Tacqueira Billarreal

I’m pretty tough on taco joints, otherwise this place would get 5 stars. But, as I just came from a taco-​infused gorgefest in SoCal, this place isn’t SoCal worthy, I have to give credit where credit is due.
Let me begin with the best points: the margaritas and the guacamole.
OH MY GOD. Never before in life have I experienced a better, fresher, more lovingly-​made margarita. I had the kiwi margarita, and I was so amazed by the results, I wish I’d ordered a bigger one (and I NEVER order a second). The bartender mashed up the kiwi by hand. The sweet green drink literally had little green pulp puffs floating in it. I’m swallowing hard now thinking about it. Best drink I’ve ever had? Very likely.
The guacamole was also the freshest I’d ever had, which is saying a lot. While it didn’t have any seasoning in it, it had cilantro and tomatoes mixed in with the chopped avocado. Love in a Fiesta bowl.
Great traditional tacos – they put cilantro and onion on all tacos unless you tell them otherwise. I am not a fan of shredded chicken tacos, I prefer grilled, so I was picking hunks of vegetable out of my tacos and wishing I’d gotten my husband’s steak tacos, which looked wonderful. On the plus side, the chicken was very tasty despite the unwelcome veggies and they let me put cheese on my taco without giving me any raised eyebrows. (I have to have cheese on my tacos. I’m sorry, I’m a Midwesterner.)
The bakery next door is also a must-​visit. You can stuff a bag full of cookies for less than $ 4. There used to be a bakery just like this in Pilsen that closed tragically a couple years ago.
This taco joint is a must-​visit after a day at the Hawthorne Racetrack. It’s usually not busy when I come here after a day at the races, but it deserves a crowd.