Types of Tacos: Exploring Our Authentic Mexican Menu
Types of Tacos: Exploring Our Authentic Mexican Menu
Types of Tacos: Exploring the El Famous Burrito Menu
If you ask a group of people what their favorite taco is, you will probably get a different answer from every single person. That is the beauty of Mexican food. The taco is not just one dish; it is a blank canvas. It can be spicy, sweet, savory, crunchy, or soft. It all depends on what you put inside it.
At El Famous Burrito, we keep things classic. We do not chase crazy food trends or put ingredients in our tacos just for the sake of being different. We stick to the traditional types of tacos that have made Mexican street food famous all over the world. Our menu is built on family recipes and fresh ingredients that we prepare every single day in our kitchens.
If you are looking at our menu and wondering what to order, this article is for you. We are going to break down the exact mexican taco types we sell at our locations in Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Wheeling, so you know exactly what to expect the next time you visit us.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Tortilla
Before we even talk about the meats, we have to talk about the base of the taco. The tortilla is the foundation. If the tortilla is bad, the taco is bad. At El Famous Burrito, we heat our tortillas to order so they are always warm, soft, and flexible. When you order, you have two main choices:
The Classic Corn Tortilla
In Mexico, the corn tortilla is the standard. It is made from corn dough (masa) and water. It has a great earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with seasoned meats. Because they are smaller and slightly more delicate, traditional street tacos are often served with two corn tortillas stacked together. This makes sure the taco holds together even when it is packed with juicy meats and salsas. Plus, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.
The Soft Flour Tortilla
Flour tortillas are very popular in Northern Mexico and the United States. They are softer, slightly sweeter, and larger than corn tortillas. If you want a taco that holds a lot of toppings—like lettuce, tomato, and cheese—without tearing, the flour tortilla is a great choice. It is a favorite for our ground beef and chicken tacos.
The Meats: Our Classic Taco Fillings
This is where the magic happens. We marinate, grill, and cook our meats using recipes that have been in our family for years. Here is a breakdown of the exact tacos you can find on the El Famous Burrito menu.
1. Carne Asada (Steak)
If there is a king of the taco menu, it is Carne Asada. This is by far the most popular item we sell. We use high-quality cuts of steak that we season with a special blend of spices. The trick to a great steak taco is cooking it fast over a hot grill. This gives the outside of the meat a nice, smoky char while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
When you search for the best tacos near me, a classic Carne Asada taco is usually what you are craving. It is savory, simple, and hits the spot every time.
2. Al Pastor (Marinated Pork)
The Al Pastor taco has an amazing history. It was actually inspired by Lebanese immigrants who moved to Mexico and brought their style of roasting meat on a vertical spit.
Our Al Pastor is made from pork that we marinate in a rich, red adobo sauce made from dried chilies, spices, and vinegar. The marinade gives the pork a bright red color and a complex flavor that is a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and very savory. If you have never tried Al Pastor before, it is a must-order the next time you visit us in Glendale Heights.
3. Pollo (Chicken)
Sometimes you want something a little lighter, and that is where our chicken tacos come in. But "lighter" does not mean boring. We do not serve plain, boiled chicken. We marinate our chicken in traditional spices and grill it until it is perfectly tender. It is a great lean protein option that soaks up the flavor of our fresh salsas beautifully. It is a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Chorizo
If you want bold flavor, order the Chorizo. Chorizo is a traditional Mexican sausage made from ground pork and heavily seasoned with red chilies, garlic, and spices. It has a very distinct, spicy kick.
When we cook it on the grill, the natural oils from the sausage mix with the spices to create a flavor that is impossible to resist. It is a very rich and savory taco. Many of our customers in Lombard love to mix Chorizo with eggs for a breakfast taco, but it is just as good on its own for lunch or dinner.
5. Picadillo (Ground Beef)
The ground beef taco is a staple in Mexican-American food. It brings a lot of comfort and nostalgia. Our ground beef is seasoned perfectly so it is savory and never greasy. This meat pairs perfectly with a flour tortilla, crispy lettuce, diced tomatoes, and plenty of shredded cheese. It is simple, satisfying, and a great entry point for people who are trying Mexican food for the first time.
