Velvet Taco image

Velvet Taco

Restaurant Mexican restaurant Taco restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Mexican restaurants in Chicago


Address

1110 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

Website

www.velvettaco.com

Contact

+1 312-763-2654

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 am to 12 am
  • Thursday: 11 am to 1 am
  • Friday: 11 am to 4 am
  • Saturday: 11 am to 4 am
  • Sunday: 11 am to 12 am
  • Monday: 11 am to 12 am
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 12 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tacos (75) taco (45) Velvet (24) chicken (22) Taco (22) good (21) great (14) Chicago (13) tikka (13) amazing (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Fernando I. 2 years ago on Google
    we were visiting chicago and walking down the magnificent mile when we decided to look up somewhere to eat and this place popped up! we decided to go with it by the name and a quick glance at pictures posted. we were pleasantly surprised at just how good each taco we ordered was. i highly suggest the waffle taco and shrimp tacos as well. the portion size is pretty much what you pay for and we ordered online.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Afshar H. 1 year ago on Google
    A very unique place with some oddly great flavored tacos. The Korean fried rice was amazing, the Buffalo chicken was good too but the blue cheese was a bit too strong, and the flanked steak was tasty too. Overall the Korean fried rice was my favorite.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rupali K. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited this taco place in Chicago during the St Patrick’s day weekend and it was crowded. Visiting here with my kid felt a bit odd as there were only bar stools and no provision for high chairs. The concept of fusion tacos is pretty impressive. For vegetarians the Nashville Hot tofu , falafel Tacos are amazing and we also loved the chicken tikka and picnic chicken tacos.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pratik G. 2 years ago on Google
    The best tacos I have ever had. Period. We tried a lot of tacos but the spicy chicken Tikka and the shrimp and grits were my absolute favorite. The place is offers dine in and take away and is available for delivery in door dash as well. There is enough room for dine in as it has a 1+1 setting. If you are in Chicago these tacos are a must try!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ahsun J. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic tacos and appetizers at a reasonable price. This place draws a loyal following. The signs and menu items have fun names and tastes. There's upstairs seating as well if you want to dine in. The ordering process is pretty easy and the menu is on the wall. Most people do take out though.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve H. 1 year ago on Google
    Best Tacos Ever! All of the tacos I had (#12 slow roasted Angus brisket, #10 Kobe bacon burger, #17 mexi-Cali shrimp) were amazing, but in my opinion the #12 was the best amongst them and the best taco I've ever had. The barbacoa brisket nachos were wonderful and paired well with the #12.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bronson A. 1 year ago on Google
    Every taco I have tried here has been great! They have some pretty unique flavor combinations and they all seem to work just right. This time I tried the fish and chips and the spicy tikka tacos and both were very good. I also got the barbacoa nachos on the side and it was a good amount of food. The main floor of the restaurant is small and is usually crowded but there was plenty of extra seating and a chill open air vibe upstairs. If you’re thinking about trying Velvet Taco, try Velvet Taco.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vishra P. 10 months ago on Google
    Velvet Taco has won my heart as the ultimate destination for fusion tacos, and it deserves every bit of its five-star rating. This vibrant eatery has redefined the taco experience, infusing unique flavors and culinary creativity into every bite. From the moment you step through the door, prepare to embark on a flavor adventure like no other. Let's start with my personal favorite, the paneer tacos. These vegetarian delights are an absolute revelation. The combination of the perfectly cooked paneer, a soft and creamy Indian cheese, with an array of vibrant spices and fresh ingredients is simply divine. Each bite is a harmonious fusion of textures and flavors that leave your taste buds singing with joy. For all the fellow paneer enthusiasts out there, these tacos are an absolute must-try at Velvet Taco. While I adore the paneer tacos, my husband's taste buds gravitate towards the chicken tikka tacos. And oh boy, does Velvet Taco deliver! The succulent pieces of marinated chicken tikka, bursting with aromatic Indian spices, create an explosion of flavor that is simply irresistible. The marriage of Mexican and Indian cuisine in these tacos is executed flawlessly, resulting in a harmonious blend that satisfies even the most discerning palate. Beyond the specific taco creations, Velvet Taco consistently impresses with their attention to detail and commitment to quality. The tortillas are always fresh and perfectly toasted, providing an ideal vessel for the tantalizing fillings. The diverse range of ingredients and inventive combinations on their menu cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone, from traditional to adventurous eaters. Additionally, the vibrant and energetic atmosphere at Velvet Taco adds to the overall dining experience. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and passionate about the food they serve. Their genuine enthusiasm shines through in every interaction, further enhancing the enjoyment of the meal.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ANDREA G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my late night taco spot well basically my all day taco spot. The staff is always friendly and they offer a variety of tacos for different tastes. There is plenty of seating upstairs to get out the way incoming patrons. Not sure if the upstairs has handicap accessibility. Convenient location with plenty of stores to walk off the tacos.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 niurka v. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing flavor profiles. The a special taco of the week pork bang mi was amazing the right flavor mix.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Matthew Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Called in and was put on hold for 17 minutes. While on hold, I put in a pickup order through Postmates, parked, hung up, then called back to voice a complaint about being put on hold that long. The response by the young lady was she was managing the seating of a long line of customers, as well as other orders being put in. I’m not sure how one can be dealing with that when COVID doesn’t allow dine-in. I still just wanted to voice my annoyance at the system which makes a person wait on the phone for that long. Then I walked in and saw the a relatively relaxed staff with no one in line 🙄 I picked up my food and it was pretty good! The taco’s were tasty and left me feeling clean. They weren’t amazing, but they were pretty good! Based on my Total experience, I will leave 2 stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chandini V. 3 years ago on Google
