Live Every Day Like It’s Taco Tuesday
If there is one thing that we learned for certain while working on this trail, it is that Champaign-Urbana sure is home to some pretty fantastic tacos — both traditional and with a creative culinary flair. Some people prefer their tacos on the fancy side, while others prefer theirs simple and saucy.
(Looking for Champaign-Urbana’s best nachos? Follow our nacho trail. Hoping to score some delicious guacamole alongside your tacos? We can point you in the right direction there, too.)
There is one thing, however, that we can all agree on: no one should wait for Tuesday to roll around to enjoy a tasty taco dinner. Any day of the week will suffice.
As always with our food trails, we focus on small businesses, but know that there are some chain restaurants with some pretty tasty dishes, as well. This was no easy feat, as the Champaign-Urbana area offers a fine and diverse selection of tacos to meet everyone’s needs.
Breaking Taco, Mahomet: “We LOVE Breaking Taco!” “Breaking Taco tacos are sooooo good. Authentic Mexican street tacos and lots of great options. So delicious!” “Shhhhh. Maybe delete this.”
Canelo’s Tacos, food truck: Can be found most often in Rantoul and Thomasboro
Casa Del Mar, Urbana: “Great flavor (shrimp tacos) AND a great view!”
Dos Reales, Champaign: “I love their ceviche tacos! YUM!”
Eddie’s Sweet Island, food truck: “Amazing taco truck with tacos, tortas, burritos, and nachos!” Track down Eddie in Charleston, Atwood, Sullivan, Arcola.
Farren’s Pub & Eatery, Champaign: “Farren’s tacos are a best-kept secret! Their black bean burger tacos are out of this world. The perfect amount of spice and flavor. If I’m looking to switch things up, I order the ground beef or chicken tacos, instead. All are out of this world.”
Fernando’s, multiple locations: “They are some of the best in town! (According to my husband, THE best.)” “OMG amazing. But the hot sauce will burn your face off.” “Fresh, flavorful and fast!” Fernando’s has been operating as a food truck but now also has a brick-and-mortar location on Champaign’s Town Center Boulevard.
Fiesta Cafe, Champaign: “Ask for the Alex taco from Fiesta Cafe! They are so big. Pork, cilantro, and grilled onions with green chile sauce on corn tortillas.”
Huaraches Moroleon, Urbana: “Try the Huarache. The al pastor is great especially on the one that has a pineapple slice on top. Then top with the Smokey chipotle salsa for a deep and sultry spice!”
Maize, multiple locations: Maize is expanding and we are here to welcome our taco overlords. Visit Maize at the Station, on Green Street, and now in the Illini Union; or stake out its food truck. “I love Maize’s tacos mexicas — like the best grilled cheese and taco combo, with steak or chicken.” “Fresh, authentic and yummy.”
La Mixteca, Urbana: “The tacos rojas from La Mixteca are FABULOUS. I dream about them.” “The taco pack was everything and more and it left us in a taco heaven food coma!”
Mo’s Burritos, multiple locations: “Mo’s Burritos truck is hands down the best in town. Highly recommend their pastor tacos.” Now also in brick-and-mortar on North Neil Street in Champaign.
La Paloma, food truck: “La Paloma has the best tortas and Mexican corn!”
Seven Saints, Champaign: “Seven Saints’ fish tacos are out of this world!”
El Toro, multiple locations: “Their shrimp tacos are delicious. They have large, hearty pieces of shrimp!”
Did we miss someone? Email us and let us know who has the best tacos around Champaign-Urbana and what makes them delicious.
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