Welcome to El Taconazo Arceo
El Taconazo Arceo delivers authentic Mexican flavors right in Waukegan. Located at 1528 Washington St, this vibrant eatery features a menu that excites with classic tacos, flavorful burritos, and refreshing aguas frescas. The casual atmosphere welcomes locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect stop for lunch or dinner. Famous for its generous portions and quick service, this restaurant stands out as a go-to for anyone craving genuine comfort food. With a price range between $10 to $20, you can indulge without breaking the bank. Whether dining in or taking out, El Taconazo Arceo ensures a tasty culinary experience that recalls the warmth of home-cooked meals.
Popular dishes
Restaurant Gallery






About
Waukegan, Illinois, houses El Taconazo Arceo, a treasure for those who love Mexican cuisine. Nestled conveniently at 1528 Washington St, this restaurant captures the spirit of Mexico while serving its diverse guest list. It easily accommodates a range of dining preferences, whether looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal with family.
The inviting ambiance draws in both local residents and curious visitors eager to explore culinary delights. From the moment you walk in, the tantalizing aromas of spices and grilled meats sweep you away to a bustling Mexican mercado.
Accessibility is a priority here—El Taconazo Arceo offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it convenient for everyone. With street parking and a dedicated parking lot available free of charge, patrons should have no trouble securing a spot.
Inside, the setting remains casual and welcoming. The efficient staff is known for prompt service, ensuring that even during peak hours, you’ll satiate your hunger in no time. Given the popularity of the restaurant, it’s wise to avoid the busiest times if you prefer a quieter dining experience. Awaiting guests is not only delicious food but also a vibrant community atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.
Location & Contact
Address
1528 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States
Hotline
+1 224-214-3869
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
The standout feature at El Taconazo Arceo is undoubtedly the tacos. Options like carne asada and al pastor come with hefty portions of meat, all seasoned perfectly. Customers love the nostalgia of flavors that remind them of home-cooked meals. Those dipping into the aguas frescas rave about their refreshing sweetness, especially the aqua de jamaica and horchata. Many reviews point out the swift service, which is ideal for busy lunch breaks or casual family dinners. The option for kids’ meals and high chairs makes it a family-friendly destination, too. Also, the great prices combined with generous portion sizes ensure a satisfying experience without straining the wallet.
Most Disliked
Despite the many praises, one common concern among visitors is the lack of alcoholic beverages at El Taconazo Arceo. While many appreciate the focus on family-friendly dining, some wish for a cold beer or a margarita to accompany their meals. Additionally, a few diners have mentioned the limited dessert options; while the flan and choco flan receive accolades, more variety would be welcome. Some customers have experienced longer wait times during peak hours, especially on Saturdays, when the place fills to capacity. Others noted the seating can feel cramped during busy periods, which may detract from the overall dining experience. Providing a few more high chairs could enhance comfort for families with toddlers.
Reviews
Cindy S.
My family and I went for dinner shortly after they opened. The tacos have a healthy serving of meat, onion, and Cilantro. Their agua de jamaica was sweetened well. The service was prompt and attentive. There's no beer or alcohol and I forgot to ask if they intend on serving, but I'll be back for the food!
Magdalena D.
My family and I stopped by for lunch and had tacos, carne asada and pozole. Food was delicious and flavorful. The service was outstanding. I made a special request and they delivered with ease and the tacos were very tasty, reminds me of mom’s cooking. Stop by if you’re hungry, you won’t regret it. Buen provecho!
Veronica F.
We work at a small office nearby and wanted to try this new place out. I placed the order over the phone, and they had it ready in no time. I personally ordered the bistec ranchero, and it was delicious—felt like a home-cooked meal. The service was great when I picked up the order to-go. Someone even helped bring the food to my car since it was a large order. Based on this experience, I would definitely recommend it
Cristina M.
This is our go to for good Mexican food! We’ve been on the hunt for good Mexican food for a while & were hesitant at first to try this place but so happy that we gave it a shot. We ordered tacos de asada & al pastor, Burrito de asada & Torta de Milanesa. All food was delicious! Agua de horchata was perfect not too watery or sweet. Definitely recommend for you to try this local place!
Phi 2.
Came here tonight because we were craving tacos and saw the high reviews for El Taconazo Arceo. The reviewers were spot on, the tacos were delicious and full of flavor. The arroz was also delicious. Pastor tacos really stood out in flavor, pollo tacos were seasoned well and very juicy, asada tacos were perfectly cooked and seasoned. Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re craving good affordable Mexican food! Friendly staff and generous portions!
Andrew S.
Food was Amazing! The customer service was also top tier ! Definitely a spot that incorporates the home style original dishes. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to be brought back to the good ole days.
Telma G.
Food is good and the hand made tortillas is a plus! They give us 5 medium size tortillas with our order of pork ribs with green sauce Good rice and beans with oaxaca cheese on the top Good food ! And good prices !