, famous tacos served on corn tortillas include pollo a las brazos (chipotle marinated grilled chicken), coliflor frita (beer battered cauliflower), wild mushroom and camerones (sauteed tiger shrimp). Kids will love the lively atmosphere of Fat Rosie’s, where they’ll receive a free sombrero and can sip on virgin versions of Fat Rosie’s famous drinks
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