    The veg menu is fantastic ! Eat the tofu and mediterranean cauliflower. Chips and queso a must
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Dmitry E. 2 years ago on Google
    1) 80% of menu deep fried meat. I took rotisserie chicken and even it had fried pieces of skin. Chicken was very salty. 2) Beef was over cooked and completely flavorless. It was like I was chewing rubber. 3) In empty place waited for two tacos 15 mints. 4) As for me overpriced 5) They are spraying cleaning chemicals on the tables like maniacs. I understand that COVID and everything but everyone should be reasonable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan P. 2 years ago on Google
    On my short list of “must haves” whenever I’m in Chicago.. best flavors and unique combinations on tacos that will have you coming back and trying more each time. This is THE best taco spot in the city, none other compare. Everyone I’ve referred here has left raving… give it a shot, and you won’t be disappointed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter P. 2 years ago on Google
    Best taco place in all of Chicago! If you’re ever in town don’t pass it up! Great and unique flavors available!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann M. 3 years ago on Google
    Fish n chips taco 🔥
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sharon c. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it. Mahi Mahi tacos are delicious!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mr. K. 2 years ago on Google
    Ended up at Velvet Taco on a lively Thursday night. First thing I noticed is it’s more expensive than the majority of taco in my area but we were in Gold Coast so it can be expected. The tacos were served with plenty of meat and an abundance of toppings. Tacos were delicious, the frozen margarita was a treat and overall a nice meal at Velvet Taco. Will be going back (after pay day)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 NotKristen 3 years ago on Google
    Gave us 2 tacos and extra rice :) tacos were average but service was good
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John D. 2 years ago on Google
    Totally had no idea these were outside of Dallas too! Velvet Taco is the place for trendy, modern spin on tacos. The menu is broken up by protein options which makes is simple to order. The cauliflower taco is one of my favourites always! Great elotes in a cup too. The seating upstais is super fun too with the windows looking out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M G. 2 years ago on Google
    OMG...so worth the walk!! Many tacos, sides & Margaritas to choose from & sooooo good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yuya B. 3 years ago on Google
    Average tacos for above average prices. Menu is large with fun taco fillings. Tacos are on the larger side. ~5$ per tacos. Has plenty of seating including a second floor with great views. Staff was friendly and facilities were clean.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy F. 7 months ago on Google
    Velvet Taco is such a laid-back, super casual spot. Every taco I've tried here has been nothing short of incredible. And the added bonus? They serve some great cocktails too! An all-around fantastic place for a chill place for lunch or dinner.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Coy T. 8 months ago on Google
    Tried 4 tacos (Mexican Cali shrimp, grilled salmon, Kobe Smash, rotisserie chicken) and all were either too sweet or salty but did like beef Kobe Smash burger. Guacamole and queso dips were good. Upstairs dining was even hotter than downstairs. No air conditioning. 1 Unisex restroom upstairs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alli D. 3 years ago on Google
    The Velvet Taco is always a 10/10 in my opinion. I really enjoyed bringing my friend to this location to share a Margarita while having the beautiful Chicago city view in sight.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Julia Near and F. 3 years ago on Google
    The tacos I tried at Velvet Taco had fresh tasting ingredients and were a decent size for the price. The frozen margarita was strong. Located in a popular neighborhood for dining, Velvet Taco is more modestly priced than other restaurant options in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chelsea S. 4 months ago on Google
    So so good! Every taco we got was amazing. Stopped in for lunch and we were very impressed with the variety of the menu. Tacos are affordable $5 ish each and LOADED up. Two tacos per person was filling. Margs are tasty, $9 for ~12oz. I wish this location had more seating on the main floor. We had a stroller and felt in the way most of the time. Expect a mess when eating, but honestly we didn't care it was so delish!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linh N. 3 years ago on Google
    I eat at Velvet Taco all the time in Houston and was thrilled to see it was here in Chicago too during a recent visit to Chicago. Great vegetarian options. The "half"-numered menu items are the best! e.g. Picnic chicken is #3.5 on the menu. Amazing flavors and crispy chicken!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rashi 3 years ago on Google
    My favvvv place for tacossss
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 yash k. 9 months ago on Google
    Perfect place to stop by after clubbing, they have right amount of spicy food to make you feel better. Beware of long waits on weekends as people tend to stop by this place after clubs close. The flavors are pretty darn good, not authentic tacos for sure but unique combinations of their flavors amazes you. Chicken tikka, paneer and fish tacos are my favorite. Shrimp taco was not upto the mark. Lately they tend to loose their quality as last 2 times my tacos were soggy though their prices went up.

