Carnicerias Guanajuato

I came here expecting tomatillos and cilantro. I left questioning my entire culinary life. This tiny, unassuming mercado is casually committing acts of gastronomic violence against the rest of Chicago. The chicharrón? Not just good—spiritually disruptive. Perfectly blistered, wildly crunchy, impossibly tender, and seasoned like someone’s abuela made a pact with the gods of pork. The curly chicharrón, in particular, deserves its own velvet rope and security detail. Order it. Obsess over it. Tell no one—or tell everyone, but whisper. Presiding over this greatness is the Chicharrón Master, a man who has spent over twenty years mastering his craft. Two decades of patience, discipline, and pork enlightenment. This is not a cook; this is a guardian of tradition. Forget awards. This man deserves a shrine, fresh candles, and respectful silence while he works. On weekends, the place ascends. Pancita (menudo), barbacoa, and carnitas appear as a perfect trio of slow-cooked excellence. Deep, soulful broths. Meat so tender it practically confesses secrets. This is not food you eat quickly; this is food that demands respect—and silence—between bites. And then—plot twist—hidden inside is a modest taquería that cooks everything right in front of you, with a lineup of salsas that feels both generous and quietly threatening. You watch the tacos come together, choose your weapons from the salsa spread, take one bite—and suddenly every taco opinion you’ve ever held asks to be reconsidered. This is where real Mexican cooking lives: confident, generous, unpretentious, and devastatingly delicious. No trends. No theatrics. Just mastery honed over decades and served without asking for applause. Come hungry. Leave humbled.

Order 2 tacos one lengua one chile relleno plus a milanesa torta the taco the lengua we'll pack mi chile relleno got it with cilantro and onions ?? Never eaten like that ! Any way take two bites in my tortillas fell apart!!! Wow any good taco maker fryer the tortillas a little bit to solve this problem any way the place is clean upps the have only one salsa sorry I'm going back to the south side to get real tacos

I went for the 1st time with my daughter & nephew for tacos. I ordered 2 tacos- the chicken & pork. I wasn't terribly hungry but ordered 2. They were quite tasty & filling. Wish I had more time to walk around the grocery store.

Came Saturday afternoon, place was half packed, ordered my regular, 1 asada and 1 bistec encebollado taco and an agua de horchata. Horchata tastes like water. I asked the lady if i could exchange it. She exchange it for agua de Jamaica. It wasn't any better. When I got my tacos the asada was very dry, no flavor. The bistec encebollado was on point. Its become a hit or miss. If you come in and the grill is off, you're going to end up getting dry steak thats been on the pot for a while.

I tried the tacos de asada and tacos de lomo encebollado. Tacos were good, establishment is clean but took forever to get 3 tacos.

Some conspiracies turn out to be true…like aliens existing or that Mexican supermarkets really have the best restaurants. You won’t find a better value for your dollar than here! The portion sizes are larger than your student debt. They also are very generous on the avocado unlike other burrito places. I got the steak and lengua burrito and it was everything I needed at the time. If you’re passing by on Ashland and see the loud pink colors make sure to stop in!

DON'T EAT HERE ANYMORE. Google REALLY NEEDS TO START GIVING PEOPLE THE OPTION TO SELECT ZERO STARS! cause after the incident of a few days ago, I will NEVER go back here again. Listen I understand accidents happen and this place is usually always busy I understand all that. But on this situation oddly enough they were NOT busy. They served us 3 steak tacos that were very raw! The meat was very UNDER COOKED! I'm not one to make a scene but I will let others know to check there food before eating here. Food poisoning is no joke! You expect for your food to be well cooked by the time the "cook" hands you your food that many never check their food. My friend and her son both took a bite from their taco before I saw my steak taco and realized the meat was RAW. I told them to stop and I checked their tacos and the meat was also very RAW. The white paper bag also had grease and blood. It was absolutely disgusting. I will never come back here and if you do, PLEASE CHECK YOUR FOOD!

