Looking for something new in Lakeview? The tacos at Barcocina might be a little different than what you’re used to. The restaurant’s updated spin on traditional taco recipes means there’s always going to be something new and exciting for you to try out, and who doesn’t need a little excitement right now? We recommend the bang-bang shrimp tacos, and the braised brisket with guajillo marinade is always a crowd pleaser. Round out your at-home Taco Tuesday menu with some crispy yucca tots and you’ll be good to go.

Adobe Gilas has it all. Fishbowls full of bright blue cocktails? Check. Garlic-parm “lizard legs,” aka chicken wings? Absolutely. Housemade guacamole and fresh tortilla chips? You betcha. This is where to come for Taco Tuesday if you’re looking for generous portions, big flavors, and a little dose of nostalgia for when you used to go out to dinner before a high school dance. Just embrace the cheese (in all senses) and make sure you reheat your queso fundido when you get it home for maximum meltiness. 

This West Coast chain with a cheeky name is a favorite for Taco Tuesday practitioners in River North. Fresh, local ingredients are the name of the game at Pink Taco, and the menu is refreshingly free of complications, with tried-and-true combos like the al pastor, with marinated pork shoulder and pineapple-serrano salsa, and the fried lobster with chipotle mayo. And when you’re ready to do in-person dining again, don’t miss the Cock Fight cocktail, made with Cazadores tequila, tangerine, and cucumber.

If not everyone in your household is on board for Taco Tuesday (though that seems unlikely), then Edison Park’s Firewater Saloon is the perfect spot. In addition to a stable of classic tacos like steak with onion, cilantro, and lime, they also have a full menu of other Southern specialties, including po’ boys and buttermilk fried chicken. The top-notch drink menu includes cocktails like the Ruby Red Margarita, made with Cazadores Reposado and grapefruit juice. And should you top things off with the DIY s’mores kit for dessert? Absolutely. 

Another River North rockstar, Barrio is a joint venture between buzzy chef Katsuji Tanabe and DineAmic Hospitality, whose Italian restaurant Siena Tavern is a mainstay in the area. Tacos are fresh and creative, using a wide array of colorful ingredients and served on hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas. Don’t miss the truffle mushroom tacos or the crispy fish tacos, served with a mango-red onion relish. Ready for a drink? Ask for a flight of Cazadores tequila — they serve Cazadores Anejo, Reposado, and Blanco.

Sammy’s features south-of-the-border cuisine done with love and care, from the Oaxacan-style green mole to the juicy cochinita pibil. Of course, we’re here to talk about Taco Tuesday, so we can’t leave out the expansive menu of items that come tucked into tortillas. Options span the many styles of Mexican cooking, with Vallarta-style fried fish tacos next to the lean skirt steak variation found in Jalisco. As for their drink menu? We suggest the roasted pineapple margarita, made with Cazadores Reposado and a chili rim, but with a menu like this, it’s hard to go wrong. 

Although it’s an Irish pub, Timothy O’Toole’s has an extensive, globetrotting menu, meaning that while you chow down on some Baja tacos with beer-battered fish and jalapeno aioli, your buddies can satisfy their own international cravings with baked mostaccioli or fish and chips. Grab their chocolate brownie deluxe dessert, with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and caramel sauce, and you’re in for a great night. 

Al Chile is where you want to order if you’re craving a straightforward menu of Mexican classics, executed perfectly, and delivered straight to your front door. Everything is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, so when you take a bite of your grilled tilapia taco, you know it’s going to be exceptional. The portions are generous, so place your order and get ready to dig in.