  • 5/5 John P. 4 months ago on Google
    Delicious specialty tacos. Velvet Taco was recommended to me so I gave it a try. This is Tex Mex type of taco with soft shells and interesting combinations. I had the tikka and brisket versions and enjoyed them both. The Tikka has a nice creamy and slightly spicy Tikka sauce that goes extremely well in taco form. The brisket was tender and well seasoned if maybe slightly salty, but that's personal preference. The others I was with got the pulled pork taco and Korean friend rice version and they enjoyed it. The space is very small for such a popular place and the seating is bench style. To go is probably the best option or visit during a non meal time frame. The red velvet cake is delicious. A final note, there is a lot of sauce on the tacos.

  • 5/5 Manar D. 3 years ago on Google
    I took my family here after I’ve been keeping this place as my little secret for so long and they LOVED it. The chicken tikka stole the show but everything we ordered was delicious! The atmosphere and location is great as well. It is a little expensive for tacos but that would be my only critique!

  • 5/5 John Otto K. 4 months ago on Google
    A sweet taco spot it's bigger than you think dinr forget about the upstairs, and I personally loved the salmon taco but I don't think you can get a bad taco here. Carlita was super nice and informative.

  • 5/5 Shravankumar H. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious tacos with great protein options. Loved the sauce and stuffings. The chips are fresh and delicious too! The staff really loves working here, They are super fun and friendly.

  • 5/5 Saddmun A. 3 months ago on Google New
    WOW! Awesome tacos. Came here with two friends on a Wednesday afternoon. Service was relatively quick, but was most surprised by the quality of the tacos. Really tasty. I ordered the salmon and fried fish taco. Both were excellent in different ways. A great amount of sauce and the tortillas were great. Will be back if I'm in the area

  • 5/5 Pomy S. 2 years ago on Google
    Best vegetarian tacos I’ve ever had. Tried the Nashville and Fried Paneer. Super flavorful, great texture with a little crisp, and a great size. It seemed busy but service was quick. Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Alexandre “AlexSch” S. 5 months ago on Google
    Best taco ever had in my life ! Loved it The mushroom and pulled pork were magic. Size are good probably not enough for it is so good. The venue is very simple and food comes quite fast. Highly recommend the cauliflower. So good we had to order more ! Took recipes home for enjoying

  • 5/5 Big H. 10 months ago on Google
    Between my wife and myself we had 5 of their offerings and all of them were banging. The sweet Chile shrimp had the type of heat that lets you know you are alive but not gonna shoot lava out ya bum later. Salmon taco everything good in life. The chicken and waffle was a trip, well thought out ingredients.