Slow service at the register and at the inside restaurant. Ordered 3 tacos and they were filled with lettuce,topped with a slice of tomato and overcooked steak that was sitting on the grill. One of the workers had a nose bleed and stuck tissue in her nose and continued to take orders at the front. She took a order with blood showing on the tissue.

There is a great Mexican deli inside this supermarket that has amazing street tacos! This place was busy but the food came out quickly and it looked like the turnaround was quick so you should have a place to sit if wanted. Very authentic food at a reasonable price.

Both the cafeteria and the grocery store are great. The tacos are so good and the service is always super fast. The grocery also has some stuff that the jewel down the street does not stock! A few months ago, I left my wallet here by accident and the staff members tracked me down to return it, which was so above and beyond. I was so grateful. Really good people, always so friendly.

Overall Thoughts: Carnicerias Guanajuato is a nice Mexican grocery store in the Wicker area with a little restaurant tucked in the back. It carries a solid range of Mexican staples, brands, snacks, and ingredients, and the staff are really kind and friendly. The restaurant is counter-serve with a well-sized seating area, and had a wide variety of meat options, from ox tongue tacos to beef jerky tortas to chorizo burritos. (However, the vegetarian options were a bit lacking in creativity / depth). By the time I went at ~6:30pm though, they were out of both ox tongue and beef jerky, so I'll have to go earlier next time to try those. The prices are reasonable and affordable in both the restaurant and store, and you can use either cash or card. Food I tried: - Lomo Encebollado Torta (4/5): The torta bread was a little stale / not super fresh, but the meat was good and flavorful. Especially for the price (~$8), it was a very solid meal. -- Price (relative to peers): 4.6/5 Food: 4/5 Ambience: 4.4/5 Service: 4.8/5 Overall Value: 4.4/5

Carnicerias Guanajuato is a hidden gem that needs to be tried by the masses! The hot sauce selection is by far superior than any other place I have searched for hot sauces. The burrito and taco selection at the small restraunt inside is worth every bite and penny. And when you see them cutting up fresh cilantro it is a sight be see!

Takes credit card Located inside the grocery store Lots of Latin locals come by to get lunch. They are large size tacos, but the prices are higher than I would've liked. Compared to tacos in Southern California, the taste and flavor isn't as good. lengua taco ($4.99)- large portion. Soft lengua meat. Flavor could improve. Carnitas taco ($3.49)- large portion. Meat was soft. Could be seasoned more. Chorizo taco ($3.49)- smaller amount of meat. Carne Asada taco (3.79)- meat was on the dryer side

We went to the other Carnicerias Guanajuato on Damen by Fullerton and had really good experiences and we saw this location on Yelp too so we thought, let's give them a try. Similarly, the protein choices are very good. The carnitas is really meaty, it comes with big chunks of pork. It reminded me of Tomas y Tumbras (located in the LA food court). The carne asada, lengua and cecina (beef jerky) all met my requirements for a beefy experience. They have different salsas, I believe red and green, I would try both. One thing I noticed and this is very noteworthy, is that the other location automatically adds avocado to your steak burrito whereas here, it's missing. Now I'm not shaken to the core like Michelle O'bama but that compels me to go to the other location. On the other hand, this location has a nicer dining atmosphere with the eating area being bigger, homey Mexican decorations and being surrounded by Mexican families, makes you feel like, like....like you're in Mexico. And I like that because it adds to the overall experience. I'll come back for sure, Hasta Luego!!

I love coming here on the weekends to pick up their rotisserie chicken! It's always fresh and juicy, all dark meat (thighs and drumsticks) and has delicious seasoning on it. I usually come pick it up in the morning about an hour after they open. There is usually a line in the back near the dairy section. On weekends they also sell menudo, carnitas, chicharrones, and other meats (possibly barbacoa/carne asada). I believe the bulk cooked meats are only available or at least made fresh on the weekends. Parking is easy since they have their own parking lot and plenty of street parking nearby. Public transit is easy too since it's close to the blue line and 8 bus stop on Ashland.