6. Lengua (Beef Tongue)
For the true taco fans, we offer Lengua. If you have never had beef tongue before, do not let the name scare you away. When cooked correctly, Lengua is widely considered one of the best taco meats in the world.
We cook our beef tongue very slowly for hours until it is incredibly soft. It ends up having a texture similar to a very tender pot roast. The flavor is rich and beefy, but very clean. It is a traditional delicacy in Mexico, and we are proud to serve it the right way at El Famous Burrito.
The Seafood Option: Fish Tacos
We cannot talk about the types of tacos without mentioning our seafood. Our fish tacos are famous in the Chicago suburbs, especially during the spring season.
Baja-Style Pescado (Fish)
We use fresh, flaky white fish that we dip in a light batter and fry until it is crispy and golden brown. The contrast between the hot, crispy fish and the cool, fresh toppings is what makes this taco so good.
We do not serve our fish tacos with regular lettuce and tomato. Instead, we use the traditional Baja-style garnishes: crunchy shredded cabbage and our signature creamy white sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and you have a taco that tastes like it came straight from a beach in Mexico.
Vegetarian Tacos: No Meat, Full Flavor
You do not need meat to enjoy a great taco. We have plenty of customers who visit our Wheeling and Lombard stores strictly for our vegetarian options.
The Veggie Taco: This is a loaded taco that comes with our authentic Mexican rice, slow-cooked whole beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a healthy slice of ripe avocado. It is filling, full of fiber, and very fresh.
Avocado Tacos: Simple and delicious. Fresh slices of creamy avocado served on a warm tortilla with your choice of toppings.
Bean and Cheese Tacos: Using our house-made refried beans and melted cheese, this is a heavy, comforting option that hits the spot when you are really hungry.
How to Garnish Your Taco
In the taco world, there are two main ways to top your food. At El Famous Burrito, we let you choose exactly how you want it.
"Street Style" (Traditional Mexican)
If you want to eat your taco the way they do in Mexico, you order it "Mexican style" or "street style." This means the taco is topped with only two things: freshly chopped white onions and fresh cilantro. This simple mix cuts through the richness of the meat and lets the flavor of the grill shine.
"American Style"
If you prefer a little more crunch and creaminess, you can get your tacos topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. This style goes great with our ground beef and chicken tacos.
The Final Touch: Salsa
A taco is not complete without salsa. We make our salsas fresh in our stores every day.
Salsa Verde (Green): Made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. It is tangy, bright, and has a medium heat. It goes great with chicken and pork.
Salsa Roja (Red): Made with roasted tomatoes and dried red chilies. It is deep, smoky, and usually packs a bit more of a spicy punch. It is the perfect pair for Carne Asada.
Stop By and Find Your Favorite
Now that you know exactly what is on the menu, the only thing left to do is try them for yourself. The best way to find your favorite is to mix and match. Order one Carne Asada, one Al Pastor, and maybe try the Lengua if you are feeling adventurous.
Our teams at Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Wheeling are ready to serve you. We make our food fast, but we never cut corners on quality.
FAQ Section
1. What is the most popular taco at El Famous Burrito?
Our Carne Asada (steak) taco is our number one seller. The meat is char-grilled and seasoned perfectly, making it a favorite for lunch and dinner.
2. What comes on a taco when I order it?
When you order, our staff will ask you what you want on it. You can choose "onion and cilantro" for a traditional style, or "lettuce, tomato, and cheese" if you prefer. You can also mix them up however you like!
3. Do you offer hard shell tacos?
Our menu focuses on the traditional soft tortillas (corn or flour). The soft tortillas wrap around the ingredients better and hold the heat of the meats and beans perfectly.
4. Are the corn tortillas gluten-free?
Yes, our corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. Just let our team know if you have a severe allergy so we can be extra careful when preparing your order.
5. What are the hours for the Glendale Heights location?
Our Glendale Heights location (1165 Bloomingdale Rd) is open Monday from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm.