Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Tacos

From food trucks to sit-down favorites, here’s where to find mouthwatering tacos all around Champaign-Urbana

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.

No matter what you are looking for, we are confident you can find it somewhere in Champaign-Urbana.

We can all agree on one thing — no one should wait for Tuesday to roll around to enjoy a tasty taco dinner. Any day of the week will suffice.

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Big Grove Tavern, Champaign: The taco platters here are not to be skipped. And that black bean puree they serve alongside the tacos? Oh my.

Breaking Taco, Mahomet: Taco is in the name here, and for good reason. These are authentic Mexican street tacos and there are lots of great options. Sit outside on their patio, dine inside in the cozy restaurant or just get your order to go, you really can’t go wrong.

Canelo’s Tacos, food truck: Can be found most often in Rantoul and Thomasboro. Canelo’s fans say it is worth chasing after the truck to get your taco fix.

Casa Del Mar, Urbana: All the dishes at Casa Del Mar have great flavor and this feels a bit extra fancy when you gaze out over the water (from the patio or indoors). This is a post on tacos, but it is worth noting that the blueberry margaritas found here pair well with the tacos and are a team chambanamoms favorite.

Dos Reales, Champaign: Talk to anyone who has lived in Champaign-Urbana for five or more years and they probably have a story of sometime they ended up at Dos Reales for tacos. We like the ceviche tacos here.

Eddie’s Sweet Island, food truck: This taco truck has tacos, tortas, burritos, and nachos. Track down Eddie in Charleston, Atwood, Sullivan, Arcola regularly.

Farren’s Pub & Eatery, Champaign: Farren’s tacos are a best-kept secret! People think burgers when they hear Farren’s, but the tacos are fantastic here. Their black bean burger tacos are out of this world. The perfect amount of spice and flavor.

Ground beef tacos at Farren's — Ground beef tacos at Farren’s in downtown Champaign.

Fernando’s, multiple locations: These are some of the best in town! We were so glad when they opened a brick-and-mortar location on Champaign’s Town Center Boulevard because that meant we can always find Fernando’s tacos. However, stumbling upon the truck is a treat, so pull over, change your plans and nosh on some tacos, no matter what time of day you find it.

Fiesta Cafe, Champaign: Order the Alex taco from Fiesta Cafe! They are so big. Pork, cilantro, and grilled onions with green chile sauce on corn tortillas.

Hacienda Agave, Champaign: A newer addition to the Mexican food scene in Champaign-Urbana, we are always pleased with what we get at Hacienda Agave. Try one of the tacos agave – the pollo asado is our favorite.

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: Visit Maize at the Station, on Green Street, and now in the Illini Union… or stake out its food truck. Try Maize’s tacos mexicas — like the best grilled cheese and taco combo, with steak or chicken. A meal at Maize is SO fresh and flavorful, no matter what you get.

La Mixteca, Urbana: The tacos rojas from La Mixteca are fabulous. You can also order the taco pack; everyone will be stuffed!

Mo’s Burritos, multiple locations: Try the pastor tacos. Find the truck or visit the brick-and-mortar on North Neil Street in Champaign.

La Paloma, food truck: La Paloma has incredible tortas. Try the Mexican corn, too!

Seven Saints, Champaign: Seven Saints’ fish tacos are out of this world! Just order them and thank us later.

El Toro, multiple locations: Find some classic taco options on the menu at El Toro. If you try the shrimp, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how big the shrimp actually are!

And a special mention…

Ancho & Agave, Bloomington: One of our destination restaurants, and for good reason. The variety of tacos here is unmatched anywhere between Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington-Normal. The flavors are incredible and these tacos definitely fall into the “elevated” category. The sweet potato taco is incredible, but you can’t go wrong with any of the fourteen varieties. We’ve yet to have a group big (and adventurous) enough to take on the taco board (one of every taco), but it’ll happen someday.

Did we miss someone? Email us and let us know who has the best tacos around Champaign-Urbana and what makes them delicious.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Tacos

From food trucks to sit-down favorites, here’s where to find mouthwatering tacos all around Champaign-Urbana

And a special mention…

Looking for favorite foods around Champaign-Urbana?