  • 5/5 Tap 2. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent every time. Manager was around very hospitable. I thought I ordered something I had last time and it wasn’t. He over heard us and corrected it on the spot. Was helping other guests as well as doing computer work. Food is on point. Margaritas the best. Velvet cake delicious. Service A+ Will be back for sure.

  • 5/5 Rufina G. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband said Hit the spot! Excellent food! Thank you! I love the view from the window. You have a perfect location.

  • 5/5 Madeline C. 7 months ago on Google
    Good Velvet Taco location in Chicago. We tried their special Farm taco which was good, but would stick with the Tikka. Guacamole and Elote were great as usual. Most tacos can be done gluten free as long as you get a corn tortilla.

  • 5/5 Laila B. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly highly recommend! Delicious tacos with multiple vegetarian, pescatarian, and non vegetarian options. Actually ended up going here two nights in a row with a big group and we all loved it. I enjoyed the Mexi-cali shrimp, salmon, chicken tikka, and steak tacos. I also recommend the queso! Everyone working there was in a good mood. Nice seating downstairs and upstairs. Definitely coming back when I visit Chicago again.

  • 4/5 Altinay C. 9 months ago on Google
    Fast and friendly service. I really like the creativity and variety of options. I really enjoyed the brisket and chicken rotisserie tacos. The fried shrimp taco had too much mayo on it for my liking. Their red velvet cake is delicious and moist.

  • 5/5 Max F. 2 years ago on Google
    Easily the best tacos in town with some wild flavors and if they mess up an order they go above and beyond to make it right. The food and staff are great! Plus they make a tasty margarita.

  • 4/5 xs2 G. 8 months ago on Google
    Wow! My 1st time at a Velvet Tacos. Very good fusion & I really liked what they have done with tacos. But I have had better tacos. I loved the Thai curry queso with blue corn chips. Mediterranean Mushroom taco is very good. Not enough seating arrangement. Gets really crowded in the evenings.

  • 5/5 Thomas 1 year ago on Google
    This is the best and weirdest place I have been for a while. I have no idea why red velvet cake and tacos are mixed together but it's solid. The staff was friendly and professional and the environment was fun to be casual but wasn't dirty. The flavors didn't look like they should work together for the tacos but all did. Only complaint was I think the margarita was "okay", but as they are kinda pre-mixed I didn't have high expectations anyway.

  • 5/5 Rapha 1 year ago on Google
    We went for taco tuesday and enjoyed: Spicy Tikka Chicken tacos, Korean Fried Rice taco, Slow Roasted Angus Brisket taco, and some Ranch Water! Upstairs seating available, decent music, and friendly workers. A little on the pricey side but didn't realize it was a chain..

  • 5/5 Vipasha V. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s not like you will not find a zillion tacos places but if you’re around 360 Chicago then this tiny heaven is a must visit. Flavorful and with some unique twist. We ordered the buffalo chicken and chicken tikka tacos and instantly fell in love with tikka flavor in first bite. Their tots are served with a topping of half fries egg which is something I had for the first time. Loved everything!

  • 5/5 Nick Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Great tacos, a little bit expensive but worth it

  • 4/5 Monika M. 3 years ago on Google
    We tried the chicken tikka and buffalo chicken tacos here; honestly we like the chicken tikka tacos better than the Buffalo chicken. I’m also not a big fan of goat cheese that is part of the Buffalo chicken ones

  • 1/5 RS P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very disappointed!!! We used love this place. But for past couple times the food was very bad. The fish taco was SUPER SALTY, it was absolutely inedible and tikka taco was stale. They reduced the quality of food drastically recently.The Fish taco was drenched in a pile of oil and had the most chewy/rubbery fish that I've ever tasted.

  • 5/5 Priyanka T. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome taco I never had before...so soft perfect taste mouth watering paneer taco 🌮

  • 2/5 John H. 3 years ago on Google
    I was there when they first opened and it was amazing. The quality has gone down since. It makes me sad because I really liked the place.

  • 5/5 Dan D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing non-tradition Mexican food. Tacos from another world. Killer Korn!!

  • 5/5 Adam Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Always fire.

