I know you’re here because I said ‘Taco Tuesday’ but let’s be perfectly clear about one thing… tacos can be enjoyed ANY day of the week! Also, just in case you’re not a fan of just tacos, don’t feel obligated to stick to that on the menu… you’re the main character of your life (at least I hope you feel that way), order what you desire.
Read: 10 Milwaukee Coffee Shops
The O.G. JMatt fans may recognize I did a very similar write-up on this before the pandemic – well, you’re absolutely right! I wrote it for 103.7 KISS-FM but at the start of the pandemic they let me go and they also ‘let go’ of a lot of my content. Sad for them, great for us!
Over on TikTok I somehow blew up for my Milwaukee-focused content (I have nearly 150,000 followers at the time of writing this… you should totally follow me @JMattMke!). Some of my most watched videos involve Mexican food and tacos!
Watch on TikTok: 5 Taco Tuesday Destinations in the city of Milwaukee (comment that you found the video on HashtagMKE.com!)
For this list specifically, I have been to all 10 locations listed! Many of which were before I went vegetarian (a story for another time), but I would recommend checking each one out. Also, ‘rankings’ are so subjective. Don’t view this list as the ‘Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Milwaukee’ – but rather places to add to your Milwaukee bucket list for places to try as you step outside of your routine.
10. BelAir Cantina (IG: @BelAirCantina)
Address: 1935 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (several locations)
I have been going to BelAir since they first opened their original location off of Water Street and my friend was the bar manager, slinging Nic-aritas. The restaurant has certainly come a long way over its decade of existence with several locations open around the greater Milwaukee area! Next time you go, you should request the *secret taco* (you won’t find it on the menu, and I can’t tell you what’s in it, because frankly, I’m not sure… but it’s good!).
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9. Vagabond (IG: @VagabondMKE)
Address: 1122 N Edison St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The décor of this restaurant alone is worth checking out, they have food truck-looking vehicles chilling as their bar area. Personally, I’m also a fan of their music experience too. As for the food, I have enjoyed their Gringo Pollo and Jamaican Jerk in the past. As many like to ask about deals, they have $2 select tacos on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (check their website for more details).
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8. Margarita Paradise in the Milwaukee Public Market (IG: @Margarita.Paradise)
Address: 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
When I’m asked what my ‘favorite’ restaurant in Milwaukee is, I often suggest that people go to the Milwaukee Public Market because there is such a variety to pick from – including Margarita Paradise! Pre-pandemic, I loved sitting up at the bar and enjoying my meal, often including their delicious tacos. Their Taco Tuesday special is 3 for $5 tacos.
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7. Mazorca Tacos at Zócalo Food Park (IG: @MazorcaMKE)
Address: 636 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
I have been a longtime fan of the Mazorca taco truck, even before it was a permanent fixture at Zócalo Food Park (you know – when it used to be parked kitty-corner to Colectivo Coffee Foundry location on 1st Street. It’s worth mentioning that they do offer both a vegetarian and vegan option for tacos.
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6. Taqueria Los Comales (IG: @LosComalesMilwaukee)
Address: 1306 S Cesar E Chavez Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53204
A few years ago, I went here with a group of friends, and while I’m not sure if my friend was showing off, but the entire conversation with the waitstaff was in Spanish. I didn’t speak it then and I certainly don’t speak it well now, but I just remember my friend saying “don’t worry, I got you.” Not too long after the order, 25+ tacos came out on a giant plate (we were in a group of 6 – but still). I legit thought it was a joke at first, but it wasn’t. Very memorable, late-night experience!
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Watch on TikTok: 5 Taco Trucks in the city of Milwaukee (comment that you found the video on HashtagMKE.com!)
5. La Casa De Alberto (Facebook)
Address: 624 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Back when I worked at 103.7 KISS-FM, my buddy from the sister station (99.1 The Mix) and I would go here after work for tacos and margaritas! I can’t say there are many places in the city of Milwaukee that I would consider myself a regular, but since my friend was a regular, I became one by default too.
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4. Lazo’s Taco Shack (IG: @LazosTacoShack)
Address: 641 N James Lovell St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
One series I have done on TikTok is a collaboration with Support Local MKE – showcasing various small businesses on a given topic and encouraging viewers to comment with their suggestions too. When we did tacos, the featured restaurant was Lazo’s which was actually suggested via the TikTok Q&A feature. While I did enjoy the tacos I ordered, what really stood out to me was their quesadilla! It was big and CHEESY… which shouldn’t they all be? You’d think! But this one stood out in the best kind of way.
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3. Taqueria El Cabrito (IG: @TaqueriaElCabrito)
Address: 1100 S 11th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
When it comes to the best bang for your buck, Taqueria El Cabrito is where it’s at! This one was actually a suggestion through my ‘New-to-Me MKE‘ series on TikTok where I let viewers make their suggestion and the top-liked comment that I haven’t been to wins for the following week. My bill was under $8 for two tacos and a quesadilla!
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2. Chucho’s Red Tacos (IG: @ChuchosRedTacos)
Address: 4511 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Formerly Chuy’s Red Tacos – Chucho’s is tucked away just outside of The Farmhouse Paint & Sip on the South side of Milwaukee. Another suggestion made to me via my ‘New-to-Me MKE‘ series and I have to say, it quickly became a favorite! What really stood out to me was their tortillas. While I didn’t get them personally, many people in my comments mentioned that they have great birria tacos here too.
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1. Guanajuato (GTO) Mexican Restaurant (IG: @GTOMKE)
Address: 2317 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
For me, I found GTO to be the most accommodating for my preferences – they literally put a scrambled egg onto my taco and it was delicious! The meal was also very affordable, which is always a win in my book. This is one of those locations that repeatedly comes up as a suggestion for Mexican food and tacos in the comments on several of my TikToks. It’s easy to see why!
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Watch on TikTok: 5 Mexican Restaurants on the South Side of Milwaukee (comments that you found this video on HashtagMKE.com!)
Bonus: Mr. Señors (not on social media)
Address: 2335 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Out of all the spots on the list, this is the closest one to my apartment and yet, I still haven’t had it. Why? Because I never carry cash on me. It’s a cash-only spot (last I checked). I really have the best intentions to go, it just hasn’t happened (let’s ignore the fact that I’ve lived in the same apartment for nearly 5 years). I will make this happen… eventually. I’ve heard great things!
Did your favorite taco spot make it onto the list? Let me know in the comments or hit me up on social media at @JMattMke (same handle on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat)!
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