5 tacos & no sauce or limes after I said in my order to make sure there is lines n extra green sauce got my food & no napkins , limes or green sauce smh

Honestly, great tacos. Great flavor. Best hole in the wall and you can even get cooked pork in the back in bulk. 10/10. The lengua tacos are THE BEST. Steak tacos are second as well. The day I went they didn't have Barbacoa or fried steak tacos that day but I will go in another day to try them. Big portions as well. Three filled me up really nice.

Came here growing up throughout the 90's and 2000's. Still hits the spot every time, the tacos are definitely great. The restaurant was remodeled some time ago, very popular with locals coming through. Same great flavors with the same grill that's well seasoned. Lengua tacos and asada tacos is what I ordered, definitely a lot of meat compared to other spots. Great green salsa and horchata as well. Service is quick and friendly, I'll be back when I'm in the area.

Great grocery, terrible old steak tacos (they prob use the meat going bad for the tacos from the store) 2/10 on the carne asada tacos.

This is a solid neighborhood gem for tacos, burritos, torta and more! I really don't think you can find better tacos at the affordable price they offer here, good quality & portion to begin with. I usually go for the carne asada and pollo tacos with horchata (if it is not sold out!)! There is a cute dining/sitting area inside, and grabbing a couple things in the grocery store after you eat can be a fun thing to do as well.

Best tacos you can find. Incredibly nice staff. A regular dining spot for us during the week

I've been here way back before it got super popular but glad to say the quality of food and service is still consistent. They have a nice open seating area within the grocery store that can definitely get busy on the weekends. There was a bit of a line but staff were super friendly and the food out came very quickly. Was very pleased with the amount of food for the price of each item. This is a great go to place for tacos in the area and have some time to potentially deal with a little crowd

A hidden gem in wicker park ( well, not so hidden since it's right on Ashland Ave) but I never knew about the restaurant inside. These are, by far..... THE BEST TACOS in the city! We love the chicken but the barbacoa is incredible. You know it's going to be great when there's a line at 10am in the morning! Def stop in and get your taco fix on. You will not be disappointed.

Amazinggg tacos. Chicken and steak tacos were my favorite. Chorizo and pork just ok not mind blowing. 1 taco is the size of 2. Great authentic food at a great price. Will be back!!

Great food inside of their little taqueria! The tortas are massive and come at a great price compared to some other places nearby! My husband and I have been ordering here like once a week lately! Lol

Great food. Nice big portions. Tacos and torta are really good. I would come back again. Authentic food.

This review is specifically for the taqueria in the back of the grocery store! Delicious chicken and vegetarian (ie guacamole) burritos and freshly made smoothies (licuados). Service is friendly and fast, and you can even do some grocery shopping while you wait. I usually get my food to go, but they have ample seating/tables as well. So happy this place is near my apartment!

Get your taco fix, buy your Mexican groceries and enjoy a real Mexican lunch or dinner while your here

The steak burrito was very flavorful. I will be back. I hate that they don't have rice or beans to accompany the burrito or tacos. Hence the reason for the four stars.

Man this place was a hidden gem. In my stay in Chicago I was lucky to have this place around the corner from my Airbnb. It serves as the perfect epicenter for Mexican culture. From Mexican cola to imported snacks to fresh tacos, this place has it all. I ordered an authentic carne asada torta (con todo), and it was delicious. The freshest ingredients really made the sandwich great. The photo won't do it justice but you have to try it yourself.

One of the best tortas in the city. Great place to pick up meats when you're grilling out. Inside the grocery store you'll find all kinds of Mexican snacks, spices, etc.

Some of the best and most authentic tacos I've had! There is a restaurant in the back of the grocery store; the chorizo and al pastor are my favorites! They also sell healthy green juice for $5!

Guanajuato is the ultimate supermercado. They have all your daily needs under one roof. This is the place to find imported products from Mex., a butcher shop, a grocery store, and a taqueria all under one roof. Think of this as the original Whole Foods, since you will find the same fancy items, but in their original packaging imported directly from abroad. The only negative is that the place is a bit dirty. If they cleaned up a bit more, it would get the "5".