  • 5/5 Dany A. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent customer service, phenomenal tacos and very kind staff.

  • 3/5 Omar A. 3 years ago on Google
    The lady and I passed by this place a couple nights ago for the first time. We ordered one of each taco except for the tacos under veggie and pork section. A lot of people seem to talk about this place and their tacos, but it's nothing special. Just some overpriced tacos in the city of Chicago, but what they do get right is that red velvet cake.

  • 5/5 bill w. 3 years ago on Google
    Love Velvet Taco celebrating my daughter's 21st birthday!

  • 5/5 Jesus Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Different than your traditional Mexican tacos. But very delicious, unique combinations

  • 5/5 Disha S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing tacos. I loved the Paneer Tikka Taco. One must definitely try. Also the elite corn is great !!! I'm a fan.

  • 5/5 Joel F. 5 years ago on Google
    Velvet Taco is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Chicago. Living in Gold Coast, I visited here basically once a week and never tired of eating the food. The tacos here are some of the most unique and creative tacos I've eaten (and I've eaten a ton of tacos). If you're wanting your typical Mexican street tacos, then I do not recommend this place. However, if you are wanting creative, delicious, tacos with a twist then absolutely check out Velvet Taco, as well as their frozen margarita's which are bomb! The queso is also some of the most different and delicious queso I've ever had, I can't get enough. Even their sodas are unique, as they over brands I've never seen and every single one is delicious. If you're in the Gold Coast / River North area and only have a couple days, I highly recommend adding Velvet Taco to your list as I have never found another taco place like it.

  • 5/5 Radiah L. 3 years ago on Google
    The mix of flavors is amazing. The have a wide variety of tacos to appease and please many pallettes. The buffalo chicken and flank steak are my favorites

  • 5/5 Yuyu P. 3 years ago on Google
    tacos were amazing and tasty, and good prices. definitely visiting again!

  • 5/5 jeffshred10000 3 years ago on Google
    Also another first time going and I can say I enjoyed the experience.

  • 5/5 T M. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing service, Gina was running the show like a boss and the food was on point. Thanks Velvet, I’ll be back!

  • 1/5 Topher B. 3 years ago on Google
    Small portion very expensive

  • 5/5 Ibrahim A. 2 years ago on Google
    Really creative and tasty tacos. Can't recommend enough

  • 5/5 M 2 years ago on Google
    These tacos were great for a quick dinner, plenty of options to please just about anyone.

  • 1/5 David D. 3 years ago on Google
    Ummm no...

  • 5/5 Rafael S. 3 years ago on Google
    I picked three different items to see if they were any good. And they ended up being amazing. +Rep

  • 5/5 Kashyap M. 3 years ago on Google
    Best taco place ever💯

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great service and wonderful choice of flavours. I’d love to go back - highly recommended.

  • 4/5 Stephanie P. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome food to grab on the go!! I was in town for a show at the Warfield and this place is about a block away. Delicious fresh veggies and the pitas are the bomb!! The falafel is perfect, I got a mixture of spicy and sesame, loved every bite!! And, the price is right for those of us on a tight budget.

  • 5/5 Wen-Ling L. 3 years ago on Google
    Best tacos in town. Fresh food, friendly service.

  • 4/5 Hiral Patel (. 2 years ago on Google
    Unique twists on cultural fusion based tacos, very fast service, friendly staff, ample seating upstairs. Food menu wise lots of options for both meat and veggie tacos. The chip dips are superb and fresh made so would highly recommend a try.

  • 5/5 Brad B. 3 years ago on Google
    Easily one of the best taco spots in Chicago, creative upscale tacos with imense flavor. Brisket won this round, wow!

  • 5/5 Giorgio R. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent Tacos!

  • 5/5 Cornelius T Brown J. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent!!

  • 5/5 Jacky c. 3 years ago on Google
    The manager here is amazing treats customers greatly he definitely deserves a raise for what he does 1000/10 would recommend food is amazing.

  • 5/5 Kevin R. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and staff

  • 5/5 Maulik P. 3 years ago on Google
    I liked paneer taco.

  • 1/5 Katherine T. 3 years ago on Google
    Customer service was bad and it’s overpriced. VERY tiny servings. Also it takes FOREVER to get the food.


Call +1 312-763-2654 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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