Taco lovers have no shortage of taco stands, trucks and restaurants across Illinois. But only one lucky taco place has taken home the title of best in the state, according to a new list — and it’s a taqueria located in a Chicago gas station parking lot.
The report, released Wednesday from Yelp, lists the “Best Taco Place in Every State” for 2024. According to editors, the list ranges from tacos with classic grilled or slow-cooked meats, fish and vegetables, to “French fries and bruleed bananas.”
“There are high-end sit-down restaurants, boutique spaces, quick causal counters and yes, plenty of taco trucks,” the editors said.
Yelp determined the best tacos in each state by identifying businesses in the site’s “taco” category with a “high concentration of reviews” with relevant taco keywords, the editors said. These sites were then ranked using a variety of factors, including the overall volume of ratings and reviews and more.
The best taco in Illinois according to Yelp went to El Tragon Taqueria — a small shopping mall in a gas station parking lot in Lincoln Park. Gerardo Madrigal opened the place with a small menu as a tribute to Jalisco 2021, the editors said.
El Tragon Taqueria, with 104 reviews ad a rating of 4.8 on Yelplocated at Gas Station Plaza, 1234 N. Halsted St. UNIT C.
In Indiana, the place that earned the title of best taco place was Chris’ Ice Cream in Indianapolis.
“Yes, you read that right — the go-to place for tacos in Indiana is an ice cream shop, according to fans,” Yelp said.
Michigan’s top taco spot was Que Pasa Taqueria in Sterling Heights, Yelp said, while the top spot in Minnesota was Bravis in Shakopee. Wisconsin’s best taco place, Lazo’s Taco Shack, could be found in Milwaukee, the listing said.