Best tacos, burritos, and tortas that are in the neighborhood. Cheap, authentic, and a nice seating area. Only two types of salsa (both flavorful and spicy!) and tons of drink options including the typical: Jarrito, Mexican bottled soda, and horchata. If I want a quick and authentic meal that doesn't break the bank, I go here. The restaurant is in the back right corner of the grocery store. They did a really nice job renovating this place a few months back. It makes a huge difference. On weekends they make barbacoa and carnitas.

I come here for tacos and burritos all the time, and it's the first place I recommend to anyone looking for a good taco place in the area. They have a great, cheap, filling veggie burrito and my favorite chile relleno tacos. The horchata is really yummy as well. I only wish they stayed open later. You can't really go wrong here!

These tacos are incredible!!!! I kinda want this place to stay a secret, but I also want everyone to experience it, so I'm sharing. I had an errand to run in the area and, while I was walking, I smelled something amazing, so I went inside to check it out. It's a mexican grocery store and everyone inside speaks spanish (and english!). I ordered a chicken taco and a carne asada taco and both were perfect and absolutely LOADED with flavorful, tender meat. Each taco was like $2.50-$3 and VERY FILLING! There was so much meat on each that it was like 2 tacos in every taco.

The best chicharonnes around! Always friendly. The tacos are good to. Will be coming back.

Easily the best carnitas taco I've had in Chicago. Both is size and quality they exceed my expectations every time. You want fresh? See the onion mountain I posted. Blue collar place. No frills, but really good. This place is a hidden gem. Grocery store looks solid as well.

*Cues* R. Kelly and Jayz's Fiesta, Fiesta... DL Burrito is located, in the very back of the grocery store... dont even think about it not being a line at lunch. The menu is straightforward. And the tacos are huge, delicious, and authentic. Its really hard to find authentic Mexican food in Chicago. I made the mistake of ordering three tacos. And I barely got through eating one. They also double their shells so you can take one shell off and break one taco into two. Im so excited to treat my Salon to the Tacos for our Christmas party. Its so dope that they cater by the pound. The Grocery store itself is a find. Living in NYC , I miss being able to find some of my fave Goya products and Mexican treats. Everything they have from meat to produce is really fresh.

This place is honestly my favorite Mexican grocery store in the city and on top of that they also have the best tacos and horchata. Make sure to go on the weekends to try their barbacoa. They also have the best fried chicharrones and grasitas!

This hidden gem is a must if you're craving authentic tacos! I went during my lunch break and even though they were busy and had a constant influx of customers, I probably only waited 10 minutes or so in total and I can confidently say it was worth the wait! I got the chicken and steak tacos and while I LOVED the steak, it was the chicken taco that surprised me the most as it was actually moist and flavorful. I normally avoid chicken tacos due to these aforementioned reasons, but a bunch of reviews raved about the chicken and I just had to try for myself and I definitely wasn't let down. I'll definitely be back!

This place is madness!!! I've lived in the west town neighborhood for nearly 2 years and just heard about this restaurant tucked away inside this Mexican grocery store. It's crazy to think that for this long I've been paying either way too much or eating mediocre burritos before coming here. I've gotten the steak burrito and the lomo encebollado. Both are fantastic, coming packed with morsels of their grilled meat. When you cut it in half, the burrito nearly explodes and is quite fragrant. I love how fresh everything tastes, how it's standard that it comes with avocado, and that the tortilla is heated on the grill so that it is slightly crispy and flaky (don't know why every mexican restaurant doesn't do this). Each burrito runs no more than 6.50 and you'll be walking out thinking, "damn, I wish i could grow an extra stomach so I could eat another one." Five stars for value and deliciousness.

