Carmela's Taqueria

Mexican restaurant · Uptown

Carmela's Taqueria

Mexican restaurant · Uptown

1206 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Highlights

Compact counter-serve joint serving up tacos, burritos & tortas, plus drinks like horchata.

1206 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Get directions

carmelastaqueria.com

@infatuation

"“The first time I watched Supersize Me, I couldn’t help but crave a large order of fries from McDonald’s. Then, when I watched McMillions, an HBO miniseries that shows how McDonald’s was scammed out of more than $20 million through their Monopoly game, it immediately gave me a hankering to somehow screw over McDonald’s myself. Because when I was a kid, I was obsessed with collecting all the pieces and winning a bunch of money - but in reality, I had no shot to ever win. I don’t know what I would have done with my earnings back then, but if I pulled off this big of a heist today, I know exactly what I would do - fund a second location for Carmela’s, my favorite taco place in Chicago, to open in New York (where I live now). I miss their incredible al pastor tacos and tortas so much that I have dreamed for years of how to acquire enough money to make this possible - and watching McMillions has given me a new fantasy to think about.” -CM We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

Carmela's Taqueria - Review - Chicago - The Infatuation

View Postcard for Carmela's Taqueria

@infatuation

"TV Pairing:McMilliions (HBO) “The first time I watched Supersize Me, I couldn’t help but crave a large order of fries from McDonald’s. Then, when I watched McMillions, an HBO miniseries that shows how McDonald’s was scammed out of more than $20 million through their Monopoly game, it immediately gave me a hankering to somehow screw over McDonald’s myself. Because when I was a kid, I was obsessed with collecting all the pieces and winning a bunch of money - but in reality, I had no shot to ever win. I don’t know what I would have done with my earnings back then, but if I pulled off this big of a heist today, I know exactly what I would do - fund a second location for Carmela’s, my favorite taco place in Chicago, to open in New York (where I live now). I miss their incredible al pastor tacos and tortas so much that I have dreamed for years of how to acquire enough money to make this possible - and watching McMillions has given me a new fantasy to think about.” -CM" - max bonem, adrian kane, carlo mantuano

The Chicago (Quarantine) TV & Takeout Guide

View Postcard for Carmela's Taqueria

Jack Bottomley

Google

Spent a few days in Uptown and came here for the Tacos having seen the wheel in photos. Got the Al Pastor, lengua, and steak tacos which were amazing. Great hot sauces too. Will definitely be returning

Irenes Journey

Google

The best pastor tacos in Chicago! We driver over an hour and visit twice a year🙌🏻

Robin G

Google

Oh my goodness. Stop your searching and get tacos here right now!!! We had tacos Al pastor and carne asada and they were lovely. Juicy meat full of flavor, tortillas soft and fresh. Absolutely amazing. We had fresh guacamole too, you can tell they literally just made it, and it was pure avocado goodness. Cannot wait to come back!!

Bridget Wilde

Google

This place is great. Went during lunchtime & sat at the counter. There’s not too much seating & I can imagine that it gets packed quickly, but we seemed to beat any rush. We both ordered two tacos & their guacamole and everything was tasty, fresh, and quick. We were shocked at how big the guac was! Will definitely be back.

Oriana K

Google

Came here to try since we always see so many people come in. The 2 taco with rice and bean special is definitely a deal if you order Lengua (tongue) since a single lengua taco is $5.25. But the rice and beans were HORRIBLE. Rice was dry and basically "crispy" due to being so old. The beans has a sour taste to it so it was also probably spoiled from being out too long (warming in the container). The carne asada taco was decent but a little too salty for my liking. The lengua taco was pretty good. The steamed beef taco was also a bit too salty. The al pastor was decent, it is marinated well and has bits of pineapple in it. We also ordered the Horchata, definitely not the best tasting one, it was very bland and has a bad after taste. Overall, If you are craving tacos, I would recommend Lindo Guadalajara or Taqueria Uptown down the street.

Apostle Marvin Nurse, Jr

Google

This place is somewhere that I've slept on for too long!! Ya'll served me the best Shrimp , and Fish tacos so far, however I didn't think the guacamole would be so dog on expensive!! Next time I will purchase it low key because did look soooo bomb!!

David Hong

Google

This hole in the wall is incredible. Firstly the food is delicious for a good price. Burritos were filling and costed me 7.50. The pork pastor meat is great. They don't fill the burrito up with rice as filler. Instead they fill it with quality meat and cheese and tomatoes etc. The hot is really spicy, so be warned. The eating space is fairly clean. Next time I want to come and try the full chicken. Next time you're sick of chipotle come here for a good burrito, quesdidilla, or taco.

Steve Sabu

Google

Tacos were great. Small restaurant with very limited seating, but the food and service was great. Definitely a hole in the wall spot. The Al Pastor is excellent and very flavorful. The carne asada was also great. Prices are fair; a little pricier compared to other taco spots I've been to. Parking is limited. Street parking is available. I would recommend this spot for a quick bite to eat.