Restaurant Review: Lincoln Park’s El tragón TAQUERIA elevates gas station home to new heights
I started off trying to find the best recommendation for your next Taco Tuesday. What I found was that sometimes, the most delicious food can come out of surprising places…a push cart in Pilsen, for example, a bakery in Logan Square, or a backyard smoker grill in Uptown. On Chicago’s North Side, delicious tacos and other taqueria specialties can be found at El tragón TAQUERIA, located at the Gas Station Plaza in Lincoln Park!
The owners, according to their website, were inspired by the small street taquerias in the Highlands Region of the state of Jalisco, Mexico; where all the tacos and salsas are fresh and made from scratch everyday.
El Tragon Taqueria’s taco menu blends fresh, grilled meats and vegetables with tangy, house-made sauces. Their ASADA is a grilled skirt steak served with onions and cilantro. CHICKEN AL PASTOR features marinated chicken tights with their house-made pastor rub. BISTEC has ribeye, crispy cheese, grilled green onions and cilantro. QUESABIRRIA (CRISPY-CHEESE TACO) features slow-braised beef and melted cheese.
However, tacos aren’t the only thing they serve. AL PASTOR BURRITO has pork marinated in spices, grilled pineapple, rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo and sour cream. VEGGIE BURRITO is prepared with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, and cotija cheese. Burritos also come in Asada (beef) and Pollo (chicken).MY MOM’S CHILAQUILES has tortilla chips, salsa, and queso.
Asa side dish, you can’t beat ELOTITO, the street corn dish, served with cheese, cream chili pepper, and lime.
Reviews were very nearly perfect:
“El Tragon Taqueria is a hidden gem located by a gas station off Division & Halsted,” wrote one on Restaurant Guru. “The food is absolutely delicious, and their quesabirria is a standout dish. The flavors are rich, the meat is tender, and the tortillas are perfectly crispy and cheesy. A must-visit for any taco enthusiast seeking a mouthwatering experience. In addition to their delectable food, they offer friendly and quick service, ensuring a delightful dining experience from start to finish.”
“Just as you walk in you can smell the deliciousness of the food you are going to have,” a Google reviewer wrote. “The restaurant is very authentic inside and the food is as well. The Elote was super spicy but tasted amazing. And the birria taco was incredible. Super nice staff and service was great. The place feels very homey with all of the family pictures on the walls. Would definitely recommend.”
El tragón TAQUERIA is located at Gas Station Plaza, 1234 N. Halsted Street, UNIT C Mobil. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 10am–8pm, and Saturday, 10am–5pm. They are closed Sunday. For more information and to order online, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