I found this place through a TikTok video talking about the best Mexican restaraunts in chicago. Luckily I chose this one to try out-- I was NOT disappointed!! Seriously, the best tacos I've ever had. The restaurant is in the back of a quaint grocery store which adds to a fun experience. The kitchen is clean, organized, and the seating area looks newly decorated. I got the chicken tacos which were absolutely amazing. It was LOADED with chicken that was marinated in a sauce and topped with cilantro & onion. The ingredients are very flavorful & fresh. Their salsa is 10/10. Very filling. On the weekends they serve barbacoa tacos that I've yet to try. My only wish is that they'd serve beans & rice because I know they'd do it right. Fairly priced, good service, free parking, and you can even get some shopping done after. P.s. try the guacamole!

Wow. I can't believe I've never gotten tacos from here. Some of the best tacos I've had in Chicago. They are a little more expensive than other tacos in the area, but they are also bigger. My girlfriend and I got 7 tacos for $29. Probably 2 more tacos than we needed. The Barbacoa and Carnitas are amazing! Our new go to spot!

Hard to beat it. $6.99 for a carne asada burrito that is as tasty as you'll find. The employees are quick & polite. They also have a decent seating area that is fine but is essentially just a few tables in the grocery store. Perfect spot for takeout. Don't be intimidated by this place!

This is the review for the taqueria inside the supermarket. I found those hidden taquerias absolutely amazing! I often feel awkward when I want a quick Mexican fix without stuffing myself uncomfortably. However, the existence of a speedy service, made-to-order fresh taqueria solves the problem. Hubby and I went there for three (3) lomo encebollado (onion & steak) tacos, one (1) vegetarian torta, and two (2) large cups of horchata. We managed to have our dinner under $20 and certainly filled us up. Their tacos were delicious! Perhaps I've not had tacos or Mexican food for awhile and gotten too excited. By the way, their large horchata was really a jumbo size. If you're still out and about running errands and exploring the city leisurely, be sure that you plan your bathroom stops accordingly. I was pleasantly surprised that they accepted our MasterCard at the taqueria, because I totally forgot to check on my cash status in my wallet before proceeding to the site. Carnicerias Guanajuato in Wicker Park is located on Ashland Ave., approximately ten (10)-minute walk northbound from the CTA Division Blue Line station.

Love their tacos n tortas their service is fast n friendly n lots of place to sit at

Tacos in a grocery store???? Yep thats right! When you see a joint full of Spanish speaking customers all eating tacos you have come to the right place! You want fancy over priced tacos? Sorry this place is mot for you? You want waiters??? Your in the wrong place! You want great tacos??? Bingo you win! I love this place Free parking in their lot What are you waiting for???????? I guarantee your gonna love it!

Returned for a second visit to try another burrito and still excellent. The burritos contents are flavorful and fragrant giving the overall taste to be nothing short of satisfying. This time I got half a lime to add to it and it was an excellent addition to enhance the flavor profile. Great value and a good location if you have to grab one or two things from the connected grocery.

Never shopped at the grocery store but I've been to the restaurant part 2 times now in the past month. I have no complaints about this place! The first time I came I ordered two chicken tacos. Honestly thought I might have to go back to the counter and order another one because I usually eat 3 tacos at a meal. When I received my food I was amazed at how big and filling they were! I had a hard time finishing both! My friend ordered 3 steak tacos and insisted I try a bit of the steak. I'm usually not a beef person but I agreed since he wouldn't stop taking about how good they were. The steak was so fresh and yummy that I almost considered ordering a steak burrito the second time I went, but settled for chicken. The tacos come with onion and cilantro, and the burrito came with beans, avocado, cilantro and lettuce (plus the chicken obviously). I opted to order sour cream on the burrito as well which was a 50 cent up-charge. All in all, my burrito cost me somewhere around 6 bucks which is super affordable compared to some places. They also have bottle of salsa verde upon request. The place is very no frills in the back of a grocery store. Preparation was quick. There is a parking lot in front of the store so you don't have to bother is metered parking, which is a plus. My only wish is that they stayed open later, I've found myself craving tacos from here after a night of clubbing/bar hopping! Do yourself a favor and check this place out.

