’Tis Dining Month, the tastiest time of year! This means we’re dishing up fun and fascinating food content throughout October. Dig in, Milwaukee!
It's National Taco Day. So it seems apropos to celebrate with a plate filled with delicious tacos.
Whether you prefer traditional fillings or more out-of-the-box options, there are plenty of spots in Milwaukee to fulfill your craving (including an ever-growing collection of amazing taco trucks).
But if you need inspiration, these seven spots are great places to start (and yes, they are all open on Mondays!)
1. Chilango Express
7030 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, (414) 541-8201
facebook.com/Chilangoexpress
There's so much to love about Chilango Express, including the laundry list of items you can enjoy on your tacos. Fillings include meats (chicken, pork, beef, Mexican sausage, beef tongue, sauced pork rinds and steak) along with mushrooms, cactus, poblano peppers, squash blossoms and huitlacoche. Yum.
2. Cafe Corazon
3129 N. Bremen St., (414) 810-3941
2394 S Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 544-2774
6300 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 643-4256
corazonmilwaukee.com
At Cafe Corazon, you have a multitude of choices for your tacos including meats like chicken, ground beef, asada, pibil (Yukatan style pulled pork), carnitas and chorizo. Or go veggie with options like soy chorizo, herbed tofu, mixed vegetables or mushrooms. Can’t decide? Order the Taco Truck Dinner, which comes with three tacos (meat or vegetarian) served up with cilantro, onion, tomato, radish and queso fresco.
3. Lazo's Taco Shack
641 N. James Lovell St., (414) 988-6567
lazostacoshackmke.com
You'll find big flavor at this little Downtown taco shack where every plate is made with love. Fill up your tacos with goods like carne asada, tinga, pastor, carnitas, chicken or shrimp; and be sure to check out their daily specials!
4. La Casa De Alberto
624 W. National Ave., (414) 643-5715
La-Casa-De-Alberto
Affordability and deliciousness meet their match at La Casa De Alberto. If you're getting tacos, choose from options like al pastor, ground beef, carne asada or fish. Or order "Alberto's Plate" which includes al pastor, beans, rice and corn tortillas. While you're there, be sure to order the guacamole; it's deliciously fresh with great texture and lots of flavor.
5. Guanajuato
2317 S. Howell Ave., (414) 482-2269
guanajuatobayview.com
Head to this Bay View classic, which has been serving up delicious tacos since 2007 and you'll find a laundry list of great fillings including pollo, asada, pastor, carne molida (round beef), lengua (beef tongue), carne deshebrada (shredded beef) or chorizo.
6. Mazorca
Zócalo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St., (414) 433-9747
mazorcatacos.com
There are truly delicious tacos to be had at Mazorca, located at Zócalo Food Park. Tacos are served up on housemade tortillas with fillings like al pastor, adobo chicken, bistec, birria (beef braised in adobo) and vegetarian (cheese, guacamole, tomatillos, cilantro) and vegan (guacamole, pinto beans, tomatillos, cilantro).
7. Paloma Taco & Tequila
5419 W. North Ave., (414) 810-0404
palomatacoandtequila.com
From more traditional tacos (think carne asada and chorizo) to outside-the-box options like crispy brussels sprouts, cajun shrimp, tofu and the "Gringo All The Way," you'll find something new to love at this cozy Washington Heights spot.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
