Posted in Illinois Food & Dining February 11, 2021 by

There’s Nothing Better Than This Mouthwatering Taco Trail In Illinois

Though Illinois isn’t known for its Mexican food nationwide, we Illinoisans know that our state boasts some amazing food from our neighbor to the south. We love all types of Mexican food, but it’s tacos that have us wanting to drive all over the state to find the best of the best. We’ve made an Illinois Taco Trail with eats that are downright dreamy!

See the interactive Google map here.

Google Maps
1. Bien Trucha (Geneva)
Bien Trucha/Facebook
Bien Trucha/Facebook
Starting off this Illinois Taco Trail, we head to Bien Trucha in Geneva. You truly cannot go wrong at this beloved spot in the Chicago suburbs or with their tacos. Order a duo of the Bien Trucha which has grilled skirt steak, chorizo, and roasted tomatillo-serrano salsa. These may be some of the best tacos in Illinois. Yum!

Address: 410 W. State Street, Geneva
More information here
2. Los Agaves Mexican Grill (Moline)
Los Agaves Mexican Grill/Facebook
Los Agaves Mexican Grill/Facebook
Visit this location or any of their three others in the Quad Cities for a delicious Mexican meal. Stop in at lunchtime for great prices!

Address: 3939 16th Street, Moline
More information here
3. Jalapeno's (Peru)
Jalapeno's
Jalapeno's
Taking inspiration from his mother's cooking, this restaurant's Mexican-American owner brings incredible tacos to locals. If you're looking for something a little different, order the Tacos Al Pastor with marinated pork cooked with pineapple or the Hawaiian Tacos made with grilled steak cooked with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. We think this place is a great addition to the Illinois Taco Trail.

Address: 4387 Venture Drive, Peru
More information here
4. Taqueria El Porton (Bloomington)
Taqueria El Porton/Facebook
Tofu N/Yelp
A favorite of college students in the area, this taco spot is quick, inexpensive, and one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Illinois. Tuesdays are the best days to stop in because the special of the day is amazing: two tacos, rice, beans, and a drink for $6.99.

Address: 901 N. Main Street, Bloomington
More information here
5. Don Sol Mexican Grill (Mattoon)
Google Plus/Steven Barnhill
Don Sol Mexican Grill Mattoon/Facebook
This restaurant has been serving up amazing Mexican food since 2007. Check their Facebook page for daily deals, and try to go when the carne asada tacos are on special.

Address: 230 Broadway Avenue, Mattoon
More information here
6. La Casa Mexicana (O'Fallon)
La Casa Mexicana of O'Fallon/Facebook
La Casa Mexicana of O'Fallon/Facebook
With locations in both O'Fallon and Edwardsville, Western Illinois is doubly lucky to have this hidden gem. Taco Tuesday, anyone?

Address: 1222 Central Park Drive, O'Fallon More information here.
7. Tres Hombres (Carbondale)
Tres Hombres
Tres Hombres Mexican Restaurant & Bar/Facebook
Our Illinois Taco Trail ends here at Tres Hombres, a place where locals may come for the drink specials, but they stay for the tacos. Bring your appetite and come on Taco Tuesday, which is clearly the best day of the week!

Address: 119 N. Washington Street, Carbondale
More information here

What is your favorite taco joint in Illinois? Let us know in the comments.

If you just can’t get enough, here are 10 Places To Get Tacos That Are Out Of This World Good In Illinois!

 

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Address: 410 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134, USA
Address: 3939 16th St, Moline, IL 61265, USA
Address: 4387 Venture Dr, Peru, IL 61354, USA
Address: 901 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA
Address: 230 Broadway Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Address: 1222 Central Park Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269, USA
Address: 119 N Washington St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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Best Tacos In Illinois

February 07, 2021
Melissa Mahoney

What are the best Mexican restaurants in Illinois that aren’t on this trail?

Some of the best Mexican restaurants have the most authentic cuisine. Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant in La Grange is frequented by locals and is known for its excellent food, service, and margaritas. Also known mostly to locals is Hacienda Cantina & Grill in Pekin. Its traditional family recipes and colorful decor will transport you to Mexico City. Martinez Tacos Restaurant in Kankakee is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant that everyone needs to visit. Its authentic home-style cooking will make your tastebuds believe you are in Mexico, as will the charming decor.

Where can I find the best margaritas in Illinois?

Many Mexican restaurants across the Land of Lincoln have incredible margaritas, which are a great compliment to a delicious taco (or other Mexican dishes). If you are looking for size, both Don Reales Mexican Restaurant in Champaign and Toro Loco in Urbana offer up margaritas in giant glasses. For hotter days, a frozen margarita at Huaraches Moroleon in Urbana may be a good idea. There are many more we could list but if you are in the mood for the famed tequila-based drink, check out our previous article: Drink Your Way Through Illinois On The Margarita Marathon.

Are there any other food trails in Illinois I should take?

Illinois has such an amazing food (and drink) scene and we have put together many of our own trails for you to follow. Be sure to check out our ice cream trail, cheeseburger trail, and pizza trail for some incredible meals and treats. The Prairie State is truly a paradise for foodies!