We had a steak and onions torta and a carne asada burrito. Both were amazing. Coming from Florida, this beats all the Mexican places I've been to down there. The people there were also very nice. I would highly recommend trying for yourself.

One of my favorite Mexican haunts in the City of Chicago. It has everything one could need: Simple menu, reasonable prices, in house grocery store in case I wish to pick up a few items for my apartment...decent Mexican music. Did I mention that they completely redesigned their dining area within the last year. It's a great place to stop by to grab something to go, or even to stop in and grab a quick bite. Again, the menu isn't expanse, (see photos) they'res no host/host/hostess to greet you at the door, (the cashier is your host) (this joint is actually inside a Mexican Supermarket) and the "Midnight Mariachi Band" won't be found at this ABSOLUTE GEM. Forget it. The Steak Burritos are really good Steak was char grilled, juicy, not dry, but well seasoned. I also tried a carnitas taco. With both, I'm simple: cheese, onions, cilantro only. Keep the rest of the garden, no thank you. Carnitas was nicely seasoned, lean, not dry, it was a pleasant difference from really bad al pastor which was really "piss poor, fatty varies with some pineapple juice, and a splash of water or lime" from other Mexican restaurants. Overall, I'm impressed. Lastly, you can bring the kids here. As a family of 4 can eat, decent for under $30, easily. Again, what more could you ask for? PS: Cans of pop/soda are $.89 from the restaurant. If you buy them from the grocery store and bring them over, they're only $.69.

My son had mentioned eating here several times with his work buddies, when he suggested we go I immediately said yes. I love eating at places like this, basically a hidden gem inside a grocery store. Not that it matters, but I believe the restaurant is Taqueria Guanajuato which is inside a grocery store called Carnicerias Guanajuato. Find this place it is an excellent experience, a fantastic value. Quite functional, you order at the counter, receive a number and pick up your order at the counter. A process that I appreciate and prefer. I will have to admit that I was a little concerned when I heard the cook announcing the order numbers in Spanish, wondering how I would know when my number had been called. However my number was announced in English indicating that this is noted when placing your order. A very hospitable atmosphere, I felt completely at home here. The food is very good and a complete bargain. I ordered a Chorizo Taco and a Asada Torta, both of which were quite substantial. Love this place and the grocery seems quite interesting as well, highly recommended. (FDV Approved, 4.1 - Food, 4.1; Design, 3.8; Value, 4.3).

Still very delicious and easily the best taco joint in wicker park. The guys that work here are all great. I only wish their hours ran longer.

Recently my boyfriend and I hosted an epic World Cup viewing party and Mexican food brunch for 18 people (Vamos Mexico!) and I realized I didn't want to cook that much taco meat on my own, so we picked up 8 lbs of barbacoa from Guanajuato. It turns out 8 lbs was way too much for 18 people - we'll only get 5 lbs next time! (haha) - but it was cheap ($6.19 per pound!!) and we were able to pick it up at 8 am. It was delicious! We're big fans of the taqueria here too. Try the barbacoa (available only on weekends) or the cecina tacos. My only gripe is that they only offer 1 kind of house salsa (verde) and it's wayyyy too spicy. If they could also offer a milder salsa for the gringos that'd be great. Their beer selection is also a bit limited (they don't have Sol!)

Highly recommended hidden restaurant within a grocery store. These tacos are the best I have ever had in my life; not an exaggeration. I purchased three tacos, two chorizo and one steak, all with added avocado ($0.50 extra per taco). Cemitas Puebla is my go-to restaurant on the west side, but this place blows it away, its not even close. The price of a taco ranges from $2-$3, but like I said, get avocado added. Restaurant is open from 8am-8pm all tacos are made to order.

A hidden gem! I would not have known about the tacos if it weren't for a coworker, because the little restaurant is inside a grocery store. The tacos do not disappoint! They pack on so much meat that it can easily make another taco - so I usually order two tacos and that's enough. The steak and carnitas are my go-to. I also love their authentic horchata. Only little bummer is they don't have sides, like chips or rice. But definitely try this place over other Wicker Park taco spots that have too much frill.