Hello dear
Welcome To Original Taco
Original Taco, nestled in Palatine, IL, is your destination for authentic Mexican flavors. Known for its wide variety of shrimp dishes like Camarones A La Diabla and Caldo De Camaron, the menu bursts with freshness. The choice of meats, from Al Pastor to Birria, delights diners seeking traditional taste. Patrons rave about the quality and variety, with favorites such as the Hawaiian burrito and Tostadas De Camaron garnering praise. Though cozy, the welcoming atmosphere and efficient service enhance the experience, making it an ideal spot for takeout or a casual dine-in. Don't miss out on this culinary gem!
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Camarones A La Diabla.
US$10.10Carne A La Tampiquena.
US$9.10Costillas De Res
US$9.10
Milanesa
US$8.40Puerco En Salsa Verde
US$8.40Fajita Dinner
US$9.40
Enchiladas Rancheras
US$8.10Chimichanga
US$8.10Costillas De Puerco En Salsa Verde
US$9.10 About
Original Taco
Welcome to Original Taco, a charming culinary gem nestled at 1856 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL 60074. This vibrant spot is celebrated for its mouthwatering Mexican delicacies and an inviting atmosphere that combines swift service and authentic flavors. With a phone call away at +1 847-359-5878, you're just a step away from diving into a flavorful journey.
As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a sense of warmth and hospitality. The cozy setup is highlighted by a few tables perfect for those who wish to dine in, though many patrons prefer the convenience of takeout, as pointed out by Robert Murray, who praises the "great food and service!"
Original Taco boasts an extensive menu that caters to various tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For breakfast lovers, the Huevos Rancheros at just $6.45 is a must-try, paired perfectly with refreshing Aguas Medianas for only $2.00. If you're feeling adventurous, indulge in one of their delicious Tortas, such as the Torta Cubana or Torta Hawaiana, each priced under $7, offering generous portions and a variety of meats that reflect authentic Mexican cuisine.
Fans return time and again for the standout dishes like the Hawaiian burrito, as noted by Kai Eros, who cherishes the consistency in quality after a decade of visits. Customers, like Michelle Gonzalez, rave about their first experiences, calling the food "very delicious" and expressing eagerness to return for more culinary delights.
What sets Original Taco apart is not just the food but the personal touch from the owners, who are described as "super nice" by Andy Prombo, adding to the warm atmosphere. The quick service provides a bonus, allowing you to enjoy your meal without long waits — a feature especially highlighted by Evelyn R, who appreciated the pleasant service during her Saturday visit.
In summary, Original Taco is a haven for those craving authentic Mexican flavors in a friendly setting. Whether you dine in or take out, each bite is infused with the passion and tradition of true Mexican cookery. I highly recommend visiting this delightful establishment, where every meal is made fresh with care. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Great food and service! Just small place better for take out! ”
“ I loved my Hawaiian burrito here. I used to come here weekly about a decade ago, and the quality is still amazing! ”
“ Always love the food, great variety and made fresh. The owners are super nice. ”
“ First time coming here with my husband! Love the food! Very delicious! will be coming back for more! ”
“ Good, no chips or salsa for free, but the salsas and guacamole everything was delicious when you don't feel like cooking at home place is small but there's a few tables to sit at and enjoy we came at 2pm on a Saturday it wasn't too crowded the waitress was very pleasant food was out fast which was nice but obviously because there's wasn't a crowd. They have Bathrooms which is nice overall 10/10. Parking is ok as well it's in a small Plaza so we were able to find parking upfront ”
“ Had dinner here this past evening Mon. 11-18-2024! Really missed these guys since my last dinner here last winter! Luckily, this past night, my favorite server, Ivan (pronounced ‘ee-vahn’) was working! He was great as usual — very attentive, pleasant, knowledgeable and efficient! For dinner I had 8 different tacos (tripa, quesobirria, cachete, cabeza, cecina, nopalitos, pescado and lengua) and menudo con pata! For dessert, I had flan and a champurrado! Everything was amazingly fresh and delicious! For a Monday evening, the place was pretty busy with folks dining in and ordering take out! It was as always, clean, brightly lit and comfortable to dine in— I enjoyed sitting near their tv and watching The Matrix while I ate! I’ll definitely be back for more! //(Sept./Oct. 2023)Had a late lunch/early dinner here today between 4:30 - 5:30 pm (this was also my first time to ever eat here)! I ordered 4 regular tacos: tripa, chicharonnes, cabeza and cachete! They were ready in 5 minutes and were ALL spectacularly mind-blowingly DELICIOUS! I also ordered their special that day: Costillas de Res con Nopalitos (Beef Ribs with Cactus) which came with Mexican rice and beans---another amazing winning dish!!! Last, I had the Caldo de Pescado (Fish Soup)--again, another wonderful dish, which hit the spot since it was cold outside that day! Big delicious chunks of fish and lots of yummy sliced vegetables in a dark hearty broth! My server, Anita, was AWESOME -she was so very pleasant, helpful, quick and attentive; I felt so at home! (Left her a 40% tip!) The dining area had about 10 tables in it. Loved the wall mural showing a Mexican countryside! The restaurant, overall, is clean and airy inside--not dark, divey nor depressing like a few other Mexican restaurants I've been to in the past. I am planning on coming back a lot more--like tomorrow/this weekend!!! This place is definitely a hidden gem in the boring, outdated, un-hip bastion of banality that is Palatine! It's in the strip plaza that has Morkes Chocolate Shop in it; that plaza is across the street/road from a Napleton Mazda dealership. This place fills up quickly once 5 pm hits! I was definitely the only gringo in the whole place who didn't drive a big cool pickup, so that for me, was a very welcome sign that I had eaten some truly authentic and most excellent Mexican cuisine!!! Can't wait to come back!!!! ”
“ Excellent Tacos! I accidentally stumbled upon this establishment looking for food late night after the gym, and I couldn't believe they were open till Midnight! I called to make sure that was accurate, and immediately placed an order. I was blown away by the steak tacos! I have ordered from here probably another 6-7 times since then. Give this place a shot, and one of the better taco spots in the area! ”
“ The food is phenomenal, and the stuff is friendly. We've been ordering mexican takeout from here for years and I can't remember a single complaint. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ORIGINAL MEXICAN FOOD!!! ”